Eikholt is concerned that deafblind people's right to an interpreter is not being realised
We realise that the ongoing action among freelance interpreters has major consequences for deafblind people. The actions have also led to the cancellation of adaptation courses at Eikholt because users have not received interpreters.
Lack of interpreters can lead to cancellations of NAV adaptation courses
Eikholt is the only provider of NAV adaptation courses for deafblind people in Norway. Deafblind people are dependent on an interpreter/companion both in connection with travelling to and from Eikholt, and during the courses themselves, which can take place at Eikholt and at the user's home. As a general rule, the need for this service will extend beyond normal working hours during the day.
The ongoing action where freelance interpreters are choosing not to take on assignments has meant that it has not been possible for us to offer courses and courses are being cancelled. We are now concerned that people with deafblindness will not be able to realise their right to adaptation courses in the near future due to a lack of access to interpreters/companions. Please note that adaptation courses for deafblind people are planned every six months and that any cancellations may mean that users have to wait a long time before they can receive new offers.
People with deafblindness need an interpreter
People with deafblindness are completely dependent on access to an interpreter at all times of the day and night in order to participate in society. Therefore, the interpretation service must be organised so that an interpreter/companion is available when needed. Deafblind people are highly dependent on stable and good access to interpreters/companions. In connection with the action among freelance interpreters, many users are now experiencing insecurity.
It is important that the framework conditions and organisation of the interpreting service are good so that deafblind people can take an active part in society. Good framework conditions for interpreters are also important in order to retain interpreters in the service and to ensure good recruitment to interpreter programmes.
We hope for rapid clarification of the framework conditions and organisation of the interpretation service so that users can once again get the interpreters they need to lead active lives. Eikholt's operations are also entirely dependent on users being provided with an interpreter/companion in order to participate in adaptation courses.
Below you will find links to other articles about the interpreter campaign:
- My life doesn't stop at 15:30 - Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Deafblindness (dovblindhet.no)
Sign language interpreters: Equal pay for work of equal value should be a guideline - Dagsavisen
Freelance interpreters campaign for fair pay | Journalen (oslomet.no)
