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Hearing-Impaired People

Using an interpreter

Any deponent (person swearing the affidavit) with a hearing impairment or preferring to communicate in sign language,  may use an interpreter. The interpreter's oath and form of jurat used for persons of a culturally and linguistically diverse background should be modified accordingly.

When an interpreter is not used

When an interpreter is not used and the deponent can read and write, he/she should sign the affidavit and choose whether to swear or affirm the content of the affidavit.

If the deponent chooses to swear the affidavit ('make an oath') he/she should be handed a religious text (usually the bible) and a paper with the statement: 'Is this your name and signature?'

Upon the deponent making an affirmative gesture, the person taking the affidavit should show the deponent a paper on which is written: 'I swear (or the person taking the oath may promise) by Almighty God (or the person may name a god recognised by his or her religion) that this is my name and handwriting and that the contents of this, my affidavit, are true and correct in every particular'. Again, an affirmative gesture is required.

If the deponent chooses to affirm the affidavit ('make an affirmation') he/she should be shown a paper with the statement: 'I solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that this is my name and handwriting and that the contents of this, my affidavit, are true and correct in every particular'. Again, an affirmative gesture is required from the deponent.

If the deponent is hearing but not speech-impaired, the oath may be administered by asking the deponent to read aloud the oath, which should be placed before the deponent in writing.