Deaf or Hard of Hearing Accommodations

When registering with SDS, we invite you to also complete a Communication Access Profile Form (pdf).

This form asks about any assistive devices, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, you may be using, and which types of environments present barriers to hearing. The information provided on this form will enable us to better prepare for your access at Cornell.  

Academic Accommodations 

Academic accommodations may include:

  • copies of class notes
  • preferential seating to augment communication
  • professors to use microphones in class
  • assistive technology (e.g., FM systems)
  • captions on videos 
  • real-time captioning or interpreter services.

Specific accommodations will be determined based on the impact of your disability, and the teaching format and requirements of each course.

FM Systems 

Student Disability Services (SDS) has personal FM systems available for use in classroom and/or other university-sponsored activities. SDS will work with you to provide you with an appropriate one (i.e., compatible with your particular listening device). 

FM systems are also available at many large lecture venues at Cornell (including Bailey Hall, Kennedy Hall, and Uris Hall) and can be used when attending a class or event in those rooms. 

Interpreter & Captioning Services 

For any registered Cornell student, we will arrange and incur the cost of providing communication access services for: 

  • classes,
  • course-related academic requirements, and
  • non-academic, out-of-class activities sponsored by the University.

Currently available options are:

  • sign language and oral interpreters
  • captioning services (provided by either a C-Print captionist in-person, or a CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) provider located remotely and accessed via a computer system) 

If approved for either interpreting or captioning services, we will review with you the process for requesting these services when needed, as well as the procedures and responsibilities related to using these services throughout your time at Cornell.