Country Report Denmark
FTT
Please note that we have kept some of the issues in the report from 2004 for background information since this is some of the issues we are still dealing with.
Facts about Denmark
Population (please specify percentage of Deaf people):
4,7 mill. ~ 4.500 Deaf (0.09%)
Size of the country (km): 44.326 km2
The number of Sign Language interpreters (part-time/full-time): We used to know these numbers but now there are 26 different companies so these numbers are “a qualified guess” :app.150 full time, 90 part-time
The interpreter organization: how many members: 198 interpreters
Interpreter training: explain in short phrases the length and contents: One year of basic training, learning sign language. After that 2,5 years interpreters training including 6 weeks practice with the interpreters as mentors. Every year there are exams to pass, there is one larger project with written reports
Most important events for your association in the past year
There are now 26 interpreter agencies throughout the country. FTT really have to focus on the working conditions in all these agencies and keeping us together as one group despite the competition.
Most important events for the situation of Sign Language interpreters in your country (for example the recognition of the national Sign Language)
The most important events for the situation of Sign Language Interpreters in Denmark is:
The labour market for interpreters is more unstable with all the different agencies some of them with out an agreement with the trade unions. There are now several single-independent-interpreter-businesses.
The extra competition between the agencies puts pressure on the price and the working conditions for the interpreters. (2007)
A lot of the new interpreters are only offered freelance jobs. And we know that some of them give up the trade very fast. It is difficult to start without colleagues and the income to unstable.
The Danish Deaf Association has launched a policy paper on the issue of interpretation and the organizing of the market. The main point is to ensure the quality and the availability of interpreters.
The education institution KC has joined the further education for teachers and within the next year the education will be evaluated and hopefully changed into a profession –bachelor which in the future will make it possible for the interpreters to access further education on a university level.
Goals of your association for the coming year
Goals for the coming year in our association in Denmark are:
Improve the awareness on interpreters working conditions among the new interpreters and the new agencies.
Get more members among the new interpreters.
Work for a collective plan for the interpreter-environment in Denmark in order to keep the trade a normal fulltime employment for the majority of the interpreters with decent working conditions and with access to further education.