The ASLITA Board had the great pleasure of reviewing the 2024 JW Flynn Oration nominations. The nominations we received demonstrated the outstanding commitment of many high-calibre nominees and showcased the extraordinary work and dedication that our colleagues have made to the industry and our community. The board would like to thank the nominators for the hard work submitting the nominations and and the nominees themselves for their dedication to our profession.
It is with great pleasure that the ASLITA Board and the ANC2024 OC announce Rebecca Ladd (NSW) as the 2024 J.W. Flynn Orator.
Rebecca has a background in interpreting, teaching and management and has worked in not-for-profit organisations and within the University sector. The majority of her career has been spent working with the Deaf community and developing potential interpreters, which capitalises on her passion for deafness. She is very grateful for the numerous opportunities which interpreting has provided. In addition to NAATI interpreting certification, Rebecca holds a Master of Management and Bachelor of Education (Hons).
Rebecca also achieved the ‘agility’ badge as an 11-year-old Brownie with this proving to be a good pre-requisite to swimming laps (something she has done most Sunday mornings for almost 30 years, with a major motivation being the breakfast immediately afterwards) with her special skill being her ability to bake a mean carrot cake!
ASLITA awarded LJMF grant for groundbreaking National Study
March 1, 2024
Deaf Connect’s Leonie Jackson Memorial Fund has awarded $127,000 to the
Australian Sign Language Interpreters and Translators Association (ASLITA) to fund ground-breaking
research into the experience of deaf students and Auslan-English Interpreters in education.
This 18-month research project is the first of its kind in examining the interpreting support deaf
students receive in Primary and Secondary Education across Australia. This research will shed light
on the central experiences of Deaf students, conduct a national workforce survey, examine current
international research and produce a comprehensive report with a view to advocate for systemic
change and educational reform.
ASLITA National Conference 2024 will be held from 13th to 15th September on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people at the Hilton Adelaide, South Australia. We are pleased to announce that we have a logo! We commissioned the incredibly talented Deaf Artist, Olivia Beasley, who is the creative mind behind Livi Creations Co. Please see below for artist statement:
‘In my digital illustration, for ANC 2024 logo, the central focus on this year’s theme is “Unity”. I’ve used one variation of unity to serve as a visual representation of the theme. Through a chosen color palette inspired by the vibrant hues of South Australia, the artwork aims to embody a collective spirit and reflect the theme of unity at the heart of the ANC 2024.’
We are absolutely in love with the ANC 2024 logo and we are confident that you will be too! Register for ANC2024 here
Special General Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2023
Hello Members,
Recently, ASLIA National held our Special General Meeting. Thank you to everyone who came. We had 46 people attend, 41 eligible to vote.
The Resolutions were passed:
1. Vote to close as an Incorporation and change to a Company Limited by Guarantee – Passed with 92% approval
2. Vote to change the name of the Company by Limited Guarantee to Australian Sign Language Interpreter and Translators Association, ASLITA – Passed with 83% approval
3. Vote to accept the proposed ASLITA Constitution – Passed with 95% approval
4. Vote to give authority to board members and secretary to enact the processes to fulfil these changes – Passed with 95% approvalThe minutes from the SGM are attached below.This is a fantastic outcome for our association. The next steps involve the Board submitting applications to the appropriate authorities. We will continue to work with the lawyers from Baker and Mackenzie who have committed to supporting the national and state associations through this complex process.In the mean time, we will continue to update you with progress as it happens. The next major national event will be in Nov, the mini conference with AGM. Please continue to keep an eye out for communications from your state association as we will need you to attend your sate SGM or AGM to formally vote to close the incorporated stated associations. It is a formality, but an important one that needs to follow correct legal process.Once again, thank you to our membership for your support through this process. It is drawn out and complex but ultimately for the betterment of our association.
A note about the Company Limited By Guarantee Membership Form
We have voted to become a Company Limited By Guarantee (CLG). CLG affords the similar legal protections as an incorporated association. However, members agree to contribute a nominal amount each, in this case $10, should the CLG cease to exist in the future and have outstanding debts. Once we have confirmed we are legally set up as CLG, we will be asking members to complete and return a Membership Form.
The membership form is not asking you to pay $10 right now. The form is requesting you commit to providing the $10 guarantee amount if:
ASLIA ceases to exist AND
ASLIA has outstanding debts when it closes
Warm Regards, Belinda Roberts
Chairperson
Language Sector Sustainability Survey from Department of Home Affairs
June 15, 2023
Dear members,
The Migrant English and Language Services Branch in the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs (the Department) has prepared this survey to better understand your experience and perspective as an interpreter or translator. The survey will be open until 5pm, 30 June 2023 and is expected to take up to 25 minutes to complete.
Your answers to questions in the survey will help us make sure that in future there are enough interpreters and translators to meet the needs of the Australian community including those with low English proficiency. In other words, we wish to hear from you about how to make the sector sustainable.
Your participation in the survey will provide the Department with valuable insights about the language services sector, including the opportunity to consider options to improve sector sustainability.
The Department will consider your responses and may include some of the high-level findings into an Issues Paper to Government as part of the broader Multicultural Framework Review. We hope to be able to share key findings of the survey later in 2023, and appreciate your continued engagement on these issues.
NAATI has confirmed with the Department that the participation of NAATI credentialed interpreters and translators in this survey will earn them 10 Professional Development (PD) points toward recertification of your NAATI credential under Section 2.15 of the PD catalogue. NAATI credentialed interpreters and translators wanting to earn these points should take a screenshot of the final screen upon completion of the survey for sharing with NAATI for their records.
The Department of Home Affairs thanks you for your participation and assistance in helping us to support Australia’s interpreting and translating sector.
Auslan Interpreter Service Review in Primary Care Settings
June 14, 2023
Hello Everyone!
Australian Healthcare Associates (AHA), on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care, is currently exploring access to Auslan interpreting services in primary care settings (i.e. healthcare settings other than hospitals and aged care facilities).
We’re encouraging all Auslan and Deaf interpreters who work in these settings to share their experiences. You can participate by completing a short survey, either:
The survey is available until 11:59pm AEST on 30 June 2023, and everyone who completes it will have the option of entering a gift card draw.
More detailed information is available in this PDF. You are welcome to forward these links to other Auslan and Deaf interpreters who may be interested in contributing to the project.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Proposed Language Services Industry Award
June 8, 2023
Hello ASLIA members,
You might be aware, an application has been put forward with Fair Work Commission to create a Proposed Language Services Industry Award. Professionals Australia has partnered with The Australian Industry Group to submit the original draft proposal and are continuing to negotiate details of the award with input from their members.
You can find all the public details regarding the proposed award here and the original draft proposal put forward with the application.
The original draft of the proposed Language Service Industry Award was filed with Fair Work Commission on December 23 2022. There has been an extension provided for the submission of an updated draft Proposed Language Service Industry Award until 5pm 14th June 2023. Professionals Australia held an online meeting for Auslan and Deaf Interpreters to discuss the Proposed Industry Award on 23rd May 2023.
There is now a direction hearing on 27th June with Fair Work Commission and ASLIA has requested to address the president, Justice Hatcher, at this hearing.
ASLIA encourages all Deaf and sign language interpreters to read through these materials, including the correspondence. If you have any feedback or concerns there are a few options:
If you’re a member of Professionals Australia, you can contact the union directly with your comments
You can email ASLIA with your comments before June 23rd and we will include it in our communications with Fair Work Commission, chairperson@aslia.com.au
You can make your own individual submission, details of how to make a submission are found here
This proposed award is for all spoken and signed language interpreters (including Deaf interpreters) and translators. AUSIT is also aware of this proposal. ASLIA has passed this information onto Deaf Australia as well as the Deaf Interpreters and Translators Association.
Currently, this award is drafted to only be related to the private sector. Should this proposal be successful, it’s important that it is fit for purpose, that the minimum standard reflects the best standard. To that end, we encourage you all to read the documents and provide your comments and feedback through one of the options above.
Warm Regards, Belinda Roberts
Chairperson
We’re changing our name!
May 15, 2023
As you might recall, ASLIA has been rather busy preparing a new constitution and proposed restructure for you our members to vote on. We are proposing these changes to sure-up our association so that it is sustainable and inclusive of all our members moving forward.
NAATI recently launched their new credential, Recognised Practising Translator (Written English into Auslan) making NAATI the first organisation in the world to offer a credential in signed language translation. This change presents an exciting and appropriate opportunity for ASLIA to more accurately reflect the industry and include both sign language interpreters and translators in the name of our professional association. This change will also align the two peak Associations ASLIA and AUSIT (Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators).
We are excited for this change and would love your input on a refreshed name for your professional association. We want you to send us your ideas and suggestions for how the word ‘translators’ can be included.
Any and all ideas are welcome. Please send your ideas to comms@aslia.com.au by Thursday May 18th.
We will compile all the ideas and send them out for you to vote on shortly after that.
Warm Regards,
ASLIA National Board
ASLIA Pioneer Project event
May 13, 2023
ASLIA Pioneer interpreter weekend 25 / 26 February 2023
The weekend was attended by 40 people from around Australia. Many others were interested in the weekend but for various reasons were not able to attend.
The main aim of the weekend was to gather a state by state history of how and when the split in roles between Welfare Work and Interpreting took place in each state. Following this the roll out of NAATI testing in each state was also discussed.
The theme of the weekend was: A Time of Transition from 1970 – 1990.
To set the scene there were Keynote presentations given on Saturday morning by Dr Breda Carty AO & Dr Robert Adam. They were followed by an address from Hon. Prof. Trevor Johnston. A third keynote address was given on Sunday morning from two people from NAATI in Canberra who spoke about the history of accreditation in Deaf Sign then the name change to Auslan which took place in the late 80’s. All three presentations linked perfectly to the individual State panel presentations that were spread over both days.
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The feedback and individual comments from the participants strongly indicated they enjoyed the weekend and found it very worthwhile. As the feedback suggests participants felt that in the future there could be more explored and recorded covering other areas and decades of work in the deafness sector.
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In the meantime the Organising Committee (Paul Heuston, Peter Bonser and Carla Anderson) for the Pioneer interpreters will continue to meet and work on the wrap up for the weekend just held. This will include work on editing and producing a 1 hour highlights video and a book of the proceedings which we will send to you for your records.
Professionals Australia Forum invitation
May 8, 2023
We’ve received the following invitation from Professionals Australia to all interpreters and Deaf Interpreters:
Dear Interpreter,
Working as an interpreter usually means a patchwork of contracts, pay rates, entitlements, policies and procedures to navigate.
Join us for an online open meeting for any and all Auslan and Deaf interpreters to talk about what is and isn’t working for you in your existing arrangements and contracts, and how we can work together to improve conditions for all of us.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This meeting will be Auslan interpreted.
All members and non-members working as interpreters are welcome to join.
Translators and Interpreters Australia is the union for professional interpreters. We are the union for you.
We stand for fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces. We support and empower our members to thrive in all stages of their careers and believe that communities, business, industry, and the economy thrive best when professional employees are recognised, respected, and rewarded for their contribution.
You have received this email because you are a TIA member, have engaged with TIA in the past or are listed on the NAATI public database.
Please contact us at tia@professionalsaustralia.org.au if you have any questions about the above meeting, your employment or membership with TIA.
Sincerely,
Translators and Interpreters Australia
Available in Auslan – Code of Ethics and Position Statement on Media Interviews of Interpreters
December 21, 2020
ASLIA are pleased to release the ASLIA Code of Ethics and the ASLIA Position Statement on Media Interviews of Interpreters translated into Auslan.
ASLIA aims to convert all our policies into Auslan in the future. These and other policies can be found here.
Victoria: Permit Required for working onsite
August 5, 2020
Victorian Practitioners
Due to stage 4 restrictions beginning at 11.59pm Wednesday 5th August 2020 in the Melbourne region, interpreters working onsite will require a permit. Your employer will be able to assist. For further information please visit
ASLI releases Guidelines Communication Professionals working in Healthcare Settings
June 24, 2020
Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) have produced 2 documents – (1) guidelines for communication professionals working in healthcare settings during COVID-19 and (2) guidelines for organisations booking communication professionals in those settings during COVID-19.
The documents are publicly available on the ASLI website:
These documents were produced in collaboration with ASLI’s Deaf Interpreter Network (DIN), the Royal Association of Deaf people (RAD), SignHealth Charity and the British Society for Mental Health and Deafness (BSMHD) and with contributions from the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) and the National Register of Communication Professionals Working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD).
Deafblind Awareness Week 21 – 28 June 2020
June 20, 2020
This year Deafblind Awareness Week (June 21-28) is being celebrated online!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions Deafblind Information Australia is hosting a week long Facebook event with the theme “Identity + Connection = Deafblind Proud”. We will be posting videos from Deafblind people around the country about what this means for them and encourage all community members and supporters to check out the event and get involved in the conversations. New material will be posted every day during the week along with discussion questions to keep the conversation going in the comments! So, log on, check it out and get involved!!
Due to the unprecedented appearance and attention brought to our industry in the media recently, ASLIA has prepared a DRAFT position paper pertaining to interpreters and media interviews.
ASLIA recognises the valuable work that media interpreters are involved in and acknowledge the Media and Press industries present an added layer of complexity in already high pressure situations. We would to take this moment to thank the interpreters who taken on this very public role.
ASLIA recognises the difficult position that media interpreters are placed in as publicly visible figures and that the media controls the final product.
The aim of this position statement is not to condemn or criticise any activities undertaken by interpreters in the past but to recognise that we need to pave the way forward for interpreters and the Deaf community to work together in partnership.
All ASLIA corporate and ordinary members are encouraged to consider and comment on this draft statement (Auslan Version here). We also welcome any feedback from the wider Deaf community.
Please send your feedback via email (text or Auslan video clip) to info@aslia.com.au by Friday 22nd May 2020.
Interpreter Self Care Kit from Deafness and Mental Health Service QLD
May 12, 2020
Deafness and Mental Health Service in QLD have released a Self Care Kit for interpreters. There are great ideas to support interpreters in self care as well as links to resources. Some of these services are state-based in QLD, but you might be able to find an equivalent service in your state.
NAATI announces short term changes to recertification due to COVID-19
May 5, 2020
NAATI have announced that for the period 1st April 2020 to 30 June 2021, the following changes will apply:
50% reduction in recertification fee, and
Practitioners will only need two-thirds of the usual professional development and work practice to recertify during this period.
For practitioners who have already paid recertification fees in April 2020, they will receive a 50% refund of their fees. Contact NAATI directly at info@naati.com.au for related questions or further information.
Are you an educational interpreter who is now working in VRI?
The Interpreting Institute for Reflection-in-Action and Supervision (IIRAS International) hosted a very well-attended webinar a couple weeks ago with a group of talented and knowledgeable panellists.
Over 1000 people were in attendance!
One need that became quite apparent from the first webinar were questions about the unique challenges created by educational interpreters at home. So, they have created a second webinar specifically focusing on VRI in educational settings!
Info:
VR(educational)I Webinar
In English: May 4th @ 6am AEST (Sydney, AU)
With COVID-19, information in Auslan is especially critical. We are pleased to let you know that Expression Australia and the ABC News have partnered to provide all Deaf Australians with access to important information during the COVID-19 crisis.
Every Sunday at 6pm, the national news bulletin on ABC NEWS will be Auslan interpreted. It will also include two minutes of specific information for the Deaf community in Auslan.
Jacinda Ardern gives sign language interpreters a well-deserved shoutout for their work during Covid 19 Coronavirus
April 1, 2020
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has given the New Zealand sign language (NZSL) interpreters who have been sharing important Covid-19 information to deaf people a well-deserved shoutout for their dedicated work.
It comes after the Deaf Aotearoa and the Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ) revealed in a statement that the NZSL interpreters were facing added stress from online parody videos and memes that have been disrespectful over their work.
COVID-19 Sign Language Interpreters Under Pressure Due To Online Criticism
March 31, 2020
Deaf Aotearoa and the Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ) say sharing online parody videos and memes of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreters causes added stress on their interpreters who are providing access to important COVID-19 information to Deaf people.
Australian Interpreters working in the Media during Emergencies had their first national forum online last night 26/3/20
A dedicated group of professionals doing important work to keep Deaf people informed during emergency events.
Thank you to our Interpreters
March 27, 2020
On behalf of ASLIA, and indeed the entire interpreting and Deaf Community, we would like to say to the interpreters a HUGE Thank You for the work you have done to make emergency broadcasts accessible.
ASLIA are grateful for those who have answered this calling, because they put their lives on hold to ensure access to our communities.
We hope that as you see your interpreters out there in your communities, you’ll make it known to them how much you appreciate their work, and their commitment to making these broadcasts accessible and therefore a safer place for all of us.
ASLIA acknowledges the high level of work that goes in to interpreting such important information and are acutely aware of the significant demands and minimal controls in this situation. If any of our interpreters would like to debrief and unpack these situations, please be free to make contact with us at any time
Our thoughts are with those impacted by COVID 19 that rages across our country.
Online Forum held 25/3/20
March 26, 2020
New Zealand Sign Language Interpreters working in the emergency media space met with ASLIA Chairperson and Daniel Hately
Thanks to our colleagues across the ditch for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Open letter from World Federation of the Deaf to World Health Organisation (WHO)
Thank you Professionals Australia for supporting our employment longevity and safety!
March 22, 2020
Thank you to Professionals Australia for supporting our employment longevity and safety!
Here is an excerpt:
Interpreters around Australia provide essential services to CALD communities, including the deaf community, in line with governments’ multicultural commitment as well as access and equity policies.
Interpreters are generally low paid casual workers engaged through Language Services Providers (LSP) to provide services predominantly to government departments and their agencies.
Also a large proportion of the work is in public healthcare.
To preserve interpreter capacity and provide equal access to services for CALD communities, including the deaf community, interpreters demand action on the following:
PPE must be equal to that of clinicians for interpreters in the same clinical settings
Credentialled interpreters must be prioritised across all modes of service delivery
Face to face rate of pay for interpreters working from home – on all assignments normally booked as face to face
ASLIA has released information for members regarding COVID-19. Please click the link above for the English version, or the video below for the Auslan version.
Australian Prime Minister’s Media Address 18.3.2020
ASLIA values the health and safety of our members and considers it our priority. As we work in a variety
of public settings, therefore enhancing the risk of exposure to the Novel Coronavirus, taking care of
your health should be your number one priority.
To reduce the potential spread of illness, here are some reminders.
Expression of Interest – Auslan-English interpreters – DRC hearings
February 25, 2020
The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) wishes to engage a pool of skilled interpreters who can be drawn on in different combinations for future hearings. We anticipate that approximately 15-20 interpreters across Australia will be needed for the variety of work and locations of the hearings.
The composition of each team will depend on location, background knowledge and appropriate interpreting skill. The DRC would therefore like to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from individuals interested in working as Auslan-English Interpreters at the DRC hearings.
The Auslan Teachers Organising Committee already have some ideas in place:
The roll out of the new Auslan training package
Resources and outcomes of the Australian Research Council (ARC) grant with Monash University and Melbourne Polytechnic looking at how signed languages are learned
The development of Auslan Space as a repository for ARC and other resources for Auslan teachers across Australia
Signbank projects to date – including terminology relating to the NDIS and Family Violence (expected to be completed mid-2019)
Recent ABC Radio Interview with Julie Judd and Matt Webber 03.02.2020
February 14, 2020
Julie Judd ASLIA Chairperson discusses with Matt Webber a little about Auslan and Media Interpreting. Thanks To Christy Filipich (WA) for the Auslan Translation of the audio. There is an English transcription of the interview below.
ASLIA is calling for nominations for the presenter of the 2020 JW Flynn Oration, at the ASLIA National Conference in Newcastle, NSW. The successful nominee will receive full registration, accommodation and travel expenses to attend the ANC.
Nominators should refer to the documents below in order to prepare their nomination.
New IS Conference Interpreter training intensive course
January 23, 2020
A new ‘booster’ course will be offered at Heriot-Watt University in June as a way to try and ‘boost’ numbers of IS interpreters to work at conferences and high-level meetings:
8-12 June 2020
We are delivering this in partnership with EU Directorate General of Interpretation (SCIC) and UN Geneva, and have developed the content in collaboration with WFD, WASLI, efsli, EUD and Overseas Interpreting.
We would like you to circulate this information for anyone that you think may be interested. We are targeting people who are not yet accredited, but if you feel you would like more training yourself you are welcome to apply.
ABC Radio Darwin asks ASLIA about the lack of interpreters in the Northern Territory
January 13, 2020
ABC Radio in Darwin, Northern Territory asks our ASLIA Chairperson – Julie Judd, why are interpreters not being provided for emergency broadcasts in their state?
Click on the image below to hear the radio segment
Australian Deaf Community Advocacy hits the international stage
January 12, 2020
Advocacy done well: Auslan interpreters in emergency broadcasts
Have a look at the Australian Deaf Community achieving international coverage.
An interview Shirley Liu and Colin Allen highlighted in The Daily Moth about the lack of Auslan interpreters in emergency broadcasts in Australia.
Shirley hopes this video will inspire you all to keep advocating for accessibility in the media, both locally, nationally and internationally. Whilst also hoping to inspire other countries to do the same.
Thank you, The Daily Moth, to taking interest up this story and sharing
Broadcasting Australian Disasters for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
January 11, 2020
Deaf Australia, Deafness Forum of Australia, Deafblind Australia, Deaf Sports Australia, Better Hearing Australia, The Deaf Society, AccessPlus WA, Deaf CanDo, Expression Australia and Deaf Services express sincere gratitude to Emergency Services agencies and personnel who are working hard to make the community safe during these unprecedented bushfires and current cyclone in Western Australia/Northern Territory.
However, are also asking to ensure qualified Auslan/English interpreters are included and visible on screen in Emergency Services briefings and announcements.
The ASLIA National Conference 2020 (ANC2020) invites academics, researchers, practitioners, scholars, and industry experts to exchange and share their experiences and knowledge on all aspects of our industry.
Do you have a burning issue you want to discuss?
Do you have an area of research you want to share?
Do you know something that you want to share with the Deaf and Interpreting Community?
ASLIA welcomes you to send abstractsfor the Conference, which will be held, from 18th-21th September 2020 in Newcastle NSW, Australia, under the theme “Strength in Diversity“.
Make sure everyone is thinking “Can you see the interpreter? Interpreters save lives!”
Thanks to everyone who has worked hard to campaign for better, essential and potentially life-saving access.
ASLIA supports the great advocacy work being done by the community to ensure interpreters are clearly visible on broadcasts during emergencies.
The following Facebook page has recently been established that you may wish to view here: Auslan Media Access
Thank you to our Interpreters
January 3, 2020
On behalf of ASLIA, and indeed the entire interpreting and Deaf Community, we would like to say to the interpreters a HUGE thank you for the work you have done to make emergency broadcasts accessible.
We are grateful for those who have answered this calling because they put their lives on hold to ensure access to our communities.
We hope that as you see your interpreters out there in your communities, you’ll make it known to them how much you appreciate their work, and their commitment to making these broadcasts accessible and therefore a safer place for all of us.
ASLIA acknowledges the high level of work that goes in to interpreting such important information and are acutely aware of the significant demands and minimal controls in this situation. If any of our interpreters would like to debrief and unpack these situations, please be free to make contact with us at any time
Our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires that rage across our country.
Transition to NAATI certification
December 13, 2019
Information for those yet to transition to the new NAATI certification system.
If you hold accreditation rather than certification you may not receive requests for work from agencies who will be using only certified interpreters to fulfill work for government contracts that specify certification credentials.
Information from NAATI –
Applications for Transition
Applications to transition to NAATI’s Certification system close
31 December 2019. All applications received on or before this date will be processed. Please note we are expecting higher than usual amounts of applications, thus there might be a delay in processing.
Please advise your language service provider(s) or agency to ensure your details are up to date; once your application has been processed and you have received your Certification.
Transitions to NAATI Certification will end in December. So if you’re still Accredited and haven’t transitioned, you only have a month to do so. Once the transition ends, interpreters with accreditation who wish to be certified will be required to undergo certification testing.
ASLIA is a proud recipient of an ANZ & Sydney Mardi Gras Community Grant.
Thank you to ANZ for their commitment to investment in the community!
National LGBTQI+ community grants program has awarded ASLIA $10,000.
Funds will be used at our upcoming ANC2020 workshops and for developing our profession further through the following:
ASLIA wants to provide education and training about the LGBTIQA+ Community to interpreters.
The nature of the project is twofold:
Workshop: provide training for Auslan/ English interpreters and Deaf interpreters on the topic of the Deaf LGBTIQA+ community, which will be presented by the Deaf Queer Community themselves;
Filmed Resource: this workshop will be recorded, edited and adapted with additional information, to then become a resource, available for Auslan/ English interpreters and Deaf interpreters and the Deaf LGBTIQA+ Community to access
This will of course be completed in collaboration with the Deaf LGBTIQA+ Community.
Deafblind Victoria arranging Deafblind World Workshop
October 16, 2019
DeafBlind World Workshop – 16th November 2019
DeafBlind Victoria is proudly hosting a second DeafBlind World workshop. The previous workshop for Auslan participants was in June this year which was successful and well attended.
This will give you an opportunity for learning, understanding and knowledge about deafblindness.
This workshop is open to anyone, from little Auslan to fluent Auslan skills, with little or no knowledge about deafblindness – whoever wants to develop your knowledge. The participants can be hearing, Deaf, hard of hearing and include professionals, volunteers, students and friends / family members.
The workshop topics include:
Experiencing deafblind activities
What is deafblindness and methods of communication
Guiding techniques
NOTE: Limit 40 participants
Hurry up so you won’t miss out on the experience!
When: Saturday 16th November 2019 Time: 10 am – 12.30 pm Venue: Ross House, Floor 4, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Cost: $15 per participant
Deaf community elder Elizabeth Karn will give evidence to the Aged Care Royal Commission after lunch today (Melbourne time, 11 October).
Mrs Karn and her husband Walter said “We don’t need help with our shopping, cleaning or personal care, like others in aged care. But at the same time we feel excluded, neglected and isolated from our community because we can’t access an interpreter, a service that would mean so much to our quality of daily life. Where do we belong? When are we going to be included and accepted as being valued as other Australian citizens?”
ASLIA member Zane Hema is attending another week with sign language interpreters and Deaf leaders. This trip is extra special. Thanks to the generosity of Rachel Locker McKee – ASLIA National Australia and Slianz New Zealand and Federation Press – there will be 40 copies of the text book – Sign Language Interpreting – Theory and Practice in Australia and NZ. The book has been key to the 3 weeks training provided so far and will be key with the ongoing training. Thank you ASLIA and SLIANZ for the sponsorship of 20/40 books and thank you to Federation Press for donating the other 20. The sign language interpreting community and the PNG Deaf community will benefit much from your generosity and support ♥
ASLIA’s Newly Inducted Honorary Life Members
September 27, 2019
Honorary Life Membership recognises significant service and outstanding contribution to ASLIA and the interpreting profession.
Congratulations to:
– Della Bampton
– Kathy Wright
– Paul Heuston
– Della Goswell (absent from photograph)
Without these pioneers, and life members before them, ASLIA and the interpreting profession would not be where we are today.
A sincere thank you to these amazing humans who have paved the way to enable us all to achieve the recognition we have currently.
ASLIA meets with the Disability Discrimination Commissioner – Ben Gauntlett
September 27, 2019
Today ASLIA’s Chairperson and Vice Chairperson met with the Disability Discrimination Commissioner – Ben Gauntlett in Sydney.
We informed him some of the concerns within our industry:
Interpreter provision in the public and private hospital systems
Credentials for Educational Interpreters
National supply and demand issues for interpreters
Access to interpreting for those over 65
The Disability Discrimination Act and its limitations
We look forward to working with him on future activities in the commission.
After complaints on social media about some sign language signs, NZSL Dictionary editor Rachel McKee says people shouldn’t jump to conclusions when they see signs they interpret as offensive. Marc Daalder reports.
Following his presentation, Brent Phillips, Director, Language, Partnerships and Innovation at Expression Australia was interviewed by ABC News. Brent highlighted the importance of deaf children having access to language at an early age and the role that technology plays.
Please note there is no captions or transcript available – (Questions are Auslan interpreted from the 10 second mark).
Carla Anderson, the Able Australia National Director – Centre of Excellence Deafblind, has been inducted into the Victorian Disability Lifetime Achievement Honour Roll. The Lifetime achievement honour roll recognises exceptional individuals who have made a significant contribution over the past 20 years and demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the rights, participation and inclusion of Victorians with a disability.
Congratulations Carla – from all of us at ASLIA
National Press Club of Australia Auslan Address
August 22, 2019
Congratulations Kyle Miers, CEO of Deaf Australia Inc. on delivering an inaugural Auslan presentation at the National Press Club of Australia!
Too Old, Yet Too Healthy: Deaf And ‘Forgotten’ Without A Way Forward
August 21, 2019
Hundreds of deaf Australians are being denied thousands of dollars to pay for sign language interpreters because they’re too old to qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Read the full article below.
ASLIA congratulates Michelle Ashley on chairing a successful WASLI Conference in Paris which saw a record 506 delegates from 80 countries. An astounding number of interpreters, spoken and signed provided access for all these delegates and a large team of volunteers including members of the Australian Deaf community and members of ASLIA who gave up their time to ensure the conference ran seamlessly from registrations on the first day right through to the closing event.
Thank to everyone else who played a role in organising and running this very successful conference.
WASLI Board
ASLIA would like to acknowledge and thank outgoing president Debra Russell for her remarkable work throughout her 8 years of service to WASLI. ASLIA warmly welcomes Christopher Stone (UK) to the WASLI President position.
Congratulations are extended to Susan Emerson also a long serving ASLIA member who has been appointed as the incoming WASLI Vice President! Susan has previously contributed extensively as Treasurer on the WASLI board – thank you Susan for your continuing commitment. Appreciation is also extended to Jose Ednilson Junior who previously held the WASLI Vice President role. ASLIA welcomes the appointment of Nigel Howard (Canada) to the treasurer position and to Arunas Brazasinska to the Deaf Interpreter Advisor position previously held by Nigel.
ASLIA congratulates and welcomes Joneti Rokotuibau from FIJI in her new role as WASLIA Oceania Regional Representative. Thank you to Angela Murray (NZ) who did an outstanding job as the outgoing Oceania Representative and was instrumental in hosting the WASLI Oceania conference in FIJI last year.
ASLIA is looking forward to supporting Joneti in her new role and is looking forward to the work to be undertaken by the new WASLI Board.
See you all in South Korea 2023 for the next WASLI conference.
Great Tips for using interpreters for presentations
July 31, 2019
“Great Tips for using interpreters for presentations – Thanks Dave Brady!
Dave shares some insights and tips from his learnings and experience speaking at events with Auslan Interpreters.”
Call for Submissions – Disability Royal Commission
July 31, 2019
The Disability Royal Commission wants to hear from all Australians about their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.
We want to make it as easy as possible for people with disability to participate in this Royal Commission and share their stories, so we are now accepting submissions where you can share your experiences with us.
Open letter to Chancellor Merkel – urging protection of interpreters and linguists
July 12, 2019
As a strong supporter of the Red T campaigns – along with other allies – WASLI wants to draw your attention to the latest action in urging governments to protect interpreters and linguists who work or have worked in conflict zones. This open letter to Chancellor Merkel points to some ongoing issues with regard to resettlement in Germany, asking the Chancellor to address these. Support the ongoing efforts of Red T and help spread this message.
The Cancer Institute NSW has developed a new resource to assist medical professionals working with interpreters in oncology settings. It is free for you to have a look at. Click on the link below.
Great start to the SLIANZ 2019 conference in Wellington NZ “Interpreter Role Call: Taking Stock in a Changing World”
July 8, 2019
Our Chairperson kicking off the day at SLIANZ Conference as the KEYNOTE!!
July 7, 2019
Good morning / Ata mārie! Welcome back to #slianzconf19 for our last day! Julie Judd opens, discussing the development of emergency interpreting (Deaf interpreter & hearing interpreter) capacity in Australia: Auslan Communications for Emergency Interpreting #1ntSL#1nt
WFD and WASLI Statements on the International Sign and the role of Accredited International Sign Interpreters
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) have jointly developed the following statement to increase the awareness about the International Sign (IS) and the role of Accredited International Sign Interpreters.
“WFD-WASLI Accredited International Sign (IS) Interpreters”
This document describes International Sign interpreting, and the WFD-WASLI accreditation system for International Sign Interpreters, which applies to both Deaf and hearing interpreters. Further, the information illuminates the path for learning how provide services within the international context.
Click this linkto see the statement in both International Sign and English.
“WFD-WASLI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about International Sign”
This content addresses the many common questions that both organizations receive about International Sign, dispels the myths about IS as a language and how best to learn it, and where IS has been used.
Click this linkto see the statement in both International Sign and English.
Both statements are designed to assist organisations and individuals that may be tasked with planning international conferences and communication access, and individuals that are interested in issues related to International Sign.
The WFD and WASLI Boards thank Dr. Robert Adam for writing the FAQ section, and to the members of the WFD-WASLI International Sign Accreditation Advisory Board (ISAAB) and WFD-WASLI accredited interpreters that chose to contribute.
And we also would like to thank Mr. Ashley Kendall for his assistance with the videotaping and editing of this document.
SLIANZ Conference 2019 | Interpreter role-call: Taking stock in a changing world
June 14, 2019
SLIANZ Conference 2019: Interpreting Role-Call: Taking Stock in a Changing World will be held in Wellington, NZ from 6-7 July 2019. Our keynote speaker is your very own Julie Judd. For programme and registration details please head to our website https://www.slianz.org.nz/conference. This is a reasonably small, intimate conference (between 50 and 70 people) and a great option to mingle with overseas colleagues if you can’t make it all the way to Paris for the WASLI conference. Registrations are open until 28th June. Hope to see you there!
Have you seen your ASLIA Chairperson in Time Out Melbourne?
June 13, 2019
Have you seen your ASLIA Chairperson in Time Out Melbourne?
Great article, great exposure! Love your work Julie Judd!
Our WASLI conference is approaching and so is our General Meeting. As a member you are kindly invited to attend the meeting and get first hand information on what WASLI has done the past four years and what the future plans are. National member associations can delegate two official representatives. All other members are welcome to attend the meeting as observers.
If you have any questions prior to the General Meeting, do not hesitate to email me: secretary.wasli@gmail.com. Also, if you cannot attend the General Meeting, do not forget to organise your proxy vote. All is explained in the Meeting Package.
I am looking forward to see you in Paris and jointly celebrate the past and discuss the future of WASLI.
ASLIA Board Report – June 2019
June 4, 2019
Julie Judd, ASLIA Chairperson presents the Board Report for June.
To access the board report in Auslan, please click here.
To access the board report in English, please click here.
Understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Free Workshop
Dear Practitioner,
The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH) has been contracted by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to support the rollout of the NDIS in Victoria.
In order to support language professionals to understand the language and concepts of the new disability system, CEH will run a series of free workshops in Victoria, including regional areas.
Understanding the NDIS is a free, two-hour workshop (receiving 10 NAATI PD points) for interpreters and translators to support their understanding of the language and concepts of the new disability system. Workshops by language group will run most weeks until June 2020.
The Auslan and Deaf Interpreters workshop will be on 12 June 2019. For additional information please see the attached flyer.
Should you wish to attend to this workshop, you will need to register using the link below:
Regards
Associate Professor Mustapha Taibi
Interpreting & Translation
School of Humanities and Communication Arts
Western Sydney University
Phone: +(61) (2) 9772 6629
Editor, Translation & Interpreting (www.trans-int.org)
Honorary Associate Professor, Macquarie University
Registration is now open for SLIANZ Conference 2019: Interpreter role-call: taking stock in a changing world. For details and registration form, head to https://www.slianz.org.nz/conference
Is continuing to accept applications for the NAATI Research fund. The NAATI Research Fund has been established help to broaden the scope of industry research projects and collaborations. Find out about the research priorities.
Extended the Adelaide office hours in South Australia to five days week, Mon – Fri, 9.00am. to 4.00pm, (closed each lunch-hour between 1.00 and 2.00 pm).
It is with some sadness to announce that Peter Davies is stepping down from the ASLIA Manager role. Peter commenced work as the ASLIA Manager in 2016. Peter’s work and support has been invaluable through a time that seen many changes with the ASLIA national restructure and a new website launched.
We thank Peter for his contribution to ASLIA and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
National Interpreters Day
May 2, 2019
ASLIA takes this opportunity (on USA National Interpreters Day) to thank all interpreters who do such amazing work all over our vast country. You are very much appreciated.
Kylie Scott has been appointed as the ANC 2020 Coordinator
April 26, 2019
ASLIA are delighted to announce that Kylie Scott has been appointed as the ANC 2020 Coordinator. Kylie brings a wealth of experience to this role having successfully managed several previous national conferences for ASLIA. Kylie will be stepping down from the board to undertake this position.
Volunteers for an online research study
April 18, 2019
Survey closes 25 April 2019
Sharon Craig, a Master of Clinical Psychology student at Charles Sturt University is conducting a research project and would appreciate your help.
About the project
This research will explore secondary traumatic stress, burnout and compassion satisfaction in Australian Interpreters working with Refugees and Asylum seekers.
To participate in the online survey you must fit the following criteria:
Work with refugees and asylum seekers
Have worked in paid employment as an interpreter
Work in Australia or offshore under Australian jurisdiction
18 years of age or older
Proficient in reading English
You are excluded from participation if you interpret for family, friends or others in an unpaid or volunteer capacity.
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes. At the completion you will get a notification stating the survey is complete. Taking a screenshot of this page will allow practitioners to claim 10 PD points under category 2.15.
Co-operation Agreement between World Federation of the Deaf and World Association of Sign Language Interpreters
April 16, 2019
Thank you to Clark Denmark for this IS translation of our WFD and WASLI Cooperation agreement. This agreement was updated in November 2018 at the WFD conference at Budapest. It is inspiring to see the ways that countries around the world have also formed cooperation agreements among Deaf and interpreter associations, leading to better relationships and outcomes for all.
Many culturally connected Aboriginal communities span the Northern Territory/Western Australia border. As different laws apply on each side of the border, this can create confusion and misunderstanding for local Aboriginal people.
Blurred Borders is a three-year Commonwealth Government funded project that commenced in July 2016.
The aim of Blurred Borders is to produce Resource Kits for legal and community service providers working with Aboriginal people in the NT/WA cross-border region. The Resource Kits use visual art and storytelling to help explain, in a culturally accessible way, the key legal concepts around:
bail and the criminal process, and
family violence.
Legal Aid WA is the lead agency working in partnership with the NT Legal Aid Commission.
Other local legal services involved include:
North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), Katherine
North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS), Katherine
Katherine Women’s Information & Legal Service (KWILS), Katherine
Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA), Kununurra
Aboriginal Family Law Services (AFLS), Kununurra
Kimberley Community Legal Services (KCLS), Kununurra
The Resource Kits have been created in consultation with the Blurred Borders Steering Committee, local legal service providers, community workers and Aboriginal people living in the cross-border region.
The cross-border region is the area in:
the Northern Territory, from the Victoria River District (Timber Creek, Yarralin, Bulla) across to the WA border, Kalkarindji, Lajamanu, and surrounding areas.
Western Australia, including communities between Wyndham, Kununurra and the NT border heading towards Timber Creek; the region between Halls Creek and the NT border; and Balgo, Billiluna, Mulan and surrounding areas.
The Blurred Borders project has relied on the expertise of many individuals and service providers who have generously given their time to assist and guide us. We thank everybody who has participated in Steering Committee and Legal Network meetings, community meetings, stakeholder consultations, local art and music festivals, and extensive focus testing, all of which have helped us to shape this project and the resources we have created.
We acknowledge and thank Northern Territory Community Corrections for sharing graphic design files and the wallet card concept from their Indigenous Language Resources. These elements provided an excellent foundation for creation of the Blurred Borders resources.
Order Blurred Borders resources
Please download the order form below if you would like to get resources from the Blurred Borders project.
14th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Forensic Linguists, Melbourne, Australia, 1-5 July 2019
Workshops
Half day workshops* on a variety of topics will provide an opportunity for professional engagement with the IAFL Conference in Melbourne.
All workshops will run on Monday 1st July, prior to the main conference. Scroll down to find details of the workshops.
Note: Registration and payment for workshops is separate to conference registration and will be available on this page shortly.
*Workshops listed here are subject to change. Details of all available workshops will be published online prior to workshop registration opening.
The cost is AUD75.00 for each workshop.
Morning workshops Monday 1st July 9.00 – 12.00pm
Workshop 1 – Forensic Interviewing
Workshop 2 – Plain Language Writing
Workshop 6 – NEW Forensic Transcription and Translation for Linguists
Afternoon workshops Monday 1st July 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Workshop 3 – Forensic Linguistics for Teachers
Workshop 4 – Legal/Police Interpreting for T&I and legal professionals
Workshop 5 – Forensic Speech Recordings as Evidence
Workshop 1
Forensic Interviewing
9.00am – 12.00pm Monday 1st July, 2019
Presenter: Associate Professor Georgina Heydon
Intended audience: legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, law enforcement and justice department agents, legal interpreters, students in related fields
Description:
Do you know how to be a good listener? Do you know how to elicit the most reliable information from a client or witness? Is your interviewing technique based on scientifically tested methods? This workshop will introduce the main concepts you need to improve interviewing in your professional practice, including:
International best practice models of interviewing
Planning an effective interview
Question types
Reliability of responses
Contamination of evidence
Topic management
Closure
Information management
About the Presenter:
A/Prof Georgina Heydon lectures in forensic interviewing at RMIT University and has delivered interviewing training to police, judges, lawyers and interpreters around the world. She has advised the High Value Detainee Interrogation Group in Washington, D.C. and published extensively on the language of police and legal interviewing.
Workshop 2
Plain Language Writing:
Clarifying communication between the legal system and the public.
9.00am – 12.00pm Monday 1st July, 2019
Presenter: Adjunct Professor John Gibbons
Intended Audience: anyone interested in lawyer-lay communication.
Description:
It is no secret that legal language is hard to understand for non-lawyers (and sometimes for lawyers). However, ignorance of the law is no defence, so there is a fundamental problem. Some of the complexity of legal language is a product of the complexity of some legal concepts, but it has been demonstrated often that much of the complexity is unnecessary. Legal contexts can introduce further impediments to communication.
This session:
analyses some of the sources of the communication difficulty, provides an example, and suggests some possible solutions;
then participants have the opportunity to workshop some legal language that is targeted at a lay audience, analysing the sources of difficulty, and them attempting to remedy them;
finally participants will compare the results of their efforts, and the workshop leader will provide feedback.
About the Presenter:
Adjunct Professor John Gibbons has varied experience in language and law issues (Forensic Linguistics). He worked with the New South Wales Police on their language procedures; was consulted concerning federal legal interpreter legislation by the Attorney General’s Department Canberra; was adviser to the Law Foundation of New South Waleson language and law issues 1994-2000; has acted as an expert in more than 40 legal cases; and was a consultant to the Victorian Charge Book Committee on the language of jury instructions. He has published widely in the field.
NEW! Workshop 6
Forensic Transcription and Translation for Linguists
9.00am – 12.00pm Monday 1st July, 2019
Presenter: Dr Helen Fraser (Adjunct Assoc Professor, University of New England)
Intended audience: Linguists at all levels (familiarity with some form of linguistic transcription is an advantage, but no background specifically in forensic transcription or translation is required)
Description:
Transcription and translation of indistinct covert recordings used as evidence in criminal trials has been shown to be a major problem. For example, courts allow police transcripts to ‘assist’ juries’ comprehension, with inadequate protection from misleading errors they might contain (see forensictranscription.com.au for background).
The next question is: what alternative should linguists offer to ensure juries are always assisted by reliable and useful transcripts and translations? Transcription is an important tool in many branches of linguistics, especially phonetics and conversation analysis. However, forensic transcription is undertaken in very different circumstances. Most notably, ‘ground truth’ regarding their content is typically not available, and the transcript will be used in ways that are unusual in linguistics.
This workshop explores these issues in a way that contributes to improving both forensic transcription and translation, and theoretical understanding of the process and product of transcription.
About the Presenter:
Dr Helen Fraser is a leading figure in the field of forensic transcription. An extended career covering both academic research and practical case work give her a unique perspective at the interface between science and the law. Find out more at forensictranscription.com.au.
Workshop 3
Forensic Linguistics for Teachers
1.00pm – 4.00pm Monday 1st July, 2019
Presenter: Associate Professor Georgina Heydon
Intended audience: teachers of English and linguistics
Description:
This hands on workshop presents a variety of methods for engaging students in the study of English language through forensic linguistics case studies and methods. The models for classroom exercises are suitable to use within secondary school English curricula at all levels and the English Language (VCE) curriculum as well as undergraduate linguistics courses. Teachers will be shown how to develop materials for a mock crime exercise involving authorship identification and how to use voice analysis to investigate the sounds of English. The workshop will include collaborative learning opportunities and participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas for class projects to share and develop with peers.
About the Presenter:
A/Prof Georgina Heydon is the President of the International Association of Forensic Linguists and lectures in forensic interviewing and criminology at RMIT University. She has previously been a guest presenter for the BooBooks English Teachers Conference in Melbourne and is a regular presenter for professional development workshops in law and justice organisations.
Workshop 4
Legal or Police Interpreting for both T&I and legal professionals
Monday 1st July 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Presenter: Dr Miranda Lai
Intended audience: legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, law enforcement and justice department agents, legal interpreters, students in related fields
Description:
Are you a good interviewer? Do you have the interviewing techniques to elicit the most reliable information for the case at hand? If you answer is yes, think about when your interviewee doesn’t speak the same language as you, and you have to work through an interpreter. Are you still confident the answers are still yes? This workshop will introduce the main concepts you need to improve interviewing in your professional practice, including:
Interlingual challenges in legal discourse
Concept of ‘accuracy’ in interpreting
Speech styles and interpreting
Challenges of interpreter-mediated interviews
Planning an effective interpreter-mediated interview
Dr Miranda Lai lectures in the interpreting and translating discipline at RMIT. She completed a PhD in interpreter-mediated police interviews, looking into how interpreters facilitated, or otherwise, such processes. Her research interests include police interviewing in bilingual settings, public service interpreting and translating, and ethics for interpreters and translators. She is widely published in translating and interpreting studies, and has delivered training in Australia and overseas.
Workshop 5
Effective use of forensic speech recordings as evidence in criminal trials: Legal and scientific issues
Monday 1st July 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Presenter: Dr Helen Fraser (Adjunct Assoc Professor, University of New England)
Intended audience: legal practitioners, members of the judiciary, students in related fields
Description:
Your brief includes covert recordings. The transcript shows they contain admissions that concern you – but is the transcript reliable? You listen to the audio: it is unintelligible (poor quality; foreign languages; maybe both). Then again, your ears aren’t the best. When you check the enhanced version against the transcript, you can hear most of the key phrases. Surely the judge and jury will too – they’ll have headphones. So should you spend time checking it out further? Or go along with it, directing limited resources to bigger issues? It’s a judgment call, but there’s some relevant science that can help you make the right decision.
Learn about it in this workshop, rather than in the rush of trial preparations.
About the Presenter:
Dr Helen Fraser is a leading figure in the field of forensic transcription. An extended career covering both academic research and practical case work give her a unique perspective at the interface between science and the law. Find out more at forensictranscription.com.au.
We have a number of casual opportunities available for people who want to work in test settings. You can register your interest online here.
Native speakers of German, Greek and Turkish are needed in all states for upcoming tests, & Italian and Arabic in Adelaide. We are seeking Auslan signers(not interpreters) for QLD, SA and WA.
If you are an Auslan interpreter and want to assist with Auslan tests,
email: roleplayers@NAATI.com.au directly.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with your community.
Monash University have released their calendar of Professional Development short courses for the year. You may also want to consider purchasing an ASLIA or AUSITwebinar if you cannot attend events in person.
2019 is the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages #IYID2019
Calling all writers!
NAATI is looking for articles and stories to publish on our website. Articles can cover any part of the industry. Published articles are eligible for 10 PD points (under category 2.14).
Is There Disruption in the Sign Language Interpreting Profession?
April 12, 2019
Jemina Napier presented Is There Disruption in the Sign Language Interpreting Profession? at StreetLeverage – Live 2018 | Cherry Hill. In her presentation, Jemina highlights and explores various factors that potentially cause positive and negative disruption in the worldwide sign language interpreting profession.
[Note from StreetLeverage: What follows is a write-up of Jemina’s StreetLeverage – Live 2018 presentation. We would encourage each of you to watch the video and access Jemina’s original presentation directly.]
Is There Disruption in the Sign Language Interpreting Profession?
Thank you for the invitation to present at this StreetLeverage – Live conference, it is a privilege. As you will have seen from my video introduction, the sign language that I grew up using is British Sign Language (BSL). My second sign language is Auslan (Australian Sign Language), and American Sign Language is my third sign language! So I am afraid that you will have to put up with my ASL and you may see some odd signs showing up!
Before I begin I would like to acknowledge my heritage – I grew up in a multigenerational deaf family (4 generations), so I grew up with sign language as my home (first) language. It is important to me to recognize my heritage because if it wasn’t for my family I would not be here now.
I have learned a lot through my heritage and my experiences growing up. I was fortunate to I grow up in London using BSL, then I moved to live in Australia where I worked teaching interpreters, and I have frequently attended conferences in the United States – and in fact I know many of you at this conference from having met you at other conferences! So by attending conferences in the US, I acquired ASL. I have trained interpreters in many countries; I have had discussions with deaf people about interpreting throughout the world; I have conducted research and produced many publications about interpreting. My presentation is an opportunity for me to share with you my observations, to bring a ‘world view’ of our field. My presentation is not based on my research, but draws on my instincts, observations, and experience as a working interpreter: I am an accredited International Sign interpreter, and I am also certified as an interpreter in 3 different countries, so I think I have a lot to offer in terms of giving an opinion about our field!
Examining Current Context
So, to give you some context for my presentation. The World Federation of the Deaf estimates that there are 70 million deaf sign language users in the world. But once you take into account the number of hearing sign language users as well, then obviously the number of signers is much bigger. With the increasing recognition of signed languages throughout the world, the status of signed languages is increasing (as evidenced by the number of movies featuring sign language these days), and the status of deaf and hearing signers alike.
As a consequence, this increasing recognition is having an impact on the worldwide sign language interpreting profession, which is growing significantly. When we consider the possible numbers of interpreters, we know that there are approximately 7,500 certified sign language interpreters across nearly 40 European countries (De Wit, 2012), in the UK there are 1,135 (NRCPD & SASLI, 2018), in Australia 1,359 (NAATI, 2018), and in the US there are 15,709 RID members (RID, 2016). So if you extrapolate these figures to calculate how many certified SLIs there are worldwide, I would estimate that there could be upwards of 30,000 certified interpreters. And this figure doesn’t take into account the numbers of working interpreters who are not certified, and we know that there are many of them. So we can see that our field is growing and changing, and we need to consider that as a context. Although we have established standards and systems, and we have seen significant developments, this process of change is not yet complete.
Another important part of the context to consider is the development of sign language recognition. We know, for example, that there are 33 sign languages in countries where the government has formally recognized the sign language of that country either in the constitution, in policy or in some form of legislation (De Meulder, 2015). But 138 sign languages are listed on Ethnologue. So the ongoing development of the recognition of sign languages means that our field has developed in parallel.
With regards to the professionalisation of sign language interpreting, the logos on this slide represent different sign language interpreting associations. The World Association of Sign Language Interpreters was established in 2005, which is relatively recent compared to the very first association that was established in 1964 – RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, USA). We have seen our field develop dramatically over the last 50 years with the establishment of various professional associations and standards, and many previous StreetLeverage conference presenters have discussed these developments and their own experiences, the history of our field, and the changes they have witnessed.
The emergence and development of sign language interpreting as a profession has closely followed recognition of sign languages as real languages in their own right. Our field has developed hand in hand with the efforts of Deaf communities to lobby for the recognition of their signed languages; and we cannot separate these two processes. It is important that we acknowledge the changes in the Deaf world that impact our profession, as well as the changes in the wider world. So the history and development of sign language interpreting needs to be placed within the context of broad socio-political, socio-cultural and socio-linguistic changes for deaf people in each country; we need to recognize the intersections between our profession and what is going on in the world. Changes in the world mean changes in Deaf communities, which means changes in our profession.
When we look at the US, it is amazing to think that RID was established over 50 years ago. There are over 150 interpreter education programmes throughout the country; there are established mentoring and supervision systems; there are clear structures in the profession. This is enviable when we compare this situation to other countries, such as Croatia, where the profession is in its infancy as the professional association was only established in 2017. Countries are at different stages of developing their sign language interpreting profession and when I see the range of developments in our field throughout the world, I believe that we do not place enough value in what we have.
What is “Disruption”?
Now that I have set the scene, let us consider the title of my presentation: Is there disruption in the sign language interpreting profession?
There are three definitions to the term ‘disruption’: (1) to throw into confusion or disorder; (2) to interrupt or impede the progress of; and (3) to alter so as to prevent normal or expected functioning. My goal in this presentation is to explore how these definitions of disruption can be applied to our profession? Is it being disrupted? And what kind of disruption is it?
This is the first time I have been to a StreetLeverage conference, but I have read many of the articles on the StreetLeverage website and followed previous conferences. And as an ‘outsider’ looking in on the situation in the US, it is clear there are many key issues being debated. My instinctive response to some of the debates I see, coming from an outsider’s perspective, is that there is a lot of negativity concerning: lack of deaf heart, lack of trust, lack of sign language fluency and language shaming, deaf-hearing tensions, disempowered Deaf community members, etc. I teach in the European Masters of Sign Language Interpreting program (EUMASLI), and we have groups of students from many different countries, including American students. In this program we have discussions with the students about the issues discussed at the StreetLeverage conferences, or in the website articles, and whether the same issues apply in their own countries. One common theme is that of oppression, and my concern is that we have focussed our attention so much on oppression and negative disruption that we now have a situation where hearing interpreters are fearful of saying anything in case they are accused of being oppressive, or of being ‘audist’. On the other hand, we have deaf interpreters asking why they are not being let into the interpreting profession when they have the deaf lived experience to bring to the work. These polarized views are leading to these deaf-hearing tensions. Furthermore, as has been discussed previously by Dennis Cokely and others, Deaf communities feel they have lost their gatekeeping role in nurturing and welcoming new interpreters into the community; anyone now can apply to a college or university interpreter education program without ever having met a deaf person. So who gets to decide who can become an interpreter? Who is responsible for laying out the welcome mat? It is these frictions that underlie these debates.
I am not saying by any means that the situation in countries like the UK or Australia is perfect. From my experience, it certainly isn’t. But I think that if the sign language interpreting profession in the US took a look at other parts of the world you would realize how good you have got it, how lucky you are. Many other countries are struggling to get their professions off the ground, and there are many positives in opening up discussion, but there seems to be an underlying negativity that could be more disruptive to the profession. We should value what we have too. A friend and colleague of mine in the UK, Kyra Pollitt, wrote an article back in 1997, where she suggested that we should not ‘throw the baby out with the bath water’, meaning that we should not reject everything we have previously done and start new things from scratch, or take on new ideas without considering the value of what we already have. So we should not abandon progress, we should cherish it, hold on to it, and use it.
Shifting Values, Shifting Perspectives
We have seen a pendulum swing; a shift from recognising deaf community values to promoting professional values as the field has developed. And now we are somewhere in between – but this can lead to tensions as we struggle to figure out how to pay due respect to both sets of values. We need both, so how do we find a happy medium?
There is lots of talk of ‘hearing privilege’, but we also need to consider ‘deaf privilege’. As Stephanie Clark mentioned in her presentation at this StreetLeverage conference, the deaf interpreter does not always automatically have to take the lead in interpreting assignments – this can be negotiated in the deaf-hearing interpreting teams as we all bring different life experiences; we all bring different privileges, and we need to value that.
We can think of ‘disruption’ in another way. What you saw on the slide was the BSL sign for ‘complicated’ or ‘complexity’. I like using this concept to give us a different perspective on disruption, by recognizing that our field is complex. Our worlds are complex! The wider world, the Deaf world, and the interpreting world. There are so many developments that we can report in our field: deaf people are more involved in interpreting research, there are more deaf interpreters and interpreter educators; we know more about what we do as interpreters, we have greater understanding of interpreting ethics, processes, and products. Research has enabled us to develop this greater understanding, which is nothing but positive.
But it’s still a complex profession. It’s still not perfect. We have reached a stage where we need to carefully consider the complexity in order to inform the future developments of our profession; to consider our goals and where we want to be as a profession.
Stepping Back to Step Forward
So I would like us to take a step back and consider the bigger picture…. What is causing disruption? I suggest that the following ‘external forces’ are worldwide issues that are having an influence on our profession:
Sign language acquisition
Sign language recognition
Deaf identities (intersectionality)
Deaf education
Deaf community boundaries (transnationalism)
Migration patterns (translanguaging)
Technologies
We don’t have control over these forces, so we have to accept them – not blindly, but reflectively. Accept what is happening and take the opportunity to take stock and review our profession: where we are going and what we are doing.
Disruption Happens
I think that it is important for us to recognize that disruption happens. We can’t stop it. And maybe we need it. Maybe we need a little disruption (disrupt-disorder) to force us to stop (disrupt-interrupt), and reflect and talk to one another. To consider whether it is disruption or complexity that we are faced with: when we experience disruption, stop, review, reflect, recognize the complexity, and discuss how we can best work together and take the opportunity to turn potentially negative disruption into positive disruption. We can work together to effect change. Disruption (disorder) can become a different type of disruption (interruption), which leads to a better disruption (alteration).
I think it is important that the sign language interpreting profession in the US, and worldwide, should also look to the wider translation and interpreting profession as they are experiencing many of the same issues. We tend to focus on Deaf communities, and of course, that is essential for our work, but we can also learn from others; from other minority language communities to identify similarities and differences in our work.
It has been interesting to see in the three other presentations that came before mine (Stephanie Clark, Kellie Stewart, and Jonathan Webb) that there is a definite ‘zeitgeist’ in the presentations at this conference. You may think that we had agreed in advance that we would all say complimentary things, but that is not the case! Brandon Arthur is just a very smart man and planned this schedule well! I was struck by how we are all saying effectively the same thing: discussing similar concepts but looking at them through different lenses. These concepts are (a) talk, (b) ‘with’, (c) and think/ reflect.
We know that there will continue to be disruptions to our profession as society is always changing, and we need to accept that this will happen. But if we work together we can overcome the disruptions; resisting change does not help. We may not be able to remove all disruptions, but perhaps alleviate, and improve our situation by pausing to review and consider what change is needed so we can continue to move on.
Partnering with Deaf Communities is Key
What is paramount is that the sign language interpreting profession works in partnership with Deaf communities. In the UK we have a Memorandum of Understanding between ASLI UK and the British Deaf Association, which mirrors the same agreement between WASLI and the WFD, to enshrine the value that the Deaf community should work together with interpreters for progress. I believe that the RID and NAD here in the US also had a similar MOU. But I am also aware that there have been recent tensions between the RID and NAD over the interpreter certification system. Howard Rosenblum, at a StreetLeverage conference back in 2012, specifically called for sign language interpreters to partner with NAD. But is that happening?
On the very day of this StreetLeverage presentation, the university where I work – Heriot-Watt University – and the British Deaf Association have literally signed an agreement as I present to collaborate on research related to Deaf communities, signed languages and sign language interpreting, so that research will have direct benefit and impact on the UK Deaf community. The agreement is an important way to evidence the need for partnership and collaboration and to work together on collecting evidence to support Deaf communities, as talk is not always enough.
Leveraging Disruption for Positive Change
The key point I would like to make is that we all need to consider our role in how we manage negative disruption and work together to leverage disruption to effect positive change. We need to consider the external influences: What is happening in the world? Who is learning sign language? How do interpreters become certified? How are deaf identities portrayed? What is the hearing world’s view of the deaf world? What are the parallels with other minority language groups? Look outside at the world, then look within, and review not only the profession but also ourselves. We are involved. We can influence change.
We need to manage negative disruption and foster positive disruption for change.
What I suggest we need to do is:
Acknowledge disruption
Pause (interrupt) – review and reflect
Consider complications/ complexity
Then administer change in a positive way
Do not fear change – embrace it.
So I would like to end by drawing your attention to Gandhi’s quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Thank you.
Position Available – ASLIA Program Manager
April 10, 2019
ASLIA has been successful in receiving a grant from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to produce a suite of Auslan resources related to interpreting and the Deaf Community.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to support ASLIA in managing this project.
In this paid role you will be responsible for liaising and communicating with clients and vendors on the coordination and execution of the Auslan translated material.
ASLIA congratulates Alastair McEwin who has been appointed as one of the six commissioners for the Royal Commission
April 8, 2019
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has officially announced a disability royal commission, having gained the necessary approvals from the Governor-General and support from the states and territories.
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
April 5, 2019
On 5 April 2019, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, and Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, announced the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Royal Commission).
This announcement follows a public consultation on the draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Disability from 13 to 28 March 2019. Consultations were held with people with disability, their families and carers, disability peak bodies, advocates and with state and territory governments.
The Government received over 3,700 responses to the online survey on the draft Terms of Reference. Thirty per cent of respondents were people with disability.
A stand-alone website for the Royal Commission will soon be established. The website will provide information about how the public can engage with the Royal Commission, including how submissions can be made, and when and where hearings will be held.
Now that we have announced the dates and location for the ASLIA National Conference in 2020. We are eager to commence the hard work behind the scenes, and ensure we bring you the high quality conference you deserve.
To assist us in making this happen, we are seeking an ANC Coordinator, is that you?
Click on the flyer below for more information.
Save the date – ANC2020
April 4, 2019
The ASLIA Board is pleased to announce the date and location of the ANC2020.
Further details coming soon!!!
ASLIA Social Media Policy Survey (April 2019)
April 2, 2019
Social Media Survey (April 2019)
Approximately 10 minutes to complete
ASLIA is seeking feedback from our stakeholders*about the benefits and concerns of interpreters’ use of social media.
We have created a survey to gather your opinions about the existing ASLIA social media policy, to help ASLIA understand what your expectations are and what you think is important about the way interpreters use Social Media.
We will be collecting responses until 30 April 2019 and a small representative group will be formed to collate responses to inform the ASLIA Board about what is important to you. This information will be used to consider the development of a policy or guideline that serves interpreters and consumers of interpreting services.
It is important to remember that ASLIA creates policies and guidelines for its members that are also standards for agencies and the wider community to refer to when they want to know what the benchmark is for interpreters across Australia.
All responses will be kept confidential and your identity will not be disclosed.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at info@aslia.com.au
Thanks to James Blyth of Auslan Consultancy for
his English to Auslan translation of this survey.
Intro to Deaf/Hearing Teams in Behavioral Health Interpreting webshop
April 2, 2019
Because behavioral health work assesses what is happening in the brain based on language and behavior, it is critical to be able to recognize if a person’s language is impacted by behavioral health factors, or factors unique to being deaf.
That’s where certified Deaf interpreter (CDI) and certified hearing interpreter (CHI) teams are crucial for good service. Teaming successfully in complex situations can be difficult.
This webshop discusses why and how we advocate for CDI/CHI teams, and provides suggestions for effective teaming strategies with the core principles of respect, relationship, trust, and communication.
What is a webshop? An online workshop that can be completed in approximately 90-minutes.
Where? Online, via Canvas
When? Any time between April 1–April 30, 2019
How much? Free!
Click ‘Learn more’ for full details and to register into the course.Registration will remain open until April 30, 2019.
In order to earn CEUs, the deadline to complete the webshop is April 30 at 11:59pm.
This activity will offer .15 RID CMP continuing education units in professional studies. St. Catherine University is an RID-approved CMP sponsor.
Robert Adam becomes Deaf BSL Interpreter for the BBC
April 2, 2019
All of us here in Australia – are very proud of Robert who has lived in London for the last 15 years and now he has started his role as a Deaf BSL Interpreter for the BBC News with our love – we will always acknowledge him as our Deaf Auslan Interpreter as well.
Support the distribution of the Yolngu Sign Language Book in the North East Arnhem Land
March 31, 2019
Yolngu Sign Language of North East Arnhem Land – request for assistance.
The Illustrated Handbook of Yolŋgu Sign Language of North East Arnhem Land, is a book which will be distributed for free to the children of North East Arnhem Land.
Yolŋgu Sign Language (YSL) is an endangered Indigenous Language.
Donations of $100.00 will receive a copy of the book; donations over $500.00 will be also listed on the book’s sponsor page.
Call for Nominations for the WASLI Board: deadline 31 March
March 29, 2019
WASLI invites nominations for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Deaf Interpreter Advisor. Each position is a four- year term. Nominations are to be received by March 31, 2019.
Sharon Craig, a Master of Clinical Psychology student at Charles Sturt University is conducting a research project and would appreciate your help.
About the project
This research will explore secondary traumatic stress, burnout and compassion satisfaction in Australian Interpreters working with Refugees and Asylum seekers.
To participate in the online survey you must fit the following criteria:
Work with refugees and asylum seekers
Have worked in paid employment as an interpreter
Work in Australia or offshore under Australian jurisdiction
18 years of age or older
Proficient in reading English
You are excluded from participation if you interpret for family, friends or others in an unpaid or volunteer capacity.
The survey will take approximately 20 minutes. At the completion you will get a notification stating the survey is complete. Taking a screen shot of this page will allow practitioners to claim 10 PD points under category 2.15.
Sign language interpreter becomes symbol of New Zealand’s inclusive response to attack
March 23, 2019
New Zealand Sign Language is one of New Zealand’s three official languages, which also include English and Māori, the language spoken by New Zealand’s indigenous population. According to New Zealand’s human rights commission, individuals in New Zealand have the right to use either New Zealand Sign Language or Māori in official court proceedings with interpreters, and Māori is taught in most schools. Māori was made an official language in 1987 and sign language was designated an official language in 2006.
A conversation between interpreters and Tribunal members : PD Event
March 23, 2019
When: 1 May 2019, Sydney
Proudly hosted by the School of Humanities & Languages (Interpreting & Translation Program)
A conversation between interpreters and Tribunal members
This Symposium will offer a forum for open discussion between interpreters and tribunal members, with the aim to improve mutual understanding and interprofessional relations in order to provide a better service. The themes will include the different tribunals’ specific needs when working with interpreters, the challenges experienced by interpreters when working in tribunals and the role of other relevant stakeholders. Suggestions on how each party can help to facilitate effective communication will be discussed in light of the Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals. A Panel comprising representatives from different tribunals, interpreting practitioners and language service providers will share their experiences, followed by a Q&A session.
On audio-recorded presentations, Australian accents, and translated deaf selves
March 22, 2019
By: Annelies Kusters and Jemina Napier, 14 September 2018
Annelies:
What do people think when they see a signing person on stage, and hear a simultaneous interpretation?
On Thursday 6 September, I gave a keynote presentation at BAAL titled “Sign multilingual and translingual practices and ideologies”. It was the first presentation of the conference and a number of people tweeted.
Shaping the future of disability policy for 2020 and beyond
March 21, 2019
The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 is about creating a more inclusive society that enables Australians with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens.
It is also the main way Australia implements the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Australia, making sure people with disability can participate in all areas of Australian life.
The Strategy is a shared commitment by all governments to work together to improve the lives of Australians with disability by guiding governments and other organisations to build the wellbeing of people with disability and their carers.
A public consultation workshop to help shape disability policy for 2020 and beyond.
The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 is Australia’s framework for creating a more inclusive society that enables people with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens.
At the end of 2020 the National Disability Strategy will end and governments across Australia are working together to develop a new strategy for beyond 2020. We need to make sure a new strategy reflects the changing policy environment and builds on opportunities available today as well as what may emerge over the next decade.
From April, the Australian community is invited to take part in national consultation to shape the future of disability policy for 2020 and beyond.
There will be face-to-face and online workshops held in each state and territory. At the workshops you can share your experiences and help shape the next strategy as it is vital people with disability have a leading role in modernising the policies and programs that affect them.
We now have an easily identifiable ASLIA Live image – indicating that a PD event will be live-streamed. This ASLIA Live Image means that you can access it from wherever you are and maintain your NAATI recertification points logbook with confidence and ease.
Stages of Competence: Sign Language Interpreters and the 8th Year Climb
March 20, 2019
Practice professions like sign language interpreting progress through cycles of learning that can leave us exhausted, feeling like we’re always just beginning. But really it means there’s always more to discover!
Farewell Bernie Chapman & Sheree Murray is now Secretary
March 19, 2019
The ASLIA Board regretfully has accepted the resignation of Secretary Bernie Chapman (Qld). The Board sincerely appreciates her contribution to ASLIA during her time as Director and more recently as Secretary.
Sheree Murray, ACT Director, has taken up the mantle of Secretary. The Board is very grateful for Sheree’s willingness to work in this critical role.
With Bernie’s departure, there is now a vacant position of Director for Queensland on the ASLIA Board.
Photo below: Bernie Chapman (left) and Sheree Murray (right).
StreetLeverage, Austin, Texas 3- 5 May 2019
March 19, 2019
As a sign language interpreter, are you in tune with the emotions of the people in the interpreting situations you participate? What about your own? What do you do with that awareness?
We are looking forward to learn from Sarah Wheeler’s presentation and workshops on Understanding and Cultivating the Emotionally Sign Language Sign Language Interpreter at this year’s #StreetLeverage Live conference event and expanding our interpreting skills in a new way.
Sarah has worked in a variety of fields as a sign language interpreter for over 12 years. She has presented within the field, provided mentoring, and professional development.
Join Sarah Wheeler and a line up of fantastic presenters in Austin, TX or online via LiveStream (main presentation only). You won’t want to miss it! Check registration for more details.
Deaf Community and Police – Auslan Video
March 18, 2019
Getting Help from Police – Auslan Video
March 18, 2019
Interacting with Police – Auslan Video
March 18, 2019
If You Have Been Arrested – Auslan Video
March 18, 2019
Draft Terms of Reference for a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability – Auslan video
March 14, 2019
AIIC mourns its members in Ethiopian Airlines tragedy
March 11, 2019
The AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters) Executive Committee is devastated to learn that at least three AIIC colleagues and the daughter of another were passengers on the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302 which crashed leaving Addis Ababa today.
The saddest day in AIIC history.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, loved ones and friends in this darkest of hours.
Opened applications for Certified Advanced Translator, Certified Specialist Interpreter (Health) and Certified Specialist Interpreter (Legal) tests via myNAATI. View our summary of the Certification Scheme Design. Further details about the advanced and specialist test formats will be published later this year.
Closed our NAATI website feedback survey. Thank you to the 500 practitioners who took part!
Since its inception, WASLI and members have been proud to support delegates from emerging countries to attend WASLI Conferences. Azima (Pakistan), Inise (Fiji), Joneti (Fiji) and Chegr (Morocco) have been selected to receive the Emerging Countries bursary and represent their countries at WASLI Paris 2019. The bursary covers the costs of all or some of the following:
– Pre Conference workshop registration
– Two Day Conference registration
– Shared accommodation
– Airport and on-ground transfers
Each of the selected delegates is also actively fundraising to cover the costs of their return flights and if applicable, Tourist Visa’s.
Please take the time to read their stories and if you feel so inclined, donate and help them to attend WASLI Paris 2019 for the continued growing of our profession across the globe.
New Competency Standards for Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds- including deaf people
March 5, 2019
On Wednesday 27 February, the Migrant & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership launched the new Competency Standards for Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
L-R Patricia ( Spanish/Eng CI ) Ranja(Arabic/ Eng CI and TRAC member) Sandi ( TRAC member) Gulnara Abbasova ( Exec Officer of Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership & TRAC member)
These Standards and guidelines are applicable to working with all people who need to use a language other than English to access information and/or communicate effectively when accessing the Australian Health care system.
Download these 2 excellent documents which are the result of hard work and extensive consultation.
Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians. Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds – January 2019
Guide for clinicians working with interpreters in healthcare settings – January 2019
All health clinicians who use this information will find a great benefit to their work practices and outcomes for their clients.
Interpreters can use these documents to educate and inform Health Professionals about Competency Standards for working with people from Migrant and refugee backgrounds, and also provide them with useful guidelines for doing so.
These documents include people who are Deaf or Hard of hearing and the use of Auslan and Deaf interpreters.
EOI Opportunity – Short Term Contract for Auslan Interpreting
March 2, 2019
About the Opportunity
You will work with Access Plus and its partners in the delivery of an internationally recognised Innovation Program to assist a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse group of Deaf & Hard of Hearing participants complete the training.
Access Plus is seeking people who are interested in placing an Expression of Interest to be involved as part of a small dedicated interpreting team in this project.
Details relating to this opportunity are:
• You must be available for 12 weeks of evening work 2 nights per week for 3 hours (approx. 6 – 9pm)
• Work will be from April until July. Exact dates will be confirmed with successful applicants.
• You must be available for an industry networking night at the end of the program with the Deaf & Hard of Hearing participants.
• You may be required to travel to Singapore for 2 days. Flights, accommodation and your time in Singapore will be paid. (Please note that travel time will not be covered).
• You must meet all the requirements to work for Access Plus as an Auslan Interpreter.
Suicide Prevention Summit Online, 12-14 April 2019
February 27, 2019
To the Mental/Allied Health Professional,
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44.
As a mental health professional, you are the frontline of defence, and you will be required to work with suicidality.
You must be prepared.
The purpose of this Summit is to equip practicing mental health professionals in Australia with the most up-to-date, advanced knowledge and treatment options on suicide prevention.
To achieve that, we’ve assembled 15 of the most highly respected global experts on suicide into one online specialised Summit.
Over 3 days, April 12-14, you’ll have free access to all Summit sessions, live online. You will then have on-demand streaming access for an additional two weeks, from April 15 to April 28.
One of the most powerful resources we have to reduce suicide is our frontline mental health workforce. We believe that by providing every mental health practitioner in Australia with global best-practice knowhow and skills, we can tangibly reduce suicide rates in Australia.
We see our role as bringing global best-practice education to Australian practitioners – for free. Your role is taking the time to learn and apply.
In this video, you’ll meet myself and Janelle. We’ll explain the concept behind Deaf Stories. English captions are available for those who are not familiar with Auslan.
The first interview video will be released by the end of next week — you’ll have to find out who will be featured in the interview 😉
We’re very excited to kick this initiative off the ground!
Huge thank you to Deaf Services for their support!
This July, at the WASLI Conference in Paris my term as the Oceania regional representative will come to an end. This is not a goodbye speech yet, but a heads up for what is to come. The WASLI executive board, ASLIA and SLIANZ have discussed the position of the WASLI Oceania Regional Representative for the next term 2019-2023. Previously the role has alternated between Australia and New Zealand as the only two countries in the region to have registered national interpreter associations. The Sign Language Interpreters Association in Fiji is growing and almost at a stage of registration so based on the work we saw at the Oceania Conference our executive thinks it would be great to offer Fiji the regional representative role, with support from ASLIA and SLIANZ. The Sign Language Interpreters Association of Fiji are currently working on finding a representative and we will let you all know once a candidate is chosen.
Registrations for the WASLI Conference in Paris are still open so it’s not too late to come. Check out https://wasliparis2019.com/ for more information. If you are unable to come but would like to donate, there are interpreters from the islands who would really appreciate assistance with their travel costs. Talk to me if that’s something you would like to do. You can email me at: austoceania.wasli@gmail.com
Regards,
Angela
—
Call for Papers: SLIANZ Conference, 6-7 July 2019, Wellington NZ
February 25, 2019
The SLIANZ Conference Committee 2019 invites interpreters, Deaf community members,
researchers, practi-searchers, policy makers and other stakeholders to submit abstracts for its
annual conference. The theme is Interpreting Role-Call: Taking stock in a changing world.
SLIANZ has chosen this conference theme to examine the role(s) of the sign language interpreter
from the various perspectives of Deaf people, hearing people, and interpreters; to explore some of
the complexities that challenge traditional ideas of the role; and to consider these perspectives and
complexities in today’s policy context.
Since beginning in the mid-1980s, the sign language interpreting field in New Zealand has
experienced many changes. Training has shifted from within Deaf clubs to universities; the increased
participation of Deaf people in society and education have changed the domains and the ways in
which interpreters work; and the relationship between interpreters and the Deaf community
continues to be redefined. Over the last 35 years, theoretical understandings of the professional
interpreter role have evolved and continue to be reconsidered by interpreter researchers,
practitioners and by Deaf communities across the globe. This conference is an opportunity for the
New Zealand interpreting profession and the communities that it serves to come together for an
open dialogue about our respective roles within interpreted interaction.
Congratulations to Ramas McRae on achieving international sign accreditation
February 21, 2019
ASLIA congratulates Ramas McRae (Victoria) on achieving international sign accreditation as part of the WFD-WASLI International Sign Interpreter Accreditation.
The WFD and the World Association of the Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) are pleased to welcome successful candidates who applied for the WFD-WASLI International Sign Interpreter Accreditation in 2018.
The evaluation committee has awarded accreditation to three individuals – Ms Chiara Di Monte (Italy), Mr Ramas McRae (Australia) and Mr Vivien Fontvielle (France). They join the current list of 27 accredited interpreters and we warmly congratulate them.
The WFD and WASLI highly recommend engagement of International Sign interpreters from the WFD-WASLI Accreditation list for International Congresses and Conferences and for meetings at the United Nations and its agencies and within the European Union.
The current list includes both Deaf Interpreters and Hearing Interpreters with all accredited interpreters qualified to interpret in International Sign.
EOI for WFD-WASLI Accredited International Sign Interpreter Professional Conduct Review Process Panel
February 19, 2019
Expressions of interest are now open for the Panel Members for the WFD-WASLI Accredited International Sign Interpreter Professional Conduct Review Process Panel
About the Panel:
The WFD-WASLI Accredited Sign Interpreter Professional Conduct Review Process (PCRP) provides a mechanism for those who have a concern about a WFD-WASLI International Sign Interpreter’s professional conduct. There are several options for addressing such an issue beginning with encouraging the parties to deal with the concern directly through to lodging a formal complaint.
The Panel of PCRP formed by the WFD-WASLI Boards manages the Professional Conduct Review Process. The Chair and/or designated member of the Professional Conduct Review Committee takes on a facilitation role with the parties with the goal of negotiating an appropriate outcome.
Only WFD-WASLI International Sign Accredited Interpreters can be held accountable for their professional conduct through this review process. If the complaint is against an interpreter that is not a WFD-WASLI International Sign Accredited Interpreter, neither WFD nor WASLI have the authority to hold that person accountable for their professional conduct using this process.
The members of the Panel will not be more than five (5) and at least three of them will be deaf members. The rotation of the Panel Chair will be between a deaf and hearing member. No panel member will be a current Accredited IS Interpreter and any perceived or actual conflict of interest must be declared.
The term for each Panel member will be two years with an option of extension for a further two year term.
Expression of Interest:
A call for Expressions of Interest for the PCRP Panel will be circulated widely and open to members of the International Deaf Community and Sign Language Interpreters.
The current WFD and WASLI Presidents will review the Expressions of Interest lodged. Invitations will then be extended to the successful individuals to become official members of the Panel. The decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI):
Please provide your CV, and a cover-letter including a summary of your previous experience related to each of the required competencies:
1. Attendance at international meetings where International Sign has been used and/or the opportunity to have accessed interpreting services provided by a WFD-WASLI Accredited IS interpreter/s.
2. An understanding of WASLI and WFD philosophies including policies/guidelines relevant to each organisation.
3. A mature understanding of the ethical expectations of professional sign language interpreters and familiarity with the WFD-WASLI Code of Conduct applied to WFD-WASLI Accredited interpreters.
Submissions must be received by midnight, Sunday, 10 March 2019, addressed to both: wfdpresident@gmail.com and president.wasli@gmail.com
ASLIA 2018 Professional Development Survey Findings
February 17, 2019
The ASLIA Board is pleased to release the findings of the 2018 Professional Development Survey.
The Board is currently reviewing its raft of policies and procedures and is pleased to release a number of new policies and procedures this year as follows:
Welcome to WASLI Paris to be held between 15-19 July 2019.
The conference theme is “Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present and Shaping the Future”. At this conference we will celebrate collaboration amongst interpreters and Deaf communities around the world.
The WASLI Board has carefully considered the keynotes to reflect the theme of the conference, with each keynote being a Deaf-hearing team in Liisa Kauppinen and Bill Moody (USA); Selman Hoti & Enver Kurtalani (Kosovo); and Marianne Rossi Stumpf and Ronice Müller de Quadros (Brazil).
The WASLI Organising Committee, led by Michelle Ashley of Australia, has secured the Université Paris-Descartes as our conference venue. This is a centrally located venue in the heart of the Paris Latin Quarter, with plenty of affordable accommodation, entertainment and dining options surrounding it.
Information pertaining to the conference will be regularly shared via e-mail to members and on social media. Registration is available now.
ANC2018 Videos on sale now
February 15, 2019
ASLIA is delighted to offer the following videos on sale for your professional development. You can view these products here.
JW Flynn Oration by Susan Emerson
StreetLeverage Live Australia
ANC2018 Keynote – Brandon Arthur
ANC 2018 Keynote – Rosie Henley
ANC2018 Paper – Blurred lines: Are the rules and responsibilities clear in the changing landscape of the NDIS?
ANC2018 Paper – Deaf and Hearing student groups in an Interpreter Training Program
ANC2018 Paper – Embracing technology to address supply shortfalls in interpreter availability
ANC2018 Paper – EMIT Emergency Interpreting
ANC2018 Paper – Investigating the teamwork practices of Sign Language Interpreters in Australia
ANC2018 Paper – Legal interpreting: partners in practice with our ‘learned friends’
ANC2018 Paper – Partners in Research: Developing and Sustaining relationships on the Deaf Mental Health First Aid Project
ANC2018 Paper – Partnership between researchers and interpreters
ASLIA Legacy Fund
February 15, 2019
The ASLIA Legacy is a bursary established in memory of Benjamin Souter who sadly passed away in February 2018. Ben, as he was known to most of us, was a talented interpreter practitioner and trainer, with a passion and commitment to the mentoring of trainee interpreters.
The ASLIA Legacy will recognise Ben’s and other deceased ASLIA member contributors who were committed to the advancement of sign language interpreting in Australia.
Recipients of the ASLIA Legacy will be awarded $500 per year, to one successful member applicant for the purpose of mentoring. The fund is intended to ensure the memory of our deceased colleagues.
‘Wonder’ is first live-action U.S. film to get American Sign Language interpretation
February 13, 2019
For years, film studios have made movies accessible to viewers with visual or hearing disabilities through audio tracks and closed captioning. Now, for the first time, U.S. audiences will be able to watch a live-action film with American Sign Language interpretation.
On Tuesday, the entertainment company Lionsgate announced its partnership with the mobile application Actiview and Deaf activist and actor Nyle DiMarco to create an ASL interpretation of Wonder. That family-friendly film, which debuted in November 2017 as a Lionsgate movie, tells the story of a young boy with facial differences caused by a genetic syndrome who is bullied when he begins attending mainstream school in the fifth grade. The 2012 home release of the animated film Ice Age: Continental Drift also included ASL interpretation.
17th Deafblind International World Conference, August 2019, Gold Coast
February 13, 2019
Welcome to the 17th Deafblind International World Conference website. The conference, hosted by Able Australia, will take place August 12 -16, 2019 at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
The conference theme is: Sharing the knowledge to ACT: Accessibility. Communication. Technology.
“Now is your time to ACT!”
In keeping with this theme, we aim to showcase research, experiences and best practices that are shaping the world for those who are deafblind. This conference is not only for academics and professionals working in the field of deafblindness, but also professional interpreters and communication guides, people who are deafblind, together with families of people with both acquired and congenital deafblindness.
Press Release: WFD-WASLI Accredited International Sign Interpreter Professional Conduct Review Process
January 29, 2019
The Boards of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) are pleased to announce the implementation of new procedure, that of a joint WFD-WASLI Accredited International Sign Interpreter Professional Conduct Review Process (“WFD/WASLI – PCRP”).
The Professional Conduct Review Process provides a mechanism for those who have a concern about a WFD-WASLI International Sign Interpreter’s professional conduct. There are several options beginning with encouraging the parties to deal with the concern directly, to lodging a formal complaint.
2018 ASLIA Professional Development Survey – Results
January 26, 2019
In October 2018, ASLIA conducted a Professional Development survey.
The results of that survey have now been reviewed and compiled into a report.
Applied Linguistics Conference 2019
January 23, 2019
The Applied Linguistics Conference will be held from 25-27 November at Curtin University, Western Australia.
The theme of the conference “Applied Linguistics and Language teaching: Making connections” provides an opportunity for discussion about how links can be made between the two areas within Australia and internationally.
Now that we have a blog name, and editors, we are looking for writers!
Do you have a topic you are passionate about? Something your friends know pushes all your buttons and gets you talking (I’m sure you do!). That is what we want!
This is a non-exhaustive list of topics you could write about:
– Allyship
– Intersectionality (Gender, LGBTQI)
– Self-care and wellbeing (stress, burnout, prevention)
– Speciality settings (sports/ legal/ mental health/ academic/ conference)
– Innovation (training, technology, service provision)
– Gatekeeping
– Community training and education
– Events
– Reviews of resources, books, videos
– Personal growth and feedback
– Networking (how, when, why)
– Deaf interpreters
– Reflective practice
– Rural, remote and international contexts
– Certification
– Research
– Ethics
– ‘Day in the life of’ – volunteer, educational interpreter etc.
– Supervision & mentoring
– Educational interpreting
– Professional landscape (NDIS; social service vs. business; impacts of new policies and change)
If your passion isn’t there, write about it anyway! Send in your ideas to thedebrief@aslia.com.au
If you are NAATI qualified you can also gain PD points for contributing to the blog (NAATI PD points – 2.4 – 10 Points).
If you want more information about what’s involved, send us an email, thedebrief@aslia.com.au
The blog website will be up and running in early 2019.
Warm regards,
De Brown and Dani Ferndale
The Debrief co-editors Email: thedebrief@aslia.com.au
WASLI Open Call for Board Nominations 2019-2022
January 21, 2019
20 January 2019
Dear Members,
One of the greatest privileges of my life has been to serve WASLI since 2005, first as North American representative and then as President for the past 8 years. At the July 17, 2019 WASLI General Assembly to be held at Paris, I will move to Honorary President, and it will be time to elect the next Board of Directors.
WASLI invites nominations for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Deaf Interpreter Advisor. Each position is a four-year term. Nominations are to be received by March 31, 2019.
As per our governing statutes, nominations are to have the support of the national organization that the individual is an active member of, and the national organization must hold National Membership in WASLI. Nominations can be emailed to President.wasli@gmail.com or Secretary.wasli@gmail.com
As in previous years, we ask all candidates to complete the attached form, which will then be distributed with the General Assembly meeting package. Thank you for considering the ways in which you can serve our international association. We have an amazing heritage, a limitless future and so many interpreting leaders around the world with skills and experience to share with WASLI.
NAATI is currently in the process of reviewing its current website with a view to setting up a re-design project in 2019.
As frequent users of our current site, we’d really like to get your thoughts and feedback around what you think of the current site and what you’d like to see in future.
This survey will take around 10-15 minutes to complete and will not ask for your contact details, practitioner ID or customer number.
Now that we have a name for our new blog, we would like to introduce our new co-editors of The Debrief, De and Dani.
De is a certified provisional interpreter. She lives and works in Adelaide with her family and menagerie of pets.
Dani lives in sunny Queensland. She has been working as an academic in the Deafness and (mental) health space for the last 7 years. Dani is also a Diploma of Interpreting student.
We are both very excited to be working on The Debrief! This is a new adventure for us both. We are looking forward to working with the ASLIA community to share your ideas and experiences in a way that will ignite conversations and strengthen the interpreting profession.
Earlybird rate for WASLI 2019 – Paris: one more week – do not miss out!
Today marks exactly one week until Earlybird Registrations end.
We have enjoyed seeing sneak peek of keynotes and session presenters over the last few weeks – if you haven’t seen them, see this link to see what topics will be explored at #wasliparis2019
Earlybird registrations end at midnight AEST on 21st January. More information can be found here.
The WASLI Paris 2019 conference program has been announced with Keynote presenters Liisa Kauppinen (Finland) and Bill Moody (USA); Selman Hoti and Enver Kurtalani (Kosovo); and Ronice Muller de Quadros and Marianne Rossi Stumpf (Brazil). Presenters at the 15 – 19 July event hail from Uganda, Philippines, New Zealand, UK, USA, The Netherlands, Colombia, Sweden, Malawai, India and more.
Two days of conference will explore topics and settings as diverse as employment, healthcare, legal, Deaf Interpreting, training and certification, ableism, academia, Coda interpreters and International Sign.
The WASLI Board wish to thank the volunteer Organising Committee for the work that has gone in behind the scenes to bring this event to life. The makeup of the committee truly reflects the global community that WASLI serves to work with and for. It is formed as follows: Tracy Norris, Suzanne Ehrlich, Shauna Jehle, Susan Emerson, Debra Russell, Campbell McDermid, Stephan Barrere, Ben Matthews, Danielle Ferndale, Erin Trine, John Bamidele, Elisa Maroney, Christopher Grooms, Alan Wendt, Laura Maddux, Christian Rathmann, Christopher Peters, Nigel Howard, Christa Jonothan, Patrick Galasso, Hend AlShowaier, Samuel Chew, Santiago Parra Gil, Ayesha Ramjugernath, Atiyah Asmal and Michelle Ashley.
The WASLI Paris 2019 Conference will be held at the University of Paris-Descartes in the heart of the Latin Quarter, from 15-19 July. The full program can be viewed here. Earlybird registrations are open until 21 January 2019.
A number of practitioners have no contact phone numbers or emails showing in the online directory. Please take five minutes to check your listing and that your contact details are correct. It is free for NAATI interpreters and translators to be liste
Call for papers InDialog 3
December 9, 2018
Dear WASLI Members,
We have been asked to share this learning opportunity for you. Feel free to circulate to your colleagues that may be interested.
Warm regards,
Debra on behalf of the Board of Directors
—————————————————
Dear colleagues of ENPSIT and WASLI
It is our pleasure to send you the CFP for the next InDialog3 conference in Antwerp , November 21 and 22 2019, organized by ENSPIT, KU Leuven (Antwerp Campus) and University of Antwerp.
We hope to welcome you at this important event!
Kind regards
One of the aspects that we are often asked about is to be able to share presentations that are delivered by presenters from around the world. We are pleased to be able to offer members access to two presentations given by Dr. Christopher Stone. These were presentations delivered remotely last month for our collaborative conference in Moscow. We are sharing these links with Dr. Stone’s permission and as part of a bank of training videos that WASLI is compiling. We look forward to your comments and feedback on this venture.
The WASLI Paris 2019 program has been released – if you haven’t seen this good news on Facebook or Twitter, please check out of conference website.
Go to this link Conference Program to find out who is presenting, and on what topics, and register at the same place. Early bird registrations close on 31 December!
We are looking forward to seeing you in Paris!
Warm regards
Deb Russell
On behalf of the WASLI Board of Directors
Are You Available 2018 Survey Presentation
December 3, 2018
Dear ASLIA Members,
We want to thank you for the support by responding to our survey “Are you available?”
The 374 individuals who responded to the national survey well outstripped our initial expectations, and this most certainly would not have been possible without ASLIA’s support. Having achieved such a high number of participants has enriched the credence and reliability to the data collected, and thus the conclusions that we have been able to draw from this.
As promised, we have attached our PowerPoint presentationdelivered at the ASLIA National Conference in Brisbane. Please note this is a high level summary of some of the survey findings including recommendations that had to be presented in a 40 minute program timeslot on 22 September 2018.
Following a short break from the survey project, the coming months will see us beginning to undertake more targeted, and deeper analysis of the data than was performed in preparation for the ASLIA National Conference 2018 presentation.
In doing so, we will keep ASLIA apprised of any findings that either relate specifically to ASLIA, or that you may find to be of interest. As any further findings are published or otherwise distributed, we will keep you informed. Meanwhile, please find attached, a copy of the PowerPoint that we used for the conference presentation.
You may recall that we pledged to share our survey findings with interpreters. We are asking one additional piece of support from you, which is to distribute a thank you email from us along with the conference PowerPoint to those on your previously used contact list. The email for sending out is to follow.
Thank you to everyone who completed the 2017 survey. We received some valuable data from this and, hopefully, you will notice some of your feedback and concerns being addressed on the ASLIA website over the next few months.
The 2017 survey highlighted a few areas where we would like additional or more specific information, and a few areas where responses were ambiguous. Therefore, we ask for your patience in completing a new survey for 2018, which should only take 10 minutes to complete.
We ask that you only participate in this survey if you are currently working as an educational interpreter in early childhood or Kinder/Prep to Year 12 settings, and if educational interpreting is your main duty in your current role.
This does not mean that we did not value the input of others such as ALMs, teachers, teacher’s aides who do not perform interpreting duties or TAFE/University interpreters – your responses provided us with great insights. However, the focus of this survey is on the qualifications of EIs, their job titles and rates of pay.
Please forward this survey to others that you know of who are working in an EI role in any part of Australia, as we would like responses from as many people as possible. Although we received an amazing 178 responses to our 2017 survey, we know that there are still a lot of people that we missed.
It does not matter if you are qualified as an interpreter or not qualified; it does not matter whether you are an ASLIA member or not – your information is important, so please respond!
Did you know that WASLI Paris 2019 has a bursary for delegates from emerging countries? You can apply for sponsorship to help you attend WASLI in Paris. The deadline has been extended until December 10, 2019 – so if you or someone you know may be interested in applying, please check the program out! – https://wasliparis2019.com/registration/registration-form/emerging-countries-bursary/
Deafblind Interpreting National Training & Resource Centre
November 9, 2018
Dear WASLI Members,
Please find information about interpreting for DeafBlind.
“Protactile philosophy has grown out of the realization that DeafBlind people’s intuitions about tactile communication are stronger than the intuitions sighted people have. This realization has changed the way we communicate with each other, the way we work with interpreters, and more generally, the way we live. We call this way of life and the principles and practices that shape it, ‘protactile.’ ”
NAATI is recruiting native speakers or signers for role-players in interpreter certification tests.
November 8, 2018
NAATI is recruiting native speakers or signers of the following languages to be role-players in interpreter certification tests.
Arabic, Auslan, Cantonese (WA, ACT, TAS only), English, Hazaragi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin (WA, ACT, TAS only), Spanish (WA, SA, ACT, QLD, TAS only), Vietnamese.
If you know people who may be interested in being a role-player please forward this email so they can complete the Expression of Interest form. As part of this form they will be asked to upload a short video speaking in their language(s). This will enable NAATI to make an initial assessment whether their language skills are suitable for our purposes.
More information about the skills needed to be a role-player can be found here.
The ASLIA Mentoring Program was recently launched at the 2018 AGM in Brisbane.
This national program needs representation from all across Australia.
Are you interested in joining the sub-committee of Alex Notsis, Daniel Hately and Michelle Ashley from Victoria? Or want to know more about what is involved?
See flyer for contact details.
Open for comment: Standards for Community Interpreting (AS13611 – Interpreting-Guidelines for community interpreting)
October 30, 2018
OPEN FOR COMMENT
Comments are welcome on the technical content, wording and general arrangement of the draft. How the requirements of this draft coordinate with other Standards is of particular importance and you are invited to point out any areas where changes or additions to this draft may be necessary. Editorial matters (i.e. spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.) will be corrected before final publication.
Please provide supporting reasons and suggested wording for each comment. Where you consider that specific content is too simplistic, too complex or too detailed please provide an alternative.
If the proposed document is acceptable without change, an acknowledgement to this effect would be appreciated.
Only comments submitted via the Standards Australia Standards Public Commenting site before midnight on the closing date will be reviewed by the committee. The site automatically submits comments to the committee. Any other communication will not be considered.
At the expiry of the comment period, the committee responsible for the document is obliged to give serious consideration to all comments received. However, normally no acknowledgement of comment is sent.
Call for Papers: CIUTI Conference 2019 Bridging the Divide between Theory and Practice
October 12, 2018
CALL FOR PAPERS
As international contacts in all spheres of life continue to increase, so does the complexity of language
and intercultural communication. Globalization and advances in technology have profoundly affected the T&I sector, influencing how we think about and practise translation and interpreting. This international interdisciplinary conference aims to map the changing landscape of the field and examine paths for the development and consolidation of the traditional roles of interpreters and translators, as key strategic players in cultural exchange, social development and in the establishment of knowledge-based societies.
The conference seeks to provide a forum for T&I academics, trainers and educators, professionals, and
industry representatives to share innovative ideas on how to strengthen the interface between
research and practice in the field of translation and interpreting studies.
We invite contributions which encourage interdisciplinary dialogue between scholars, practitioners and
the industry at large, in the form of individual papers, themed panels or round tables.
Around the world, interpreters are called upon to work with asylum seekers and refugees, and one of the requests WASLI frequently receives is for information about training. The United Nations has this excellent resource, and while it is not specific to signed language interpreters, we want to share it with you as a very helpful resource. We encourage you to review the material and consider it as you are creating local or national training to work Deaf people in these circumstances.
Did you know that interpreters are now considered ‘officers of the court’?
October 12, 2018
Did you know that interpreters are now considered ‘officers of the court’?
Do you know what this actually means and how these standards can have an impact on your rights and responsibilities around courts and tribunals?
This four-hour seminar will introduce these new standards and the instructor will guide you through them, highlighting those that are most relevant to your interpreting work.
The link below provides you with a copy of the JCCD Standards, please download it on to your device or, better still, print them out and bring them to the seminar so that you can make annotations on your copy as required.
Patricia Avila NAATI Accredited Interpreter & Translator Originally from El Salvador, Patricia arrived in Australia in 1990 and has managed her own Brisbane-based consultancy since then. She has over 30 years’ experience as a conference interpreter in Australia and overseas and is an active court and medical interpreter and translator. She incorporates her insights and practical tips into the training programs she designs and delivers. In 2007 she authored Queensland Health’s Introductory and Advanced Levels interpreter training, and in 2008 she co-designed “Introduction to Interpreting in Mental Health Settings”. ‘Working as an Interpreter in Australian Courts & Tribunals’, a seminardesigned exclusively for AUSIT, is Patricia’s most recent work. Hobart interpreters will be the second group to be offered this 6-hour seminar, after its successful launch in Brisbane in June 2016. Patricia has also designed and delivered courses for people who work with interpreters such as lawyers, social workers, school teachers and doctors and is often invited to address students at Universities and TAFE Institutes on topics related to the T/I profession. She is the immediate past Convenor of the NAATI QLD Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) and is still an active member of the RAC. She has held positions on the AUSIT National Council and QLD Branch, and is currently Vice-Chair of AUSIT’s Ethics and Professional Practice Committee. She is an active mentor and coach for new interpreters and translators who value her knowledge and experience.
NZSTI and ASLIA members may now register online directly without additional codes.
Info about International Sign: Interview with Juan Carlos Druetta
October 12, 2018
Dear WASLI Members,
We frequently are asked for information about International Sign – what it is, how one can learn it, and what does the accreditation system mean. If you would like to learn more please enjoy watching this interview with Juan Carlos Druetta, one of the first Deaf interpreters to achieve the WFD-WASLI International Sign Accreditation. Juan was also one of WASLI’s previous Vice President’s, and we value his contributions.
Debra Russell
On Behalf of the WASLI Board of Directors
Expressions of Interest for the ASLIA e-Update Editor
October 2, 2018
Expressions of Interest for the Position of ASLIA e-Update Editor
The ASLIA Board is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from members for the position of e-Update Editor.
We are looking for a member to take on the Honorary role for a two year term from mid-November 2018 to December 2020. The Editor reports to the ASLIA Chairperson.
This position will provide an opportunity to gain a unique and comprehensive insight into our profession and receive training from a highly experienced interpreting elder.
Some of the skills, experiences and attributes that you will possess include:
Lead the end-to-end development of the ASLIA e-Update from pre-planning, sourcing and receipt of content, proofreading through to publishing. This includes determining the scope of each e-Update, planning, liaising and receiving all content by due dates, and working closely with our graphic designer to determine the best layout.
Strong written English and communication skills.
Effective planning and time management skills.
Reliable, motivated, self-starter who can work independently with little supervision.
Maintain confidentiality in all facets of the position and use information for the express purpose intended.
Act in the best interests of ASLIA members, and uphold ASLIA’s Mission, Policies and Procedures.
Sound relationship management skills working with the ASLIA Board, Manager, members and key stakeholders from the Translating/Interpreting (T/I) industry.
Good understanding of the Australian T/I industry and professional networks.
Willingness to prioritise sufficient time (average 8-10 hours per month) to successfully deliver 11 e-Update editions per year, as per agreed dates.
Access to a personal computer and internet.
The current ASLIA e-Update Editor will provide support and training to the successful candidate, including a handover and shadowing from mid-November 2018 to mid-December 2018. The new Editor will work with the e-Update team to deliver the ASLIA February 2019 e-Update.
If you have any questions about the position, write to Paul Heuston at e-updateeditor@aslia.com.au Please send your EOI to Julie Judd, ASLIA Chairperson, chairperson@aslia.com.au by the closing date of Monday 22 October 2018.
Click here for PDF version.
Insurance – Are you covered?
September 3, 2018
ASLIA is seeking interest and feedback on some work ASLIA undertook recently in relation to insurance on behalf of interpreter practitioners.
Some weeks ago, a survey to members was undertaken to gather information from members in relation to insurance coverage and a large number of responses were received. Responses indicated that members would like more information on a number of insurance types. ASLIA Victoria treasurer Kerrie-ann Viitala and myself have been investigating options and have collated the following information to share with you.
If interpreters become registered providers with the NDIS or undertake ANY direct work as interpreters, they are required to have both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance (PI/PL*).
*PI/PL Professional Indemnity Insurance/Public Liability Insurance
What is Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance?
Professional Indemnity Insurance is designed for professionals who provide advice or a service to their customers. If someone alleges that you’ve made a mistake, overlooked a critical piece of information, misstated a fact or they have misinterpreted you in the course of your work, and this results in a financial loss for your client, then they may take legal action against you to recover these losses.
Whether or not the allegation is true, Professional Indemnity Insurance seeks to protect both your assets, your reputation and the contents of your back pocket should this occur. This means you can continue in your business without the stress of financial or reputational ruin should a claim arise.
The risk of claims against you isn’t always determined by your skill or level of professionalism. There is always the risk of an unhappy client making a claim against you. While you can’t control this, PI is to make sure you have some control in what happens next.
Regardless of the merit of a claim, your Professional Indemnity Insurance will pay for your legal defence as well as any judgments or settlements that you or your business may have to pay to compensate the suing party, up to stated policy limits. Public Liability insurance protects you and your business against the financial risk of being found liable to a third party for death or injury, loss or damage to property.
Small business owners have a responsibility to the safety of their customers, employees, suppliers and the community; as well as third party property. If youare found to be negligent the financial repercussions can be devastating, just the cost of defending yourself could put you out of business. With the right Public Liability cover, the insurance company will provide the funds to coveryour legal costs and any compensation claims, leaving your business free of financial risk.
If you are doing business with another business/interpreter, make sure they have public liability insurance too so all’s well that ends well should an accident or injury occur from their negligence.
Investigation with a number of brokers indicates that to take out PI/PL*Insurance as an individual will be upwards of $550 per year. We have decided to work with one broker – Countrywide Advice. Countrywide Advice is a broker who is highly recommended with 35 years of experience. Country Wide Advice has provided ASLIA with a quote for a group policy for this insurance type (PI/PL)* if more than 100 individuals decide to opt in. This group policy would cost approximately $300 per individual per year (saving $250+ per person). In the 2019/20 membership year, ASLIA will be considering the incorporation of PI/PL* insurance into the individual ASLIA membership fee (which may further reduce the insurance cost).
How the group cover will work…
The cover will be under a combined policy with a limit of $1,000,000 for professional indemnity (any one claim and $2,000,000 in aggregate) and $20,000,000 for public liability. The policy will be underwritten on an individual basis (separate policy for each individual member).
Please note this PI/PL* offer will be open to ASLIA individual members only who hold a current NAATI interpreting credential.
Following the recent survey there was also interest from members regarding Income Protection, Trauma and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. Due to the nature of these insurance types they require individual tailoring and cannot be established as a group policy. If you decide to opt in to this ASLIA offer of PI/PL*, you will be able to access the broker at Country Wide Advice to discuss and arrange any additional personal insurance you may require (income protection, TPD, etc). Before considering and discussing additional cover it is always a good idea to check your superannuation fund, you may have some cover included.
If you already have PI/PL insurance cover we encourage you to see this as an opportunity to save money and compare your current cover with what ASLIA is potentially providing. Once ASLIA cover is finalised you may be able to exit your current cover. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your current provider for further details.
ASLIA would welcome feedback on this proposal from individual members, to ensure we have negotiated an offer that will meet your needs. Feedback will be accepted up until September 7th 2018, and ASLIA plans to launch the offer to opt-In soon after.
Early bird prices continues, and streaming options are open for the ANC2018!
August 29, 2018
Hurry! Only 3 days left to get Gala Dinner tickets
and 10 days to register for everything else!
There’s just under 4 weeks to go to the ANC2018 and we’d love you to join us.We want you to join us so much, that we have a couple of great offers for you…
Firstly, we now have four (4) great LIVE STREAMING option to join the ANC!
First time in Australia! StreetLeverage – Live Australia – Friday 21 Sep 2018
August 29, 2018
Hey there!
You’re a sign language interpreter not because you want rescue anyone or want to make a ton of money (we know better), but because you have a passion for the work interpreters do, a love of signed languages, and have a deep respect for the Deaf Community.
In short, you want to do excellent work and make a difference while doing it.
To achieve that, you’ve gotta dig deep within to be highly aware of yourself and to actively engage in learning that prepares you to successfully navigate new environments and community and cultural norms.
No small task.
If you are an interpreter seeking tools that will assist you in uncovering your biases and equipping you to navigate cultural and community norms – actually do that excellent work you want to do and make a difference – you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
StreetLeverage – Live Australia is coming to Brisbane, Australia, for a one day event on September 21, 2018. The event is being held from 9:00am – 4:30pm and it only costs $200.00 to get in.
What exactly can you expect?
You can expect to receive 7 hours of learning from industry thinkers and leaders designed to assist you in examining yourself and the challenges you face doing the important work that you have chosen to do.
The leaders and thinkers you will have access to are:● Lisa Clews
Lisa recently was employed as the “commUNITY” State Manager for Deaf Services Queensland. She oversaw the community services program and managed a team who are based all over Queensland. Lisa is an active member of the North Queensland Regional Disability Advisory Council and was employed by the Finnish Association of the Deaf to co-establish the Albanian National Association of the Deaf in Albania, and the Deaf Development Program in Cambodia. She is also a co-founder and current committee member of KODA Australia. Her greatest joy in life is being a mother to her two-year old daughter and enjoying home life in Townsville with my wife, Anita.● Stef Linder
Stef is a second-generation native signer of Auslan and lifelong member of the Deaf community. She has over twenty years of experience teaching Auslan and signed language interpreting to deaf and hearing L1 and L2 learners at both TAFE and University levels. She holds many roles in the Deaf Community as a Deaf Interpreter, translator and language consultant.
● Brent Phillips
Brent is currently Director – Language, Partnerships & Innovation at Expression Australia, leading Expression Australia’s community engagement and partnerships strategy, as well as Victoria and Tasmania’s largest and most experienced Auslan interpreting agency – Auslan Connections. Brent is also responsible for driving Expression Australia’s suite of learning and training services. Brent’s previous roles include Contract Manager at the then Department of Planning and Community Development, Disability Outreach Officer at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and Manager at Deaf Victoria.
He is a former President of Deaf Sports Australia, a voluntary position he held for eight years. Brent is currently Co-Chair of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Disability Reference Group.
Brent is a third-generation Deaf person in his family, married to a Deaf person and is the proud father of two young children. He has BA (Criminology) and MBA degrees and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
● Brandon Arthur
Brandon is a lover of life and considers himself very fortunate. He is the Founder of Street Leverage and is a passionate social entrepreneur within the field of sign language interpreting. Brandon is a nationally certified interpreter and has worked on both the practicing and business sides of the field for the past 20 years. He earned a B.S. degree in Psychology and a Minor in Business from George Mason University. His father is Deaf and his mother was a sign language interpreter. Brandon is a devoted father and husband and enjoys the sport of triathlon.
Okay…so maybe none of these names or descriptions mean anything to you. Not yet.
But they will. 🙂
Soon these presenters and their presentations will represent insights and answers to your questions – perhaps the very questions that keep getting in the way of you being even more culturally competent, delivering more engaging and accurate interpretations, and making leaps forward in your career.
To start you on the road to answer to some of your questions and to give you a sense of the caliber of StreetLeverage – Live instruction, check-out these presentations from past StreetLeverage – Live events.
Let me finish with this: If you are seeking to strengthen your cultural competence, increase your confidence, and do your best work while making a difference, you will be well served to invest in yourself by registering to participate in the 7 hours of instruction offered as a part of StreetLeverage – Live Australia in Brisbane, Australia.
Again, the event is being held on September 21st from 9:00am – 4:30pm.
Those investing in themselves by attending StreetLeverage – Live Australia are eligible to receive the NAATI Recertification Category 1.4 – 20 points or Category 3.8 – 10 points.
Take a leap forward in your career and register to attend. We hope for the opportunity to host you!
Best,
Brandon Arthur Founder StreetLeverage
Canadian Deaf Interpreter Nigel Howard in Sydney for PD events
August 14, 2018
The Deaf Society of NSW, with the support of ASLIA NSW, is pleased to present Nigel Howard who will deliver a number of PD events.
Our two organisations have a long history of working together and we are pleased to be continuing this partnership.
Nigel will be presenting both in person in Parramatta as well as online, so feel free to share this with all your interpreting colleagues around the country!
The ANC2018 Organising Committee is delighted to bring you the ANC2018 Program.
As you may know, the Conference theme is ‘Partners in Practice‘ and the Program has exactly that. We hope that over 3 days – Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd September – will nurture, provoke, recharge and validate your role as an Auslan practitioner or as an aspirant interpreter learner.
New Keynote Presenter – Rosie Henley
August 5, 2018
We warmly welcome new Keynote Presenter Rosie Henley, originally a BSL and now NZSL interpreter and academic from Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand. In addition to living in a ‘government town’, she has much experience in interpreting meetings between Deaf and hearing professionals; lobbyists; community members; politicians and government officials. During her Masters studies, Rosie focused primarily on researching interpreter-mediated meetings with a specific focus on the cooperative work that occurs between NZSL interpreters and meeting participants.
Rosie has delivered professional development workshops to interpreters nationally and locally, and is an advocate for reflective interpreting practice which includes ongoing dialogue between interpreters and the people with whom they work.
NOTICE: Dr Karen Bontempo – Keynote Withdrawal
August 5, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that the ANC Organising committee has accepted notice from Dr Karen Bontempo that she is unable to attend the ANC as keynote presenter due to personal reasons. We were delighted that a researcher, practitioner and contributor of such esteem was on offer to you, and the Organising Committee now have the task of exploring ways to provide a session that continues to offer such high value to attendees. We wish Karen all the best, and hope that she is able to share her knowledge with us at another occasion in the future.
The ANC2018 is actively working to provide a session of value. Stay tuned for an update very soon.
ANC2018 Early Bird Prices Closing Soon – 27 July 2018!
July 24, 2018
ANC2018 Partner
5 reasons why you should come to the ANC2018
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Earn all your required NAATI PD points in one long weekend
Need help convincing your manager to let you attend the ASLIA National Conference (ANC2018)? We’ve taken the hard work out and written a professional development request form, all you need to do is update it with information relevant to your role.
NAATI examiners are the professional people who help us maintain and set the high professional standards translators and interpreters are assessed by.
Examiners are recruited by language to sit on panels. As panel members, examiners assist with the setting and marking of the translation and interpreting certification tests in that specific language.
Role-players are an integral part of how NAATI tests the abilities of individuals sitting interpreting tests.
Dear Interpreter trainers, potential trainers and all ASLIA members,
It is with some sadness that the ANC2018 Organising Committee and the ASLIA Board have decided to cancel the Interpreter Trainer Network Symposium (ITNS) which was to have been held on Monday 24th September following the ANC 2018.
2018 has seen a watershed of changes and events nationally and internationally which have involved interpreters and trainers in ways not foreseen when ITNS planning began.
The WASLI Conference being held in Fiji in August has meant that many of our trainers and members will be out of the country only one month before our own national conference.
This has had an impact on the number of ITNS papers submitted to the Organising Committee, the number of people able to register for ITNS, and also the number of interpreters available to work at ITNS.
Within Australia the NAATI Certification testing system is being piloted during 2018, and this has involved a large number of the very trainers who would normally attend and present training at the ITNS. This has consumed the time of some of our best trainers, leading to a lack of personnel and resources for ITNS 2018.
In addition, the arrival of NDIS is impacting on the current service providers in ways we are all still learning about, causing many changes in working conditions for us all. Again this is consuming the time of many of our senior practitioners who are the educators of the future, who therefore cannot give the time needed for presentations at ITNS in September.
Last but not least, our own ASLIA Board is working at a frenetic pace to rebuild our national organisation as envisaged in the Constitution we all approved last year. Each member has an enormous workload, as well as supporting the OC to conduct the best ever National Conference for all members.
We look forward seeing you all at ANC 2018 in September.
Yours sincerely
Meredith Bartlett
Convenor ANC 2018
ASLIA Special General Meeting – 20 June 2018
May 30, 2018
Notice of Special General Meeting
8.00pm (AEST) Wednesday 20 June 2018
to be held at the
Deaf Society, 69 Phillip Street, Parramatta
& live-streamed.
Dear ASLIA Members,
ASLIA will hold a Special General Meeting (SGM) to propose adjustments to membership fees in accordance with the ASLIA Constitution Part 2: Section (2.3) to pass two resolutions related to membership fees. The intent of these changes are to ensure the financial viability of ASLIA.
Proposed motions Resolution 1.
The ASLIA Board moves that ASLIA annual membership fees are increased to $120 for Associate Members, $150 for Ordinary Members and $300 for Corporate members.
Resolution 2.
The ASLIA Board moves that the disbursement of membership fees be 50% to national and 50% to state associations.
Rationale and background information for the above resolutions can be downloaded here.
Information on how to participate in the Special General Meeting a) Attendance in person
Members are required to advise their presence in person at 69 Phillip Street, Sydney (NSW) prior to the commencement of the Special General Meeting. Your name will be recorded on the Attendance Sheet.
If you are an Ordinary Member or an Honorary (Ordinary Member), you will need to register your intention to vote. Refer to (d).
b) Attendance by Zoom
To attend the Special General Meeting online using the Zoom platform, click on URL: https://zoom.us/j/486966542
This online link will be available at 7.35pm on 20 June 2018.
If you wish to participate and vote in the meeting, you will need to attend by 8.00pm AEST.
If you are an Ordinary Member or an Honorary (Ordinary Member), you will need to register your intention to vote. Refer to (d).
Please text your name and state to 0402 266 954 (ASLIA Manager) to be recorded on the Attendance Record.
If you have a query or comment, you can use the chatbox function on the Zoom platform. Monitor/s will relay any queries to the Chairperson.
c) Vote by Proxy
If you as an Ordinary Member or Honorary (Ordinary) Member are unable to attend the Special General Meeting in person or online, you can nominate a Proxy to vote on your behalf.
A proxy shall be a member of ASLIA who is entitled to vote at the meeting for which the proxy is given.
Mail Proxy Forms to PO Box 1300, Parramatta NSW 2150
The ASLIA Manager or ASLIA representative will make arrangements with your nominated Proxy to ensure your vote is counted.
d) How to register your intention to vote This section is for Ordinary Members and Honorary (Ordinary) Members only.
Members using Proxies need not do anything – refer to (c).
All voting will be conducted by utilising a web-based SMS, called SMSTech.
To register yourself with SMSTech, you need to text your name and state to 0438 476 035.
We suggest you do this as soon as you get this notice and receive confirmation of your registration.
e) How to vote
When the Chairperson presents the motion for voting, you will receive a text message (SMS message) from SMSTech.
You will have 15 minutes from the time the motion is proposed and seconded to cast your vote. You will be prompted via SMS to cast your vote.
Provided you are registered (see above (d)), you can text your vote by replying with the following words to indicate your vote ‘yes’ (agree with the proposed motion), ‘no’ (disagree with the proposed motion) or ‘abstain’ (do not wish to vote for or against).
All received votes are automatically date and time stamped.
Votes received after the 15 minute voting window has closed will not be counted.
f) What happens to the votes?
Scrutineers will be appointed who are not ordinary ASLIA members to monitor the incoming votes on SMSTech.
Scrutineers will mark off the votes on a prepared tally sheet.
Scrutineers will monitor for any duplicate votes by the same registered member or any unregistered votes.
The scrutineers will inform the Chairperson of voting results.
Details of the voting results will be emailed to all ASLIA members once votes are verified.
National Volunteer Week – ASLIA thanks our volunteers
May 24, 2018
ASLIA would like to extend appreciation to the members who contribute so generously in a number of ways to the work of our association throughout Australia and beyond.
Kathy Walsh Memorial Sponsorship now open
April 14, 2018
The Kathy Walsh Memorial Sponsorship (KWMS) provides $500 towards one ASLIA National Conference (ANC) 2018 registration to specifically support a member to engage in 2.5 days of PD, learning, networking and socialising with other delegates. For more information – click here.
Media Release – Australian Government signs off tender for a substandard National Relay Service
April 7, 2018
The Australian Government has signed off a tender for a substandard National Relay Service (NRS). ASLIA, in conjunction with other organisations, have released a media statement.
Vale Benjamin (Ben) Souter – Melbourne, Victoria
February 12, 2018
ASLIA is saddened at the recent sudden passing of Certified Professional Auslan Interpreter, Ben Souter from Melbourne.
Ben began interpreting some 30 years ago, progressing to Auslan Teacher and Interpreter Trainer in the last few years. Ben also worked as an BSL interpreter in London for 6 years.
Ben had the privilege of working with the General Secretary of the WFD at conferences in excess of 10 countries as well as several UN meetings.
Ben contributed significantly to several committees, projects and administrative roles in various organisations including ASLIA, ASLIA Victoria, CABS (Central Auslan Booking System – Vic), Australian Communication Exchange and Melbourne Polytechnic.
Ben will be sadly missed by his colleagues and friends in the signing community – both deaf and hearing.
ASLIA extends its deepest condolences to Ben’s loved ones.
Ben’s family have kindly suggested that donations in Ben’s memory be directed to ASLIA or Vicdeaf.
ASLIA Victoria AGM 25 August 2017 & 2017 Annual Report
August 23, 2017
ASLIA Victoria Annual General Meeting
Held 6.00pm Friday 25 August 2017
The Clyde Hotel, Carlton
For ASLIA Victoria 2017 Annual Report (revised 29 Aug 2017) – click here
NAATI New Certification Scheme
June 28, 2017
Public Information Briefing sessions on the new NAATI certification system which will take effect in January 2018, were held in three cities: Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane from May 30 – June 7 2017.
For more information including an Auslan intepreted briefing session and PowerPoint slides – click here.
News flash from NAATI:
An updated draft of the NAATI recertification (Professional Development- PD) catalogue has been released – click here. This is a slightly updated version of the earlier draft which reflects some additional feedback since then.
Anyone familiar with the existing revalidation requirements will see there are some common areas but some notable changes aimed at making it more flexible for practitioners to accrue PD points.
Once approved the final version will be published and incorporated into the on-line e-logbook that will be provided via the new NAATI portal for all certified practitioners in January 2018.
Submission: NDIS Code of Conduct – 21 Jun 2017
June 28, 2017
ASLIA made a submission to the proposed NDIS Code of Conduct.
ASLIA has been supporting the Hearing Health campaign undertaken by Deafness Forum. To date, ASLIA has provided a written submission and has appeared before the parliamentary inquiry into Hearing Health.
To extend the current campaign Deafness Forum would like to present a booklet that profiles the experiences of people within our sector. This booklet will be presented to the parliamentary inquiry and to state and federal health ministers, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader. Click here to see a sample story.
ASLIA has suggested that the experiences of Deaf people and interpreters be included in this additional submission by Deafness Forum.
ASLIA is asking you to provide your views that may also include examples of situations/stories of current issues facing our sector. These views can be submitted in writing (word or PDF) or in video format using Auslan (by uploading to YouTube and providing the link).
To read the 2017 Price Review Discussion Paper, click here.
Submission: NAATI Certification Scheme Design – 23 Feb 2017
March 1, 2017
With major contributors Maxine Buxton and Sandi Leane from Victoria, and feedback from members Australia-wide, ASLIA has submitted a submission to NAATI on their proposed Certification Scheme Design.
Background information to the proposed Certification Scheme can be found here.
Submission: Hearing Health and Wellbeing of Australia – 15 Jan 2017
February 23, 2017
ASLIA made a submission to the Inquiry into the Hearing Health & Wellbeing of Australia and made three recommendations:
That the Australian Government
i) implements a program to ensure Deaf Awareness Training supports a well-balanced approach in diagnosing, assessing, and treating by advising families about the Deaf Identity, Deaf Community and their language, Auslan;
ii) commits to making vital health care and wellbeing information available in Auslan; and
iii) funds home-based Auslan training for families under the NDIS.
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https://mailchi.mp/48eb77f59f0d/paris-2019-general-meeting-minutes?e=3826792444
DeafBlind World Workshop – 16th November 2019
