The partnership that helped Chloe achieve her zoology dream
When Chloe Beer from Durham crossed the stage at the University of Cumbria graduation ceremony this week, she was not celebrating alone.
Alongside family, friends and fellow graduates, she was also sharing the moment with British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter Andy Long. Originally from Glasgow and now living in Maryport, Andy’s dedication behind the scenes helped make every lecture, seminar and fieldwork experience throughout Chloe’s Zoology degree accessible.
For most students, lectures begin when they walk into the room. For Andy, they often started days earlier.
Preparing to interpret a specialist Zoology degree meant reading lecture materials in advance, studying scientific papers, working through recommended reading lists and researching complex biological terminology to accurately translate highly technical concepts into British Sign Language.
It is a level of preparation that many people never see, but one that demonstrates the expertise required to provide meaningful access to higher education.
“Interpreting is not simply translating words,” explains Andy. “It is understanding the subject well enough to communicate ideas, theories and scientific language accurately in a way that is meaningful and accessible.”
Throughout Chloe’s studies, subjects ranged from ecology and evolution to animal physiology, conservation biology and genetics, each bringing its own specialist vocabulary. Where established BSL signs did not exist for emerging scientific terminology, preparation became even more important. Andy would often fingerspell technical scientific terms before providing a BSL explanation of their meaning, helping Chloe understand both the concept and the terminology used within the discipline. For example, while studying dendrochronology and geomorphology during fieldwork in India, complex concepts were broken down into simpler visual explanations to support understanding while retaining academic meaning.
Working alongside Chloe and drawing on specialist resources used by Deaf professionals and interpreters, Andy researched agreed scientific signs, explored specialist BSL lexicons and discussed concepts to ensure terminology remained accurate, consistent and accessible throughout lectures, practical sessions and assignment discussions.
The result was more than interpretation, it was equal access to learning.
For Chloe, graduating with a Zoology degree represents years of determination, resilience and collaboration. Throughout her studies, she was supported by her tutor, William Hoppitt, who helped guide her academic journey.
“It shows what is possible when accessibility is treated as an essential part of education, rather than an afterthought,” she says.
The relationship between student and interpreter evolved into one built on trust, preparation and a shared commitment to academic success.
“Over the course, Andy has been so much more than my interpreter,” says Chloe. “We have worked side by side through every lecture, field trip and assignment. We built a strong bond based on trust and understanding, and I honestly could not have achieved this without his support. Sharing graduation day with him feels just as important as sharing it with my family because he has been such a big part of this journey.”
Every module required careful planning. Every practical session brought new challenges. Every assignment involved navigating complex scientific language while ensuring Chloe could fully engage with academic discussion and develop her own ideas.
The story also shines a light on the wider role of qualified BSL interpreters in higher education.
Behind every interpreted lecture are hours of unseen preparation, continual professional development and collaboration with students, academic staff and specialist resources to ensure learning remains accessible.
The University of Cumbria is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where students can thrive, recognising that success comes from removing barriers and enabling every learner to achieve their full potential.
As Chloe celebrates her graduation, her story is also one of partnership, perseverance and the power of inclusion. It reminds us that when universities invest in accessibility, they do not simply help students graduate. They help students realise their ambitions, pursue careers they are passionate about and inspire others.
WATCH: After graduation, Chloe and Andy discuss how they worked together at the University of Cumbria