‘Provide Sign Language Interpreters In Hospitals’ – Group tells Gov’t

The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation is calling on the Akufo-Addo’s government to make available sign language interpreters in public health facilities across the country for better welfare of its members.

“Our brothers who have hearing impairment have difficulties and this is the time they need help. We need sign language interpreters in our health facilities such as Komfo Anokye, Suntreso Hospital, Manhyia Hospital, for every person to have good interaction with the doctor with regards to his health.” – Mr Debrah, President of the organisation stated in an interview on Class Fm.

According to him, all the reforms which have taken place over the years in the healthcare sector, have not adequately addressed the needs of persons with disability adding that the absence of such support, especially in hospitals and other public places makes access to services difficult for their members with hearing impairment.

“If a person with hearing impairment visits the doctor, how can he or she interact with the doctor for him to be given a proper medication? We have these challenges, especially when the person cannot write, so, we want the government to identify these things and employ more sign language interpreters in our health facilities,” – he added.

History of Interpreters

While the actual existence of the very first interpreter is unknown, it is suggested that the role of an interpreter began with cave persons.

A Deaf cave person would ask a hearing person to act as an interpreter for both the Deaf and hearing, cave persons. The concept of the term, interpreter, came into existence in the 20th century in which time it was used to refer to an intermediary, helper, friend or counsellor.

Historically interpreters were viewed as volunteers, who were often relatives, friends or employers. The demand for interpreters of high quality.

Interpreters’ Roles and Responsibilities

Qualified interpreters seek to bridge and join the two worlds together-hearing and Deaf.

Although SL Interpreters’ responsibilities center on translating information to hearing and Deaf clients, “language problems create the potential for enormous tension among interpreters, school officials, and Deaf students”.

It is the SL Interpreters’ responsibilities to ensure that the information is communicated clearly to both parties, including ASL vocabulary and the structure of transmission.