USC is committed to ensuring effective communication for individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the university’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Effective communication means that information shared through spoken, written, or multimedia formats is accessible and provided in a manner that allows for equal participation.
A variety of auxiliary aids and services may be used to support effective communication, including sign language interpreters, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), assistive listening devices (ALDs), and captioned media. The appropriate accommodation will depend on the individual’s preferred method of communication and the nature of the program or event.
USC partners with vetted accessibility service providers to coordinate interpreting, CART, and captioning services. Event organizers are expected to plan for accessibility and use approved vendors when arranging services.
Sign Language Interpreters
Sign language interpreters facilitate communication by translating spoken content into American Sign Language (ASL) or other signed languages in real time. Interpreters are commonly used by individuals who are Deaf and whose primary language is ASL.
Interpreters are provided for USC programs and events upon request. For large, public, or high-impact events, organizers should consider arranging interpreters proactively.
Individuals requesting accommodations should contact the event organizer in advance and will be asked about their preferred method of communication access. USC will make every reasonable effort to provide requested services in accordance with the ADA.
- Share agendas, presentation materials, and speaker information in advance when available.
- Ensure appropriate interpreter placement and clear sightlines within the event space.
- For virtual or hybrid events, coordinate interpreter pinning and visibility.
Communication Access Realtime Translation
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) provides real-time captioning by a trained professional who converts spoken content into text displayed on a screen, laptop, tablet, or mobile device. CART may be provided onsite or remotely and ensures access to spoken content for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as others who benefit from visual access to audio information.
CART services are provided upon request for USC programs and events. CART should be arranged for events that are live streamed or include a live virtual audience. For large, public, or high-impact events, proactive planning is encouraged.
Individuals requesting accommodations should contact the event organizer in advance. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide services consistent with ADA requirements.
- CART may be provided onsite or remotely depending on event format.
- Provide access to clear audio feeds.
- Share presentation materials in advance to support accuracy.
Captioned Media
Captioned media includes synchronized text for spoken dialogue and relevant audio content in videos and multimedia materials. Captions support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and also benefit viewers in various learning and viewing environments.
In accordance with USC’s Digital Accessibility Policy, all videos and multimedia content that are live streamed, shared virtually, or posted online must include accurate captions.
- Captions must be accurate and synchronized.
- Relevant non-speech audio (e.g., music, sound cues) should be included when necessary for understanding.
- Auto-generated captions alone are generally insufficient unless reviewed and corrected for accuracy to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
- When possible, captions should be enabled by default for virtual and hybrid events.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) amplify sound and reduce background noise to support individuals who are hard of hearing. ALDs may be used with or without hearing aids and can include hearing loop systems or FM receivers.
USC offers assistive listening options in select venues, including hearing loop–equipped spaces and portable FM systems that may be available for checkout. Availability varies by location.
Information about looped buildings and venues with available ALDs can be found on the USC campus map.
- Advance notice is recommended to confirm ALD availability or to identify alternative communication access options if needed.
- If ALDs are not available in a specific venue, alternative communication access options will be provided as appropriate.