New South Wales - Communication aids and services

Accesshub – National Relay Service (NRS)

The NRS can help you communicate over the phone if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulties with speech. Find out more about the National Relay Service

ACT Deafness Resource Centre

The ACT Deafness Resource Centre offers information, referrals, resources and advocacy to the deaf and hearing-impaired communities in the ACT and surrounding regions of NSW. Find out more about the ACT Deafness Resource Centre

Better Hearing Australia (BHA)

BHA is a not-for-profit organisation that can help you to choose hearing help that suits you. Learn more about BHA’s services

Hearing Australia e-book

Hearing Australia has a useful free e-book called Choices. It has information for parents and families of children who are newly diagnosed with hearing loss from birth to 12 years of age. Download the Hearing Australia e-book

Hearing Services Program, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

If you have hearing loss you may be able to access hearing supports and aids through the Hearing Services Program. There is also a special program called the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) program for children aged 0–6 years who have just been diagnosed with a hearing problem. Find out more about the Hearing Services Program Find out if your child can benefit from the ECEI program

National Auslan Interpreter Booking & Payment Service (NABS)

You can use NABS to book an interpreter for private healthcare appointments. Your healthcare provider can also book the NABS for you. Find out more about NABS and book an interpreter

Key Word Sign Australia

With workshops starting from beginner level, Scope can help you learn to use Key Word Sign to communicate with the person you support. Learn how to use Key Word Sign with training, resources and more

National Equipment Database for Assistive Technology

You can get augmentative and alternative communication aids to support speech and/or provide other ways of communicating through the National Equipment Database. They also have speech generating devices available. Find out more about alternative communication aids and speech generating devices

NSW Health

NSW Health Hearing services are provided by a range of government and non-government agencies in NSW. Learn more about hearing services here.

Local Area Coordinators (LACs)

If you are aged 7 and above, Local Area Coordinators (LACs) can link you to the NDIS and to mainstream and community supports in your area. You can ask your LAC about the supports available in your community, even if you're not eligible for an NDIS support plan. Find out more about how a Local Area Coordinator may be able to assist you

Mail for the blind (Australia Post)

If you are sending a parcel or letter that helps the blind then in most cases, you can send it for free. For domestic letters, eligible items must weigh no more than 500g, and domestic parcels must be under 22kg. Read more about Mail for the blind

Print Disability Services (Vision Australia & VisAbility)

The Print Disability Services Program supports organisations to produce print material in alternative formats for people with print disability who are unable to read standard print with ease due to vision impairment, a physical disability or a learning disability. Find out more about Vision Australia’s Print Disability Services Program Find out more about VisAbility’s Print Disability Services Program

Royal Society for the Blind (RSB)

The Royal Society for the Blind offers an online shop for assistive technology to support those who are blind or experiencing vision loss to live independently.

Find out more about the aids and services offered by the RSB

Vision Australia

If you are blind or your vision is limited, Vision Australia has information and advice on adaptive technology. Find out more about Vision Australia’s services and advice about adaptive technology