Deaf Connect

Welcome to the 81st Edition of the Tap!   This week: 🏆 2024 National Disability Support Awards with Brent Phillips 📦 A new Brisbane home for Deaf Connect with Isabelle Swanston 🎆 End of the year message with Andrew Wiltshire   This is our last edition of the Tap for 2024! We're taking a little break over the holidays; we'll be back with more updates on the 16th of January. See you then!   Thank you for liking, sharing, and commenting on The Tap. Do you have a question about ‘The Tap’? Email: [email protected]

“When you see you’ve helped them build their capacity, it’s really fulfilling” Meet Lachlan, one of our passionate support workers! 💙 Lachlan has worked at Deaf Connect for five years and loves being able to create opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing participants to socialise and connect with their community, particularly for those that live alone. By communicating in Auslan, he provides access for clients to engage in activities, seek out services, and manage daily living at home, enhancing their confidence and autonomy. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gEwwvJJu This video is part of our Spotlight on Support Workers series, where we interview our support workers to share their experiences and what makes support work so meaningful at Deaf Connect. 

Deaf Space is where Deaf people come together—sharing, creating Deaf culture, and making a space that fits us. From designing buildings and spaces to moving vases off tables and pinning speakers on Zoom, Deaf Space happens both face-to-face at festivals and clubs and online in our digital spaces. We have a Deaf Space Project to explore Deaf Spaces in Australia and beyond. This project will gather information from experts and the community to identify what makes great Deaf Spaces and how to grow them. What’s next?  Community consultations across Australia in early 2025.  Findings will shape our knowledge for building stronger Deaf Spaces. Deaf Space. Your space. Your culture. 

Do you know the differences between Auslan and English? There are lots – and not always what you’d expect!  Auslan is a completely different language to English and has its own rules and structure.   Want to learn more? Join our Intro to Auslan Classes! Enrolments are open now to start studying in January. What have you always wanted to know about Auslan? 

The December edition of the Deaf Herald is here!  Dive into the latest community news, events, and important updates. This issue is filled with inspiring stories and valuable insights to wrap up the year. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gyn9qVVj If you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s the perfect time—sign up here to stay connected. 

Join us on Tuesday, 17 December for an online webinar hosted by Deaf Australia Inc, Deaf Connect Deafblind Australia, and Deafness Forum Australia. We will be sharing information about the latest NDIS legislative reforms and how they impact you. What you'll gain:  - Insights into NDIS legislative changes  - A chance to ask your questions directly to the NDIA  - Better understanding of your NDIS plan  - Tips on supporting deaf participants in your work 📅 Date: Tuesday 17 December, 2024 ⌚ Time: 7pm AEDT (TAS, VIC, ACT, NSW) | 6:30pm ADCT (SA) | 6pm AEST (QLD) | 5:30pm ACST (NT) | 4pm AWST (WA) This session is open to the Deaf community, NDIS participants, and professionals supporting them. We will provide Auslan interpreters and live captions. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gDcYmRrU

Deaf Connect is thrilled to share that our organisation received the Excellence in Service Quality award at the 2024 National Disability Awards last night!  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our participants, frontline workforce, staff, management, and board for trusting us to deliver meaningful services to our community. We would also like to thank the National Disability Services for hosting this wonderful event.   Representing our team at the event were three members of our Executive Team: Brett Casey (middle), Brent Phillips (right), and Craig McDonald (left).  Congratulations to the other award recipients—it was truly a night to remember!👏 

Welcome to the 80th Edition of the Tap! This week: 💻 NDIS Information Session: Deaf Community with Catherine Dunn 🏥 Central Adelaide Local Health Network with Rachel Lai Would you like to join the NDIS Information Session? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gDcYmRrU Thank you for liking, sharing, and commenting on The Tap. Do you have a question about ‘The Tap’? Email: [email protected]

To celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities, we’re proud to announce the launch of a new initiative, designed to make health care more accessible and equitable for the Deaf community. Starting today, the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN at SA Health) is officially launching an online Deafness Awareness Training program, developed in collaboration with Deaf Connect. This program equips health care workers with essential tools to better understand the unique needs of Deaf Australians. Through real-life scenarios, the training addresses common barriers in the health care system, debunks myths about providing adequate care, and emphasises the importance of patient-centred communication, including how to book Auslan Interpreters. Together, we’re paving the way for a more inclusive experience for all. Read more about this program here: https://lnkd.in/g4w5VDn8

This International Day of People with Disabilities, Deaf Connect celebrates the leadership of Deaf community members who are making contributions to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Deaf leaders are crucial in shaping a world where Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard-of-hearing Australians are empowered and included. Their determination and advocacy inspires us all to be champions of change, and create opportunities and initiatives that benefit the entire community. Stay tuned as we showcase some of the amazing Deaf leaders within our community! And tag someone you feel deserves recognition or share this with your networks to raise awareness! #idpwd #idpwd2024