Interpreting & Translation referrals for NDIS coordinators
Auslan interpreting, spoken-language interpreting and document translation so Deaf participants and those from CALD backgrounds can take part on equal terms.
NDIS registration group: Interpreting and translation
What Interpreting is under the NDIS
Interpreting and translation supports help NDIS participants who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to communicate and take part in their supports. They cover Auslan and other sign-language interpreting, spoken-language interpreting, and the translation of written documents into a participant's preferred language.
These supports exist so that a participant's disability or language background does not become a barrier to understanding their plan, engaging with providers, attending appointments and assessments, or making informed decisions. Interpreting can be delivered in person, by phone or by video remote interpreting, while translation converts written material such as reports, forms and provider information into another language.
The NDIA arranges and pays for interpreting when a participant engages directly with the Agency or its community partners, for example a planning meeting, at no cost to the plan. Interpreting or translation needed to access a participant's funded supports can be included in their plan. Interpreters and translators in Australia are typically credentialed through NAATI (the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).
What it covers
- Auslan interpreting for appointments, meetings and assessments
- Spoken-language interpreting in person, by phone or by video
- Video remote interpreting (VRI) for faster or regional access
- Document translation of reports, forms and provider materials
- Deaf interpreter support for non-standard signing or additional disability
- Tactile and hand-over-hand interpreting for deafblind participants
- Translation of written information into community languages
- Communication support during provider onboarding and plan reviews
Who it suits
Refer for interpreting and translation when a participant is Deaf or hard of hearing and uses Auslan, or comes from a CALD background and needs spoken-language interpreting or translated documents to take part in their supports.
It suits participants who would otherwise face a communication barrier when engaging with providers, attending appointments and assessments, or understanding their plan.
It is usually arranged alongside other supports rather than as a standalone service, so the interpreting matches the activity it is enabling.
How to refer Interpreting on Novida
Use Novida to search verified providers offering interpreting and translation in the participant's region and language. Filter for what you actually need — Auslan interpreting, a specific spoken language or dialect, or document translation — and check each provider's registration status and current capacity before you shortlist.
Contact the provider directly with a complete referral so they can confirm they can meet the request: participant consent, NDIS number, plan-management type (NDIA-, plan- or self-managed), the relevant line items or budget the support will draw on, the language or sign system required, appointment dates, frequency, and any cultural preferences such as interpreter gender.
Novida is free to use and never sits in the middle of the referral — you deal directly with the provider, with no fee or commission. Keep a record of the consent and referral details you send so the arrangement is documented in the participant's file.
What to check before you refer
- Confirm whether the interpreting is for engaging with the NDIA or its partners (Agency-arranged and free) or to access a funded support (potentially plan-funded), because this determines whether the plan budget is affected at all.
- Confirm the exact language, dialect or sign system, whether a NAATI-certified interpreter or a Deaf interpreter is required, and any gender or cultural preference.
- If the participant is NDIA-managed, confirm the provider is NDIS-registered; plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.
How it’s priced
Interpreting and translation are priced under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (the Price Guide), which sets the maximum price limits and unit of measure for these supports. Confirm the current limits and any specific claiming rules on ndis.gov.au rather than relying on a fixed rate.
Coordinator FAQs — Interpreting
- Does interpreting come out of the participant's plan budget?
- Not always. The NDIA arranges and pays for interpreting when a participant engages directly with the Agency or its community partners, such as a planning meeting, at no cost to the plan. Interpreting or translation needed to access a funded support can be included in the plan. Check which situation applies before assuming the…
- Do interpreters and translators need to be NAATI certified?
- NAATI is the national credentialing body for translators and interpreters in Australia, and NAATI-certified practitioners are the expected standard for NDIS work. Registration in this support group does not legally mandate certification, but it is best practice, especially for assessments, or medical and legal content. Confirm the…
- Is registration required to deliver interpreting and translation?
- No. Interpreting and translation is not one of the supports the law requires providers to be registered for, unlike specialist disability accommodation or regulated behaviour support. However, participants whose plans are NDIA-managed must use NDIS-registered providers. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can choose registered or…
- What is the difference between an Auslan interpreter and a Deaf interpreter?
- An Auslan interpreter works between spoken English and Auslan. A Deaf interpreter is a Deaf professional who works alongside the Auslan interpreter to reach participants who use non-standard signing, have additional disability, or are deafblind. Some appointments need both. Ask the participant or their family what they use, and specify it…
- Can interpreting be delivered by phone or video?
- Yes. Spoken-language interpreting can be delivered in person, by phone or by video, and Auslan can be delivered by video remote interpreting (VRI). Remote delivery can reduce travel costs and speed up access in regional areas, but in-person interpreting may suit complex, sensitive or long appointments better. Confirm the participant's…
- Can plan documents and reports be translated?
- Yes. Document translation covers written material such as provider information, therapy or assessment reports, consent forms and plan-related documents, converted into the participant's preferred language. This helps CALD participants understand their supports and make informed decisions. Specify which documents, the target language and…
- How do I refer for a specific language or dialect?
- State the exact language and dialect in your referral, not just the country of origin, because many languages have distinct dialects and a mismatch can make interpreting ineffective. Note any cultural preferences, such as interpreter gender, and whether the participant needs the same interpreter over time for continuity. Novida lets you…
- What should I do for a participant who is deafblind?
- Specify deafblind communication needs clearly, as these participants may need tactile signing, hand-over-hand Auslan, or a Deaf interpreter working with a hearing interpreter. Not every Auslan provider offers this, so confirm the provider's experience with deafblind communication before referring. Allow extra time in appointments and note…
Related NDIS registration groups
- Supported Employment referrals
- Finding & Keeping a Job referrals
- School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) referrals
- Assistance with Transport referrals
- Assistive Technology referrals
- Consumables referrals
How to check a provider’s credentials
- NDIS Commission provider register — NDIS registration
- How worker screening works — Worker screening
- Make a complaint to the NDIS Commission — Complaints & conduct