Interpreter Shortage Cancels Deaf Man's Plans
Sunday July 13, 2008
A deaf man in New Zealand has to put his plans to obtain a mechanics certificate on hold, because the college doesn't have interpreters for him. Part of the problem is that the high profile Emma Agnew murder trial that starts in the fall, will consume most interpreting resources in that area. According to the article, there are only four interpreters in that area (Christchurch), and he will have to wait until Fall 2009 to try again.
I wonder if problems like this could be resolved by an international interpreter exchange program? The problem is that sign languages are different around the world, so that idea is probably moot. However, I wonder, would it be possible for an English-speaking country like New Zealand to bring to the country an American interpreter and give that interpreter a crash course in New Zealand Sign Language? The resulting quality of interpreting might be decreased, but if it is passable, it might be enough to meet the need. Can interpreting skills be easily transferred from one sign language to another?
Comments
Jaime ..
You might be surprised to know that in the United States, there are ALREADY deaf people being forced to change their educational plans due to lack of interpreters. The long-running interpreter shortage has affected LOTS of deaf people in communities around the US.
I do not know how the interpreter services are in major cities, but I am very well-versed in the lack of interpreters in smaller communities. New Zealand is a relatively small community compared to the US.
Your idea of the exchange is nice, though.
:o)
Paotie
I’m saddened by the murder, which is one of many happening both deaf and hearing worlds. I’m saddened the subsequent processes involved such as wiping out local resources afforded INNOCENT and yet to be charged persons because of someone who’s charged even if still innocent until proven guilty. They need to compromise and spread out the trial schedule in order to persevere availability of interpreters for local use by INNOCENT persons who’s not even charged. This is a seriously blatant case of preferential treatment. BIg shame on them!