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Home Hearing industry insights

Signs of Success video and workbook helps career progression for Deaf employees

by Helen Carter
May 27, 2025
in Conferences, Hearing industry insights, Hearing organisations, Latest News, Patient support bodies, Sign language, Workforce
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Andrews Wirekoh, a postal delivery officer, said he, and other Deaf and hard of hearing Australia Post employees, have access to Auslan interpreters at work, making it a great workplace. Image: Deaf Connect.

Andrews Wirekoh, a postal delivery officer, said he, and other Deaf and hard of hearing Australia Post employees, have access to Auslan interpreters at work, making it a great workplace. Image: Deaf Connect.

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Five Australian organisations have released a video series and one has produced an employer handbook to equip businesses with practical strategies to foster career progression for Deaf and Hard of hearing employees.

Launched at the Australian Disability Network’s Impact 2025 Conference in Sydney on 15 May 2025, the series, entitled Signs of Success, showcases real stories of inclusivity from five businesses/organisations.

They are Australia Post, Deaf Connect, The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), The Victorian College for the Deaf, and the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conversation and Attractions.

Each episode provides a window into an Australian business or industry, where these organisations have implemented accommodations and support necessary to ensure success of their Deaf staff.

One of those featured in the videos, Mr Andrews Wirekoh, is a postal delivery officer. He said he had been included and had not faced any barriers at Australia Post where he, and other Deaf and Hard of hearing Australia Post employees, have access to Auslan interpreters.

“I’ve worked here a long time, it’s so accessible, it’s a great workplace, I really enjoy my work,” he said.

Deaf Connect orchestrated the project, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services through the Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program and supported by research undertaken by Deakin University.

Employer handbook

The research findings enabled Deaf Connect to produce an employer handbook which provides best practice methods and tools to ensure workplaces can support the recruitment, development and retention of Deaf employees.

Katrina and Kristen who work for Deaf Connect, Australia’s largest employer of Deaf and Hard of hearing people, also star in the video series. Image: Deaf Connect.

Deaf Connect CEO Mr Brett Casey said the organisation was proud to lead an initiative that gave employers the confidence to foster the career progression of Deaf staff.

“Signs of Success showcases a range of inclusive practices across Australian organisations and provides a practical, step-by-step guide to workplace inclusion through the employer handbook,” he said.

“As the largest employer of Deaf people in Australia, I witness every day the skills, knowledge and expertise our staff bring to their roles – skills which would not be recognised in an organisation that can’t accommodate a diverse workforce.

“Deaf Connect’s own episode highlights the positive outcomes that follow when Deaf employees are empowered to seize new opportunities and grow their careers within our organisation.”

He said the cross-industry collaboration demonstrated the value of investing in Deaf staff members through innovation, inclusive leadership and a strong commitment to professional development.

Ms Rebecca Falkingham, NDIA CEO, said the project conveyed the importance of strong leadership to create inclusive work environments.

“Managers play a critical role in shaping workplace culture, including ensuring all employees have the resources and tools they need to effectively perform their role. This project is about offering clear, practical steps that help employers move beyond good intentions to real, measurable change,” she said.

James and Wyvern who work for the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions also tell their stories in the video series. Image: Deaf Connect.

Simple shifts

Simple shifts like fostering open dialogue, ensuring access to Auslan, and displaying equality in promoting Deaf employees to leadership roles could create a culture where everyone thrived, she added.

Ms Julie Duncan, Australia Post head of diversity, inclusion and talent, said inclusive accommodations benefitted all employees, and Auslan access was an essential part of this.

“Australia Post has a long-standing history of working with and championing our Deaf team members,” she said. “We were thrilled to share our learnings on how to better support the Deaf workforce, and the benefits of a truly inclusive environment.

“Providing interpreters and captioning workplace meetings not only supports our Deaf team members, but also enhances collaboration and productivity across the entire enterprise.

“We’re on a journey of continuous improvement, and our Signs of Success episode discussed the Auslan interpreted session that united all of our Deaf team members, creating a space where they could share their thoughts and experiences.”

Ms Parul Chauhan, Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions chief human resources officer, said inclusive workplaces were built on trust, respect and the right support structures.

“At DBCA, we have seen how tailored adjustments and open communication can empower our employees with diverse needs to contribute with confidence and grow in their roles,” she said. “Programs like the Signs of Success series help employers move beyond basic accessibility and create real opportunities for career development.”

To download the employer handbook, or watch the video visit the Deaf Connect website.

 

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