New ASLIA Code of Ethics

This new Code of Ethics defines the principles of professional practice for all members of the Australian Sign Language Interpreters' Association (ASLIA) and should be read in conjunction with the document, "Guidelines for the Application of the ASLIA Code of Ethics". These two documents may be considered in association with the Code Of Ethics of the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators. (AUSIT).

Background

ASLIA embarked on this process after acknowledging that the existing Code of Ethics possibly no longer met the needs of practitioners, given changing attitudes and practices in the wider community in the past

10-15 years since the Code was first developed, including increased interpreter service provision outside of traditional deafness sector agencies; our advanced understanding of the interpreting process and participant dynamics; the evolved role of the interpreter; and major political and social impacts on the Deaf community during that period.

In developing our new Code we have drawn directly from the Code of Ethics of the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada.

(AVLIC) and adapted it to reflect local Australian industry needs. We are grateful to AVLIC as they have given their approval for us to update our Code by using theirs as a template, and we have acknowledged their work and contribution in the document.

Click here to download the new ASLIA Code of Ethics:

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Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct

Preamble

The following document has been modelled on the Code of Ethics developed by the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC). The work and consultation process undertaken by AVLIC with its members is acknowledged by ASLIA National.

Input received from members of ASLIA in the first round of consultation was included herein. A second draft of the proposed new Code of Ethics for ASLIA, was distributed for a further consultation round, including major stakeholders and once again with members of ASLIA with feedback requested by 15 July 2007. ASLIA National presented the final version of the new Code of Ethics which was ratified by the membership at our AGM in Sydney on 8^th September 2007.

ASLIA expects all practitioners to maintain high standards of professional conduct in their identity and capacity as an interpreter. Members of ASLIA in particular, are required to abide by the Code of Ethics and follow the Guidelines for Professional Conduct as a condition of membership of the association.

This document articulates ethical principles, values, and standards of conduct to guide all practitioners in their pursuit of professional practice. It is intended to provide direction to interpreters for ethical and professional decision-making in their day-to-day work. The Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct is the mechanism by which the public is protected in the delivery of service. It should not be considered a prescriptive set of rules, but rather a set of principles and values which should be inherent in professional practice.

VALUES UNDERLYING THE CODE OF ETHICS & GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

ASLIA values:

• 1. Professional accountability:

Accepting responsibility for professional decisions and actions.

• 2. Professional competence:

Committing to provide quality professional service throughout one's practice.

• 3. Non-discrimination:

Approaching professional service with respect and cultural sensitivity.

• 4. Integrity in professional relationships:

Dealing honestly and fairly with participants and colleagues.

• 5. Integrity in business practices:

Dealing honestly and ethically in all business practices.

Practitioners[1] are to understand that each of these core values and accompanying sections are to be considered when making ethical and professional decisions in their identity and capacity as an interpreter. These values are of equal weight and importance.

[1] "Practitioners" for the purpose of this document, refers to both Deaf and hearing individuals who are engaged in interpreting assignments using Auslan. "Participants" refers to both Deaf and hearing participants in any interpreted assignment.