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Challenges Faced by the Deaf Community in South Africa:

Feb 21, 2024

Challenges Faced by the Deaf Community in South Africa:

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Deaf Culture and Lifestyle, Deaf Education Insights

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  • Lack of access to crucial services like healthcare and justice due to a shortage of qualified South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters.
  • Sub-standard services when provided, often relying on untrained, unqualified individuals or family members acting as interpreters.
  • Exorbitant fees are charged by unqualified interpreters, which are unaffordable for many Deaf individuals.
  • Vulnerability of Deaf persons due to their inability to verify the accuracy of the interpretation.
  • Deaf speakers or presenters are often misrepresented, sounding amateurish due to poor interpretation.
  • Dependence on Supply Chain Management Departments for the selection of interpreters, where qualifications and experience are often overlooked in favour of price.

Proposed Solutions and Steps Toward Accreditation:

  • Establishment of the South African Language Practitioners’ Council (SALPC) as per the South African Language Practitioners’ Council Act (Act No. 8 of 2014), with objectives to promote, protect, and regulate language practice in South Africa.
  • The SALPC will scrutinize, register, and accredit language practitioners, including SASL interpreters, ensuring they adhere to a professional code of conduct.
  • Language practitioners, including SASL interpreters, must register with the SALPC to practice legally in South Africa, with minimum qualifications prescribed by the Minister on the Council’s recommendation.
  • Introduction of annual registration and accreditation fees, along with the requirement for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses for registered and accredited members.
  • The SALPC aims to uplift the professional status of SASL interpreters, ensuring the Deaf community receives high-quality, professional interpreting services.
  • The establishment of three subcategories of interpreters: Paraprofessional, Professional, and Expert, each with specific qualifications and permitted interpreting settings.

Benefits for the Deaf Community:

  • Assurance of qualified and professional SASL interpreters.
  • Protection against unprofessional and unethical behaviour through a regulatory body.
  • Enhancement of the prestige and recognition of SASL as a vibrant and dynamic language.

Call to Action:

  • SASL interpreters are encouraged to upskill, enrol for training, and prepare for registration and accreditation with the SALPC.
  • The Deaf community is urged to create awareness about the SALPC, understand their rights and responsibilities, and insist on using qualified interpreters.
  • Government Departments and institutions are advised to verify the credentials of SASL interpreters through their Supply Chain Management Departments.

Conclusion:

The SALPC aims to contribute to the prestige of SASL by ensuring high standards for registered and accredited interpreters, thereby fostering a positive image of SASL and the Deaf community.

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