Using NABS
NABS is the National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service. It is funded by the Federal Department of Families Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. NABS is based at the corporate office of Wesley Mission Brisbane at Chermside, and provides services Australia wide.
NABS supplies interpreters to Deaf and hard of hearing people who use sign language and would like an interpreter for private medical and health care appointments. This service is free of charge to Sign Language users and medical practitioners.
What appointments can I have a NABS interpreter for?
| GP and Specialist | Podiatrists or Chiropodists | Indigenous Health Workers |
| Chiropractors | Audiologists | Osteopaths |
| Dieticians | Psychologists | Mental Health Workers |
| Psychiatrists | Occupational Therapists | Speech Pathologists |
| Physiotherapists | Dentists | Optometrists |
| Naturopath | Remedial Massage | Acupuncture |
| Iridology | Click here for explanations >> | |
Can I have a NABS interpreter at the hospital?
A NABS interpreter can be booked if the doctor has private consulting rooms at the hospital. If a doctor comes to the hospital ward to see their patient then NABS cannot provide a free interpreter.
Is NABS for Doctor's appointments I pay for or only for Bulk Billed appointments?
NABS is for ALL medical appointments on the list above whether bulk billed or not.
When can I call NABS?
8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday, excluding national Public Holidays.
Deaf Relay Interpreters
In the case of Auslan consumers who are deemed to require additional communication assistance, Deaf Relay Interpreters (DRI) may be booked. NABS maintains a register of DRIs who have either satisfied the criteria of the NABS/ASLIA DRI testing process and/or have cerification via a state based DRI training program.
To request a DRI, use the Preferred Interpreter section of the online booking form.