Deaf News: #WhereIsTheInterpreter reaches fundraising goal as campaign hits £20,000 target

An online fundraising campaign for #WhereIsTheInterpreter has today reached its target of £20,000 to challenge the UK Government’s refusal to provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter for its coronavirus briefings.

The page was launched on JustGiving to coincide with founder Lynn Stewart-Taylor’s Deaf Walk, which took place in October.

Commenting on the achievement, Lynn said it was “amazing news” at the end of this year’s Sign Language Week.

“After a fantastic year of fundraising, I have been very impressed by the creativity and levels of commitment shown by everyone when it came to fundraising. I’m really proud that we have managed to reach the final target.

“Thank you to Sign Solutions and many other charities and individuals such as [Royal Association of Deaf people], DM Raffle, Give Us The Sign Choir, deaf individuals and hearing allies.

“This is the one incredible moment I will never forget. Thank you,” she said.

The news comes just weeks after a High Court judge granted permission for a judicial review on #WhereIsTheInterpreter to go ahead.

A date for the hearing is yet to be confirmed.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.