Continuity of Support (CoS) for the National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service (NABS)
There are changes coming to the CoS for NABS program.
From 1 July 2024, access to free interpreting services for private medical appointments for people aged 65 years and older will no longer occur through the CoS for NABS program but will be delivered through a different program: the National Sign Language Program (NSLP) which is administered by the Department of Health and Aged Care and delivered by Deaf Connect.
People under 65 years of age who need Auslan interpreting support, should continue to apply for these services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Further information, including information about how to apply for the NDIS is available on the NDIS website.
The department has created an Easy Read instruction guide for deaf Auslan users aged under 65 years to engage with the NDIS.
For further information about the CoS for NABS program, please contact the department by email at enquiries@dss.gov.au.
National Sign Language Program (NSLP)
The National Sign Language Program is provided by the Department of Health and Aged Care to support older Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people who are not eligible for the NDIS. NABS clients aged 65 years and over will be eligible for the NSLP. The NSLP will support all Auslan users (including new clients) aged 65 years and over and who are ineligible for the NDIS to access Auslan interpreting support for private medical appointments.
The NSLP provides a similar service to NABS – but also includes other services, such as free interpreting in social and professional settings like: banking and attending weddings, funerals, clubs and cultural activities. It will now be expanded to include medical settings.
Interpreting services under the NSLP will need to be arranged through Deaf Connect. Existing NABS clients should receive a letter from Wesley Mission Queensland (the CoS for NABS provider) with instructions for how to book an interpreter for a future appointment.
For more information about the NSLP, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website. If you have any questions about this change, please contact homesupportpolicy@health.gov.au.
While NABS and Wesley Mission Queensland have proudly supported the Deaf community for many years, we know that this change will streamline services and better support the needs of Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people.
Last updated: