Procedures for Requesting Sign Language Interpreters
For Campus-Sponsored Events and Services
The following procedure is to be used by University units when requesting sign language
interpreters as an accommodation for University-sponsored events and services of a nonacademic nature for faculty, staff, students, and members of the public. This procedure was
developed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, which has set forth guidelines to ensure that programs, services, and activities are
accessible to people with disabilities.
University-sponsored events and services include, but are not limited to, sponsored student
organizations, as defined by the Office of Student Activities, performing arts venues, athletics,
residence halls, as well as departmental events and services such as medical and clinical services.
Any department or organization that generates revenue as a result of the services they provide
will be responsible for funding interpreting services. If you have questions regarding
departmental responsibility, please contact the Office of Disability Services for more
information.
When a request for a sign language interpreter is made to the department hosting the event, the
Office of Disability Services should be contacted with the following information: date and time
of event, location of event, type of event, duration of event, contact name and phone number for
the department requesting services. You can also complete a Department Request for Interpreters
at www.addlinkhere.edu. Upon receipt of this information, services will be scheduled and
confirmed with the requesting department. Should the person requesting services contact the
Office of Disability Services directly, a staff member will take the request and notify the
department hosting the event. Once the host department has been notified of the request, services
will be arranged and confirmed with the department.
In compliance with the regulations set forth by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard
of Hearing, Missouri State University will employ only those interpreters that are licensed by the
State of Missouri and certified by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at
an Intermediate (3), Advanced (4), or Comprehensive (5) level. Based on the type of event for
which services are requested, the Office of Disability Services will determine the appropriate
level of certification.
Payment for services is the responsibility of the department sponsoring the event or service. At
the conclusion of services, the Office of Disability Services will submit a budget transfer request
to the person who originated the request for interpreting services. The Office of Disability
Services will determine the rate of payment based on the University standard rate. For additional
DISABILITY SERVICES
901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897
Phone: (417) 836-4192 • Fax: (417) 836-4134
www.missouristate.edu/disability • DisabilityServices@missouristate.edu
information on University pay rates for interpreting services, please conctact the Office of
Disability Services at (417) 836-4192. Event duration, content, and number of audience members
will determine the number of interpreters needed. Travel time is paid to those interpreters
traveling more than 30 miles one way. There is a two-hour minimum paid for all assignments.
It is recommended that each department give a three business day notice, when possible, to
ensure that quality services can be provided. However, any requests from a performing arts
venue should be made at least one week prior to the performance, if possible, in order to provide
adequate preparation time for the interpreters. It is recommended that all event publicity include
the following suggested working for accommodation requests: To request an accommodation
due to a disability, please contact [hosting department] at least three business days/one
week in advance.
The Office of Disability Services is responsible for arranging and funding interpreting services
for Missouri State University students for situations in which academic credit is received. Please
see the Accommodation Policy on our web site for more information. University employees with
a disability who require accommodations for employment should refer to Section 2.5 Disability
and Reasonable Accommodation in the Missouri State University Employee Handbook.