We're Delighted!Media Release - 12 May 2004 Last night's announcement of $18.4m over four years to establish a unit to book and pay for Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreters for specified private medical and health consultations brings a welcome relief to Australia's Deaf community. "We're delighted!" said AAD Manager Karen Lloyd. "Deaf people have been struggling for years without an interpreter at medical appointments, and Deaf Societies have been struggling without funds to provide interpreters when they can." "Deaf people need to be able to understand information about their health, and the most effective way to do this is via Auslan interpreting. This funding will go a long way to addressing a real need." Lloyd said. "We are delighted that the government has shown they have listened to us," she said. Australian Association of the Deaf (AAD) first approached the Commonwealth government two years ago, and raised the need for research into a number of issues related to Auslan interpreting. One of these issues was funding for interpreting in private medical consultations. In 2003 the Department of Family and Community Services provided funding for a study into the supply and demand of interpreters, and this study clearly showed there is a large unmet need. AAD applauds the government on its willingness to accept the results of the study and do something constructive and practical about addressing a serious need. AAD looks forward to working with the Commonwealth government in establishing this new unit and in addressing other issues identified in the study. About AAD The Australian Association of the Deaf is a national consumer organisation founded in 1986. It provides an advocacy service for Deaf people who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) with the aim of working towards equal access in all areas of life for the Deaf community. Contact Karen Lloyd
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