NABS is only for people over 65 after March 2021

When a person who communicates in Auslan has a medical appointment, the Government pays for an Auslan interpreter to go with them to the appointment.

This service is called the NABS – the National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service.

But with the introduction of the NDIS – the National Disability Insurance Scheme – important changes will be made to NABS.

From 31 March 2021, NABS will only be available to people 65 years and older. (NABS will cease to exist as a service for people under 65.)

• But people will still get free Auslan interpreting services for medical appointments from NABS until 31 March 2021.

If you are 65 years or older on 31 March 2021, nothing will change. You will be able to get free interpreters from the NABS for your medical appointments. You don’t have to do anything.

For people in the NDIS, the NDIS will pay for the interpreter to accompany them on medical appointments. This is why it is important that people who will need the support of an interpreter for visits to the doctor from next year find out now if they can join the NDIS.

If you do join the NDIS there will be money set aside in your personal Plan to pay for your use of NABS. You will be able to choose which organisations you use to book an interpreter.

• There will no longer be a NABS for people under 65

Step One:

Tell the NDIS you want to apply to join the NDIS.

Contact the NDIS using the National Relay Service. Call 1800 800 110.

Tell them you want to apply for the NDIS.

Ask for the form to be emailed or posted to you.

Or you can get a form at your local NDIS office

Or you can download the form at this website – www.ndis.gov.au/how-apply-ndis/what-access-request-form

If you need help filling in the form, contact an NDIS Local Area Coordinator or your local NDIS office. Find your closest office at www.ndis.gov.au Your NABS provider can help you with this.

Step Two:

Fill out the NDIS access request form.

Tell the NDIS know that you are have been getting free Auslan interpreters from NABS, so it’s included in your NDIS plan.

Step Three:

Send the completed NDIS form back to the NDIS.

Step Four:

NDIS will send you a letter, telling you if you are eligible for the NDIS.

What happens if I’m not eligible for the NDIS?

You will still get free Auslan interpreting services for medical appointments from NABS until 31 March 2021 even if you are not eligible to join the NDIS. But not after this time.

If you are 65 years or older on 31 March 2021, you will be able to get free interpreters from the NABS for your medical appointments. Nothing will change.

If you are unsure, contact NABS using the National Relay Service. Call 1800 246 945. Or you can SMS NABS on 0427 671 261.

Where can I find more information?