When I was in college, interpreters were provided for me in my classes. However, they could not attend my study groups or projects that took place off-campus. These were not considered as paid Interpreter work so I would often find myself suggesting that we go to the campus library or the cafeteria when everyone else wanted to go to a local burger joint or a nearby popular coffee spot. Otherwise I did my best (worst??) trying to follow through with lip reading and struggling to not feel left out or lost. It was difficult for me as a Deaf student, especially when I had to do class-related observation requirements. For example, for Child Development classes, I had to visit and observe kindergarten classes that were located in another area. No interpreters were provided but luckily another student would join me and I was able to COPY HER NOTES TO FILL IN WHAT I HAD MISSED OUT ON. Wow, I worked so hard, eh? Not... At least, not in the aural/verbal areas that were included in the questions. Instead, I wrote down whatever visuals I could catch and see but verbal communications and the opportunity to engage in quick conversation with a professional employee, even by pen and paper, were superseded by the hearing classmate accompanying me who spoke. I often felt as though the employees saw me as one of their kindergarten students visiting their class! She cant talk! Poor little dear... Ugh. While chatting with a Deaf Canadian friend over Tim Hortons coffee and donuts late one night during my visit to Canada last May, my jaw nearly knocked over my cup of hot chocolate as it went careening to the floor when they casually told me that Interpreters joined them at all of their off-campus class study/work group sessions. I was beyond impressed! That has got to be one of the most beneficial aspects of having equal access in school ALL THE TIME, be it on-campus or off-campus! I have never experienced that before so my question is, is that just related to British Columbia, Canada (Vancouver/Vancouver Island to be more specific) and not in California/the United States? Or am I missing something here and theres a law (ADA??) that requires Interpreters to attend off-campus school-related sessions such as required observations and study groups and group project works that a Deaf student attends? (The school/s does indeed pay for the Interpreters, of course.) Comments, suggestions, ideas, knowledge, discussions... GO!
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 02:35:48 +0000