The State Government recently announced that the Deaf Society has not been listed as an eligible provider for the 2015 Smart & Skilled Program. This means that their 2015 Accredited Auslan courses (Cert II, III, IV in Auslan & Diploma of Auslan) will not be subsidized by the government. This could make the wonderful Deaf Society courses unaffordable for many people.

Up until now, the Deaf Society has been the leading provider of Auslan courses in NSW with over 30 years of experience delivering these courses. Here are just a few reasons the Deaf Society should continue to receive government funding for their courses; 

•They are the only experienced provider of the Diploma of Auslan in NSW.

•The Deaf Society not only educate students in the language of Auslan but also offer pathways to employment through their Auslan Interpreter Internship and their interpreting services department. This is particularly important in light of the continued rollout of NDIS across NSW and the 119% increase in demand for interpreting services experienced in the Hunter, the state’s first NDIS trial site.

•They offer an enriching learning experience with integration and ties to the Deaf Community. At the Deaf Society you are exposed to Deaf Culture and the richness of Auslan that is not provided by other institutions. Students are taught by everyday users of Auslan and are encouraged to engage in a number of extra curriculum activities provided by the Deaf Society to improve their language skills including no-voice Auslan Only BBQs and no-voice Auslan Only Weekends.

•You can complete an Auslan Accredited Course at the Deaf Society in half the time it would take at another institution like TAFE. Granted that the Deaf Community is currently experiencing a shortage of interpreters, the efficiency of The Deaf Society’s courses will deliver interpreters in a more timely manner.  

If you value the enriching learning experience provided at the Deaf Society and you recognise the importance of Auslan, join me in signing this petition.