Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity

As an organisation which works with people who have a language and culture different to the majority community, the Deaf Society recognises the importance of support that is culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate to the client.

In meeting and managing the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities, the Deaf Society has found these strategies effective:

• Use of interpreters
• Seeking advice/information from experts in the area
• Collaborative partnerships with providers specifically serving the needs of the particular community – this includes agencies serving the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those providing services to people from rural and remote areas
• Plain English written material and/or
• Material translated into the individual's preferred language

There are a number of things an employer can do to make their workplace more deaf-friendly. Find out more about:

• How to make your workplace more deaf-friendly 
• How to Communicate with a Deaf person
• Tips on how to work with Interpreters

To find out more about Human Rights legislation, click here.

To see more detailed information on the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission website, click here.