Constituency Office helps ex-servicemen
Posted on 25. Nov, 2009 by Martin Wingfield in Case Work
AN ex-serviceman who suffers from severe tinnitus as a result of a head injury received in the field, contacted his MEP after being refused an interpreter for his incapacity benefit medical interview.
The gentleman had asked for an interpreter because he has difficulty in understanding people who don’t speak clearly and was worried because in the past when seen by doctors who have English as a second language, there have been communication problems.
But his request was dismissed by his local Benefits Office as “silly and confrontational”.
Tina Wingfield (left), the Constituency Office Manager for Nick Griffin, took up his case.
“I contacted a charity which provides specialist advocacy for deaf people and their representative was very helpful.
“He stated that anyone classed as disabled as a result of the injuries sustained whilst in active army service was entitled, under the Disability Discrimination Act, to receive ‘reasonable adjustments to meet their needs’.
“This clearly means appropriate communication aid which must include the help of an interpreter.”
Tina told the constituent that if these ‘reasonable adjustments’ were not forthcoming then he should make a claim to being treated less favourably than others.
She told him:
“If you feel you require an interpreter/translation service for your next medical review in respect of your DLA benefit, I would advise you to refer to the Disability Discrimination Act to support your entitlement to such a service.
“When you submit your request for an interpreter service, if you explain that you have experienced problems at a previous medical review as a result of what you believe were communication difficulties between yourself and the doctor, [which ended with a Tribunal ruling in your favour], and that you are concerned that this might occur again.
“I’m sure your reasonable request will be met with understanding.”
