13 June 1974

Dear Colleague

PROFOUNDLY DEAF PEOPLE ATTENDING MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE DISABLED PERSONS ACTS 1944 AND 1958:

ASSISTANCE OF SOCIAL WORKERS TO ACT AS INTERPRETERS

Summary

1. This Circular, suggests arrangements for deaf persons to be accompanied by an interpreter when referred for medical examination under the Disabled Persons Acts 1944 and 1958. Local authority associations have been consulted on the contents.

Background

2. Problems of interpretation may sometimes be encountered by profoundly deaf persons called for medical examination connected with their employment. The Department of Employment has suggested that it would be helpful if a social worker or social welfare officer for the deaf people could, wherever possible, and assuming the deaf person so wishes, accompany him to act as interpreter when he is referred for examination under the Disabled Persons Acts.

Action Required

3. The general shortage of staff able to communicate with deaf people is appreciated; the number of referrals each year is not great however, and it is felt that the available staff of local authorities and voluntary organisations (the latter under any agency arrangements which may be in force) could help considerably to overcome the difficulties experienced by deaf persons. Your assistance in providing this service so far as practicable, in co-operation with the Disablement Resettlement Officers of the Department of Employment, is accordingly requested.

4. In order to facilitate arrangements, the Department of Employment will give preliminary notice to the Social Work Department (including the name and address of the deaf person) in every case where an examination is being arranged at which there appears to be a need for an interpreter, and will at the appropriate time notify the Social Work Department of the time and place of the examination. It would be helpful if where possible, the deaf person could be given the option of being accompanied by a social worker who is known to him or one who is not. The Department of Employment will pay the travelling expenses of the social worker.

5. A copy of this Circular is enclosed for the Director of Social Work.

Contact Point

6. Please direct any queries about this Circular to Miss Mary Forker, Social Work Services Group, Room 44, James Craig Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3BA

(telephone 0131 244 5456).

Yours faithfully

GAVIN ANDERSON