Reflection on the fake interpreter at the Nelson Mandela

Headlines in the UK have recently reported the bizare story of a fake sign language interpreter during the Nelson Mandela memorial.

I feel news has already covered many topics on this recent news. I'm not going to contribute to any speculations on who the interpreter is or anything about the secruity breach.

No, I am more interested in the response by the audience. Here are some facts.

• Despite the news story being relevant to a Deaf community, no subtitles are features on the relevant videos related to articles found on large news sites.
• During a radio interview, the interviewer asked the Deaf community to phone and give their views.
• Sign Interpretation has been given a spotlight. More people have become aware of sign interpreters.

 I feel perhaps, if any good can come of this, there should be a movement to give more access to a minority of people. The Deaf communicate in many different ways. In the UK, there is the technology. Sign interpretation and subtitles should be available for the Deaf.