*** Easing degree rules for sign language interpreters | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Easing degree rules for sign language interpreters

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Responding to a shortage of sign language interpreters in schools and universities, Parliament will on Tuesday weigh up whether to drop degree requirements and instead train interpreters through hands-on programmes.

The proposal, originally put forward by MP Ahmed Al Salloom, aims to clear a path for more people with sign language skills to work in education while making classrooms more accessible for students with hearing impairments.

The Services Committee, after going through the plan, gave it the green light, saying the move would help fix the shortfall without lowering standards.

Rather than insisting on a university degree, the plan would bring in training courses to ensure interpreters pick up the know-how they need.

The Ministry of Education says it already does its bit to support students with disabilities under the Education Law of 2005.

At the moment, sign language interpretation is handled by special education teachers, who must have a degree in specialized fields.