Interpreting for people who are deafblind
People who are deafblind communicate in different ways depending on how much they can see and hear. Organisations that provide deafblind interpreting describe two main methods: tactile interpreting, where the person feels the signs with their hands, and adapted visual signing for someone with some vision.
Interpreting for people who are deafblind
People who are deafblind communicate in different ways depending on how much they can see and hear. Organisations that provide deafblind interpreting describe two main methods: tactile interpreting, where the person feels the signs with their hands, and adapted visual signing for someone with some vision.
Not every Auslan interpreter has experience working with people who are deafblind. Deafblind Information Australia notes that the person has the right to choose which qualified interpreter works with them.
The NDIS says Auslan interpretation funding can be included in a participant’s plan. Ask the planner or support coordinator how interpreting for a person who is deafblind will be written into the plan.
What to arrange
- Say early that the person is deafblind and how they communicate, so the right interpreter is booked.
- Ask for an interpreter with deafblind experience, not just Auslan qualifications, and ask whether the same interpreter can attend again for continuity.
- Allow extra time and ask whether breaks or a second interpreter are needed for longer appointments, because interpreting by touch is tiring.
- Do not rely on family or friends in place of a professional interpreter for important appointments.
- Confirm before the appointment who is paying for the interpreter: the plan, the provider or another service.
A deafblind organisation can give advice and referrals as well as information about services in your area.
Official information
- NDIS: how providers access interpreting services for participants (includes the Auslan funding note)
- Deafblind Information Australia
- NDIS: information in other languages
Providers that list Deafblind Interpreters
No SolDirectory member provider lists Deafblind Interpreters at the moment. Providers supply their own language information, so confirm the specific worker, fluency, dialect, communication method and availability directly.
Questions to ask before support begins
- Ask who arranges and books Deafblind Interpreters for the person, and who pays for it.
- Confirm which information needs to be accessible (spoken, signed, written, Easy Read) and by when.
- Ask when a qualified independent interpreter or translator will be used instead of a family member or a bilingual worker.
- Check current availability, funding, privacy and the written service agreement.
How bilingual support, interpreters, privacy and funding differ is explained on the language support guide.
Frequently asked questions about Deafblind Interpreters
Does a listing prove that a provider can arrange Deafblind Interpreters?
No. Providers supply their own information. Confirm what they can arrange, how it is booked and who pays before support begins.
Is a bilingual worker the same as an accredited interpreter?
No. A bilingual worker may communicate directly during support, while an accredited interpreter has a separate interpreting role. Ask what is appropriate for important, technical or consent-related discussions.
Official sources
- NDIS information in other languages
- TIS National: interpreting services (call 131 450)
- NAATI practitioner directory
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Browse other language and communication guides
Helpful reading
- Registered or unregistered? What it means when you choose an NDIS provider: Registered and unregistered providers can both be legitimate, but the rules, checks and options for your plan are not the same. Here is how to think about the difference.
- Making a complaint about an NDIS provider or worker: where to start: Raising a concern can feel daunting. Here is a clear order of steps, who deals with what, and how to keep a record as you go.
- How to choose an NDIS provider: 12 questions to ask before you commit: A practical checklist for comparing providers, from how a service fits your plan to what happens when something goes wrong.