Advocacy

People who are deaf or hard of hearing use a variety of ways to communicate. Some rely on sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices; some rely primarily on written messages. Many can speak even though they cannot hear. The method of communication and the services or aids the hospital must provide will vary depending […]

Information for resources on providing communication access in healthcare settings in Ireland.

RID’s Standard Practice Papers (SPPs) articulate the consensus of the membership in outlining standard practices and positions on various interpreting roles and issues. Download a PDF of RID’s standard practice paper on Interpreting in Mental Health.

From the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Position Statement on Mental Health Interpreting Services with People who are Deaf The purpose of this position statement is to acknowledge and emphasize the importance and need for specialized sign language interpreting services in the delivery of mental health services to deaf individuals. While direct mental health […]

According to two studies by the University of Otago at Wellington, more funding is needed to address the failure of New Zealand healthcare providers to use trained interpreters. The consequences of the current level of interpreter use, say the study’s authors, could include inadequate healthcare for patients with limited English proficiency. “When you are consulting […]