Burlington Trolley Adds Sign Language Interpreter to Local Tour
Brittney Lipson organizes an inclusive outing to bridge the gap between the deaf community and local businesses.
By Riya Zhao ·
The deaf population in the Burlington area is small, a fact Brittney Lipson learned after moving to Vermont three and a half years ago. She arrived to pursue a PhD at the University of Vermont and to teach American Sign Language. Lipson, who is in her thirties, lost her hearing after an illness at age 3. A recent visit from a hearing friend highlighted a gap in her experience. "I realized I was missing out on something," Lipson said.
Lipson is now organizing an event to improve accessibility and raise awareness. She has partnered with Burlington Trolley Tours to host an hour-long tour of the city on Friday, November 6. The tour will include an ASL interpreter. "Many people are afraid or don’t know how to interact with deaf people, so I’m hoping this will be an eye-opener and bring some light," Lipson said.
Operator Hannington Kasagga will narrate the tour while the interpreter relays the information. Lipson expects the trolley to stop at various locations around town. She aims to show business owners that deaf people live and work in Burlington. This visibility could lead to more accommodating practices. Businesses might hire interpreters for their own events. Alternatively, staff can learn a few basic signs. "Deaf people are customers, too," Lipson wrote in an email.
Several people have already signed up for the tour, and room remains for more participants. Tickets cost $35. Lipson is one of four ASL instructors at UVM. She hopes the program will grow. Her classes often include hearing students who want to learn basic ASL or become interpreters. Lipson said her work at the university inspired the trolley event.
"I want people to get an understanding of how to work with deaf people," Lipson said. "That’s really what our goal is." Interested individuals can email bjalipson@gmail.com or visit burlingtontrolley.com for more information. The tour takes place this coming Friday.
The event represents a direct effort to integrate the deaf community into local recreational activities. It provides a structured setting for interaction. Lipson believes this approach breaks down barriers more effectively than general outreach. The collaboration between a local resident and a tour operator sets a specific model for future events. The goal is practical: ensuring that deaf residents can participate in local sightseeing without hindrance.
