Law on Use of Sign Language

The Serbian Sign Language Law governs learning the language and using interpretation services. Sign language is a natural language with its own linguistic rules, rather than a substitute for someone’s ability to decide. A deaf child may learn and use it; a parent or guardian cannot prohibit this. The statute also addresses learning by other people and interpreters’ professional competence.

Article 6 connects interpretation to a deaf person who uses sign language or cannot realise a right, legally protected interest or obligation through another form of communication. An interpreter may attend directly; a technological alternative must be acceptable to the deaf person. Automatically directing someone to lip-read or bring a relative is insufficient. Establish the actual communication need and the statutory situation.

The right matters before public authorities and at specified meetings of government bodies. In employment it covers interviews, contracts, training and work where an objective need exists. Educational support follows a separate assessment and programme framework. Interpretation at a job interview therefore differs from arranging a pupil’s support; deafness alone does not determine every educational measure.

Request the service from the relevant association in the place of residence or where the right is exercised. If it cannot provide an interpreter, it forwards the request to the federation subject to statutory funding conditions. Article 13 allows direct approaches to a public service where the association or federation lacks allocated funds or interpretation is urgent. For interpretation at an employer, this statute assigns funding to the association or federation rather than the employer.

For a scheduled hearing, give the date, authority and communication needed in advance, establish who will arrange interpretation and retain the response. Document refusal for examination of supervision and anti-discrimination protection. The current law appears in Official Gazette 38/2015, taking effect on the eighth day, with separate transitional periods for training and organisations.

Avangarda’s informative overview uses editorial, not official, translations. For an individual case, check the current legislation and seek qualified legal help where necessary.

Explains learning, interpretation and exercising communication rights.

Deaf people, interpreters, associations, public services, employers and educational institutions.

In official proceedings, education, work and covered political participation.