What Jincy Brings to the Table

By: Talia Smith

Jincy Roberson’s favorite part of her work day at Holt Elementary School in Eugene, Oregon is American Sign Language (ASL) story time with deaf and hard-of-hearing kindergarten and first grade students. She loves that she can “just sit, read and sign” with no voice. She enjoys seeing the children laugh at her exaggerated facial expressions and signs.

Earlier in the work day, Roberson can be found helping her students with reading, writing and math. She provides clarification in ASL, often drawing pictures to elaborate concepts where sign is not enough. The most important lesson Roberson imparts on her students is self-advocacy, something she learned for herself in culinary school.

“It was significantly challenging,” said Roberson. “It was the first time I had to stand up for myself and for what I believe in and also my accessibility.”

When Roberson was 25, she applied to culinary school in Portland, Oregon, mentioning nowhere on the application she was deaf. Once accepted, she informed the administrators that she was going to need interpreters. Though reluctant for financial reasons, the school hired an interpreting agency.

At the end of Roberson’s first class, the director of the program asked if she could do without an interpreter. Roberson said she was more accommodating at the time and agreed to try for her next two-week class.

The instructor provided notes to follow, but Roberson quickly realized she was missing key information discussed in classroom conversation. After two weeks, Roberson confirmed that she needed an interpreter to fully understand and experience her classes.

She approached the director of the program and demanded interpreting services for the rest of her education.

“I knew they didn’t want to get interpreters for me because they were hoping I would just quit,” said Roberson.

Roberson had the support of her teachers and fellow chefs. One chef made her promise not to quit and in return promised to help her fight for her right to be there. After two years, Roberson graduated in the top four of her class, finishing with a 4.0 GPA.

Johanna Larson, ASL professor at University of Oregon and Roberson’s former interpreter said Roberson’s ability to fight for her rights and have others recognize the fight was significant.

“Jincy has the ability to navigate between all worlds and live the fullest life that I have seen anybody live,” said Larson.

Roberson took the lessons from this life event from the kitchen to the classroom. She offers her students advice through personal stories, even drawing them out on several feet of paper if necessary. Her goal is to equip the next generation of deaf students with the knowledge they need to succeed.