Disability Resource Centre
The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) can arrange sign language interpreting services for Deaf students. Sign language interpreters work in lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical sessions.
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and English are the two languages with which Deaf students currently communicate at the University. Auslan is the first language of the Deaf community in Australia, and is an officially recognised language of Australia. It is a visual and spatial language incorporating signs, finger spelling, facial expression, mouth movement, gestures and body language. It also has its own syntax and structure.
The majority of interpreters employed at the University have NAATI (National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters) qualifications.
Interpreters work in both directions – from voice/English (hearing) to Auslan or from Auslan to voice/English. Some students will prefer to voice for themselves, while others will use the interpreter. Interpreters communicate the conceptual meaning of the message rather than deliver verbatim translations.
Interpreters are employed to support communication and do not pass judgement
or interfere with the learning environment.
