What is the Crucial Role of Interpreters in the Classroom? Part 1
Join us for a two-part video series that will explore the vital role that Sign Language interpreters play in the classroom.
In part one of the series, LAF SLS Interpreter Supervisor, Lillah Harris, explains the vital role educational interpreters play in providing communication access, fostering academic success, and facilitating social integration.
I'm very happy to discuss an important topic with you today, which is, "What is the role that interpreters play for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the classroom?".
If you are an administrator, a teacher, or even the parent of a deaf and hard-of-hearing student, you know that they face many unique challenges that are not limited to communication barriers in the classroom.
This two part series will explore reasons why Sign Language interpreters are essential for the education and the well-being of the deaf students that they work with.
To begin, the first reason that Interpreters play a crucial role is because they provide seamless communication access to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. They facilitate effective communication between both the deaf students and their peers and their teachers. They are able to translate spoken language into sign language and vice versa.
And so essentially they work for everyone involved in the classroom setting.
They are able to ensure that the deaf student can fully participate in classroom discussions, understand lectures and teaching, and also to express their ideas and their thoughts effectively.
The second way that interpreters play a very vital role is by encouraging their students' academic success. Interpreters enhance the educational
experience for everyone involved, ensuring that the deaf student has
equal access to their education. This inclusive environment fosters academic success because it will boost the student's confidence, and it will encourage them to participate fully in the learning process.
The third way that interpreters play a crucial role with deaf students in the classroom is by encouraging social integration. Again, as they serve as a bridge between the deaf student and their hearing peers, they're able to help the student to establish meaningful connections. They are able to help the student to engage with their peers, to participate in group activities, and to really forge important friendships that will help them to be successful in their school community.
Be sure to stay tuned for part two of this series, where we'll discuss two more ways that interpreters play a very crucial role in educating deaf and hard of hearing students.