When captioning has been requested or is planned to be provided at a meeting or event, there can be a cost involved. The cost will vary according to what type of captioning service is required and who will bear the associated cost. You may be able to access sources of funding to provide captioning as a one-off or on-going cost, including captioning phones and other captioning aids.
• Event organisers – as with any costs, communication access, like catering, should be built into the registration fees. In this way, all participants share the costs of access.
• Federal, State or Local representatives – our elected representatives often have funding available for the provision of minor ancillary expenses, such as one-off captioning services for you to participate equally – whether at a meeting with them or for an event sponsored/promoted by their office. It is helpful to start by building a relationship to explain the need.
• Employers – employers may encourage a barrier free and flexible workplace. When information and communication systems are designed to be accessible, and to be interoperable with adaptive technologies, it is easier to accommodate employees’ requests for access to have equal employment opportunity and work effectively.
• Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) – for the workplace. JobAccess’ EAF funds assistive technology and workplace modifications, including a workplace assessment, to help make modifications to the workplace as easily as possible. People with disability and mental health condition who are already working, and about to start working, can apply for financial assistance to purchase a range of work-related modifications and services. Reimbursement of captioning services, including a captioned telephone, can be requested as part of an EAF. This may also be arranged through Disability Employment Services (DES).
• National Disability Insurance Service (NDIS) – for eligible people with disability under 65 when they first apply. Funding to access captioning may support your communication needs to pursue your goals.
• Deaf Connect – provides free live captioning for people over 65 and who are not a NDIS client.
• My AgedCare Home Care Package (HCP) – for people over 65 living independently.
• My AgedCare Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) – for eligible people over 65 not on a HCP.
• Australian Goods Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT2GO) – for eligible people over 65 seeking CHSP who have no local provider.
• Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) – for eligible veterans, widows and dependants.
• State-based Equipment Programs – to help cover the gaps:
o ACT Equipment Scheme and Loan Services
o NSW EnableNSW and Aids and Equipment Program (AEP)
o NT Territory Equipment Program (TEP)
o QLD Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme and Communication Aids
o SA DHS Equipment Program
o TAS Medical aids and equipment (TasEquip)
o VIC State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) and Victorian Aids & Equipment Programs (VAEP)
o WA Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP), Communication and Assistive Technology Service (CATS) and Continuity of Support
• Transport and work accident insurance – for recovery from injuries. Transport accident cover assists rehabilitation from motor accident injuries affecting the brain, hearing, vision, mobility or dexterity. Work accident cover assists recuperation from work-related injuries, and supports return to work Cover for assistive technology may vary across states and territories.
• Hearing Services Program (HSP) – for eligible headphones, TV listening and personal amplifiers.
• Superannuation – apply for early access to fund on compassionate grounds with letters of support from your general practitioner and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.