communicateThe newsletter for Victoria’s Deafand hard of hearing people

Issue 29 May/June 2011

Important information about the Census – Page 9

Is the Deaf community really shrinking? The answer is still out there. But it is accepted that there are factors influencing the Deaf community such as closure of the Jolimont Square Social Club (JSSC), mainstreaming at schools, cochlear implants, demographic changes as Melbourne grows in size and value, technology and even booze buses!

Many people stayed behind to talk about the presentation and to reminisce about the good old days and discuss changes affecting the Deaf community. It was like JSSC all over again.

On Friday 20 May 2011, Robert Adam gave a presentation titled ‘Is the Deaf community shrinking? What is the research evidence?’ to an audience of around 80 people. The event was held at F. J. Rose Auditorium at Deaf Children Australia. This event was hosted by Victorian Council of Deaf People and supported by Vicdeaf.

The audience showed great interest in Robert’s presentation and the research work being done by his team at the Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre at University College in London. After the presentation, many people lined up to ask questions or to give opinions.

Sign of the Times XVII with Robert Adam

Photo: Is the Deaf community shrinking?

Photo: Robert with VCOD’s Jen Blyth and Melissa Lowrie and Vicdeaf’s Michael Parremore.All Photos Source: Simon O’Neill www.soneillphotography.com

Photo: The audience at F. J. Rose Auditorium.

Communicate Issue 29 | May/June 2011

Report from the CEO

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system called Microsoft Lync 2010.

Lync allows all Vicdeaf staff to communicate in their preferred language and in the way that suits them best. Lync will provide Vicdeaf staff with many ways to communicate from a single application including:

• Web Conferencing

• Audio/Video calling between computers

• Audio/Video Conferencing

• Sending SMS messages to mobile phones

• Presence and Instant Messaging

• Desktop Sharing

• Telephone/headset voice calls

Initially, Lync will be set up at Vicdeaf - East Melbourne, SensWide Employment - Queen Street, hearservice - Oakleigh and Box Hill. Staff from those offices have nearly finished their training.

This is a very exciting development and we are investigating how Lync could well reach beyond Vicdeaf staff and help communication with many other people and organizations in the future.

I will keep you posted on these and other changes as much as possible.

Regards,

Graeme KellyChief Executive Officer

Editor’s Note:

For more information about NDIS, go to the website: www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/way_forward/Documents/national.htm

For more information about the ‘Every Australian Counts’ campaign, go to the website: everyaustraliancounts.com.au

For more information about Microsoft Lync 2010, go to the website: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Lync

Hello everybody,

There is change in the air and the change is good. Some is just in the planning stage and some is already happening and I’m sure there is more to come. Here are a couple of important examples.

Reform in the Disability Sector in AustraliaIn the last edition of Communicate, I commented on the Productivity Commission draft report on Disability Care and Support and the clear need for change for an improved sector in the future. Vicdeaf is financially supporting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) campaign called ‘Every Australian Counts’ because we believe those people who should benefit from services should also have more say in who provides those services.

We also want to see stronger involvement of Deaf and hard of hearing Victorians in the debate and accessing good quality information about the NDIS. To support that involvement, Vicdeaf hosted an Information Forum for our community, in conjunction with National Disability Services and VCOD, for the community on Monday 18 April 2011.

There is obviously still a long way to go and I am encouraged by the Victorian Government’s commitment to be a leader in ‘piloting’ the scheme in Victoria. Vicdeaf will continue to support the NDIS and we are keen to work with the Victorian Government in conjunction with the community.

New ‘Lync’ Communications System at VicdeafAs part of the implementation of our 2010-15 Strategic Plan, we are currently setting up a new Vicdeaf communications

2011 Christmas Rally – WilliamstownVicdeaf wishes to announce details for this year’s annual Christmas Rally.

L. A. Parker Reserve, Williamstown Beach Sunday 4 December, 2011 11.00 am – 3.00 pmL. A. Parker Reserve is next to Williamstown Botanical Gardens and Fearon Reserve (Cricket/football oval) and there are plenty of tall pine trees at L. A. Parker Reserve providing lots of shade.

There is plenty of free car parking on Osborne Street and surrounding areas. Williamstown Beach railway station is only a very short walk away.

Please mark the date in your diary to attend what has become a very popular event in the Deaf and hard of hearing community and of course, we will get to see Deaf Santa again!

More details will appear in coming Communicate newsletters and on the Vicdeaf website closer to the date. Don’t miss out!

May/June 2011 | Communicate Issue 29

Editorial

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Deaf Migrants complete Auslan coursesArticle by Selwyn Hoffmann

The eight week course Auslan for Deaf migrants ended with a presentation ceremony where students were awarded certificates.

The students all migrated to Australia from countries such as Turkey, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Bhutan. Bhutan is in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains, between Tibet and India.

The students are looking forward to their next course, Auslan Level Two and good luck to Deaf migrant students!

For any enquiries about the Auslan courses for Deaf migrants, contact the Independent Living Skills Team Leader, Victoria Tanner-Dench.

Email: vtannerdench@vicdeaf.com.au

Ph: 9473 1168 SMS: 0402 304 188

Editorial PolicyCommunicate 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 reserve 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.

Photo: Omer, Prasad, Yahya, Teresa (Auslan tutor), Dane, Meriam and Kala.Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Hello and welcome to the May/June 2011 issue of Communicate. Winter and the AFL footy season are well and truly here!

Vicdeaf’s other newsletter called ‘Under the Gaslight’is back! It used to be called eNews and released every month. It was out of action for a few months as part of the new website redevelopment. ‘Under the Gaslight’ is worth reading and shows a list of events for the month ahead, as well as some news and community noticeboard. If you wish to receive ‘Under the Gaslight’ newsletters via email, please go to our website and subscribe, it’s very easy.

It has been a very busy few months as we continue to build on the new website. We are removing any bugs or glitches we find on the website, so if you find you are experiencing problems , we’d love to hear from you. There is a Feedback button on the website, please click on that and let us know.

A lot has been happening in the community. There was Deaf Australia’s 2nd National Conference and 25th Anniversary Celebrations in Hobart, which was a resounding success. Well done to Deaf

Australia! Read more about it on pages 6 & 7.

Preparations for the 2012 Australian Deaf Games are gathering speed, as it is now only 7 months away. More information about the Games can be found on page 11.

Well known Deaf person, Robert Adam visited us from London and gave an excellent presentation titled ‘Is the Deaf Community shrinking – What is the research evidence?’ I attended the presentation and found it very interesting. You can read about that on the front page.

There are also many Deaf sporting news and events happening. If you want to receive more information, make sure you subscribe to receive newsletters from Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria (DSRV) and Deaf Sports Australia (DSA). For DSRV, go to www.dsrv.com.au and join their mailing list. For DSA, go to www.deafsports.org.au and click on subscribe.

Census Night is only 2 months away, and there is some important information for all Deaf and hard of hearing people. Read the information on page 9 and spread the word amongst your family and friends.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage our readers to write a story for publication in

Communicate, so if you have an interesting story you’d like to share with the community, please send an email to info@vicdeaf.com.au

Enjoy reading Communicate and keep warm over the winter months.

Michael ParremoreEditor

Communicate Issue 29 | May/June 2011

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Young Deaf Leaders workshop

Tinnitus in the Profoundly Deaf Population

Vicdeaf is looking for profoundly deaf people to answer a survey about deafness and tinnitus.

The aim of this research is to find out how many people with a profound hearing loss have tinnitus and what their experience of tinnitus is like.

We are interested in a variety of information and answers so if you are profoundly deaf, please participate in this survey whether you have tinnitus or not.

If you would like to participate in the research please visit the Vicdeaf website www.vicdeaf.com.au and follow the links to answer the questions.

In November 2010, a dynamic group of eleven young Deaf and hard of hearing leaders got together for a weekend to learn about leadership, self confidence, and thinking outside the square. Each person in this group chose a project to work on after the Retreat.

A follow-up one day workshop was held at the Victorian College for the Deaf on Saturday 7th May 2011 with the same group of people to discuss how each project went. We had two excellent guest speakers: Andrew Welshe & Kim Kavanagh talk about motivation, expectations and planning. This was followed by several hands-on activities which put theory into practice.

Feedback from participants about the workshop was positive. It gave everyone motivation and confidence to do more with their projects. The workshop ended with an informal dinner at the Belgian Beer Café. Vicdeaf CEO Graeme Kelly joined us and met the Young Deaf leaders.

Here is a summary of individual projects…

Janelle Riding & Maria Broom (Tapinos) gave presentations on Leadership & Healthy Eating respectively at several schools in Brisbane. They plan to expand by visiting more schools and look into making resources accessible for Deaf people.

Siobhan McAlary set up a Reading Group for Deaf & hard of hearing students in Newcastle and it is going well. She has plans to expand it.

Vanessa Ravlich is working on a Deaf Youth Sexual Health Education project.

Kylie Beasley is in the planning stages of a sports camp for Deaf youths aged 12 – 17.

Ayden Graham is looking at several activities for regional Deaf people to get together and socialise. He has written to Village Cinemas asking for Shepparton to have access to open captioned movies.

Natasha Ravlich is looking at developing a Deaf youth page on Vicdeaf’s website.

Josh Sealy and Erica Dawson are looking at establishing Youth Groups in Sydney & Melbourne respectively.

Roundtable

On 12 May, Gavin Balharrie and I met with our colleagues from Deaf Society NSW: Colin Allen & Katrina Lancaster as well as Dana Pitt from Tasmania. We discussed possible steps forward for young Deaf people. Watch this space!

Thank you

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful mentors: Jen Blyth, Medina Sumovic and Brent Phillips for their time and enthusiasm to mentor young Deaf leaders of tomorrow!

And to all the amazing young people listed above, as well as Ellen Fraser-Barbour (SA) and Caitlin Johnston (Qld) for their enthusiasm, commitment and maturity. Don’t give up - you guys rock!

Natalie SandonYDL Project Coordinator, Vicdeaf

Photo: Building a bridge as part of group work. Foreground: Janelle Riding, Erica Dawson & Vanessa Ravlich. Far right: Josh Sealy. Background: Maria Broom, Kylie Beasley & Ayden Graham. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Participants at the one-day workshop. L to R: Vanessa Ravlich, Brent Phillips, Erica Dawson, Andrew Welshe, Ayden Graham, Kim Kavanagh & Josh Sealy. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

May/June 2011 | Communicate Issue 29

Emergency Auslan interpreting

service available now!

SLC VIC and VITS collaborate to provide an Afterhours Emergency

Auslan Interpreting Service

If a Deaf person is in an emergency afterhours situation i.e. at a hospital; police station or in court; VITS will provide a Professional Level 3 interpreter.

This service operates from 6pm to 8am Monday to Friday; all day Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.

This is not a free service; the booking client (Hospital; Police; Court) will be charged for the interpreting.

THIS SERVICE IS FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.THIS SERVICE IS FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.Should an emergency arise people need to contact:

NRS users: TTY 133677 and ask for 03 9280 1955Internet users: www.relayservice.com.au

and ask for 03 9280 1955Voice: 03 9280 1955

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Communicate Issue 29 | May/June 2011

Deaf Australia’s 2nd National Conference and 25th Anniversary Celebration in Hobart

Photo: Colin Allen announces his running for WFD Presidency. Photo Source: Garvo Studios.

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Article by Michael Parremore

As a representative of Vicdeaf, I attended the 3-day National Conference held at Hobart’s Hotel Grand Chancellor on 13-15 May 2011. I found the Conference very informative and met many people. My responsibility was to take notes of sessions I attended and keep up to date with what is happening in the Deaf community. I also used this opportunity to network with many people from interstate.

Welcome – Ann Darwin

On Friday morning, Deaf Australia’s President Ann Darwin gave a warm welcome and spoke about the theme of the conference ‘From Little Things, Big Things Grow’. Ann used growing trees in a forest as an example of seeing the Deaf community grow and Deaf leaders prosper, it was a great welcome.

Senator Jan McLucas – Budget 2011

Senator Jan McLucas also gave a warm welcome and outlined the 2011 Budget measures, which will impact on Deaf children and their families. Examples include the $12,000 in early intervention funding for each child with “hearing impairments” (rural areas to access extra $2,000 for transport to vital services) as part of the Better Start for Children program and new Medicare items to relieve pressure on families such as audiology and speech therapy.

Colin Allen running for WFD President

Next, Colin Allen, a board member of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) since 2003 and current Director of Services at The Deaf Society of New South Wales announced his running for President of the WFD. Colin said that he is one of 3 candidates for the presidency and has started a campaign website to attract votes from 131 member countries. The address is www.colinallen.info. Voting will take place in July 2011 in South Africa.

Markku Jokinen – Current WFD President

The current WFD President, Markku Jokinen gave an excellent presentation about his experiences as WFD President, having visited 65 countries! Markku said that there are 70 million Deaf people worldwide and only 4 paid staff working for WFD! He has often been asked which is the best country in the world for Deaf people to live. He could not answer that question as many countries have different benefits for Deaf people. Markku said that Deaf people in developed countries like Australia are not necessarily better

Photo: Markku presents at the conference. It was easy to view the interpreter and read live captions. Photo Source: Garvo Studios.

May/June 2011 | Communicate Issue 29

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off than Deaf people in poorer countries. He cited that sign language was more prevalent in poor countries than developed countries.

One example is Nepal. Nepal is a poor country with basic living standards, yet they have a Deaf Minister of Parliament (MP). This is something Australia doesn’t have. The benefit is that the Deaf MP is well placed to network and advocate for Deaf people at a political level, creating positive results for Deaf Nepalese.

The other example is Costa Rica. It is a poor country in South America, but their government recognises Costa Rican sign language and includes in school curriculum. Again this is something Australia doesn’t have.

The last example is Brazil. Their education standards for Deaf people are high, they go on to receive doctorates or PhDs and become leaders in their own country.

Markku said that knowledge is more powerful than money and “with no education, people will have no power; with little information, people will have little influence”. Markku gave the audience something to think about their direction to improve the quality of life for Deaf Australians.

Robert Sparrow - Culture, Cochlear Implants and Genetic Testing

Robert Sparrow who works for the Centre for Human Bioethics at Monash University gave a presentation titled ‘Culture, Cochlear Implants and Genetic Testing’. He gave an insight about what would happen to Deaf culture if the Deaf gene were removed from an embryo. A scary thought indeed and provoked many discussions afterwards.

Markku – Deaf education

On Saturday morning, Markku gave an international perspective about the state of Deaf education. Markku acknowledges there is much work to be done, but can be done effectively. It is important that schools worldwide, whether it is a Deaf school, or a school with Deaf facility or a mainstream school, recognises and values diversity within the Deaf students and that they enjoy full rights to language, culture, community and choices. To make this work, governments will need to have proper legislation and schools to have good management programs in place.

Robert Adam - Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre

Robert Adam came from England to give an interesting presentation about current research in the UK. Robert works at the Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL) at University College London. It is well known that the left side of the brain is used for language and memory and

right side of the brain more visual and memory. Researchers have been able to prove using MRI scans of the brain, that the brain works in similar ways between hearing and Deaf people when listening to spoken language (for hearing) and watching sign language (for Deaf). Researchers working at DCAL have found a lot of ‘activity’ on the left side of the brain, used for language recognition and memory, despite sign language being a visual language. Robert said this is useful information when advocating for sign language to be recognised as a language! Robert also said that there is an area at the back of the brain, which shows ‘activity’ when hearing people read. This same area shows ‘activity’ when Deaf people watch fingerspelling! So keep reading fingerspelling!

Conference Dinner

On Saturday evening, there was a Conference Dinner, celebrating 25 years of Deaf Australia. MC Janelle Riding (QLD) facilitated the evening, which included speeches from Ann Darwin, Colin Allen, Breda Carty, Kyle Miers and Robert Adam and a photo presentation of Australian Association of the Deaf/Deaf Australia over the years. Todd Wright from NSW ran an auction with the proceeds going to Deaf Australia. All had a great night.

Employment: Maximising Deaf people’s employment opportunities and workplace participation

On Sunday morning, I attended the session titled ‘Employment: Maximising Deaf people’s employment opportunities and workplace participation’. Information included the Employment Assistance Fund, tips for applying for a job, tips for job interviews and backgrounds from two Deaf managers, Todd Wright and Gavin Balharrie. There were many questions asked in relation to the Employment Assistance Fund and their benefits for Deaf people.

Deaf Professionals Network VIC presentations

My colleague at Vicdeaf, Natalie Sandon gave an excellent presentation about how and why Deaf Professionals Network VIC was established. Gavin Balharrie and myself also gave a presentation about Professional/personal boundaries for Deaf professionals, another Deaf Professionals Network VIC event, but this time for a national audience.

Before I knew it, the conference ended and many people rushed their goodbyes and headed off to the airport to catch their flights home. It was a fantastic and successful Conference and congratulations to Deaf Australia for a job well done. Also I wish to thank Vicdeaf for giving me the opportunity to attend the conference.

Photo: Ann Darwin closes the 2nd National Conference to applause from the audience.Photo Source: Garvo Studios.

Photo: Markku Jokinen (WFD President), Senator Jan McLucas (Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers), Ann Darwin (Deaf Australia President) and Karen Lloyd (Deaf Australia Executive Officer) at the conference. Photo Source: Garvo Studios.

Communicate Issue 29 | May/June 2011

Green. Snap. Fresh. Moomba Parade 2011On Monday 14th March 2011, 15 Deaf teenagers danced in the Moomba Parade along with 50 other young people down Swanston Street in the city. They were filmed, photographed and appeared all over the news!

This project was the creative initiative of Sue Broadway, Artistic Director of the Moomba Parade. Sue was keen to engage the Deaf community in mainstream events.

The project began in January 2011 with the support of Footscray Community Arts Centre, City of Melbourne, Deaf Children Australia, Dig Deep (Victorian Arts Centre), Deaf Arts Network, Vicdeaf and the Moomba Festival.

With a complex choreography created by award-winning dancer Demi Sorono with music about saving the environment, the dance was a funky mix of hip hop and rapping in Auslan. Rehearsals were held every Saturday throughout February and March and the young dancers were fantastic and all had a great time. Even other young

Deaf people came to watch the rehearsals. It was like a little Deaf youth club hang out!

The key to the success of this project was the creative team behind the project because most of them knew Auslan and how to engage the community appropriately.

The dedication of Project Manager Mary Quinsacara, Demi Sorono and her Deaf sister Lorraine Sorono (who is a dancer in Deaf Can Dance), the Auslan interpreters Lynn Gordon and Sandra Remedio (who had both interpreted for Deaf Can Dance), Stage Manager Maxine Buxton (who is a dance teacher and Auslan Interpreter) and Moomba Team Leader Jodee Mundy (who is a professional performing artist and has a Deaf family) all worked hard to make sure the environment was Deaf friendly, creative and inspiring. Well done team. Well done young peeps!! And well done Moomba Parade! Stay tuned for the video clip! Join Green. Snap. Fresh. Moomba 2011 on Facebook for more details.

Photo: Dancers participating at the Moomba parade. Photo Source: Jodee Mundy.

A personal account of work experience at VicdeafArticle by Olivia Woods Year 10 Student, Yarra Valley Grammar School

What an awesome week! Work experience at Vicdeaf has been fantastic.

When I arrived on day one of my work experience, I was very apprehensive, but soon realised that I needn’t have worried. Everybody at Vicdeaf has made me so welcome - and kept me very busy!

During the week, I have done research for the Information Services team, filing, sorted out documents and magazines - some from as far back as 1854, more filing, observed

a presentation in Auslan and did some more filing. The highlight of my week (no, not filing!), was having the opportunity to observe an audiology appointment.

I have really enjoyed communicating with the deaf staff using my limited knowledge of Auslan, and now know many more signs than I did at the start of the week.

Thank you to everybody at Vicdeaf for your help and support throughout my work experience - I have had an amazing week and learned such a lot. I hope to catch up with you all during my school holidays later this year when I return as a volunteer.

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May/June 2011 | Communicate Issue 29

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If you do, you should make a complaint, so the TV stations can look into it and fix it. But before you do lodge a complaint, make sure that the problem you are having is not caused by poor reception (scrambled captions on more than one channel are a typical example of this).

How to lodge a complaint?

When making a complaint about captions, make sure you give enough information for the TV network to investigate it properly. You should:

• Note the date and time of the program.

• Describe the problem (e.g. hanging captions, intermittent captions, captions too fast to read, generally poor captions, no captions).

• If your complaint is to a free-to-air station, note whether you are watching on analog or digital.

Where to lodge a complaint?

Complaint about captions on commercial free-to-air stations, e.g. Seven, Nine, Ten, WIN and Southern Cross:

• Go to the Free TV Complaints webpage - www.freetv.com.au/Content_Common/OnlineComplaintStep1.aspx

Complaint about captions on ABC:

• Go to the ABC Complaints webpage - www.abc.net.au/contact/complain.htm

Complaint about captions on SBS:

• Go to the SBS Complaints webpage - www20.sbs.com.au/complaints/

Complaint about captions on FOXTEL

• Go to the FOXTEL Complaints webpage - www.foxtel.com.au/support/feedback-complaints/customer-advocate/default.htm

Media Access Australia wants to know about your complaint

Media Access Australia (MAA) wants to know about caption problems, so after you have lodged your complaint with the TV network, send MAA an email at info@mediaaccess.org.au and give details. If it is a complaint that requires immediate action, MAA will try to follow it up for you.

You can also complain to the Australian Communications and Media Authority

At any time, you may send complaints about captions to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). ACMA is the government body that regulates the TV stations. If you do not get a response from the TV station (it could take a few weeks), then you can also go to the ACMA and submit the complaint.

The ACMA should then formally respond and tell you what they are going to do about your complaint.

For more information about sending a complaint to ACMA, go to the webpage - www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_90140

Are you having caption problems at home?

What is the Census?

The Government wants information about everyone in Australia. The Government uses the information to help people, including Deaf people. It is very important that you do the census.

How does it work?

There are two ways to complete your Census form.

1. Paper Form – A Census Collector will visit your home. They will give you a paper form with questions. At least one person in your house must answer the questions. When you have answered all the questions, the Collector will come and get the paper form.

2. eCensus – The eCensus is a secure, quick and easy way to complete your form online.

When is the next Census?

The next Census will take place on Tuesday night, 9 August 2011.

Do you use sign language at home?

In the Census, there will be a question asking what language you speak at home. If you use sign language at home, make sure you write down ‘Auslan’. This is very important as this information can lead to improved community service for Deaf people.

More information?

Check the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for more information about the Census. www.abs.gov.au

Important information about the 2011 Census

Communicate Issue 29 | May/June 2011

Vicdeaf would like to offer sincere condolences to the families of those who have recently passed away. They are the families of :

Giovanni (John) Furno

Condolences

Public Relations ReportGaslight Awards applications now openIf you were at the 2010 Vicdeaf Christmas Rally you will remember the presentation of the first Gaslight Awards for outstanding contributions to the Victorian Deaf Society since its inception in 1883/84.

The first awards were made to acknowledge contributions for the period 1883-1909 (award made to the Muir brothers) and for the period 1909-1934 (Mrs Daisy Muir).

We now wish to proceed with another two time periods; 1934-1959 and 1959-1984. The eligibility criteria and application form are on the Vicdeaf website and we encourage you to consider people, groups or organisations who have made important contributions to Vicdeaf over the years and nominate them for this award.

The Awards will be presented at this year’s Vicdeaf Christmas Rally.

Vicdeaf ‘Christmas in July’ dinner danceWe are going to celebrate white Christmas this year with a ‘Christmas in July’ celebration. This will be our annual dinner dance for 2011, and will be held at the fabulous Sky High Restaurant up on top of Mt Dandenong. Our event will be held on Friday 22 July, and the cost is just $65.00 per person, and this includes a three course Christmas dinner and your first drink.

There will be prizes, entertainment, music, silent auctions and lots of fun, so plan to be there and book as soon as you can. We only have 180 places available and bookings are already coming in. Why not book a table and

invite your friends and family to join you in this extraordinary fun event.

Major Gifts Fundraising campaignFinally, with the launch of hearcentre in March this year, we are now conducting a Major Gifts Fundraising campaign and would love to hear from anyone who may be able to assist us in raising the 1 million dollars (of the total $1.6 million) we are seeking through personal and philanthropic donations. We would be happy to discuss this matter at any time and ask you to contact our department for a confidential chat. The following extract will help to clarify the purpose we are pursuing.

3.8 million Australians (or one in six people) are affected by hearing loss. This number is growing dramatically and is expected to reach one in four people by 2050 - Listen Hear Report, Access Economics 2006

Vicdeaf is committed to addressing this issue by establishing the hearcentre to work in collaboration with its partners on internationally-relevant research, development of specialized services, communication and treatment strategies and develop innovative education campaigns to help reduce the incidence of preventable hearing loss.

David OliverManager, Community Relations and Development

Communicate is a bi-monthly print newsletter. It is a source of news and information relating to Deaf and hard of hearing issues. Want to receive Communicate? Please fill in your details and post to us.

eNews is a monthly electronic newsletter. It is an excellent source of upcoming events and important information. Want to receive eNews (via email only)? Please fill in your details and post to us:

Post to: Vicdeaf Communication Coordinator, Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 or you can subscribe over the internet. Simply go to www.vicdeaf.com.au and subscribe.

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May/June 2011 | Communicate Issue 29

The Australian Communication Exchange (ACE) launched the new Smart Auslan service at the National Sports Museum in Melbourne. The museum is located at Gate 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Deaf and hard of hearing visitors can now enjoy the museum where Auslan videos with captions are shown at every exhibit where there is an audio component.

Visitors can either pick up a handset from the museum counter or download the application free to your Android phone via www.smartauslan.com.au or the Android marketplace. When the handset is pointed at the Quick Response code (see picture 2 below) on the exhibit, the device plays an Auslan video with captions.

With the 2012 Australian Deaf Games (2012ADG) only 7 months away, preparations are in full swing, with the 2012ADG Games Organising Committee (GOC) launching their second newsletter recently.

RegistrationFor those who are attending the Games, they must pay the Games Registration Fee. For those who are playing in a sport, they must also pay the Sports Entry Fee.

The Games Registration Fees are now available for payment. Currently the Early Bird Rate is being offered at the cost of $139 for Adults, $119 for Concession Card holders, $99 for Youths and free for children under 12 years old. This will expire on 30 June 2011, so take advantage of the cheap rate. After 30 June, prices will rise to the standard rate. This Fee will give you access to opening and closing ceremonies, Games bag and free entry to all sports and Games Hub.

You can register for the Games online, or by mail, or by fax. Go to www.austdeafgames.org.au for more information.

Oceania involvementThe GOC have announced that there will be athletes from New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa participating at the Games.

iAuslanDeaf Sports Australia (DSA) has developed a partnership with iAuslan. There will be more Auslan content on the 2012ADG website. Go to www.austdeafgames.org.au

AccommodationJanuary 2012 is a busy time in Geelong with other major events happening, so please be sure to book accommodation as soon as possible. The 2012ADG website will show

accommodation options you can contact. Go to www.austdeafgames.org.au

Joining your state teamIf you want to find out about joining your state team, contact Meg Aumann, Coordinator - Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria on Email: info@dsrv.com.au

VolunteersVolunteers are an important part of the Games’ success and the GOC are looking for volunteers to help out in various jobs. If you are interested, contact Paula Thornton on Email: paula.thornton@austdeafgames.org.au

NewsletterIf you want to receive newsletters about the 2012ADG, contact DSA on Email: dsa@deafsports.org.au

At the launch, Deaf and hard of hearing people were amazed at how easy it was to use. To view a YouTube video of the launch, go to www.youtube.com/user/aceinfonewsletter. ACE plans to encourage other museums and galleries to adopt the Smart Auslan technology for Deaf and hard of hearing visitors.

Come and visit the National Sports Museum to view the exhibits and use Smart Auslan! Visit their website to find out opening times and other information www.nsm.org.au

For more information about Smart Auslan, contact ACE:

TTY: 133677 then quote 1300 133 968Ph: 1300 133 968Email: info@smartauslan.com.au

2012 Australian Deaf Games Update – Only 7 months to go

Museum accessibility breakthrough with Smart Auslan

Photo: Robyn Larkin at Lawn Bowls. Photo Source: Deaf Sports Australia.

1 Pick up the handset at the museum counter or use your own Android phone.

2 Walk to a display and scan a Quick Response code (QR Code). 3 The phone plays an Auslan

video with captions.

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Communicate Issue 29 | May/June 2011

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Victorian Deaf Society

Level 4, 340 Albert Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002TTY: (03) 9473 1199; Voice: (03) 9473 1111; Fax: (03) 9473 1122Email: info@vicdeaf.com.auToll-free for country people, TTY: 1300 780 235, Voice: 1300 780 225

Vicdeaf office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5.00pmRegional offices: Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Sale and WangarattaPatrons: Professor David de Kretser, AO and Mrs. Jan de Kretser

www.vicdeaf.com.auPrinted on 100% Recycled Paper

Sports News2011 National Deaf Tennis ChampionshipsArticle by Glen Flindell

Early April, all of Australia’s leading Deaf tennis players participated in the championships held on clay courts at the National Sports Club in Canberra.

Most competitors stayed at the Australian Institute of Sport which allowed for a truly professional atmosphere and the Victorian contingent put in a strong showing at the tournament.

In the Ladies Singles, Carolyn Nixon finished runner up to her highly fancied Japanese opponent Ayami Sato while Kathy Sakellarios took out the Ladies Consolation Singles. Carolyn and Kathy then teamed up to take out the Ladies Doubles title after a couple of tight matches.

Victorians Glen Flindell won the Mens Singles while Stephen Swann reached the semi final. Glen and Stephen then combined to wrap up the Mens Doubles against their fellow Deaflympic teammates and extend their undefeated streak to 10 years.

The Mens events were unique in that international ranking points were on offer for the first time as part of a new initiative by the Deaflympics committee for tennis which added to the intensity of the competition and ensured that all gave their best.

Despite being hampered by heavy rain on the second day, we managed to complete the tournament and all had a

great time. The next National Deaf Tennis Championships will be held at the 2012 Australian Deaf Games in Geelong. Check out our website for more information www.deaftennisaustralia.org

Ladies Singles - Ayami Sato

Mens Singles - Glen Flindell

Ladies Doubles - C. Nixon/K. Sakellarios

Mens Doubles - G. Flindell/S. Swann

Mixed Doubles - A. Sato/J. Lui

Ladies Consolation Singles - Kathy Sakellarios

Mens Consolation Singles - Michael Louey

O. R. Redman Shield in PerthVictoria Devils vs Allies

Saturday 4 June, 2011

Kingsway Football Club, Skeit Rd, Kingsway

Captain: Scott Masterson

Vice Captain: Matthew Bisognano

Coach: Matthew Harvey

Assistant Coach: Peter McCormick

Team Manager: Steve May

Deaf Football Australia Women’s Squad Training for 2011 World Cup

and 2013 Deaflympics

Sat 25 & Sun 26 June, 2011

Hays Paddock Ground, off Longstaff Street, East Kew

Cost: $100 including 4 training sessions, lunches, drinks and Deaf Football Australia membership

RSVP: 10 June, contact Alexander Straub

Email: mralexanderstraub@gmail.com

Website: www.deaffootballaustralia.com.au

Photo: Kathy Sakellerios, Carolyn Nixon and Ayami Sato. Photo Source: Glen Flindell.

Photo: Stephen Swann and Glen Flindell. Photo Source: Glen Flindell.