Save deaf access to TAFE now: Reinstate funding for deafConnectEd.
Save deaf access to TAFE now: Reinstate funding for deafConnectEd.
The issue
Want to help? We need your signature by November 30th, 2025.
deafConnectEd funding has been cut by the Allan Labor Government of Victoria as of September 2025; one of the few directly funded services for deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria.
Deaf Victoria is outraged at the Labor Government's decision to cut funding for deaf and hard of hearing access to TAFE services.
Since 1993, deafConnectEd has supported deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing (DHH) learners succeed in the Victorian tertiary education sector through partnerships with schools, community organisations and industry connections.
DLO’s have explained deafConnectEd is an integral part of their work in supporting and advising deaf and hard of hearing students, as well as their educating staff.
Deaf Victoria continues to call on MP Gayle Tierney (Minister for Skills and TAFE) to reinstate funding for deafConnectEd.
Deaf Victoria urges the State Government to reinstate the same amount of funding received in previous years to ensure deaf and hard of hearing students have equal opportunity within the tertiary education sector for years to come, allowing for the continuation of quality essential services.
Experts in DHH inclusion are needed as research has shown deaf and hard of hearing learner literacy skills are lower than mainstream learners regardless of Auslan use.
Without this program, deaf access to TAFE will not exist. Current year 11 and 12 students suddenly no longer have access to deafConnectEd's services.
How can young deaf and hard of hearing people be equipped to succeed in their education with such an uncertain future?
deafConnectEd funding has been subject to gradual reduction over the years, but has continued to successfully deliver a variety of important projects as listed below.
o Central Auslan Booking Service (CABS) - now managed by Expression Australia
o Interpreter mentor and coaching program (2013 - 2020)
o Educational Auslan Signbank (2014 – 2022)
o Cert IV TAE for Auslan users (2016) – now ongoing with Melbourne Polytechnic
o Pilot Transition Program for DHH school leavers (2016)
o ‘Auslan and Visual Communication’ elective at the University of Melbourne (2016-2019) now ongoing with Auslan Consultancy
o Pilot Deaf migrant program (2018) – now ongoing with AMEP
More information about deafConnectEd can be found on their website.
P.S. Please sign this petition now to help safeguard deaf TAFE access in Victoria.
1,145
The issue
Want to help? We need your signature by November 30th, 2025.
deafConnectEd funding has been cut by the Allan Labor Government of Victoria as of September 2025; one of the few directly funded services for deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria.
Deaf Victoria is outraged at the Labor Government's decision to cut funding for deaf and hard of hearing access to TAFE services.
Since 1993, deafConnectEd has supported deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing (DHH) learners succeed in the Victorian tertiary education sector through partnerships with schools, community organisations and industry connections.
DLO’s have explained deafConnectEd is an integral part of their work in supporting and advising deaf and hard of hearing students, as well as their educating staff.
Deaf Victoria continues to call on MP Gayle Tierney (Minister for Skills and TAFE) to reinstate funding for deafConnectEd.
Deaf Victoria urges the State Government to reinstate the same amount of funding received in previous years to ensure deaf and hard of hearing students have equal opportunity within the tertiary education sector for years to come, allowing for the continuation of quality essential services.
Experts in DHH inclusion are needed as research has shown deaf and hard of hearing learner literacy skills are lower than mainstream learners regardless of Auslan use.
Without this program, deaf access to TAFE will not exist. Current year 11 and 12 students suddenly no longer have access to deafConnectEd's services.
How can young deaf and hard of hearing people be equipped to succeed in their education with such an uncertain future?
deafConnectEd funding has been subject to gradual reduction over the years, but has continued to successfully deliver a variety of important projects as listed below.
o Central Auslan Booking Service (CABS) - now managed by Expression Australia
o Interpreter mentor and coaching program (2013 - 2020)
o Educational Auslan Signbank (2014 – 2022)
o Cert IV TAE for Auslan users (2016) – now ongoing with Melbourne Polytechnic
o Pilot Transition Program for DHH school leavers (2016)
o ‘Auslan and Visual Communication’ elective at the University of Melbourne (2016-2019) now ongoing with Auslan Consultancy
o Pilot Deaf migrant program (2018) – now ongoing with AMEP
More information about deafConnectEd can be found on their website.
P.S. Please sign this petition now to help safeguard deaf TAFE access in Victoria.
1,145
The Decision Makers
Supporter voices
Petition created on 15 October 2025