National Disability Insurance Scheme

If you are under 65 years old, you need to apply for NDIS. 

What is NDIS? 

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing support to Australians with a permanent and significant disability.

This includes interpreting services for Deaf and hard of hearing people who use sign language to communicate. 

Can I access a NDIS Plan?

If you are Deaf, under 65 years old, have Australian residency (Australian citizen or a permanent resident) and live where NDIS is available, you may be able to get a NDIS Plan.

To find out if you can get NDIS Plan, visit the My NDIS Access checklist (NDIS website).

Why move to the NDIS?

The NDIS lets you choose the services and supports you need.

The NDIS works with you to create an individual plan. This plan will fund a wide range of supports and services.

For example, if you need Auslan interpreting services, the NDIS will include this in your NDIS plan.

Please follow these steps to move to the NDIS before April 2020:

Step One: Contact the NDIA and start an NDIS access request. Call 1800 800 110, using the National Relay Service. You can have the form posted or emailed to you. Or you can pick up a form at your local NDIS office. 

Step Two: Fill out the NDIS access request form. Include details about using Auslan interpreting services so this can be included in your NDIS plan. 

If you need help filling in the form, contact an NDIS Local Area Coordinator or your local NDIS office. Find the closest office at www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations

Step Three: Send the completed NDIS access request form to the NDIA. 

Step Four: NDIA will send you a letter telling you if you are eligible for the NDIS. Keep this letter for your records.  

Making an NDIS access request can take time, so you need to start before April 2020.

To continue receiving NABS you must have an NDIS plan before 1 July 2020.

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

If you are found not eligible for the NDIS, you can still get free Auslan interpreting services for medical appointments from NABS. 

To do this, you need to show evidence that you are not eligible for the NDIS. 

• Clients who are ineligible due to not being an Australian citizen or because of their residency status need to provide NABS with a copy of their current residency status or their visa.
• Clients who are ineligible due to their disability permanency or other reasons need to provide NABS the letter from the NDIA showing they have been deemed ineligible.
• Clients who are ineligible due to being over 65 years or older may need to provide NABS with a copy of their birth certificate or other identification that shows their date of birth. 

I have a NDIS Plan, what do I do? 

Tell NABS. NABS is a registered service provider for the NDIS.

If you have a NDIS Plan that includes interpreting hours, you can book an interpreter with NABS for your healthcare appointments plus other appointments e.g. work, hobbies, financial advice etc. 

You will pay for interpreting services from your Plan. 

I am over 65

For now if you are over 65 with no NDIS Plan, NABS is free for your private healthcare appointments.  

Helpful information sheets

NABS has created helpful information sheets about NDIS, go to https://www.nabs.org.au/ndis-information-sheets.html

Further Information about NDIS

You can also find out more on the NDIS website or to contact NDIS, visit their Contact Us page.

*NEW* NABS and NDIS Support Service 

NABS now offers support in person (Brisbane only) or via Skype/FaceTime. Have one-on-one chat about NDIS in Auslan.  

Click here to see locations and dates

Contact NABS

You can contact NABS If you have specific questions about NABS and NDIS. 

Email: ndis.support@nabs.org.au
Phone: 1800 246 945
TTY: 1800 246 948
SMS: 0427 671 261