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Category: Deaf Australia Activities
Deaf Australia is visiting Canberra 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 Canberra to engage with the Deaf Community.
You will have the opportunity to be paid for attending an NDIS review and sharing your feedback.
Friday 23rd June Evening Session – 5pm – 8pm NDIS Youth Review (paid opportunity)
Saturday 24th June Morning Session – 9am – 10am Deaf Australia Constitution consultation
Saturday 24th June Morning Session – 10am – 12pm NDIS Review (paid opportunity)
RSVP* here: https://forms.office.com/r/dXEwpVMrsf
Deaf Australia are coming to Adelaide 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.
William: I am excited that I will be facilitating the youth NDIS review consultation on Friday 16th June from 4pm to 7:30pm. The event will be held at the Deaf Connect office in Mile End,
We will be providing pizza starting at 4:30pm and the review session will commence at approximately 5pm.
Sherrie: They will be scheduled over the weekends to ensure community participation. RSVP is essential for attendance.
Transcript
Hello, my name is William Maggs, and I am an artist from Adelaide. I am excited to announce that I will be facilitating the youth NDIS review consultation on Friday, June 16th, from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The event will be held at the Deaf Connect office in Mile End.
We will be providing pizza starting at 4:30 pm, and the review session will commence at approximately 5:00 pm. This event is specifically for individuals aged between 14 and 25 who are Deaf, Deafblind, hard of hearing, or Deaf+Disabled with an NDIS plan are welcome to attend.
Please note that this event is exclusively for Auslan users.
Caregivers of individuals under 18 years of age are also welcome to attend to provide support.
Participants will be paid $140 for their two-hour involvement; however, it is mandatory to register in advance.
The purpose of this NDIS review is to provide Deaf individuals with an opportunity to express their opinions on how the NDIS can better serve the Deaf community. You are encouraged to share what is working well and what improvements are needed.
Additionally, please be aware that there will be another NDIS review session for non-youth participants on Sunday morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
I hope to see you there.
, RSVP, the link is below. Thank you!
Visual description
A young white man with blonde curly hair tied back. He has a blonde beard and moustache. He is wearing large gold-framed glasses and has gold earrings in both ears - one stands out with a star shape. He is wearing a black t-shirt with the DYA (Deaf Youth Australia) logo and has a bracelet on both wrists.
Deaf Australia are coming to Adelaide for NDIS Review sessions on
Friday 16 June Afternoon Session – 4pm – 7:30pm
NDIS Youth Review (paid opportunity) – facilitated by the amazing William Maggs! – RSVP* here: https://forms.office.com/r/UtGZbqziRg
Sunday 18th June Morning Session – 9am – 12pm
NDIS Review (paid opportunity) – RSVP* here: https://forms.office.com/r/UtGZbqziRg
Update on our upcoming events to Tasmania for the NDIS Review & Deaf Australia’s constitution
Transcript
I am in a country town!
I want to let you all know that soon I will be in Tasmania for the NDIS Review. I will also consult with the community about Deaf Australia’s constitution, but the NDIS Review is really 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.
So, please do RSVP! I’ll be in Tasmania this weekend! I do know it is short notice, and I do apologise for that – in two weeks time, I will be in Adelaide, South Australia, this will be the same opportunity again.
In Tasmania there will be two events, one for the community and one for young people under 25 years old, which will be facilitated by the amazing Ace! A Tasmanian young person who will facilitate this workshop for young people! Please come, RSVP, the link is below. Thank you!
Visual description
Jen is signing in this video a message to the viewer. She is wearing a black puffer jacket. She is sitting behind a window on a beige couch with a light beige wall behind her. She has curly red hair, light skin, and wears clear-rimmed glasses. She is signing in a professional and happy manner.
Hobart, Tasmania
Remember the DA Australia Tour? Here are the details for our Hobart, Tasmania stop! 🚌 💨
We will be there on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June at the Mathers House. We’re hosting three different workshops that you can attend:
🔹 DA Constitution consultation and Deaf community consultation
🔹 NDIS Youth Review (paid opportunity)
🔹 NDIS Review (paid opportunity)
Who will be there? Jen, Catherine and and Vice-Chairperson Sherrie.
Make sure you RSVP via our form by this Friday 2 June 2023: https://forms.office.com/r/RkeWBCDe03
Please contact us to let meus know if you miss the cut off date.
DA Australia Tour Information
Transcript
Hello, I am Sherrie, the Vice President of Deaf Australia Board. Deaf Australia, along with various board members, will be traveling across Australia from June until August to meet with the Deaf community for four reasons:
1. Deaf Australia Constitution consultation.
2. Deaf community consultation for Deaf Australia.
3. NDIS Review - this will be a paid opportunity for participants.
4. NDIS Youth Review - each state will have a young person responsible to run this workshop.
The dates for these events will be provided in text and they will be scheduled over the weekends to ensure community participation. We will advertise the dates, times, and locations, so please stay tuned. RSVP is essential for attendance. I look forward to seeing you in Tasmania on the 3rd of June. Bye.
Visual description
Visual description opening slide:
Background is a green and beige gradient with white Deaf Australia logo at the top center. The main title is green text in a white button that reads “DA Australia Tour”. Above the button is small white text that reads “Message from Board Member Sherrie Beaver”.
Visual description video:
Video is of Sherrie signing against a dark blue background. She is wearing a black t-shirt and wire-rimmed glasses. She has light skin and short curly brown hair. She is signing in a professional manner.
Visual description tour dates slide:
Background is a green and beige gradient with white text as the content. Deaf Australia logo is in the upper right hand corner. Mini-title at the top reads “Australia-wide Roadtrip”. List of cities, dates and people that will be meeting across Australia as follows: “1) Tasmania. Saturday 3 June + Sunday 4 June with Jen*, Catherine* and Sherrie**. 2) Adelaide. Saturday 17 June + Sunday 18 June with Jen* and Debra**. 3) Canberra. Friday 23 June + Saturday 24 June with Jen* and Brooke**. 4) Darwin. Saturday 1 July + Sunday 2 July with Jen*, Paula* and Debra**. 5) Melbourne. Saturday 23 July + Sunday 24 July with Jen*, Karthik** and Deaf VIC. 6) Sydney. Saturday 29 July + Sunday 30 July and with Jen*, Paula* and Brooke**. 7) Perth. Saturday 5 Aug + Sunday 6 Aug with Jen* and Susan**. 8) Brisbane. Saturday 12 Aug + Sunday 13 Aug with Jen*, Julie** and DCCQ. 9) Cairns. Saturday 19 Aug + Sunday 20 Aug with Jen* and Julie**. *DA Staff Member **DA Board Member.” Bottom text reads “Email [email protected] to secure your spot.”
Visual description closing slide:
Graphic features white Deaf Australia logo on a green and blue gradient background. Text reads “Deaf Australia is a Deaf-leg advocacy and information organisation in Australia representing all Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing people and others who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their language of preference. Contact us: [email icon] [email protected], [website icon] www.deafaustralia.org.au, [Instagram and Twitter icons] @deafaustralia, [Facebook icon] DeafAustraliaInc”
Hobart, Tasmania
Remember the DA Australia Tour? Here are the details for our Hobart, Tasmania stop! 🚌 💨
We will be there on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June at the Mathers House. We’re hosting three different workshops that you can attend:
🔹 DA Constitution consultation and Deaf community consultation
🔹 NDIS Youth Review (paid opportunity)
🔹 NDIS Review (paid opportunity)
Who will be there? Jen, Catherine and and Vice-Chairperson Sherrie.
Make sure you RSVP via our form: https://forms.office.com/r/RkeWBCDe03
SA Consultation with Jen Blyth
Transcript
Hello. I’m Jen from Deaf Australia. I wanted to let you know that I will be in Adelaide for the community consultation regarding our constitution. There will be an opportunity for you to give your feedback about Deaf Australia including questions or clarifications. There is more information on the flyer at the end of the video. Thanks, bye.
Visual Description
Opening slide features white Deaf Australia logo on a blue and green gradient background. Text reads “SA Deaf Community: SA Consultation with Jen Blyth. We will be discussing proposed changes to Deaf Australia’s structure and constitution. Friday 5 May, 5pm. Deaf Connect Office: 200 South Rd, Mile End SA 5031. Email [email protected] to secure your spot.”
Video is of Jen who is wearing a black t-shirt and has curly red hair. She is signing a professionally friendly manner.
Closing slide features white Deaf Australia logo on a green and blue gradient background. Text reads “Deaf Australia is a Deaf-leg advocacy and information organisation in Australia representing all Deaf, Deafblind, and hard-of-hearing people and others who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their language of preference. Contact us: [email icon] [email protected], [website icon] www.deafaustralia.org.au, [Instagram and Twitter icons] @deafaustralia, [Facebook icon] DeafAustraliaInc”
SA Session: Friday 5 May, 5pm
Deaf Connect office
200 South Rd, Mile End SA 5031
Email [email protected] to secure your spot!
Welcoming Disability: It’s time to tackle Australia’s discrimination against migrants with disabilities
Over 100 organisations and experts call on federal government to end Australia’s discrimination against migrants with disabilities
A group of more than 100 organisations and experts have signed an OPEN LETTER calling for urgent reform of Australia’s migration health laws to remove their discriminatory impact on people with disabilities and health conditions. The letter is part of the Welcoming Disability Campaign led by Down Syndrome Australia and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights.
Under Australia’s current legal framework, people are being refused Australian visas purely on the basis that they have a disability or health issue, even though they meet all of the other visa requirements.
See the full letter and media release below.
2022 Summary and Happy Holidays
Video Transcript
Hello, I am Jen Blyth CEO of Deaf Australia. This video is a summary of 2022, the last one for the year. I want to talk about what we’ve done for the past year but before I start, I really want to acknowledge those who worked with Deaf Australia this year 2022. Without those people involved, it would’ve been impossible for Deaf Australia to continue as it has; impossible to achieve what we have achieved.
So, a summary of what we’ve done; would this include everything that was done? Nope, I’m only selecting a few things, you can have a look for more in DA Facebook page, see the post of slides of statistics - you’ll be impressed and think, wow, we have done a lot over this past year!
Deaf Australia supported four auspices which means four organisations who were not yet running their organisations as an incorporated entity and had ACNs. We oversaw their establishment as organisations and provided support; later they became independent and could stand on their own, like a young bird flying away from its nest for the first time. So there is four of them this year.
We sent off 13 submissions to the DRC (Disability Royal Commission); thirteen altogether, about deaf people this year on topics of importance.
We created the SBS Vodcast series of 6 videos. They were watched by many; they were popular and enjoyable viewing. The positive feedback was amazing. Will there be more of this next year? We’re still working this out at present.
We developed eLearning courses for the Deaf community, with most focusing on advocacy. This will be released soon, you can watch and learn, choose from one of 6 topics.
This year we had an increase of 44 new members joining Deaf Australia. We thank them and hope that next year we can get even more members, beat that number of 44!
We had the Deaf Census with 1,216 people responding! Thank you so much for this! That data is really rich in information based on 85 questions asked, with 1,216 people answering. It will help us advocate effectively when we speak to people and tell them that it’s what the Deaf community has already indicated exactly what they need. We will release the report in Auslan and English next year. For now the data is being interpreted and summarised, it will be released next year and you can even use the information to advocate for yourself.
We sold 1,672 products through the Auslan shop, thank you to those who bought from us. We have been to AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) which mean that when people have problems with the NDIA, with plans being rejected, or reviews not being satisfactory they go to the Tribunal to work it out. We supported 19 individuals altogether.
We have been to all the states in Australia, visited different events including the Deaf Festivals in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. We met hundreds and thousands of Deaf people from the Deaf community all around Australia, including Deafblind people, hard of hearing people, those who use Auslan, those who don’t and families. The contacts we’ve made from all around Australia has been amazing. An exhausting year!
We also organized for Auslan Santas. This organisation contacted us asking us to teach them a few signs and we suggested having a fluent Auslan Santa rather than teaching them about Auslan and Deaf people. They were willing, so this happened in Victoria, NSW and QLD.
We supported 18 individual advocacy cases this year.
We advocated the NDIA on a variety of topics; we had over 200 meetings with the NDIA. Whew. One significant achievement was that the NDIA accepted into their guidelines called ‘Will We Fund It?’ guidelines, which means when you make a request, you can point them to this document published on their website that shows they have made a commitment to always fund a list of specific requested supports. They now commit to fund the request to provide Auslan tutoring to families. Families with deaf children wanting to learn Auslan to communicate with their child were often denied. After our advocacy efforts the NDIA has now guaranteed to fund this request which means families can learn Auslan to communicate with their deaf children. Amazing stuff.
We revamped our website, rebranded and made it look more polished and sparkling, with a new logo for events like Auslan Day, the Dot Shaw Writers Competition which we resumed last year. This year, we partnered with Sweeney Interpreting for the competition, thank you to Sweeney Interpreting. We have also organized the set up for the Crossing Borders Youth Camp to happen next year; however we have started organizing it now which is supported by Deaf Connect. Thank you Deaf Connect.
I could sign about what we’ve done for hours and hours, yet I think you’re a bit busy and have things to do, so I’ll wrap up. Deaf Australia will close through the Christmas period, because of course we all need a rest too! We will close from the 23rd of December to the 3rd of January. Some staff will be away for longer, including myself, but you can contact us at any time. You’ll have to be patient for a response, when we’re back in the office. I want to say to you all a Merry Christmas and happy holidays, happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanzaa. I don’t know the sign for it so if someone does know please let me know, it’d be appreciated and I can include it in the future, same as Hannukkah. I’m really looking forward to 2023, this year was amazing and next year will beat this! I’m looking forward to creating more videos to let you know what we’re doing, with your support. Thank you!
Visual description
Opening slide is a graphic with green background and watercolor plants around the border. The graphic reads: “Message from CEO Jen Blyth: 2022 Summary & Happy Holidays.” Jen Blyth is standing in front of a white, brick wall and signing to the camera. She has curly red hair and her mood is merry. She is wearing a dark long-sleeved sweater. Closing slide has Deaf Australia contact information. Email: [email protected]. Website: deafaustralia.org.au. Mailing address: PO Box 31 Northcote, Victoria 3070. Facebook: Deaf Australia. Instagram: deafaustralia. Twitter: @deafaustralia.
2022 Year in Review, Part 1
Visual descriptions, Part 1
Slide 1
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Photograph is of Catherine, a Deaf Australia staff who is a white woman with brown shoulder length hair. She is wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt and smiling while signing at a man whose back is turned to the camera. He is wearing a baseball cap and brown hoodie. Text is light green and orange. Text reads: “Welcome to our 2022 Year in Review (Part 1). Read about our work this year.” There is an arrow pointing to the right to indicate you can swipe through the images. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 2
Graphic features text on a dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Advocacy”. Main text reads: “10 venues and festivals visited as part of our community Roadshow efforts. 19 Australia Administrative Tribunals. 20 newspaper/online media articles to raise awareness of Deaf issues. 8 states and territories visited to meet with Deaf people and communities. 1 sector-wide approach to Deaf Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Access. [Unlimited icon] met with countless numbers of Deaf people; CEO’s inbox is always open.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 1”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 3
Graphic features text on a dark green background, with blurred out image of Statements and Papers page on the Deaf Australia website. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Advocacy”. Main text features icons and bullet points of statistics information as follows: “[Santa icon] 1 Auslan Santa made available in 3 states. [Folder icon] 16 position/policy statements. [Letter icon] 2 expert letters. [Mentor icon] 4 auspices. [Person icon] 18 individual advocacy cases. [Letter with back arrow icon] 3 responses to articles. [Newspaper with video icon] 4 media releases. [Hand holding paper icon] 3 inquiry submissions.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 1”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 4
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Advocacy”. Photograph features four Deaf people chatting away in sign language. Two of them are black and two of them are white. They are all dressed in smart casual attire. Main text reads: “200 NDIA-related meetings attended. This work directly impacted policy changes in the NDIA. For example: Auslan tutoring for families is now included as a standard offering, instead of the individual having to fight for it.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 1”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 5
Photograph with caption at the bottom. Photograph features three women standing in front of a Deaf Australia sign. On the left is Shirley, a fair woman with dark hair, wearing a navy blue t-shirt. In the middle is Paula, with blonde curly hair and dark framed glasses, wearing an Australian native plant shirt. On the right is Jen, with red curly hair and clear framed glasses, wearing a black t-shirt. They are all smiling for the camera and appear happy. Caption on the bottom reads: “Shirley, Paula, and Jen at the Brisbane Deaf Festival.”
Slide 6
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Deaf Days of Significance”. Photograph features screenshots of the different Days of Significance logos, graphics, and photographs. They are: National Week of Deaf People logo, Auslan Day Video Competition graphic, Dot Shaw Writing Competition graphic image of Dot Shaw, Photograph from the Collin Allen AM Lecture series of the lecturer on stage, and the 2022 Deaf Census logo. Main text reads: “Branding, promoting, and creation of events for Deaf days of significance including: Auslan Day, National Week of People, Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition, Collin Allen AM Lecture, Deaf Census 2022, and many more!” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 1”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 7
Graphic features text on a dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Deaf Days of Significance”. Main text reads: “51 applicants for Auslan Day video competition. 72 tickets for Collin Allen Lecture sold. 4 events hosted, including hybrid-style (in-person and online) Collin Allen Lecture. 3 Deaf Australians of the Year elected with award ceremony and certificate. 1 Crossing Borders Youth Camp (with partner Deaf Connect). 53 applicants for Dot Shaw Young Writers Competition (with partner Sweeney Interpreting).” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 1”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 8
Photograph with caption at the bottom. Photograph features person on stage signing during the Collin Allen AM Lecture series presented this year. They are wearing glasses and a black t-shirt, and have rainbow colored hair. They are standing in front of a projector slide screen, that reads “Why we must lead by example” with several photographs from the media. Caption on the bottom reads: “Photograph from our Collin Allen AM Lecture series.”
Slide 9
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Website Updates”. Photograph features a screenshot of the old Deaf Australia website in the background with an arrow pointing to a screenshot of the new Deaf Australia website on top. Main text reads: “1 new website design released.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 1”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 10
Graphic features text on a dark green background, with blurred out image of all the webinars we have hosted fro the Deaf Australia website. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Website Updates”. Main text reads: “120 videos uploaded to Vimeo. 7 Deaf ecosystem webinars. 113 attendees for one webinar. 496 total people registered for all webinars. 41 new website pages with updates, webinars, competitions and more. 41 email newsletters sent to our members and stakeholders.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “That’s all for Part 1! Keep an eye out for Part 2 coming soon.”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
2022 Year in Review, Part 2
Visual descriptions, Part 2
Slide 1
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Photograph features Ipek, a light-skinned person with dark curly hair. She is smiling cheekily at the camera, and resting her face in her hand. She is working on a laptop at a desk. Behind her on the wall, there are colorful post it notes. Text is light green and orange. Text reads: “Welcome to our 2022 Year in Review (Part 2). Read about our work this year.” There is an arrow pointing to the right to indicate you can swipe through the images. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 2
Graphic features text on a dark green background, with blurred out image of Edan Chapman, the Disability Royal Commission Officer at Deaf Australia in 2022. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Disability Royal Commission”. Main text features icons and bullet points of statistics information as follows: “[Meeting at a table icon] 110 DRC-related meetings attended. [Folder icon] 13 documents submitted. [Two witnesses at witness stand icon] 1 expert witness at public hearing. [Calendar with star event icon] 3 events hosted to support community members. [Unlimited icon] many individual submissions and support coordinated.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 2”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 3
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Social Media”. Main text reads: “Most liked Facebook post this year: launch of Our Deaf Ways Vodcast with partner SBS” with a screenshot of the Facebook post. It shows the cover of the first episode titled Introducing Our Deaf Ways, with portrait of a man and woman who are interviewed in the episode. “Most liked Instagram post this year: Auslan Day video competition announcement,” with a screenshot of the Instagram post. It shows the Auslan Day logo with an illustration of hands signing “Celebrate”, with tagline “An initiative by Deaf Australia Inc.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 2”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 4
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Social Media”. Photograph is a screenshot of the latest posts made on the Facebook page. There are 10 images in total, with subjects ranging from Disability Royal Commission events to Deaf Festival attendance. Main text reads: “178 posts online for Facebook and Instagram [Facebook and Instagram logos]. 847 Facebook likes growth from 2021 [Facebook logo]. 772 Instagram followers growth from 2021 [Instagram logo].” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 2”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 5
Photograph with caption at the bottom. Photograph features three people standing together smiling at the camera. They are all wearing black shirts. Erin is on the left with curly brown hair, Shanleigh is in the middle with blonde hair tied back, and Lem is on the right with short brown hair. Caption on the bottom reads: “Erin meeting with Shanleigh and Lem from Deaf Hub Bendigo to plan Crossing Borders Youth Camp. CBYC is supported by Deaf Connect as part of their investment in Deaf youth and future Deaf leaders.”
Slide 6
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “eLearning Courses”. Main text is three pieces of information with screenshots attached. First: “1 new eLearning portal developed for our online courses [Screenshot of the first page in the eLearning course for Advocacy].” Second: “7 courses content developed with industry leaders [Three headshots of people that wrote course content: 1 Legal Craig, 2 Catherine Miller, 3 Jen Blyth].” Third: “3 courses Auslan video translations prepared with partner Auslan Consultancy [Auslan Consultancy logo].” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 2”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 7
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Our Deaf Ways Vodcast Series”. Photograph is a screenshot of the SBS website where the Our Deaf Ways series can be found, with thumbnails of all 6 episodes videos. Main text reads: “6 episodes produced and created with partner SBS. 5,300 views on first episode that launched on Auslan Day, April 13. 17,392 total views on Youtube of the entire series.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 2”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 8
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Deaf Census”. Photograph is a screenshot of the Deaf Census survey first page, where there is an Auslan video introducing the survey. The person signing in the video is a white woman with curly white hair, her name is Darlene Thornton. There are two circles with previous graphic Instagram posts from the Deaf Census. One circle features the goal graphic of a thermometer from when the survey goal was reached. The other circle features the Deaf Census logo. Main text reads: “85 questions developed with research team and translated into Auslan. 60 days to prepare all translation and set up survey system that is Deaf-friendly. 1,216 responses to the Census received.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “Year in Review, Part 2”. Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Slide 9
Graphic features photograph and text on dark green background. Upper left hand corner text reads: “Auslan Shop”. There are two screenshots from the Deaf Australia website. On the left, the screenshot is of the membership sign up page with some information about why people should sign up. On the right, the screenshot is of the Auslan Shop page with most popular item for sale, a book titled Signs of Australia. There are two sticker graphics over the images with the statistic information. On the left the sticker reads: “44 new members.” On the right, the sticker reads: “1,672 products sold.” Lower left hand corner text reads: “That’s all folks! Thanks for reading.” Lower right hand corner features white Deaf Australia logo.
Public Announcement – 19 March 2021
Deaf Australia Chief Executive Kyle Miers Moves On
Kyle Miers, Chief Executive of Deaf Australia, has submitted his resignation to the Board of Deaf Australia. Kyle is leaving Deaf Australia to lead a new service. His last day at Deaf Australia is Friday 9 April 2021.
Kyle was appointed as Chief Executive of Deaf Australia in 2014. He previously served on Deaf Australia’s Board between 2002 and 2011, including as President between 2005 and 2010.
“The opportunity to serve and lead Deaf Australia during a dynamic time at the organisation has been a highlight of my career,’ said Mr Miers. “Because Deaf Australia is a true consumer organisation where deaf people represent deaf people, we have been able to effectively gain prominence and recognition of deaf people’s issues and our organisation to Australian governments, members of the deaf community and service providers.”
During his tenure with Deaf Australia, Kyle has advocated for and achieved the following:
- Inclusion of ‘Auslan’ as a language prompt in the Census 2021. This prompt will encourage Auslan users to write Auslan as a language used at home and will provide us and the Australian government with accurate information on the population of Auslan users in Australia.
- Communicated with Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments on the importance of accessible television announcements for emergency and disaster broadcasts, which resulted in ongoing provision of interpreters on television during these announcements.
- Provided advice to Department of Social Services to effectively communicate with deaf people in the transitioning of the National Auslan Booking and Payment Services (NABS) into the NDIS.
- Worked with Western Australian and Victorian Governments to amend their Jury Acts to allow deaf people to serve as jurors, as a result of a successful campaign in the Australian Capital Territory.
- Worked with South Australian and New South Wales Governments in their reviews of education for deaf and hard of hearing children with a view to improved quality in education.
- Successfully lodged a proposal that the World Federation of the Deaf adopt our Sign Symbol as the International Symbol for Sign Language.
- Prepared an extensive ‘Community of Practice’ Report for the NDIS that covers all areas of supports and needs for deaf and hard of hearing people.
- Worked to ensure federal and state/territory elections would be accessible with the provision of interpreters at pre-polling booths.
Kyle has provided strong leadership for the organisation and created common ground for collaboration between government agencies and the community, particularly during the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the COVID -19 pandemic.
“We have taken our responsibility for deaf people’s rights to have to access to information and accessible communication seriously, and much of our time has been focussed on how we can address and improve services to meet these needs,” Mr Miers said.
At the beginning of his tenure, Kyle was faced with a significant financial challenge when the Australian Government slashed recurrent funding for national information and advocacy services. This saw a reduction in staff and a threat to Deaf Australia’s sustainability.
With the support of the Board, Kyle has been able to diversify sources of funding and has implemented new organisational strategies. This saw Deaf Australia’s funding grow from a bare $27,500 per annum to $900,000 per annum for the next couple years.
“On behalf of the Deaf Australia Board, I have had the pleasure of working with Kyle during his tenure with Deaf Australia. He has been a champion advocate and an effective leader for the deaf community,” said Ms Debra Swann, Chairperson of Deaf Australia. “Kyle will leave a big hole in Deaf Australia; however, I believe that his legacy will carry on for years.”
Kyle migrated from the United States in 1995, having grown up in residential schools for the deaf where he was educated by teachers who all used American Sign Language (ASL). He brought his experience and passion for deaf rights to the Australian Deaf Community.
He was a founding member of Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), Australian Communication Consumers Action Network (ACCAN) and the World Federation of the Deaf – Oceania.
He also served on a number of national disability advisory groups: Australian Electoral Commission, Early Intervention and Childhood Development, Disability Employment, NDIS’s CEO Forum, Department of Social Services’ Disability Gateway, Australian Communication Consumers Action Network and others. On all of these, his purpose was to improve quality, support and services for deaf and hard of hearing people.
On behalf of Deaf Australia Board, we wish Kyle all the best in his future endeavours and we thank him for all his hard work for the Australian Deaf Community.
Download Public Announcement
Roadmap 2020-2025 – Community Forums
Deaf Australia is hosting three (3) Community Forum to discuss Deaf Australia’s Roadmap 2020-2025 and to respond to any questions, comments or concerns that the members may have.
Dates and time of Community Forums:
- Wednesday, 7 October 2020 at 7.00 PM (AEST) – Please register here.
- Friday, 9 October 2020 at 8.30 PM (AEST) – Please register here.
- Saturday, 10 October 2020 at 10.00 AM (AEST) – Please register here.
Click here to download Roadmap 2020-2025 for your information and preparation for the forum.
Ms. Debra Swann (Chairperson) and Kyle Miers (Chief Executive) will be co-chairing the forum.
Open Letter – Interpreter on Broadcast Networks
1 June 2020
Deaf Australia and the members of the Deaf Community in Australia wish to express sincere appreciation for the Australian government (both state/ territory and Federal) providing Auslan interpreters during COVID-19 briefings and announcements.
Having accurate knowledge ensures Deaf people can make informed decisions and take appropriate action to protect themselves, their family and the community. Deaf people as citizens, have helped to flatten the curve and been part of assisting to get Australia back on its feet.
This is not the time for Government to become complacent regarding the provision of Auslan interpreters during important briefing to all citizens of Australia. As restrictions are slowly being eased, everyone, including Deaf people, need to know what is happening. When an Auslan interpreter is not provided, the Government is perceived as being discriminatory to Deaf citizens.
Governments have the responsibility to ensure every citizen in Australia is informed, including Deaf people. This occurs through media conferences and briefings. Information delivered to all Australian citizens takes place on a number of important topics in addition to updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.
On behalf of the Deaf citizens in Australia we request that the government consider the communication needs of Deaf people in a proactive manner, not as an afterthought. This provision requires planning and processes that are clear and mandated. This provision of services needs to be imbedded into each government’s communication strategy.
Broadcasters share the responsibility for ensuring interpreters are displayed appropriately. Broadcasters are returning to their pre-COVID-19 processes where Auslan interpreters (when present) are cut out of the footage displayed on the TV screen, on social media postings and the internet, leaving deaf people without access to Auslan interpreted briefings. This needs to be addressed urgently. The current situation in many cases is that broadcasters are actively discriminating against Deaf people.
Deaf Australia calls on the Australian and state/territory Governments to ensure all media briefings and announcements are accessible to all citizens which requires the inclusion of Auslan interpreters and captions.
Deaf Australia calls on Broadcasters to ensure that the Auslan interpreters are included in all media footage and are able to be viewed clearly at all times. This requires at least 1/3 of the TV screen displaying the Auslan interpreter and is unobstructed from all network banners and captioning displays.
We request these changes in good faith and recognise that in order to regulate this service, legislation may need to be introduced to ensure compliance. We request this be investigated and actioned to ensure the rights to media access are afforded to Deaf citizens as is the case for all others.
On behalf of Deaf citizens, Deaf Australia request an urgent common-sense approach to this issue that ensures Deaf people are afforded dignity. Deaf Australia believes that all levels of government are responsible to provide duty of care to all citizens of this great country.
Download Open Letter
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