best practice in sign
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AIIFV Update 6
Auslan Industry Forum
Why has the AIIFV been established?
Who is in the AIIFV Steering Committee?
AUSLAN INTERPRETING INDUSTRY FORUM VICTORIA
The AIIFV stands for the Auslan Interpreting Industry Forum Victoria.
It is a group set up by ASLIA Victoria in March 2011 to address issues facing the industry.
Why has the AIIFV been established?
The AIIFV has been established because it is imperative that access to Australian Sign Language (Auslan) Interpreting be available for deaf people in all aspects of their everyday life.
Auslan is the means by which many profoundly deaf people access the activities of daily life. Just as people with profound physical disabilities may require modified access arrangements in order to enter buildings for daily transactions, or in order to participate in community events, employment, or education and training, so it is that deaf people who are unable to hear or speak English require Auslan/English interpreting in order to participate in the activities of daily living. Problematically, currently available research indicates that there is inadequate funding of interpreting services to meet demand. For example: In 2008, over 56% of deaf people say they had been forced to book and pay for interpreters themselves more than twice in a 12 month period (Victorian Council for Deaf People, 2008).
Thanks to the work of many individuals and organisations, the Auslan interpreting industry in Victoria is a leader in providing support to interpreters, and services to Deaf people. However, as with other States and Territories across Australia, Victoria continues to face systemic difficulties in areas such as interpreter accreditation and education which affect the Auslan interpreting profession’s ongoing supply, sustainability, and ability to advance. It also affects deaf people’s access to interpreting. These difficulties have long been exacerbated by the lack of a formal body or network in Victoria that encourages cohesive action among multiple stakeholders.
The formal body established in March 2011 is tasked with addressing the issues facing the industry with the ultimate goal of working to improve deaf access to interpreters. Some of the principles we subscribe to include:
- Equity – it is imperative that deaf people are treated equally in all aspects of day to day life e.g. going to the bank and making a transaction; or simply seeing a lawyer to complete a will. In all circumstances deaf people need to be treated with respect and equality in order to access information and communication via the provision of Auslan/English interpreters
- Access to information – Deaf people require Auslan/English interpreting to access information whenever they are transacting with people who do not speak Auslan, or exchanging information from such people. Without Auslan/English interpreting deaf people fail to gain full access to vital information, which prevents them from engaging in community life as equal citizens.
- Access to community participation and social inclusion – Deaf people require Auslan/English interpreting to participate in community events, social activities and exchange information with people who can hear but do not speak Auslan. Many community events exclude deaf people as no Auslan/English interpreting access is provided. Deaf people continue to be marginalised and excluded through this lack of access, and miss out on broad life opportunities and inclusive experiences.
- Access to education and training – Deaf people require Auslan/English interpreters in order to gain access to education and training opportunities. These opportunities form the foundation for achieving one’s aspirations and making a contribution to society. Without Auslan/English interpreters, deaf people are locked out of education and training, which contributes to their marginalisation in society and opportunities.
- Access to employment – Deaf people require Auslan/English interpreters in order to realise their employment goals and perform in their roles to their maximum abilities. Without Auslan/English interpreters, deaf people cannot gain, maintain and further their employment in a competitive marketplace.
A scoping study to identify supply and demand issues in Auslan/English interpreting was conducted on behalf of the Australian Government (Orima, 2004) and found that the majority of Auslan/English interpreting is within the following settings: education, employment, public medical, private medical, legal/financial and other settings (e.g. weddings, funerals, etc.). Access to Auslan/English interpreters ensures that deaf people can participate in all aspects of community life on an equal footing with their peers who can hear.
What has happened to date?
The AIIFV is a long term project.
On Friday 4 March 2011, 50 key stakeholders who make up the AIIFV came together for the day. These stakeholders represented deaf sector groups, interpreter associations, interpreter service providers, different tiers of governments, Auslan and interpreting training providers and businesses. Facilitated by Christine Mathieson, Director, Office of Disability, Department of Human Services, the AIIFV discussed issues such as education and training, workforce quality and development, and structural and systemic reform (i.e. deaf people’s access to interpreter services). At the Forum, an AIIFV Steering Committee was also established to progress the issues that had been discussed and to work to identify solutions to key problems affecting the industry.
Photos from the day are available in the AIIFV Photo Gallery.
Who is in the AIIFV Steering Committee?
Expressions of Interest were sought for the AIIFV Steering Committee. As a result of these Expressions of Interest the AIIFV Steering Committee was is made up of:
· Ms Susan Emerson, ASLIA Victoria (Chair)
· Mr Paul Heuston, Interpreter (Vice Chair)
· Mr Ryan Gook, Auslan Services
· Mr Marc Curtis, SLC Victoria.
· Ms Tamara Pearce, Centre of Excellence for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
· Ms Janelle Giffin, Shepparton Deaf Facility
· Ms Jen Blyth, Deaf Victoria
· Ms Veronica Pardo, Arts Access Victoria
· Ms Christine Mathieson, Department of Human Services
· Ms Gene Reardon, Victorian Deaf Education Institute
What is happening now?
It is anticipated that all members of the AIIFV will come together for a final meeting in early 2011.
How can you help?
If you
- Have an idea or a topic you would like to discuss with the AIIFV Steering Committee
- Would like to find out more about the AIIFV
- Obtain an article for your publications about the AIIFV
Please contact the project officer on projectofficer@asliavic.com.au to discuss.
