This section describes how to accommodate the needs of deaf people who have minimal language competence.

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• Inform the sign language interpreter or booking agency if you are aware that a client has minimal language competence.
• You may need to use additional communication strategies, such as using very simple phrases or visual aids.
• It may be appropriate to book a relay interpreter/visual language specialist.
• Ask Deaf Aotearoa for advice.

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A small proportion of deaf people have not mastered either a signed or spoken language. They may have grown up isolated from other deaf people from whom they could have learned sign language. They may also have had very rudimentary communication with hearing people around them.

As a result, they may have had poor access to education and experienced limited language development. Individuals in this situation may have difficulty expressing or understanding complex ideas, and have little understanding of conversational and social norms.

Although a deaf person with minimal language competence may use some signs or English words, these words may be used in an idiosyncratic sense and only known to that person and people close to them.

The person may have difficulties with consistent grammar and may just use isolated words. Also, they may be unsure of what even simple questions mean (for example: what's your name? where do you live? how old are you? how long have you been feeling sick?).

If you are aware that a client of your service has minimal language competence, you need to advise the interpreter or booking agency of this in advance. However, it may only become clear at a meeting (where a sign language interpreter is present) that the deaf person involved has minimal language competence.

There may be other issues affecting a deaf person's ability to communicate, such as the fact that they are a recent immigrant, are deaf-blind, or have experience of mental illness.

In situations where a deaf person has minimal language competency:

• The sign language interpreter will tell you when they are not sure what is being expressed by the deaf person. 
• Allow additional time for the meeting. It may take a good deal of time for the sign language interpreter to make sure that the deaf person understands what is being discussed.
• Rephrase your questions and statements in the simplest possible terms. For example, include only one idea in each question. If possible, present options for responding (such as 'this or that?'), and do not mix different time frames (such as past and present) within one statement.
• Use visual aids where possible. A pictorial sheet may be available explaining the most common procedures for your service. You could point to a date on the calendar when making an appointment time, or show medicine that the deaf person is supposed to take, or show a picture of a building the deaf person is meant to visit.
• The deaf person may not be able to read. Where possible, assist with filling in forms and book follow-up appointments while an interpreter or support person is present, rather than sending a letter to the deaf person later on.
• It may be appropriate to book a relay interpreter/visual language specialist.