Most hospitals don’t have interpreters for the deaf. This one does. | Mosaic
During a typical shift at Newark’s University Hospital, Diely Martinez often slips into a patient’s room upon request to translate questions or convey concerns to a doctor. Sometimes, that involves translating between English and Spanish, while other times, she interprets for deaf, hard of hearing, or blind and deaf patients in American Sign Language (ASL).
“I am a trilingual interpreter, “English, ASL, and Spanish,” said Martinez of her role for the past five years at the Level I Trauma Center, located at Bergen Street and South Orange Avenue, serving Northern New Jersey, Newark International Airport and its seaports.
Effective communication between patients and providers in health care settings is essential for accurate diagnosis, care and treatment. But not all hospitals have human interpreters to assist deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind patients.
“The inclusion of ASL interpreters as part of our team is absolutely a critical asset,” said Lois Greene, senior vice president of DEI and Wellness at University Hospital. “Not only does it ensure that we are offering equitable access to health care for those who rely on sign language for communication, but it also reinforces our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s crucial to recognize that disabilities are a significant part of the DEI conversation, and yet they are often overlooked.”
Steven McCoy, a deaf and blind journalist who lives in Newark, said human interpreters are a good idea. He said he did not have access to ASL interpreters when he was growing up, and no one recommended that he or his family learn it.
