Access to Auslan - a human right

It is a human right to be able to communicate in your language. That means if you stop a deaf resident from communicating their needs and wants, it is a breach of human rights. This is covered in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Most deaf residents don’t have access to interpreters for a range of reasons, such as time constraints, forgetting to book one and/ or the costs.

However, staff of nursing homes and hostels must always do their best to book an interpreter quickly, and to work with interpreters properly.

Many younger deaf people have grown up in a time where they are aware of their human rights. Your residents grew up in a different time, and they may put up with not being treated properly. Just because a resident may not complain about not having an interpreter doesn’t mean this is right.

When booking an Auslan interpreter...

Booking interpreters is an important process - it benefits everyone involved in the situation where an Auslan interpreter is used. Here are two different services to keep in mind when booking an Auslan interpreter.

NABS is an service that is free for deaf residents who may need to attend private medical appointments such as the doctor, dentist or podiatrist. You will need to book ahead. Contact NABS at 1800 24 69 45. Check this webpage for what services are covered by NABS http://www.nabs.org.au/04_medical_services.htm

Contact Sign Language Communications (SLC) at 1300 123 SLC (752) if an interpreter is needed for meetings, church services, legal appointments or funerals.

Public hospitals usually have their own interpreting service. Ask them to book one for your resident. Call your nearest hospital to enquire about their Auslan interpreting services.

Using an Auslan interpreter

The Auslan interpreter will be matched to the deaf resident’s language needs, and the deaf resident can also choose their own Auslan interpreter if desired.

The Auslan interpreter will be standing or seated next to the speaker. This gives the deaf resident an opportunity to be able to observe the speaker’s face and see what is being said.

Avoid saying to the Auslan interpreter “Tell him/her...” Talk to the deaf person as you would any other person. Do not discuss things with the Auslan interpreter as it is their role to interpret what they hear in English into Auslan for the deaf resident and from Auslan back into English for you.

Relax! Deaf people and Auslan interpreters are used to working with people who have never worked with an Auslan interpreter before. It is normal to make mistakes in new situations. Just behave naturally and everything should go smoothly.