Contextual Background: While facilitating a media workshop, I was informed less than 24 hours before that a student was deaf. Despite making last-minute adjustments, the situation revealed that the student’s needs could have been addressed more effectively with advance notice, highlighting a gap in managing individual requirements.
Evaluation: Although I made efforts to include subtitles and provide a translator for the deaf student, there were limitations in the approach. I couldn’t ascertain if the translator was conveying all relevant information accurately through British Sign Language (BSL). Additionally, the YouTube subtitles were often out of sync or inaccurate, and in parts of the video that were montages without dialogue, the lack of spoken content posed further challenges. These factors may have restricted the student’s ability to fully engage with the workshop, highlighting the need for more tailored and precise accommodations to support students with specific needs effectively.
Moving Forward: To address the challenges faced and enhance support for students with specific needs, the following measures can be implemented:
- Pre-Workshop Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of individual student needs before the workshop. Gather information about any disabilities or specific requirements to plan appropriate accommodations in advance, rather than dealing with them reactively.
- Detailed Transcripts: Provide printed transcripts of all video content and spoken material. This ensures that students who rely on written text can access accurate information, particularly during parts of the workshop where video content lacks dialogue or where subtitles may be insufficient.
- Enhanced Subtitling: Ensure that all video content includes accurate and synchronised subtitles. Regularly review and update subtitles to reflect the actual content of the videos, and consider using professional captioning services to improve accuracy.
- Translator Coordination: Check in with the translator before the workshop to discuss any specific requirements or challenges related to the content. This allows the translator to be prepared and ensures they can convey all relevant information effectively through British Sign Language (BSL).
- Flexible Delivery Methods: Design workshops with a range of delivery methods to cater to diverse learning needs. This might include providing visual aids, interactive elements, and alternative formats to accommodate various preferences and requirements.
By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that workshops are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all students, reducing the likelihood of unexpected challenges and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the educational experience.