An interesting discussion.  Yes instruction is in English so
we would not provide an interpreter for students speaking
French, Spanish, Magyar,.... so equal access would say not
to offer BSL in the US or ASL in Briton. But leaving it for
the student to prepare for their study abroad experience is
unsatisfactory because  there are extremely limited
opportunities to learn Sign Languages from other countries.
How can we expand those opportunities?  Does anyone know of
courses (or instructors capable of teaching courses) in
comparative Sign language?

As an aside, I am not sure that American University's would
not try to find a BSL interpreter (mine would) but I expect
the practical reality is that there are very few to be found
in so it would likely be impossible.

L. Scott Lissner
ADA Coordinator, Academic Affairs
2054 Drake
1849 Cannon Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1266

(614) 292-6207 (v); (614) 688-8605 (tty); (614) 688-3665
(Fax)

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-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Hill [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2001 9:03 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: American Sign Language


Hi

I think Eric has a good point  - particularly given that
this student will be in
the Uk for  3 years or more.

egards

Peter

Eric Boardman wrote:

> Hi
>
> Excuse the intrusion of an Australian in this discussion.
Am I missing
> something here?  I wonder if a British Deaf person went to
the States or
> another country to study whether the Universities there
would contemplate
> providing a BSL interpreter?  I doubt it.  I have a few
Deaf friends who
> went to America to study and all were required to learn
American Sign
> Language as I would expect.  If there are any American's
on this list
> perhaps they can enlighten me as to this point.
> If any of us went to France to study would we be able to
access
> interpreters?  The University that I work at here in
Australia has a high
> proportion of international students from Asia, Africa
North/South America
> and Europe.  The language of instruction for the courses
that we offer these
> students is in English and therefore proficiency in
English is a pre
> requisite for entry. We do not provide nor do they expect
foreign language
> interpreters.  Is this also the rule in Britain where I
know there are also
> many foreign students?  If so why should it be any
different for foreign
> Deaf students.
> I have known some American Deaf who have quickly become
fluent in Australian
> Sign Language (Auslan) which is not that different from
BSL.  I also know of
> a Vietnamese Deaf man who learnt Auslan quite quickly as
well.  Perhaps if
> American Sign Language interpreters are to be provided,
this should be
> restricted to the first semester/ year of a course while
the student becomes
> familiar with the local language.
> I wonder what the British Deaf Association would have to
say about it?  Has
> anyone asked their opinion?  I expect they would support
the notion of
> upholding BSL as the language of intruction in British
institutions of
> HE/FE.
> Feel free to rebut my argument... as I said, perhaps I am
missing something.
>
> regards
>
> Eric Boardman
Enhancing post secondary
> Regional Disability Liaison Officer
education,training and
> Central Queensland
employment opportunities
>
for people
> with disabilities
>
> Ph/tty: 617 4930 6394
> Mobile: 0438 639400
> Fax: 617 49309119
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
> postal address: Equity and Diversity Office
>                          Central Queensland University
>                          CQ Mail Centre,
>                          Rockhampton Qld 4702
>                          AUSTRALIA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Peter Hill <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2001 4:53 AM
> Subject: Re: American Sign Language
>
> > Hi
> >
> > We had a hearing impaired US student with us for a
semester last year.  We
> > faced the same difficulty.  In the event, the student
came with her own
> signer
> > - a fellow student, anxious to improve her signing
skills and eager to
> benefit
> > from the UK experience (!!).  I'm not sure whether this
would work over a
> > three year period - the UK experience would, perhaps,
become a bit
> wearing.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Peter
> >
> >
> >
> > "Hyslop, Fiona" wrote:
> >
> > > I have been contacted by a Malaysian national who
would like to study
> with
> > > us from September.
> > >
> > > She is hearing impaired and currently uses American
Sign Language.
> > >
> > > Does anyone have any experience with accessing ASL
interpreters in the
> UK.
> > > How difficult is it?
> > >
> > > My feeling is that this will be extremely difficult -
particularly given
> > > that funding will be almost impossible.
> > >
> > > Any response welcome.
> > > Fiona
> >
> > --
> > Peter Hill
> >
> > Disability Coordinator
> > University College Worcester
> > Henwick Grove
> > Worcester
> > WR2 6AJ
> >
> > Tel 01905 855413
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
> > [log in to unmask]
> >

--
Peter Hill

Disability Coordinator
University College Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ

Tel 01905 855413
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