This project partners with Able Australia and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters to better understand the communication strategies used by Australian deafblind sign language users. Many deafblind Australians use a modified form of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to communicate, yet little is known about how interpreters or support workers should adapt their signing when working with deafblind clients to ensure effective communication. Our project will record interactions between deafblind people and interpreters/ support workers to collect examples of good practice, as well as holding retrospective interviews with all participants to discuss what worked well and not so well in the interaction.

A major goal of the project is to work with deafblind people to produce evidence-based training and resources for professionals working with deafblind Australians. We are also keen to build a network of like-minded scholars and researchers internationally to share knowledge and experience in this area.

Preliminary survey of Interpreters and Support Workers

In mid-2021, the project conducted an international survey of interpreters and support workers who regularly work with deafblind clients. The survey explored what training (if any) they had received in working with deafblind people as well as their experiences and attitudes towards this work. A small number of participants were also contacted for follow up interviews.

We are currently analysing results and will share major findings here in 2022.

This research is part of the Sign Language @ Monash research cluster. To learn more about our other projects click here.