Interpreter Services

Accessibility in the Classroom

University of Florida interpreter services are available for classroom related needs. All classroom related interpreter services are to be arranged by and coordinated by the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at Reid Hall or call 392-8565 (711TDD/TTY).

Out-of-Class Interpreter Services

For special events and non-classroom related activities requiring interpreter services contact the UF ADA Office for referral assistance. All out-of-class interpreter services shall be arranged and paid for by the agency, organization or department sponsoring the events. Call 273-1094 (711TDD/TTY) or email rfroman@ufl.edu.

Student Government (SG) Events and SG affiliated Organizations

All events sponsored by SG and any SG affiliated organization shall provide interpreter services upon request. The agency sponsoring the event shall be responsible for notifying the general public that accommodations are available upon request and once requested for arranging the needed accommodations. To ensure that all requested accommodations are provided SG has set aside a budget to pay for the accommodations. For information and assistance within the SG Office contact the Office Manager. For referral information contact UF ADA Office at 273-1094 (711TDD/TTY) or email rfroman@ufl.edu.

Public Notice of Event

Every event, special activity, and program hosted or planned by the university should be accessible to persons with disabilities. If the event is publicized, provide people with disabilities the opportunity to request accommodations. To find out if accommodations are needed, list the following statement on all notices about the program (Web, newspaper ads, flyers, etc.): “For individuals with disabilities, requiring special accommodations, please contact BLANK within a minimum of BLANK* hours of the event/program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.”

*The recommended notice is a minimum of 120 hours or five business days. This provides a department or unit plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. You can request a more advance notice.

Arrangements for Interpreter Services

UF – Classroom Related – Contact Disability Resources at Reid hall, or call 392-8565, 711 TDD. Non Classroom Related – Center for Independent Living at 378-7474 (TDD calls use the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 TDD) or Interpreter Services at 352-629-8840, 352-368-2969 TDD.

Interpreter Costs and Protocol for Interpreters

Typically, interpreters will work as a team, especially for speaking engagements and activities that involve a great deal of talking. The average costs for interpreters are $60 per hour for each interpreter with a minimum of 2 hours during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours Monday through Friday. Interpreters are paid from the time they leave their office until they return to their office. Team interpreters will work 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, this allows them an opportunity to rest and provide the best possible interpreter services. Plan well ahead for your interpreter needs. There is a severe shortage of interpreters in the Gainesville-Ocala area. To arrange interpreters on your own, contact the Center for Independent Living at 352-378-7474 (711TDD/TTY).

Free-Lance Interpreters

Many professional interpreters maintain a private, free-lance, interpreter practice in addition to their staff interpreter positions. Resources for names of interpreters at the national level are the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).