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Category: Deaf Australia News
**Media Release** Australian Government signs off tender for a substandard National Relay Service
Australia’s National Relay Service (NRS) has been one of the world’s best relay services since 1995 however, on 4 April 2018, the Australian Government released a Request for Tender (RFT) for the next NRS contract, a tender that will see the NRS slip from the world’s best to potentially the world’s worst relay service.
Consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind or who have speech impairment rely on the National Relay Service as a natural bridge to vital services and the wider community. The Government now sees the NRS as a ‘safety-net’ rather than the equivalent phone service for consumers with disability as it has traditionally been.
Australia’s NRS consumer organisations have repeatedly made key recommendations to improve the NRS however; it appears that none of those recommendations have been incorporated into the Government’s recently released tender documents.
In 2016-17, the actual cost of operating the National Relay Service was close to $32m a year. The RFT proposes a $22m per annum cap on the service for the three years of the new contract. This does not support the recommendations made by consumer organisations in which the NRS needs to be funded on a cost recovery basis.
While access to emergency services remains a 365 days/24 hours requirement, the RFT does not stipulate operating hours required for all other services. This puts at risk those current relay services which are operating at 365/24 and critically ignores the recommendation that Auslan Video Relay become a 365/24 service.
The Outreach Program, a vital community education and NRS training program, dramatically de-funded in 2017 and will not be reintroduced in the next NRS contract.
Additionally, the new contract will require all deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and who have speech impaired relay users to register to use the NRS, however, people wanting to contact these relay users will not need to register to use the service. Many NRS users believe this is a breach of fundamental disability anti-discrimination principles – requiring only people with disability register in order to access an essential service.
Kyle Miers, Chief Executive of Deaf Australia, said ‘The Government and Department of Communications took no notice of consumer’s concerns with the essential service’, adding ‘the new National Relay Service will not address the issues of isolation and social exclusion’.
Australian NRS users call on the Government to ensure the NRS of the future does not decrease their access to this vital service.
To view consumer’s recommendations, please visit this link (https://deafaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Coalition-Position-Paper.pdf).
**Media Release 23 March, 2108** Deaf Jurors – Yes, we can – BUT …
The article ‘Justice is blind as long it isn’t deaf: excluding deaf people from jury duty – An Australian human right breach’ has won the inaugural Andrea Durbach Award for Human Rights Scholarship, which is accompanied by an award of $1000. All articles published in the Australian Journal of Human Rights in a given year are eligible, and recipients of the award are determined by the Editorial Board of the Australian Journal of Human Rights.
The authors of the article are Prof. David Spencer, Ms. Mehera San Roque, Prof. Sandra Hale and Prof. Jemina Napier, who have carried out a comprehensive research into deaf citizens as jurors since 2012 with the University of New South Wales, funded by an Australia Research Council Linkage Project.
Presently, deaf people cannot serve as members of the jury because the Jury Act in each state/territory prohibits the presence of an interpreter in the jury deliberation room as this would constitute a “13th person” in the room. However, the published research has shown that deaf people who use Auslan can perform just as well as other peers in mock trial cases and that competent and ethical interpreters do not interfere with the jurors’ deliberations.
‘Are deaf people equal citizens in Australia? No’, said Mr. Kyle Miers, Chief Executive of Deaf Australia, ‘unless the Jury Acts are amended to allow ‘reasonable adjustment’ in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act, to enable deaf people to perform their role as a juror, then we will be equal in eyes of the law’.
‘Deaf people have long sought equality in Australia,’ said Mr. Todd Wright, Chairperson of Deaf Australia, ‘this award will help raise awareness about Deaf Australia’s Jury Rights for All campaign to achieve this realisation’.
The Australian Journal of Human Rights Editorial Board said: ‘This article presents rigorous and innovative research that links directly with important contemporary human rights law and policy questions. It is original, carefully crafted and clearly argued, deftly marrying legal and non-legal research methodologies. The authors contribute to a discussion of legal and policy reforms that would improve respect for human rights in an less-heralded, but important, area.’
The authors of the article have donated the prize money to Deaf Australia’s Jury Rights for All campaign and Deaf Australia wishes to congratulate the authors for their contribution and thanks the Editorial Board for recognising the authors’ contribution to this important human rights campaign.
On related notes: ACT Legislative Assembly passed new law on Tuesday this week that people with disabilities are no longer automatically exempted from jury duty in Canberra.
To donate to this campaign, please go to www.juryrightsforall.org.au.
About the Award:
The Andrea Durbach Award for Human Rights Scholarship was established by the Australian Human Rights Journal in 2017. The prize is name in honour of Professor Andrea Durbach, in recognition of her significant service to human rights. The prize is awarded annually to an author/s whose work has been published in the Australian Journal of Human Rights, and whose article reflects the values that have long resonated in Andrea’s career and scholarship. These include the courage to push the boundaries of human rights debates; the creativity to examine issues that cut across different academic disciplines and a desire to press for human rights accountability to ensure that the voices that are not always heard can be magnified.
Call for applications to join the Committee of Graphic Designers Responsible for Evaluating Deaf Flag Designs
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) set up a “Deaf Flag Committee” at the General Assembly in 2015 (Istanbul, Turkey), composed of five members: France, Iran, Nepal, Russian Federation and Sweden.
The Deaf Flag Committee is leading a process, which aims at selecting one or more Deaf Flag design proposals for the WFD General Assembly 2019 in Paris, France, to be voted by the delegates.
As part of this process, the Deaf Flag Committee, supported by the WFD Board, is now seeking expressions of interest from those interested in serving in a Committee of Graphic Designers. Note that a nomination for this Committee of Graphic Designers will need to be put forward and supported by a WFD Ordinary Member (in this case endorsed by the board of Deaf Australia Inc).
Committee of Graphic Designers will be responsible for:
- Preparing the call for Deaf Flag designs; including size, format, submission requirements and evaluation criteria (expected to take place between mid-February and mid-March 2018)
- Call for Deaf Flag Design (expect to open by end of March 2018 until end of September 2018)
- Evaluating the Deaf Flag design proposals (expected to take place in October-December 2018)
- Establishing a digital / social media platform to permit WFD Ordinary Members to exchange and provide feedback on the designs. (expected to take place in October 2018-December 2018)
- Choosing one or more design proposals for the WFD General Assembly vote (July 2019) in Paris, France basing its decision on its own evaluation and on the feedback received through social media. (expected to take place in October 2018-December 2018)
Each WFD Ordinary Member can propose one person to serve in a voluntary capacity, for a period of February 2018 – July 2019 in the Committee of Graphic Designers. The requirements for the Committee members are as follows:
- Qualified and experienced graphic design specialist
- Lived experience as a member of the Deaf Community
- Competency in International Sign
To nominate an individual for the Committee of Graphic Designers, the Ordinary Member is required to provide the following:
- A duly filled and signed form (Appendix A)
- CV of the nominee
- Nominee’s Letter of motivation both in English and International Sign (video)
- Portfolio of work from the nominee, including selected examples of design work, preferably via a weblink.
Applications should be submitted to [email protected] by 23 January 2018.
Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.
To view an international sign video about this, please click here. Please note that this video is password protected – please use the password: Deafflag to view.
VALE – Jan Branson
Deaf Australia wish acknowledge the contribution from Dr Jan Branson who recently passed away after long battle with her health.
Dr. Jan Branson (and Emeritus Professor Des Power AM who passed away few years ago) were instrumental member of the Australian Association of the Deaf’s (now known as Deaf Australia) Auslan Advisory Board (AUSLAB) whose role was to persuade government in 1991 to recognise Auslan as a Community Language.
Several deaf members (Dr. Breda Carty, Dr. Donovan Cresdee, Dr. Robert Adam) of this advisory board have gone on to receive doctorate degrees (linguistics and history) and are currently involved the deaf community.
I had a great pleasure working with Dr Jan Branson and the members of the AUSLAB in advocating for inclusion of Auslan as a community language, said former President of Australian Association of the Deaf and current president of World Federation of the Deaf, Mr. Colin Allen, ‘Through Jan and others, I have been inspired to promote Auslan (and sign language) in Australia and globally’.
Dr Jan Branson is one of the founders in establishing the National Institute of Deaf Studies (NDIS) at LaTrobe University which saw hundreds of deaf people obtaining Auslan as Language other than English (LOTE) in their Bachelor of Education.
As Jan’s health was deteriorating she left LaTrobe University in its peak, unfortunately, the funding for NDIS has ceased and the program has since been closed.
Dr Jan Branson is a staunch supporter of Auslan and deaf education and is evident through her involvement with Deaf Australia, LaTrobe Univeristy and the deaf community. Deaf Australia take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for Jan’s support in realising the rights of deaf people to use Auslan.
Jan, thank you. You have left a legacy in the Australian Deaf Community. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family.
Funeral Details: Family and friends are invited to attend a Service to Celebrate the Life of Dr Jan Branson being held at Tuckers Chapel, 68-74 Hope Street, Geelong West on Wednesday 10 January at 1pm prior to a private cremation.
(Image source: VicDeaf website)
Deaf Australia in 2017
Deaf Australia wish to share with you our ‘end of year’ report with highlights.
Most of you may be aware that Deaf Australia has been operating at a very minimal capacity in the last couple of years. Much of the time in 2017 has been focusing on reviewing the organisation’s capacity and to undertake strategies that will strengthen Deaf Australia in 2018 and beyond.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has contributed many challenges and opportunities across the disability sector and for Deaf Australia to position itself as a prominent voice of the deaf community. We have participated in many meetings with the NDIS and wrote a submission to the NDIS’s Productivity Commission on NDIS Costings – highlighting many discrepancies with interpreting costing (e.g. travel, qualifications) and need to access Auslan for family with newly diagnosed child who are deaf.
NDIS’s Information, Linkage and Capacity (ILC) has offered plenty of opportunities for Deaf Australia and others to undertake capacity building activities throughout the year. We have conducted a Member Survey 2017 through cooperation with Australian Federation of Disability Organisations to find out what members thinks and wants from Deaf Australia in going forward. The results were not surprising for Deaf Australia and strengthen our resolves to explore in how we can better meet deaf and hard of hearing people’s needs.
The National Disability Strategy (2010-20) has also been reviewed by the Commonwealth Government. Deaf Australia has written a comprehensive submission to the Government and attended to a public hearing with the Commonwealth’s Parliament. Deaf Australia believed that the National Disability Strategy has poor delivery record for deaf and hard of hearing people due to lack of effective policy changes and strategies from the government. A final report has been released and it contained 17 references from Deaf Australia.
One of the key recommendations from Deaf Australia is that Auslan to be legally recognised as a language for Deaf people to use it.
Deaf Australia also put in a comprehensive written submission into Hearing Health and Wellbeing advising the Parliamentary Committee that access to Auslan must be achieved for every deaf/ hard of hearing person so that their wellbeing can be improved. We also attended to public hearing with the Parliamentary Committee.
Auslan curriculum for primary and secondary schools are now being provided in several schools throughout Australia as Language other than English (LOTE) program. Deaf Australia is proud to see this program being implemented after many years of advocating the Commonwealth Government to develop this curriculum.
Auslan Training Package for TAFE has also been reviewed this year. The Australian Industry and Skills Committee has recently approved the training package which will be taught under Public Sector stream. It is with disappointment that the Committee have rejected that the Auslan Assessors must be deaf and to have Auslan as the primary language. We will continue promote that Auslan Assessors must be deaf.
The National Relay Service (NRS) is currently being under review for new funding contract from 1 July 2018. It is not clear what Commonwealth Government is planning for the NRS but we believe that the NRS will continue but is uncertain whether or not if there will be improved access to Video Relay Service (VRS) nor if there will be additional fund to ensure NRS operates at full capacity.
Deaf Australia has attended to a number of reference groups to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people can access range of support and services. Australian Electoral Commission, Australian Banking Associations, National Relay Service, National Disability Insurance Agency, Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association, and more.
All the activities are about ensuring that deaf and hard of hearing Australians are equal members of the Australian society, which reflect our vision – making an Inclusive Australia for deaf people.
Deaf Australia has our 31st Annual General Meeting on 28 October in Sydney. It was a small meeting; however, a quorum was sufficient for the AGM to proceed as usual. Western Australian Association of the Deaf proposed that Deaf Australia to develop an Accessible Social Media Policy which we will undertake and propose to Members at the next AGM to be held in Canberra ACT.
Deaf Australia Board
- Todd Wright (NSW) – Chairperson/ Treasurer
- Debbie Kennewell (SA)
- Adrian Doyle (Vic)
The board plays a vital role in ensuring that our focus and activities are aligning to the member’s wishes and aspirations. We work closely with Deaf Youth Australia (DYA) to support deaf youth activities and they successfully hosted the World Federation of the Deaf’s Youth Junior Camp in Phillip Island. Deaf Australia commends DYA on their outstanding work.
Deaf Youth Australia Board
- Shirley Liu (Vic) – President
- Vanessa Alford (WA) – Treasurer
- Annabel Beasley (Vic) – Secretary
- Tahlia Barry (Vic)
- Joshua Doe (NSW)
It is with sadness that our longest serving board member of Deaf Australia (formerly known as Australian Association of the Deaf) has passed away so suddenly. Mrs Ann Darwin has served Deaf Australia for 21 years and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 2006 for dedication to Deaf Australia over the years. Our thoughts are with Mr Barry Darwin and his family.
Going into 2018, Deaf Australia are now able to represent the community in a formal capacity after regaining the funding we have lost in 2014. We are currently waiting for more details of the fund; however, we will continue seek for opportunities for Deaf Australia to represent deaf and hard of hearing people throughout Australia.
Deaf Australia wish to express appreciation and thanks to individuals and organisations in working together to address challenges and issues. We look forward in continuing this relationship in 2018.
As 2017 is closing, we thank you for your ongoing support It is important that your issues are being heard and we work with you to make sure that issues can be resolved for you and other deaf Australians. We look forward in continuing working with you in 2018 and beyond.
Have a Happy Holidays and a safe New Year.
Kyle Miers
CEO – Deaf Australia
**Media Release** International Day of Sign Language formally adopted by UN and announcement of National Week of Deaf People 2018
Deaf Australia wishes to congratulate the United Nations in adopting the resolution for the International Day of Sign Languages today at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly.
International Day of Sign Languages will be held on 23 September annually.
The World Federation of the Deaf, which Deaf Australia is a National Member, have sought support from Antigua and Barbuda who proposed this resolution. The resolution was co-sponsored by 97 United Nations Members States (including Australia) and adopted by consensus.
Why International Day of Sign Languages?
The aim of International Day of Sign Languages is to raise greater awareness and recognition of sign languages, and that early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education, is vital to the growth and development of deaf individual and critical to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals.
Why 23 September?
This is the date that commemorate the establishment of World Federation of the Deaf in 1951, which has as one of main goals, the preservation of sign languages and deaf culture as pre-requisites to the realisation of the human rights of deaf people.
What is Australia’s Sign Language?
The sign language of Australia is known as Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Auslan has been recognised by the Federal Government as a community language of Australia in 1991.
How can Australia be Involved?
The National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is hosted by Deaf Australia and provides many organisations, schools and others the opportunity to raise awareness of deaf people and Auslan. Traditionally, we host this event during October, however in recognition of the establishment of the International Day of Sign Languages, the NWDP will be moved to coincide with the International Day of Sign Languages.
When is the next National Week of Deaf People?
National Week of Deaf People will be on 23 – 29 September 2018. In the following years Deaf Australia hopes to align the National Week of Deaf People with the International Week of Deaf hosted by the World Federation of the Deaf, traditionally held during the last week of September.
What activity can be held during the National Week of Deaf People?
State organisations and other community organisations, clubs, schools and others host a wide range of activities through the week including workshops and lessons where people can learn Auslan, other workshops and presentations about deaf people and their community, community festivals, fundraising activities, and many more.
To find out more about these activities, please check for registered activities on Deaf Australia’s website.
If an organisation wishes to provide activities through the week and to promote to the deaf community, you can register the event on Deaf Australia’s website.
Deaf Australia will be working with the government, business and organisations to help promote the National Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages.
Please view here to see Auslan Translation of Media Release.
References:
United Nations’ Resolution: A/C.3/72/L.36/Rev.1
World Federation of the Deaf Press Release: Press Release
National Week of Deaf People: www.deafaustralia.org.au/NWDP
Community Updates: Jury Act (South Australia)
Deaf Australia acknowledges that the issue of Deaf Jury Rights has been quiet lately, but it does not mean that Deaf Australia is not doing anything about it.
Amending the current Jury Act in various states and territories is not an easy task, because it requires separate discussions with each state and territory government to amend its Jury Act to allow deaf people to serve as a member of jury.
Deaf Australia wishes to advise members of the deaf community of current developments in South Australia, led by The Hon Kelly Vincent MLC (member of Diversity Party), who is proposing a draft amendment bill to the Jury Act to include provisioning of Auslan interpreting to enable deaf people to serve as a juror.
Deaf Australia has reviewed draft amendment bill and is pleased to see that action is being considered. Deaf Australia advised The Hon Kelly Vincent that the amendment bill needs to be clarified to ensure that ‘professional’ interpreters registered with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) be included to ensure that justice is provided with the highest standards, because the current draft does not specify this requirement.
Deaf Australia urges the South Australian deaf community to express support to MLC Kelly Vincent’s proposed draft amendment bill to Jury Act by sending her an email. MLC Kelly Vincent’s email address is [email protected].
Deaf Australia Ambassador
About Deaf Australia’s Ambassador Program.
Our Ambassador program exists to represent the interests of Deaf Australia to the wider community through increasing awareness about our work in the deaf community and to help raise funds.
The key focus of the Ambassador role is to:
- Promote and raise awareness of Auslan
- Raise awareness of Deaf Australia and its position
- Championing the cause of Deaf Australia
- Challenging myths and perceptions.
Ambassadors will champion the cause and often challenge opinions and perceptions whilst demonstrating loyalty and commitment to Deaf Australia’s mission and values.
Representation:
Deaf Australia does not have a specific number of vacancies for the role of Ambassador. The board of Deaf Australia determines the appointment of Ambassadors who will represent Deaf Australia to communicate policies, objectives and goals of Deaf Australia and meet with individuals, organisations and/ or government on behalf of Deaf Australia.
Promotion:
Ambassadors will be in a position to help promote Deaf Australia’s mission and values and utilise ways to raise our profile, awareness or causes through campaigns or fund-raising.
Policy:
Ambassadors communicate policy positions and promote inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing people in alignment with the National Disability Strategy and the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and demonstrate commitment to Deaf Australia’s mission and values and assist to protect the interests of Deaf Australia and its constituents.
Deaf Australia’s Ambassadors:
- Drisana Levitzke-Gray – Deaf youth
*Media Release* National deaf and disability peak bodies dissatisfied with Turnbull government announcement on the National Relay Service
On 23 June 2017, the Government announced its commitment to ensure the sustainability of the National Relay Service (NRS).
The National Relay Service is an essential service for deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and speech impaired citizens. It provides near equivalent communication services for those who cannot use standard telephone services.
The commitment to the future of the NRS is welcomed by a consumer coalition of deaf and disability organisations, which includes Deaf Australia, Deafness Forum Australia, Deafblind Australia and Communications Rights Australia and their supporting organisations (listed at the end of the media release).
However, the consumer coalition does not support the Government’s plan for the next NRS contract arrangements. The coalition is very concerned that growing demand for NRS services in the last three years has impacted on the quality of the service and on the delivery of community outreach training programs. We are also concerned that the proposed capped funding may curtail or limit the services offered.
“The introduction of video relay, SMS relay, two-way internet relay and the NRS app in 2013 has seen large increases in NRS usage,” said Deaf Australia CEO, Kyle Miers. “Australia’s relay service is a worlds- best service which we should be proud of. However, due to a funding cap in the current contract, the community training program (Outreach Program) has been significantly reduced to meet the growing demands of the NRS.”
“This means future potential users of the NRS will not be given training on how to use the service effectively. This may impact a person’s ability to be independent. Online outreach is not an effective training strategy, particularly for people who are deafblind or speech impaired.”
Prior to the current NRS contract, the funding of the NRS was based on user-needs rather than a capped service plan. The capped plan places significant stress on the current delivery of the NRS and does not allow for Video Relay to function as a 24/7 service.
“The NRS should be funded on a user-need model and funding should not be capped at the 2012 level of $20 million per year (excluding GST),” added Mr Miers.
The government also intends to have NRS users register to use the service.
“We are concerned that this requirement will impose unnecessary and undue hardship for individual due to the diminished capacity of the Outreach Program,” said Mr Miers. “The NRS is an essential service and imposing such requirements will create an environment of vulnerability for NRS users.”
“The government has not listened to the strong and consistent community response to the 2016 consultation on the NRS. It has not implemented or even discussed with us the critical initiatives recommended.”
Our coalition of NRS users calls on the government to:
- Implement a user-based contract for the NRS;
- Mandate that all component of the relay service, including Video Relay, operates on a 24/7, 365 days a year basis;
- Reinstate and increase funding for the Outreach Program so that every target group are adequately supported; and
- Reconsider the registration requirement for NRS users until a more thorough consultation with NRS stakeholders is completed.
We have written to the Minister sharing our position on the NRS and we seek an urgent meeting and fair consultation to discuss the future of the NRS.
You can find a copy of the coalition’s position paper at https://deafaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Coalition-Position-Paper.pdf
Supporting Organisations:
- Australian Consumer Communications Action Network
- Australian Sign Language Interpreter Association
- Australian Federation of Deaf Societies
- Conexu Foundation
- National Seniors
WFDYS Junior Camp – Registration deadline extended
The deadline for WFDYS Junior Camp registrations has been extended to FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER 2016. This is the only time we will extend this deadline. The deadline will not be extended again.
They are now accepting up to four young people aged between 13-17 each country with one leader aged between 21 and 30.
The registration forms can be found in the Second Announcement which can be downloaded by clicking this link: http://deafyouthaustralia.com/camp2017/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/WFDYS.2A.04.08.2016.pdf
They have also created a video answering some questions that we have been asked several times!
Please refer to their website for further information: http://deafyouthaustralia.com/camp2017/ or email them on [email protected] for further information.