Equestrian rider denied interpreter

[Miss-Delectable]

Equestrian rider denied interpreter - Campus

Jena Richards' appeal for an interpreter continues but administrators have been unresponsive so far.

Richards, a deaf member of the University of Kentucky equestrian team, appealed directly to UK President Lee Todd after the Disability Resource Center denied her request for an interpreter this fall.

"The University is responsible for providing equal opportunity. Those interactive discussions are ongoing," said UK spokesman Jimmy Stanton.

While Todd has not made a decision, Richards said she is patient.

Richards met with Patty Bender, assistant vice president of equal opportunity for the Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity department, but said no progress was made.

Bender declined to comment, because the DRC could not comment on individual cases, said UK spokeswoman Gail Hairston.

Richards said the meeting did not end well.

"We were not prepared and I did not know what to expect from this meeting. I was too angry and hurt because, according to her, I'm not deaf," Richards said. "Hopefully this next meeting I'm trying to set up will prepare us better for such ignorance."

 

[IslandBreeze07]

Interpreter for what?

I ask because those teams compete in shows between schools, mostly like sporting events. It sounds like UK would have denied an interpreter for any sporting events. Most of the key information is between team member and the coach, team meetings etc. I am sorry but I am not seeing why an interpreter is so neccessary in this.

I've been fortunate to go to RIT. When I played ice hockey for RIT, the coach did not really know much sign and was open to having deaf players on the team. Follow his instructions and have fun on the ice!

I also had the oppty to be on the Purdue University's Polo Team that competed in chukkers in Indiana and Illniois. I was not allowed to play in official chukkers (matches) because I was not a student at the school but hey, I had a great time and gained few good friends. I got to play polo for the year I was there. Interpreter? Nah. No need for it.

Then again, that's just me......!

 

[shel90]

Probably need a terp for the meetings? I played college softball and never had a terp but I do wonder if I missed out a lot that could have helped me to be a better pitcher..like techniques and stuff?

 

[Byrdie714]

Interpreter for what?
I ask because those teams compete in shows between schools, mostly like sporting events. It sounds like UK would have denied an interpreter for any sporting events. Most of the key information is between team member and the coach, team meetings etc. I am sorry but I am not seeing why an interpreter is so neccessary in this.

I've been fortunate to go to RIT. When I played ice hockey for RIT, the coach did not really know much sign and was open to having deaf players on the team. Follow his instructions and have fun on the ice!

I also had the oppty to be on the Purdue University's Polo Team that competed in chukkers in Indiana and Illniois. I was not allowed to play in official chukkers (matches) because I was not a student at the school but hey, I had a great time and gained few good friends. I got to play polo for the year I was there. Interpreter? Nah. No need for it.

Then again, that's just me......!

Maybe she wants an interpreter to interpret what the horse is saying?

 

[Dennis S.]

The point isn't whether WE or the school think she needs an interpreter, if SHE believes she needs an interpreter to be equal to her hearing teammates and perform equally, then she should be able to get one!

I know CSUN will provide interpreters for school-related events, I know they did for one deaf football player before they got rid of the football team. I'll have to see if one of the girls who played water polo got interpreters as well.

Kenny Walker got interpreters for his college football career, before going on to the NFL.