Deaf News: Student with Deaf parents allegedly told interpreters won’t be provided for graduation

Update: Shortly after we posted this story, the university agreed that an interpreter would be provided. More details below.

A Birmingham City University student has allegedly been told that the institution will not provide a BSL interpreter for her graduation, even though her parents are profoundly Deaf BSL users.

Nancy Howell, who is set to graduate with a degree in child nursing later this month, said in a post on Facebook that she is “devastated and actually really upset” by the decision and that it is “essentially ruining the whole day and experience for me”.

Speaking to The Limping Chicken, she said: “Two months ago, when graduation places were announced I contacted the university to put this into place.

“I didn’t hear anything back, but when I checked online they had replied without directly contacting me. I was told to contact the venue.

“I did this and the venue said it was not their responsibility and that the university should organise this.

“I re-contacted them and waited a week for a response, to which I was told they would not supply an interpreter for me, but they have a link for hearing aids.

“My mum and dad do not use hearing aids as they are profoundly deaf. It is now two weeks until my graduation and at the moment, my mum and dad have no access to enjoy the ceremony and celebrate my graduation with me like my colleagues’ relatives can.”

Facebook users are now responding to an appeal for someone to interpret at the event.

In a section of the university’s website about graduations, Birmingham City University says: “Graduates who have additional support requirements should notify us of these while registering for the ceremony.

Wheelchair positions, BSL interpreters and other services will be arranged as required.”

UPDATE:

Shortly after this post was added to the site, Nancy told us: “After speaking to you, a lecturer at the university has contacted me and the relevant teams to in fact ensure a interpreter will be available, as well as the post being seen by the university social media communications team on Twitter and the student union team on Facebook. I have now been called by university who are happy to offer this service!”

The university gave us an updated statement on Tuesday 10th July:

“An unfortunate misunderstanding between the University and the venue for our graduation ceremonies only came to light during an award ceremony planning meeting on Monday 9 July.

 

“The University immediately contacted the student to resolve this issue and we can confirm that we have arranged for a BSL interpreter to be present at her graduation ceremony.

 

“To avoid any doubt going forward, we are considering providing a BSL interpreter at all future ceremonies.”

By Liam O’Dell