Language Access–Deaf and Hard of Hearing
In partnership with our families and our community, ϱ ISD's mission is to prepare every student with the knowledge and skills to thrive in college, career and life.
The Special Education team ensures children who receive special education services are provided with access to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. We are committed to ensuring students with disabilities receive maximum access to the general education curriculum through a continuum of services and the use of inclusive evidence-based practices.
To bridge the communication gap often experienced by deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals, the ϱ ISD Office of Translation and Interpretation in conjunction with the Special Education Department offers an array of services to set up all our students to be successful in school. Once a child is enrolled and you have visited the campus, the Special Education Team will work with you to provide services.
Current Students
If you are currently enrolled in an ϱ ISD school please reach out to the Assistant Principal assigned to you to request services for additional activities such as tutoring or after-hour events. Keep in mind that we need a minimum of 5 business days to be able to provide interpretation services for an event outside school hours. We will try our best to schedule last-minute requests, but we are unable to guarantee that our vendors will be able to find a provider.
Visiting an ϱ ISD Campus or Facility
Are you visiting one of our schools, attending a school event, or watching your child’s performance at the school or other ϱ ISD facility and need interpretation Services?
Please email the ϱ ISD employee hosting the event or contact us via Let’s Talk (scroll to the bottom of the page, click “Contact a Campus by Text” and select the school your child attends) so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
Arrangements for an interpreter can ONLY be requested by an ϱ ISD employee. Please make sure to contact an ϱ ISD Staff member with as much time as possible to try and make accommodations. Keep in mind that we need a minimum of 5 business days to be able to provide interpretation services for families. We will try our best to schedule last-minute requests, but we are unable to guarantee that our vendors will be able to find a provider.
Board Meetings
If you need an interpreter for a Board of Trustees Meeting, you need to submit a request at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Those requests can be emailed to trustees@austinisd.org with Board Meeting Interpreter Request in the subject line.