NZSL/English Interpreters  

The Resource Department has a team of interpreters who interpret between Deaf and hearing staff and students in all the different departments of KDEC.  All our interpreters are qualified and are members of the Sign Language Interpreters’ Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ).  Interpreters abide by a Code of Ethics and a Code of Practice (see right).  If communicating through an interpreter is new for you, read our ‘Tips on Working with an Interpreter’ (below). 

To book a KDEC interpreter fill out the Interpreter Request Form (found on the right of this page).

Interpreting is tiring, so interpreters need regular breaks, and two interpreters are needed for jobs longer than one hour.

More information about Sign Language Interpreters can be found at www.slianz.org.nz

Tips for working with an Interpreter:

• For large meetings have a facilitator, take turns to talk, and raise your hand before talking.  Allow time for visual aids to be seen without talking at the same time, so people watching the interpreter can see them too.
• If you are hearing, look directly at the Deaf person when they are signing, not at the interpreter.
• Prior to the event allow the interpreter to prepare with an agenda, notes or a brief explanation of the content.
• When setting up the physical space take into consideration lighting and line of sight. The interpreter needs to sit or stand where they can be clearly seen.
• If working alone the interpreter will need a 5 minute break after interpreting for 30 minutes. If a job is over one hour two interpreters will be booked and work in a team. No ‘interpreter breaks’ are required in this situation, although Deaf participants may request an 'eye break'.

For more information or to contact the interpreters you can e-mail bookings@kdec.school.nz or call them on 09 827 4859 and ask for the interpreters’ office.