Communication Access Services
Disability Resources (DR) provides sign language interpreting or real-time transcription services for access in the classroom and other academic-related activities at no additional cost to the student and/or academic department. DR has certified interpreters on staff and contracts with agencies to fulfill other ASL-English interpreting or real-time transcription (CART/Typewell) requests.
DR has an Interpreting/Captioning Request Form available for students to request additional services for academic course requirements outside of the regularly scheduled class time.
Non-academic ASL Interpreter and Transcription Requests
Requests for sign language interpreting and/or transcription services for non-academic programs or events should be directed to, and handled by, the sponsoring entity (office or organization). Disability Resources can provide information on local interpreter/transcription service agencies in the area to the sponsoring entity. Payment for interpreter/transcription services is the responsibility of the sponsoring entity.
Assistive Listening Systems
Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) are amplifiers that bring sound from a transmitter directly to a receiver. Use of an assistive listening device (ALD) can help reduce background noise and allow for control of amplification for individuals with hearing loss. Most large classrooms and auditoriums at Texas A&M University have assistive listening systems built into the room sound system.
University Center Auditorium & Rooms
Headset receivers and hearing aid compatible receivers can be borrowed from Rudder Theater Complex for use in Rudder Auditorium and Rudder Theater.
Other rooms in the University Center (Memorial Student Center, Rudder Tower and Koldus Building) can be equipped with an ALS by request through Rudder Theater Complex.
Classrooms
Most medium to large classrooms are already equipped with assistive listening systems that broadcast on the 72mhz frequency.
Classrooms managed by University Audio Visual Services (UAVS) have headset receivers and hearing aid compatible receivers that can be borrowed directly from UAVS.
Classrooms managed by the College of Engineering (Zachry, ETB 1005, 1006, 1013, 1027) can be borrowed from the Engineering IT group.
Athletic Facilities
Most of the large venues (Reed Arena, Kyle Field, Olsen Field, Davis Diamond) also have assistive listening systems available.
Headset receivers and hearing aid compatible receivers can be borrowed from guest services at each venue.
CAS Student Expectations
All students using interpreting or transcription services through Communication Access Services (CAS) are expected to do the following:
- Respond promptly to all emails or texts from Communication Access Services (CAS) and your providers.
- Notify CAS immediately if you drop a course, change sections, or add a new class.
- Set up meetings through Zoom (tamu.zoom.us) or Skype.
- Check out BlueTooth microphones from Disability Resources.
- Share course materials and announcements with providers: PowerPoints, Zoom links, articles, handouts, class cancellations, etc.
- If services are needed for tutoring sessions, review sessions, group project meetings, office hours, special events required for class or extra credit, etc. – email CAS at least 72 hours prior to the day of the event.
- Depending on provider availability, late requests may not be able to be fulfilled.
- Notify CAS if providers are frequently tardy or absent so we may investigate.
- Contact CAS if you have any questions or concerns:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 979-845-163