Building an Inclusive Community

Welcome to Auslan for Families, where our mission is to foster an inclusive community and ensure that every individual, whether they are hard of hearing or Deaf, has access to the opportunities they deserve.

Did you know that 1 in 6 Australians experience hearing loss? That's approximately 14% of our population! This significant statistic underscores the importance of creating a society that understands and embraces the needs of those with hearing impairments.

Understanding the Challenge

Hearing loss can affect anyone, from newborns to the elderly, and it comes with unique challenges. For many, it can lead to isolation and frustration, especially when communication barriers arise. This is where Auslan (Australian Sign Language) comes in. As a proud Deaf woman fluent in Auslan, I have experienced firsthand the profound impact of effective communication on one’s life.

My Mission

I am on a mission to create an inclusive community where everyonecan thrive regardless of their hearing ability. By promoting the use of Auslan, we can break down communication barriers and build a more understanding, compassionate, and connected society.

The Power of Bimodal Communication

At Auslan for Families, we embrace a bimodal communication approach. This method combines spoken and sign language to facilitate better understanding and interaction between Deaf individuals, their families, and the wider community. By teaching Auslan to hearing parents of Deaf children, we empower families to communicate more effectively and strengthen their bonds.

Identifying and Addressing Barriers

One of the key aspects of our work is to identify and address potential barriers that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may face. Whether it’s in educational settings, workplaces, or social environments, we strive to pinpoint these challenges and work collaboratively with allied therapists to provide tailored solutions. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed and feel included.

How You Can Help

Creating an inclusive community is a collective effort, and there are many ways you can get involved:

Speak Clearly and Don't Cover Your Mouth: You may not be aware that someone has a hearing loss. However, that person may rely on lip-reading to converse with you. So be sure to speak clearly and don't cover your mouth with your hands as you speak. This can take some time to get used to, but can go a long way in having a great conversation.
Learn Auslan: Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, learning Auslan can be incredibly rewarding. It opens up new avenues for communication and understanding.
Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the importance of inclusivity for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Share information, participate in events, and advocate for better accessibility in your community.
Support Inclusive Practices: Encourage businesses, schools, and organizations to adopt inclusive practices. This can include providing sign language interpreters, captioning services, and creating environments that are accessible to all.

Join Us on Our Journey

At Auslan for Families, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. By fostering an inclusive community, we can ensure that those who are hard of hearing or Deaf have the support and resources they need to thrive. Join us on this journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate society. Together, we can make a difference!