How can I find an interpreter?

Key points

• Interpreters can help many people with disability who use a language other than English, including Auslan
• You might need an interpreter for a job interview, medical appointment, entertainment, awards ceremonies or even to watch your child’s school performance
• Interpreters are in high demand so it’s best to book ahead where possible and, in some cases, you may need to pay privately for the service

Additionally, people who communicate with Auslan may find that interpreters are in high demand.

So what steps can you take to find an interpreter for your next important conversation or event?

What can interpreters assist with?

An interpreter can assist with a number of different events or appointments, including:

• Job interviews or meetings
• Contacting Government departments
• Medical appointments, therapy or hospital visits
• Any important meetings, such as with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) about your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan
• Concerts and live entertainment
• Awards ceremonies or other life events like graduation ceremonies, weddings and funerals
• Other live events, such as your child’s school performance

It is important that, no matter the significance of the event or appointment, you have someone to assist you in communicating with others.

Tips for finding an interpreter

Make a list of the events you might need or want to have an interpreter for, and log the dates and times of when you would need an interpreter.

Think about how you can plan ahead for any of these events and book an interpreter in advance so you are not scrambling to find one at the last minute.

When you are looking for an interpreter, make sure you check they have the qualifications needed. You can search for an interpreter and verify the person’s qualifications on the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) website.

If you need an interpreter for a complex conversation, such as a conversation about your NDIS plan, you can ask if there is an interpreter available that has experience in that topic.

Interpreters, particularly Auslan translators may be available through a range of different organisations and providers, and Government bodies. Auslan interpreters may be funded in your NDIS plan, however interpreters for other languages will not be because translation into another language is not directly related to your disability.

To find a provider that works for you it may be a good idea to get recommendations from family and friends or ask if there is a service your doctor, therapist, school or employer normally uses.

Some providers may offer for you to contact them via email or phone to make a booking, or they might have an online booking form.

Choose a provider that has a booking system you find accessible so that it is easier for you to apply for interpreter assistance.

With some services you can also request to have a specific interpreter, especially one you have worked with for similar events or conversations before, so that they already know your circumstances and are better placed to translate information for you.

Interpreters are not allowed to provide you with their opinions or advice on any topic, they are only there to relay what another person is saying into your preferred language.

If you need advice or support you will need to ask someone else to also be present or to use the interpreter to ask another person for advice they can translate for you.

Resources

If English is not your preferred language and you need an interpreter to be able to understand factors around your health or finances, for example, using the national Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) is free.

The TIS has translators for 160 different languages and works by you calling 13 14 50 and asking for the language interpreter you need, then asking the interpreter to call the organisation you need to contact and help translate that conversation.

TIS can also provide in person translators in some circumstances, depending on how rural or remote the event is that you need an interpreter for.

For people who are not comfortable communicating over the phone, particularly people who are Deaf and communicate using Auslan, the National Relay Service can be helpful.

The National Relay Service provides the options of:

• Voice relay on 1300 555 727
• TTY (TeleTypewriter) on 133 677
• SMS relay on 0423 677 767
• Video relay

Visit the National Relay Service website for more information on how each of the options work.

If you are a First Nations person looking for a translator there are several specific sources that might help:

• If you live in the Eastern States or South Australia, NAATI can connect you to an interpreter. They can be contacted via email [email protected] or phone on 1300 557 470
• If you live in Western Australia, Aboriginal Interpreting WA can help on 1800 330 331 or at [email protected]
• If you live in the Northern Territory, you can contact the Aboriginal Interpreter Service on 1800 334 944 or at [email protected]
• Deaf First Nations people don’t have a lot of options, due to a lack of interpreters, but you may find help on the Iltyem-iltyem website 

You can also use the Disability Support Guide website to search for interpreters in your area.

What do you use an interpreter for? Tell us in the comments below.

Related content:

Culture is key to First Nations peoples disability support

Getting disability support in a language that you can understand

Accessing the disability multicultural services you need