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Todays Local News for Logan Utah and Cache County
Preemptive measures have been taken to remedy the shortage of note-takers and sign language interpreters alleged in a pending lawsuit 12 current and former students have against Utah State University, officials say.
“It’s not like we weren’t putting in an effort before, but we’ve definitely made a more concerted effort,” said Angie Olsen, USU’s deaf services coordinator.
The complaining USU students, citing a lack of qualified interpreters and the university’s inability to provide adequate services for its deaf population, filed suit in May.
Since then, the Disability Resource Center has hired two full-time interpreters with national certification, and is interviewing for one more full-time position, Diane Baum, the center’s director said.
The school now has nine full- and part-time interpreters working for 15 deaf and hearing-impaired students, Olsen said.
After posting the positions more than a year ago, Baum said, “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven” when the hires were finally made. A national shortage of qualified interpreters was at the heart of the school’s inability to provide adequate services, she said.
“I think the biggest misconception is that it’s a money issue, but that’s not true” Olsen said. “The university has given us the funding, but we’re still looking to fill positions.”
Officials from the Disabilities Resource Center have also met directly with hearing-impaired students, looking for feedback. The meetings have sparked new programs and improved policies, Olsen said. End-of-semester evaluations from students indicate a change for the better, she said.
“We did struggle in the past,” she said, “but they’re recognizing our efforts.”
The suit against the university seeks further policy changes and compensation for money spent by students transferring to other, better-equipped schools.
Dale Boam, attorney for the plaintiffs, said the suit is “on the teetering edge of resolution.” He declined further comment until the case is completely resolved.
Preemptive measures have been taken to remedy the shortage of note-takers and sign language interpreters alleged in a pending lawsuit 12 current and former students have against Utah State University, officials say.
“It’s not like we weren’t putting in an effort before, but we’ve definitely made a more concerted effort,” said Angie Olsen, USU’s deaf services coordinator.
The complaining USU students, citing a lack of qualified interpreters and the university’s inability to provide adequate services for its deaf population, filed suit in May.
Since then, the Disability Resource Center has hired two full-time interpreters with national certification, and is interviewing for one more full-time position, Diane Baum, the center’s director said.
The school now has nine full- and part-time interpreters working for 15 deaf and hearing-impaired students, Olsen said.
After posting the positions more than a year ago, Baum said, “I thought I’d died and gone to heaven” when the hires were finally made. A national shortage of qualified interpreters was at the heart of the school’s inability to provide adequate services, she said.
“I think the biggest misconception is that it’s a money issue, but that’s not true” Olsen said. “The university has given us the funding, but we’re still looking to fill positions.”
Officials from the Disabilities Resource Center have also met directly with hearing-impaired students, looking for feedback. The meetings have sparked new programs and improved policies, Olsen said. End-of-semester evaluations from students indicate a change for the better, she said.
“We did struggle in the past,” she said, “but they’re recognizing our efforts.”
The suit against the university seeks further policy changes and compensation for money spent by students transferring to other, better-equipped schools.
Dale Boam, attorney for the plaintiffs, said the suit is “on the teetering edge of resolution.” He declined further comment until the case is completely resolved.