JOURNAL TRANSCRIPT

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Communicate A newsletter for the Victorian Deaf and hard of hearing community

2014 Issue 45 January / February

Inside Page 4: Midsumma Carnival - celebrating diversity Page 7: Victorian College for the Deaf students visit Bali Page 12: David Peters awarded Deaf Australian of the Year

Starting a new life in Melbourne

Morteza, Hamed, Hassan, Tamas, Aliasghar and Mohamad. Photo Source: Vicdeaf

Five young Iranian deaf men recently moved to Melbourne and have enrolled in the Auslan for Migrants class provided by Vicdeaf. They agreed to share some of their experiences with us.

Hamed was born hearing but became deaf after having a fever. He went to a deaf school and graduated. He worked with his father as a motorcycle mechanic, repairing motorcycles. At home all of his family used speech to communicate with him but at school he signed with his fellow students.

Hassan and Morteza have been living in Melbourne for seven months. They are old friends and first met when they were 16 years old at their deaf school. They had not met Aliasghar, Mohamad and Hamed until they moved to Melbourne one month later and they all became friends. Aliasghar and Mohamad are brothers. They have one older deaf brother who is married and still living in Iran.

Hassan grew up on a farm where his family grew peaches, cherries and walnuts. He worked there helping his parents on the farm, and in his spare time enjoyed cycling. He considered university, but as with the others, access was an issue.

In Iran there are very few sign language interpreters, who usually do not have qualifications. There are also no subsidies for hearing aids, so it is difficult for deaf people to access services or find paid work, and most work with family or friends. Deaf people who do find work are often paid very low salaries. Morteza was born hearing, then became hard of hearing at seven years old and gradually became deaf. He went to a hearing school but could not understand everything as he did not have interpreters or other support. He moved to a deaf school where he completed his education, graduating with the Iranian equivalent of Year 12 qualifications. He thought about studying at university but decided it would be too difficult without support such as interpreters. Morteza found work preparing garments for shop displays.

After completing school Aliasghar worked in a factory making air conditioning units for cars. He worked there for seven years but then the factory closed. Mohamad went to university after school and studied tool-making for four years, with interpreters who were not qualified. When he and other deaf students completed their studies the administration refused to give them evidence to show that they had finished their studies so they could not find work in the fields they had studied. Despite the difficult experiences in Iran the young Iranians are very positive and proactive. After they arrived in Melbourne, Hassan and Morteza searched online for services for deaf people and found out about Vicdeaf. They commenced the Auslan for Migrants class in 2013 organised by the Independent Living Skills (ILS) team and also worked with Tamas, who works as a Client Support Worker with the Independent Living Skills team.

‘continues on page 4’

Many of you would know that the Deaf Australian of the Year Award (formerly called the Deaf Achiever Award) was established in memory of Dorothy Shaw, OAM, founding President of Deaf Australia. Dorothy was a tireless worker for Deaf rights in Australia and was honoured by the Federal Government for her achievements Over the next few months we will be with an Order of Australia Medal in 1989. At undertaking key strategic planning Deaf Australia’s AGM held last November activities including a planning day for our our very own David Peters won the most Strategic Leadership Group which includes recent Deaf Australian of the Year. Our the senior management team and their congratulations go to David in recognition of managers. We will also be holding the his outstanding contribution and leadership annual Board planning retreat on 14 and in the community and for being recognised 15 March. Our focus at these sessions is for his achievements through this award. largely on planning for our next strategic Also at the Deaf Australia AGM, Karen plan and all the other key areas of focus Lloyd AM, Executive Officer Deaf Australia over the next 12-18 months. At a later announced her retirement from the role and stage I will advise you of the process and full time work. Karen has worked tirelessly timelines for the development of the plan in the role for approximately 13 years. and the ways in which you can provide On behalf of Vicdeaf and all associated input to our planning for the future. with us, we thank Karen for her passion, Late last year I mentioned that Vicdeaf commitment and fabulous contribution had engaged a consultancy group, Ernst in advancing better outcomes for the and Young to undertake a review of our Australian Deaf community. We wish her property in Albert Street, East Melbourne. well in her future endeavours and look Since then, Ernst and Young finalised forward to working with the new Executive their report and the recommendations Officer once they are appointed and for consideration by the Board. We are in commence in the role. the process of finalising the outcome and Until next time.. a decision and I will provide you with an update on our website over the next few • •Christine Mathieson weeks. It was fantastic to see so many of you at last year’s Christmas Rally. With over 600 people in attendance it was one of Vicdeaf’s biggest Rallies signalling how popular it is for the community to come together for a relaxing time catching up with friends.

Christine Mathieson

Report from the CEO Hello again and welcome to this edition of Communicate. I hope that you are enjoying the summer weather and had a relaxing time with family and friends over the festive period. We have started 2014 just where we left things last year – with so much happening and busy times for all. While we have many exciting challenges ahead as well as key objectives to achieve, 2014 also marks Vicdeaf’s 130 year anniversary. We will keep you informed about the activities and events we have planned to celebrate our anniversary throughout the year.

IDPwD Panel Discussion

On Tuesday 3 December 2013, the Office for Disability, under the Victorian Government Department of Human Services, hosted a panel discussion for all public service employees to mark the International Day of People with Disability. The panel consisted of Tim Ferguson (comedian with Multiple Sclerosis), Graeme Innes AM (Australia’s Disability Discrimination Commissioner), Kate Jenkins (Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner), Gill Callister (Secretary, Department of Human Services), Kath Duncan (comedian and Arts Access Victoria staff member) and myself as Vicdeaf’s Communication and Community Relations Manager. Journalist and comedian Kerry Cue was the panel MC.

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Approximately 200 people were in attendance as the panel members discussed various topics ranging from access, education, employment, discrimination and a humorous discussion about travelling, love and dating! SLC VIC was proud to provide Auslan interpreters and live captioning for the event.

• •Brent Phillips

Kerry Cue, Gill Callister, Brent Phillips, Graeme Innes, Tim Ferguson and Kate Jenkins All Photos Source: Office for Disability

Tim preaches self-advocacy while Brent looks on. Interpreter is Michelle Ashley

This year is off to a busy start. Everyone has come back from holidays feeling refreshed and ready for a big 2014, especially as we celebrate 130 years of service to the deaf, hard of hearing and wider Victorian community. This issue is full of news and information. It is great to receive so many submissions as it is important to share stories and information. If you have an interesting news story, why not share it with our readers? See our submission deadlines for 2014 on the right side of this page. Michael Parremore

Editorial Hello and welcome to the January/February issue of Communicate.

Also make sure you check our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and receive Under the Gaslight e-newsletters for even more news, events and information. There is always something new every day!

Editorial Policy Communicate is published six times a year. Reader contributions are greatly welcomed. Articles must relate to Deaf and hard of hearing issues. All contribution, once submitted, becomes the property of Communicate. The editor reserves the right not to publish, or to edit, any article submitted for publication. All editing shall strive to remain true to the spirit of the original article. Opinions expressed (except in articles that are signed in an official capacity) are those of the author/s and not necessarily endorsed by the editor or by Vicdeaf.

• •Michael Parremore - EDITOR

Important resources about the Victorian Disability Act 2006

www.facebook.com/VicdeafInfo www.twitter.com/Vicdeaf www.youtube.com/InfoVicdeaf

The Act Resources Guide is a collection of information and resources on the Victorian Disability Act 2006. They are designed to assist people with a disability to:

www.linkedin.com/company/vicdeaf

Submission deadlines for 2014

• better understand what the Act is • know how the Act works to improve services and rights

Tuesday 18 March Tuesday 20 May

• get information about the Act in a way they understand

Tuesday 22 July

For more information, go to the Act Resources Guide website www.actresources.com.au

Tuesday 23 September Wednesday 19 November SUBMISSIONS WELCOME

WorkWise and LifeWise – training for a better chance WorkWise & LifeWise is a pre-employment training program offered by SensWide Employment for job seekers with barriers to employment. This program aims to improve their skill set and their chances of securing a job. This program focuses on two areas: LifeWise focuses on improving participants general health and wellbeing through onehour workshops each week or fortnightly,

focusing on healthy eating, cooking classes, budgeting, personal hygiene and exercise. WorkWise helps to improve participants job seeking skills to enable them to find employment through weekly or fortnightly workshops. These workshops focus on career planning and job seeking, cover letter and resume writing, rights in the workplace, bullying and harassment in the workplace, workplace etiquette and interview skills.

The LifeWise & WorkWise program also offer beginner and intermediary computer skills training in Word, Excel, Internet and Email. This program has been made possible by a generous grant from the State Trustees Australia Foundation, Donald Mann Bequest. Our grateful thanks for this support.

• •Gill Victor

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SensWide Employment’s Erica Dawson, Penny Elliot and Beth Daly enjoying the Midsumma Carnival

Midsumma Carnival – celebrating diversity Vicdeaf hosted an information stall at the Midsumma Carnival, held on Sunday 12 January at Alexander Gardens near the city. The carnival attracts 100,000 carnival-goers and it was a great opportunity for hearservice, SensWide Employment and the Vicdeaf Communication and Community Relations teams to tell the public

Max works hard to educate people on their hearing health

As part of the Don’t Lose the Music program which provides hearing safety awareness information to the public and generously funded by the R. E. Ross Trust, we trialled a new interactive device called ‘Max’. Max is a device in the shape of a head, which is used to individually measure the listening levels of people’s ear buds. Max is used as part of a program to make people aware of their listening behaviours and hearing health. A fun community day, many Midsumma Carnival goers enjoyed learning more about the many programs and services offered by Vicdeaf, SensWide Employment and hearservice.

• •Gill Victor

more about the work we do. We provided information on the following: • hearing awareness and safe listening • the WorkingOUT employment program for people who identify with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communi ty • Auslan Community Classes. Our teams reported great success as part of our involvement on the day. Positive outcomes included: Detailed discussions with 100 people about their hearing 12 people measured their daily noise exposure via their iPods Interest from an aged care facility with regards to hearing loss Potential new clients for hearing aids and screenings Increased numbers of enrolments to Auslan Community Classes Media interest from two roving community TV shows.

Elissa Harris promoting the WorkingOUT employment program

Starting a new life in Melbourne ‘continued from page 1’

When Tamas and the Iranians first met, they all worked hard to communicate with each other. The Iranians learned Auslan, and Tamas learned some Iranian sign language. They also used Google translator, translating between English and Persian. Tamas explained how they could access services and showed them around Melbourne to familiarise them with local landmarks and the public transport system. The young Iranians quickly developed confidence and worked out things for themselves and have settled in well.

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Morteza, Hassan, Aliasghar, Mohamad and Hamed are enthusiastic about becoming involved in the deaf community. They have been attending events and want to participate in the community, join sports clubs, explore Melbourne, meet people and make new friends.

Mohamad and Hamed have joined a wrestling club in Melbourne. They both competed in wrestling in Iran, and won many medals. Morteza enjoys volleyball and is open to trying different sports in Melbourne. Hassan has experience in acting and starred in an Iranian film ‘Fat Shaker’, which was screened at the Sundance Film Festival. Auslan for Migrants is a class run by the ILS team at Vicdeaf for deaf migrants who have recently arrived in Australia and wish to learn Auslan. The class started with a small number of participants three years ago and has been growing, with 22 participants in this year’s class. The Auslan for Migrants class has a mixture of migrants from all over the world. They attend classes until they have learnt sufficient Auslan to communicate effectively, with some people attending for a year, and others for up to three years.

• •Mija Gwyn

Auslan videos by Sign Language Video Productions Our video translation service has been in existence for over five years now, but since it became known as Sign Language Video Productions 12 months ago, we have been very busy with filming and translating information from English to Auslan. The last half of 2013 was a particularly busy time for Sasha Hough and Janelle Whalan at Sign Langauge Video Productions. Completed projects include:

Financial Ombudsman Service – Sarah’s Story (posted 20 Oct 2013 on fosaustralia channel) Sarah explains to a friend how the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) helped her to resolve a financial matter with her bank. For more information go to www.fos.org.au

An Announcement about Auslan Interpreting from SLC VIC (posted 28 Nov 2013) Brent Phillips announces two good news, the funding received to provide quality After Hours Emergency Auslan Interpreting service and the partnership with Victorian Interpreter Translation Service to win a tender to provide interpreting services to Victorian Government departments for the next five years.

The SLVP Team Sasha and Janelle inside the professionally fitted film studio

in an interview style video the importance of having a baby cry alarm and gives tips on how to borrow a baby cry alarm from Vicdeaf.

Video Relay Interpreting – Now on Portable Devices (posted 12 Dec 2013) Presenter Vanessa Ravlich gives a demonstration on using video relay interpreting via an iPad in a meeting with her ‘Manager’.

2013 - Year in Review (posted on 18 Dec 2013) Featuring Vicdeaf CEO Chris Mathieson and Brent Phillips, this video shows highlights of the year 2013 at Vicdeaf.

Vicdeaf Property Update – 19 Dec 2013 (posted on 19 Dec 2013) Chris Mathieson provides

an update in regards to the review of Vicdeaf’s offices with the aim of finding out if the office Deaf Community Research Project – Online does meet the needs of the community, our Auslan Translation (posted 9 Dec 2013) clients and staff. Presenter Vanessa Ravlich provides information about the project facilitated by Cathy Clark (NMIT), National Disability Insurance Scheme at Della Goswell (Macquarie University, NSW) and Dr. Vicdeaf (posted 19 Dec 2013) Presenter Natalie Sandon gives information about the National Jemina Napier (Heriot Watt University, UK), with Disability Insurance Scheme and how deaf, the aim of creating a best standard practice or deafblind and parents of deaf children can apply guidelines in translating information from written provided they meet the eligibility criteria. English to Auslan videos.

A Christmas Message from the Communication and Community Dec 2013) You will see a series of videos with presenter Natalie Relations Team at Vicdeaf (22 Dec 2013) 2012-13 Vicdeaf Annual Report (posted 9

Sandon delivering each aspect of the Annual Report in Auslan such as the President’s Report, Chief Executive Officer’s Report, etc.

Vicdeaf Baby Cry Alarm Borrowing Scheme (posted 12 Dec 2013) Tamas Elliott tells

Financial Ombudsman Service video Actor Melissa Anderson (as Sarah) talks about the Financial Services Ombudsman

2013 Year Review video Vicdeaf CEO, Chris Mathieson gives a Christmas message in Auslan

Vicdeaf Annual Report video Presenter Natalie Sandon provides a direct translation of the Vicdeaf Annual Report

Interpreter Kirk Barnett and the team at Sign Language Video Productions show off their filmmaking skills by making this fun video with a simple Christmas greeting.

Where can I view the videos?

Baby Cry Alarm video Tamas Elliott explains the benefits of the Baby Cry Alarm Borrowing Scheme

You can view all the above videos unless as stated by going to the Vicdeaf Info channel page on YouTube. Simply go to www.youtube.com/user/InfoVicdeaf

How can I contact Sign Language Video Productions? You can send an email to Sasha and Janelle on [email protected] More information about Sign Language Video Productions can be found on www.vicdeaf.com.au/slvp

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James Vea on The Block As part of the hit reality TV Show, The Block – Fans vs Faves on Channel Nine, SensWide Employment client, James Vea has been featured in an episode of The Block and in an interview on the Today Show. Since The Block began in 2003, it has been a ratings smash. The grand finale of The Block Sky High was seen by a massive average national audience of 4.3 million and was Nine’s most watched program of 2013. This year, the huge task ahead in The Block - Fans vs Faves is to convert the old Dux Theatre in Melbourne’s Albert Park into four three-bedroom, three-bathroom, loftstyle apartments. Currently it is a vacant shell – there are James Vea with SLC VIC interpreter Mark Quinn. All Photos Source: Vicdeaf no internal walls, no floors, no roof and no plumbing. With a challenge like this, it is just as well that James is such a great asset to have on the team. Working with Michael at Greenwood Renovations for two years, James is in his third year of carpentry apprenticeship. James already boasts a preapprenticeship in Plastering and won “Pre-Apprentice of the Year” and second place in “1st Year Apprentice Award” at TAFE. James is deaf and uses Auslan as his first language. James is a fantastic ambassador for deaf people in the workplace and we look forward to seeing more of James on The Block and the Today Show. “It’s been an exciting experience for James to be a part of such an incredible production at this early stage of his career. He has impressed the entire crew and contestants James is being interviewed by a reporter from Channel Nine’s Today Show with his hard work and good nature” said Elissa Harris, Ongoing Support Consultant at SensWide Employment.

••

Gill Victor

SensWide Employment is a Disability Employment Service that supports jobseekers with a barrier into ongoing employment. Visit www.senswide.com.au for more information.

Ignition! Learn to drive off to a great start Through the combined support of RACV, CMV/Hallam Trucks and Cadburys Foundation, Vicdeaf has been able to offer our Ignition/Changing Gears Program to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Ignition/Changing Gears program is a pre-learner driver education program designed for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who use Auslan to communicate. Vicdeaf provides the Ignition/Changing Gears program to deaf learners who historically have missed out on the opportunity to learn to drive due to their unique requirements, i.e. needing an Auslan interpreter to make information accessible. 6

So far, a number of participants have passed their Learners exam and participants have reported that the program has enabled them to connect with others, enjoy a greater sense of participation, independence as well as being able to reach their goals. Thank you to our generous funders of this program, RACV, CMV/Hallam Trucks and Cadburys Foundation, as well as to Mission Australia and VicRoads for their partnership in this program. • •Gill Victor

Participants undertake the Ignition/Changing Gears program at JML Centre, Vicdeaf. Photo Source: Vicdeaf

VCD students visits Bali Teacher story In November 2013, Victorian College for the Deaf (VCD) teachers Irene Holub and Joanne Tarpey and three senior VCD students Emily Addicoat, Rebecca Stebbing and Ebony Gilbert participated in the International Cultural Exchange and Leadership Program in Bali. The culture, environment and communications in Bali was very different compared to Australia. The students adapted very well and soon they were greeting the Balinese people by respectfully bowing their heads with hands shaped in prayer. Our friendly deaf driver, Wahyu, communicates in both Indonesian Sign Language and Auslan. We all learnt some Balinese signs, which was different to Indonesian signs.

Deaf dance at Bengkala Village. All Photos Source: Victorian College for the Deaf

Student story

When the Victorian College for the Deaf (VCD) offered the opportunity to travel to Bali in Indonesia, I applied for it straightaway! It was a great We visited Bengkala, the deaf village, where we experienced an opportunity to explore what the world has to offer, to meet new people authentic Balinese lifestyle. The whole community communicated and represent VCD. through sign language regardless of whether they were deaf or Before I left for Bali, I did think there would only be a few deaf people hearing. This was the highlight of our stay in Bali. and that the country would not be safe like Australia. Everything would That evening, we were welcomed with a traditional deaf be different and the support for Deaf would be minimal. But when I got dance performance where the deaf villagers wore make-up there I felt safer than I did in Australia and there seemed to be so many and costumes, and moved in rhythm to traditional Balinese deaf people In Bali. chanting and music. I loved staying at the deaf village and learn how to communicate with Bali was a challenge for the students. They sampled foreign deaf people of any age. I just loved how the whole village, regardless food, witnessed someone being knocked down in the busy of deaf and hearing, would sign and support each other. The love and Bali traffic, communicated in a different sign language, met care they showed for one another was amazing and not once did I see many new people, held classes and taught young Balinese anyone get upset. students about Australia and Australian wildlife, lived without When I returned to Australia, I felt that I have changed. I am more their mobile phones and technology for nine days, all the while appreciative of the things and people I have in my life. I am more being away from their homes and family. comfortable with meeting new people and feel less intimidated to face They witnessed poverty, slums and children begging in new challenges in life. the streets. They were perplexed and questioned how the If you have the opportunity to travel to Bali, I would tell you to go for Balinese people could be so happy and go about their daily life it! You would LOVE it! You would meet the most amazing people. with such warmth and generosity. One student commented, You would learn that you are lucky to have everything you have. It “We aren’t like this in Melbourne, yet the students here are all can influence the way you look at life and become more independent. smiling and look happy!” Many thanks to VCD, Irene Holub and Joanne Tarpey for organising They made friends with students from Bengkala and the this amazing adventure and Deaf Children Australia for their generous Karangasanem Orphanage and exchanged Facebook financial support. information. It was a wonderful journey, which the students and teachers all benefitted in many different ways including; gratitude and understanding of cultural differences and the importance of identity.

• •Article by Emily Addicoat – Year 11 student

• •Article by Irene Holub and Joanne Tarpey Note: Our students are hoping to raise funds and donate items for schools and various organisations in Bali such as second hand hearing aids for Audiology services where many employees are deaf and much needed sheets and pillows for the orphanage. A Deaf International Film Presentation will be held on Tuesday 25 March to raise funds. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please email Irene Holub on [email protected] Emily Addicoat with a young deaf student in Bali

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Let’s Talk Parenting While there are many resources available to parents today, deaf parents face the additional challenge of not being able to access many of these resources and having to face unique parenting challenges as deaf parents in a hearing world. To address this need, Vicdeaf will be creating an Auslan parenting video series called Let’s Talk Parenting as a resource for parents who are deaf, enabling them to share their unique parenting challenges and solutions. These resources would be presented in Auslan and would also be captioned, enabling hard of hearing parents to use this resource as well. We thank the Frank and Flora Leith Charitable Trust for making this project possible. The Leith Trust previously supported communication between schools and deaf parents through the funding of our Let’s Talk online resource. We are grateful for this ongoing support of these much needed resources.

• •Gill Victor

Tell us what you think about the Vicdeaf Christmas Rally

After Hours Emergency Interpreting Service Due to a generous grant provided to Vicdeaf by the Pierce Armstrong Foundation, we have started providing our new After Hours Emergency Interpreting Service. Up until now, this service has been limited and inadequate. Language service providers receiving enquiries in emergency situations are not trained adequately and do not have the capacity to service deaf people, as these agencies focus on spoken language interpreting. The new After Hours Emergency Auslan Interpreting Service has allowed Vicdeaf to provide Auslan interpreters in emergency police, medical and other situations where emergency interpreting is required. Thank you to the Pierce Armstrong Foundation for supporting this important service to the deaf community.

Student Tour at Vicdeaf

Janelle Whalan and Lidia Risicato (right) with the students at the Information Centre at Vicdeaf. Photo Source: Vicdeaf

Santa with Mija and the kids. Photo Source: Vicdeaf

Do you have any feedback about the Vicdeaf Christmas Rally? Did you enjoy the day? What were some of the things we could do better? Where in north area should we host the 2014 Christmas Rally? 8

We would love to receive feedback, either positive or negative about the Rally. Send us an email at [email protected] The Christmas Rally is a great day out for everyone associated with the deaf and hard of hearing community

Late last year, a few Year 7 students from Victorian College for the Deaf visited Vicdeaf in East Melbourne. Vicdeaf staff member, Janelle Whalan gave the students a tour of the Vicdeaf offices. The students met staff members and asked questions. The staff members were happy to meet the students and gave information about their work.

This includes finance and administration, information technology (IT), human resources, client services, audiology, interpreter booking services and community education and information. The students learned a lot about Vicdeaf and the work we do. Hopefully one day, the students will apply for a job and work at Vicdeaf.

• •Michael Parremore

2013 Christmas Appeal our most Christmas Gift Wrapping Service helps to raise funds and public successful yet awareness The Vicdeaf Christmas Appeal 2013 has been one of our most successful fundraising appeals yet. Our generous supporters have helped us to raise $13,800. This will fund our services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. We rely on this support, which is very important to our work, programs and services. If you would like to become a financial supporter of Vicdeaf, please email the fundraising team at [email protected], call us on 03 9473 1111 or TTY 03 94731199 or go to www.vicdeaf.com.au. It is currently estimated that one in six Australians are deaf or experience hearing loss. This number is expected to rise to one in four by 2050. Source: Listen Hear! Report, Access Economics, 2006

• •Gill Victor

During the lead-up to Christmas, Vicdeaf held a gift wrapping service in the Melbourne CBD. This service helped us to raise just over $1,000, and also importantly allowed us to raise our public profile by talking to many people who had never heard about Vicdeaf before. We wish to extend a special thanks to Australia On Collins shopping centre for having us and supplying the wrapping supplies and to National Australia Bank for their continued partnership to supply corporate volunteers for this event. This event has been running for five years now, and we look forward to running the service again this December.

• •Gill Victor

Hear For You announces exciting new programs for Victoria Hear For You is delighted to announce both the Victorian Auslan and Oral Programs will run again this year, after a successful 2013. Each program will have four workshops which are run by inspiring deaf and hard of hearing role models (with successful careers and life experiences). The workshops will cover topics such as leadership, teamwork, communication, relationships, drama, careers, human rights, self-advocacy, life conflicts and skills. Go to http://hearforyou.com.au/program/vic/ and click “ENROL”. Please book in advance to avoid missing out. Program Dates

2014 VIC Auslan Program

2014 VIC Oral Program

Workshop 1

Sunday 4 May

Sunday 13 April

Workshop 2

Sunday 18 May

Sunday 4 May

Workshop 3

Sunday 1 June

Sunday 25 May

Workshop 4

Sunday 15 June

Sunday 15 June

All the mentees and mentors enjoying the VIC Auslan Program. All Photos Source: Edan Chapman. VIC Auslan Mentor and Professional Photographer

Why support Hear For You? We hear you! There is a high percentage of deaf adolescents today struggle with social isolation, depression and self-esteem on top of what seems to be a difficult period in their lives. With an estimated 3,800 children from birth to 18 years of age living in Victoria alone, mentors can lend a hand to those who want it. What’s more, Hear For You continues to improve its evidence based and high quality mentoring service for all deaf and hard of hearing teenagers. Chat with us today to see how you can help. It’s too far to travel… We are setting up a Rural & Regional Weekend Workshop 2014 – contact us at [email protected] to find out more. http://www.deafeducation.vic.edu.au/About/Pages/The-Institute.aspx

All the mentees and mentors enjoying the VIC Auslan Program.

••

Article by Sophie Li – Communications & Programs Coordinator, Hear For You

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Regional Resilience Program Update Focusing on providing one-to-one support for deaf people or people with significant hearing loss combined with other disabilities, Vicdeaf’s Regional Resilience Program is helping people in Geelong and Ballarat to develop the skills necessary to carry out daily activities independently. While tailored to the individual client, the program has enjoyed some common themes, with a particular focus on these areas:

1. The use of Technology • To assist communication with family, friends, peers and other purposes, including the use of iPads, iPhones, FaceTime, computers, Skype, email and text. • Using televisions with captioning services.

2. English skills • Communication support to assist clients to understand their mail, send and receive texts and emails through using English as a second language.

3. Budgeting • Learning basic financial management skills to be able to pay bills and how to manage loans.

4. Healthy eating and nutrition • Working together to understand healthier foods, plan menus, purchasing and cooking for a healthier diet. We have had great feedback from both the clients participating

Vicdeaf CEO, Chris Mathieson thanks Mr Roger (C. H.) Brookes for his support towards the program. Photo Source: Vicdeaf

in the program as well as the staff working with them. Vicdeaf Case Manager Nanette Ward said, “I feel the Independent Living Skills contribution to the clients in Geelong has been a breath of fresh air! It has been nice to see the excitement and buzz from the clients as they are learning new technology and forms of communication. The feedback from clients has been excellent”. Independent Living Skills (ILS) Worker Clayton Hanson said, “This position as an ILS worker has enabled me to give support to deaf people in the Geelong area and the feedback has been fantastic – especially with today’s technology available, it gives them greater independence that the hearing community often takes for granted”. We are very grateful to Victorian philanthropist, Mr Roger (C.H.) Brookes for his generous support, which has made this program possible.

• •Gill Victor

Bequests / Friends of the Gaslight Vicdeaf gratefully acknowledges a number of people who have chosen to leave a bequest or gift in their Will to the Victorian Deaf Society. This is one of the most valuable and lasting ways to support Vicdeaf’s work, and plays an important part in helping us to deliver and grow our services to the deaf and hard of hearing community. A number of our bequesters have received our Friends of the Gaslight pin, which shows they have chosen to support Vicdeaf in this important way. Friends of the Gaslight are also invited to special events and importantly allow us to thank them – in their lifetimes – for their support of Vicdeaf. 10

Bequesters choose to leave a gift to Vicdeaf in their Will, so Vicdeaf can continue to deliver important services. Photo Source: iStock Photo

If you would like further information, or you have decided to include Vicdeaf in your Will, please contact us on 03 9473 1111 or TTY 03 9473 1199 or by email at [email protected]

• •Gill Victor

Bequesters receive this Friends of the Gaslight pin

Update from the office of Happy New Year to all deaf and hard of hearing Victorians! We hope that 2014 is a fulfilling and prosperous year for you all. Deaf Victoria has an exciting year ahead and are well into our planning for the next 12 months. The Deaf Victoria board will have their Board Retreat in April 2014 and focus on creating a new three-year strategic plan to begin in 2015. We welcome Deaf Youth Victoria as a sub-group of Deaf Victoria. They have a number of very exciting goals and projects coming up in the next 12 months. The committee members are Matthew Norman, Matthew Bisognano, Julia Murphy, Ashleigh Kedge, Melanie Merhi and Daniel Shanahan. We are very excited to be partnering closely with Deaf Youth Victoria.

The Department of Human Services has recommended two of our case studies from 2013 - one individual advocacy case, and one systemic advocacy case - to be published in an Annual Disability Advocacy Report produced by Disability Advocacy Resources Unit (DARU) to demonstrate best practice in advocacy. We are very excited by this, as it confirms that our advocacy work is well regarded. We are sad to announce that Medina Sumovic has resigned from Deaf Victoria. Medina has been a fantastic contributor and loyal employee for the past seven years, and will be sadly missed. She has taken up a position with the Australian Theatre of the Deaf and we know she will be absolutely brilliant and we look forward to seeing more of her around in the arts sector. Thank you Medina for all that you have done, and all the best in your journey. We will be advertising for a new staff member soon.

• •Melissa Lowrie

Massive March at

Q&A Corner

Question: The other day, I answered a knock at the door. There was a member of a religious group spreading their message. I tried to say I was Deaf, and that I wasn’t interested. However that person used Auslan and came to my house knowing I am Deaf. How did they get that information about me and where I live? What can I do about it?

Answer: There have been a number of complaints around the community about religious groups finding out where Deaf people are living and sending representatives who can use Auslan to their address. This has made a lot of people feel that their privacy is being compromised. Under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities, you have the absolute right to privacy. Under the Information Privacy Act, you have the right to: find out how an organisation knew you were deaf and where you lived. make a complaint if you believe your privacy has been breached.

City of Greater Dandenong Sports Fest Sunday 16 March 2014 10.30 am – 2.30 pm Ross Reserve, Noble Park For all ages

The below sport and recreation events are aimed at increasing participation for both kids and adults and getting everyone active and healthy. Deaf Multi-Sports Day Sunday 2 March 2014 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm (please arrive at 12.30 pm for registration)

Auskick Specky machine Skate park Come and try sports and games

Hays Paddock, off Longstaff St, East Kew

Free entry to Noble Park Aquatic Centre 2-5pm

Bring your own water bottle, sun hat & towel

DSRV has been invited by City of Greater Dandenong to participate

However, the key problem in this situation is, the Federal and State Privacy Laws only cover government organisations. Religious groups are not covered under these laws. Deaf Victoria will be having discussions with the Federal Privacy Commissioner to find out how we can combat these problems from a legal standpoint.

Deaf Victoria would encourage you to find out how they got your information and contact us for assistance when making a complaint directly to the religious group or any other sources involved.

For deaf and hard of hearing kids aged between 5-17 years

Come join in a variety of multi sports clinics on the day In partnership with Deaf Sports Australia

Condolences Vicdeaf would like to offer sincere condolences to the family of Charles Perry who passed away on 16 January 2014. 11

David Peters awarded Deaf Australian of the Year

Ann Darwin presents David with the Deaf Australian of the Year 2013 Award. All Photos Source: Vicdeaf

Deaf Australia hosted the Deaf Australian of the Year 2013 Awards at their Annual General Meeting in Brisbane on Saturday 16 November 2013. David Peters was awarded Deaf Australian of the Year 2013. The award recognises his tireless work over many years in the Deaf community, in particular in his role as President of Deaf Sports Australia and Major Events and Training Coordinator at Vicdeaf.

Ann Darwin and Chris Mathieson with a proud David Peters.

of staff members including the CEO, Chris Mathieson and Manager, Brent Phillips.

together and to promote better understanding of the Deaf community.

The below is a copy of a posting on Deaf Australia’s blog recognising David’s achievements.

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David was unable to attend the Awards in Brisbane, but recently retired Deaf Australia President Ann Darwin visited David at Vicdeaf on 29 November and presented David with the award in front

Twilight Market

Saturday 22 March 2014 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm Hays Paddock, East Kew

David has been an active and influential member of the Deaf community for many years, particularly with Deaf Sports Australia, and is currently the president. He has represented Australia at the Deaflympic Games as an official. Currently the Major Events and Training Coordinator at Vicdeaf, David works to bring Deaf and hearing communities

Fun kids activities Many market stalls Sausage sizzle Drinks at bar prices

David also provides Deaf Awareness Training to service providers who employ Deaf people; this promotes better understanding and creates opportunities for Deaf people in the workforce to be active and equal members of the team. “Congratulations to David from all of us at Vicdeaf. Everyone is very proud of David upon receiving the Deaf Australian of the Year award. He is a deserving recipient,” said Michael Parremore.

• •Michael Parremore and Karen Lloyd

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To register for a stall, email [email protected]

www.vicdeaf.com.au Victorian Deaf Society Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002. TTY: (03) 9473 1199; Voice: (03) 9473 1111; Fax: (03) 9473 1122; Email: [email protected]. Toll-free for country people: TTY: 1300 780 235; Voice: 1300 780 225.

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Vicdeaf office hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Regional offices: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sale and Wangaratta.

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Patrons: Alex Chernov AC QC and Mrs. Elizabeth Chernov.

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