6 December 2007
HREOC congratulates Westpac
on pilot Auslan interpreter service
Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes today congratulated Westpac on the commencement of its pilot Australian Sign Language (Auslan) interpreter service.
Westpac is offering Deaf customers in NSW and Queensland access to a free interpreting service by appointment through the Deaf Society. The bank has also employed an Auslan interpreter who will be available to assist its employees working in Sydney. The Auslan interpreter translates English to Auslan, and Auslan to English, to allow communication between a deaf and a hearing person.
"I congratulate Westpac on this initiative," said Commissioner Innes.
"This is recognition that Deaf Australians - just like any other Australians - need to be able to talk with their bank about the financial issues we all have to deal with from time to time. I'm sure that the availability of this free service will be of great assistance to the 16,000 Australians who use Auslan," he said.
The Auslan interpreter for employees commenced on Monday this week, the International Day of People with a Disability.
For more information on the service please go to: www.westpac.com.au/internet/publish.nsf/content/wicrcuas%20people%20with%20disabilities
Media contact: Brinsley Marlay (02) 9284 9656 or 0430 366 529
