New DVD helps health professionals work with Deaf

Published 23 September 2009, Posted in National

A new DVD for health professionals working with Deaf or hearing-impaired patients was recently launched by Health and Disability Commissioner Tania Thomas in Hamilton.

The DVD, Medical Professionals working with Deaf and Hearing Impaired Clients, is a Deaf Aotearoa initiative and was developed by Waikato-based, Deaf producer Brent Macpherson’s company, Stretch Productions. 

Deaf Aotearoa CEO Rachel Noble says the DVD idea arose after discussions about ways to ensure accurate two-way communication between health providers and Deaf or hearing impaired clients.

“Recent research has identified that accessing health services and having medical staff aware of Deaf-related issues are high priorities for the Deaf community,” says Ms Noble.

“We believe this DVD will go a long way towards achieving this, with its helpful tips and practical demonstrations showing positive interactions between health professionals and the Deaf patient.”

The DVD advises on helpful tools to use when working with Deaf patients, including using visual aids to explain conditions or procedures.

It also gives advice on what to do when communicating with Deaf or hearing-impaired clients – including speaking directly to the Deaf person and not using their family members as interpreters.

“People with Deafness or impaired hearing are entitled to have an interpreter in a medical setting,” says Ms Noble.

The information in the DVD also reinforces the rights of the Deaf consumer within the Health and Disability Code.

Funded by Waitemata District Health Board and the Health and Disability Commission, the DVD is available to all health providers. 

Copies can be obtained from Deaf Aotearoa by telephoning 09 828 3282.

Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand (formerly Deaf Association of NZ Inc.) is a Deaf-led, not-for-profit organisation, which works with government and other organisations to provide information and resources on life for Deaf New Zealanders, Deaf culture and New Zealand Sign Language.  Deaf Aotearoa also represents New Zealand Deaf internationally as members of the World Federation of the Deaf.