Providing accommodations is required by law and is not
optional. However, there are often alternatives
to how an accommodation(s) may be provided. Handling
requests for accommodation is often a public relations matter;
that is, the manner in which requests are handled
may be more important than how the accommodation is made. If
you have questions when responding to requests, please feel
free to contact me.
One type of request for accommodation could be for a sign
language interpreter. Since interpreters are in relatively
short supply, it would be a good idea to identify any interpreters
in your community and/or county and make a record of their
contact information for your office.
If this service is not available nearby, these agencies
in Fargo provide interpreter services and may be able to
identify individuals in your area who provide this service:
-
Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD),
Fargo, (701) 291-1131, (701) 799-1395
-
ASI Professional Associates,
Fargo, (701) 241-7847
-
Certified Interpreting & Consulting (CIC),
Fergus Falls, Minn., (877) 283-5331 � office; (800)
865-5334
You may get requests to provide information in alternative
formats -- for example, a written document in an audio format
for a person with a visual impairment. Agriculture
Communication is prepared to help you with such requests. Call
Ag Communication at 701-231-7881 to make arrangements in
advance and before making a commitment to provide information
in a particular format or by a particular date. We
have a responsibility to provide the information within
a reasonable period of time, but what�s reasonable may vary
with the type of request.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or
need assistance with a request.
Sandra Holbrook
Director, Office for Equity and Diversity
When developing a brochure to promote an educational program
or event, include the following:
For events requiring preregistration:
Requests for accommodations related to disability should
be made to ______________ [name] at (701) ____________ by
___________ [date].
Please check any accommodations you may need during the
_________ [workshop/school/field day, etc.]
__ sign language interpreter
__ FM amplification system (specify type________________)
__ materials in alternative format; please indicate
preferred format (audio-taped, large print, etc.): ______________________________________________________________
__ sighted guides for assistance to/from specific
sessions
__ other_______________________________________________
The date for accommodations is usually the same as the
preregistration deadline. For a series of programs that
run for several days, use:
Requests for accommodations related to disability should
be made to ______________ [name] at (701) ____________ one
week prior to the event.
For events NOT requiring preregistration:
Requests for accommodations related to disability should
be made to ______________ [name] at (701) ____________ by
___________ [date].
Again, for a series of programs that run for several days,
use:
Requests for accommodations related to disability should
be made to ______________ [name] at (701) ____________ one
week prior to the event.
