Use Auslan

Video remote interpreter services

With the help of an Auslan interpreter, you can communicate remotely over video with a hearing person using Auslan. There are a number of different organisations that provide video remote interpreter (VRI) services.

To communicate over video you can use Video Relay through the NRS, which is a free service. Or you can use an organisation that provides VRI services, however they may charge a fee.

Organisations that provide Video Remote Interpreter Services include:

Deaf Connect

Deaf Connect

Deaf Connect provides VRI services to connect people to services that require Auslan-English interpreting.

What do you need to use Deaf Connect?
- A computer, iPad or another device that is connected to the internet, has a web camera, working microphone and speakers.
- A good internet connection for good audio and video quality.
Extra things to know about Deaf Connect
- It’s an NDIS provider
- Free interpreting for people aged 65 and over (55 if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
- Located Australia wide
- It can provide access to Auslan interpreters in after-hours emergency situations, involving police, hospitals and other emergency services.
Access Deaf Connect

Go to the DeafConnect website(Opens in a new tab/window).

Expression Australia

Expression Australia

Expression Australia provides VRI services as part of its suite of services to Auslan users via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or any other video platform.

What do you need to use Expression Australia?
- A device that has a microphone, camera and speakers (e.g. a laptop, computer or tablet)
- A good internet connection for good audio and video quality.
Extra things to know about Expression Australia
- It’s an NDIS provider
- It currently offers community-based VRI information sessions (which are Auslan interpreted and free of charge) where participants bring their own device to learn how to use VRI.
Access Expression Australia

Go to the Expression Australia website(Opens in a new tab/window)

Convo Australia

Convo Australia provides VRI services as part of its suite of services to Auslan users.

What do you need to use Convo Australia?
- A computer or smart device (tablet or mobile) that’s connected the internet and has a web camera and working microphone and speakers
- The ConvoAU app and a registered account with a password (check website for more details).
Extra things to know about Convo Australia
- It’s an NDIS provider
- It can be funded through Job Access (Employment Assistance Fund)
- It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Access Convo Australia

Go to the Convo Australia website(Opens in a new tab/window)

National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Services (NABS)

nabs - National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service

NABS offers VRI services to Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people who use Auslan.

What do you need to use NABS?
- A tablet, computer or smartphone that’s connected to the internet and has a web camera and working microphone and speaker
- Access to a video platform e.g. Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, FaceTime.
Extra things to know about NABS
- NABS can book interpreters for NDIS participants for any appointment, including healthcare.
- NABS is free to people over 65 (with no NDIS) for GP, specialists and specified health consultations.
Access NABS

Go to the NABS website(Opens in a new tab/window)

National Interpreting and Communication Services (NICSS)

nicss - National Interpreting and Communication Services

The NICSS provides VRI services to professional and government services so they can communicate with Deaf clients.

What do you need to use NICSS?
- A computer, iPad or other device that’s connected to the internet and has a web camera and working microphone and speakers
- Access to video platform e.g. Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, FaceTime.
Extra things to know about NICSS
- NICSS VRI interpreters can be booked for conferences, events, meetings, education, employment, financial advice, and legal advice
Access NICSS

Go to the NICSS website(Opens in a new tab/window)