title: Access to New Zealand Sign Language interpreters and quality of life for the deaf: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to: (1) explore usage and accessibility of sign language interpreters, (2) appraise the levels of quality of life (QOL) of deaf adults residing in New Zealand, and (3) consider the impact of access to and usage of sign language interpreters on QOL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-eight deaf adults living in New Zealand participated in this study. Two questionnaires were employed: a 12-item instrument about access and use of New Zealand sign language interpreters and the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that 39% of this sample felt that they were unable to adequately access interpreting services. Moreover, this group scored significantly lower than a comparable hearing sample on all four WHOQOL-BREF domains. Finally, the findings revealed that access to good quality interpreters were associated with access to health services, transport issues, engagement in leisure activities, gaining more information, mobility and living in a healthy environment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings have consequences for policy makers and agencies interested in ensuring that there is an equitable distribution of essential services for all groups within New Zealand which inevitably has an impact on the health of the individual.
authors: Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. m.henning@auckland.ac.nz
authors: Marcus A
authors: MA
authors: Henning
authors: Christian U
authors: CU
authors: Krägeloh
authors: Shizue
authors: S
authors: Sameshima
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Shepherd
authors: Gregory
authors: G
authors: Shepherd
authors: Rex
authors: R
authors: Billington