Kerry Deaf Resource Centre Update 21.10.13
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING ACCESS.
This week our update will focus on sign language interpreting access. With
ongoing cuts due to the current recession, many Deaf sign language users are
concerned that their rights to access are being cut or being drastically
reduced.
With the introduction of the Equal Status Acts & the Disability Act, this
places clear legal obligations on Government Departments and Public Bodies
to provide reasonable accommodation. In this regards, access to a sign
language interpreter MAY be considered as a ‘reasonable accommodation’
request. These obligations continue to exist whether a country is in a
strong financial position or in a recession.
If a Government Department or Public Body refuses or fails to provide you
with access, you may have grounds under current equality and disability
legislation. For more information, you can go to
http://equality.ie/en/
On a positive note, even with the current recession, there are a number of
Departments that provide access and here is a small selection.
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING AT 3RD LEVEL.
Third level institutions continue to provide a high level of sign language
interpreting access. Our own Tralee Institute of Technology have had a
proven track record of providing access to Deaf students for many years.
If you require access, you can contact the Disability Officer or Access
Officer in your college/ university.
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING TO GP FOR MEDICAL CARD HOLDERS.
If you are a medical card holder in Co. Kerry and require the services of a
trained & qualified interpreter to meet with your Doctor/GP, the HSE Kerry
has a policy to request an interpreter.
You can contact our service if you require an interpreter. An email is then
sent to the HSE Disability Manager requesting sanctioning for the
interpreter. You will need to supply information such as date & time of the
appointment and name of GP. This information is treated with the strictest
confidentiality. Please give advance notice of the appointment to ensure the
interpreter is available at the same time as your GP.
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING ACCESS WITH MABS.
The Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free, confidential,
independent and non-judgmental service for people in debt, or in danger of
getting into debt, in Ireland. MABS Kerry have informed us that their policy
is to do everything possible to support clients in such situations and where
the client needs the services of an interpreter. Kerry MABS will cover the
costs involved.
People often seek the help of MABS when: There are extra bills to pay
because something has happened, such as being made redundant, an illness in
the family, relationship difficulties or a bereavement. They have no money
left over to pay everyday bills. The money coming into the household is less
than it used to be, causing them to fall behind on loan repayments. They
have been living on a low income for a long time and are getting further and
further behind because of the cost of mortgage, rent, medicines, childcare,
travel etc.
For more information on MABS, go to www.mabs.ie and to check what access is
provided in your area, you can email [email protected]
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING ACCESS TO CIS/NAS/MABS.
The Citizen Information Board (CIB) have also informed us that Citizens
Information Services (CIS), the National Advocacy Service (NAS) and the
Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS) source and provide Irish Sign
Language interpreting when this is required by a member of the Deaf
community. They provide for this from their own budgets.
On their Customer Charter- they have a number of principles that underpin
their commitment to people with disabilities.
Equality and diversity- we will respect diversity and ensure your right to
equal treatment.
Choice- we will plan and deliver our services so you can access them in the
way that suits you best.
Access- we will ensure that all our services and offices are fully
accessible. Contact our Access officer, Helen LaHert at the following email
addresses [email protected] or [email protected]
CIB want to provide the best service possible to you and welcome all
comments on their services. You can contact their Customer Services Officer,
Shona Geraghty at the address below or [email protected].
INTERPRETING ACCESS FOR JOB INTERVIEWS.
The Job Interview Interpreter Grant allows a jobseeker to have a
professional interpreter provide services for him/her at a job interview. If
you have just started work, you may also get this grant to cover the costs
of an interpreter during an induction period. The grant is provided under
the Department of Social Protection’s Reasonable Accommodation Fund.
KDRC provides services to Deaf and hard of hearing people at county level
and contributes to national issues of equality, access and rights.
OUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Kerry Deaf Resource Centre
4 Gas Tce, Tralee
Mobile (text): 087 633 4687
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kerrydeaf.com
www.facebook.com/kerrydeaf
http://www.facebook.com/
Fax: 066 712 0386
Tel: 066 712 0399