Services Rights Responsibilities Need Help-Interpreting? Need Help at Work Communicating with Deaf People More Information Staff
   
 

Need Help - Interpreting?

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

There are several agencies in NSW where you can book Auslan/English interpreters. The agency  you choose to contact for an interpreter depends on why you need an interpreter.  

Sometimes it can be difficult to organise interpreters for private legal and financial appointments because some organisations are not used to organising and paying for interpreters. If you have problems arranging payment for interpreting services, contact us and we may be able to help you. 

SLC NSW, the Deaf Society's interpreting service, provides free interpreting for life important situations only.

Medical situations

Educational situations
Disability Standards for Education were approved in 2005. The standards focus on what education organisations must provide for students with disabilities.
  • Public schools – the NSW Department of Education and Training will provide interpreters for parents in some situations. To see their policy, click here.
  • TAFE – books and pays for interpreters for Deaf students.
  • University – are responsible for paying for interpreters, some book their own interpreters and some book through the Deaf Society.
  • Private colleges – should provide interpreters but sometimes the college find this cost prohibitive. For more information, contact SLC NSW.

Police and Court
The Community Relations Commission (CRC) is funded to provide interpreters in some legal situations (like criminal court matters). SLC NSW can provide interpreters for civil court matters.

Centrelink
Centrelink books and pays for its own interpreters. To see Centrelink's contact details, click here.
 
Other State Government Department bookings
Memorandum Number 98/22 from the Premier of NSW states that all organisations which receive funding from any NSW Government department must budget for the cost of interpreting services.

SLC NSW
SLC NSW provides interpreters for a variety of situations including:
  • Job interviews
  • Vocational training
  • Seminars
  • Conferences
  • Education
  • Staff meetings
  • Private hospitals

To find out more about SLC NSW, click here.

Book an Interpreter online