Benefits of ASLIA membership include:

• Discounted registration to attend professional development workshops, including the ASLIA National Conference (ANC) – an annual conference for practitioners, consumers and service providers to network and share information and knowledge about the profession of sign language interpreting. In addition to attracting delegates from all corners of Australia, the ANC also attracts an increasing number of international delegates. Each year the ANC has an internationally-renowned sign language interpreting researcher, educator or practitioner as the keynote presenter.

• The national Across The Board (ATB) magazine (originally an initiative of ASLIA(Vic)) showcases practitioners, research and literature about the sign language interpreting profession and documents current issues across Australia and around the globe.

• The soon-to-be launched “Interpret-ED” project (proudly supported by the auDA Foundation and the Australian Communication Exchange) will provide online professional development through the ASLIA National website. This project will provide consistent, on-going, professional development for all ASLIA members across the country, and provide points towards NAATI Revalidation.

• Regular social activities and/or opportunities to network with other practitioners and members of the Deaf community;

• Support when dealing with colleagues, consumers, agencies and service providers – e.g., work conditions, complaints, grievances, etc.;

• Polices and guidelines – e.g., OH&S for sign language interpreters, conference interpreting, providing pro bono services, interpreting in court and educational settings, etc.;

 

Individuals who gain NAATI Auslan/English accreditation are strongly encouraged to become ASLIA members, to take advantage of the extensive membership benefits. ASLIA membership is also open to other individuals with an interest in sign language interpreting, for example: students of Auslan and/or Auslan/English interpreting, Deaf (Relay) Interpreters, parents of deaf children, deaf consumers and businesses and organisations.

 

Types of membership available: Ordinary Individual, Associate Individual member and Corporate member

Ordinary Individual (including Life members) shall:

(a) Have the right to hold office

(b) Have the right to vote at General Meetings

(c) Have the right to receive general circulars of information and minutes of General Meetings

(d) Receive an individual copy of the ASLIA National newsletter

(e) Participate in ASLIA events and receive member discounts on any associated registration fees

(f) Have access to the ‘members only’ section of the website

 

Associate Individual members shall:

(a) Have the right to attend and observe General Meetings

(b) Have the right to receive general circulars of information and minutes of General Meetings

(c) Receive an individual copy of the ASLIA National newsletter

(d) Participate in ASLIA events and receive member discounts for any related registration fees

(e) Have access to the ‘members only’ section of the website

 

Ordinary Corporate members shall:

(a) Have the right to attend and observe General Meetings

(b) Have the right to appoint one delegate to attend General Meetings, where each delegate shall have one vote.

(c) Have the right to receive general circulars of information and General Meetings.

(d) Receive one copy of the ASLIA National newsletter.

 

 

FAQs

 

1. I work as a Deaf (Relay) Interpreter, can I join as an Ordinary Individual member?

Currently, only Deaf (Relay) Interpreters who have completed a formal interpreter qualification (e.g., Diploma of Interpreting), or have gained ASLIA/NABS certification, can join as Ordinary Individual members. Otherwise, Deaf (Relay) Interpreters must join as Associate Individual members. ASLIA is continuing to work with NAATI to establish accreditation for Deaf (Relay) Interpreters. Once NAATI accreditation is available, then Deaf (Relay) Interpreters with the NAATI accreditation will be able to join as Ordinary Individual members.

 

2. Why does ASLIA(National) write "Deaf (Relay) Interpreter"?

ASLIA(National) uses this because currently different titles are used for these practitioners around the country: Deaf Relay Interpreter (DRI); Relay Interpreter (RI); and Deaf Interpreter (DI). Until one there is agreement on one title, then ASLIA(National) will use "Deaf (Relay) Interpreter".

 

3. How do I get my receipt?

Once payment is confirmed and your membership is activated, you can view your receipt online. To find your receipt: 1) log into the website using your Username and Password. 2) In the "My account" section, click on "View my details". 3) In the box near the bottom of the screen, click on the "Memberships" tab. 4) In the "Memberships" tab, click on "Click here to view the list of invoices" at the bottom of the window. This will show you a list of all your ASLIA membership invoices from 2010. Click on the invoice date of the invoice you want to view. You can then print the invoice if you wish.

 

4. If I join ASLIA National does that mean I automatically join my state/territory branch?

Yes. Becoming a member through the ASLIA(National) website means that you will automatically become a member of the ASLIA branch in the state/territory where you live. If you live in a state/territory without an ASLIA branch, see question 7.

 

5. What if I change my address or contact details?

If you move or change your contact details, you are able to update them through the website. To change your details: 1) Log into the website using your Username and Password. 2) In the "My account" section, click on "View my details". 3) Point your mouse to "Edit" and select "Update Your Profile". 4) Click on the "Contact Information" tab. 5) Update your details as required. 6) Click on "Update" at the bottom of the window.

 

6. What if I move to another state? What happens to my ASLIA membership?

ASLIA(National) will forward members' contact details to the state branches regularly. If you join ASLIA in one state/territory, but then move to another state/territory before the end of the membership year, then your ASLIA membership is still current. ASLIA(National) and the state/territory branches are not obliged to transfer the proportion of your membership fee to your new state/territory. If you move and want to continue to receive information from ASLIA, then be sure to update your address and contact details (see question 5).

 

7. What if I live in a state/territory in Australia that doesn't have an ASLIA branch?

If you live in a state/territory that doesn't have an ASLIA branch, you are still able to become an ASLIA member through this website. ASLIA(National) may help to make arrangements with another state/territory branch so you will be recognised as a member of that state/territory. Even as a member in a state/territory without an ASLIA branch, you will receive the ATB magazine, have access to the Interpret-ED website for online professional development and gain discounted registration at ASLIA events, including the ASLIA National Conference.

 

8. How do I find out about events, or get sent relevant notices?

Click on the "News and Events" heading on the website, and then "PD & Event Calendar". If you know of an event that should be listed, send an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it