Interpreting and translation

NDIS support

Interpreting (spoken) and translation (written) so a person can communicate with providers and understand information in the language they use, including Auslan.

The short answer

Interpreting deals with spoken or signed communication, and translation deals with written material. Both help people who use a language other than English, including Auslan, to understand and be understood.

About Interpreting and translation

Being able to communicate with providers, doctors and services in the language you use is essential for making informed choices. Interpreters convert spoken or signed language in real time, for example at an appointment, while translators convert written text such as letters, forms and plans.

Professional interpreters and translators are trained to be accurate, impartial and confidential. Relying on family members, especially children, can put pressure on them and may lead to mistakes or missed information. Professional services are available in a wide range of languages, including Auslan, and can be arranged by phone, video or in person.

If you need an interpreter, tell the service when you book so it can be arranged in advance. Ask about the interpreter's qualifications and how confidentiality is handled, and let them know about any specialised terms, such as health or legal words, that will come up.

Who is this service for?

People who communicate in a language other than English, or who use Auslan, and need an interpreter or translated information.

What a typical session looks like

Interpreting is live: an interpreter helps you and another person understand each other during an appointment, meeting or conversation, in person, by phone or by video. They convey what is said accurately and neutrally, without adding opinions or leaving things out. Sign language interpreters work in a similar way for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Translation deals with written material, such as letters, forms, reports and information sheets. A translator converts the text into your preferred language or format, keeping the meaning clear. Some services also produce documents in Easy Read, large print or other accessible formats.

Who delivers this support

Interpreters and translators may be accredited by the national body for the profession, and services often specify the accreditation level of their staff. For sign language, Auslan interpreters have their own training and accreditation. Ask whether the person is accredited, whether they have experience in the setting, such as health or legal matters, and how they maintain confidentiality.

How to choose a provider

• Ask whether interpreters are professionally qualified and accredited.
• Find out how quickly an interpreter can be arranged.
• Check whether the service covers your language or dialect.
• Ask whether they offer phone or video options.
• Ask how they keep information confidential.

Questions to ask a provider

• Are your interpreters and translators accredited, and at what level?
• Can you provide someone with experience in the setting, such as a medical appointment?
• Is interpreting available in person, by phone and by video?
• How much notice do you need to arrange an interpreter?
• How do you protect confidentiality?
• Can documents be translated and produced in accessible formats such as Easy Read?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on family members or children to interpret in serious situations.
• Not booking an interpreter far enough ahead.
• Not checking that the interpreter speaks the right dialect or uses the right sign language.
• Assuming a translated document will make sense without checking with the person.
• Not telling a provider that you need an interpreter, so they do not arrange one.

Getting started

1. Tell services early that you need an interpreter and which language you use.
2. Ask for a professional interpreter rather than relying on family.
3. Share any documents in advance so the interpreter can prepare.
4. Give feedback about how it went so future bookings improve.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Interpreting and translation support access to all other services, since understanding and being understood underpins every appointment and decision. It is worth arranging interpreters ahead of time for important meetings, and asking providers to book them, rather than relying on family or friends, who may not be neutral or trained in the terminology.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Interpreting and translation if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Which part of an NDIS plan pays for Interpreting and translation depends on the specific support and on how your plan is set up. Your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator can confirm where it fits, and providers can give you a quote to check against your budget. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Interpreting and translation that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Checking credentials

• Check registration Search the NDIS Commission's register of registered providers to see whether a provider is registered and for which types of support. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.
• Ask about worker screening Ask whether workers hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check where their role requires one, and how the provider checks its workers' identity and qualifications.
• Get it in writing Ask for a written quote and a service agreement that describes the support, the prices, how to change or end it and how to make a complaint.

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Regulates NDIS providers and handles complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS supports. Phone: 1800 035 544.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Runs the NDIS. Contact them about your plan, your funding and eligibility. Phone: 1800 800 110.

Related services

• Nursing training for support workers
• Personal training
• Training for carers and parents
• Assistance animal training and assessment

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between interpreting and translation?

Interpreting deals with spoken or signed communication, for example during an appointment. Translation deals with written material such as letters and forms.

Can I get an Auslan interpreter?

Auslan interpreters are available through interpreting services. Ask providers about qualifications, availability and how to book, especially for appointments at short notice.

Why use a professional interpreter?

Professional interpreters are trained to be accurate and impartial, and to keep information confidential. That matters for health, legal and support decisions.

Can a family member interpret for me?

It is usually better to use a professional interpreter, especially for health and legal matters, so that accuracy and privacy are protected.

Are Auslan interpreters available?

Yes. Auslan interpreters are available through specialist services. Book early for appointments.

Can documents be translated?

Yes, by qualified translators. Ask how long it will take and whether certified translation is needed.

Can my family interpret for me instead of a professional?

It can feel convenient, but family members may not know the terms used and it can be uncomfortable to discuss sensitive matters through them. For important appointments, a professional interpreter is generally best.

When would I need a translator rather than an interpreter?

Interpreting is spoken or signed and happens in real time. Translation is written and converts documents from one language to another.

Can I ask a provider to arrange an interpreter?

Yes. Many providers are expected to arrange one when you need it, so tell them your preferred language or communication method when you book.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Interpreting and translation?

If Interpreting and translation is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Interpreting and translation provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

• NDIS: how the NDIS works, plans and price limits
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: find a registered provider, make a complaint

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