National Week of Deaf People2012

Deafaccess Gippsland

Sign Bilingualism is a Human Right

What is Auslan?

• Auslan is the sign language of the Australian Deaf community.

• Auslan is NOT English.

• Auslan is NOT a signed version of English.

• Auslan is the PRIMARY or PREFERRED language of the majority of Deaf people.

It is a basic Human Rightto have access to information

in a way that you can understand.

Auslan Interpreters are a vital link between Deaf and hearing

community

Auslan Interpreters for:• Job interviews.• Training.• Parent – Teacher interviews.• Medical appointments.• Bank – financial

appointments.• Community events.• Bushfire and other

emergency information.• AND MUCH MORE

How to provide a service that is communication accessible:

• Be National Relay Service – NRS friendly.

• Provide hearing assistance at reception. EG: Hearing Loops

• Consider learning some basic Auslan.

• Learn how to book Auslan Interpreters.

• Learn how to work with Auslan Interpreters.

How to plan an event that is communication accessible:

• PLAN AHEAD!

• Budget for Auslan Interpreters.

• Provide hearing assistance, Microphones, Hearing Loops etc.

• Engage the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

All seems too hard??

• Consider that this is the everyday struggle of the Deaf community.

• Remember that access to communication is a basic Human Right.

• Talk to deafaccess Gippsland for more information……

Dale Reddick Gippsland Regional Co-ordinator, P.O. Box 9314,SALE, Victoria, 3853  Voice: 03 5143 1537 Mobile / sms: 0408 637 880 NRS: 133 677 Email: gippsland@vicdeaf.com.au

Useful websites:

• Vicdeaf: www.vicdeaf.com.au

• ASLIA – Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association www.aslia.com.au

• Deaf Australia Inc.www.deafau.org.au

• Deaf Victoria www.deafvictoria.org.au