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Author: Paula Thornton
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19/02/2024

Acting CEO Shirley Update – Feb 2024

Transcript

Transcript:

Hello! I’m Shirley, the Acting CEO of Deaf Australia.

This is a new role for me and I have already learnt so much especially about things I had never given much thought to in the past. This new experience has kept me very busy.

I’ve been pleased to watch the Deaf Australia team work so well together over the last three weeks. We have been busy preparing a toolkit that will be released next week. Please keep your eyes out for more information about this on Facebook, Instagram and, if you are a Deaf Australia member, in your inboxes.  

We have also been planning an event for the upcoming Auslan Day. You’ll find lots of information about this on our website.

Today, I attended the ‘Deaf History Collection’ launch – more information about this event is in the next video.

Today I attended the launch of the Deaf History Collection, a very special event that was held at the University of Sydney in a space that used to be occupied by the Darlington Deaf School.

Here in a very old building that holds many stories and memories for our community ex students and community members gathered. It was not only Sydney-siders that attended but community members from across the country that came together for this special and very enjoyable launch of the Deaf History Collection website.

The website, through various media types, documents the history of the deaf community in all areas of life including advocacy, education, sport and the arts.  

Deaf Australia would like to acknowledge and thank Deaf Connect for their significant investment in the Deaf History Collection and ensuring that it is available for our community to access, enjoy and learn about our history.  At the beginning of this projects journey, Deaf Connect reached out to Deaf Australia so that we could work collaboratively on this project.

Today was the launch of a living collection of our history. Please share the website with your friends, family and work colleagues. We will continue to document our history through the Deaf History Collection website.

Once again, Deaf Australia would like to thank Deaf Connect for their commitment to the project. We would also like to thank the Deaf community members and various organisations that have contributed to the collection so far.

Lastly, Deaf Australia will soon be posting another video about collecting your feedback about the National Relay Service (NRS) to inform our advocacy work.

Thank you for watching this update.

(Filmed 16 Feb 2024)

Visual description

Shirley is wearing a navy t-shirt standing in front of an old building and green bushes signing. Next to her is a light green flag that says “Deaf History Collections” in white text.

She is signing in a friendly and concise manner towards the camera.

20/07/2023

Deaf Australia are coming to Sydney for NDIS Review sessions 

Transcript

Sherrie: Deaf Australia, along with various board members, will be traveling across Australia from June until August to meet with the Deaf community.NDIS Review - this will be a paid opportunity for participants. NDIS Youth Review - each state will have a young person responsible to run this workshop.

Jen: The NDIS review session is important.

If you come, you will be able to talk about your experiences with the NDIS, both positive and negative. I will take on all of your information and then give it to the NDIS, so they can learn and understand how to adapt to work with you, the Deaf community. We will ask questions like, do you have a good or bad experience with the NDIS;whether the NDIS understands you as a Deaf person; what good things you want more of; what things you want less of; whether you are happy with your plan, especially in comparison to others who have a NDIS plan would you want everyone to have similar plans or different. We will ask many different questions.

We will be going to all the states in Australia this year. You will also have an opportunity to meet us at Deaf Australia before or after the events.

You will be paid for coming to the NDIS Review. Those who are Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing – all those who have plans will be paid $140 for two hours, and $50 per hour afterwards.

Those who are not Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing, and support Deaf people, will be paid, but at a lesser rate per hour.

Sherrie: They will be scheduled over the weekends to ensure community participation. RSVP is essential for attendance.

Transcript

Hello, my name is Sarah (sign name). I'm from Newcastle, which is 2 hours north of Sydney. I'm here to let you know that I will be facilitating the youth NDIS review workshop in Sydney on 29th July. This workshop aims to provide you with the opportunity to discuss how the NDIS can improve and to gather your feedback on what is and isn't working. Share your thoughts on how they can better support the youths. All of our discussions will be shared with the NDIS to ensure they meet our needs.

This session is for Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing youths who use Auslan. It will be well worth your time to attend this workshop! For more information, please see the other post. Thanks.

Register here
Deaf Australia are coming to Sydney for NDIS Review sessions on 

 Friday 28 July Evening Session – 5pm – 7:30pm

Deaf Australia Constitution consultation

————————————

Saturday 29 July Morning Session – 10:30am – 1:30pm

NDIS Review (paid opportunity) 

————————————

Saturday 29 July Afternoon Session – 2pm-5pm

NDIS Youth Review (paid opportunity) – facilitated by the amazing Sarah Clarkson

———————————

Location: Deaf Connect, 4/69 Phillip St, Parramatta

Watch the video to see why your feedback is important to improve NDIS for the Deaf community. 

We have limited spots available, and they’re filling up fast! 

Register here
20/07/2023

Deaf Australia and Deaf Rainbow – NDIS Review for the Queer Deaf Community 

Transcript

Transcript:

Hello, my name is Christian, also known as CJ. Deaf Rainbow and Deaf Australia are collaborating to provide a workshop for the NDIS review specifically for the Deaf Queer Community. This workshop aims to give you the opportunity to express how the NDIS can better support the Queer Deaf community. You can provide feedback on what is and is not working.. All of our discussions will be shared with the NDIS. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 26th July from 5 pm to 8 pm. For further details, please refer to the other video. Hope to see you there!

Deaf Rainbow and Deaf Australia are collaborating to provide a workshop for the NDIS review specifically for the Deaf Queer Community. 

You will have the opportunity to be paid for attending an NDIS review and sharing your feedback.

Wednesday 26th July from 5pm to 8pm (AEST) via online Zoom.

(paid opportunity – limited spaces)

RSVP* here:

www.bit.ly/NDQCJul23

12/07/2023

Statement about the WFD 2027 Congress

Concerning the WFD 2027 Congress: Deaf Australia is surprised by the choice of the UAE as the host, as it contradicts our values and those of the United Nations. We are discussing and seeking more information before deciding on our next steps.



Transcript:

Hi, my name is Anabelle I’m the Deaf Youth Australia President and I’m here with Jen Blyth, the Deaf Australia CEO. Thanks Anabelle, we’re making this video in response to the communications we’ve had from both Australians in Jeju and back at home in Australia. There is a conversation happening at a global level about the UAE winning the bid to host the 2027 World Federation of the Deaf World Congress. 

Deaf Australia is shocked that the World Federation of the Deaf accepted the bid from the UAE when it is not in line with their values, nor is it in line with the United Nations values. Deaf Australia are waiting on more information from here and we believe there are more conversations that need to happen. We felt it was important to make a statement in response to this news.

We have reached out to WFD and WFDYS boards for clarity on how we move forward. There will be a series of meetings with both Ordinary Members and Youth Ordinary Members. There is a general consensus that the UAE is not best placed to host the World Congress. Representatives from the Oceana region, Europe, Pacific region, and America will all be meeting with WFD tomorrow. We hope we’ll have more information following these meetings. 

Yes. If you have any concerns or you would like to give us some information or feedback, please contact us via our email addresses. Please be aware that we are concerned and we did discuss the vote prior to the voting taking place and had agreed that UAE was not the vote we would place. We are disappointed with this news, but we want to see what happens in the coming days before we take any further action. We will update you when we have more information. Thank you.

10/07/2023

Announcement: Australian Board Members on WFD & WFDYS

Announcement: Australian Board Members on WFD & WFDYS

Congratulations Shirley Liu & Drisana Levitzke-Gray!


 

Transcript:

Hello, I’m Debra- Deaf Australia’s president. I have exciting news to share with you all. Deaf Australia made two nominations for board members for WFD and WFDYS. We are here in Jeju, is that the right sign? Yes, that’s how you sign it. And I’m excited to announce that Shirley Liu has been voted to sit on the World Federation of the Deaf board as a Board Member. Also, Drisana Levitzke-Gray has been voted in as a Board Member for the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section. It’s exciting. Absolutely exciting. It’s going to be exciting 4 years working together with Shirley. Absolutely! I’ve been working with World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section for 8 years and I have really enjoyed my time. It’s quite emotional looking back at all of the work that we have done, but I have a lot of faith in the new WFDYS board. It’s been a great transition for you from the WFDYS board to the WFD board and it’s a great opportunity for you both to work together across the two divisions representing Australia. Yes, that’s right! Many thanks to Deaf Australia for their belief in us and nominating us as board members. We look forward to our commitment to the global deaf community as well as continuing our work for Australia. Also, thank you to Deaf Youth Australia who have supported me for a very long time.

10/07/2023

We have a new Deaf Flag!

Image source: https://www.taubenschlag.de/2023/07/arnaud-balards-flag-design-is-now-the-official-deaf-flag/
Introducing the New Deaf Flag

Chosen during the WFD general assembly, as Jen, CEO of Deaf Australia, tells us about its symbolism and significance in this video.

Transcript

Hello, I'm Jen, the CEO of Deaf Australia. I'm excited to introduce you to our new Deaf flag. During the WFD general assembly, we engaged in a meaningful discussion to choose the perfect flag from three options: one from Russia, one from Lebanon, and one from France. In the end, the French designed flag emerged as the clear favourite among the group. The French stated this flag not to be known as 'France flag,' but rather as the 'Deaf flag.' Accepting their proposal, we engaged in a thoughtful debate regarding the name, contemplating whether it should be called the 'Deaf flag' or the 'Sign Union flag.' After careful consideration, we unanimously confirmed the name 'Deaf flag,' acknowledging that it may evolve over time.

From my perspective, the Deaf flag serves as a unifying symbol, encompassing various aspects such as sign language, Deaf pride, CODA, Deafblind and more. Its significance extends beyond the word of ‘Deaf flag’.

Let's take a closer look at its design. The colour turquoise is recognised as the colour associated with the Deaf community; yellow represents the influence and promotion of signing; and dark blue, reminiscent of the UN's colour palette. Also, the direction of the hand depicted on the flag captures the fluidity and grace of sign language.

Today, we proudly present our flag. We will buy this flag for the events in Australia, where they will serve as a powerful representation of our community. Please join us in celebrating this remarkable symbol of inclusion and shared experiences. Here's our flag!

What's in the flag?

Color: Turquoise

The colour turquoise is recognised as the colour associated with the Deaf community.

Color: Dark Blue

The colour dark blue is reminiscent of the UN's colour palette and represents Deafhood and Humanity.

Color: Yellow

The colour yellow represents the influence and promotion of signing, giving us Enlightenment and Hope.

Hand: Direction

The direction of the hand depicted on the flag captures the fluidity and grace of sign language.

Are you interested in getting one?

Fill out the form here with your contact details and we'll let you know when they are available.

FILL OUT THE FORM
04/07/2023

WFDYS Board Nominee Announcement – July 2023 

WFDYS Announcement: 

Hi, I’m Jen, CEO of Deaf Australia. Deaf Australia is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf. WFD is an international organisation that advocates on a global level to the United Nations for issues that relate to the Deaf community, which also results in influencing other countries across the globe. They are our parent body, and we are a member. 

In July, in South Korea the WFD is holding its next congress. It is held every four years in which people across the world get together to discuss different topics. 

The World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section has a board that focuses on issues pertaining to the Deaf Youth. Like what we have in Australia with Deaf Youth Australia.
DYA is a member of WFDYS. As with the WFD Congress, there is nominations for the WFDYS Board. We have received a nomination for this, and we have since passed on the nomination to WFDYS. The nominee is Drisana Levitzke-Gray. Congratulations and Good luck! 

01/07/2023

Celebrating NAIDOC week 

Celebrating NAIDOC week.
 
Hello. I’m here in beautiful Larrakia Nation – Darwin. As you can see, it is beautiful here! We are fortunate to be living here in Australia. Deaf Australia wants to recognise NAIDOC Week starting on 2nd to 9th July. The theme for this year is “For Our Elders”. NAIDOC celebrates, recognises and pays respect to the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To celebrate one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. We think it is important for you to participate, learn how to support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held during the week to celebrate that. Thank you.
30/06/2023

Deaf Australia will enter caretaker mode 

Deaf Australia will enter caretaker mode from the 3rd to the 17th of July 2023.

What does this mean? The staff will continue to work, but with certain limitations. Jen, the CEO, will still be working to check emails; however, her ability to respond will be limited. The team’s response to social media will also be restricted.

Please note that your emails may receive a response after the 17th of July when the entire team is back on board.

We appreciate your patience and support.

Note: This is because a lot of the staff and board are in Jeju for the WFD Congress.

 

21/06/2023

Deaf Australia is visiting Darwin to engage with the Deaf Community 

Transcript

Sherrie: Deaf Australia, along with various board members, will be traveling across Australia from June until August to meet with the Deaf community.NDIS Review - this will be a paid opportunity for participants. NDIS Youth Review - each state will have a young person responsible to run this workshop.

Jen: The NDIS review session is important.

If you come, you will be able to talk about your experiences with the NDIS, both positive and negative. I will take on all of your information and then give it to the NDIS, so they can learn and understand how to adapt to work with you, the Deaf community. We will ask questions like, do you have a good or bad experience with the NDIS; whether the NDIS understands you as a Deaf person; what good things you want more of; what things you want less of; whether you are happy with your plan, especially in comparison to others who have a NDIS plan would you want everyone to have similar plans or different. We will ask many different questions.

We will be going to all the states in Australia this year. You will also have an opportunity to meet us at Deaf Australia before or after the events.

You will be paid for coming to the NDIS Review. Those who are Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing – all those who have plans will be paid $140 for two hours, and $50 per hour afterwards.

Those who are not Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing, and support Deaf people, will be paid, but at a lesser rate per hour.

Sherrie: They will be scheduled over the weekends to ensure community participation.

RSVP is essential for attendance.

Deaf Australia is visiting Darwin to engage with the Deaf Community.

You will have the opportunity to be paid for attending an NDIS review and sharing your feedback.

Morning Session – 10am – 1pm

NDIS Review for families with deaf children

(paid opportunity – limited spaces)

Afternoon Session – 2pm – 5pm

NDIS Review for deaf adults with NDIS plan

(paid opportunity – limited spaces) 

Evening session – 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Deaf Australia Constitution consultation and socialising – open invitation

RSVP* here: https://forms.office.com/r/dXEwpVMrsf

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