How to Work with Interpreters in NDIS Settings

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or accessing disability support services in Australia can sometimes be challenging, especially if English isn’t your first language or you use non-verbal communication. Working with interpreters in NDIS settings helps ensure that everyone can fully participate in conversations about their needs, receive the right supports, and exercise their rights. This guide explains everything you need to know about working with interpreters, why it’s important, how it works, common questions, and how to access the best services for your NDIS journey.

What Are Interpreters in NDIS Settings & Why Are They Important?

An interpreter is a professional who helps people communicate when they have different language backgrounds, including spoken languages and Auslan (Australian Sign Language). In NDIS settings, interpreters act as bridges between participants, families, carers, and disability service providers or support coordinators. Their role is vital for:

• Ensuring every participant with English language or communication barriers can access, understand, and participate in their NDIS planning meetings, assessments, and all related conversations.
• Upholding the rights of people with disabilities to be heard and make informed decisions.

• Allowing providers and planners to accurately assess participant needs.

Why It Matters

• Equity and Inclusion: One in five Australians speaks a language other than English at home. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 5 million people speak a language other than English, and nearly 20,000 NDIS participants identified as having a preferred language other than English as of December 2023.
• Effective Participation: Participants and their families are empowered to confidently participate in decision-making, plan reviews, and support coordination.

• Legal Compliance: The NDIS operates within Australia’s anti-discrimination laws, requiring equal access for linguistically diverse communities.

How to Work with Interpreters under the NDIS

1. Identifying the Need

First, notify your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Early Childhood Partner, Support Coordinator, or NDIS planner if you or your family member needs an interpreter. This could be for:

• NDIS access or application meetings
• Planning conversations and plan reviews
• Discussions with service providers

• Appeals or complaints

2. Booking an Interpreter

The NDIS will arrange and pay for interpreting services needed for scheme-related activities. Here’s how the process works:

• Notify Early: When scheduling any meeting or appointment, tell the planner/coordinator which language or communication support is required (e.g., Mandarin, Arabic, Auslan).

• Provider Arranges Interpreter: The support coordinator, registered NDIS provider, or partner organisation books a qualified interpreter through approved agencies like TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service) or Auslan Connections.
• Remote or In-Person Options: Interpreting can be done face-to-face, via telephone, or via video link (Remote Video Interpreting, especially post-COVID-19).

3. During the Session

• The interpreter facilitates clear, impartial communication between all parties. If you feel uncomfortable, need breaks, or have concerns, let either the provider or interpreter know.

• The interpreter is not allowed to give their own opinions, provide advice, or add or omit information.

4. After the Session

• If follow-up or documents need translation, ask about written translation services (these are sometimes separate from interpreting).

Working with Interpreters in the Context of Australian Migration

Australia is one of the world’s most multicultural countries, with high levels of migration. For many new Australians and CALD (Culturally And Linguistically Diverse) communities, language can be a key barrier to accessing disability support.

• Permanent residents, refugees, and newly arrived migrants may require interpreting for NDIS access, understanding eligibility, and support planning.
• Migrants may speak rare or emerging languages; TIS National can provide interpreters for over 160 languages.

TIP: If you’re an NDIS participant from a migrant background, discuss interpreter needs as early as possible with your local support team.

Key Benefits and Features

• NDIS-Funded: Interpreting services for scheme-related communication are paid for by the NDIS—not by participants.

• Confidential and Impartial: Qualified interpreters follow strict confidentiality guidelines.
• Diverse Modalities: Face-to-face, telephone, and video interpreting available.
• Wide Language Coverage: Over 160 spoken languages and dialects, plus Auslan, tactile signing, and Deafblind protocols.

• Access Across the NDIS Journey: From initial application right through to plan implementation and reviews.

Common Challenges & Solutions

| Challenge | Solution |

|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Unavailability in Rare Languages | Providers can book well in advance; TIS National searches wider networks for rare language interpreters. | | Cultural misunderstandings | Choose an interpreter who shares cultural understanding; brief them about context. |

| Confidentiality Concerns | All interpreters are required to be impartial and follow privacy laws. | | Miscommunication | Request clarification, repeat information, or change interpreters if needed. | | Scheduling & Time Constraints | Book early. Consider remote or telephone interpreting for quicker access. |

Common Professions and Professionals

• NDIS Planners/Partners: Regularly use interpreters during planning meetings or reviews.
• Support Coordinators: Arrange interpreters for provider meetings.

• Disability Support Workers: Use interpreters for in-home or community services conversations.
• Therapists (OTs, speech pathologists, psychologists): Involve interpreters during assessments and therapy sessions.
• Medical Support Staff: Where part of an NDIS-funded