What is a Sign Guide?
At Expression Australia, a Sign Guide offers practical communication support for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in everyday, informal, and low-risk situations. Our role is to help you navigate the community and meet your communication needs.
Sign Guides help you communicate in your daily life, especially in casual, low-risk settings. We're here to support your communication needs.
How can a Sign Guide support you?
A Sign Guide can assist you with various daily activities where communication is straightforward and doesn't require a qualified interpreter. This includes:
- Public Transport: Getting around on trains, buses, or taxis.
- Social Events: Attending gatherings like Deaf Club, birthday parties, social settings.
- Basic Skill Development: Learning to understand simple forms or use new apps and smart devices.
- Routine Purchases: Communicating when you're shopping in local stores.
- Understanding Mail: Helping you understand everyday letters like rent notices, insurance renewals, or interest rate updates.
Is a Sign Guide a qualified interpreter?
Important: Sign Guides Are NOT Interpreters
It's vital to know that a Sign Guide is not a qualified interpreter. Our Sign Guides have completed the NAATI Communication Language Aide (CLA) test. This test checks their proficiency in a Language Other Than English (LOTE), but it is not an interpreting qualification.
Sign Guides are trained to tell you when a qualified interpreter is needed. Your safety and clear communication are our top priorities.
How to get this service?
You might have NDIS funding for Sign Guide services. If you're unsure about your funding or want more information, please contact us. We're happy to help you understand your options.
Click the button below. When you click the button, you will have 2 options:
- Option 1: you can submit a video enquiry in Auslan
- Option 2: you can fill in a form in English
Have more questions on our Sign Guide service? FAQ video is here
Our FAQs are in Auslan. If you wish to have these in written form, please contact us on info@expression.com.au