Staff get hands-on with sign language learning
Metro North staff participating in an Auslan and Deaf culture and awareness workshop.
One in six Australians, over three million people, are affected by hearing loss. During National Week of Deaf People, staff across Metro North Health attended a workshop to learn about Deaf culture and accessibility.
The highly interactive workshop gave staff insights into Deaf culture and awareness, communication preferences, and the importance of accessible interactions. Caboolture Hospital Manager of Consumer and Community Engagement Parker Michaels said workshop participants gained practical experience in using Auslan and understanding the lived experiences of Deaf people.
“We all learned basic Auslan, including the alphabet and signs that are useful in a hospital,” Parker said.
“Communication is so critical in healthcare and knowing basic Auslan helps make our services more accessible to more people.”
Metro North consumer Cody Skinner hosted the online and in-person workshop and feels proud to help build greater understanding of Deaf culture and Auslan within Queensland Health.
“Deafness is not something to be ashamed of or something that needs to be fixed. Deaf is pride,
culture, identity and community. Deaf people have their own rich language and culture, and Auslan
is an important part of who we are,” Cody said.
Metro North staff participating in an Auslan and Deaf culture and awareness workshop.
“For me, Deaf awareness is about moving beyond simply recognising hearing loss. It is about respect, inclusion, communication access and health equity—ensuring Deaf people are seen, heard and valued.”
In Australia, there are approximately 30,000 Deaf Auslan users with total hearing loss, and more than 16,000 people who use Auslan at home. By understanding Deaf consumers’ perspectives and language, Metro North staff are better equipped to understand and respond to Deaf consumers’ healthcare needs.
“Healthcare professionals need to understand Deaf culture, recognise the importance of accessible communication, and ensure Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can fully participate in decisions about their health and wellbeing,” Cody said.
For more information read our Metro North Disability Services Action Plan 2024-2029