Information for the deaf community and Auslan users regarding the NDIS

• Are you under 65?
• Are you an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia?
• Do you use Auslan for medical appointments and other activities?

If you use NABS and you are under 65, you need to apply to join the NDIS to continue receiving free Auslan interpreting services.

What is happening to NABS for Deaf people under 65 years old?

Deaf people who have an NDIS plan with funds for Auslan support and choose NABS for interpreting must pay with their NDIS funds.

To access Auslan interpreting for medical appointments and other activities you will need to join the NDIS, and get an NDIS plan with funds in place to pay for Auslan interpreting.

Why apply to join the NDIS?

The NDIS provides funding to help you access the services and supports you need to help you achieve your goals.

If you need Auslan interpreting, the NDIS will provide you the fund into your NDIS plan.

When applying for NDIS, please provide NDIS your communication support and services when discussing with Local Area Coordinator. 

You can find your nearest Local Area Coordinator on the NDIA website.

You can find more information about the benefits of joining the NDIS on the NDIA Auslan page.

How do I apply to join the NDIS?

Please follow these steps to apply forthe NDIS by 23 December 2020.

Step One:

Contact the NDIA by calling 1800 800 110, using the National Relay Service, and let them know you want to apply for the NDIS.

Tell them you use Auslan interpreter when requesting for Access Request Form (Access Request Form is a NDIS application form).

You can pick up the Access Request Form from your local NDIS office, have the form posted or emailed to you or download it from the NDIS website.

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.

Step Two:

Fill out the NDIS access request form. Include details about using Auslan services so it is included in your NDIS plan.

Step Three:

Send the completed NDIS form back to the NDIA.

Step Four:

NDIA will send you a letter, telling you if you are eligible for the NDIS. If the NDIA says you are ineligible for the NDIS please read the: What happens if I’m not eligible for the NDIS? section below.

TIP:

Applying for the NDIS can take time, so you need to start as soon as you receive your application form (Access Request Form).

To continue receiving Auslan interpreting you must have an approved NDIS plan, with funding for Auslan interpreting, before 31 March 2021. 

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

If you are told you can’t have the NDIS you can still get free Auslan interpreting services for medical appointments from NABS until 31 March 2021, you will be required to show proof (letter from NDIS) that your application was unsuccessful. 

If you are over 65, you can continue to access NABS after 31 March 2021.

If you are not eligible for the NDIS and you are under 65, you can use the National Relay Service (Video Relay). Video Relay is available from 7am to 6pm (Eastern Standard Time) Monday to Friday, except for National Public Holidays.

Participate in Information Session via Zoom if you need more information.

Where can I find more information?

Deaf Australia is hosting three (3) Community Forum to discuss Deaf Australia’s Roadmap 2020-2025 and to respond to any questions, comments or concerns that the members may have.

Dates and time of Community Forums:

• Wednesday, 7 October 2020 at 7.00 PM (AEST) – Please register here.
• Friday, 9 October 2020 at 8.30 PM (AEST) – Please register here.
• Saturday, 10 October 2020 at 10.00 AM (AEST) – Please register here.

Click here to download Roadmap 2020-2025 for your information and preparation for the forum.

Ms. Debra Swann (Chairperson) and Kyle Miers (Chief Executive) will be co-chairing the forum.

An update from NAC2016 Organising Committee.

The Organising Committee is working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the 2016 conference. We are close to confirming two exciting Keynote Speakers and will be making this announcement shortly.
We are pleased to advise you of the following activities that will enable a successful conference event.

Call for Papers:

The NAC2016 Organising Committee is seeking presentations directly linked to our conference theme, ‘A New Era’. Papers submitted should address development in the Deaf community and in the interpreting fields. Topics that pertain to the future landscape of the deafness sector will be viewed favourably.
Key Dates:
*   29 April 2016 – Abstract Submission Due
*   15 May 2016 – Letter advising outcomes
*   27 May 2016 – Acceptance of an Offer Due
*   30 Sept 2016 – Submit full paper and power-point presentation electronically.
To download more information about ‘Call for Papers’, please go to: http://nac2016.org.au/call-for-papers/

Conference Registration:

Conference Registration is now open.
Register now to receive the Early Bird Special Conference Package rate. The conference package includes attendance at the Opening welcome event, 2 day conference schedule and the Gala evening.

Discounted rates are offered to Deaf Australia members and ASLIA Members as follows:

Early Bird Registrations (until 30th April 2016)
Early Bird Ordinary Full Registration – $500
Early Bird Deaf Australia or ASLIA Member Registration –$ 450
Standard Registrations (1st May to 31st August 2016)
Standard Full Registration – $550
Standard Deaf Australia or ASLIA Member Full Registration –$500
Late Registrations (from 1 September 2016)
Late Registrations – $600
Late Registration – Deaf Australia or ASLIA Member $550
Registration for individual sessions and events is available, no discounted rates for members of ASLIA or Deaf Australia if purchasing individual sessions.
Register today on http://nac2016.org.au/register/
Please note: if you require accommodation, please refer to the ‘Accommodation’ section below.

Sponsorship:

NAC2016 is offering the opportunity for organisations and businesses to sponsor the National Auslan Conference 2016. There are several levels of sponsorship options available as well as exclusive packages.
NAC2016 offers a ‘Sponsor Prospectus’ for organisations and businesses. Please visit http://nac2016.org.au/sponsor-prospectus/ for additional information.

Accommodation:

Pullman Melbourne on the Park
192 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne Vic 3002
www.pullmanmelbourneonthepark.com.au
To make a reservation, contact directly via phone +61 (3) 9419 2000 or by email: [mailto][email protected][/mailto]
Please quote: National Auslan Conference.
Hotel note: All rooms will be subjected to hotel availability and credit card details will be required at the time of booking to secure a room.
There are several other accommodation options within walking distance of the conference venue in East Melbourne.

Is the National Disability Strategy doing what you want for Deaf People?
Come and have your say at one of the workshops happening in your capital city. Find out where and when here.

DisabilityCare is starting in July 2013 for some people in some areas in Tasmania, South Australia, NSW and Victoria.

It will start in the ACT and NT in July 2014 and in Queensland in 2016. It will become available for everyone in all states and territories except WA from about 2018. The Australian Government is still negotiating with WA. DisabilityCare will have a big impact on Deaf people. How you get services will be different.

Do you know what will be different? Come to a forum and find out.

Deaf Australia is holding a number of forums around Australia about the new DisabilityCare Australia (the National Disability Insurance Scheme – NDIS).
Generally, forums are specially for Deaf people and will be in Auslan. No interpreting will be provided – however, please let us know if you need a Deafblind interpreter.
Interpreters will be provided for the Darwin forum.
Refreshments will be provided.

Workshops for Northern QLD will be held:

Mackay – Thursday, 16 May 6.30pm to 8.30pm
George Street Neighbourhood Centre
4 George Street, Mackay
Townsville – Friday, 17 May 2012 – 7pm to 9 pm
Deaf Services Qld
111 Charters Towers Road, Townsville
Cairns – Saturday 18 May 2013 –  2.30pm to 4.30pm
Direct Employment Services
225 Sheridan Street, Cairns

Workshops for Victoria will be held:

Melbourne – Thursday, 23 May 6.00pm to 8.00pm
FJ Rose Auditorium, Deaf Children Australia
597 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Bendigo – Tuesday, 11 June 2013 – 6pm to 8pm
Bendigo Health’s Havlin St East Complex
37 Havlin St East, Bendigo
Ballarat – Wednesday 12 June 2013 –  6pm to 8pm
The Boardroom, Ballarat Business Centre
Ballarat Business Centre
15 Dawson Street South, Ballarat

Workshops for South Australia will be held:

Adelaide – Saturday 22 June 2013 – 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Deaf Community Hall,
262 South Terrace, Adelaide

Workshops for Northern Territory will be held:

Darwin – Thursday 6 June 2013 – 6pm to 8pm
DeafNT office
Shop 14B Casuarina Plaza, 258 Trower Road, Casuarina

Workshops for NSW will be held:

Sydney – Monday 27 May 2013 – 6pm to 8pm
Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts – L1 Carmichael Room
280 Pitt Street, Sydney

Workshops for Qld will be held:

Brisbane – Wednesday 26 June 2013 – 6pm to 8pm
Deaf Services Qld
915 Ipswich Road, Moorooka
Brisbane Seniors – Thursday 27 June 2013 – 12.30pm for 1pm start
Mary Mac Hall
616 Ipswich Road, Annerley