Disability Resources and Services (DRS) coordinates services to provide communication access for University courses, programs, and activities. These services are coordinated for students, faculty, staff, and visitors by reasonable prior request. Requests may be submitted by the event-hosting department, a registered Pitt student organization, an in-service program offered on campus, an instructor, or an employee’s supervisor. University department account information is required on all request forms.
Communication access accommodations related to credit bearing courses and associated academic requirements for students registered with DRS are coordinated among the student, faculty, and DRS and are the financial responsibility of DRS. If you aren’t sure about the department responsible for the cost of communication access, please contact DRS prior to submitting a services request form.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting
ASL is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL Interpreters bridge the communication barrier between hearing and deaf persons by conveying the purpose, thought, and spirit of the message in a consumers’ preferred mode of communication from oral transliterating to American Sign Language.
Services Request Process
Services are requested by submitting the online ASL Request Form. Read this information carefully prior to the submitting the ASL Request Form, linked below. The form must be submitted at least seven business days in advance of the event. If the form is submitted within seven business days of the event, it will be considered a late request; there is no guarantee that late requests will be fulfilled.
Important Note for Pitt Requestors
The following required fields must be completed with the following details in order for the request to be fulfilled:
- Field 2. Requestor's Name: Include your name and Pitt email address
- Field 24. BILLING INFORMATION Company Name: you must include PITT
- Field 25. Include your 32-digit University department account number (Pitt account number structure is in the format XX.XXXXX.XXXX.XXXXX.XXXXXX.XXXXX.XXXXX)
Including all details on the form is important for prompt coordination of services. You will receive a confirmation upon successful submission of the online ASL Request Form. You will also receive an email once the request is fulfilled and an interpreter(s) is(are) assigned. After carefully reviewing the information above, University departments can request an ASL interpreter via the ASL Request Form.
Note: Some events such as platform events or theatrical performances will require further advance notice and added coordination including provision of speaker lists, scripts, etc. If you are coordinating ASL interpreting for a special event or performance, please contact DRS as soon as possible to discuss your request.
Cancellations
Call 412-281-1375 if you need to cancel the services request. Any cancellation received within 24 hours of the event start time will be considered late. The requesting/cancelling department is responsible for the full cost of services for any late cancellation.
Cost of Services
The hourly rate for an ASL interpreter is $55.00 – $60.00, depending on event time and content. ASL interpreters bill a minimum of two hours for any assignment. Events extending beyond two hours in length will require two interpreters. If the event is recorded, the associated recording fee is $60.00 – $65.00 per hour.
Payment Process
DRS hosts a services agreement with an ASL Interpreting agency. The agency invoices DRS directly and DRS submits the invoice for processing against the services agreement in the PantherExpress system. Once the invoice is paid by DRS, the DRS Financial Team will contact the requesting department to recoup the funds. Requesting departments will not receive an invoice and should expect to complete an Interdepartmental Charge (IDC), as initiated by the DRS Financial Team, to pay for the services.
Live Captioning (CART)
Live captioning, also referred to as communication access real-time translation (CART) is a service that provides verbatim speech-to text transcription for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The translation can be displayed on an individual’s assistive learning device, projected onto a screen, or combined with a video presentation (Zoom) as captions.
Services Request Process Services are requested by submitting the online Live Captioning (CART) Request Form. The services request form must be submitted at least seven business days in advance of the event. If the form is submitted within seven business days of the event, it will be considered a late request. There is no guarantee that late requests will be fulfilled. Including all details on the form is important for prompt coordination of services. You will receive a confirmation upon successful submission of the online request form. You will also receive an email once the request is fulfilled.
Cancellations
Email drscommaccess@pitt.edu if you need to cancel the services request. Any cancellation received within 24 hours of the event start time will be considered late. The requesting/cancelling department is responsible for the full cost of services for any late cancellation.
Cost of Services
Live Captioning/CART services cost $1.25 per minute.
Payment Process
DRS hosts a services agreement with a captioning provider. Once the service is verified by DRS, the DRS Financial Team will contact the requesting department to recoup the funds. Requesting departments will not receive an invoice and should expect to complete an Interdepartmental Charge (IDC), as initiated by the DRS Financial Team, to pay for the services.
Event Planning
It is important to note that planners should work with their attendees and presenters so appropriate accommodations can be established. Refer to Accessible Event Planning and contact DRS with any questions about coordinating communication access for your next event.
Live Captioning Request Form
Fill out the online form.