S I G N P O S T. December 2016

Transcription

1 S I G N P O S T December 2016 A newsletter for the Deaf, hard of hearing and wider community in Tasmania Hello everyone, Now Tasmania is getting warmer and this means summer is coming soon. It makes me realise it has been about 4 months since I moved to Tasmania and started working at Tasdeaf. It is truly an amazing experience for me, and I am so lucky to be working with wonderful staff at Tasdeaf. Hobart office our office space is much bigger now, after we moved our furniture. We now have 2 rooms for client meetings. We now have an OH&S representative to look after our Hobart and Launceston offices. Next year we will have regular hub days to support the community. People can drop in for information about NDIS and other services. There have been many positive changes in our Hobart and Launceston offices: We now have new computers and will be able to keep up with new technology and NDIS online programs. Left to right: Mac Adam, Vicdeaf Board President, Chris Mathieson, Vicdeaf CEO, Stephen Nicholson Tasdeaf offices in Hobart and Launceston will close from Friday 23 December 2016 at 12.30pm and will re-open on Tuesday 3 January 2017 at 9.00am. For any interpreting required during the break please request that the service you need e.g. Hospital/Police etc. contact Auslan Connections on or after hours on H OBART NEW TO WN ROAD N EW TOW N L A UNCESTON - 64 CAMERON STREET LAUNCESTON SMS ONLY

2 Tasdeaf update We have established regular staff meetings which will give us an opportunity to work together closely while we focus on our workloads. I have met many people recently at our office, at deaf and hard of hearing gatherings, at various not for profit organisations and government department meetings around Tasmania. I also attended a recent school camp near Launceston. It is always good to meet people who are willing to share their stories with me as this means we continue to learn new things every day. Last week, Tasdeaf staff attended a Vicdeaf/Tasdeaf Planning Day in Melbourne. This was time well spent as it was an opportunity for Tasdeaf staff to meet Vicdeaf staff and network. This will strengthen the working relationship with our other team members in Vicdeaf since our merge in July Stephen Nicholson s presentation about Tasdeaf Jo France reporting back on a team activity at the planning day 2

3 Tasdeaf update One of our Tasdeaf staff, David Closs, celebrated his 65 th birthday on the planning day and Vicdeaf provided a beautiful cake for him. about Tasdeaf. I believe now that almost all Vicdeaf staff are inspired about our services in Tasmania and want to come to Tasmania one day. While I was in Melbourne I had the opportunity to meet members of the Vicdeaf board who are responsible for Tasdeaf. At the planning day, there was one session where I presented to all staff Vicdeaf recently held their annual Christmas Rally in Melbourne. I attended along with other Access Coordinators, and worked at a stall during the day which provided NDIS information. It proved to be a valuable day for exchanging information. Left to right: Tamara Pearce, Stephen Nicholson, Andrew Lyall at the recent Vicdeaf/Tasdeaf Planning Day David Closs and that beautiful cake! Tasdeaf staff members enjoying the Melbourne sun 3

4 deaf news Tasdeaf update I noticed a major difference between the NDIS in Victoria and Tasmania. We have an NDIS roll out for the whole of Tasmania applicable to specific age groups. In Victoria, it is open to all ages up to 65 years old but is rolled out in different council areas at different times. We will have Auslan interpreted Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 18 December we would love to see you there! There is more information in this newsletter and you can register via text on Jeanette in our Launceston office will be travelling to the event in a van. For north and north-west Tasmanians you can join Jeanette and travel to Hobart together. Please let her know on Mac Adam, Vicdeaf board President, Chris Mathieson, CEO and I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. Enjoy your summer break and enjoy your relaxation time. See you in 2017! We will celebrate Tasdeaf s 30 year anniversary and more information will be available in the new year. Best wishes - Stephen Nicholson Access Coordinator & Team Leader Left to right: Stephen Nicholson, Kim Kavanagh at the Christmas Rally in Melbourne Left to right: Brooke Campbell and David Closs at the planning day 4

5 Tasdeaf update Visiting Tasdeaf offices We welcome you to visit us in our Hobart or Launceston offices! If you would like to meet with a staff member, we would suggest that you contact us first to make an appointment. As we are getting busier, we would not want to disappoint you if you make the effort to visit and we are not available. Our SMS numbers are: Tasdeaf Hobart Stephen Nicholson Jane Hodgkinson Jeanette Symonds (Launceston) Prime Minister visits Hobart Left to right: Chris Mathieson, Vicdeaf CEO, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Brent Phillips, Vicdeaf Manager of Communication and Community Relations at a recent afternoon tea at Government House in Hobart 5

6 Melbourne cup lunch Even though we don t get a public holiday in Tassie for the Melbourne cup, we can still have fun! Members of the Deaf community in Hobart along with Tasdeaf staff, got together at the Glenorchy RSL Club for lunch and to watch the big race. There were a few hats, splashes of colour and plenty of smiles. 6

7 Melbourne cup lunch 7

8 Tasdeaf North and Northwest If there is any interest in Auslan courses for 2017, please see the information on page 15. All enrolments are online. Hello there everyone! Time has gone too fast as it s nearly the end of the year already and I am sure you all are busy preparing for Xmas & New Year with your family and friends! In the Launceston Tasdeaf office will have some NDIS Hub afternoons. There will also be Hub days in Devonport. See page 11 for more details. I attended Launceston Airport for the Disability Access Facilitation Plan meeting as the representative of Tasdeaf. I was there to advocate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tasmanians visiting Launceston Airport. Please go to the Launceston airport website Passengers & Flights / Disability Plan, and have a look through. NW Client support for 2017 at Devonport Community Health Centre from 10am- 3pm 20 th of February 20 th of March 10 th of April 15 th of May 19 th of June 17 th of July 21 st of August 18 th of September Auslan 1 students from term 3 completed their Auslan 1 course & have received their certificates. (see photo above) 8 16 th of October 20 th of November 11 th of December

9 Tasdeaf North and Northwest Upcoming events for 2017 First Aid course with an interpreter Keep your eyes open for more information NDIS info chat/coffee once a month at Launceston and 3 times in 2017 at Devonport - see more information n page 11. Deafblind Workshop for Volunteers, Support Workers When: Saturday 4 th February 2017 Where: Tasdeaf Society, 64 Cameron St, Launceston 7250 Time: RVSP: 1pm and finish at about 5 pm - afternoon tea provided Wednesday 1 st February 2017 to Carol Brown TEXT only please Training manual handout and video on large screen. Teach how to communicate Visual frame, Tracking, Tactile Auslan and Deafblind fingerspelling etc. Learn how to guide a Deafblind person safely. Carol Brown - Tasmanian Ushers and Deafblind Support Group Advocate and as a leader/representative Purchasing assistive listening devices Devices to assist people who are Deaf and hard of hearing such as smoke alarms, alarm clocks and doorbells can be found on the Vicdeaf website. Go to and then click on Hearservice. I am happy to help & show you how if you need. Please SMS or me jeanette.s@tasdeaf.org.au for an appointment if you need support face to face. I can be available for support via skype - sykpe name is js.tasdeaf. I look forward to seeing you again in the new year & wish you a very merry Xmas and a happy safe new year. 9

10 Your Habitat City of Hobart - Carols by Candlelight When: Sunday 18th December 2016 Time/Where: 1pm - 4pm afternoon tea at Tasdeaf Hobart 139 New Town Road, New Town 5.30pm Entertainment begins at The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Transport: RSVP: Shuttle bus service available from Tasdeaf You must reserve your tickets to the Carols & shuttle bus Please provide all names and contact details info@tasdeaf.org.au or SMS only Reserved tickets can be collected at our afternoon tea. 10

11 NDIS Hubs in Tasmania In 2017 Tasdeaf are introducing NDIS Hubs in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. This means that Tasdeaf offices will be open 1 day a month for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the community to come and join us to: Meet the Tasdeaf team Socialise Meet up with local Deaf and HoH people in the area Learn about the NDIS Find out about services that Tasdeaf offers Find answers to your NDIS questions Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee! Launceston dates When: Time: 2nd Wednesday of each month pm Where: Tasdeaf office, 64 Cameron Street, Launceston Dates: 11 January, 8 February, 8 March 2017 Hobart dates When: Time: 4th Wednesday of each month pm Where: Tasdeaf office, 139 New Town Road, New Town Dates: 22 February, 22 March 2017 Devonport dates When: 3 Mondays during 2017 Time: 10.00am pm Where: Devonport Community Health Centre 23 Steele Street, Devonport Dates : 10 April 2017 Feel free to drop-in - no appointment needed on these days! 11

12 National Relay Service (NRS) workshop NRS Workshop with Lance Hateley Thank you to Lance Hateley who recently travelled to Tasmanian to run NRS and your smartphone/ipad/tablet workshops in Hobart. Lance demonstrated the National Relay Service to both Deaf and Hard of Hearing people as well as Tasdeaf staff members. The workshops focused on hands-on training using the free NRS app and we all learnt more about how to receive incoming calls and save quick phrases using your ipad/tablet. Would you like more information on how to use the NRS? Please contact Lance Hately Education Coordinator (VIC/TAS), National Relay Service SMS only:

13 Featured Assistive Listening Device - TV listening system To view a range of devices please go to and click on Hearservice. Please purchase devices online. If you need any help ordering, please contact the Hobart or Launceston office and we will help you. 13

14 Visual smoke alarm packages Visual smoke alarm packages available for all age groups Do you have a visual smoke alarm package? Do you know someone who needs one? Tasdeaf in partnership with Tasmania Fire Services and the Department of Health and Human Services offer a subsidised visual smoke alarm package for people who have a hearing loss. This subsidy applies to people of all ages. A co-payment of $50 is required to purchase your own package worth over $700. This co-payment includes the installation by the Tasmanian Fire Service. If you are interested please contact: info@tasdeaf.org.au or SMS We will send you an application form. You will need to provide evidence of your hearing loss. Once eligibility is confirmed, and the $50 co-payment is made we will contact the Tasmanian Fire Service to arrange a suitable time for installation. 14

15 Dates for Tasdeaf Auslan classes for Term 1, 2017 in Hobart and Launceston Vicdeaf are now managing all the enrolments and payments for all Auslan classes in Tasmania. Please go to for class information. Tasdeaf Auslan classes Classes are 2 hours a week over 6 weeks Auslan 1 Hobart Dates: February 6, March 20, :30-7:30pm, Mondays Launceston Dates: February 6, March 20, :30-7:30pm, Mondays Auslan 2 Hobart Dates: February 7, March 14, :30pm - 7:30pm, Tuesdays Launceston Dates: February 7, March 14, :30-7:30pm, Tuesdays Auslan 3 Hobart Dates: February 9, March 16, :30pm - 7:30pm, Thursdays Launceston Dates: February 8, March 22, :30pm - 7:30pm, Wednesdays 15

16 Auslan for Families program in Hobart Give your child a hand in spelling, vocabulary and other skills by introducing them to Auslan (Australian sign language). Tasdeaf continues to offer our Auslan for Families program. It doesn't matter if you know nothing, a little or a lot, come along and learn Auslan in a fun, interactive environment. Develop your visual communication skills and learn through fun activities. When: There will be 2 classes monthly Time: Please note classes are now on a Saturday 2nd Saturday of each month for families 4th Saturday of each month open to families and the general community Start date - Saturday 11 February pm to 3.00pm Fees : 2nd Saturday for families -$5 per person 4th Saturday for families and the general community - Free Please register your interest with our Hobart office on (SMS 16 Live theatre - Auslan interpreted Auslan interpreted performance of Alice in Wonderland Where: Botanical Gardens, Hobart Date: 21st January 2017 Time: 2pm Tickets: Buy tickets from Centertainment, the Theatre Royal or the Botanical Gardens Shop Big Monkey Theatre Company has been given a grant from Taswater to sponsor a live performance of Alice in Wonderland. This particular performance is especially for autistic children and their families as well as for children who are deaf and their families. Auslan interpreters will be available for the performance.

17 Social clubs Welcome to Senior Citizens Club What: Senior Citizens Club Where: Tasdeaf, 139 New Town Road, New Town When: Begins again on Tuesday 7th February 2017 Time: 10.00am pm End of year get together at Tasdeaf, Hobart Hard of hearing group The Tasdeaf Hard of Hearing group in Hobart meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month in the Hobart community room at Tasdeaf, 139 New Town Road, New Town. All welcome! The meeting dates for the rest of 2016 and early 2017 are: 21st December 18th January 15th February 15th March 17

18 General information 18

19 General information Date: 24 th 26 th February 2017 Where: Forest Edge Camp CYC 405 McKenzie Road Neerim, Victoria 3831 * Flights: Travelling from interstate; Arrive into Melbourne around 1pm on Friday 24 th Feb Return flights from Melbourne after 5.00pm on Sunday 26 th Feb *please arrange and book your own flights for this camp Accommodation: Motel style & cabins (bunk beds & single beds in rooms) for 200 people Meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner Activities: Transport: Cost: Contacts: Sunday breakfast & lunch River rafting, river swimming, indoor rock climbing, archery, flying fox, ropes, trampolines, table tennis, air hockey. Bus from the airport at 2pm Friday 24 th Feb and return to airport by 4pm on Sunday 28 th Feb Approximately 2 hours from airport to camp Free Gary Daly on gary.daly@ableaustralia.org.au or Sarah Fitzgerald on sarah.fitzgerald@ableaustralia.org.au Tasdeaf would like to remember with respect our Deaf members who have passed away during the year: John Miller Geoff Hodgetts Garry Smith 19

20 Invitation to submit articles Tasdeaf would like to invite members to submit articles that they may wish to share with the community. What: Deadline: Articles are to be no longer than 250 words 20th of - February, May, August, November Submission: To Tasdeaf by - info@tasdeaf.org.au or fax on Important Information All contributions, once submitted, become the property of Tasdeaf. The editor reserves the right to publish or to edit any article submitted for publication. All editing shall strive to remain true to the spirit of the original article. Opinions expressed (except in articles that are signed in an official capacity) are those of the author/s and not necessarily endorsed by the editor or by Tasdeaf. All best efforts will be made by Tasdeaf to send out Signpost quarterly subject to staff availability, timing, receipt of articles, and other circumstances that may occur. Contact Tasdeaf Hobart Office reception mobile number for SMS: New Town Road New Town 7008 Ph./TTY: Fax: info@tasdeaf.org.au Launceston Office 64 Cameron Street Launceston 7250 Fax: jeanette.s@tasdeaf.org.au Tasdeaf acknowledges the support of the Tasmanian Government 20 Do you want to receive this newsletter via ? Please info@tasdeaf.org.au and we will add you to the distribution list