Abstract
Objective: The aim of this present paper is to highlight some of the issues faced by therapists and sign language interpreters when working with deaf patients.
Conclusions: Key issues include linguistic, interpreting and role challenges, and potential threats to the therapeutic alliance. Recommendations are made in relation to preparation strategies and training for sign language interpreters and therapists.
Notes
†The Code of Ethics for Auslan interpreters is ‘owned’ by the Australian Sign Language Interpreters' Association. The key tenets of the Code are similar to those found in Codes of Ethics for spoken and signed language interpreters in other countries. Therefore, it can be assumed that all interpreters adhere to the same ethical principles, regardless of the languages used.