British Sign Language student shines on screen on national TV broadcast

The British Sign Language (BSL) team at the University is proud to celebrate the achievements of Olivia Jordon‑Caws, a Level 6 Interpreting Pathway student who is excelling during her professional work placement with Red Bee Media in London.

Red Bee Media is the UK’s leading provider of in‑vision signing for major broadcasters, including the BBC. During her placement, Olivia has had the opportunity to apply her academic training in a real broadcast environment by contributing to in‑vision interpreting for BBC Newsround, a widely recognised programme for young audiences.

Olivia’s accomplishments carry particular significance as she is making history as the first Deaf student to graduate from the University of Wolverhampton’s BA Interpreting pathway and the first Deaf graduate of any BA-level interpreting programme in the UK. Her success demonstrates the growing visibility, influence, and expertise of Deaf professionals within the interpreting sector.

Reflecting on her time at the University, Olivia said:

“Doing the BA Interpreting degree as a Deaf student at the University of Wolverhampton has been empowering, taught by an amazing team of lecturers.”

She added:

“I am also incredibly grateful for the opportunity to complete a work placement with Red Bee Media, supported by two wonderful supervisors.”

The Interpreting Pathway at the University of Wolverhampton has a long-standing commitment to providing students with meaningful industry experience through professional placements. These placements help students understand the realities of interpreting and translation work, build confidence, and transition effectively into employment, particularly important for Deaf interpreters, whose presence strengthens the profession and contributes to a more inclusive future.

“We are delighted to see Olivia going from strength to strength,” said Sandra Pratt, BA Course Leader of the BSL Interpreting programme. “Her passion, professionalism, and dedication exemplify the values of our programme and the empowering role of Deaf professionals within the interpreting sector. Olivia is not only succeeding in her own career - she is inspiring others to follow.”

Olivia’s success highlights the University of Wolverhampton’s ongoing commitment to Deaf inclusion, professional development, and excellence in BSL interpreting education, ensuring that future generations of interpreters and translators are skilled, confident, and ready to contribute to the communities they serve.

Photo caption: Olivia provides to in‑vision interpreting for the Newsround coverage of the Milan Cortina Olympic Games