But there is a difference between the D/deaf students and the international students (unless they are also D/deaf)
The international student can choose to learn a different language using standard (and perhaps expected) techniques.
A Deaf student cannot do this in the same way because they are fundamentally different i.e. their disability or difference makes it different for them - they cannot learn language by hearing it and that is generally how language is learnt. But this doesn't make them any less valid as a member of society. It just means that society needs to be aware of the difference and accommodate them, either by being inclusive which is preferable or by bolting on extras which come at an additional cost - to be met by?
Maybe the equivalent would be for them to be competent BSL users?
Alex
> Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 09:22:43 +0100
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Transcription of course materials for BSL users
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> International students must show that they have an adequate standard of English skills to access their courses - so shouldn't that also hold for all students including those students whose first language is BSL?
>
> Did I here a big bang somewhere?
>
> -------------------------------------------
> Rhun ap Harri
> Swyddog Anabledd PCA/UWA Disability Officer.
> Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales.
> Ystafell G7/Room G7 Cledwyn Building.
> Campws Penglais Campus.
> Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 3DD.
> Ffôn: / Tel:01970 628537.
> Ffacs: / Fax: 01970 621759.
> www.aber.ac.uk/welfare-disability
> -------------------------------------------
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Turner, Paddy
> Sent: 28 June 2007 08:32
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Transcription of course materials for BSL users
>
> Hi Simon,
> I find this a tricky one and one where there is - surprise, surprise - some inconsistency.
>
> Here at Sheffield Hallam we have staff interpreters due to the relatively high numbers of deaf BSL users studying. The task of modifying the language of course materials is done by the interpreters but not costed or recovered through the DSA. I inherited this approach nine years ago and have not altered it since - it hasn't therefore been refused as such by LA's, we simply haven't asked. I worked on the assumption that since course material transcription, otherwise known as putting materials into accessible formats, was a University responsibility then so to would this activity be. However, as a member of CHESS (Consortium of HE Support Services with Deaf People) I am aware that many other HEI's do charge successfully for this work without demur from LA's.
>
> I believe there are other inconsistencies and have some fears that once the SLC get their grips on the system, they will very soon start to attempt to iron these out. In one sense this is A GOOD THING, isn't the removal of inconsistency always good? (another debate) In another sense it is A BAD THING. Bad because the use of interpreters in the classroom could be seen as putting course materials into an alternative format and therefore a University responsibility. If the SLC were to lean in that direction then there are a few Universities whose support budgets would quickly raise questions of 'reasonableness' in the minds of senior management.
>
> .....but hey, they wouldn't do that, would they???
>
> Andy V - you're a cheeky thing and no mistake. Are you trying to wind up Support Services by suggesting that they shouldn't be charging for people who are not disabled but members of a linguistic minority......? Or are you trying to wind up the Deaf Community by suggesting they are hypocritical by denouncing the label of disability by claiming the linguistic minority label instead, whilst at the same time claiming allowances through DSA, DLA, AtoW etc? Come on now.....which little time bomb were you dropping exactly.....?? ;-)
>
> cheers all,
> Paddy
>
> Paddy Turner
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. on behalf of Morris, Simon
> Sent: Wed 6/27/2007 1:40 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Transcription of course materials for BSL users
>
>
>
> BSL this students first language, and English their second. Complex
> written information is difficult for BSL users to understand.
>
>
>
> It is important that an interpreter does this task, as they will need to
> ensure that the transcription is firstly a true representation of the
> facts, but also that they themselves are familiar with terms and the
> meanings, for when they are supporting the student in and out of class.
>
>
>
> In this case it was the students tutor for the deaf who recommended that
> the student access this support to ensure that the student had a true
> reflection of the spoken and written materials that are discussed and
> taught in class. The interpreter used in this case is also a trainee,
> so gained vital experience by doing the transcription into plain English
> on behalf of the students SLi.
>
>
>
> This also meant that the students DSA's were not paying the full expense
> of a fully qualified SLi. This area was heavily research prior to the
> original application, in conjunction with the SLi, and the tutor for the
> deaf as well as the student himself, which I might add was agreed by the
> LA, and only later withdrawn.
>
>
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>
>
> Best wishes,
>
>
>
> Simon Morris
>
> Disability Adviser
>
>
>
> Tel: +44 (0)1642 342279
>
> Fax: +44 (0)1642 342289
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Conway
> Sent: 27 June 2007 13:14
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Transcription of course materials for BSL users
>
>
>
> Forgive my ignorance of BSL, but why would such a rare creature as a BSL
> interpreter with special and very expensive skills be expected to
> transcribe course materials? Why not record and download via Dragon 9,
> or use a much cheaper note taker, or simply expect the university to
> provide much of the material electronically?
>
>
>
> John.
>
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Morris, Simon
> Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 10:03 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Transcription of course materials for BSL users
>
>
>
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> I need some urgent input on a case I am currently dealing with. I have
> a BSL user, who requested that he be able to access support from a Sign
> Language interpreter for the purpose of transcribing course materials
> into an accessible format. This support was agreed in February of this
> year.
>
>
>
> SFD Pilots have now reversed their decision and said that they won't
> support this application, as on reflection this is something the
> university should provide.
>
>
>
> I am stuck! Can anyone offer useful suggestions???......Please!
>
>
>
> Simon Morris
>
> Disability Adviser
>
>
>
> Tel: +44 (0)1642 342279
>
> Fax:+44 (0)1642 342289
>
>
>
>
>
> Adress: Disability Services
>
> Student Services
>
> Univeristy of Teesside
>
> Brough Road
>
> Middlesbrough
>
> TS1 3BA
>
>
>
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
> Website: www.tees.ac.uk/depts/studentservices/
>
>
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