Deaf Awareness Training

With the kind support of the Cochlear Macquarie University Partnership, the Australian Hearing Hub and Children’s Services at Macquarie University, a two-hour Deaf Awareness Training session was held at Macquarie University Campus on Tuesday 4 September.  The course is part of a range of services The Deaf Society offers to increase awareness and provide specialist services for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people and their families.

Outcomes from program included:

• Learn how to communicate in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way using your clients preferred visual communication style.
• Demonstrate culturally appropriate ways of interacting (eye contact, turn taking, gaining attention).
• Begin learning and building a visual vocabulary related to daily life.
• Engage in simple exchanges in Auslan or visual communication.
• Giving and following simple instructions using visual communication.

Some of the areas covered in the training were:

• What is the difference between deaf and hard of hearing people?
• What are the different communication methods used by deaf people?
• What is Auslan (Australian Sign Language)?

If you would like to find out more information, please contact nic.mckay@mq.edu.au or louise.dodd@mq.edu.au