This section outlines what to do if you cannot find a sign language interpreter for your meeting or event.

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• Always talk with deaf people involved with an event or meeting if you have problems booking sign language interpreters.

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If you have tried to book a sign language interpreter but no interpreters are available, you could:

• Postpone the appointment - make sure that everyone is kept informed of changes in the appointment date and time.
• Book interpreters from out of town - in this case, you will need to pay for the interpreter's travel costs and time in travelling in addition to the fee for interpreting. However, this option avoids having to reschedule the appointment and any other costs involved.
• Shorten the time of the meeting or event - this may be appropriate if only one sign language interpreter can be booked but you need more than one interpreter.

You could provide a longer break in addition to the short breaks usually required for the interpreters, or you could shorten the entire appointment (particularly if another meeting cannot be booked for a while). Always ask for the deaf person's permission to do this before making arrangements.

In the case of a public event, consider a change in the programme so that the parts most relevant to the deaf person are covered first (when the interpreter is available). Again, seek the deaf person's advice before doing this, so you do not assume what the deaf person may be interested in seeing.

• Use an unqualified interpreter/communicator - only with permission from the deaf person, and if all other options are not viable.

There are significant risks associated with using unqualified interpreters. However, if no qualified interpreters are available and it is impossible to postpone or shorten the assignment, the deaf person may give permission for a 'communicator' or other person with some degree of fluency in both English and New Zealand Sign Language to act as an interpreter. In such cases, you should make sure the deaf person understands what has been said.

• Proceed without a sign language interpreter - only with permission from the deaf person and if there is no other choice.
   
  In some circumstances, the deaf person may agree to proceed with a meeting without a sign language interpreter. You should provide confirmation or written backup of important points, such as the name of a prescription drug or the next appointment time. For group meetings, provide a note-taker or electronic note-taker if the deaf person is fluent in written English.

Always attempt to book a sign language interpreter for any further meetings. One meeting without an interpreter should not be taken as being acceptable practice or precedent for further meetings in the same way.