Perceptions of Interlingual Communication Challenges in NDIS Service Settings with CALD Clients: A Study of Interpreting/Translating Practitioners

This project was commissioned to investigate communication challenges experienced by CALD community members when accessing the NDIS. They are significantly underrepresented in the scheme in relation to overall Australian demographics. The study takes the perspective of professional interpreters and translators who have first-hand insights into these communication settings due to their role in mediating language discordance between NDIS service providers and CALD clients. The primary goal of this investigation is to shed light on the intercultural and interlinguistic obstacles that CALD clients encounter when engaging with NDIS services. This project also explores the implications of the challenges witnessed by professional interpreters and translators on their job satisfaction, professional development, and sustainability in the field. Through a mixed-method research design, using a national online survey and in-depth one-on-one interviews, the project addresses three research questions: 1. Are there any challenges? What are they? 2. Are there any specific skills or knowledge required? What are they? 3. What can be done to improve the status quo? A total of 162 questionnaires were analysed and 18 practitioners interviewed. As a result of data analysis, a total of 15 recommendations were made, covering ones specific to practitioners, NDIS and disability professionals, as well as the NDIS.<p></p>