Why do interpreters not turn up?

A friend of mine went for a high level job yesterday (and I mean high level) and you know what? The sign language interpreter did not turn up. So we know this organisation is thinking “Well, sure looks like a hell of a lot of trouble to employ a deaf person”. But what is even worse is that the interview panel comprised seven other people from seven other organisations (including the government) who will now be having the same thoughts “Why should we employ a Deaf person?”. When I complain about this sort of outrageous thing (eg interpreters not turning up), people say to me, “Well, surely there have been times when you cancelled your workshop or conference presentation?”. The answer is “Frankly, I have never, ever cancelled when I know there is an audience waiting. And I mean never, in 25 years (actually, it’s 30 years but who’s counting?) have I cancelled. In fact, on one occcasion, I had to be poured into my car – as my back had given out big time – and I drove very slowly to Croydon, to get to the conference. So how about it, guys? Just don’t cancel and haul your ass over there!