NICSS has a range of training programs for organisations wishing to offer their staff a unique professional development opportunity in the area of deafness.
Training can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the organisation or service. Generally the session provide information on the following topics:
- Deaf culture and community
- Understanding Deaf world
- What is Auslan?
- Basic Auslan/fingerspelling
- How to work with an interpreter
- Communication tips/strategies
- Technology
- Deaf-friendly workplaces
Training is informative and interactive.
Click here to view or download flyer
Click here to complete an Expression of Interest form
For more information
If you have any questions or would like a free quote, please contact us.
Phone: 1800 246 945
Email: deafawareness@wmq.org.au
Key outcomes
- Develop awareness of the differences between Deaf and hard of hearing people
- Gain confidence in communicating with Deaf and hard of hearing people
- Develop strategies for improved communication
- Strengthen relationships with Deaf staff or clients
- Improve communication and workflow
- Develop basic knowledge of Deaf Culture
- Increase social inclusion capacity
About the Presenter
Our Deaf Awareness Training sessions are delivered by Rachel Hofmann. Rachel is profoundly Deaf with over 20 years' experience in delivering deafness awareness sessions. With lived experience and passion for promoting deaf awareness, Rachel adds fun and interactivity in these sessions.
A sign language interpreter will be available to make sure each participant is able to communicate with Rachel.
Facts
- Currently, 1 in 6 Australians are affected by hearing loss. By 2050, one in four Australians are expected to have some kind of hearing loss. [1] They can be your employees, customers or part of your social network.
- There are approximately 30,000 Deaf Auslan users with total hearing loss [1]
- Hearing loss is the second most common health condition experienced by Australians [1]
- This increase is largely due to an aging population but increasing exposure to dangerous leisure noise is another by younger Australians is a contributing factor.
- Members of the Australian Deaf Community communicate using Australian sign language known as Auslan. A common communication problem facing members of the Deaf Community is the inability of most Australians to converse with them in Auslan and the lack of availability of sign language interpreters. This group would define the social consequences of hearing loss in terms of reduced social participation in the broader community and encounters the impact of this in terms of socio-economic loss and reduced social interactions rather than perceiving it as a burdensome disease.
Sources
Except where stated otherwise, data is taken from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016, 4430.0 - Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2015, viewed 24 February 2017.
[1] 'Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia' 2006, Access Economics, viewed 24 February 2017.