There are ranges of government and private agencies that provide interpreting services. Government interpreter services only employ interpreters accredited by the National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
Interpreting agencies provide Auslan-English interpreters that are accredited by the National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
IMPORTANT: There is a nationwide shortage of Auslan interpreters, which can restrict access to communication for the Deaf community. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to have your booking confirmed.
Before you book
- Provide as much information as you can when requesting to book an interpreter:
- Name of the organisation, department or person requesting the service
- Consider the type of interpreting service that is right for your booking.
- Name of the clients needing the interpreter
- Name of the Deaf person(s) who will be present for the booking (if known)
- Location, date and time of the appointment
- Type or topic of assignment / appointment
- Preparatory material wherever possible (handouts, reading references, etc.)
- Contact name and number of the person making the booking
- Name and contact information of the person the interpreter can report to on arrival
- Onsite telephone number, if the interpreter needs to make contact before or on arrival.
- Make sure to let the booking office know if the booking will be filmed or livestreamed.
How to book
- It is recommended to make Auslan interpreter booking requests 1–2 weeks prior to your appointment (ideally) or at the very least 2–5 days before the appointment.
- Contact your chosen interpreting or translating agency via email, telephone or via their online booking form.
- Some agency websites will provide downloadable forms for both hearing and deaf/hard-of-hearing clients.
- Remember that you may have to submit a new form or booking request for multiple bookings.
- For urgent or immediate bookings contact your local Deaf Society and consider whether Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) could be appropriate for your booking.
