Cost of Interpreting Service Provision

Members of SLC believe that Deaf people should not cover the costs of access by paying for Auslan interpreting in any situation.
 
Under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) [DDA], training providers, employers and service providers must provide access for people with disabilities including Deaf people. This legislation also covers access to premises and accommodation, as well as goods and facilities.
 
The Commonwealth is not exempt from using ‘unjustifiable hardship’ for immunity from the DDA, and so will always be in a position to provide access to its departments and programs. There are also anti-discrimination and equal opportunity laws at State level to ensure that Deaf people are not discriminated against. The members of SLC consider that all Government departments, both Commonwealth and State, must make a budgetary allocation to cover the cost of interpreting service.
 
There may be further legislation and regulations in relevant states that strengthen the position of interpreter funding.
 
In certain situations – for example, where a small business does not have the financial means to pay for interpreting – the fee is negotiable. In a small number of situations, SLC members may negotiate to fund the provision of an interpreter. This is at the discretion of the member body of SLC. In both situations, the requesting organisation must show that paying for this service would constitute an unjustifiable hardship. It is important that Deaf people receive the same level of service as hearing people.
 
Where the SLC member body and another agency (for example, government agencies) have a client in common, the cost of the interpreting service for meetings where the client is present shall be shared equally between all service providers involved in a particular situation. This booking will be made with the relevant SLC member. This will be negotiated prior to appointment. The Deaf Society has a role to educate kindred agencies about their obligations under the applicable and relevant legislation.
 
Training providers and organisations that provide training are, under legislation, responsible for providing access. SLC members are not responsible for covering the cost for interpreting access for Deaf staff that enroll for professional development or training sessions. Under Commonwealth legislation, this is the responsibility of the provider, unless unjustifiable hardship can be established.
 
For Interpreting Service fees and charges, please contact your relevant SLC member or click the relevant link below.
 
 
 Sign Language Communications NSW
 
 Sign Language Communications VIC
 
 Sign Language Communications QLD
 
 Sign Language Communications WA
 
 Sign Language Communications SA
 
 
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