NABS — National Auslan Interpreter Booking & Payment Service Australia

Alex Duarte

Last Updated : Tue.02.2026

NABS (National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service) is Australia's central service for connecting Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing Australians with accredited Auslan interpreters. Our mission is straightforward: remove communication barriers and ensure that every Australian can participate fully in healthcare, legal, educational, and community life — regardless of hearing ability.

As digital entertainment continues to grow — including accessible online casino australia platforms that Deaf Australians are increasingly engaging with — the need for clear, culturally appropriate communication support has never been more relevant.

Who We Support

NABS serves both individuals and organisations across Australia, including:

Deaf and Deafblind Australians who use Auslan as their primary language
Hard-of-hearing individuals who benefit from Auslan support in key situations
Healthcare providers needing interpreters for medical consultations and patient communication
Legal and community services ensuring effective communication for Deaf clients
Educational institutions — schools, TAFEs, and universities — supporting Deaf and hard-of-hearing students
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities requiring culturally safe interpreting

By matching people with skilled, accredited interpreters, NABS helps ensure that critical information is accurately conveyed and genuinely understood — leading to better outcomes across every sector we serve.

Our Services

NABS offers a practical, well-supported suite of services tailored to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Interpreter Booking Book NAATI-accredited Auslan interpreters for medical, legal, educational, and community appointments. All interpreters are trained to professional standards and cultural awareness, ensuring communication that is both accurate and respectful.

Payment and Medicare Support NABS manages interpreter costs efficiently, including Medicare rebates for eligible appointments, reducing financial barriers to accessing communication support.

Flexible Booking Options Interpreters can be arranged online, by phone, fax, SMS, or email — making access straightforward no matter where you are in Australia.

Support for Indigenous Communities NABS provides culturally safe interpreting for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Deaf community members, recognising the importance of both linguistic and cultural competency.

Resources and Guidance Practical tips, instructions, and support materials help individuals and organisations get the most out of their interpreting services — from first-time bookings to ongoing arrangements. This extends to emerging areas of community need, such as responsible gambling support and Deaf-friendly payid online casinos guidance, where clear communication can make a meaningful difference to player safety and informed decision-making.

Interpreter Wellbeing NABS also supports the interpreters themselves, providing resources around vicarious trauma, emotional resilience, and professional wellbeing — so interpreters can consistently perform at their best.

How to Book an Interpreter

Booking through NABS is simple and can be done through whichever channel suits you best:

Online — Complete a straightforward booking form through the NABS website
Phone, Fax, or SMS — Contact the NABS team directly for assisted bookings
Email — Submit your request and receive written confirmation
Community Partnerships — Organisations can establish ongoing arrangements with NABS to consistently support clients who need Auslan interpreting

Whether you need an interpreter for a hospital appointment, a court appearance, a university class, or a community event, NABS ensures qualified support is available when and where it's needed.

Why Choose NABS

NABS is not simply a directory of interpreters — it is a fully managed, nationally available service built specifically around the needs of the Deaf community and the organisations that serve them. Choosing NABS means access to:

Professionally accredited interpreters vetted to NAATI standards
Nationwide coverage across metropolitan and regional Australia
Culturally sensitive services that respect Deaf identity and linguistic heritage
Streamlined booking and payment including Medicare rebate management
Consistent support across healthcare, legal, education, and community settings

Our Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

At NABS, we operate from a clear principle: communication is a right, not a privilege. Auslan is a complete, living language and the primary language of many Australians. Access to a qualified interpreter in a medical emergency, a legal proceeding, or an educational setting is not a courtesy — it is a matter of equity.

Through our services, Deaf and hard-of-hearing Australians are better able to:

Understand healthcare advice, diagnoses, and treatment options
Participate meaningfully in legal, educational, and community settings
Maintain independence and confidence in everyday interactions
Preserve their cultural identity and connection to the Deaf community

This commitment to inclusion also extends to the digital world. As more Deaf Australians engage with online entertainment — including australian online pokies — having access to Auslan-interpreted responsible gambling resources and support services ensures that participation in these spaces is both informed and safe.

Partner With NABS

NABS welcomes partnerships with organisations across all sectors. Whether you are a hospital, a law firm, a school, or a community service provider, partnering with NABS ensures your Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients receive communication support that meets professional and ethical standards.

Contact NABS today to book an interpreter, explore partnership options, or learn more about how our services can support your organisation and the people you serve.