The Interpretation Field

WHERE HAS DDA MADE A DIFFERENCE?

DDA Plays an Active part in Connection with the Sign Language Interpretation Training Programme
In 1973 the Deaf Association inherits from the Danish-American oil billionaire, Alfred Jakobsen, and sets off research into Sign Sanguage and communication in collaboration with the Sign Language Centre (formerly known as the Deaf Centre for Total Communication, KC).

In 1980-84 the need of sign language interpreters explodes and DDA arranges a training programme aimed at experienced interpreters at the Sign Language Centre with subsequent final exams. DDA spends app. 1 million Danish kroner on the training programme and that is the beginning of an actual interpreter degree.

In 1986 the Sign Language Interpretation Training Programme is publicly recognized and is managed and administrated by the Sign Language Centre. At first the training programme runs on a two year basis but later on it is extended and it now runs for three and a half years.

DDA Ensures that the Deaf are being Granted Interpreters in Various Situations
In 1975 when the Law on Social Assistance is passed deaf students are able to be granted an interpreter via the Rehabilitation Provisions. Along with other disability organizations DDA spends many years trying to change the old tradition where deaf people have to be approved by the municipality and the educational institutions prior to being granted an interpreter. Finally in 2000 a result was achieved and Law on Special Pedagogical Support was passed ensuring all deaf students an interpreter for more advanced studies – and in 2007 students at upper secondary school were also granted interpreters.

DDA too was actively involved in guaranteeing interpreters on the labour market – primarily in connection with a 3 year experimental project followed by Law on Personal Assistance for the Disabled in the Labour Market, which was passed on January 1st 1992 ensuring this by law.

In 2000 DDA gains 13 million Danish kroner a year from political lobbying for the Social Interpretation Project and since then DDA has tried to make the project run on a permanent basis.