Deaf Understanding of Sign Language.

Abstract

In this article the author maintains that deaf Spanish youngsters do not enjoy equal rights within the educational system, despite laws on equal opportunities for all and their right to interpretation. The author discusses educational modules and the training of interpreters, the quality of interpretation and the influence interpretation has on the performance of students at different school levels. The author makes references to numerous studies when she focuses specifically on higher education and compares the situation of deaf and hearing students in different disciplines. She confirms that interpretation alone does not ensure equal access to information – in this case data, general knowledge and academia.

Keywords: sign language, Spain, deaf people, hearing people, university studies