Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Department of Political Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Sign language is a complex and rich language that allows hard-of hearing people to communicate with a common language for interaction. This study aimed to explore occupational experiences with Iranian sign language interpretations (SLI).
Methods: Fifty-four participants (sign language interpreters and persons with hearing impairments) were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis method. Four main themes were extracted from the data: SLI as a blessing, necessities, challenges, and needs.
Results: The results showed the importance of the role of SLI in establishing communication between deaf and hearing people. On the other hand, because SLI is not recognized as an official job in Iran, only some sign language interpreters are paid a fixed salary, while the majority are working either voluntarily or for charity on very small amounts. In addition, they are operating without the support of insurance and retirement benefits.
Conclusion: Findings shows the need for creating policies for the recognition of the SLI as a job, equipping sign language interpreters with the necessary knowledge about job risks and its management, and planning to improve the job status of this group.
Keywords
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