Latest news with #ASL
CNN
8 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Judge weighs push to require ASL interpreters at White House briefings
A federal judge grappled for over an hour on Wednesday with an effort to force the Trump administration to provide American Sign Language interpreters at White House press briefings. The case, brought by the National Association of the Deaf, alleges that, in failing to provide sufficient ASL interpretation, the White House is violating deaf Americans' rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from accessing 'critical information in real time.' US District Judge Amir Ali, one of former President Joe Biden's final appointees, did not immediately issue a ruling, but he appeared sympathetic to the group's arguments. Without live ASL interpretations readily available at White House briefings, NAD attorney Ian Hoffman argued, deaf Americans are 'deprived of their ability to participate in the democratic process.' The Biden administration had staffed all of its press briefings with qualified ASL interpreters, but that policy was discontinued by the Trump White House earlier this year. In court on Wednesday, the Justice Department argued that the current accessibility services offered by the administration — including live closed captions and written transcripts – are sufficient in providing the deaf community with 'meaningful access' to White House information. In briefings, the NAD had pushed back on this argument, asserting that ASL and English are distinct languages and that closed captioning is 'especially inaccessible to the many thousands of deaf persons fluent only in ASL.' Ali pressed Hedges about the utility of written transcriptions. 'How does it help to point to things that may not be adequate?' he said, asking why DOJ hadn't presented evidence to show that written means were sufficiently able to inform the deaf community. Hodges responded that the burden was on the plaintiffs to show that more thorough ASL translations were necessary and repeated her previous claim that the type of services provided should be at the discretion of the White House. The National Association for the Deaf also took aim at the first Trump administration in 2020 for its failure to provide ASL interpretation during important Covid-19 briefings. In that suit, a federal judge ordered the White House to provide in-frame videos of ASL interpreters during televised press events. In his ruling, US District Judge James Boasberg specifically clarified that written means such as transcripts and closed captions — the methods emphasized by the DOJ — 'may constitute a reasonable accommodation under some circumstances, but not here.' After Boasberg's order, the first Trump White House began providing ASL interpreters for all pandemic-related press events. When Biden took office in 2021, his administration expanded accessibility programs and began staffing all press briefings with ASL interpreters. But on the first day of his second administration, Trump halted the use of all ASL interpreters at White House briefings, prompting the lawsuit filed in May. The courtroom on Wednesday was flooded with members of the deaf community showing their support for the plaintiffs. ASL interpreters provided live translations throughout the duration of the nearly 90-minute hearing.
CNN
8 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
Judge weighs push to require ASL interpreters at White House briefings
A federal judge grappled for over an hour on Wednesday with an effort to force the Trump administration to provide American Sign Language interpreters at White House press briefings. The case, brought by the National Association of the Deaf, alleges that, in failing to provide sufficient ASL interpretation, the White House is violating deaf Americans' rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from accessing 'critical information in real time.' US District Judge Amir Ali, one of former President Joe Biden's final appointees, did not immediately issue a ruling, but he appeared sympathetic to the group's arguments. Without live ASL interpretations readily available at White House briefings, NAD attorney Ian Hoffman argued, deaf Americans are 'deprived of their ability to participate in the democratic process.' The Biden administration had staffed all of its press briefings with qualified ASL interpreters, but that policy was discontinued by the Trump White House earlier this year. In court on Wednesday, the Justice Department argued that the current accessibility services offered by the administration — including live closed captions and written transcripts – are sufficient in providing the deaf community with 'meaningful access' to White House information. In briefings, the NAD had pushed back on this argument, asserting that ASL and English are distinct languages and that closed captioning is 'especially inaccessible to the many thousands of deaf persons fluent only in ASL.' Ali pressed Hedges about the utility of written transcriptions. 'How does it help to point to things that may not be adequate?' he said, asking why DOJ hadn't presented evidence to show that written means were sufficiently able to inform the deaf community. Hodges responded that the burden was on the plaintiffs to show that more thorough ASL translations were necessary and repeated her previous claim that the type of services provided should be at the discretion of the White House. The National Association for the Deaf also took aim at the first Trump administration in 2020 for its failure to provide ASL interpretation during important Covid-19 briefings. In that suit, a federal judge ordered the White House to provide in-frame videos of ASL interpreters during televised press events. In his ruling, US District Judge James Boasberg specifically clarified that written means such as transcripts and closed captions — the methods emphasized by the DOJ — 'may constitute a reasonable accommodation under some circumstances, but not here.' After Boasberg's order, the first Trump White House began providing ASL interpreters for all pandemic-related press events. When Biden took office in 2021, his administration expanded accessibility programs and began staffing all press briefings with ASL interpreters. But on the first day of his second administration, Trump halted the use of all ASL interpreters at White House briefings, prompting the lawsuit filed in May. The courtroom on Wednesday was flooded with members of the deaf community showing their support for the plaintiffs. ASL interpreters provided live translations throughout the duration of the nearly 90-minute hearing.
Black America Web
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
‘Sinners' Max Debut Will Include First-Ever Black American Sign Language Interpretation
Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures / Sinners / Michael B. Jordan / Ryan Coogler Max is breaking new ground in accessibility and representation with the U.S. premiere of Sinners . The highly anticipated film, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, will be available to stream in two formats: the original theatrical version and a newly created version interpreted in Black American Sign Language (BASL). Read more inside. According to sources from The Hollywood Reporter , this marks the first time a major streaming platform has released a film with a BASL interpretation. BASL is more than some variation of American Sign Language (ASL). It's a rich, culturally specific dialect with its own grammar, rhythm, facial expressions, and historical significance. 'Sinners in BASL' represents a major step forward in inclusive storytelling by acknowledging and honoring the Black Deaf community's unique cultural identity. Interpreting the BASL version is Nakia Smith, a prominent voice in the Black Deaf community known for her advocacy and cultural fluency. Her performance brings a layered depth to the film's themes of identity, justice, and duality. The interpretation is directed by Rosa Lee Timm, who also helmed ASL versions of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and A Minecraft Movie . 'Accessibility within streaming is not a one-size-fits-all approach,' said Naomi Waibel, senior VP of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. Discovery to THR . 'Sinners with Black American Sign Language is an example of how culturally nuanced access can enrich the viewing experience for our audiences.' She emphasized that the BASL edition is not just about access, but it's about authenticity and creating a viewing experience that resonates with the specific cultural experiences of the Black Deaf community. Max previously offered ASL-interpreted versions of major titles like The Last of Us , Barbie , and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire . But the BASL version of Sinners sets a new precedent for streaming platforms looking to deepen inclusivity with intention and care. Written and directed by Coogler and produced by Proximity Media, Sinners features Jordan in a dual role and promises a gripping narrative rooted in emotional complexity. The addition of a BASL version not only increases access, but also reaffirms Warner Bros. Discovery's commitment to diverse, meaningful representation. On July 4, Sinners is set to spark more conversation as it heads to Max. It's not just about its storyline, but about the future of truly inclusive entertainment. SEE ALSO 'Sinners' Max Debut Will Include First-Ever Black American Sign Language Interpretation was originally published on
Glasgow Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
'Our teachers are working harder than ever'
I see this first hand through my own children's teachers, guiding and supporting them through exams and making sure they achieve their full potential in their exams. In the face of unprecedented challenges, our teachers have supported thousands of children across Glasgow, and we should be applauding their creativity, dedication, and commitment. Our teachers are working harder than ever to teach the increasing numbers of pupils needing extra support in the classroom. Audit Scotland found around 40% of Scottish pupils are now receiving additional support for learning (ASL), most of it delivered within mainstream schools. I believe that we need to rethink how we approach ASL and, rather than regarding the needs of pupils as "additional", see them for what they are - support needs that a significant proportion of the classroom population have. An approach that reflected this would involve ensuring every teacher is equipped to support kids with ASL - both in resourcing and training. Auditor General Stephen Boyle said: "The Scottish Government has failed to plan effectively for its inclusive approach to additional support for learning. "The report found only about 20% of schools have dedicated facilities for ASL pupils, and dealing with their needs was increasingly a core role for classroom teachers. "The inclusive approach had not been reflected in funding formulas, training, class sizes, or the design of school buildings," it added. Things are not getting easier for our children; the Glasgow Labour Group is deeply concerned and disappointed by the decision of the SNP-led City Administration to cut school librarian posts across the city as part of its wider budget reductions. This decision has seen 10 out of 14 librarian roles removed, leaving many of Glasgow's schools without the specialist literacy and learning support that pupils rely on. School librarians are essential educators who support young people in developing research skills, nurturing a love of reading, and helping close the attainment gap. Many of them also carry out roles which may not be captured in a job description or organogram. Pitching in on extracurricular activities, identifying children and young people who need support. They are a key part of the school community and cannot be removed without having a negative impact on that community. Removing these roles is a regressive step that may harm pupils' development, particularly those who already face disadvantage. Despite repeated warnings, the SNP administration pressed ahead with a so-called "service review" that was in effect a cover for cuts. The review dragged on for more than a year and was revealed only days before the summer holidays, avoiding meaningful scrutiny or engagement with schools, pupils, or parents. This decision further illustrates the SNP's disregard for Glasgow's education services and their ongoing failure to prioritise young people in this city. The SNP talk about equity and inclusion, but their actions undermine both. The Glasgow Labour Group will continue to stand up for our schools, our librarians, and the young people who deserve access to the opportunities that a properly supported education provides. These roles should have never been on the chopping block, and we will continue to fight for their restoration.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian schools to get more support teachers thanks to extra £1m funding
It comes amid a 'spike' in the numbers of pupils needing additional support in schools and to learn at home. An extra £1.3m has been awarded to West Lothian Council to help develop Additional Support Learning across schools from August. It will mean more teachers and support staff as well as more specialised training for teachers to work with children and young people. It comes amid a 'spike' in the numbers of pupils needing additional support in schools and to learn at home. Councillors across the chamber welcomed the extra funding which is part of a £1bn pot given to local authorities by the Scottish Government to boost Additional Support Learning in the new school year. In a report to the Education Policy development and Scrutiny Panel Kristyna Macsween, the council's Additional Support Needs and Inclusion Improvement Manager said: 'The Additional Support For Learning (ASL) Action Plan is already deep rooted in our Education Services and continues to be a high priority across all areas of education.' The additional funding has allowed the recruitment of five teachers as well as more school support staff. Other key improvements include:- Increasing teacher availability to support children and young people debilitated by mental health crisis and unable to attend school. Increasing nurture support and resources within schools with specific supports provided by educational psychology services and additional support needs service. National Autistic society training packages. Improved family engagement through the delivery of Early Bird parent programmes to help parents develop understanding of autism. The council has also recruited a Quality Improvement Officer to focus on developing Additional Support Learning across the schools estate, in primary, secondary and ASN schools. Councillor Pauline Orr said: 'Audit Scotland said there's a wide gap exists in attainment in those deemed to have Additional Support Needs and those who don't. How does the council measure the achievements? Ms Macsween said: 'We measure in a range of different ways across schools. We pay a lot of attention to the fact that some ASN learners progress in a different manner. We're not looking at academic success they are looking at confidence building, looking at what national approaches they can take. 'We are very cognisant of the fact that there is a gap that exists however it's about how that gap is seen,and for me it is about the measure of wider achievement is often much more important to out young people to give them access to future life chance and that's where our focus will always be. We go at their pace.' Answering a question from SNP depute leader Pauline Stafford on the growing number of ASN placements Ms Macsween said there was an increase 'year on year' of need in children and young people. She added: 'The level of need has significantly increased year on year we have seen a spike, with many factors around that. We are looking at the impact of Covid, the lack of socialisation. We have been working closely with NHS partners such as speech and language seeing that there is a deficit there as well. 'We are seeing an increase and we want to make sure we meet that need at all costs. Any decision is never around placement on a monetary decision it is taken on the needs of the pupils.' Councillor Orr thanked the team for their work and added: 'It's very welcome to see us going in such a constructive and positive direction.' Councillor Stafford said: 'It's really good to hear just how wide ranging support is for staff and learners, and also to hear the benefits of presumption of mainstream education. It is also a welcome boost to funding from the Scottish Government. Let's hope that's going to continue.' Chair of the PDSP Councillor Andrew McGuire added: 'I think the funding boost is very much welcome, and we are doing a lot with that money. 'It would be good to provide some permanency to that funding given the issues and the challenges that we face. We should encourage the Scottish Government to make sure that funding becomes permanent.'
