$13 million funding boost will increase sign language services for older Australians

The funding will assist those over 65 years and will provide for certified Auslan, American Sign Language and International Sign Languages interpreters as part of the new service due to launch in November.

Signed English for deaf consumers and tactile signing and hand-over-hand for deafblind users will also be available.

The service will provide access to interpreters for a range of daily activities from face-to-face appointments and online learning to community and family functions.

Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the initiative marked an important milestone for elders who use Auslan in their everyday communication.

"Hearing limitations can have a profound impact on the daily activities of senior Australians," Mr Colbeck said.

The service, which will also include on-demand video remote interpreting, will be offered nationally, seven days a week and after business hours.

"I know many Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing have benefited from sign language interpreters at press briefings during the recent bushfires and the COVID-19 health emergency," Mr Colbeck said.

For information about this and other sign language services available to senior Australians visit My Aged Care or call 1800-200-422.