ASL FAQs for Instructors

How do I access accommodation information in AIM?

Accessing Accommodation Information in AIM

1. Faculty and Instructors must go to the AIM Instructor log-in page and log in with your Berkeley CalNet ID and Passphrase.

Screenshot of AIM landing page

2. After an Instructor reads...

How will I know if an ASL Interpreter is present in my Zoom meeting?

The ASL Interpreter will be named “Interpreter” in your Zoom participant list.

How do I assign an ASL Interpreter to a Zoom breakout room?

When assigning an ASL Interpreter to the student during breakout sessions, please look for the Interpreter as a participant (Interpreter). Please ensure the Interpreter is in the same breakout room as the student receiving the accommodation.

Breakout Room Instructions

What are the ASL Interpreting Best Practices for courses presented via Zoom?

Zoom lectures need to end at the scheduled end time, as both the students and the interpreters may have other obligations immediately following your class.

Speak clearly, in a normal tone, and at a moderate rate. Do not rush through a lecture. If the interpreter does not understand or hear what was said, the interpreter may communicate with the instructor through the Zoom chat window. Please monitor your chat window for questions or requests from the interpreter.

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Can a student with an ASL Interpreting accommodation participate in Zoom group work/breakout rooms?

Yes, the student is able to participate in group work. When a class is held in-person, an ASL Interpreter is present and often sits with the group in order to hear the speakers clearly. Remote classes are handled similarly in that the interpreter will be present in the same breakout room/group component as the student.

We encourage students to discuss their accommodations with their professors, and they may reach out to you with what works best for them in your particular class.

Where will the interpreter stand?

The interpreter will generally stand near the speaker so the student can pick up on facial expressions and body language from the speaker.

Do I need to do anything differently when an ASL Interpreter is present for an in-person class?

When using an interpreter to speak with a person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing, remember to speak directly to the person, not to the interpreter. The interpreter is not part of the conversation and is not permitted to voice personal opinions or enter into the conversation.

Face the person who is D/deaf or hard of hearing and speak to them in a normal manner. Do not make comments to the interpreter that you do not intend to have interpreted to the D/deaf or hard-of-hearing person, even if the person...