Barriers to Inclusivity: Sign Language Interpreters’ Challenges at Higher Education Institutes

This study examines the challenges faced by the sign language interpreters in fulfilling their role and responsibilities to deal with the students with hearing impairment (SWHI) at higher educational institutions. The research aims to identify the barriers to inclusion for students with hearing impairments in higher education and the role of sign-language interpreters in overcoming these challenges. The study population comprises all sign-language interpreters working at higher education institutions in the district of Lahore. The data was collected from five interpreters of public and private universities using semi-structured interviews. The study finds out that there are several obstacles faced by the interpreters in educating the students with hearing impairments challenged and communication deficient students, such as prevailing unacceptance ratio of fellow teachers and the students and lack of administrative support in this regard at large. It also highlighted the importance of knowledge, dedication, and commitment for sign-language interpreters and the need for institutional support, materials, and methods to guarantee their success.