Request Interpreting or Captioning for Events

As an institution of public accommodation, WVU has a responsibility to ensure that its programming is accessible for individuals with Disabilities.

When creating campus events on-site or online, it is important to plan early to ensure that the final program will be accessible for guests with Disabilities. Public accessibility requests—that is, accessibility needs that do not involve the academic accommodation of registered WVU students—fall under the purview of the ADA Coordinator within WVU's Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Individuals hosting events on campus are encouraged to reach out to that office as they prepare their events to ensure that they are appropriately accessible to guests with disabilities. 

HIRING AN OAS INTERPRETER OR CAPTIONER

When hosting events, departments or units are responsible for arranging captioning and interpreting services for the public and for paying the costs associated with provision of these services, except in cases where a student who is registered with OAS requests these services as part of an authorized academic accommodation.

In addition to accommodating students, OAS accepts custom captioning and interpreting requests throughout the year from members of the WVU community for a variety of public events and programs, at a reduced cost. These services may be provided remotely or in person. Custom captioning and interpreting requests are prioritized after authorized student accommodations and are based on consumer need and the availability of service providers. If we are unable to provide services in-house at the requested date and time, OAS is happy to refer members of the WVU community to a reputable outside vendor.

You may use the diagram below to assess your captioning and interpreting needs. OAS is happy to consult with you to help you decide on the best approach and to answer any accessibility questions you may have.

Click button to see expanded flowchart image

Click the image to expand and/or check out the text-based version of this flow chart.

Advertising Accessibility

Instructions about how to request services must be readily available on the event website and in outgoing correspondence and may not be relegated to the “fine print.” When promoting online and on-campus events, OAS suggests including the following language, which can be used in outgoing correspondence and posted prominently on WVU webpages to inform guests in need of accommodation:

Sign Language Interpreting and Captioning Services are available by request for participants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. To request an Interpreter or Captioner please contact NAME OF YOUR DEPTARTMENT POINT PERSON at least one week prior to this event.

This information should be made available to potential participants at least 10 days prior to the scheduled start of the event.

The department or unit should not ask guests to identify their Disability or inquire about the nature of their Disability. Departments may include a simple yes or no question on registration forms asking if guests wish to request disability accommodations, or they may refer these Disability requests to the WVU ADA Coordinator's office.

Placing a Custom Request

If you are hosting an event and wish to request an OAS interpreter or captioner, or if you have questions regarding live captioning or interpreting for campus events, please contact Jason Kapcala. 

When inquiring, please provide the following information:

1. What is the date(s) of the event?
2. What is the start time of the event?
3. What is the end time of the event?
4. Is the event in-person or virtual/online?
5. Please provide a description of the event (e.g. content, speakers, etc.)
6. Has a specific request for captioning or interpreting been made by an attendee, or is this a proactive accessibility measure for the general public?
7. If a specific request was made, did it come from a WVU student or someone else?
8. Is there recorded media associated with the event? (i.e. videos shown during the event)