As the Deaf community ages, interpreters are increasingly called upon to work in end‑of‑life contexts. These settings demand not only advanced interpreting skills but also a deep understanding of the ethical, legal, and emotional dimensions involved. This specialised professional development session is designed to strengthen your knowledge and confidence when interpreting in palliative care and voluntary assisted dying environments.
ASLITA NSW/ACT brings together a panel of experts for this Online PD Session:
Jacqueline Endicott – Specialised Palliative Care Nurse at RNS Hospital (and Auslan Interpreter).
Peta Pippos – Chief Policy Officer | VAD Policy from NSW Health – Chief Health Officer’s Strategic Programs Branch.
Rowan Huppert – Board Member at Dying with Dignity.
Facilitated by ASLITA NSW/ACT committee members: Leah Brown & Vaughn Matthews
Through this PD, experts will clarify and outline two closely related but distinct areas of practice:
Palliative Care:
You will learn what palliative care is, what it aims to achieve, and common myths and assumptions people have around palliative care. We will delve into how it is delivered in public hospitals, with a focus on the language, concepts, and conversations interpreters are likely to encounter.
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD):
The voluntary assisted dying component will outline what VAD is under NSW/ACT law, the key steps in the process, and the terminology and documentation interpreters may need to interpret. Designed for experienced interpreters, this session will address ethical and legal implications, processes, regulations, and advocacy in the current space. You’ll gain practical insights into the conversations, documentation, and processes interpreters are likely to encounter, while maintaining professionalism in sensitive, high-stakes situations.
Panel Discussion
Following the presentations, a panel discussion will open conversations with the audience, encouraging thoughtful questions, reflections, and dialogue on the topics presented.
Join us online on 19 April at 1pm for a focused and practical update to support your interpreting work in health and end‑of‑life settings.
📅 Sunday 19 April 2026
⏰ 1:00pm
💲$35 for Members | $70 Non-Members
This PD will be Auslan Interpreted
Interstate Interpreters are more than welcome, however, please note that NSW legislation will be covered on this topic and slight differences may occur in other states.
| NAATI PD Points | NAATI Category 1.3 - 20 Points |
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| Date | 19/04/2026 |
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