communicateThe newsletter for Victoria’s Deafand hard of hearing people

Issue 37 Sep/Oct 2012

An interview with Vicdeaf CEO Christine Mathieson – Page 2

Article by Michael Parremore

This year’s The Other Film Festival has been popular with many Deaf and hard of hearing community members. They enjoyed the high level of accessibility of the Festival, which included Auslan interpreters at speeches,

forums, workshops and other sessions and roving interpreters at social events. All films shown were captioned and the venue was equipped with an audio loop.The Other Film Festival was established in 2004 and is Australia’s only international disability film festival. It has developed a reputation for its high level of accessibility and is well known for delivering an international program of screenings, discussions and forums focusing on the lived experience of disability.The Other Film Festival was held from 19-23 September and included 19 sessions. Most of those sessions screened international short films featuring or made by people with a disability. The Festival was organised by Arts Access Victoria’s Festival Director Rick Randall.“The Other Film Festival has an important to role to play for everyone. Although each of us experience the world in a different way, we should all have the opportunity to enjoy cinema and festivals in the same way” Rick said.Three sessions showed films about Deaf people. Deaf Arts Network Coordinator, Ross Onley-Zerkel managed those three film sessions.“Choosing Deaf films for the Festival is a big task. Many films were sourced from around the world and given to a select group of Deaf reviewers who came back with a list of recommendations. This way patrons enjoy the best Deaf films available” Ross said.The Festival was well supported by the Australian and Victorian Governments, City of Melbourne, Screen Australia and Film Victoria. Vicdeaf also proudly supported the Festival and provided Sign Language training to Arts Access Victoria staff and Festival volunteers.

Deaf community member Veronique Swan attended the Festival and watched the Deaf film sessions on Thursday and Saturday.“It was fantastic because I can watch different short films rather than Hollywood movies. I enjoyed watching the films about Deaf people. They were of a really high standard and it was very pleasing to watch them in sign language.”“These films are great examples to create awareness about disability. For example, if everyone watched a film about Deaf people, they will gain a better understanding of their culture and language. When they do meet Deaf people, their experience will help them to focus on the person and not the disability” Veronique said.Arts House at North Melbourne Town Hall hosted the Festival and many patrons also attended ‘The Other Club’, a social venue that served coffee, beers and offered a delicious menu. ‘The Other Club’ also included a photo gallery featuring works from Rick Guidotti and spontaneous performances. On the Friday night the ‘Thoughtful Song Society’ came to put together ideas from the patrons about the Festival to form songs and gave a performance.Valuable workshops were provided for local Deaf filmmakers. One was the Masterclass with emerging filmmaker William Mager. Based in London, William works as a producer/director at the BBC. The other was a Deaf Filmmakers workshop held over 5 days with Brent Macpherson (NZ) and Sofya Gollan (NSW). Participants were taught skills in script writing, directing and producing a short film.“There are very few Deaf Australian filmmakers and no Australian Deaf films at the Festival, I hope the workshops will encourage those to create films for the next Festival” Ross said.

The Other Film Festival grows in popularity

Photo: MC Adam Elliot (Festival Patron) entertains the audience at the launch of The Other Film Festival. Photo Source: Jorge Araujo.

Photo: Festival Director Rick Randall with interpreters Jodee Mundy (signing in BSL) and Nic Maher (signing in Auslan). Photo Source: Jorge Araujo.

Communicate Issue 37 | Sep/Oct 2012

An interview with Christine Mathieson

Natalie: Great, sounds fantastic. Now can I ask you some personal questions? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Chris: I enjoy footy and I go to a lot of games. I am a Collingwood member and I enjoy watching them play. I also enjoy cooking, going to the market and choosing what I am going to prepare and having people over for dinner. I am also interested in cars as I like driving. I really enjoy driving long distances.

Natalie: Vicdeaf is having a Christmas Rally on Sunday 2nd December, will you be there?

Chris: Absolutely! I have heard a lot about the rally and look forward to meeting members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in a relaxed setting.

Natalie: Thank you very much for giving up your time for the interview today.

Chris: My pleasure.

Natalie Sandon met up with Christine Mathieson for an interview just days after Christine started work as Vicdeaf CEO. This is a shortened version. The full Auslan video version is on the Vicdeaf website.

Natalie: You’ve only been with us a short time, how have you settled in and what were your first impressions?

Chris: I have been really impressed with the staff that I have met and the way things are done at Vicdeaf. It is very different for me because I have come from the public service after 18 years. I am very excited to be starting my new role here and look forward to working together to take Vicdeaf to the next stages in raising its profile within the community and being a leader in the community sector.

Natalie: What was your role in the public sector?

Chris: My most recent role before coming here was as the Director of the Office for Disability. We were responsible for policy development for people with a disability across Victoria. I have just completed the public consultation process for the Government in relation to the new State Disability Plan, which will be in place from January next year.

Natalie: Do you have a plan for Vicdeaf in future?

Chris: The first thing for me is to understand what we do and what we are trying to do. The Board has not given me an agenda and I have no personal agenda to come in and make big changes. I am meeting staff and community members and talking to them. I have met hearservice and SensWide staff at their offices and also some quick conversations with our regional Case Managers so I can get a clear picture of what we do. I am keen to meet people not closely involved with Vicdeaf to find out what they think of Vicdeaf. For me, I think it is about getting a really strong presence in the community. Because the stronger we are and the more we can lead as a community organisation, we lift the profile of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. And ultimately that is what we are on about; better lifestyles for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Interpreter agency receives positive feedbackSign Language Communications Victoria (SLC VIC) is a professional and innovative booking service that is a part of Vicdeaf. Through SLC VIC, you can book Auslan interpreters, Deaf relay interpreters and notetakers.

We provide high quality:

• Auslan Interpreting services,

• Deaf relay interpreting services, and

• Notetaking services.

If you need any assistance with your interpreting requirements, please contact the booking office on:

SMS: 0401 775 383 Phone: 9473 1117/8

TTY: 9473 1199 Fax: 9473 1144

Email: slc_vic@slcommunications.com.au

Feedback from one of our clients, Simon Andersson:

“I would like to write to you to express my appreciation for the great service that Sign Language Communications Vic provides as a booking agency for Auslan interpreters.

I am a busy professional with a lot of work meetings that I need to find Auslan interpreters for. I want to get good quality interpreters without spending too much time organising them or dealing with paperwork. With SLC Victoria, I find their service matches my needs:

– it takes very little time through their web based service to book, cancel, keep track of or change interpreters.

– their booking officers are always very helpful, go the extra mile to find interpreters even right at the last minute, and are easy to contact via SMS or online message.

– the booking office is always operating and does not depend on a single individual.

– I have every confidence that they will respond to my booking requests and let me know if interpreters cannot be found.

– their booking office has access to a wide range of interpreters meaning that I get the interpreters most suited to me and that my bookings are very likely to be filled (an important point given the shortage of interpreters out there).”

Photo: Christine Mathieson (left) with interpreter Maxine Buxton and interviewer Natalie Sandon. Source: Vicdeaf.

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Sep/Oct 2012 | Communicate Issue 37

Editorial 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.

Submission deadlines for 2012

Friday 16 November

SUBMISSIONS WELCOMEEmail to info@vicdeaf.com.au

Hello and welcome to the September/October 2012 issue of Communicate. The football season is over and springtime has truly arrived.

This year’s National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) will be held on 20-26 October. It is a week-long national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Deaf community.

It is an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate their community, language, culture and history. Also to recognise their achievements and make the public aware of their local, state and national communities.

Deaf Australia announced the NWDP theme for 2012 is “Sign Bilingualism is a Human Right”.

There are events planned during this special week to celebrate NWDP. Make sure you check the Events listing on the Vicdeaf website.

As part of the NWDP, the Deaf Professionals Network will have their annual Business Breakfast on Wednesday 24 October at Melbourne Zoo. Guest speakers are Alice Ewing and Giles Gemmill. Both have interesting jobs and are very happy to share their stories. It is well worth attending so make sure you do register online on our website. Registrations closes on Monday 15 October so don’t miss out!

Also on Saturday 27 November, Deaf Professionals Network have formed a partnership with SensWide Employment to present ‘Successful Interview Techniques’ for Deaf and hard of hearing jobseekers at the Melbourne Deaf Expo.

See more details on the bottom of this page about the Melbourne Deaf Expo. There is plenty to see and do.

This newsletter contains some articles highlighting our new services. Make sure you read them and let people know about our new services. This newsletter also contains some stories about remarkable people I have met. They include Fr. Cyril Axelrod, the world’s only Deafblind priest and Rafi Abdurrahman Ridwan, a 10 year old Indonesion boy taking the fashion world by storm with his colourful designs.

You will enjoy reading an interview with our new CEO, Christine Mathieson on page 2. She will provide a CEO Report in the next issue of Communicate.

The next Communicate issue will be our fourth ‘newspaper’ issue. It is a big newsletter and we need more articles! If you have a story you’d like to share with our readers, please email us at info@vicdeaf.com.au

Enjoy reading Communicate and the warm weather.

Michael ParremoreEditor

Melbourne Deaf Expo and Information Forum

• Technology • Employment• Auslan • Case Management• Interpreting• Deaf Arts & Sports

• Early Intervention• Education• Aged care• Services Available• Community Support Groups • Hearing Loss Prevention

When: Saturday 27 October 2012 Time: 10.00am – 4.00pmWhere: Melbourne Showgrounds

For sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor details or for more information, contact Deaf Expo Coordinator,

David Peters at Email: dpeters@vicdeaf.com.au

www.melbournedeafexpo2012.com.au

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Communicate Issue 37 | Sep/Oct 2012

When: Sunday2December2012Time: 11.00am-3.00pmWhere:GlenferrieOval, LindaCrescent,Hawthorn

• Everybody welcome! • Limited sausage sizzle, soft drinks & water• Some umbrellas, tables & chairs on site • BYO chairs & picnic • Visit from Santa Claus for kids!

Car: Free parking at Glenferrie Oval and paid parking available in surrounding areas.Train: Glenferrie Railway Station on the Alamein, Lilydale and Belgrave Lines.Tram: Tram 16 on Glenferrie Road. (Melb Uni - Kew via St Kilda Beach route)

For enquiries or more information, contact Vicdeaf Email: info@vicdeaf.com.auTTY: 03 9473 1199Ph: 03 9473 1111Fax: 03 9473 1122

Check website for more information: www.vicdeaf.com.au

Christmas Rally

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Sep/Oct 2012 | Communicate Issue 37

National Disability Insurance Scheme UpdateThe Australian Government says they are working hard to make the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) a reality.

The Government has announced the creation of a NDIS Launch Transition Agency. The Agency is now seeking expressions of interest from people with a disability, as well as people who have worked with or supported people with a disability, to work for them in one of the NDIS launch sites.

There will be a variety of employment opportunities at the Agency, including management, leadership and finance roles, local area coordinators and customer service officers.

These positions will be available across all five launch locations and are expected to start from early to mid-2013, with a small number starting in the coming weeks or months.

Expression of Interest forms can be downloaded from www.ndis.gov.au

If you have anything to say about what the NDIS should look like, you can provide feedback on the ‘NDIS - Your Say’ online forum (www.yoursay.ndis.gov.au) or by participating in one of the many forum sessions being run across the country by the National Disability and Carer Alliance.

Deaf Victoria recently held an NDIS forum. If you have missed out, you can contact Deaf Victoria on melissa.lowrie@deafvictoria.org.au

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Article by Omer Eralp

My name is Omer Eralp. I was born in Melbourne to Turkish parents. I have two sisters, one of whom is Deaf like me. When I was ten years old, my family moved to Turkey. When I went to high school in Turkey, my parents opened a stationery shop. I spent a lot of time working at the shop but I didn’t like it. I always wanted to study IT so I went to university.

Because of my deafness, life in Turkey was not easy for me. It was difficult to find a job. So I decided to come back to my country of birth, Australia. I believed Australia was the best place for my future. However, I also found it difficult to find a job in Australia. I enrolled in more courses, one of which was sign language. I went to Kangan Institute to learn Auslan.

While I went to Kangan Institute, I found I had some free time so I decided to go to Vicdeaf and see if they had volunteer work available. Lucky for me they did! So I spent some time at Vicdeaf helping them to set up a library. I also got to know Vicdeaf staff and learn more Auslan too.

I enjoy the volunteer work at Vicdeaf and the staff are very friendly.

How to volunteer at Vicdeaf?Volunteers play a very important part at Vicdeaf in many of the services and activities we provide, and are very grateful for

Photo: Omer at the Vicdeaf library. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: Members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community at the NDIS Rally at Federation earlier this year. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Omer volunteers at Vicdeaf

their time and generosity. If you are interested in volunteering at Vicdeaf, you can visit our website and fill out an expression of interest form. The volunteer coordinator will receive your expression of interest and contact you with further information.

Communicate Issue 37 | Sep/Oct 2012

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Fr. Axelrod, the world’s only Deafblind priestArticle by Michael Parremore

Father Cyril Axelrod CSSR is a Deafblind Catholic priest. He is the only recorded Deafblind priest in history. He is an author and has written a book titled, ‘And the journey begins’. He was born in South Africa to Orthodox Jewish parents but now lives in London.

Fr. Axelrod came to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and gave a series of lectures, workshops and Mass services at the Ephpheta Centre in Sydney, John Pierce Centre in Melbourne and Emmanuel Centre in Perth before flying to South Africa.

On Thursday 16 August 2012 at John Pierce Centre, Fr. Axelrodgave a public lecture and talked about his journey through life and the many challenges he faced. Fr. Axelrod was born Deaf in 1942 and in 1979, he was diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome and began to lose his sight. By 2001, he was fully Deafblind.

During the early years of his adult life, one day at Mass he noticed some Deaf parishioners were missing out what the priest was saying. “That was when I decided to become a priest,” he said. He wanted to become a rabbi but was rejected due to his deafness. At the age of 23, he converted to Catholicism. It was a difficult time in his life as his mother and the Jewish Deaf community refused to support his conversion to Catholicism. Fr. Axelrod moved to America to study Philosophy and Psychology. When he returned to South Africa, he studied at St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria for four years to become a priest. Upon completion of his studies, he reconciled with his mother and was ordained in 1970.

Fr. Axelrod began his ministry in South Africa with Deaf and Deafblind people who use over eight different sign languages. At a time when mixing races was not allowed, he helped to establish a school for black and white Deaf children in Soweto, a hostel for Deaf homeless people in Pretoria, and an employment centre in Cape Town.

In 1988 with his eyesight deteriorating, Fr. Axelrod travelled to Macau, where he set up many projects including a centre for Deaf children, the Macau Deaf Association, and a Deaf social service centre.

In 2000, Fr. Axelrod moved to the United Kingdom to learn new skills to help him prepare for life without sight. By about 2001 he had lost all his vision. Describing himself as a “modern-day hermit”, Fr. Axelrod has his own flat and lives independently. He does his own cooking and housework.

Braille on his phone, computer and doorbell enable him to communicate with the world. Personal assistants whom he calls his ‘angels’ act as interpreters and guides. Fr. Axelrod enjoys studying and reading. He goes to the gym and does Tai Chi. He is also a qualified masseur.

He is now based at the parish of Our Lady of Hal in Camden Town which is north of London. Fr. Axelrod runs Westminster Diocese of Deaf and Deafblind Services where he works to develop awareness among sighted and hearing people, and develop an outreach service for Deaf and Deafblind people and to help integrate them more into the community.

Fr. Axelrod also travels the world visiting Deaf communities and encourages others to follow his path. He has spoken in many forums such as World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), the United Nations Congress (UN) and to the Pope and the Vatican. Fr. Axelrod’s message of equality is for all people no matter what their race or belief.

He recently wrote, “The fear of the unknown can easily lead to losing faith or clinging to shyness. Jesus used the same phrase thirty-two times in the Gospel: ‘Don’t be afraid’. It is the matter of faith which strengthens one’s confidence and trust to know what is unknown. For example, it is quite natural to feel overwhelmed when not being able to understand what Deafblindness means or not knowing how to communicate with a Deafblind person. To approach and ask him or her to teach you the way of communication will melt the fear of the unknown or the shyness of meeting and talking to him or her. My message is to open hope and faith that Deafblind people receive God’s message through the kindness of sighted people and that they learn to enjoy the gift of communication with them.”

Photo: Fr. Cyril Axelrod shares his story with the audience. Adrian Doyle is the Deafblind interpreter. All Photo Sources: Vicdeaf.Photo: Fr. Cyril Axelrod tells his life story at the John Pierce Centre.

Fr. Axelrod’s book ‘And the journey begins’, can be ordered for $20 via the John Pierce Centre. For a copy of his book, please email Gail Finn on g.finn@jpc.org.au

Sep/Oct 2012 | Communicate Issue 37

10 year old boy taking fashion world by stormArticle by Michael Parremore

Recently, I have had the pleasure of meeting Rafi Abdurrahman Ridwan, a 10 year old Deaf boy and his parents from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Rafi and his parents are in Melbourne as special guests of Festival Indonesia held over the weekend of 22-23 September. The Festival showcases culture, tourism and talents of Indonesia. Rafi is a young boy with a special talent. He is a fashion designer and creates clothes for adults and children.

His mother explained that due to Rafi’s deafness, he used colour as a replacement to sound. Rafi loved drawing and found he could express himself through his colourful drawings. From the age of three onwards, he drew fishes, then mermaids and then princesses. He went on to draw different clothing styles for princesses. It was then his parents realised Rafi’s extraordinary talents and had clothing made to reflect his designs.

Fashion shows were held showcasing his designs. His home country took great interest in a young and talented fashion designer who is Deaf. With his popularity growing, Rafi held a fashion parade during Jakarta Fashion Week 2012 last November. This led to Rafi being a special guest at Festival Indonesia in Southbank, Melbourne.

“The response to Rafi’s work has been amazing. People wanted to know how Rafi could come up with unique designs. Rafi was only too happy to share his work with other people” Rafi’s mother Shinta said.

Rafi has created over 400 designs and on his ninth birthday, he wrote a letter to God a list of wishes. Some of those wishes included holding his own fashion shows, travelling the world to share his work, including fashion parades in Paris, Milan, New York and Tokyo.

“God will help me find a way to achieve my dreams” Rafi said.

Rafi has already held fashion fundraisers to financially support people who are ill to assist with medical bills. Rafi also shares his work with other Deaf children, encouraging them to express themselves through drawings. He is a young boy with a big heart!

When I asked about Rafi’s logo, his mother said the logo represented a quote Rafi said some time ago. “Look at me and know me with your heart, I am Deaf”.

You can follow Rafi on his Facebook page - www.facebook.com/rafiabdurrahman.ridwan

Or see his YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/rafideafdesigner1

Or visit Festival Indonesia at - www.festivalindonesia.com.au

Photo: Rafi shows off his designs. Photo Source: Rafi Abdurrahman Ridwan.

Photo: Rafi displays one of his colorful drawings. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

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New online hearing loss program launchedVicdeaf has collaborated with the Australian National University (ANU) to launch a new online program for people with hearing loss. The interactive web-based program, “Easier Listening”, provides an introduction to managing hearing loss by helping users to identify factors that can make hearing difficult, while providing practical strategies for managing hearing loss.

hearservice, the audiology and hearing loss management division of Vicdeaf, has collaborated with ANU to offer the program online for the first time. Matthew Grounds, hearservice Manager and Principal Audiologist, believes the Easier Listening program will help people be better informed about their options. “Completing the program will help give people more confidence to manage challenging listening situations that often arise socially and in the workplace. This program will help people to access practical strategies in the privacy of their own home, and in their own time.”

The program builds on 30 years of research and development in the field of hearing loss, and is centred on the principles of the Montreal Model of Hearing Help. “This program provides users with practical strategies by using real-life scenarios and straightforward listening tactics” says Dr Anthony Hogan

of ANU. “It encourages people to think about the way they currently manage hearing and listening situations, assess how they manage these situations and why problems sometimes arise, and learn some new ways and skills to help them to communicate more effectively.”

The program helps users to develop an action plan, and helps guide them through their options and how to navigate the different choices available to them – these might include having a hearing test, accessing the Australian Government Hearing Services Program or trialling an assistive listening device such an amplified telephone.

To complete the program, users simply create a log-in and password, and can then move through a series of interactive screens at their own leisure, logging in and out as they choose.

To celebrate its launch, there is currently no cost to complete the program. You can find out more about the program by visiting: www.hearservice.com.au/easierlistening

Communicate Issue 37 | Sep/Oct 2012

Assistive listening devices now available online

hearservice, the audiology and hearing loss management division of Vicdeaf, has proudly launched a new online shop.

The online shopping cart is now available on the hearservice website at www.hearservice.com.au and offers a range of assistive listening and alerting devices. These can be used with or without hearing aids, and include amplified telephones, television listening systems and vibrating alarm clocks. Users can browse the range of products and purchase them online.

“Our new online shop is perfect for people who find it hard to come into one of our clinics, or who want to browse products in the privacy of their own home. The online store will also make buying a device for a family member that little bit easier,” said Pina Franco, hearservice Devices Specialist. “Now, wherever you are in Australia, you can buy the device that’s right for you and have it delivered directly to your front door.”

The new online shop doesn’t replace the demonstration appointments offered by Pina across the three hearservice clinics in Box Hill, East Melbourne and Oakleigh. There is no cost for these one-hour appointments, and they provide a hands-on opportunity to trial a range of devices at no obligation.

The online shop can be accessed via the homepage of the hearservice website, or directly at:

www.hearservice.com.au/product-listing

To schedule an appointment with the hearservice Devices Specialist, please contact hearservice.

Phone 1300 30 20 31

Email info@hearservice.com.au

Sms 0412 578 871

TTY phone 133 677 and request 1300 30 20 31Photo: Some of the various assistive listening devices on display at hearservice. Photo Source: hearservice.

‘The Great Amazing Race’ comes to Vicdeaf!

Article by Alexandra Downie

On Saturday 13 October, ‘The Great Amazing Race’ will take place around Melbourne. The race is organized by Uplift Events (www.upliftevents.com.au). The format of the race is similar to the popular TV program.

In teams of two, competitors will race visiting famous Melbourne landmarks and locations while completing a variety of activities along the way. Teams will race against other teams, solving clues and puzzles as they navigate their way throughout Melbourne. They will rely on teamwork to try and complete their challenges quickly.

This year, one of the challenges of ‘The Great Amazing Race’ will take place at Vicdeaf!

As part of the Vicdeaf challenge, competitors will be taught some sign language. To be successful in this challenge, they will be asked to sign to a judge. This is a great opportunity for race goers to become more familiar with Auslan.

It will be a busy day for the Auslan teachers and Vicdeaf staff as over 650 people will compete in the Great Amazing Race.

Vicdeaf run various Sign Language classes taught by qualified Auslan teachers in metropolitan Melbourne as well as in regional Victoria. These include community, corporate and weekend classes, all at three different levels.

Sign Language training in the workplace is also a part of Deaf Awareness and Auslan Training, which can be covered by JobAccess’ Employment Assistance Fund and assists hearing staff to communicate with Deaf staff in the workplace.

Visit the Vicdeaf website to learn more about Auslan and register for Sign Language classes or contact Vicdeaf for enquiries about Deaf Awareness and Auslan Training.

www.vicdeaf.com.au

Photo: The new online ‘shop’ on www.hearservice.com.au website. Photo Source: hearservice.

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Sep/Oct 2012 | Communicate Issue 37

hearservice and Hearing Awareness WeekArticle by Steve McKean, Speech Pathologist

I would like to begin by explaining that the term Hearing Awareness Week (HAW) is a bit of a misnomer as the activities hearservice is involved in each year during HAW often stretch over a five or six week period. This year Hearing Awareness Week 2012 officially ran from Sunday, August 19 to Saturday, August 25.

Despite being an extremely busy one, the hearservice team has had a very successful HAW this year.

To begin with, the team conducted a total of 558 individual screenings over 21 screening days, between 23 July and 31 August. The screenings were conducted on the various campuses of NMIT, Monash University, RMIT University, Swinburne University, the Victoria College of the Arts as well as at Parliament House and The Gordon TAFE in Geelong. These screenings are in addition to our regular screenings that are conducted at 14 community health centres around the metropolitan area. The above screening stats do not include these regular community screening numbers.

Screenings/hearing checks are very important as they give the hearservice team the opportunity to not only check a client’s hearing status, but also to offer information to the client according to their specific situation and needs. This may not only include information on hearing health, hearing loss, communication strategies, full hearing assessments and any of the other services that hearservice provides, but also information about and referrals to the services available through Vicdeaf.

Secondly, hearservice is a member of the Hearing Awareness Week Committee. Members on the committee also include people from Deafness Foundation, Better Hearing Australia and Australian Hearing. Each year, the committee comes up with and organises promotions, activities and events aimed at promoting and raising hearing awareness in the wider community.

This year, the hearservice team, in partnership with the HAW Committee, helped to organise an ‘unofficial’ launch of Hearing Awareness Week with speeches and a morning tea at Parliament House. The event was held on the morning of Wednesday, August 15 and included speeches by the Honourable Mary Wooldridge, State MP and Minister for Heath, Ms. Danielle Green, State MP and Shadow Minister for

Disability Services and Health Promotion as well as a power point presentation by Dr. Kerryn Saunders on Cytomegalovirus and hearing loss. Attendees included many of our stakeholders and members of the community as well as Mac Adam (President of Vicdeaf), Andrew Lyall (Acting CEO), Brent Phillips (Manager, Communication and Community Relations) and Matthew Grounds (Acting Manager, hearservice) from Vicdeaf.

In addition, the HAW committee developed and organised posters with this year’s HAW theme “Have you heard? Hearing Loss Affects Everyone” to be displayed at stations throughout the metropolitan rail system (with permission from Metro). The posters were displayed in stations during Hearing Awareness Week.

The committee also developed and organised a Community Service Announcement (CSA) to be shown on the big screens at Federation Square and the Atrium during the weeks leading up to, and including, Hearing Awareness Week. The CSA animated video message (with text and voice-over) encourages people to turn down the volume on their MP3/iPods when using them. At this point in time, it’s still being played several times a day on the big screens so keep an eye out for it whenever you’re down at Federation Square.

So, Hearing Awareness Week for 2012 was extremely busy but more importantly, very successful for the hearservice team in light of promoting and raising awareness around hearing loss in the broader community. We’re now looking towards HAW 2013 next year!

Vicdeaf and Mind, Mental Health Support Group ProjectIn September 2011 a new social support group for Vicdeaf clients started. The group is run by Vicdeaf and Mind, a mental health support service. It provides case management to clients in Victoria.

The Vicdeaf/Mind group has several aims:

• to promote opportunities for clients to meet socially; • to provide opportunities to share experiences and interests

through group activities like card games, drawing, puzzles, DVD’s and once a month BBQ on the Vicdeaf balcony; and

• to learn more about self-care.

Currently, eight people with a variety of mental health needs come to the group. For the past ten months the group has met every two weeks on Thursdays. The group has two facilitators. They are Wendy Devlin from the Vicdeaf

Independent Living Skills team and Nick McKinnon from Mind’s Research, Development and Advocacy unit.

The ideas for the group come from asking clients what they want and also, from asking case managers and other people with experience about mental health and deaf people.

It is good to see the same people coming each fortnight. That shows that people are comfortable meeting and that coming to the group is important to them.

New people can come to the group. They can bring a family member or friend. There is a calendar of activities planned for the next three months.

For more information please contact Wendy Devlin, SMS 0408 366 852.

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Photo: Steve McKean runs a screening test. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Communicate Issue 37 | Sep/Oct 2012

at your workplace

l Do you want to improve deafawarenesswhereyouwork?

l Doyouwanttocommunicatebetterwithyourbossandworkmates?

l Do you want people at work tounderstandyoubetter?

l Doyouwantinformationonhowtomakeyourworkplacedeaffriendly?

IfyouanswerYEStosomeorallofthequestionsabove,

thenaskyourworkplacetocontactVicdeaftoprovide

DeafAwarenessandAuslanTraining.

*100%ofthetrainingcostcanbereimbursedfromtheEmployment

AssistanceFund.

For more information, contact VicdeafEmail: info @vicdeaf.com.au

Ph: 9473 1181 • TTY: 9473 1199Fax: 9473 1122

100%REBATE*

Public Relations

Vicdeaf is gearing up for the Deaf Expo, to be held on Saturday 27 October at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Four Vicdeaf Departments (hearservice, SensWide, Sign Language Communications Victoria and Communication & Community Relations) will share a large stall at the Expo and the Deaf Professionals Network will deliver a workshop on Successful Interview Techniques in partnership with SensWide. With over 45 stalls and exhibitors, the Expo is a must not miss event.

There is another exciting event on Saturday 13 October, with Vicdeaf being one of the pit stops for ‘The Great Amazing Race’, a fundraising event organised by the Royal Children’s Hospital. We are expecting over 500 teams to come through our doors.

Each team will be required to learn simple Auslan phases as part of their pit stop challenge in the race.

We have produced a new version of the ‘Our Services’ booklet outlining the work we do and the programs and services we deliver. Copies of the brochures are available in all our offices. If you would like a copy, please contact Vicdeaf and we can put a copy in the mail.

Jason Akermanis recently appeared on Channel Nine’s ‘The Celebrity Hot Seat’, again choosing Vicdeaf as his charity. Unfortunately he did not win any funds for Vicdeaf, however Channel Nine facilitated Auslan interpreters on the show and I attended the recording. Vicdeaf thanks Jason and Megan Akermanis for their continued support of Vicdeaf.

David Oliver, Marketing & Development Manager, recently left Vicdeaf after five years of service, to pursue new opportunities. Vicdeaf wishes to thank David for his commitment and dedication. A recruitment process is currently underway. Please contact me at bphillips@vicdeaf.com.au if you have any queries.

Brent PhillipsManager, Communication & Community Relations

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.

Under the Gaslight is a monthly electronic newsletter. It is an excellent source of upcoming events and important information. Want to receive Under the Gaslight (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.

COMMUNICATE AND UNdEr ThE GASlIGhT SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Name:Postal Address:

Name:Email Address:

CondolencesVicdeaf would like to offer sincere condolences to the families of those who have recently passed away.They are the families of :Clara Mark Toli GiannarasJim Suckling Eve HartRicky Beasley

Photo: ‘Our Services’ booklet is now available.Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

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Sep/Oct 2012 | Communicate Issue 37

Want to be a sponsor of the Matthew Veale Pavilion Foundation?Article by Melissa Lowrie

The redevelopment of the pavilion at Hays Paddock brings a lot of potential, not just for the tenants Melbourne Deaf Cricket Club, Kew Deaf Soccer Club and Deaf Football Victoria, but for the Victorian Deaf and hard of hearing community.

The pavilion will offer more space and modern facilities, making it a possibility to hold meetings and community events.

The Hays Paddock Steering Committee Group which consists of representatives of the three tenant clubs have recently announced the name of the pavilion as the Matthew Veale Pavilion to recognize Matthew’s role in securing Hays Paddock as the sports and social venue for the Deaf cricket and soccer clubs in early 1980s.

The daughter of Matthew Veale, Emma Merkas said her family was delighted with the recent announcement.

“We are so proud to have my father’s memory honored in this way. Sport was a great love of his and he saw it as the perfect way to draw the Deaf community together.“

“It was very important to him that Deaf sports has a home, and he would be so happy to know that nearly thirty years later,

Deaf sporting clubs still gather at this ground week after week, year after year” Emma said.

The Committee Group is now working on a fundraising campaign to support the refurbishment of the pavilion. The funds will be used to purchase the necessary items to furnish the pavilion, such as tables, chairs, TV with powerpoint facilities, commercial fridge and other kitchen items.

Are you interested to be a sponsor of the Matthew Veale Pavilion Foundation?

If yes, you can donate $100 and your name (or your family name) will go on a specially made honour board to be displayed in the pavilion and you will instantly become a part of history in the development of the Matthew Veale Pavilion. An official launch will be announced soon. Sponsors will be invited and participate in a group photo which will be displayed in the pavilion.

Anyone can be a sponsor! For more information on how to be a sponsor, contact melbournedeafcricket@gmail.com

Photo: Entrance to the Matthew Veale Pavilion. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

Photo: The new pavilion will be of great benefit to the Victorian Deaf and hard of hearing community. Photo Source: Vicdeaf.

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Important tax information for Deaf and hard of hearing peopleAs Tax Time 2012 is coming to an end, it’s important to remember to lodge your tax return. If you are lodging your own tax return you have until 31 October 2012 to lodge.

Did you know you can lodge your tax return using e-tax? E-tax is the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) free, fast and secure service that lets you lodge your tax return online in five easy steps. Simply download the software, verify your identity, complete your tax return, check and save, then lodge.

You can also lodge via mail using the paper tax return form that comes with the Individual tax return instructions 2012. Copies of the instructions are available from most newsagents and at ATO shopfronts. You can also order a copy of the instructions and tax return form from the ATO website.

You can also lodge using a tax agent. When choosing a tax agent, make sure they are registered. Only registered tax agents can charge a fee to do your tax return. A list of registered tax agents is available on the Tax Practitioners Board website at www.tpb.gov.au.

do you need help completing your tax return?

Check out the Tax Help program. Tax Help is a free, confidential service offered in community centres across Australia. ATO-trained and accredited volunteers may be able to help you with your tax return.

Tax Help is available from July to October. For more information on Tax Help in your area, call the ATO on 13 28 61 via the National Relay Service.

Remember, if you are preparing your own tax return, you need to lodge by 31 October 2012.

Contact Tax help via National relay Service

TTY users phone 13 36 77 and ask for 13 28 61

TTY speak and listen (speech-to-speech) relay users, phone 1300 555 727 and ask for 13 28 61

Internet relay users can connect to www.relayservice.com.au and ask for 13 28 61

Communicate Issue 37 | Sep/Oct 2012

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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: Alex Chernov AC QC and Mrs. Elizabeth Chernov

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

Sports NewsVictoria dominates the Margo Allen National Deaf Netball Club Championships 2012Article by Meg Aumann, Victorian Warriors player

Deaf Netball Victoria sent three Victorian teams to compete at the Margo Allen National Deaf Netball Club Championships (NDNCC), Sydney on 7-9 September.• Victorian Warriors – women• Western Victoria Blue – women• Victorian Vikings – mixed

There was a total of five women teams and five mixed teams. Both the Victorian women teams played against each other in the first match and in the grand final. The Warriors won by three goals. The mixed team Victorian Vikings played against a NSW team and won by a single goal. The competition standard has risen, which was great to see.

2012 has certainly been a great year for Victoria considering that three Victorian teams also won in both women’s and mixed competitions at the Australian Deaf Games in Geelong earlier this year.

Samantha Martin – the captain of the Victorian Warriors (and President of Deaf Netball Victoria) won 2nd MVP while Ashleigh Kedge, captain of Western Victoria Blue won 3rd MVP. Our Western Victoria Blue player Marnie Kerridge, also

President of Deaf Netball Australia (DNA) was awarded life membership at DNA’s AGM held during the weekend.

It was absolutely wonderful to see some new faces – some never played netball before. There was also a good mixture of signing and oral deaf players. Netball does really help bring together players! As always, new friendships were formed.

Players are already planning for 2013 as it will be held in Canberra, ACT – which is exciting considering that ACT have not had a team for 15 years until now. Here’s to a great NDNCC year next year!

Photo: Shooting for goal.

Photo: Victorian Warriors with the Margo Allen Shield. All Photo Sources: Deaf Netball Australia.

Photo: Julia Allen presents Marnie Kerridge the Life Membership award.

Photo: The victorious Victorian Vikings mixed team.