Strengthened interpreting services for deafblind people

Deafblind people are to be offered more interpreters to help them get more active. This is a promise from Robert Eriksson, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. Three years ago, the number of interpreters available for deafblind people in physical activity was significantly reduced.

Three years ago, the number of interpreters available for deafblind people in physical activities was significantly reduced. Until 2012, deafblind people were more often given interpreters to participate in physical activities. However, new rules stated that communication should be the main purpose. This led to many deafblind people becoming more isolated.

Last year, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Eriksson told NAV that the rules should be applied more generously so that deafblind people could get out more. This has not happened.

-"I'm prepared to look at whether adjustments need to be made to the circular to make it clearer that available interpreters should also be used when deafblind people are out on leisure activities," says Labour and Social Affairs Minister Robert Eriksson to NRK Dagsnytt.