A person accessing voluntary assisted dying may have a communication barrier that affects their ability to be understood by others. For example, someone may have a communication disability, or would prefer or needs to communicate in a language other than English.
Having a communication barrier does not mean the person does not have decision making capacity.
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 (the Act) allows you to communicate your request to access voluntary assisted dying through speech, gestures or other practical and appropriate techniques including:
You can also communicate your decision non-verbally, including by:
If you prefer or need to communicate in a language other than English, you can use an accredited interpreter to help you communicate throughout the process.
Your health practitioner should engage a professional interpreter for you through their local procedures.
Interpreters can choose whether or not to assist you to request access to voluntary assisted dying. It is the responsibility of the health practitioner to ensure interpreters are briefed on the content matter prior to any appointments and given the opportunity to choose not to be involved.
The Act requires an interpreter who assists you throughout the Voluntary Assisted Dying Pathway to:
The Interpreting and Translating Centre (ITC) is a South Australian Government agency employing qualified translators and interpreters experienced in most of the community and commercial languages of South Australia
They can provide on-site and telephone interpreting in over 100 languages and dialects, including some Aboriginal languages.
Contact ITC to discuss an interpreting booking or requirement.