Deaf community decries lack of status for sign language interpreters

MEP Helga Stevens brought together more than a thousand deaf people from all over Europe this week at a conference in the European Parliament. At the conference, they called for improved status for sign language interpreters and a wider recognition of their sign languages. “It is a unique occasion, because for the first time we are bringing together all 31 EU sign languages in one place,” says Helga Stevens, who is herself the first female deaf MEP. “But we are hoping that this turns out to be more than a symbolic day. Due to the lack of status, there is a marked shortage of sign language interpreters. That urgently needs to change.”

The European Union is home to over a million sign language users, but there are only 6,500 sign language interpreters. “In plain numbers that means there is one interpreter available for every 160 users. That is simply not doable. The interpreters are overworked and the people who need them are very often left out in the cold,” Helga Stevens says. “What’s more, only seven EU countries have a national database on which recognised interpreters are obliged to register. Without available and easily-reached interpreters, users have limited or no access to essential services. A disgrace for a Europe that wants to take the lead when it comes to equal opportunities.”

The sign language interpreters are also seriously underpaid in several European countries. “In Slovakia their hourly wage is EUR 2.60. Naturally such wages are not going to attract any interested young people. Furthermore, there is sometimes no wage system at all for trained sign language interpreters, which all means that the shortage is only likely to increase,” Helga Stevens warns.

Resolution

The conference was interpreted in all 31 sign languages, and all 24 spoken languages, of the EU. There were also programmes in Braille and a quiet room. The day concluded with the signing of a resolution which will be submitted to the European Parliament later this year. Already, over 60 MEPs from a variety of political groups have expressed their support for it.