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The research resulted in a report, Listen Hear!, which was launched at the Audiological Society of Australia Conference in Perth on Wednesday 17 May 2006. Senator Santoro, the Federal Minister for Ageing, received the report and commended Vicdeaf for
this initiative.
The report is a nationally groundbreaking piece of research. It reveals that the real cost of hearing loss was nearly 12 billion dollars annually – or 1.4% of GDP.The report also found that one in six Australians have hearing loss and this will increase to one in every four Australians by 2050.
Cost to economyDeafness has always been a low profile issue because its implications are not immediately obvious. However, now that we know what deafness costs in terms of the economy, it is time for action to reduce its impact. One task is to improve hearing loss prevention,
as the report found that 36% of hearing loss was due to excessive noise exposure, which is preventable.The report also found that people with hearing loss have reduced incomes and pay less tax. Low incomes mean less spending, so the government gets less consumption tax. Moreover, the government spends $1.3 billion on welfare payments to people with hearing loss. Finally, the government needs
to find money to fund health and other real services for people with hearing loss.
SolutionsThis productivity loss can be reduced by educating the business community about employing deaf people. By breaking down the stigma associated with deafness and offering assistance to deaf people into the workforce, the
massive productivity cost – identified as $6.7 billion annually – will be reduced.This is where Vicdeaf’s employment service, SensWide, can help. There is a waiting list of Deaf and hard of hearing people who are actively seeking work. Our Rehabilitation and Information Department has training programs for businesses with the aim to increase awareness and advantages of employing Deaf and hard of hearing people.
The report also found that one in six Australians have hearing loss and this will increase to one in every four Australians by 2050.Vicdeaf wants Australia-wide action to provide equal access to the workplace for deaf people. Specifically, Vicdeaf wants support for • national language status for Auslan; • funding for hearing aids for people
to enter the workforce;• greater access to interpreters, audio
amplification and visual technology in the workplace;
• a better coordinated national hearing awareness campaign looking at issues of noise-induced hearing loss (through music, loud machines, etc); and
• more research on all issues to do with deafness.
Listen Hear!
July/August 2006 The newsletter for Victoria’s Deaf and hard of hearing people
ISSUE
John Paton, Vicdeaf CEO & Lynne Pezzullo,Access Economics, at the Launch
Late in 2005, the Victorian Deaf Society and the Cooperative Research Centre for Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aid Innovation (CRC Hear), commissioned Access Economics to undertake a research project. This project looked into the economic impact of deafness and hearing loss on the Australian economy.
EditorialWinter is officially here and as a newcomer to Melbourne, I enjoy the beautiful wintry days, especially in the mornings when the fog blankets the city. The fog somehow makes everything look soft and cosy.Thank you for your feedback about the last edition of Communicate, especially positive feedback about Anne Bremner’s article How do deaf people get name signs? Anne writes about The evolution and preservation of Auslan (Part One) in this edition. It is a very informative and interesting read. In other news, Vicdeaf has two new patrons now following the resignation of Mr John Landy, the former Governor of Victoria. The new Governor, Professor David de Krester, AO and his wife Mrs Jan de Krester are our new patrons.I hope you will enjoy the mix of news featured in this edition. In the meantime, stay warm!Natalie [email protected]
The Victorian government has provided Vicdeaf with funding to subsidise the purchase of visual (flashing) fire alarms in 600 homes of Deaf people over two years.
This subsidy is called the Auslan Fire Alarm Subsidy Initiative - it is specifically for members of the Deaf community. There is a limit of one alarm per household.If you are Deaf and would like a visual fire alarm, please contact Melissa Lowrie at Vicdeaf with your name, address and contact details. Melissa’s email is [email protected] and her contact numbers are at the back of this newsletter.Please note that people who live in housing commission house, Ministry of Housing or other government housing cannot apply for a visual fire alarm through Vicdeaf. These people will need to contact their landlord (the government) and ask for a visual fire alarm. For further information please contact Rachel Miers at VCOD on [email protected] continues to lobby the government to provide visual fire alarms to all homes with Deaf and hard of hearing people, not just 600 homes. However, as there are approximately 800,000 Deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria, the cost to government would be around $400 million.
John Paton, Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Victorian Deaf Society, shares some of his thoughts with us.
Qualifications?I have nearly 20 years experience in leading non-profit organisations; a degree from Macquarie University, majoring in economics and history; a member of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the CEO Institute.
Why Vicdeaf?When I started with Vicdeaf in 2002 I was initially employed to create a new vision for Vicdeaf and to refocus the organisation and revitalise its financial position. I now have a passion for Deaf & Hard of Hearing issues!I was recruited by Egon Zehnder International following a national search for the position. The society had sold its premises and had not found an alternate site; it had a recurrent annual deficit of over $400,000 and the long-term future of the organisation was considered limited; it was faced with a review by
the Department of Human Services (DHS); it was in breach of the Aged Care Standards at its Nursing Home; and there was no strategic plan for the organisation.
What do you see Vicdeaf in five years’ time?Now that we have successfully repositioned Vicdeaf as a significant service provider in the State and reorganised our financial situation, the future is only limited by our imagination. While we will always have to look at our financial situation as the government funds less than 50% of our operations, Vicdeaf is in an extraordinary position to make a difference in the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.In five years time Vicdeaf will achieve significant partnerships that will add value to our services and Vicdeaf will be respected for its involvement in new areas of research. Vicdeaf will be fully represented in all DHS regions around the State and will be seen as an innovative service provider. Vicdeaf’s involvement with video relay interpreting will lead the way in Australia.
What are you most proud of?All Vicdeaf staff – who have faced the challenges I have presented and have delivered results.
How do you relax? My wife and I have 10 acres at Gisborne where we have three horses; two steers; four hens; two dogs and four gold fish! I relax through my interest in horse riding. I hope to return to competing in dressage competitions at some time in the near future (which doesn’t sound very relaxing!)I also play the piano - classical pieces such as by Bartok, Schuman, and Bach. I also draw and paint. I studied art at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney.
Who do you most admire and why?Amritanandamayi who has the most amazing sense of compassion for her fellow human beings.
Pick five words to describe you?Intense, entrepreneurial, encouraging, interested and imaginative.
If there is one thing you could change in this world what would it be? I would like there to be a greater spiritual connection with all people and that we all lived for life and not feared death.
Visual & Vibrating Fire AlarmsPhoto Source: Shin Watkins
Visual Fire Alarms
The VicDeaf Quiz John Paton
Vicdeaf Constitution changeThe Board of the Victorian Deaf Society wants to change the current ‘Memorandum and Articles’ of the Company and prepare a new Constitution for members at the next AGM in October 2006.The Victorian Deaf Society first registered as a Company in 1908 and to be a registered Company, Vicdeaf needs to have a Constitution (formerly known as Memorandum and Articles).At present, the ‘Memorandum and Articles’ of Vicdeaf are outdated and inconsistent with current legislation. The proposed new Constitution will:• update the procedures of the Victorian Deaf Society• include relevant legislative changes• modernise the corporate governance rules of the Society and bring them into line with current corporate practice.
The changes to the Constitution are based on modern standard constitutions.
Why Vicdeaf?Membership feeOne important reason for a new Constitution is to incorporate a membership fee structure so Vicdeaf can keep accurate records of our members. This is required by law.The Board will set a fee for membership each year, and there will be a clause that allows the Board to not charge a fee in some situations. By charging a fee for membership, and members renewing their membership each year, Vicdeaf will be able to keep an accurate record of its members and track them if they change address.The Board will also establish a support group, to be called Vicdeaf ‘Mates’, and these members will be kept informed of what Vicdeaf is doing and membership will be free. The Board feels that this might suit anyone who wants to still be involved with Vicdeaf but who doesn’t want to be involved in the formal Company structure.
President / ChairpersonIn the new Constitution, the role of President and Chairperson will be separated. At present, the President also acts as Chairperson of the Board. In the new Constitution, the President will represent the Society at social and official settings, such as award ceremonies and conferences. The Chairperson will head each Board meeting, Meeting of Members and manage the business of the Board.We plan to have two focus groups in July to inform and consult with members and friends of Vicdeaf.Where: John M Lovett Centre, 3rd Floor, 340 Albert Street,East MelbWhen: Wednesday 2 August,2006 6:00pm to 8:00pmThursday 3 August, 2006 3:00pm to 5:00pmIf you would like to attend one of these meetings please let Melissa Lowrie know via email: [email protected] or TTY: 03 9473 1163. Alternatively, the RSVP can be left with reception on voice: 03 9473 1111.
Photo Source: John Paton
As seen in the April/May 2006 issue of Communicate, the hearservice Devices Showroom features a range of devices to assist with all your hearing loss needs.This issue of Communicate will focus on the T-Link a handy mobile phone accessory which is used with your hearing aids and has many useful features:
Hands free - the T-Link is similar to a regular mobile phone hands free kit. The hook sits behind your ear and plugs into your mobile. Now you can chat anywhere anytime!
Compatible – you can use the T-Link with most mobile phones and hearing aids with the telecoil feature. Adaptors can be purchased in case the T/link does not fit in your mobile. No batteries are required
Versatile - the T-Link is available in Mono (for one hearing aid) and Stereo (for two hearing aids). A Music Link is also available which plugs into CD players, I Pods and any other audio device with a 3.5mm jack
Minimises background noise – allows you to disable or reduce the microphones in your hearing aid when the telecoil mode is activated. This depends on the type of hearing aid and how it is programmed.
The T-Link and other assistive listening devices can be viewed and purchased at the hearservice Devices Showroom which is located at the hearservice St Kilda Road clinic:
597 St Kilda RdCnr High St & St Kilda RdMelbourne (Melways Reference Map 2L, C 11)
Appointments are necessary and can be arranged by contacting hearservice or through your hearservice your Audiologist.
The hearservice Devices Specialist, Rob Waddell will ensure that you receive the best possible device to suit your individual needs. During your appointment, a range of devices can be viewed, demonstrated and purchased. hearservice can also arrange for an Auslan interpreter to assist. Visit www.hearservice.com.au for more information about devices.Listening devices will soon be available at other hearservice clinics in Oakleigh and Box Hill.For your free one hour devices appointment, please contact hearservice:Call: (03) 9522 0400Visit: www.hearservice.com.au Email: [email protected]: (03) 9522 0422
VICDEAF …..LEADING THE WAY IN SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE.
What do we mean by ‘social justice and equity’? Vicdeaf continues to promote the principles of social justice and equity by improving access, equity, communication and responsiveness of its services in line with the needs of stakeholders.
Vicdeaf will soon be creating a ‘Charter of Vicdeaf Services’. The Charter would redefine access and equity around seven key principles: access; equity; communication; responsiveness; effectiveness; efficiency; and accountability.
The main purpose of the charter is to ensure that all Vicdeaf Departments and their staff understand and meet the legitimate needs of their clients, regardless of how or why these needs arise.
Device FeatureChat anywhere, anytime with T-LinkMelissa Vittorio and Rob Waddell
Vicdeaf Vision Statement
The evolution and preservation of Auslan Part 1
By Anne Bremner
The mode of communication in Deaf education in schools between the 1860s and 1870s was bilingualism through their first language (signing). The 1880s saw the commencement of oral communication and in 1893, the Combined Method was introduced. In the early days around the 1930s and possibly earlier, ‘fingerspelling-only’ was very important in schools and this was known as the Rochester Method. This happened mainly when communicating with hearing people. Deaf people had signs at that time that are still in use nowadays. In the 1950s, the mode of communication included 1) Pure Oralism, 2) Combined-Oralism dominant, 3) Integration. Signed English, Total Communication and Cued speech soon followed.Auslan is a relatively new term coined by Trevor Johnston (author of the Auslan Dictionary which was first published in 1989). In the old days, Auslan was often referred to as ‘Deaf Signing’ or later, Australian Deaf Sign Language.Auslan became recognised as a community language in 1991. The Federal Government stated the following in its National languages policy:
“It is now increasingly recognised that signing deaf people constitute a group like any other non-English speaking language group in Australia, with a distinct sub-culture recognised by shared history, social life and sense of identity, united and symbolised by fluency in Auslan, the principal means of communication within the Australian deaf community. Auslan is an indigenous Australian language.” (Commonwealth of Australia 1991,20)I wish to emphasise here that Auslan is recognised as a community language only. It was not until the early 1990s that deaf people began to take control of their own language and it is now recognised that in sign languages of the Deaf, these are fully legitimate human languages. We have sign language dictionaries and sign linguists (people who study sign languages) who first conducted research into the basic concepts sign language structure covering fundamental areas such as phonology, morphology, syntax and the use of language.Phonologically, Auslan has five parameters namely: Handshape, Orientation, Location, Movement and Expression (HOLME). Handshape has 38 major handshapes with 28 variants which brings it to the total of 66 handshapes in all. (Trevor Johnston, 1998). Orientation refers to the direction of the palm and fingers and where it faces e.g. WEIGH/BALANCE.
Location involves signs connected to the body area e.g.- Head (THINK, REMEMBER, KNOW)
- Stomach (FRUSTRATED, ANGRY)
- Heart (GENEROUS, ROMANCE)
(details on Movement and Expression to be continued in the next edition).Anne Bremner is a lecturer with the National Institute for Deaf Studies and Sign Language Research at La Trobe University.
T-Link With A Mobile Phone And Hearing Aid Photo Source: Charlotte Knipe
Photo Source: Vicdeaf
Deafness Expo 2006
Melbourne Town Hall -
Saturday 2 Setpember, 2006 at
10:00am to 5:00pm.
The Town Hall is on corner Swanston
& Collins Streets, Melbourne.
Australia’s sign language is derived from British and Irish origins through the establishment of deaf schools in mid to late 1800s. Thomas Pattison, from Edinburgh, Scotland, set up the first school for deaf children in Sydney on 22 October 1860. Three weeks later, Frederick J. Rose, a deaf man from England, set up a deaf school in Melbourne on 12 November 1860. Pattison was then 52 years old and Rose was 29 years old. A few deaf people often joke that this was the start of the Sydney-Melbourne rivalry that prevails to this day in the wider community.
Vicdeaf is offering businesses the opportunity to take advantage of our ‘Auslan in the Workplace’ program. Auslan One is an eight-week program (1.5hrs a week) for employees at their workplace.The program offers an understanding of Deaf Culture and basic skills in communicating in Auslan (Australian Sign Language).Auslan One is for people who have no sign language skills. Staff will learn everyday signs for use in basic
conversations with Deaf people in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. A qualified Deaf teacher is able to tailor the classes to suit your organisation.
If your workplace could benefit from a corporate class, speak to your manager, then contact Sasha Hough at Vicdeaf on voice: 9473 1135 or Email: [email protected]
Tax Night at VicdeafVicdeaf Tax Night – Tuesday 8 August 2006 6:00 to 8:30pm (last appointment at 8:00pm). Interpreters provided.Please contact Vicdeaf to make a booking, TTY: 03 9473 1199 Fax: 03 9473 1122; Email: [email protected] note: numbers are limited and bookings are already filling fast.
HALE, James & Laura welcomed their twin boys, Lachlan James and Rylan Daniel on 26 April 2006. Lachlan arrived first at 4:19pm , weighing 6lb, 9oz and Ryan followed soon after at 4:39pm, weighing 5lb, 5oz. Congratulations!
RUTTER, Les & Marjorie celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary on 9 August, 2006. Congratulations and best wishes from the deaf community.
Photo Source: VICDEAFKyle Miers
News from DSRV Debbie Kennewell, DSRV Coordinator, will be on leave from 19 June 2006 for four months. She will be working at a deaf summer camp in America for six weeks – the camp is called Camp Lakodia and is based in South Dakota in the middle of America.After working at the camp, Debbie will participate in a Mobility International USA program called Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability in Eugene, Oregon for two and half weeks. At the program, Debbie will learn more about leadership roles, ideas and help develop leading programs for young deaf women in careers in Australia when she returns.Kyle Miers will replace Debbie at DSRV for the time she is away. He can be contacted at [email protected] for information.
P o S I t I o n V a C a n t
There is a Treasurer position vacant at Deaf Sports & Recreation Victoria. DSRV are looking for a person, preferably with MYOB skills, or has a background in accounting.For more information, please contact Kyle at [email protected]
Sport News
Deaf Soccer Australia are looking for Deaf or hard of hearing people to play soccer and futsal (indoor soccer). Juniors, youth, seniors, men and women are sought to represent Australia at national and international championships. Contact Daryl Jordan at [email protected] for further information.
Mental Health WorkshopVicdeaf in partnership with ASLIA Victoria will host Signs of Change, the third workshop on Mental Health and the Deaf Community, as part of Mental Health Week 2006 on 12-13 October 2006.Information about the workshop including the Workshop Announcement and Call for Papers is available on the Vicdeaf website - www.vicdeaf.com.au The workshop will identify and examine key undertakings and initiatives around Australia in the area of deaf mental health. We welcome contributions and participation from a broad range of practitioners, consumers, client support workers, interpreters, policy makers and service managers.This is an opportunity to share ideas and knowledge with a diverse range of people who work or have an interest
in deaf mental health issues from around Australia. The workshop will provide a forum to promote service and program initiatives that have had a positive impact on deaf mental health. It will also be an opportunity to promote future developments including the fourth International Congress on Mental Health & Deafness to be held in Brisbane in 2009.Registration opens on 11 July 2006 and more details will be available shortly on the Vicdeaf website. Call for papers will be accepted until 21 July 2006. To discuss your application, or for information about any aspect of the conference, contact Vicdeaf on TTY: 03 9473 1199 or voice: 03 9473 1111.
Community AnnouncementsTai ChiAuslan interpreted Tai Chi classes are on every Sunday at Vicdeaf until 13 August, 2006.
Time: 10:00amVenue: John M Lovett Centre, 3rd floor, Vicdeaf
For more information contact Kyle Miers [email protected]
Vicdeaf and aCMI are working together to develop a deaf mental health digital story telling project.
We are looking for deaf people who are interested in helping others by sharing their story through the development of this DVD. Maybe your life is great now but your story may be about a time in your life, in the past where you felt depressed or perhaps you were feeling anxious. Maybe you have used a mental health service, or seen a counselor, or a doctor for help with an emotional problem. Working with the ACMI facilitator, you will take part in a
series of story telling workshops and learn how to make a short film using your own story and photographs. The story will be presented in Auslan with voice over and captions for broader accessibility.Completed stories will be produced on a DVD for launch at the Signs of Change Workshop in Melbourne from 12-13 October, 2006. We are looking for six people who are interested in this new and exciting project and available in July or August 2006. Interested? Contact Kris Chapman at Vicdeaf [email protected] or via contact details as listed in the back of this newsletter.
Digital (DVD) Story Telling ProjectCall For abstractsThe 15th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf is calling for abstracts for the upcoming Congress in Madrid, Spain from 16 – 22 July 2007.For more information, go to www.wfdcongress.com, and follow the links.
Less Interpreters In augustThe ASLIA (Australian Sign Language Interpreting Association) Winter School will take place in Perth from 18-20 August 2006. This will have a huge effect on interpreting August as many interpreters will stay an extra week or two in Perth before/after the Winter School.
Are you a Deaf person working in a hearing environment?
06Calendar of EventsJULYFriday 7, 8:00pmFriday 21, 5:30 – 7:30pm Friday 21, 7:00pm Friday 28, 7:00pm Saturday 29 Saturday 29, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Melbourne Deaf Club @ Transport Bar Deaf Cafe @ Hudsons Coffee QV Casey Deaf Club Werribee Deaf Club Ballarat Deaf Social Club 8th Starlight Ball Living Now Expo Interpreted Workshops
AUGUSTFriday 4, 8:00pm Thursday 10, 9:00am
Friday 18, 5:30 – 7:30pm Friday 18, 7:00pm Friday 25, 7:00pm
Melbourne Deaf Club @ Transport BarAuslan interpreted Pissarro tour @ NGV. Call voice 03 8662 1555 to book and ask for an Auslan interpreter for the tour Deaf Cafe @ Hudsons Coffee QV Casey Deaf Club Werribbee Deaf Club
Victorian Deaf Society
Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne 3002TTY: 03 9473 1199, Voice: 03 9473 1111; Fax: 03 9473 1122; Email: [email protected] for country people, TTY: 1 300 780 235; Voice: 1 300 780 225
Website: www.vicdeaf.com.auVicdeaf office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pmRegional offices: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sale & WangarattaPatron: Professor David de Krester, AO and Mrs. Jan de Krester
naBS InformationRachel Byrnes at the Australian Association of the Deaf will give information sessions about the National Auslan Booking System (NABS) to any social clubs and church groups in Australia from July to December 2006. If your group is interested, contact Rachel at [email protected] for a time and date.
Hearing awareness Week: 20-25 august, 2006A special evening event at Victoria’s Parliament House with Question Time captioned and interpreted on 22 August, 2006 will be part of Hearing Awareness Week. Please check e~news for details near the time.Other events include the launch at Carlton Crest Hotel on 20 August at 11:30am. The theme this year will be hearing protection and conservation. Hearing screenings will be available at La Trobe University and RMIT as well as the Dandenong Plaza and Chadstone shopping centre throughout the week.
