2023-09-13 14:29:41
18th-24th September: The Austrian Association of the Deaf dedicates the #SignWithMe campaign to the topic of health and care.
People with disabilities are not adequately taken into account in the health system. “Access to prevention, treatment, advice or care facilities is not barrier-free for deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind people. Ignoring sign language endangers our health!” warns Helene Jarmer, President of the Austrian Association of the Deaf.
On the occasion of International Sign Language Day (September 23rd), the Austrian Association of the Deaf will use interviews, surveys and statements to highlight gaps in the health and care system for a week and ask those responsible for politics: What is being done to make health and care accessible to deaf people ?
“It has been proven that people with disabilities go to the doctor less often and therefore do not lead as healthy a life as they should,” confirms Kira Grünberg, ÖVP spokeswoman for disabled people. “Deaf people must organize an interpreter, have a personal assistant or ask family members to mediate between the doctor and the patient. “It’s often shameful and unpleasant,” says Heike Grebien.
Dr. Harald Schlögel from the Lower Austrian Medical Association confirms: “Especially in sensitive doctor-patient relationships, it is crucial that communication works well, whether in the hospital or in the office.” That is why “deaf people (…) should of course have the free choice of their health doctors and their health facilities. “This can only be achieved if there is appropriate communication,” adds ÖVP MP Dr. Joseph Smolle.
Philip Kucher, club chairman of the SPÖ and BM Johannes Rauch agree: “Health and nursing staff must be sensitized and trained in dealing with deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind people,” said Kucher. “In order to better train staff, it is planned to include people with disabilities in training for health professions (…),” says BM Rauch.
Health spokesman for the Greens in the National Council, Ralph Schallmeiner, welcomes the establishment of clinics for the deaf: “But not just in Vienna or Linz. We need them so comprehensively that they can be reached at a low threshold and close to home.”
Whatever measures are taken to make the Austrian health system inclusive, “it is extremely important that those affected and interest groups are included,” emphasizes Grünberg.
Those politically responsible have recognized the problems. The ÖGLB has developed concrete demands and measures for barrier-free access to healthcare for deaf people. Politics must provide the implementation.
This is what is needed for a barrier-free healthcare system:
- There is an outpatient clinic for the deaf in every federal state (Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Lower Austria and Burgenland currently have none);
- Appointments must be possible in all health facilities online, by email or SMS.
- Trained staff in hospitals and doctor’s offices: mandatory awareness courses for dealing with deaf people and courses in Austrian sign language.
- Health insurance companies must pay attention to the accessibility of a doctor’s practice when awarding health insurance contracts.
- In hospitals and practices, contact details for sign language interpreters must be available in case of emergencies.
- Calling waiting patients using the two-sense principle (acoustic + visual).
- Standardized protocols for first aid, information sheets, translation aids and behavioral instructions for health and nursing staff can make medical care for deaf patients easier.
“A truly inclusive healthcare system would allow deaf people in all medical professions,” says Helene Jarmer. “However, this would require equal opportunities in all areas of education and training.”
Around the International Day of Sign Languages (September 23rd), the ÖGLB organizes the #SignWithMe campaign week every year, which this year will take place from September 18th to 24th on all social media channels, websites of the regional associations and Gebärdenwelt.tv (www.gebaerdenwelt.tv) running.
Questions & Contact:
Petra Navara, 0676 617 3949
1694617217
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