New sign language service funded by the Department of Social Services
Great news that any Deafblind people who aren’t registered with NDIS can access interpreters, tactile interpreters and captioners funded by the Government. Here’s more information from the Department of Health:
From November 2020, older Australians who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing, and who do not have access to interpreting services through aged care programs or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), can access free sign language interpreting services for daily activities such as:
– family/social events
– banking
– moving/selling house
– dealing with agencies/advisors etc.
These services are available face-to-face and by video remote.
Sign language services for deaf consumers or consumers who are hard of hearing are available in:
– Auslan
– American Sign Language
– International Sign Language
– Signed English
– Tactile signing and hand over hand interpreting is available for deafblind consumers.
Access these services
Clients will need to contact Auslan Connections in advance. Once registered you will receive a Department of Health booking code which can be used each time they book an interpreting service. Bookings can be made via the Auslan Connections website or by calling 1300 010 877.
Bookings should be made in advance when possible to ensure the availability of an interpreter.
Each client can access an average of 40 hours of interpreting services per year. Over the next six months usage will be monitored. A cap may be applied in the 2021-22 financial year.
Deaf or hard of hearing clients who are over 65 won’t be required to receive an aged care assessment if they are seeking to access interpreting services.
This new arrangement is in addition to the sign language interpreting services for older Australians who are receiving or want to access aged care services, as announced by the Minister on 17 June 2020.
Deafblind Victoria 