A Specialist Support Professional (SSP) can provide a wide range of support for Deaf students in higher education, though it is important to understand their role and limitations. Below are some areas where an SSP can assist:
Interpreting assignment instructions and briefs: While the SSP can interpret instructions and briefs to an extent, they are not subject specialists and may miss the nuances of the subject. A student needs to have a basic understanding from the tutor, which can then be explored with an interpreter in a tutorial session.
Planning ideas for written work: The SSP can offer some guidance, but the ideas are ultimately the student’s responsibility. There can be an expectation that the SSP will take responsibility for the essay plan, but this is not correct.
Practising strategies for research: The SSP can assist here, supporting the development of research strategies.
Extracting and recording notes from research: This is the responsibility of the student, with support available from the learning centre. Research should be directly aligned with the focus of the assignment, which is driven by subject knowledge that the SSP does not possess. Tutor-based tutorials with an interpreter are a helpful resource here.
Referencing skills: An SSP can support referencing, though the learning centre is also a valuable resource in this area.
Structuring assignments: To an extent, the SSP can help structure assignments by interpreting the assignment brief. However, subject-specific guidance from the tutor is also recommended.
Developing academic writing: The SSP can offer support in academic writing, but this will depend on the student’s existing English language skills. The learning centre, along with an interpreter, can provide more specific assistance.
Understanding academic language (general, not subject-specific): SSPs can assist with generic academic language, but this is where teaching roles overlap. Technical tutorials with an interpreter can provide more in-depth support.
Using notes from lectures: The SSP can interpret notes, but this will be their interpretation of the subject, of which they are not an expert. This may not fully capture the depth of the lecture material.
Developing proofreading skills: The student’s competencies with English language and grammar will determine the level of support the SSP can offer. Further assistance can be obtained from the learning centre.
Checking work in line with learning criteria: An SSP can help with checking work against the learning criteria, but this should also be reviewed by the tutor with an interpreter present, as learning criteria are module-specific.
Interpreting tutor feedback: An SSP can interpret tutor feedback, but for subject-specific or technical feedback, the tutor’s clarification may be needed.
Communicating with tutors/support services: An SSP can assist with communication with tutors and support services, ensuring the student has access to necessary resources.
Support with accessing material: The SSP can guide the student in accessing material, but they do not have direct access to internal Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) systems within the University. VLEs are online platforms used by educational institutions to deliver and manage course content, assignments, and resources. The role of the SSP becomes more about asking questions regarding what the university has available within the VLE and where it can be found.
