Deaf Connect is exposing Australians to sign language through a month-long national traffic signs billboard campaign in celebration of National Week of Deaf People (NWDP).
Drivers on roads across Australia and people out and about in cities in most states will see large signs promoting Auslan. The billboards, which run from 9 September to 6 October, will feature new designs each week and show people signing words including culture, language, celebrate and Auslan.
National Week of Deaf People, an initiative by Deaf Australia, is from 23 to 29 September 2024 and provides an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate Deaf culture and its national sign language – Auslan.
Launching the campaign this week, Deaf Connect CEO Mr Brett Casey, said it would shine a light on Auslan and its value to the Deaf community.
“This month-long campaign is a first for Australia and a step towards fostering a more connected and Deaf-aware nation,” he said. “We are inviting the public to learn Auslan on the go and find out more about the Deaf community and our vibrant culture.”
“Following the success and enthusiasm surrounding last year’s ‘This is your Sign’ campaign, we’re excited to integrate Auslan learning into the daily commute of people across Australia.
“The campaign shows a variety of easy-to-learn Auslan signs, designed to spark conversations, challenge stereotypes and encourage Australians to embrace Deaf culture and community.”
The campaign is headlined in Brisbane by Deaf Connect’s collaboration with goa billboard company through goa’s community partnerships program. Ms Deb Langham, goa’s chief operating officer, said the campaign was a fantastic initiative that brought educational innovation to the outdoors.
“This campaign uses the outdoors to cleverly educate a broad audience in a way that can lead to meaningful inclusion for the Deaf community,” she said.
Deaf Connect chief services officer, Mr Brent Phillips, said it was an exciting way to share elements of Deaf culture and amplify awareness of the Deaf community at local, state and national levels.
“We urge communities, governments and businesses to collectively recognise Auslan as an integral part of our diverse linguistic landscape. This initiative is both a celebration and a call to action, offering a meaningful opportunity for society to engage in promoting Deaf awareness and solidarity on a national scale,” he said.
Casey said National Week of Deaf People was an opportunity for all of Australia to celebrate Deaf language, culture and heritage. “Through this public education effort, we aim to advance towards a future that is accessible and inclusive for everyone,” he said.
“The week is an opportunity for Deaf people to celebrate their communities, language, culture and history; make the public aware of their local, state and national Deaf communities; and to recognise their achievements.
“It is also an opportunity for organisations involved with or wishing to be involved with the Deaf Community to build and maintain relationships with Deaf people and be recognised as an ally to the Deaf community.”
National Week of Deaf People also includes celebrating the International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September, both initiatives of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). These two events are based on the founding date of the WFD, 23 September 1951.
International Day of Sign Languages will see the global Deaf community celebrate the diversity of more than 300 internationally recognised sign languages in use today.
The 2024 theme for National Week of Deaf People is, ‘Sign up for sign language rights.’ Deaf Connect will host events during the week.
Deaf Connect is the largest whole-of-life service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing Australians. It is the largest employer of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Australia, a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme and an approved provider of in-home care for seniors. It is also the nation’s largest Auslan interpreting agency and provides training in sign language through its registered training organisation.
