Access free interpreter support for Deaf and Deafblind older patients
The National Sign Language Program (NSLP) provides free sign language interpreting and captioning services for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing older people.
The program, delivered by Deaf Connect, helps ensure older patients can communicate effectively when accessing aged care, health, and community services. These services are available 7 days a week and include after-hours and emergency support.
Available services include:
face-to-face and video remote sign language interpreting
Australian Sign Language (Auslan), First Nations languages, American Sign Language, International Sign Language, and Signed English
tactile and hand-over-hand signing for Deafblind people
live captioning, available onsite or remotely.
Are your patients eligible for the National Sign Language Program (NSLP)?
Your patients could be eligible for the program if they are:
Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing
aged 65 years and older (or 50 years and over for First Nations participants)
not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
How to access NSLP services
For aged care providers:
Register your organisation on the Deaf Connect booking platform before making your first booking.
Once registered, you’ll receive a booking code to use for all future appointments.
For aged care residents or other eligible patients:
Patients can book directly through Deaf Connect, or ask their aged care provider to arrange it on their behalf.
No booking code is required, but registration with Deaf Connect is needed before the first booking.
For more information, contact Deaf Connect via [email protected] or phone1300 773 803.
Why is using an interpreter so important?
Data from the 2021 Census reveals over 2,000 people used a foreign sign language every day in Australia, and about 16, 000 people use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) every day.
A federal government review into Auslan service accessibility in 2023 found many care workers, including hospital staff, did not know where to find or how to book an Auslan interpreter.
It recommended state governments increase Deaf awareness among health workers to ensure staff are supported to find interpreters.
—Emily Anderson, "Western Sydney hospital report finds 'avoidable' errors in lead up to Deaf man's death," 5 November 2025, ABC News,
Working with a qualified interpreter is essential to ensure all patients can access health care regardless of their English language skills.
Engaging an interpreter helps clinicians and healthcare workers to communicate effectively with your non-English speaking patients, can protect you from professional risk and is consistent with best practice ethical and professional standards.
Knowing how and when to engage interpreting services in aged care, general practice and pharmacy settings is important for quality patient care.
More support for health practitioners
For more support with engaging interpreters, visit our interpreting services webpage.