Posted in Interpreter News

On Saturday 26th July, NABS was represented at the ‘Tasmanian Health Conference’ held at the Menzies Centre in Hobart.

Over 150 people attended to discuss the state of health services and workforce issues.

NABS Tasmania Interpreter Ali Dowl met many people and provided information about NABS interpreters.

This was a very successful event.

New contacts were made with many doctors, health workers and education providers.

NABS thanks the Australian Medical Association (AMA) for the opportunity to participate in this great conference.

NABS Interpreter Liz Temple presented at the National Indigenous Health Conference (NIHC) in Cairns on the challenges faced in the Northern Territory by Deaf Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and how NABS is working with the community, hearing services, hospitals and health networks to improve to the health outcomes of Indigenous Deaf people by providing free sign language interpreters for medical and health care appointments.

Figures show that in 2010, eight out of 10 Indigenous children in the NT were affected by hearing loss, while in 2012; nine out of 10 indigenous inmates in the NT had a hearing loss.

Liz said that while many people understand hearing loss in medical terms – glue ear, otitis media (middle ear infection), ruptured ear drums – people often forget the impact of hearing loss in regards to communication which impacts social and family interaction, engagement with the community, learning and access to services.

Liz noted that “if we want to take ‘Closing the Gap/Stronger Futures Policy’ seriously we need to consider how important communication is in this process for Deaf people in achieving better health outcomes”.

She said that Western medical approaches do not tend to incorporate an Indigenous health philosophy.

“When compounded with deafness or hearing loss, this could easily explain why clients who are Deaf and Indigenous are not readily accessing services.”

COMPLEX NEEDS

The Northern Terrritory is known for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity. More than 100 Aboriginal languages and dialects are spoken in the Territory.

“Many Aboriginal Deaf people do not use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) so as interpreters we have adopted a number of strategies to work with clients who use hand talk, community sign or sign language developed within the family – or a mixture of Auslan and community hand talk,” Liz said.

In addition to this, sectors of the Aboriginal population encounter a number of medical challenges such as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder that impact on their processing of language.

During her presentation, Liz outlined some key approaches for enhancing cultural and linguistic awareness:

• The importance of respect and relationship building
• Encouraging the value of Aboriginal sign languages
• Cross-cultural awareness training
• Indigenous sign/language dictionaries and research

One of the key ways NABS improves its delivery of service is by its close association with the Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS).

Other important relationships include: the Department of Health; Hearing Services like Australian Hearing and NT Hearing; Public and Private Hospitals; and Allied Health Networks, such as the Chronic Disease Network, Mental Health Network and Aged and Disability Network.

LOOKING AHEAD

Liz said that the optimal situation is for Country men and women to become Sign Language Interpreters for Deaf people in their own language group.

“This would be a move toward true meaning based interpreting for Indigenous Deaf people.”

In the meantime, Liz is working closely with Aboriginal interpreters where possible in efforts to match the linguistic and cultural needs of clients.

“Language fluency and cultural knowledge are needed from both perspectives” said Liz in closing.

The NIHC was held at the Cairns Pullman International Hotel on November 25-27, 2013.

Valuable information was shared, including a keynote speech by Paul Higginbotham, CEO of Earbus Foundation WA.

Over 200 people attended the three-day event, many of whom visited the NABS stand.

Part Time Contract Position to 30 June 2016
50 - 60 hours per fortnight
Salary Range $28.56 to $31.94 per hour

Wesley Mission Brisbane in conjunction with its activities NABS and NICSS has an exciting opportunity in the Northern Territory for an experienced Professional or Para-Professional Auslan sign language interpreter to undertake interpreting assignments and administration duties in close association with current NT professional staff employed by NABS (National Auslan Interpreter Booking & Payment Service).

Key Responsibilities include:
• Undertake interpreting assignments as required ensuring adherence to the AUSIT Code of Ethics and ASLIA Code of Ethics
• Assist with awareness raising and information dissemination relating to NABS services and Deaf community issues in the Northern Territory
• Accurately perform a range of administrative duties
• Assist with the preparation of reporting requirements
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders and other allied agencies

Special Conditions:
• Reasonable contribution toward relocation expenses
• Mobile phone, laptop computer, iPad for work purposes
• Motor vehicle provided with some personal use
• Salary Packaging

A 3 minute Video dialogue of your choice, showing your interpreting skills, will be required as part of the application process.

Applications
Applications addressing the selection criteria (contained within the position description) are to be submitted by 4pm, Friday 9th May 2014. See www.wmb.org.au/careers for details on how to apply.

Enquiries can be directed to Keri Gilbert at k.gilbert@nabs.org.au.

The 8th National Deafness Sector Summit will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 3-4, 2014.

The Summit will focus on workplace issues affecting people who are hearing impaired, have an ear disorder or are Deaf.

Topics include: My Rights At Work, Libby Harricks Memorial Oration, Using Education to Get to Work, and Career Development.

For registration costs and further information, visit the Deafness Forum website HERE.

NABS Interpreter Naomi Kishtoo helped interpret at the 2013 Northern Territory Disability Services Awards held in Darwin late last year.

The Awards were attended by more than 120 guests, and recognised the businesses and individuals making a difference in the lives of people with a disability.

Richard 'Margo' Margetson from ABC Radio (pictured left with Naomi Kishtoo) presented as Master of Ceremonies.

Rachel Kroes won the Disability Sector Employees Award (Non-Government) and well as the 2013 Employee of the Year Award.

The awards recognised her innovative approach to supporting people with Down Syndrome and intellectual disability.

Other 2013 winners included:

• Michelle Kragt, Disability Sector Employees Award (Government)
• Diane Krepp, Remote Disability Sector Employees Award (Government and Non-Government)
• David Sheasby, Operational Support Disability Sector Employees Award (Government and Non-Government)
• Bromeliad Bed and Breakfast, Mainstream Business Award (Non-Government)
• Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment, Mainstream Business Award (Government)