N.L. has 5 ASL interpreters. This deaf advocate says that's hampering seniors' access to services

The head of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for the Deafsays a lack of accessible services is leaving senior citizens isolated in the health-care system.

Myles Murphy says the biggest problem is a Canada-wide shortage of American Sign Language interpreters thathas hit the province especially hard. The NLAD is only aware offive interpreters in the province, for about 100 people who need their services spread across a wide area.

That creates major problems for people who live in personal-care homes, for example, where health care and social programming are vital.

"[Consider] the quality of life for two people living in the same care home," Murphy said through an ASL interpreter.

"If one is deaf, there's certainly a vast difference in their quality of life. And really, looking after our seniors is part of our government's responsibility. They have to care for all our seniors, not just certain groups. We don't want to be left out or fall through a gap."

Rally for improved access

The province's Deaf community is holding a rally outside Confederation Building in St. John's on Wednesday morning, calling on the government to improve access to services for deaf people, especially senior citizens.

Murphy said they hopeto raise awareness of the struggles they faceand encourage the province to take action.

He said it's important for people to recognize the importance of language for deaf people, and what happens when they can't communicate.

"Because sign language is not English it's not just English on the hands it's a challenge for deaf seniors," he said."So when they sign, if there's no interpreters, the nature of their language is that it's hard to understand. So you get isolationand loneliness, even when they're in a crowded building or room. There's no social interaction."

Murphy said the problem is also exacerbated when people have to make unscheduled trips to the hospital for emergency care. If there's no time to book an interpreter, or no interpreter available, important information about their health can be lost in translation.

There are online translation services available, Murphy said, but deaf seniors or people in remote areas don't necessarily have the skills or access to technology to avail of them.

"That really all equates to unequal access for our deaf seniors," he said. "So we're looking for resources so we can build and make sure that our seniors have equal access the same as anyone else."

The rally is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, and an ASL interpreter will be present.

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