Updates
Transcript
Hello, I’m Jen Blyth, CEO of Deaf Australia. I have a really brief update for you all this week. Exciting news; I’ve recruited 4 new staff to join us. You’ve already seen one video from Edan; he now works as a DRC advocacy officer. When we receive videos of introduction from the other three, we will release them for our next TTT newsletter.
One of my current advocacy focuses is on deaf children and NDIA plans; many want Auslan for their children yet this has been rejected. They focus on speech and occupational therapy only, disallowing access to Auslan. If there are requested plans to access both speech and Auslan it’s still refused; there is an insistence on speech only. I and Deaf Australia disagree with that. We have told NDIA that this is an issue.
We want to hear from you all, from families and friends with deaf children; if their NDIA packages don’t include access to Auslan we want to know about it. We want to provide the NDIA with significant numbers to advocate for the right to include Auslan.
I also want to let you know that the WFD will have their conference in Thailand next year from 20th to 22nd April and applications soon close. They’re keen to have people apply, yet at the moment there are not many applications received. They need people to apply for the opportunity to attend the congress. We’ll keep you updated if the situation changes especially with this new strain of COVID19.
I’ve observed that education for deaf children is one area of concern and would like to know what your experiences were or are. It doesn’t matter if you finished your education a long time ago, or if you’re currently attending school or if you will attend; I’m keen to know what it was or is like for you.
As always you are welcome to contact me any time, if you have feedback, you can contact me and the team. Thank you and enjoy the summer ahead!
