Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

WOU students registered with our office and approved for accommodations can utilize services such as ASL/English Interpreting, TypeWell or CART transcriptions, post-production captioning, note-taking services, and more.

ASL / English Interpreting

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services make up one of many accessibility accommodations that our office has to offer. Interpreting is the act of taking the language of one person and relaying it, meaning for meaning, into another. Interpretation most often occurs simultaneously, with the interpreter physically present in a classroom or at an event (although adjustments can be made if necessary).

Academic and classroom requests should be submitted in AIM at least 3 weeks before the start of each term. If interpreting services are needed for non-classroom meetings or events, please use the link above to request services at least three business days in advance. Late requests will be assigned in the order they are received and cannot always be guaranteed.

  • Interpretation can be added to pre-recorded videos for picture-in-picture viewing
  • DeafBlind services are also available upon request

Typewell Transcribing

TypeWell is a speech-to-text service. A transcriber provides a meaning-for-meaning transcript of lectures, class discussions, club meetings, and more (remotely or in person). Students are given a web link and can use any internet-connected device to follow the transcript in real-time. After the class or event is complete, the service recipient will be sent a copy of the transcript for future reference.

If transcribing services are needed for a WOU event, please use the link above to request services three business days in advance. Academic and classroom requests should be submitted in AIM at least 3 weeks before the start of each term. Late requests will be assigned in the order they are received and cannot be guaranteed.

Academic and classroom requests should be submitted in AIM at least 3 weeks before the start of each term. If transcribing services are needed for non-classroom meetings or events, please use the link above to request services at least three business days in advance. Late requests will be assigned in the order they are received and cannot always be guaranteed.

  • Meaning for meaning, not verbatim
  • Can connect on any internet-enabled device 
  • Real-time access
  • Transcript provided for later reference
  • More Typewell Information

Captioning Services

Captioning services are available upon request. These services involve adding verbatim captions in written English to videos, recorded lectures, and more.

If you are planning to host an event, please confirm that proper captions are available for all video showings. If captions are not present or not sufficient, please complete the form above or email odscaptioning@wou.edu at least one week in advance.

Academic and classroom requests should be submitted in AIM at least 3 weeks before the start of each term. If captioning services are needed for non-classroom meetings or events, please use the link above to request services at least three business days in advance. Late requests will be assigned in the order they are received and cannot always be guaranteed.

  • Proper captions always include accurate transcription and punctuation, they must also be legible and properly synced
  • ODS can caption on most video platforms including Mp4, YouTube, Canvas, Vimeo, Flipgrid, and more!
  • If you want to caption YouTube videos yourself, follow this quick and easy tutorial
Interpreter hands

ASL Interpreted Shows

-None scheduled at this time-

Visit the Department of Theatre and Dance's website for more information

Other Communication Access Services

  • Assistive Listening Devices are available through ODS or Hamersly Library on an as-needed basis, contact our office for more information
  • RWEC loop system
  • PTASL (Pro-Tactile American Sign Language)
  • Note-taking Support with Note-Taking Express
  • Campus Public Safety Text Line: 503-966-9968
  • Videophone Access –
    • Werner University Center (WUC): First floor under the stairs across from the Non-Traditional Student Lounge
    • Hamersly Library: 24-Hour Room
    • Richard Woodcock Education Center (RWEC): Two (2), both located on the first floor at the back of the building

Contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS)

    • Email:  ods@wou.edu
    • Phone: 503-838-8250
    • Fax: 503-838-8721