The Federal Government has this week announced a free sign language service for older Australians who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing.
Aged Care Minister, Senator Richard Colbeck, says the new service will provide people already receiving or trying to access aged care services with the opportunity to receive free sign language interpreting nationwide, seven days a week.
“It will ensure that these people can participate in the assessment, planning, and review of their care – something which may have been more difficult in the past,” Minister Colbeck said.
The lack of sign language services for people trying to use the Government’s My Aged Care portal or seeking an assessment for residential care and home care was a common complaint at the Royal Commission into Aged Care’s community forums last year.
The Government is also moving to translate key aged care documents into Auslan videos and materials suitable for the deaf or hard of hearing.
“This is another step towards ensuring the needs of Senior Australians are met,” Minister Colbeck said.
Great news.
