Posted in Deaf Community News

The team at NABS wishes all its interpreters and the Deaf community a safe and happy New Year!

The NABS office will be closed on Friday, January 1. Normal opening hours will resume on January 2, 2016.

NABS wishes you a safe and happy holiday.

The NABS offices will be closed on the national public holidays: Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26) and Monday, December 28, for Boxing Day holiday.

Our interpreter in Tasmania, Ali Dowl, recently represented NABS at the "Tasmanian Health Conference" in Hobart.

This event is organised by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and brings together people from all parts of the health system. The conference had a broad range of speakers and particularly looked at IT and how technology is being used in health care.

Chatting to many people in the exhibition space meant we could spread the word about NABS services. We also focused on promoting the concept of a "deaf friendly" practice or service.

"Deaf friendly" meaning....

• Patients can book or contact the service by SMS &/or email
• Reminders or communication about changes of appointment are sent by SMS
• Staff know how to book interpreters and are happy to do so
• Reception staff know how to communicate with a deaf person when they arrive

Let's hope the word spreads and Tassie's health system is more accessible for the deaf community as a result!

The National Relay Service (NRS) launched an app in December 2014 and are calling all users of the app to complete a Survey.

If you have used the app and would like to provide your feedback, please complete the Survey here.

Participants will go into a draw to win a prize.