Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) offers accommodations such as ASL-English interpreters and computerized note-takers to ensure equal access to education of all Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
We are dedicated to providing equal access to education for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Our office provides American Sign Language – English interpreters and computerized note takers for full-time or part-time programs, group work related to your courses, college-related appointments (meeting with instructors, financial aid, counselling etc.), college workshops, events and more. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services works together with students and their academic program to develop and facilitate individualized and appropriate accommodations.
Students who have a documented hearing loss but may not need in-class services can also register with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services to discuss academic supports and accommodations they are eligible to receive.
Note: Due to the high demand for services, it is strongly recommended that students book an appointment at least four months prior to the start of their study period to ensure accommodations are available.
Confidentiality
We greatly respect your right to privacy especially regarding information you share about your disability. Safeguarding the privacy of your personal information is an ethical obligation to you which all members of our department take very seriously. We also believe you should fully understand the limitations of confidentiality in order for you to make an informed decision regarding what you disclose.
Types of Accommodations
The accommodations available at RRC Polytech assist students with disabilities and reduce or remove the barriers a disability may pose on learning and the demonstration of knowledge. The purpose of accommodations is to “level the playing field” between students with disabilities and students who do not have disabilities. The purpose is not to provide an unfair advantage or to compromise essential learning outcomes.
Accommodations are student-specific, unique to the individual and their course (program). They are forms of assistance that are provided or arranged by Student Accessibility Services to provide equal opportunity to meet academic goals.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) – ENGLISH INTERPRETING
The role of the ASL – English interpreter is to facilitate communication from English to ASL and from ASL to English. To ensure equal access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, the ASL – English interpreter will provide interpreting in classrooms, tutorials, shop/labs, meetings, presentations, graduation, conferences, student conversations, small/large group interactions and RRC Polytech/Student Association functions.
COMPUTERIZED NOTE TAKING
The role of the computerized note taker is to facilitate communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the classroom. Everything that is heard is captured in real time on a laptop computer to ensure equal access for students. An edited copy of the notes will be provided to students. Note takers provide services in classrooms, tutorials, shop/labs, meetings, presentations, graduation, conferences, student conversations, small/large group interactions and RRC Polytech/Students’ Association functions.
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.