About NABS — National Auslan Interpreter Booking & Payment Service
The National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service (NABS) is Australia's dedicated service for connecting Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing Australians with accredited Auslan interpreters. Designed for people who use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as their primary language, NABS exists to remove communication barriers and ensure that every Auslan user can access essential services with confidence, clarity, and cultural respect.
From private healthcare appointments to community support settings — including online gambling support for Deaf Australians seeking guidance on safe and informed participation — NABS provides a simple, centralised point of contact for interpreter bookings nationwide.
What NABS Does
NABS delivers a practical and professional range of interpreter services built around the needs of Auslan users:
- Booking Accredited Interpreters — NABS arranges NAATI-accredited Auslan interpreters for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing individuals across a wide range of appointments and settings
- Nationwide Support — Services are available Australia-wide, with a primary focus on private medical and healthcare appointments that attract a Medicare rebate, including general practitioner and specialist consultations
- Flexible Booking Options — Interpreters can be booked online, by phone, fax, email, SMS, or TTY, making access straightforward for individuals, families, and service providers alike
- Professional Interpreter Standards — All interpreters engaged through NABS are trained and experienced in sensitive, high-stakes environments such as medical consultations, legal settings, and community support sessions — including Auslan interpreters gambling support appointments where Deaf Australians need clear, interpreter-assisted access to responsible gambling counselling and helpline services
- Accessible Recreational and Community Support — As inclusive online gaming Australia continues to grow as a space where Deaf Australians participate, NABS interpreter services extend to community contexts where online casino accessibility for Deaf users and Deaf friendly gaming Australia initiatives require the same standard of communication support as any other essential service
Who NABS Supports
NABS primarily assists:
- Deaf people who use Auslan as their primary means of communication
- Deafblind people who require tactile or visual sign language support
- Hard-of-hearing individuals who prefer Auslan interpreters for important appointments
- Healthcare providers and practitioners who need to communicate effectively and respectfully with Deaf patients
- Community support workers and counsellors — including those providing responsible gambling Deaf community education and support, where Auslan-accessible communication is essential for safe and informed engagement
By providing accredited interpreters across these settings, NABS helps promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that vital information — whether medical, legal, or related to online gambling support for Deaf Australians — is communicated clearly, accurately, and with cultural awareness.
How the Service Works
NABS functions as a centralised interpreter booking service. Auslan users, their families, health practices, or allied professionals can contact NABS to arrange interpreting support for appointments and consultations. Once a booking is confirmed, interpreters are scheduled and allocated, allowing Deaf individuals to participate fully and confidently in discussions with their healthcare provider or support service.
While NABS has traditionally focused on private healthcare, the scope of interpreter need continues to expand. Deaf Australians are active participants in all areas of community life — including digital entertainment and Deaf friendly gaming Australia spaces — and the demand for Auslan interpreters gambling support and online casino accessibility for Deaf users reflects this broader reality. Interpreter access in these contexts is not a luxury; it is a communication right.
For older Deaf Australians not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), some services are transitioning to the National Sign Language Program (NSLP), operated by Deaf Connect, which expands interpreter availability into additional professional and social settings.
Commitment to Access and Inclusion
NABS plays a vital role in reducing communication barriers and improving access to essential services for Auslan users throughout Australia. By connecting Deaf communities with qualified interpreters, NABS contributes to:
- Improved health outcomes through clear patient-provider communication
- Greater participation in legal, educational, and community services
- Culturally respectful and linguistically appropriate support across all settings
- Stronger engagement with inclusive online gaming Australia platforms and responsible gambling Deaf community programs, where accessible communication is fundamental to safe participation
Whether you are a Deaf individual, a family member, a healthcare professional, or a community support worker — including those working in online gambling support for Deaf Australians or Deaf friendly gaming Australia initiatives — NABS is here to provide interpreter resources that are trusted, accessible, and responsive to your needs.
Contact NABS today to book an interpreter or learn more about how our services can support your community.