This section discusses what to do when there are multiple people and/or agencies involved in booking and working with sign language interpreters.

• Be clear on who is responsible for booking sign language interpreters, who will pay for the interpreting service, and make certain everyone involved knows what is happening.

In some situations, it can be confusing to know who will book the interpreter and who is responsible for paying for the service.

Generally, the government agency that has been contacted by the deaf person, or that is organising an event, should take responsibility for booking the interpreter and informing the deaf person.

If a deaf person is referred to your service by another professional, you should check who will book and pay for sign language interpreter services.

If you book an interpreter and you are aware that other professionals or agencies have a direct involvement in the meeting or event, you should let them know and discuss who will cover the costs of the interpreter services.

Some examples of situations where more than one agency is involved are:

• a deaf person has the support of an employment consultant from Deaf Aotearoa when attending a job interview
• the Deaf Mental Health Service is involved with a deaf person who has a hospital appointment or an appointment with a lawyer
• a Deaf Aotearoa community liaison officer is supporting a deaf person before an appointment with Work and Income
• a city council is co-hosting a public lecture series with another organisation.