feature
Message
understood
O
ne in six Australians
are affected by
hearing loss and
an estimated 30,000 people
around the country use Auslan
every day.
terminology and, ideally, the same
gender as the patient.
“There is a formal training
program t hat takes about five years
to complete,” Sarah said.
“On top of that there is a need
TV for all
B
lind Citizens Australia
is calling on the Federal
Government to introduce
audio description on all free-to-
air television programs.
Audio description is a second
for social engagement with the audio track that can be turned on
professional Auslan interpreter for Deaf community. This is paramount or off, which describes key visual
Deaf Can:Do - a South Australian to ensuring that interpreters get elements of a television program
organisation that provides exposure to different signing such as facial expressions, scenery,
services to people with hearing styles.” costumes and action.
Sarah Dempsey works as a
impairments.
Sarah said though the work of
While audio description has been
Auslan interpreters helps to grow available on free-to-air-television
awareness for the Deaf community, in all other English-speaking OECD
there are still challenges that many countries for years, Australia
a high expectation of skills coupled interpreters face - such as people continues to lag behind.
with a really high demand for who speak to the interpreter, rather interpretation. than the Deaf client, or a lack of Citizens Australia, Emma Bennison,
time to look over relevant materials said the blindness sector is calling
prior to providing a a service. on the Government to ensure that
“One of the challenges for when the Broadcasting Legislation
Australia where there are just not interpreters is a lack of awareness Amendment Bill is discussed in the
enough interpreters to service the or knowledge from others about next Senate sitting period, it includes
entire state.” our role,” Sarah said. provisions for permanent audio
“It can be a challenging
profession to be in,” Sarah said.
“For interpreters there is always
“There is a huge shortage of
Auslan interpreters nationwide, but
we see this particularly in South
Deaf Can:Do provide
“I have interpreted for press
The executive officer of Blind
description services.
“Australia is a signatory to the
interpreters for a range of areas, conferences and been cropped out including medical appointments of shot. But while we do encounter UN Convention on the Rights of
and court hearings, education and various issues, there has also been Persons with Disabilities, yet the
workplace environments - even a lot of progress recently.” blind and vision impaired community
press conferences and sporting
events.
A 2004 Government report
found that interpreters were
Sarah said an overhaul of are excluded from joining in an
the current training model and important aspect of Australian
framework would benefit Auslan cultural, educational and social life,”
Interpreters. Ms Bennison said.
“And there needs to be Australia’s broadcasters argue
medical appointments, as these more education and awareness that audio description is too costly to
require an interpreter with a surrounding the role of the implement.
high level of skill, as well as interpreter.”
especially hard to secure for
an understanding of medical
www.deafcando.com.au
“The Government has been
exploring options for audio
description on Australian television
36
vision and hearing impairment
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