Frustrated!

[Reba]

That's not what I meant. With my vision they need to sit closer and avoid certain colors and excessive mouth movements. Sometimes they have a hard time with how I respond to things, like sometimes I get over stimulated and take off my glasses and hearing aids and just recollect myself for a minute. This irritates some of them (though I don't expect them to do anything when I do this).

Terps are human, so it can be irritating to feel that their efforts are being ignored. However, they have to learn to keep it to themselves. It's not a reflection on the terp's ability to keep the student's interest. If the lecture is boring, the instructor dry, the student tired or sick, etc., that's not the terp's responsibility. It's the terp's responsibility to interpret; it's the student's responsibility to either tend to the interpretation or not, and it's the instructor's responsibility to enforce classroom conduct rules (if there are any). Terps have to learn to set aside their egos and feelings in their work. It's not always easy but it's the only way to survive. :P

I have epilepsy and often have seizures, some of them find that difficult. It isn't of concern for them but many of them have a hard time with it regardless. I am not a difficult person, but have additional interpreting needs with my vision and seizures (like my short seizures they often hold the info for the 10 seconds during which I am having a seizure - though if they didn't want to that would be fine but they all do it).

The best thing to do is calmly discuss with the terps and instructor (privately) how they can best deal with your seizures. If you prefer that they just keep signing like nothing is happening, that's fine. Or, if you prefer, they "hold" that thought until you are ready to continue, that's fine, too. The main thing is to be clear with them so they know what to do without any awkwardness or surprises. With one-on-one interpreting this flexibility can be accomplished. Obviously, if there are other deaf students present in the same class then the terp needs to continue on.

Most situations can be worked out with a little patience and creativity.

 

[JennyB]

The best thing to do is calmly discuss with the terps and instructor (privately) how they can best deal with your seizures. If you prefer that they just keep signing like nothing is happening, that's fine. Or, if you prefer, they "hold" that thought until you are ready to continue, that's fine, too. The main thing is to be clear with them so they know what to do without any awkwardness or surprises. With one-on-one interpreting this flexibility can be accomplished. Obviously, if there are other deaf students present in the same class then the terp needs to continue on.

Most situations can be worked out with a little patience and creativity.

Yeah, I do this. I actually sit down with every terp and professor with my accessibility services counsellor to discuss such creative solutions. Some interpreters are more adaptable and willing than others. I have a few that are truly amazing with everything and try to stick with them, but that isn't always possible.

 

[Reba]

Yeah, I do this. I actually sit down with every terp and professor with my accessibility services counsellor to discuss such creative solutions. Some interpreters are more adaptable and willing than others. I have a few that are truly amazing with everything and try to stick with them, but that isn't always possible.

I'm glad that most of your terps have worked out for you.

 

[jillio]

I have looked into it. I applied and was accepted...I just have my community here, my apartment, my furniture my dogs, my job....everything. We also have some fantastic terps around here and most of them are good. I have 6 this term and 5 of them are awesome. Just that one...

I understand that a big change like that is a bit scary and unsettling. But consider this: you applied and were accepted to Gally. You are consistently experiencing problems with terps that would be non-existent at Gally. Education is important to you, and you are motivated to get your education not just for your benefit, but so that you will be able to give back. Maybe the door has already opened, and it is just waiting for you to walk through.

 

[JennyB]

I understand that a big change like that is a bit scary and unsettling. But consider this: you applied and were accepted to Gally. You are consistently experiencing problems with terps that would be non-existent at Gally. Education is important to you, and you are motivated to get your education not just for your benefit, but so that you will be able to give back. Maybe the door has already opened, and it is just waiting for you to walk through.

I also look at it like this - I have the resources and awareness to combat the issues at my University and the ability to "give back" by creating change in an inaccessible environment. My education in important but I am not rushing. This advocacy work is just as important, if not more as it will effect every Deaf student to come.

 

[somedeafdudefromPNW]

I also look at it like this - I have the resources and awareness to combat the issues at my University and the ability to "give back" by creating change in an inaccessible environment. My education in important but I am not rushing. This advocacy work is just as important, if not more as it will effect every Deaf student to come.

Spoken like a true disability advocate. Otherwise you would had just went to a Deaf-orientated school.

I have never really thought of things that way. Thanks for the insight!

 

[Grummer]

That is why deaf people are disabled, we get fucked over by ignorant institutions and greedy hearing people so called "professionals" just because they kno our language< why dont we all say fuck it< no more sign language lessons for you and withhold interpreter"s cert, diplomas and licence.
In the ideal world we deaf should be the one endorsing< licencing intepreters and controlling the panel for decisions who qualifies and have powers to revoke their licence should they arrogance, ignorance, and general 'controlling' crap attitudes be tarnish their so-called professionals standards. I think its time WE decide what is deemed as appropriate as interpreters.

 

[JennyB]

That is why deaf people are disabled, we get fucked over by ignorant institutions and greedy hearing people so called "professionals" just because they kno our language< why dont we all say fuck it< no more sign language lessons for you and withhold interpreter"s cert, diplomas and licence.
In the ideal world we deaf should be the one endorsing< licencing intepreters and controlling the panel for decisions who qualifies and have powers to revoke their licence should they arrogance, ignorance, and general 'controlling' crap attitudes be tarnish their so-called professionals standards. I think its time WE decide what is deemed as appropriate as interpreters.

The ITP in Toronto is largely taught and influenced by Deaf people.

 

[JennyB]

The ITP in Toronto is largely taught and influenced by Deaf people.

To add to this, I do agree. I also wish that the profession was regulated by a governing body. Here in Canada it isn't. The National association does do some stuff but it needs to be regulated. You should have to finish your ITP and pass the regulation bodies exam, and there should be a clear policy around unethical and unprofessional actions. I think this is vital to fixing many of the issues we experience.

 

[Grummer]

so problems runs deeper than that

 

[jillio]

I also look at it like this - I have the resources and awareness to combat the issues at my University and the ability to "give back" by creating change in an inaccessible environment. My education in important but I am not rushing. This advocacy work is just as important, if not more as it will effect every Deaf student to come.

Absolutely. You are combating the problems at the source. Very important work, as well. You are to be admired for your attitude and your responsibility to those who will follow behind you. I was just suggesting an alternative perspective if Gally was something you were considering.

 

[deafdyke]

I also look at it like this - I have the resources and awareness to combat the issues at my University and the ability to "give back" by creating change in an inaccessible environment. My education in important but I am not rushing. This advocacy work is just as important, if not more as it will effect every Deaf student to come.

Good point. On the other hand...if you go to Gally, it's gonna be easier to network and thus get jobs and stuff like that. It can be a bugger finding jobs in the mainstream. You can always do a semester "abroad" at Gally maybe?

 

[Bear]

Good points! I am a student at Bowling Green State University at the Firelands Campus. And their student AND disability services is wonderful. My college is absolutely fantastic at providing services not only for the handicapped students but for their other students as well. I wish all colleges were as involved with their students as mine is.

They provide free tutoring to all students in all subjects. They provide one on one help for all students in their classes if needed. They even provide free food and things to us at times, which is teacher sponsored and ran by the teachers!

Today they are having all day tutoring sessions in preparation for the midterms with free food provided.

Their disability services are the best!! They provided me with a notetaker, a signer, and cart services for ALL of my classes! Plus, I get take my tests in the Learning Center instead of in the classrooms with the rest of the students. And they constantly ask if there is anything more I need help with!! I wish all hearing colleges were as good as mine!

 

[Reba]

Good point. On the other hand...if you go to Gally, it's gonna be easier to network and thus get jobs and stuff like that. It can be a bugger finding jobs in the mainstream. You can always do a semester "abroad" at Gally maybe?

Good points. Maybe JennyB could take a special summer semester course, or later do post-grad work at Gally?

Education doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" proposition at any one college.

 

[Lighthouse77]

Is Gally recognizable in Canada? I mean, will jobs will take her gally degree acceptable in Canada?

 

[shel90]

Is Gally recognizable in Canada? I mean, will jobs will take her gally degree acceptable in Canada?

Many Canadians went to Gallaudet. I know one American who graduated from Gallaudet and now is living in Canada working as an educator.

 

[somedeafdudefromPNW]

Is Gally recognizable in Canada? I mean, will jobs will take her gally degree acceptable in Canada?

It depends on what job you're going into. If you go to University of Lethbridge for a teaching degree, then everyone knows about it. If you go to Gallaudet for a Deaf-related study, then specialists in that field would know about it.... if you become an enviromental engineer at University of Alberta-- people will know about it.

However you do something like take journalism at the University of Northern BC instead of University of Regina, bosses might be wondering why you didn't go into a specialized school.

So it's all relevance to why you're going to these institutes. I would imagine if you want to go to into what Canadians call "special education" or "cultural studies," then Gallaudet would be recognized. However since JennyB is a disability and Deaf advocate, Gallaudet or any Deaf-related schools would be recognized in her field.

 

[jillio]

Good points! I am a student at Bowling Green State University at the Firelands Campus. And their student AND disability services is wonderful. My college is absolutely fantastic at providing services not only for the handicapped students but for their other students as well. I wish all colleges were as involved with their students as mine is.

They provide free tutoring to all students in all subjects. They provide one on one help for all students in their classes if needed. They even provide free food and things to us at times, which is teacher sponsored and ran by the teachers!

Today they are having all day tutoring sessions in preparation for the midterms with free food provided.

Their disability services are the best!! They provided me with a notetaker, a signer, and cart services for ALL of my classes! Plus, I get take my tests in the Learning Center instead of in the classrooms with the rest of the students. And they constantly ask if there is anything more I need help with!! I wish all hearing colleges were as good as mine!

Yep. Bowling Green is known for their excellent disability services. They are second only to Wright State.

BTW, great to know that you are in school! Good for you.

 

[jillio]

Good points. Maybe JennyB could take a special summer semester course, or later do post-grad work at Gally?

Education doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" proposition at any one college.

Yes. Gally has excellent summer semester courses. And a lot of them are conducted as seminar classes, so you don't have to be there for the whole semester.

 

[JennyB]

Good points. Maybe JennyB could take a special summer semester course, or later do post-grad work at Gally?

Education doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" proposition at any one college.

I have considered it for grad school. My program is Linguistics and they don't have an undergrad program in that. My option would be CSUN. I would have to change my program if I went there and I am not sure I want to do that too.