Information for Deaf people

Information for Deaf people

Booking an NZSL interpreter

Can I request a NZSL interpreter at my appointment?

Yes, you are entitled to a NZSL interpreter at any appointments you have.

It can be difficult to find interpreters, especially at short notice.

Video Relay interpreting could be an option if you can’t find an NZSL interpreter. 

You are also entitled to a NZSL interpreter if you are not the client, but your partner, child or whānau is the patient and you need to know what’s going on.

Who is responsible for booking the interpreter?

The organisation is responsible for booking the interpreters and should be booked by the person arranging the appointment, e.g, WINZ, GP.

NZSL interpreter after-hours in an emergency?

Yes, iSign is available to book interpreters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However NZSL interpreters are not always available.

Video Remote Interpreting is also available.

Can I request a particular interpreter?

Yes, let the staff member making the booking know which interpreter you want. If the interpreter you want is not free, you need to decide to go ahead with the appointment or postpone to another time.

What should I do if no NZSL Interpreters are available?

You need to decide whether to:

• use VRI (if between 8am - 8pm)
• postpone the appointment until you can get an interpreter
• use note writing, online videos, gesture, lip reading, family/friend to interpret (there are risks with using these options)
• contact Deaf Aotearoa for support about deciding what to do next.

Who can I contact if I feel the clinician/support worker doesn’t understand Deaf culture?

• Tell them to contact Deaf Aotearoa

Going to the hospital? What you need to know?

Video (13min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=DzLcgY71zEQ&feature=emb_logo

Health information in NZSL

There is a small amount of health information available in NZSL. This includes:

Health resources on HealthEd website: 

• Ageing well: How to be the best you can be
• Time to Quit
• Body-piercing and Tattooing: Protecting Your Health
• BreastScreen Aotearoa – NZSL version
• Cervical Smear Tests: What Women Need to Know – English version

Depression.org.nz uses NZSL:

• https://depression.org.nz/get-better/your-identity/deaf/

There is also health information available online in British Sign Language (BSL) that may be accessible to some people.

The Deaf Health Charity Signhealth:

• https://www.signhealth.org.uk/health-information/health-advice/