What is Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA)?

Young Deaf people considering going to University may not really know where to start.....choosing the right course, choosing the University, leaving home for maybe the first time and on top of that - wondering how you will arrange BSL/English Interpreter and Notetaker support?!?

Well, terptree are here to help! Here is our no-nonsense guide to Disabled Students Allowance (DSA), which is the grant that is available to cover communication support for study in Higher Education.

Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is a form of benefit available to Deaf students in higher education. This includes university degree courses and postgraduate qualifications. If you are classed as disabled and need help to study because you are disabled you can apply for DSA. This includes Deaf people who might need an interpreter or a note taker, blind people who may need special speech to text software or support for students with dyslexia.

What does it pay for?

DSA can be used for the support mentioned before such as special computer software, note takers, lip speakers and British Sign Language/English interpreters. It may also be used for some equipment if this has been agreed in your assessment.

How much can you get?

The maximum DSA for university students is £15,390 a year (part time course) for interpreters or note takers and up to £5,161 for equipment for the whole course.

It is not available for further education students such as students aged 16 and above studying at colleges. For college students, the college is responsible for organising and paying for support for students. If you are at college, talk to your Disability or Access Officer to find out more.

How do you apply for DSA?

Talk to your Disability Adviser at your university or college. Ask them if you can apply. They can help you to fill out a form, called DSA1. They might be able to tell you how to apply for other money to help with your study too.

More Information

www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898

For support with this – please contact terptree at interpreting@terptree.co.uk

How to interview a Deaf person

This blog will give you some tips on the how to interview a Deaf person and ensure that the appointment goes as smoothly as possible. There is further information at the end so you can read about Access to Work, which is funding available from the government to help pay for communication support, flashing fire alarms and other types of equipment to ensure there are no health and safety issues and the Deaf person can fully participate in work.

Things to consider before the interview:

• Find out if the Deaf person needs an interpreter for the interview. They may prefer a different method of communication support such as a lip speaker.
• Contact terptree or another agency to book the support preferred. You may be able to get funding for an interpreter. Contact Jobcentre Plus and ask them about Access to Work funding (see below).
• Provide information to the interpreter about the job and the interview such as: the job description, person specification, the format of the interview, information about any tests that will be carried out and the interviews questions if possible.
• Ask the interpreter to arrive 15 minutes early so that you can talk to each other beforehand about the room set up such as seating and lighting.
• Let the receptionist know that a Deaf person is coming in to see you.

Things to consider during the interview:

• If you are using an interpreter or lip speaker, they will sit alongside you, opposite the Deaf person so that they can see you both. You will then be able to communicate more effectively.
• Don’t be concerned about eye contact and try to look at the Deaf person. They may be looking at the interpreter to see what is being said and they will look at you when possible. This may feel odd at first but they are not being rude.

• If the Deaf person does not use an interpreter or other method of communication support, speak clearly and clarify any information they may have missed.
• If communication is difficult do not be afraid to use a pen and paper or a computer screen to type on. The Deaf person in this instance maybe speaking for themselves so this is only a last resort if they find you difficult to lip read. This can happen with people with strong accents!

• It is useful to check that everything is set up well for the candidate

Further information

Access to Work -

www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347

For more support please contact interpreting@terptree.co.uk

How do you know if an Interpreter is registered?

Why do I need to check if an Interpreter is registered?

It is important to find out if an Interpreter is registered with the NRCPD (see below) so you know you are using a professional who has:

· Interpreter training

· A code of ethics – Interpreters have a duty to behave professionally such as being confidential

· A police check

· Professional insurance

· A complaints procedure – You can complain through the NRCPD if you think an Interpreter has behaved incorrectly. If you have a complaint, try to sort this out with the Interpreter first.

What is the NRCPD?

Before it was called CACDP but now the company is called Signature. Signature holds the register of Interpreters under the name NRCPD – National Registers of Communication Professionals with Deaf People.

How do you know if someone is on the register?

1) Ask to see their registration card:

There are now two levels of Interpreters:

RSLI – Registered Sign Language Interpreter

TSLI – Trainee Sign Language Interpreter

An RSLI is the highest level of Interpreter and must be used in appointments with the police, courts, tribunals, mental health and anywhere you need the highest qualified Interpreter. They should be used whenever there is an important meeting or other important booking.

2) Check the NRCPD website:

There are registration levels and contact details of all Interpreters on the register. You can follow the steps below to search the register:

· Go to www.nrcpd.org.uk

· Click ‘Search the Register’ (by the picture of a badge)

· Put an Interpreter’s surname into the first search box OR search by region for a list of all the Interpreters in that area

So remember it is your right to have a registered Interpreter. Check the NRCPD website or check for the Interpreter’s card!

terptree only use interpreters who are registered with NRCPD – to book and interpreter or find out more, contact interpreting@terptree.co.uk

How to write in Plain English

As a business, we get many requests from clients wanting to know how to make their information accessible for Deaf people.

Due to the grammatical differences between British Sign Language (BSL) and English, it can often be difficult for Deaf people to access information.

So, the helpful team at terptree have put together some guidance about writing in plain English.

What is plain English?

Plain English is a way of writing that is easier for people to understand. By practicing a few easy rules, you can write in a way that is easier for the reader to understand and helps to ensure that your message is understood by the reader. There is a campaign for Plain English and they have many free guides for improving your writing. This can be found on their website, www.plainenglish.co.uk

Why should you aim to write in plain English?

Writing in plain English is good practice regardless of your audience. It is especially important for people who are Deaf, whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL) and not usually English.

It does not just benefit Deaf people but good, clear English benefits everyone. Many people have hidden disabilities like dyslexia and may find large chunks of awkward text difficult to read. Additionally those with visual impairments would prefer plain English and those for whom English is a second language.

How do you write in plain English?

The guides on the website www.plainenglish.co.uk have a lot of information about how to replace difficult words and how you can improve your grammar to make your English easier to read. Here are a few easy pointers to start with to make your writing easier to read:

Keep it simple:

· Use simple sentences

· Don’t use jargon or overly difficult words

· Don’t use acronyms

· Be clear and concise

Know what you want to say and structure it well:

· Keep it short – have a few simple important points that you want to get across

· Use a well-structured document with clear paragraphs with only one or two per paragraph

· Use bullet points and other formatting to separate points and make text easier to read where necessary

Think about your reader:

· Are they Deaf?

· Do they use English as a second language?

· What do you know about them and their level of education or understanding?

· Write in a way that will be easier for them to understand

The easier your English is to read the more likely you will communicate your message. This causes less stress and saves time for both you and your reader which is something that can only be a good thing!

For support in making your information accessible, contact terptree at workplace@terptree.co.uk

Want to become a British Sign Language (BSL)/English Interpreter? Read on......

Have you ever considering training to become a British Sign Language (BSL)/English Interpreter? If that is you, this blog will answer all of those questions.....

Working as a BSL/English Interpreter

British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing people in a variety of settings such as health and social services, religious services, legal, police and court (criminal & civil), employment, further and higher education, arts, theatre and television.

BSL/English interpreters have high-level skills in two languages, English and BSL, which is now recognised as a language in its own right. Interpreters are trained in theoretical knowledge, language and practical interpreting. Interpreting involves listening carefully to, or watching the message, extracting the meaning and finding an appropriate way to express the message in the second language.

Interpreters may have to prepare any papers relevant to an assignment in advance. This allows them to search for specialist vocabulary and to familiarise themselves with the subject and the people involved, including, for example, minutes, agendas and summaries of speeches.

They must maintain confidentiality and impartiality, interpret everything that is said or signed, and will only give advice if it specifically relates to improving the communication process.

Working Environment

Hours are not fixed, but employed interpreters normally work a 35-hour week. However, due to the varied nature of the work, interpreters may be expected to work at night and at weekends.

Places of work vary greatly and interpreters work with a variety of people in many different situations. Locations may include schools, colleges or universities, health centres, residential homes, housing associations and voluntary organisations. Public service interpreting may also involve working in local government offices, hospitals, immigration centres, law courts, and prisons. Some posts may involve travelling and require a driving licence.

Advances in technology and the increasing use of video-telephony mean that Deaf people may be able to contact a BSL/English interpreter and access their services online, and at much shorter notice. Such advancements enable the interpreter to cover more assignments each day: for example, they can be booked for short meetings or consultations. Travelling is considerably reduced and interpreters may work from home or an office.

BSL/English Interpreter Related Skills

To be a BSL/English interpreter you should:

- have a good knowledge of the Deaf community

- Enjoy working with a range of clients

- Enjoy working as a part of a multidisciplinary team

- Have excellent spoken communication skills

- Have excellent BSL skills

- Have confidence when speaking in public

- Have integrity and a sense of responsibility

- Be able to maintain intense concentration and think rapidly

BSL/English Interpreter Career Opportunities

There is an increasing demand for BSL/English interpreters, particularly in such areas as further and higher education, employment, health and law.

People with relevant qualifications might work in organisations for Deaf people, or within social services departments, or they may be self-employed or work through an agency. Some interpreters enter careers in research.

The government has taken action to improve access to BSL, for example, by identifying and funding situations where it might be reasonable for employers and service providers to engage the services of a BSL/English interpreter.

terptree are run regular training events called 'How to be an interpreter' - the next date is April 2012, to find out more email training@terptree.co.uk

What is British Sign Language (BSL)?

We thought that a blog explaining exactly what British Sign Language is would be useful for those if you who are thinking about learning BSL.

Enjoy......

British Sign Language is a visual, spatial language that uses key features such as movement of the hands, body, face and head. It is estimated that over 70,000 Deaf people in the UK use British Sign Language as their first or preferred language. BSL was as an official language in 2003.

The difference between BSL and English

Contrary to belief, BSL is a completely different language from English. It has its own grammatical rules and structure and has the full ability to convey any concept or thought.

Example:

English - What is your name?
BSL - YOUR NAME WHAT

Due to the differences between the two languages, it is sometimes difficult for a Deaf person to understand written English, particularly if the document is lengthy, complex or full of jargon.

It is important when writing Policies, documents and even letters - that you use Plain English, so that it is easily accessible for Deaf people.

Sign Languages

Each country uses its own sign language that is based upon the cultures and traditions of that particular country. Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is estimated to be around 80% similar to BSL, but no two sign languages throughout the world are identical.

In the UK, there are many dialects used within Sign Language depending on which part of the country you are from. This is similar to regional dialects within spoken languages.

Changes in categories of Communication Professional with NRCPD

The National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind people (NRCPD) have announced that they are changing the structure of the registration categories for Communication Professionals that work with Deaf people, as a result of the Setting the Standard consultation.

NRCPD said "Our goal is to provide an easy to understand category structure with consistent standards and policies, so we will provide:

- One Registered category for individuals who have met the agreed safe to practice standards and in each of the six professions we regulate; and

- One Trainee category in each of these professions"

This is a positive decision and will hopefully de-mystify the registration categories for the Deaf community.

terptree recommend that Deaf people and interpreter service users ask to see the Communication Professional's ID (yellow card) to ensure that the individual is registered with NRCPD.

These ID cards will be replaced when the Communication Professional renews their registration with NRCPD, so until this time, you will see the following current categories:

Junior Trainee Interpreter

Trainee Interpreter (TI)

Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI)

Click here for some more detailed information and if you have any questions, get in touch with terptree at interpreting@terptree.co.uk