Social Support at College
Are interpreters funded to provide social support?
What happened at lunchtimes and break times?
Is there any provision for a deaf students’ social group?
What social support is on offer at College?
Beyond activities arranged by students themselves with classmates and friends, the Students Union generally takes on the role of organising regular social and recreational activities at College for students. Sports and exercise programmes may also be on offer. Departments may also organise activities for students such as Christmas parties, or trips which involve study and recreation.
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Are interpreters funded to provide social support?
No, interpreters are generally not funded by SAAS to provide social support. However, if the provision of an interpreter is vital to accessing social activities it is always worth asking if funding can be sought. The college might make a local arrangement to provide support through hardship funds for example.
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Who can help students in building a social life?
Mentoring schemes are sometimes organised by Colleges to provide support for new students. Buddy schemes are also often provided by D/deaf and hard of hearing organisations. If there are deaf organisations in the local area it is likely that they hold a list of schemes to support deaf and hard of hearing people engage in social activities.
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What happens at lunchtimes and break times?
Generally students make their own arrangements at lunch and break times. Interpreters are not generally paid at these times, and will need a break themselves.
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How can social inclusion between deaf and hearing students be encouraged?
Some Colleges provide Deaf Awareness and an introduction to BSL training to hearing students which may enable basic communication and lead to further study for some hearing students. An investigation of what entertainment is on in a local area may offer a range of activities for both deaf and hearing students. These may include: subtitled cinema listings, festivals, signed theatre performances.
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Is there any provision for a deaf students’ social group?
Some Colleges may have a deaf students social group which meets at regular intervals. This group may be organised by the College or by deaf students themselves. back to top |
