Hi! I'm a BSL (british sign language) interpreter in the UK, hoping to emigrate to Australia (my hubby is the main applicant) and was wondering about interpreting Auslan (australian sign language for those of you who don't know). I've been doing a bit of research but not found much of what I'm looking for, so here's a few questions:

Have any BSL interpreters on here emigrated and made the change to Auslan interpreting? If so, how did you find it? What, if any, courses/training did you need to do? Was there anything you could do in UK before you went?

I've heard the pay's quite low compared to here and loads of aussies come to the uk to make a bit of money then go back - what hourly rate are we looking at?

How easy is it to get work?

Any other pointers would be gratefully received!
xx

Edited to say: Also, if there are any Australian Auslan interpreters on here... any advice?

I shall watch your thread with interest because we're in the early stages of looking into migrating to Aus - and taking our dependant daughter who is profoundly deaf.

I may well stand corrected, but I believe your skills in interpreting are assessed - however you would have to start from scratch learning Auslan due to the differences (at your level of proficiency, it shouldn't be too much of a problem though, knowing that alot of SL is 'interchangeable' between countries/cultures). Check interpreter/translator on the SOL list - I think it's/they're a 50 point occupation, for which you should get bonus points for.

Also google for Deaf associations/societies/local authority Deaf services etc. ...in fact anything that you feel is relevent to your circumstances. These may well vary from area to area and state to state. Don't forget to check these sources for updates, as the rules are always changing....and that you'll end up with square eyes the amount of time you'll spend looking!

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you, do keep me posted here or by PM on your progress and any useful Deaf - related info, please.

You never know, maybe you've met my girl?!

Kindest regards and the best of luck,

M.

Hi, im just in the process of learning BSL level 2 and ive heard that apart from a few differences auslan is about 80% the same...is this not right then?

I do want to continue with signing and will do the next level in aus so i shall also watch this thread.

I want to work in a preschool and also assist deaf children in the classroom.

Nickie

Hiya, yeah you're right, Auslan and BSL are 80% the same, which is great (and makes me glad I don't want to work in US! ASL is TOTALLY different!). I've met deaf aussies and aussie interpreters over the years and there's never been any probs with communication so that's a plus. However, I'm just wondering about how strict Australia will be about having specific Australian qualifications, how much they are and how much work there is... I found on the web that there are like 60,000 Auslan users in the whole of Australia - whereas there's 50,000 in UK so the population is much more dense here. Wondering how much demand there will be in Oz.

Have had a look at some of the deaf association websites but to be honest, the info is quite general and not really the specific stuff I'm after!

The poster with the deaf child, who knows, I might know them! I work in and around London, although not much in schools. Where are you?

Level 2 student - good luck and let me know what you find out! Do you know if sign language interpreter is included in the skilled list? Interpreter is there but I can't find any info about what languages.

Thanks! xx

Just thought I'd update you on this if you're interested - I've been in touch with NAATI, and found out Auslan IS included as a language under their interpreter category, however, they don't recognise NVQs so I would have to sit an Auslan test. BUT, they only test Auslan in Australia! No time or money to be going all that way unless I can stay there afterwards, so, I'm just hoping our visa can go through on my husband's occupation!

All the best xx

Good luck, im sure you will be fine.

Got my level 2 exam next weekend.

Nickie