Sign language is used to convey messages to people who are deaf or those that have it as their first learned language. Just like any language, it has its own semantics, grammar and vocabulary. In whatever setting, using signs as a way of communication is being considerable to those that cannot hear. This makes them feel included, thought of and cared for. Many social works and campaigns have been done to sensitize public places or public media outlets to embrace the involvement of deaf people and by that the necessity to have sign language interpreters. In a health facility such as a clinic, having a sign language interpreter someone who should be available for patients and workers who cannot speak the natural way. There are benefits of sign language interpretation for clinics and are as discussed below.
Reduces Risks
In a situation where an immediate risk arises and the patient happens to be deaf or uses communication signs as their first language, having an sign language interpretation for clinics acts as a translator to ensure the risk and problem can be solved without taking much time waiting for an interpreter to be found. Life or death situations can be solved much faster and lowers the risk of death or serious consequences due to language barrier. Communication barriers can lead to wrong diagnosis or even bad practices which can all be avoided by incorporating sign languages interpretation in clinics.
Societal Necessity
Campaigns and workshops have been carried out worldwide to have deaf people be included and considered in every place, most especially places that provide essential services. This is because deaf people live amongst us and to feel like normal people and avoid communication problems, interpreters are hired in such essential service places such clinics.
Reduces Gap
Reducing the society gap between people with disability and normal people has been an agenda in this current society. When deaf people get interpreters in health facilities such as clinics, they feel they have been catered for thus making them connect better and improve the diagnosis and treatment of such patients in clinics.
Conclusion
Inclusion of people with disabilities by hiring sign language interpreters is so far the best decision a clinic can do. It can even increase the patient services painting a very good image for clinics with such. This not only helps deaf people but as mentioned even people who use sign languages as their native language.
