Saturday 27th September 2025

Sign Language Access Service

Deaf individuals are empowered to choose their language access services, whether it is national sign language or International Sign, based on their personal preferences and needs. It is the responsibility of states and event organisers to engage in early consultation with D/deaf participants, ensuring adequate funding for professional sign language interpreters and associated costs. This early consultation is a key step in providing effective and inclusive participation. This message is an extract from the World Federation of the Deaf and amended by Jean.

The Sign Language Interpreter Access Service is not just a tool, but an indispensable one for many D/deaf individuals and those with disabilities. Its role extends to various settings, including job interviews, classrooms, public events, courts, consultations with GPs, Health Specialists, Police, and many Government agencies, as well as in community interactions with family and friends. Its versatility, spanning from professional to personal settings, makes it a crucial service in ensuring effective communication and participation.

Mm, what about performance theatre, music concerts and other types of entertainment events?

I have used the interpreter through Waikato Hospital, Public and Government Agency meetings, Job training, Health and Safety meetings, and other meetings for many years. Did I pay for the interpreter service? The question is no, and I received Job Training funding from Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora each year toward the Interpreter cost. At the same time, ISigns uses funding by MOH (Ministry of Health)-Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), MSD (Ministry of Social Development)-Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora.

All Government agencies, Health Sectors and agencies, Education Sectors and Agencies are responsible for making the interpreting service booking when they are meeting with any D/deaf people, D/deaf with disabilities and Hard of Hearing seniors through appointments/consultations. This message ensures that the necessary arrangements are in place for effective communication. Outside the Government Agencies, for example, the church service, such as a funeral or a wedding, will be arranged by a family member of the D/deaf person, and the Interpreter Service book teams will advise you to pay the cost yourself, ensuring everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

If you are uncertain about how to make Interpreter Service bookings, you can refer to the websites and follow their instructions, as well as the reasonable cost of affordability. There are many ways to have a Sign Language Interpreter present, whether in person or remotely, in the same room. Today, amazing technologies are available. If your local area has no interpreter available, consider using an online interpreter service, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Callsign-Wordsworth Interpreter Service (NZ, based in Waikato), over Wi-Fi or mobile data. These platforms offer video conferencing features that allow for real-time interpretation. You can also use mobile apps like ISigns, which provide on-demand interpretation services.

tips – https://youtu.be/cfIc8sgqkbA?si=nXDM9MVnJW60UER3