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Media Release
TAFE NSW Bathurst | 3 February 2025
New collaboration gives deaf students a voice
“Growing up Deaf, I was misunderstood and often felt isolated. From my own personal experience, I want to prevent this from happening to other deaf and hard of hearing people.”
Wendy Daley
TAFE NSW and Charles Sturt University have collaborated to provide a more inclusive student experience for the deaf and hard of hearing community, by upskilling staff in Auslan.
17 staff and students from Charles Sturt University are currently working towards completing a TAFE Statement in Auslan Fundamentals at TAFE NSW Bathurst, to enhance awareness of Auslan, inclusivity and educational outcomes.
The most recent comprehensive data on Auslan usage in Australia comes from the ABS 2021 Census, which reported that 16,242 individuals use Auslan at home. Yet, there are only 605 accredited Auslan interpreters Australia-wide according to Deaf Australia, revealing a growing demand for this skillset.
Wendy Daley, Auslan Teacher, TAFE NSW Bathurst, knows first-hand the difficulties that deaf and hard of hearing students face in the classroom, if they do not receive the required support.
“Growing up Deaf, I was misunderstood and often felt isolated. From my own personal experience, I want to prevent this from happening to other deaf and hard of hearing people.
“I’m proud to be teaching Auslan to Charles Sturt University staff. The partnership will not only build an inclusive learning environment, but it will also boost engagement and performance in the classroom,” says Wendy.
With regards to the benefits for organisations that upskill their staff in Auslan, Wendy believes there are plenty.
“Not only is it empowering for employees to learn a new skill, but it’s an important asset for businesses to be able to provide a more inclusive experience for those with specialised needs,” adds Wendy.
Dr Penny Kitchingman, Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Charles Sturt University, says, “We're excited to be partnering with TAFE NSW on this important project that aims to enhance awareness of Auslan across staff and students within our School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Science, and School of Education.
“We hope to upskill our staff so they can communicate with students in an inclusive manner and become more aware of diverse learning needs to assist practices within Higher Education.
Wendy Daley, Auslan Teacher, TAFE NSW Bathurst, knows first-hand the difficulties that deaf and hard of hearing students face in the classroom, if they do not receive the required support.
“Growing up Deaf, I was misunderstood and often felt isolated. From my own personal experience, I want to prevent this from happening to other deaf and hard of hearing people.
“I’m proud to be teaching Auslan to Charles Sturt University staff. The partnership will not only build an inclusive learning environment, but it will also boost engagement and performance in the classroom,” says Wendy.
With regards to the benefits for organisations that upskill their staff in Auslan, Wendy believes there are plenty.
“Not only is it empowering for employees to learn a new skill, but it’s an important asset for businesses to be able to provide a more inclusive experience for those with specialised needs,” adds Wendy.
Dr Penny Kitchingman, Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Charles Sturt University, says, “We're excited to be partnering with TAFE NSW on this important project that aims to enhance awareness of Auslan across staff and students within our School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Science, and School of Education.
“We hope to upskill our staff so they can communicate with students in an inclusive manner and become more aware of diverse learning needs to assist practices within Higher Education.
Media contact: Holly Simpson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000
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