Expansion of National Sign Language Program
We are making it easier for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people to access sign language interpreting and captioning services.
From 1 July 2024, the National Sign Language Program (NSLP) will include sign language interpreting and captioning services for health and medical appointments.
The National Sign Language Program provides support for people to connect with aged care services and other professional and social activities. This may include banking, attending weddings, funerals, clubs and cultural events.
All services are free of charge and delivered by Deaf Connect. This means you only need to book in one place for health, social and aged care activities. To make a booking, visit Deaf Connect.
Learn more about the National Sign Language Program.
This is a translation of information regarding the. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s National Sign Language Program, known as the NSLP, for people who are over 65 and are not eligible for the NDIS to book interpreting services or captioning services.
This has traditionally been done through NABS. However, from the 1st of July 2024 there will be a change.
If you wish to book an interpreter or captioning services, you will need to do so through the NSLP.
NSLP is a special program provided to those who are over 65 and are not eligible for the National. Disability Insurance Scheme.
The NSLP is provided by the Department of Health and Aged Care.
The NSLP is there to support older Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people who are not eligible for the National. Disability Insurance Scheme.
The NSLP provides a similar service to NABS, however, includes other services such as free interpreting and captioning services in social and professional settings like banking, attending weddings, funerals, clubs and other social and cultural activities.
The NSLP will now be expanded to include interpreting and captioning services for medical appointments.
Interpreting services under the NSLP are arranged through Deaf Connect.
If you have any medical or health care appointments occurring before the 30th of June 2024 for which you need an interpreter, you can book that interpreter through NABS.
However, after the 30th of June 2024, NABS will cease and you will need to make those bookings through Deaf Connect.
This can also include booking interpreters for any other appointments, including professional services or social settings.
For all bookings after the 30th of June 2024, you will not contact NABS.
You can make that booking for interpreters with Deaf Connect.
This means you only need to book at one place.
You can contact the Deaf Connect bookings team in a number of ways.
You can send an SMS. You can make a face time call. You can make a phone call. You can send an email, or you can use the online booking service.
Simply choose a method of booking that matches your preference.
You can continue to book interpreters for health and medical appointments before the 30th of June 2024 through NABS.
If you have any questions, you can contact NABS by making a phone call, by sending an SMS or by sending an email.
For more information about the NSLP, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
There you'll find more information that you can read and understand further about the NSLP.
If you have any questions for the department about this change, you can contact them directly via email.
Let's change aged care, together
Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.
The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.
To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.