Article

Objective : (1) explore usage and accessibility of sign language
interpreters, (2) appraise the levels of quality of life (QOL) of deaf adults
residing in New Zealand, and (3) consider the impact of access to and usage of
sign language interpreters on QOL. METHOD: Sixty-eight deaf adults living in New
Zealand participated in this study. Two questionnaires were employed: a 12-item
instrument about access and use of New Zealand sign language interpreters and the
abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life
questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: The results showed that 39% of this sample
felt that they were unable to adequately access interpreting services. Moreover,
this group scored significantly lower than a comparable hearing sample on all
four WHOQOL-BREF domains. Finally, the findings revealed that access to good
quality interpreters were associated with access to health services, transport
issues, engagement in leisure activities, gaining more information, mobility and
living in a healthy environment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have consequences
for policy makers and agencies interested in ensuring that there is an equitable
distribution of essential services for all groups within New Zealand which
inevitably has an impact on the health of the individual.
Surdité

Langue : ANGLAIS