As a SASL Interpreter at Belgium Campus, your primary responsibility is to provide interpretation between South African Sign Language (SASL) and English, ensuring effective communication for Deaf students and staff across a variety of settings. Your role is critical in fostering an inclusive learning and working environment where Deaf students and staff have equal access to all aspects of campus life.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Classroom and Meeting Interpretation:

• Provide SASL interpretation during lectures, faculty meetings, and class discussions to ensure Deaf students can actively participate.
• Facilitate communication for Deaf students and staff in formal settings such as:
  • Faculty-related meetings with Deaf lecturers.
  • Student disciplinary meetings and hearings.
  • Counselling sessions and academic consultations.
  • Social events, including project demonstrations.
  • Institutional meetings (e.g., AIT Meetings)
• Provide internal interpretation services for Deaf staff members as needed.

2. Lesson Preparation and Coordination:

• Work closely with lecturers and other interpreters to prepare for lessons by reviewing study materials.
• Co-Interpreter in class observations
• Collaborate with lecturers, management, and peers to ensure seamless communication support during lectures and other academic activities.

3. Support for Deaf Students:

• Assist in identifying Deaf students who may face learning challenges or who are at academic risk.
• Work with management and lecturers to create strategies that support Deaf students in overcoming potential learning barriers.
• Provide continuous support to students, ensuring that their academic needs are met through effective communication.

4. Development of SASL Resources:

• Collaborate with fellow interpreters to maintain and develop a database of subject-specific SASL signs.
• Participate in creating signed video content for course materials, textbooks, and assessments to enhance learning for Deaf students.

5. Administrative and Examination Support:

• Assist with administrative duties related to Deaf student support, such as invigilating exams and tests to ensure they are conducted fairly (Only applicable to the tests and exams written by the d/Deaf students)

6. Participation in Institutional Functions:

• Provide SASL interpretation at official Belgium Campus events such as graduations, open days, career days, academic openings, and other institutional activities where Deaf students, staff, or guests are involved.
• Academic Functions purely work, however, events and functions where the interpreter is required to participate as an employee, an external non-BCi interpreter must be hired.

7. Professional Development and Awareness Promotion:

• Engage in continuous personal development through ongoing training and education to maintain a high standard of interpreting.
• Support institutional awareness of Deaf culture by promoting inclusive practices and educating the campus community about Deaf issues and SASL.

8. Technical and Administrative Requirements:

• Equipment:
  • Ensure all necessary interpretation equipment, such as headsets and microphones, is available, properly maintained, and in working order for meetings, classes, and events.

9. Continuous Learning and Development:

• Stay up to date with new developments in SASL interpretation and Deaf education.
• Engage in relevant training opportunities and contribute to the overall improvement of SASL services on campus.
• Promote awareness of Deaf culture across the institution, providing insights and training where necessary to enhance the learning environment for Deaf students and staff.