Manama: Jasour – News Desk
The Parliamentary Services Committee approved the proposal “in its amended form” regarding the provision of sign language interpreters for individuals with special needs in schools and universities. This provision follows the successful completion of training programs that ensure the professional competence of these interpreters. The proposal aims to enable students with special needs to receive a comprehensive and effective education, ensuring equality of educational opportunities among students.
It seeks to allow them to participate in classrooms without language barriers, enhancing their sense of belonging to their academic community and contributing to increased awareness and understanding of culture and diversity. This initiative also aims to reduce unemployment among job seekers proficient in sign language and address the significant shortage of sign language interpreters in academic institutions.
The Ministry of Education confirmed its dedication to providing care and educational services and developing appropriate plans and programs for individuals with special needs across various categories. This commitment is based on its responsibility outlined in Article 5 of the Education Law No. 27 of 2005, where the ministry pledges to provide the necessary care for individuals with special needs and integrate those capable of learning into public schools. The ministry clarified that translating sign language for individuals with hearing impairments is part of the responsibilities of special education teachers.
The application process for this position through the ministry is coordinated with the Civil Service Bureau according to announced standards and conditions, in addition to general requirements stipulated in the Civil Service Law and its executive regulations. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in special education in the following specialties: learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and giftedness and talent.
The ministry noted that it has provided 10 teachers to translate sign language for deaf students in high school and university levels. All of these teachers hold bachelor’s degrees in special education. In addition to their teaching duties, they translate the lessons presented by teachers of different subjects and the students’ interactions, aiming for maximum interaction between students with special needs, their teachers, and their peers.
The ministry also provides devices and assistive tools to enable this group to learn and offers the necessary facilities by placing them in special committees for exams. It has issued a sign language guide for Bahrain Scouts and organized various training courses in sign language through the Scouts and Guides Department, facilitating communication with these students. The ministry also implements awareness programs broadcasted on social media networks.
The Higher Education Council affirmed its dedication to making decisions in the best interest of students with special needs across various categories, as stated in Articles 55 and 65 of Decision No. 206 of 2023, which issued the regulations for higher education institutions. The council formed a field inspection team from the General Secretariat’s staff to ensure higher education institutions’ readiness to enroll students with special needs.
The council clarified that international experiences require a bachelor’s or diploma degree in education as a minimum qualification for the position of sign language interpreter in higher education institutions. Additionally, it requires a certification of professional practice as a “sign language interpreter” and sufficient experience in providing translation services to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, or the ability to convert lectures into sign language using educational software. The interpreter must be familiar with scientific and academic terminology and how to translate it into sign language.
Higher education institutions appoint sign language interpreters to facilitate the educational process, guide students to suitable specialties, help them develop their skills, and offer workshops and programs aimed at learning sign language. These services are part of an inclusive higher education framework. The application process for the position of sign language interpreter in government higher education institutions follows the announced conditions and standards of the Civil Service Law or the Labor Law in the private sector for positions in private higher education institutions.
