What is the NSLP?
The NSLP is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
The program provides free interpreters and captioning for a range of social activities and essential appointments for older Australians, including:
Essential Activities
- Medical appointments
- Banking, superannuation & budgeting
- Downsizing, selling or moving home
- Online activities & meetings
- Talking to your internet or phone provider
Social Activities
- Weddings, funerals, and family reunions
- Theatre and events
- Seniors activities, clubs or groups
The National Sign Language Program
The National Sign Language Program (NSLP) is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
The NSLP is available to Deaf Australians without an NDIS plan who are 65 years and older (50 years and older for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples). The program includes free interpreting and captioning for interaction with Aged Care Services, medical appointments, and social and professional settings including; banking and attending weddings, funerals and cultural activities.
Free Interpreting for Health and Medical Appointments
Interpreting for medical appointments has previously been provided by the National Auslan Booking System (NABS) if you do not have an NDIS plan.
From 1 July 2024, Australians who have previously used NABS will need to book an interpreter through the National Sign Language Program (NSLP).
Interpreting services under the NSLP are arranged through Deaf Connect. This means you only need to book in one place for health, social and aged care activities.
You can continue to book interpreters for health and medical appointments before 30 June 2024 through NABS.
Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website for more information on the NSLP.
Contact Us To BookLive Captioning is now Included Under the NSLP
The NSLP now includes both Auslan interpreting and live captioning.
Live captioning is the creation of captions that appear on a screen (ie: ipad/tablet or phone) while someone is speaking. It is particularly useful for people who are not fluent in Auslan, and/or who require additional communication support.
Live captioning is offered both online and in-person, for all appointment types, including medical appointments.
For Service Providers
If you are a service provider, business or medical centre booking interpreters on behalf of an eligible client, you you must register your organisation on the booking platform before contacting Deaf Connect to make an appointment for the first time.
Once registered, you will receive a booking code. Please quote this each time you book an interpreting or captioning service.
Download Flyer
Make a booking
Please contact our bookings team to book an interpreter. You can contact us in many ways –
- SMS Only: 0476 857 251
- FaceTime: 0407 647 591
- Call: 1300 773 803
- Email: [email protected]
- Book Online: https://bookings.deafconnect.org.au/
All customers of Deaf Connect Interpreting Service agree to adhere to our Terms and Conditions upon booking. Click Here to read the full details.
Download our ‘How to Book‘ Flyer here or Bookings & VRI Instructional Guide for help using Skype or Zoom.
Emergency or After-Hours Interpreting
This program also allows seniors to access Auslan interpreters in after-hours emergency situations, involving police, hospitals and other emergency services. This ensures that Deaf and hard of hearing seniors have equal access when communication is needed most.
Contact us
NSLP Roadshow Gallery
Throughout June and July, our team travelled around Australia, providing information about free interpreting and live captioning services for seniors. Thank you to everyone who came along to the Roadshow events.
If you were unable to make one of our events and would like to learn more or have questions about the National Sign Language Program, you can still get in contact with us by emailing [email protected] or you can get in-person support from our Community Access team at one of our office (learn more here: https://deafconnect.org.au/services/information-services/walk-in-community-access).
Acknowledgements
This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the National Sign Language Program (NSLP).
Deaf Connect would also like to acknowledge the Australian Deaf Elders and Deaf led organisations for their work in lobbying for the government to provide funding for Auslan interpreting for Deaf seniors.
