What were your initial thoughts on first meeting a culturally deaf person, not a hard of hearing person, but someone who used Auslan?

Some of those thoughts?

To each one of those thoughts you might have had - there is no definite answer, as each culturally deaf person will have had a different view or feelings. Some might think they have a disability, while some might not think they have a disability at all. Some may want to be recognised as a cultural minority group.

1. 1. Another disabled person. Ok! I’ll do my best...
   

Well, a deaf individual can participate in the Olympics. They are not ‘disabled’ enough to warrant a disability parking pass.

2. It’s too difficult... They look cranky.

Try to create a connection by using their language and you will understand where they are coming from and their possible reasons for looking cranky. They may be in pain or they may just be in a bad mood!

3. 3.Signing is just like speaking English with your hands...
   

Auslan is a language in its own right, and has its own grammar and structure. It’s been here for a long time, was named as Auslan in 1987 and recognised as a community language by the Australian Government in national language policy statements in 1987 and 1991.

Yes, Auslan may use some English words when mouthing for some signs, but the grammatical structure itself is very different to the grammar and structure of spoken English.

4. I want to learn how to sign their language...

Learning Auslan is just like learning about another new language, be it Italian or Japanese. It will benefit you and you will enjoy the classes! Contact your nearest Deaf Society or TAFE to ask about the Auslan courses that they might have. There are short courses and longer courses, and the fees are different too. It will be enjoyable and really helpful to you and your workplace. It will also be appreciated by the deaf residents.

5. 5. They’ll always understand me. And if I don’t understand them, I’ll just pretend I did.
   

Don’t do this. Repeat if you notice they don’t understand you - check with questions. Ask questions that will help you make sure they understand - not just a question they can answer with “yes” or “no”. Deaf residents KNOW when you don’t understand them. It frustrates them when they see you nodding and pretending you understood.

They feel that you are important people and that they don’t want to make you frustrated with them.

However, to make sure you have a good relationship with them, being able to admit that you did not understand them is okay. If you admit you don’t understand, you and the deaf resident will have more respect and understanding of each other.

6. 6. Signing, aw it’s beautiful!
   

Yes it is - although it would be even better if you were also able to participate, and remember it is a language in its own right. Signed languages developed naturally, just as spoken languages did, and were not invented by someone for deaf people. Sometimes deaf people feel patronised by people who are overly enthusiastic about Auslan so please treat them as you would the next person and appreciate the language they bring to your workplace.

7. 7. I’m sure they can lipread. Perhaps if I speak loudly and slowly enough, they’ll understand me?
   

Please do not assume that they can lipread. You will need to see what they can or can’t do over time. Take the time to check that they did understand you and that you also understood what they wanted to say.

And most importantly of all, please do not shout at them. This does not help you at all and causes the deaf resident embarrassment and sometimes leads to the deaf resident becoming angry with staff that shout at them. Deaf resident do know when you are screaming due to your facial expressions and possibly by seeing other people looking over to your conversation with the deaf resident.

Deaf people are only lonely when they are isolated from;

1. • People who can sign Auslan - if you give deaf residents the chance to meet up with other deaf people they will be less lonely. It will also help if you have staff who have learned some Auslan.
   

1. •Subtitled information - basic information or new information is usually from subtitles on TV programs, and all new TVs have this option - please make sure it is on.
   

1. •Interpreters - DO make the time and effort to book an interpreter as any received information or given information is like a gold mine for everyone concerned
   

It is a cultural need - to be with others of the same culture or same language. It is not because they’re medically deaf.