D(d)eaf/Hard of Hearing Services

The Disability Resource Center coordinates communication access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the UNC campus community — including students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Two friends communicate in sign language over a meal in a cozy café setting.

Request Communication Access Services

Available Services

The DRC coordinates the following communication access provisions:

  • American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting
  • Computer-Access Real-Time Transcription (CART)
  • Closed Captioning

Requests can be made for any UNC-sponsored event, course, or activity — including but not limited to classes, theater performances, student organization events, and meetings with faculty or staff.


How to Request Communication Access for an Event or Meeting

  • Complete the Service Request Form.
    • Submit your request at least three business days in advance.
    • While last-minute requests are not guaranteed, we will make every effort to fulfill them.
    • Requests are not reviewed during university closures, including holidays and breaks.

Important Notes

  • For events hosted at UNC by outside organizations, the event sponsor is responsible for providing communication access services.
  • For off-campus events, access services are typically arranged by the sponsoring organization.
  • The DRC does not coordinate interpreting or captioning for purely social events that are not university-sponsored.

How to Request Interpreting/CART for Your Class

1. Go to the DRC’s website.

2. Click on “Student Portal.”

3. Under the Accommodations tab, click “List Requests”.

4. Click the “+” icon with “Add Requests for [number] of classes” underneath to view your list of classes and approved accommodations.

5. Click on Interpreter and/or CART along with any other accommodations you are approve for.

6. Click Submit, and you are good to go!

Please email your Access Coordinator if you are unsure if your request went through successfully.

FAQ's

For additional questions, please email DRCInterpreting@unco.edu.

The minimum amount of time that we require is 3 business days notice. We encourage you to submit your requests as early as possible to allow time for arrangements to be made.

You can still submit your request. However, we will not be able to guarantee the availability of services without proper notice.

If your event is canceled or any details change, please update your request using your student portal as soon as possible. This includes changes to the date, time, location, or other event details. If you are unable to update your request or if you need additional assistance, contact DRCInterpreting@unco.edu.

ASL interpreting provides communication access between individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) and those who use spoken English. CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) provides real-time, word-for-word transcription of spoken communication that can be viewed on a screen or personal device. The appropriate service depends on the individual’s communication needs and preferences.

No. ASL interpreting and CART services are provided at UNC commencement ceremonies and do not require an individual request. These services are available for all graduates and guests attending the ceremony.

Yes. If the event or activity is facilitated, sponsored, or organized by the University, you can submit a request for interpreting or CART services through the DRC. When submitting your request, please provide as much information as possible about the event, including the date, time, location, and any other relevant details that will help us coordinate services.