New sign language interpreting service for aged care assessment and delivery services.

Providers of Australian Government-subsidised aged care services can access free sign language interpreting services to support clients who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing.

The Department of Health announced that all aged care assessment and delivery services now have a new sign language and interpreting service. This service supports older Australians who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing, that they can access or participate with aged care services that are funded by the Australian Government.

The new face-to-face sign language interpreting and remote video interpreting are available for the following:

• Aged Care System Navigators
• My Aged Care
• Regional Assessment Services
• Aged Care Assessment Teams
• Home Care Packages providers
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers
• Residential aged care service providers
• Other organisations who are involved in the provision of Australian Government-funded aged care services.

The sign language services are offered in Auslan, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, International Sign Language (IS), American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English, tactile signing and hand over hand (hands on hands) for people who live with deafblindness.  These interpreting services will support older Australians to participate better and fully engage in their aged care services. The service operates 7 days a week including after business hours when required. (Advance bookings are necessary). Interpreting for services outside the scope of engaging with and participating with aged care service providers will incur charges.

On the first contact with the service, the information will be collected to register your organisation on the booking platform. Once registered, your organisation will receive a booking code which can be used each time an interpreting service is booked. To ensure the availability of an interpreter, advance bookings are strongly advised. Reservations can be made on behalf of your clients through Auslan Connection’s booking service.

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