Media Releases
Enhanced access to Auslan Interpreting Services
11/05/2004
Deaf Australians will have better access to Auslan interpreters
with $18.4 million committed over four years to establish a
central unit to book and pay for accredited Auslan interpreters.
The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay
Patterson said deaf people, doctors and health professionals who
require Auslan interpreters for specified private medical or
health consultations will be able to contact the central unit.
Senator Patterson said that many deaf Auslan users rely on
interpreters in their day-to-day interactions with hearing people
and this new service will help reduce the risks of
miscommunication between doctors and their patients.
"Around 6,500 deaf people will benefit from this service
which will be implemented from 1 January 2005,"
Senator Patterson said.
"A recent national study that was commissioned by the
Australian Government showed that while deaf Auslan users were
mostly satisfied that they could get an Auslan interpreter when
needed, two thirds of deaf Auslan users who required an
interpreter at private medical and health consultations were not
always successful in accessing an interpreter.
"This new national Auslan interpreter booking service will
help address this gap by providing access to Auslan interpreters
free of charge for specified private medical and health
consultations.
"Accredited Auslan interpreters play a great role in
assisting communication between deaf and hearing people. This
initiative will make services more accessible for deaf Auslan
users and enhance their independence.
"People with disabilities often face many barriers when they
try to participate in the community which is why it is important
that there are adequate services that they can access to
participate in community life and to achieve and maintain their
rights as citizens."
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