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The second Language and the Law Conference was recently hosted by the Supreme Court in Darwin and proved to be a great conference, bringing together professionals from a mix of disciplines from the Northern Territory and Australia.

The conference was held for interpreters and professionals who provide services to clients in Courts for whom English is not their first language. Over 200 delegates attended, including interpreters, interpreter trainers, judges and magistrates, lawyers, police officers, correctional officers, and linguists.

Key note speakers included:

• The Hon Chief Justice Robert French AC (High Court of Australia)
• Mr Russell Goldflam (President of the Criminal Lawyers Assoc NT) 
• Professor Diana Eades (Fellow, Australian Academy of the Humanities)
• Professor Sandra Hale (Professor of Interpreting and Translation, Uni of NSW, AUSIT National President)
• and Dr Georgina Heydon (Forensic Linguist, Senior Lecturer RMIT)

NABS Professional NT Interpreter, Elizabeth Temple made a presentation on working with Deaf people in the justice system. Liz spoke about the diversity of language and communication modes used by Deaf people within the NT, highlighting best practice methods in working with interpreter teams and promoting awareness of the actions required to ensure greater access and equity throughout the justice system including at police and legal interviews, court and the prison environments including access to rehabilitation programs.

Some other highlights from the conference included:

• The development of a plain English legal dictionary (developed by NAAJA, ARDS & AIS). This is a great resource for all interpreters working within the context of the law and is available at www.ards.com.au/
• Reverse role plays whereby two Judges and the President of the Criminal Lawyers Assoc NT were put in the position of being the accused with the Court being held in a different language. Some of this was aired by ABC television http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-29/nt-judges-on-trial-in-role-playing-court-lesson/6734816 or viewed on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiEDlPqOgUc
• Professor Hale discussed pragmatics and the delivery of meaning as opposed to word for word based interpreting
• Redrafting charges into plain English by Ms Elizabeth Morris SM Magistrates Court NT
• The development of a Police Caution App available in a variety of Aboriginal languages which gets delivered to police on their Ipads.
• Vicarious trauma and burnout and the requirement to develop appropriate support, supervision and training for interpreters in this field
• The use and development of visual supports for defendants, victims and witnesses who experience greater communication vulnerability in the Courtroom setting.
• The potential use of technology, including videoconferencing pros and cons.

The conference will be held again in another two years.

Our interpreter in Tasmania, Ali Dowl, recently represented NABS at the "Tasmanian Health Conference" in Hobart.

This event is organised by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and brings together people from all parts of the health system. The conference had a broad range of speakers and particularly looked at IT and how technology is being used in health care.

Chatting to many people in the exhibition space meant we could spread the word about NABS services. We also focused on promoting the concept of a "deaf friendly" practice or service.

"Deaf friendly" meaning....

• Patients can book or contact the service by SMS &/or email
• Reminders or communication about changes of appointment are sent by SMS
• Staff know how to book interpreters and are happy to do so
• Reception staff know how to communicate with a deaf person when they arrive

Let's hope the word spreads and Tassie's health system is more accessible for the deaf community as a result!

The National Relay Service (NRS) launched an app in December 2014 and are calling all users of the app to complete a Survey.

If you have used the app and would like to provide your feedback, please complete the Survey here.

Participants will go into a draw to win a prize.

The conference was held by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and brought together 1500 people with disabilities, service providers, IT professionals and companies to share in the technology revolution in disability services.

The Apple Accessibility House proved to be popular - a purpose-built interactive exhibit which showcased the latest 'accessible' technologies. The house was separated into zones and was able to demonstrate how assistive devices, apps and accessories could help people with a disability do more around the home.  Sign language interpreters were on hand to help Deaf people learn and experience the

This was a groundbreaking event and we welcome you to visit the NDIS New World Conference website to learn more.