American River College has a long history of providing quality support services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Support services provided include: Sign Language Interpreters, Real-Time Captioners, Tutors, and Notetakers. We also have a limited number of assistive listening devices and tape recorders. With an average of 60 Deaf/Hard of Hearing students per semester, ARC has the largest Deaf/Hard of Hearing student population in the Sacramento Valley. ARC offers a variety of educational and vocational programs in which Deaf students have participated.
At this time, we do not have classes specifically designed for Deaf students. All of our classes are mainstream and many instructors have had extensive experience with Deaf students. We strive to provide the best quality Interpreting, Real-Time Captioning, Notetaking, and Tutoring services possible. We recruit Tutors who sign up for one-to-one communication during tutoring sessions.
Requests for support services must be made through Deaf Services. The student can make an appointment with our counselor, Dana Brittingham-Garrido, to discuss academic/vocational needs and support services.
Interpreters and Real-Time Captioners are also available for class related assignments such as: orientation meetings, tutoring sessions, meetings with instructors, and other college related activities.
Deaf Services: (Mike Warner)
VIDEOPHONE (with Translation to Voice available): 866-446-0050
EMAIL: warnerm@arc.losrios.edu
American River College welcomes you as a student this semester. We are here to assist you in your educational goals. Please read the following responsibilities: Each student will have a folder at DSPS. Please be sure you check it daily for messages.
Please tell Deaf Services when:
Interpreters help to communicate what the instructor and students are saying. Often, the interpreters need to sit in front of the classroom to hear the instructor clearly.
The captioners will give you the full lecture notes. The notes will be put in your folder at DSPS. If you do not show up for class, you will not be given the notes from that day. Also, if you leave the class early, the captioner will not stay in the class. Please do not give your notes to other students from the class. These notes are for you and you only. The notes will be given to you within the following time frame:
Note Turn-Around Time:
Class Days Due to you by:
MWF Next class time
TTH Tue by TH/TH by Fri
Mon at the latest Mon by Wed
Wednesday by Friday
Tuesday by Thursday
Thursday by Monday
Friday by Tuesday
Please see the Tutor/Note Taking Coordinator(s) for any tutor or notetaker requests. The phone numbers are 484-8795 (VP / TTY) and 484-8378 (Voice). You can also ask your instructor to make an announcement for an in-class notetaker. He/she can either volunteer or be paid $30 Dollars per credit hour for the semester. If a student is interested, have them contact: mailto:dfstn@arc.losrios.edu
Please call Deaf Services: 484 8559 (Voice) or 484-8798 (VP / TTY) or e-mail: mailto:warnerm@arc.losrios.edu for Interpreter/RTC services and 484-8378 (Voice) and 484-8795 (VP / TTY) or e-mail: mailto:dfstn@arc.losrios.edu for Tutor/Notetaking services if you are not going to be in class. If you do not show up for a class, your Interpreters/ RTC, Notetakers and/ or Tutors will wait 15 minutes for an hour class and 30 minutes for classes over an hour. If you "NO SHOW" for a class and/or tutoring session 2 times in a row and do not inform Deaf Services, your services will be suspended for that class. If you would like services reinstated, you will need to make an appointment with your counselor.
A deaf student has the right to request an interpreter for tests and quizzes. The interpreter never provides assistance in answering the questions.
Real-Time Captioners can input what the instructors and students are saying into their computers. Real-Time Captioners need to be seated near an electrical outlet. They will bring in the necessary computer equipment. The students(s) must sit next to the Real-Time Captioners so they can read the computer screen and follow the lecture. The full lecture (including student comments) will be printed and given to the deaf student(s) in a timely manner.
Visual Aids are a tremendous help to deaf students. Make full use of chalkboards, film projectors, films, diagrams, and printed materials. If possible, write key vocabulary on the board or overhead projector. Words such as here, there, these, this one, etc. which do not identify the actual article or subject do not translate well. Using words such as: the box, the square, the color, etc. is a much more visual cue.
Notetakers are often necessary, because the students must constantly watch the interpreter. Notetakers may volunteer or be paid through Deaf Services. If you have a suggestion for an appropriate notetaker, please let the student know and the student will explain the process. If we are unable to obtain a notetaker from the class, Deaf Services will attempt to provide notetaking services.
Tutors will be provided upon request through Deaf Services.
TESTS: As an academic adjustment/accommodation, the deaf student may require extended time for written tests. Our office is available to proctor tests if requested. The student should meet with their counselor to discuss specific accommodations. If the student needs to take the test/quiz outside the classroom, their counselor needs to fill out a proctor form that requires your signature. Once the form is filled out, the student will return the form to Disabled Student Services. Disabled Student Services will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding testing accommodations.
Instructors please be advised: If the student has two consecutive unexcused absences, support services will be suspended for that class. Deaf students must contact Disabled Students Services in order for services to be reinstated. The Interpreters and Real Time Captioners working in your classroom should not have access to personal information regarding the student or their progress in their classes. If you have any questions, please call Deaf Services:
Dana Brittingham-Garrido Counselor – Deaf Students Counselor – x8382
Mike Warner –Student Personnel Assistant – 866-446-0050
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) from Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Students
Q: Is there housing close to the college?
A: We do not have dorms on campus. However, there are apartments close by. Housing information and a roommate bulletin board are in the Associate Students Office.
Q: Do you have special classes for Deaf Students?
A: No, we do not currently have special classes. However, we do provide support services for mainstream classes.
Q: How much does attending ARC cost?
A: Please see the class schedule for fees. If you receive SSI, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students are responsible to buy their own books, supplies, and parking. Please see Financial Aid for information on fee waivers and financial assistance. To find out if you may be eligible for California State Department of Rehabilitation Services, contact Ed Ly ( 91... Voice, 916-448-3273 VP) or Monica Rios ( 916-55... Voice, 916-55... TTY).
Q: What academic/vocational programs are available?
A: Please see the ARC catalog.
Q: How do I register for classes?
A: First, make an appointment with the deaf services counselor, Dana Brittingham-Garrido to discuss specifics pertaining to academic/vocational classes. At that time, you may also request support services. You can go to e-Services in the Cafeteria, or click the e-Services link at: www.arc.losrios.edu