NABS NOTICE BOARD

A Rugby Player's Experience at the Australia Deaf Games

2012-02-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

All Rugby Union Teams at the 2012 Australia Deaf
Games in Geelong

In January 2012 NABS sponsored the uniforms for the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union Teams to play at the Australian Deaf Games. This was the first year that Deaf Rugby was played at the games and recently Deb Howcroft-Miles caught up with Simon Mahony from Southern Cross Deaf Rugby to ask him about the Deaf games.

1) Tell NABS about what the 2012 Australian Deaf Games were like?

It was a wonderful atmosphere and a highly emotional time. I found that the Australia Deaf Games were not just about playing the sport, it was about the comradery. All the sports were organised and it was great to see everyone working as a team.

I am looking forward to the next Deaf Games which are in 2016 playing in Adelaide. We are already helping South Australia put a Deaf Rugby Union team together. Closer to the game we will get serious and prepare harder and train more so that South Australia can have a team play in their home state a this amazing event.

2) How did each of the football teams play?

Each game goes for 14 minutes with each half playing 7 minutes each. All the teams had 3 games each day for 2 days. So there was 6 games plus the grand final game with Fiji and New South Wales playing off for the Gold and Silver Medal. The finals games played for extra time with each half being 10 minutes.

I am so proud of all the teams. They all did so well battling injuries and playing like professionals.

Queensland Deaf Rugby Union Team

The team that stood out the most was Victoria. They are an emerging team who train hard, play with confidence and were determined to do well. Unfortunately Victoria just missed out on winning the bronze medal when they played Queensland. Even with major injury Queensland just managed to win the bronze medal in what was an exciting and close game. They were determined to win that last game and it paid off.

New South Wales had a clean sweep of the games, winning all their matches and taking out gold over Fiji.

3) What were the Fijian players like to play against?

Fijian Deaf Rugby Union Team

We were excited to have Fiji at the games. They have very professional skills and throwing technique. One thing all of the Australian players learnt from the Fijian players was to keep the ball alive, don’t stop and don’t hold the ball – keep the ball moving at all times.

When we weren’t on the rugby field the Fijian players were very friendly but during the game they were tough.

4) NSW was undefeated in every game. What do you think made them win every game they played?

I think the reason NSW played so well was because we play rugby union all the time. The team all have very high skill level and play club rugby regularly. They are all club members.

Other teams have players who played in other sport like futsal, cricket and netball so when they come to play Rugby they might be injured and very tired. NSW was different, most of the players just did rugby.

New South Wales Deaf Rugby Team

5) Was there one player who played the best?

David Kearsey from Inverell in Country NSW won fairest player of the competition. He is tough as nails and very athletic. He has won it about 17 times.

6) What was the one you thing you will remember most about the 2012 Australian Deaf Games?

For me I personally remember a great moment when I tackled a Fijian player. It was an amazing experience. I ran into him and it was like one minute I was flying and I had feathers, the next minute I hit the Fijian player in a tackle and landed really hard on top of him. I felt like I was a bird who had all my feathers plucked and fell from the sky. He was really tough. But we stood up and shook ourselves and ran off ready to play again. I have lots of bruises even today.

Another thing that I think was important and something I will always remember is the experience of the games. It was a huge milestone in my life to play at the Deaf Games. Learning new skills, meeting new faces and the communication was a special time in my life.

Emotions were so high. The game just stays on the field but the comradery stays with you.

It was inspiring to speak to one player from Canberra who was really proud to play at the Deaf Games and then NSW won. The young player was so excited and I asked him if he would play at the Deaf Games again and he said most definitely. To see that emotion in everyone – that is what I will remember.

7) What next for Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union? Where you play next?

Well it looks like they are forming Deaf Rugby Australia to play in the world cup in 2015 in England. Teams from Wales, Scotland and maybe France are looking to affiliate so they can play and that will be very exciting.

For Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union we have lots of things. In 2012 we have two metro teams playing and we will travel.

We will go to Sydney or maybe Melbourne in May and then in August we will play at Ballimore in Brisbane. There will be a workshop with some professional players and some games being played.

Every year we have a weekend camp in Inverell. This year it will be in October.

Victorian Deaf Rugby Union Team

We also observed how dedicated Victoria was to playing the sport. They trained so hard for the Australian Deaf Games. When other teams went to the pub or the beach, Victoria was on the field practicing or taking cold baths. They were like professional players and it was awesome. We want to keep increasing Victoria’s profile and help them organise fundraising. They are amazing players and it would be good to see them continue playing and competing in Rugby Union. So maybe if we help them fundraise they can get a bus and travel for games.

Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union will be very busy.

Simon Mahony and his sons celebrate the success of Southern Cross Rugby Union
at the 2012 Australian Deaf Games

Simon Mahony is founder of Southern Cross Deaf Rugby and coordinated the involvement of Rugby Union at the Australian Deaf Games. He is an inspiration and role model for the next generation of Deaf Rugby Union players. NABS would like to thank Simon for taking the time to participate in this Interview.

Visit Southern Cross Deaf Rugby http://www.southerncrossdeafrugby.beep.com/ and look out for a Deaf Rugby Team touring in your area.

NABS Celebrates 7 years Service to Deaf Community

2012-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

NABS has been providing an Interpreter Service to the Deaf Community since 31 January 2005. In that time it has grown from 1 person booking interpreters to attend Private Medical Appointments for Deaf people to 15 staff working in the call centre, 6 administration staff and now over 500 NAATI accredited Interpreters all over Australia.

Keri Gilbert commented by saying "We have been very pleased with the way NABS has been embraced by the Deaf Community, Health Professionals and Interpreters and want to thank them all for their support and interest." "It is also very gratifying for our staff to know that our service makes a positive difference to the wellbeing of Deaf people and their families. We look forward to more great years and the opportunity to improve on the quality of what we are able to offer the community." she said.

NABS is funded by the Department of Family, Housing, Community Service and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) to provide FREE Sign Language Interpreters for Private Medical and Health Care appointments. To find out more about NABS or to book an Interpreter please contact:

Phone: 1800 246 945

TTY: 1800 246 948

Fax: 1800 246 914

SMS: 0427 671 261

Email: bookings@nabs.org.au

Web: www.nabs.org.au

NABS supports Southern Cross Deaf Rugby

2011-12-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

The XVI Australian Deaf Games is being held in Geelong in January 2012. On the 20th and 21st January Southern Cross Deaf Rugby teams will host its first State Deaf rugby seven tournament at the Deaf Games. The tournament consists of three State Deaf rugby seven teams from New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD) and Victoria (VIC) and a Pacific Regional of Fiji Deaf Rugby Sevens team.

NABS is very proud to be sponsoring the uniforms for the NSW, QLD and VIC teams.

In December 2011 in celebration of the Australian Deaf Games and the role NABS will play in supporting the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby, NABS staff decided to get dressed up in there favourite sporting team uniform. Deb Howcroft-Miles says that NABS sponsoring a sport team in the Australian Deaf Games is a very exciting event. “It would be a wonderful experience for all teams to be apart of the Deaf Rugby Seven tournament in Geelong and we are proud to be supporting the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union “she said.

NABS staff getting into the spirit of the Australian Deaf
Games.
NABS is sponsoring the uniforms for the NSW, QLD, VIC
Southern Cross Deaf Rugby seven tournament.

For more information on the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union visit their website. http://www.southerncrossdeafrugby.beep.com/

Farewell Ray and Welcome Jenny

2011-12-18T22:36:00.000-08:00

NABS farewelled Project Officer Ray Hilsdonand welcomed Operations Manager Jenny Axford on the 5^th December2012.

Keri Gilbert (left), Jenny Axford (centre) and Ray Hilsdon (right)

Ray has made a decision to leave NABS toallow him time to focus on working within the Deaf Community in otherways. He plans on volunteering with Deafpeople on the North side of Brisbane. Gardening will be another important task Ray will be tending to in hissemi-retirement. Ray has always sharedhis passion for gardening with the NABS staff. Monday was a favourite day by NABS because this was the day Ray wouldbring in his vegetables and fruit to share. Yum! We will miss that.

NABS is very happy to introduce our neweststaff member. Jennifer Axford joins theNABS family as Operations Manager in supporting General Manager KeriGilbert. Jenny comes to NABS with lotsof knowledge in Community Service. Sheis looking forward to working with call centre staff to continue providing anexcellent service to the Deaf community and Interpreters.

Merry Christmas and Safe New Year from NABS

2011-12-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

Geelong Expo and Workshop

2011-12-11T21:57:00.001-08:00

Ray Hilsdon looking after the NABS stand at the Geelong
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Expo

The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Expo was held at Geelong West Town Hall on Friday 26 August. The Expo was organised by Deaf Access Geelong & Barwon Victoria and in particular Kathy Fitzmaurice & Erica Smith. Ray Hilsdon, Project Officer was able to go flying the NABS flag.

About eight people attended a free NABS presentation at the expo. Five Auslan interpreters were available for the presentations and as needed at the displays.

Ray discussing NABS services with Leanne Cooke at the
Geelong Deaf & Hard of Hearing Expo

Well in excess of 320 people viewed the displays. People who attended the expo included Deaf consumers, Hard of Hearing people, accredited interpreters and trainee interpreters.

A NABS Workshop was held on Saturday following the Expo. The workshop was held at the Gateways Centre. Ten people attended. The facilities and Kathy’s assistance made organising the Workshop extremely easy. The presentation was 2.5 hours long with many questions and scenarios being presented by the participants.

Tasmania Update

2011-12-11T21:46:00.001-08:00

Greetings from Tassie!

2011 has been a busy year in the south of the country. I have travelled many kilometres around the state delivering NABS interpreting services to many Deaf Tasmanians. I am fortunate to visit many towns and cities across the state & work with people of all ages.

When I was not in appointments or driving the highways I had many other adventures this year. I have been in touch with many medical professionals to advise them of the NABS service. I have also worked with employment services, educational institutions, arts organisations and tourism providers to highlight the need for interpreters & how to book and use Auslan interpreters.

To keep me up to date with my profession and continue my learning I have been involved in a number of training sessions. My focus this year has been on Legal interpreting and I attended a course in Melbourne conducted by Jemina Napier & Della Goswell. This covered many topics and issues when working in the legal system. I added to this learning by recently going to the “Legal & Police Interpreting Conference” at RMIT. This boosted my knowledge of Police interviews and their challenges for interpreters.

Looking ahead to 2012, I am excited to be providing training for the Department of Education interpreting staff. I will also be investigating the “Telecare Online” service – the existing videoconferencing service used by the Department of Health & Human Services to assess its suitability for working with Auslan users.

Happy holidays all - Here’s to a healthy 2012!

Ali Dowl

Staff Interpreter - Tasmania

Liz Interprets President's Speech

2011-11-23T23:20:00.001-08:00

US President Barack Obama’s visit to a Darwin RAAF Base on the 17th November 2011 proved to be both a privilege and a challenge for NABS Interpreter Liz Temple. With three and a half hours notice and NABS call centre staff providing as much up to date information and preparation material as was made available, Liz found herself positioned well behind the podium in amongst a throng of uniformed defence force personnel.

Security was of upmost importance with Secret Service men patrolling the area in dark suits and wearing ear pieces.

Entertainment was provided with Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Jess Mauboy and the army band playing while Liz and all others waited expectantly for the President and the Australian political entourage which included the Prime Minister Julia Gillard to arrive.

The speeches went by in a whirlwind with Liz concentrating so hard on the task at hand that she barely remembers the finer details. With only one moment of nervousness, a large degree of fortitude and a great deal of professionalism Liz completed her role as Interpreter to the President of the United States of America.

This was a wonderful opportunity for a NABS interpreter to generate greater awareness of Deafness and access for the Deaf Community.

National Auslan Booking Service wins....

2011-07-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

National Auslan Booking Service wins
2011 Australian Business Award for Public Service
National Auslan Booking Service (NABS) has been recognised among Australia’s most progressive organisations, winning the Australian Business Award for Public Service in the 2011 Awards.

The Australian Business Awards challenges the full spectrum of private, public and non-profit sector organisations in Australia through its comprehensive business and product award categories.

Now in its sixth year, the Australian Business Awards program recognises organisations that demonstrate the core values of business excellence, product excellence, corporate responsibility, sustainability and commercial success in their respective industries. A total of 103 recipients were honoured from the 928 organisations that participated in the 2011 Awards.

The Australian Business Award for Public Service recognises the contributions and achievements of public service institutions. Achievements can include but are not limited to changes to Government policy or processes and improvements in community or health services.

Commenting on the win, Keri Gilbert, NABS Operation Manager said: “this award reinforces our commitment to the Deaf Community and the professionalism of Interpreters throughout Australia”. NABS achievements since its inception in 2007 includes:

• Achieving its 100 000th booking in March 2011
• Averaging 18 000 bookings per year
• Having over 500 NAATI accredited Interpreters on their NABS Interpreter Employee Database
• Being the number one best practice employment model for interpreters (Based on Feedback from Interpreters)
• Creating awareness of the Deaf Community
• The flexible delivery of the Diploma of Interpreting (Paraprofessional Level of NAATI accreditation achieved on successful completion of the course) with 23 graduates since the pilot program in 2007.
• Being the first Deaf Interpreter booking agency to provide an IPhone and Android app for making bookings of interpreters

NABS is auspiced by Wesley Mission Brisbane and funded by the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

For more information about NABS, please contact Deborah Howcroft-Miles on 1800 246 945, email communications@nabs.org.au or visit www.nabs.org.au.

Weather Drama DownUnder - Brisbane Tracey Wardrop

2011-06-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

How do you know the floods emergency? My husband Robert who was overseas and he was contacted by his mother then called daughter who have new handset for xmas told me to read the text from Robert warned us at 7.45am on Tuesday 11th January. Then got two announcement via our speaker in apartment from the site manager warned us and advised to clear out things and cars out of basement. Then last announcement via speaker by police ordered us go up high ground at 3pm. My children were able to hear the announcements and interpreted to me.

How did floods happened in Brisbane? Brisbane had a lot of rain over the Christmas holiday that made the ground very wet, then Toowoomba area big heavy rain story and suddenly inland tsunami. And then the Wivenhoe dam overload with water that lets it go down the Brisbane River.

What did you do? After my husband Robert warned me by text, we first went to food shopping, bought drinking waters, food cans, breads, first aid kits and lots of batteries for torch. We thought we were safe in our uprise apartment near the river till the police ordered us evacuate. We quickly packed two days clothes, took our pets and drove over northside high ground to stay at in-laws place.

Were you evacuated and where did you go? Yes when police ordered us to go high ground, we were calm packed and drove slowly to in-laws place which we stayed for two weeks and then moved into a hotel for another 10 days.

How did you feel? I was extremely worried when news says it may worse than 1974 flood which it happened to my family when I was little. My Mum’s house was flooded up to the roof and we were evacuated. Again I was scared and wished my husband Robert were with us but we did well. We also very shocked and heart breaking what had happened at Toowoomba.

Any damage at your place? Our unit were not damaged and in this apartments have lots of damaged like flood in basement, lift well, fire systems, no clean water systems no sewerage on and on. That is why we cannot live in for three weeks for safety and health hygiene.

Weather Drama DownUnder - Cyclone Yasi Carol O'Reilly

2011-06-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

How do you know the Cyclone Yasi emergency?Well I do lived in Kewarra Beach, so close to the beach! I received mobile message from Suzy (my daughter) which says “Start packing up”

What did you do?Three simple words that alerted me to start packing things up. I took all the photos out of my cupboard and 2 boxes of photo albums stored and put in the boot of my car. Few minutes later, Karin my eldest daughter was told to go home by her boss at work and go home to help her mother. She eventually arrived straight to my house, and helped me to store 2 wheelbarrows, some stuff lying around and stuff them all to laundry room. Karin also took down my photos and paintings from lounge room and put in my car. The car is almost full plus one small bag of clothes, nightie and bag filled with toothpaste and deodorants, some cream etc.

Were you evacuated and where did you go?I had alert from Bureau of Metreology about condition of Cyclone where it is coming through. It is very handy on my mobile to keep tracking sights of Yasi movements.
Michael Atkinson (Deaf) received one on his mobile and says very handy one indeed! Suzy and Rick came to my place at about 4pm, and checked my backyard. They moved my desk outside my bedroom door to stop winds banging on it. Then we went to a neighbour next door and told her I’m moving out somewhere safe. We had to persuade Jeniene to move out too. Lucy her boarder told us she is moving to Clifton Beach for safety. I went over to Suzy’s place to stay there during the cause of tracking of Cyclone Yasi on TV screen. Suzy begins to worry about what we are at Freshwater unit. I stayed overnight on the mattress on the floor. I had been very calm the whole time! At 6am, mobile phone work Suzy up and told her to get out of Freshwater unit, and tell your Mum that! We packed few food essentials into esky and put in my car, again, hardly any room for it! Karin came over and brought her dog Mia. We decided to call Jenny Nunan who lives at Malanda. She is happy to have us over during the Cyclone watach. We all left at 7.15am in two cars, Suzy drove my car up and Rick the other car with dog Mia. Karin stayed at Colonial Resort with her two children. She said it was great and hard alot of winds howling about. We arrived in Atherton, cold and rainy! We forgot to bring our warm clothes as Atherton is always cold. There were repeated TV annoucements from the Qld Premier Anna Bligh with interpreter and Disaster Co-ordinators and I was very happy to keep up with updated news in my native Auslan Langurage.

Did you feel loud and vibrations?We all settled down with Jenny and Frank. I was so tired and I went to bed about 10pm. Jenny, Frank, Suzy and Rick was up all night, hearing banging noise on the roof, winds howling all night, and more banging and rain crept through the door, their power went off about midnight I guess. I did not hear anything all. I was asleep the whole time and I did wake up about 2am and saw the trees swaying to and fro.
I knew the Cyclone was passing us over at Category 3 Whew! That was enough.

How did you feel?We all had breakfast and waited till the winds died down. I had lovely walk along the road with dog Mia. The weather was gloomy and very cloudy in the distance. I am very grateful to Jenny and Frank to let us stay in their lovely home. Jenny has a Deaf brother who lives in Dublin, Ireland, married to Sylvia and have 6 Deaf children, all grown up. I visited her brother Tim and Sylvia in Dublin in 2009. Their eldest son Tim (jnr) visited Australia in 2007 and stayed with Jenny during that time. I had wonderful connection with Jenny and her Deaf sibling and children in Dublin.

Any damage at your place at Cairns?When I got back to my house after the Cyclone, the road on Kuranda Range was opened, as they had to clear the debris along this road. I arrived home at 9pm and checked my house, all safe and sound except for my broom cupboard with water leaking from the roof. I am lucky to get insurance paid out to my carpenter David to repair damages to the broom cupboard. I was told I had power and water was on the whole time in Kewarra Beach area. The next morning, I went to the beach and saw terrible damages on the beach, with flying debris from the trees down to the creek and carried all the muck and landed on the beach. It looks like mulch ready made for your garden eh! The council came along to clean up the picnic area but not the beach! I still l with heavily mulch brought again from the monsoonal rains landed there too. Floods and swollen creeks were visible once again along the Captain Cook Highway. Worst climate changes ever hit Cairns for a very long time (I’ve been here for 24 years now). I’m very safe and rest assured. My lucky Irish brooch helped me to survive this storm throughout this ordeal with Cyclone Yasi!

Weather Drama DownUnder - Toowoomba James Kerwin

2011-06-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

How did you know the floods happened?I was at home when the flash floods happened. That night I watched the news I was shocked to see that the flash flooding hit the small towns in the valley and that some people died in the floods.

How did floods happened in Toowoomba?It was described as the Perfect Storm. It happened so fast. There was no time for the weather forecasters to pick it up before it happened. There was no time to send out emergency warnings. The flash floods in Toowoomba were caused by very heavy downpour in a very short time.

What was the weather look like?There was some heavy rain. Just before the flash flood started, there was some thunder and lightning.

Where were you when it happen? I was at my home in Toowoomba when the flash flood happened. That day I was scheduled to drive to Brisbane for work, but as I was very concerned about the forecast for possible flooding in Brisbane, I decided to be safe and stay home in Toowoomba. But much to my shock the flash floods happened in Toowoomba! I am very glad I did not drive to Brisbane that day as the wall of water hit the small towns down the range between Toowoomba and Brisbane. Towns such as Withcott, Grantham and the Lockyer Valley were hit badly. There was some loss of life which is very sad.
When I was at home, I could see all the cars stuck on the main road across from my house. The flood waters were rushing around and over the cars. The drivers in their cars looked really worried and they were talking on their mobile phones.

What did you do?I wanted to see if my car was okay, so I waded through the water to check my car was ok. The wheelie bins smashing against my car so I pulled them free and pushed them away from the car then I went back inside my house to stay safe. During the flash flood I started videoing it on my iPhone. I turned off the lights and television in case for safety. I communicated with my neighbours by SMS. I also sent emails to my family to let them know I was in a flash flood. We were able to see each other through our windows. I packed a bag with some clothes in case I had to get out of the house.

Were you evacuated, and where did you go?The flash floods in Toowoomba was so quick, there was no time for evacuations. The weather bureau could not even detect the storm coming. There was no way to get out of my place because the flash flood was too fast, strong and too high. The best thing was to stay put and wait for the flash flood to go away. Fortunately, after about half an hour, the flash flood waters went away.

How did you feel?I felt uneasy. When the flash floods were rushing around my house, I became concerned and started to think what I should do if the water came into my house.

Any damage at your place?My house is on stumps so the water did not get inside but my laundry and storage rooms outside were flooded. Most of the damage was outside in my yard. My boundary fences were knocked over, and the posts ripped out of the ground. There was some soil erosion around the house stumps. My driveway was badly eroded. The gas cylinders were knocked over and ripped from the wall. The air conditioning units outside the house were also knocked over and submerged in flood waters. My car was ok. The waters stopped just below the muffler of my car.

Liz on the Road

2010-07-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Liz Temple is the NABS full time Interpreter based in Darwin, Northern Territory. Recently, Liz went on a huge trip to visit other areas.

She drove from Darwin to visit the outback towns Katherine and Tennant Creek on the way to Alice Springs. The distance travelled is 1,498km one way. This is nearly the same distance from Brisbane to Adelaide. Liz said it is a very long drive to do on your own. When Liz arrived in Alice Springs, she met up with another NABS Interpreter, Carmel Batson. They visited a community near Alice Springs called Santa Teresa.

The trip was to assess and increase awareness about NABS, and to interpret when needed. Liz met Deaf people and medical services staff who may need to use NABS. It is important that NABS develops relationships with other service providers and government organisations so that they know about NABS and that NABS is there for them. Liz also did research on what the local people do for interpreting for Deaf people in their areas and to help herself understand and learn more about Indigenous cultures and what ways of communication they use.

“There were positive responses to NABS visit” said Liz. “They asked questions on how to access NABS and how to make it easier for them to access NABS. Because many towns are remote it can be a barrier to access services and information.

Liz was pleased to meet members of the Deaf community at each place on her trip on the Stuart Highway. “There was not much rain but everything in the desert was green. That was very strange but gorgeous. It was fantastic to see the landscape change” said Liz.

Profile - Barney Lund

2010-06-30T01:55:00.000-07:00

Barney Lund, 35, is completly deaf in one ear and with some hearing loss in the other ear as well. He was born deaf. He identifies himself as hearing impaired and says Ï am comfortable with both deaf and hearing people and enjoy learning to sign with my deaf friends".

Barney has ties with NABS - his mother is a NABS Interpreter in NSW. His family also includes his step-father, two sisters, and a 15 year old brother, who also uses Auslan as he is a hearing non-verbal signing user.

Barney arrived in Australia at the age of 10 from the U.K., grew up in rural NSW, and now lives in Brisbane.

He was educated in hearing schools, and then went to university, gaining a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology, a Bachelor of Applied Science & Environment and is currently studying part time for a Master of Counselling.

Barney is employed as a Project Officer in the Queensland Government. He works in an inner city office in Brisbane doing various projects. Barney has developed an interest in technology for the deaf and has some time allocated to looking at technology solutions. Ï see Video Relay Services and telephone captioning as the way for the future. It would be great to see these things become more accessible within organisations". He currently uses live captioning services for university and some work meetings. A remote operator will type up the speech from the meeting onto a laptop and Barney sees the captions in real time. Barney also uses Australian Communication Exchange's Webcaptel captioned telephone service. There are other people at Barney's place of employment who are hard of hearing but he has yet to meet any deaf staff in his department.

On NABS, Barney said he would consider using the free sign language interpreting services for private medical appointments ïf my hearing decreases adn I learn more signing". He was very interested to learn that hard of hearing consumers can request a sign supported speech interpreter. NABS can provide this to hard of hearing consumers who may not use full Auslan but still benefit from the assistance of a signing interpreter to aid with lip-reading. NABS recognises and knows that there are different levels of deafness and wants people like Barney to know that they can access NABS if they require interpreting services for their private medical appointments.

James Kerwin, Communications Officer.

NABS Congratulates Kathryn O'Brien Working Deaf Lawyer

2010-03-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

James met up with Kathryn, Dan and their daughter, Mischa at home.

Kathryn O'Brien, 31, is Deaf. She has a partner, Daniel Armfield, 40. They have a daughter, Mischa, aged 5. Daniel and Mischa are hearing. The family live in Brighton, a pretty seaside suburb of Brisbane, Queensland. Kathryn was the only Deaf person from her family. Kathryn has 2 brothers and a sister. All went to university except her oldest brother, who is a mechanic. The other brother is still at university. Kathryn's sister is working at Relationships Australia as a telephone counsellor.

Kathryn and Daniel met when they were law students and they are now both practising lawyers and work at Porta Lawyers, in Geebung, Brisbane.

The family communicate with each other by lip reading, a mixture of Auslan and Signed English. Kathryn said, "My daughter even comes up with her own sign names for people we know".

James: "Why did you pick law?"

Kathryn: "I think it was more of a family influence to better ourselves. Law has an impact on things for better or worse and I wanted to be part of that impact. I got into law and tried to break the family mould. In my family we have a strong generation of teachers and nurses. I wanted to rebel a little bit. So I thought, why not law? I did not want to be a teacher or a nurse. I thought what else I could do - I know, law!"

Kathryn went to Kedron State High School. After high school, Kathryn went to Griffith University. She now has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Bachelor of Laws and graduated with Honours. Then she studied an accrelerated one year Diploma of Legal Skills, Practice and Ethics before she was admitted to the legal profession.

She chose this path rather than doing the two year work site placement. To be admitted to the legal profession and to practice law, one must complete this postgraduate component.

She says "There are horror stories from people who have done the 2 year placement option. Many of them did not have much guidance. I decided the university course was the best way. I had the benefit of having sign language interpreters which enabled me to participate in the class discussions".

Kathryn is now studying for Master of Laws at the University of Queensland.
"I am very ambitious!", said Kathryn.

The popular late 1990's television show, "Reasonable Doubts" had Academy Award winning Deaf actress Marlee Matlin playing a Deaf lawyer. Kathryn said, "I wanted to be a lawyer before I saw that show. But I thought why would people want to make believe that a Deaf person can be a lawyer, why not in real life? It made me more determined to be a lawyer".

To date, Kathryn says she believes she is the only practising Deaf working lawyer in Australia. She said as far as she knows, there are at least three other Deaf Australians have law degrees but they are not practising law yet, although one of them has been admitted into the legal profession. Because of this, Kathryn has set a precedent.

When asked whether she found any obstacles and how she overcame them, Kathryn said, "Many people assumed I would have trouble with the (study) material and volume of work at uni but I found this to be the easiest part". She said that having interpreters were useful, especially in class discussions and as well as having a peer note taker taking notes for her, "I could throw in questions and be involved in deep discussion with my classmates".

The majority of Deaf Australians communicate with Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Kathryn, however uses Signed English with some Auslan signs. She said she came from a strong background of Signed English that was used by her family, friends and teachers.

It is NABS policy for the Deaf client to choose their interpreter for their private medical appointment. Deaf or hearing impaired clients can ask for a Sign Supported Speech Intepreter for their appointments if they do not use full Auslan. A sign supported speech interpreter can be useful as they use facial expressions and lip patterns to suit the hard of hearing client. "I like that", said Kathyrn.

"As a lawyer I applaud NABS for providing free sign language interpreters for private medical services, for NABS is meeting one of the most basic human rights - access to the health system", said Kathryn.

"I find this very important as an Australian, not just as a Deaf person", Kathryn said.

From Kathryn's perspective as a lawyer, "If an interpreter is not available, the doctor could have problems meeting their duty of care and not being able to assess the capability of the patient of understanding any possible risks and outcome of treatment for their medical condition", said Kathryn.

"The patient would need to be aware they have their right to ask questions and the right to say no to anything they are not comfortable with".

"Having an interpreter at the medical appointment would meet the legal requirements of their relationship".

"if my partner or daughter gets sick and I need to take either of them to the doctor, I can ask NABS for an interpreter. I can receive full information as a partner, mother and primary carer and make informed decisions based on that", said Kathryn.

James: "You have achieved a lot. You are only 31. You have a partner and child, several degrees and now working as a lawyer. Do you have any other goals?"

Kathryn: "I plan to do a Doctorate of Philosophy. I just want to be taken seriously enouugh. I would like to write articles for legal magazines and later down the track, a book about the history of Deaf legal Australian history".

"I would like to encourage other Deaf people to study law whether they become lawyers or not. Even if they don't practice law, it is not a waste of time.

"I would like to bring Australia up to the standards of the European Union. For Deaf to be able to have legal rights in the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, Papua New Guinea and other South Pacific islands. The European Union has a very strong foundation of rights and standards of access. I think Australia is still struggling to reach the accepted level of human rights. I think Australian Aboriginals are not enjoying the same rights indigenous people do in Europe", said Kathryn.

Kathryn said she would like to establish a foundation to enable people to host a congress where Deaf people can come together to discuss problems and celebrate achievements. She said that other Deaf people could come to this congress even if they are not studying law or lawyers themselves.

James: "What would you like to tell young Deaf people?"

Kathryn: "Follow your heart. Do what you really want to do. Don't let anything stop you and don't be afraid to ask for help".

Jen Webb's Visit to Adelaide, S.A. in February 2010

2010-03-11T14:26:00.001-08:00

Jen Webb, one of the Call Centre's Booking Officers at NABS, spent one month, February, in Adelaide, S.A. to provide a walk in service and home visits to South Australian Deaf consumers of NABS.

Jen was based at the local Deaf service for South Australia, Deaf Can Do, for three days of the week and spent the other two days of the week visiting Deaf people's homes. Jen also spent some days at Adelaide TAFE, at their Drop in Centre, where they have many Deaf students learning English, and Information Technology.

This was an excellent opportunity for the Deaf Community in Adelaide to see Jen, a former native South Australian herself, and to be able to have face to face communication about how to book free NABS interpreter for their private medical appointments.

Some of her highlights included:

Meeting young Deaf students at Elizabeth Park Primary School. Jen said, "They were so excited to see a Deaf adult there. They were also excited to receive resources in a NABS bag! Every little thing excited them!"

Giving 2 NABS Presentations to the local Deaf community

Meeting her family and Deaf friends again

Meeting several Deaf clients and explained NABS services to them

Working at Adelaide TAFE's Drop in Centre for Deaf Students

James Kerwin

Communications Officer

James on the road in March

2010-02-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

NABS Presentations in March.

If you are living or visiting in these areas, you are very welcome to come along to these Presentations.

James will explain about NABS.

• Why Interpreter is very important for Deaf patients and Doctors
• How to book FREE Interpreter for private medical appointments.

CANBERRA, ACT: Wednesday 17th March, 2:30 – 3:30 pm

For Disability Support Staff at the Australian National University

Venue: The Chifley Library, Building 15, JB Chifley Building, The Australian National University.
Interpreter provided.

RSVP to Eileen Berry, Email: Eileen.Berry@anu.edu.au,

Ph: 02 – 6125 5036, Fax: 02 – 6125 9881

SYDNEY, NSW: Friday 19th March, 8:30 – 9:30 pm at The Deaf Club.

Both James and Jen will be there to present NABS Information.

Venue: Club Burwood, 97 Burwood Road, Burwood. 2nd floor function room.

$50 LUCKY DOOR PRIZE! Interpreters provided.

RSVP to Secretary of The Deaf Club, Glenn Welldon, Email: glenn@thedeafclub.org.au

MT ISA, QLD: Tuesday 30 March & Wednesday 31 March, 6:00-8:00 pm

Tuesday is for the Deaf Community Session.

Wednesday is for Parents of Deaf, Disability, Health & Education Workers.

Venue: Mt Isa Hospital, (Blue Room), 30 Camooweal St, Mt Isa

$50 LUCKY DOOR PRIZE!

Video Relay Interpreters provided.

James will present about NABS.

Libby Sterling will present about QLD Health Interpreter Service.

RSVP: Donna Mullaly, Email: d.mullalay@yahoo.com.au, Ph: 07 – 4744 7222

NABS celebrates five years!

2010-01-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 17th January, 2010, the NABS team went out for lunch to celebrate five successful years of NABS.

Five years ago, on 31 January 2005, NABS began its services to provide free sign language interpreting services for private medical and health care appointments to the Deaf community all over Australia.

When NABS started, there were two people working in a small room. Now, five years later, NABS has two Managers, 18 Call Centre Operators, an Interpreter Training Officer, an Administration Officer,a Communications Officer, two regional based Interpreter/Community Development Officers - one based in Hobart, TAS and the other in Darwin, NT, and over 500 accredited Interpreters on NABS database.

Michelle Skinner, Director of Community Services, joined the NABS team on Sunday's lunch and gave a stirring speech, congratulating the NABS team and reminding them of the very important work they are carrying out for the Deaf community. Michelle said "NABS has received acclaim and praise from everywhere. You should be very proud of yourselves. Your work has made a big difference in the lives of many Deaf Australians".

Michelle thanked Keri Gilbert, Manager of Services and Merie Spring for the countless hours of writing the submission for NABS tender, and also to Natasha Stanton for her dedication for the last five years working for NABS. Michelle also thanked the two Deaf staff members, Jenni Webb (Bookings Officer) and James Kerwin (Communications Officer) and Ray Hilsdon (Call Centre Manager) for their energy and input to assist NABS flourish in the Australian Deaf community.

Everyone enjoyed the time to chat and bond with each other as colleagues over the delicious 3 course meal and at the end of the lunch, all left with a deep satisfaction knowing that each staff person has helped make the great success story NABS is now.

James Kerwin
Communications Officer

Adam's Story

2009-11-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

My name is Adam Murdey and I am a profoundly deaf 37 year old from South Australia currently studying my final year of a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of South Australia. I have been profoundly deaf for the past 23 year as a result of having Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). NF2 is a hereditary condition that affects 1 in 50,000 births in which tumours form on the nervous system. As a result of having tumours on my cranial nerve (commonly referred to as acoustic neuromas) I suffered profound hearing loss.

At the end of 1996, I was fitted with an Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (12 years after losing my hearing). I am grateful that I was able to have such an implant, as it has enabled me to hear sounds to a certain degree. Although the ABI allowed me some hearing I was still heavily reliant on sign language to receive information.

As a result of having NF2 I have required regular appointments with various specialists to discuss my current and future treatment. Initially I didn’t use interpreting services for these. However as time went by it became apparent it would be more beneficial if one attended. Over the past few years I have had my interpreting needs met by NABS. On most occasions the receptionist books my interpreter through NABS and within a day NABS contacts me via sms to confirm a booking has been made and asking which interpreter I wish to attend. On most occasions the interpreter of my choice has been available and if they are not I am given a wide choice of other professionals who can attend.

Since using NABS interpreting I have never had interpreters arrive late or not show up and at all times they have presented themselves in a professional manner and their sign language has always been clear, concise and easy to understand. Interpreting at such appointments cannot be an easy task by a long shot while interpreting medical jargon but NABS interpreters have always managed to convey what the doctor is saying. I will continue using NABS interpreters wherever possible due to the simple fact that they are reliable, friendly and professional in their approach to providing the interpreting service I require.

Adam Murdey

NABS at the 4th World Mental Health & Deafness Congress and QLD Deaf Festival

2009-11-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

MENTAL HEALTH CONGRESS Wed 28th – Friday 30th October, 2009:

Tash and James spent 3 days at the 4th World Congress of Mental Health & Deafness, at the Brisbane Convention Centre, manning the NABS booth. There were approximately 350 delegates, coming from all over the world. About 50% of the delegates were Deaf themselves, with the other 50% being hearing professionals, such as University scholars, psychologists, linguistics, GPs, and Interpreters. Some of the countries represented were Brasil, France, Austria, United States, United Kingdom, Ethiopia and New Zealand.

Many people came to the NABS booth. The American visitors were especially amazed at how the Australian government provides funding for free interpreting at private medical and health care appointments. They reinforced James' own experience living in the United States previously, that in the U.S., Doctors have to pay for sign language Interpreters and often they do not provide this because of this cost.

One of the key note speakers, Dr. Andrew Cornes, from the UK visited the NABS booth and was especially interested in the Mental Health DVD.

QLD DEAF FESTIVAL, Saturday 31st October 2009:

James and Lindsay manned the NABS booth at the 11th QLD Deaf Festival, held at Toowong. Approximately 1000 people attended the Festival. Many people visited the NABS Booth. 85 people signed up for the Lucky Door Prize ($50 Coles/Myer gift card). Karen Hollstein, of Tanah Merah, won the Lucky Door Prize. It was great that some parents and families of young Deaf children visited NABS booth and enquired about NABS’ services.

James Kerwin, Communications Officer

Carolyn Scarcella at Deaf Community Dinner, Shepparton, Victoria

2009-11-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Carolyn Scarcella, 30, of Shepparton, Victoria has never used NABS before, but now says she will use NABS. Carolyn attended two NABS Community Presentations and also looked at the NABS Information booth at the Deaf Community Dinner, held in Shepparton, Victoria, on Friday night, 16th October, 2009.

She was born in Melbourne, and grew up in Shepparton. Shepparton is two hour’s drive north of Melbourne. Shepparton is a small community and multi-cultural, with many migrants from other countries, such as Iraqi, Italy and India who live here. Carolyn said that her family has an Italian background. “I live living in Shepparton because it is quiet and easier to travel around than the city”, Carolyn says. “The nightlife here is good”.

Carolyn works as a LOTE (Language Other Than English) Teacher in Auslan, at the local schools in Shepparton, which have Deaf programs.

She went to school at the Princess Elizabeth Junior School for the Deaf and Victorian College of the Deaf in Melbourne. Her hobbies include meeting new friends, working out at the gym, swimming and netball. Carolyn said she would like to write a book one day and travel the world. She has two sisters and parents who are all hearing.

Before in her doctor’s appointments, she communicated with her doctor by writing notes. “I felt I did not need an Interpreter, but now I think I should use an Interpreter”.

New medical interpreting study – invitation to participate!

2009-11-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

Between now and July 2010, George (Georgina) Major will be looking for Deaf people, interpreters, and doctors to participate in an exciting new study. The study will be conducted in New South Wales, and NABS have agreed to help with this study.

George is a hearing NZSL interpreter who has experience in researching how people talk in medical settings. Last year, she moved to Sydney to study medical interpreting in Australia as part of her PhD study. This study is being conducted at Macquarie University, alongside the Medical Signbank dictionary project (see http://www.auslan.org.au/about/medicalsignbank/). NABS is a Medical Signbank industry partner.

What is the study about?

We know that medical interpreting can quite different to other settings, such as education or legal interpreting, but until now there has been no linguistics research published in Australia about medical interpreting. This project will help us learn about the unique skills medical interpreters have, and some of the challenges for all participants in this setting. This information will help us to train new medical interpreters and to improve medical interpreting services for the Deaf community in Australia.

How will the research be done?

When the project has started (November 2009), George would like to video record up to 5 real life doctor appointments, with a GP, a Deaf patient, and an Auslan/English interpreter. It is important you know this is a linguistics study, so George would only video record the talking parts in an appointment (not examinations, for example). The recordings will be kept strictly confidential, and will be analysed to find out more about how people use language in this setting.

Interested in participating?

We are now asking Deaf people from all around Australia to take part in a Medical Signbank online survey (if you would like to do this short and interesting survey, please email Medical.Signbank@ling.mq.edu.au and we will email you the link). If you are interested in George’s study, you will have an opportunity to express your interest at the end of the survey. Then you will be sent detailed information about the study so you can consider it fully and ask questions. Participation will be voluntary (your choice).

Interested in more information?

You can email George directly if you would like more information or if you have questions about her PhD study: georgina.major@students.mq.edu.au

Diploma of Interpreting - Flexible Delivery

2009-10-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Diploma of Interpreting – Flexible Delivery

STOP THE PRESS! Calling all regional and remote interpreters...

NABS in partnership with WA TAFE is delighted to announce the NAATI approved Diploma of Interpreting Auslan/English course will be offered again in 2010.

Word has gotten out and popularity for the NABS / WA TAFE Diploma of Interpreting has grown. Successful students graduated from the 2007- 2008 pilot program graduated with a NAATI accredited qualifications. In 2009 NABS once again offered the online delivery of the Diploma of Interpreting and the students are expected to graduated in December.

The training program is being made available to students living in regional and remote areas of Australia where access to regular courses offered in larger metropolitan centres is not possible.

The Diploma, delivered over a 12 month period will be in flexible delivery mode. Students will receive a resource pack and then be expected to complete written and filmed (DVD) assessments. Students will have regular contact with Brisbane based trainers during scheduled weekly online sessions and are required to attend four face-to-face workshops conducted at strategic times throughout the course.

Students will be required to have a computer with access to the internet, a web cam, be familiar with MSN, have access to a video camera for recording their work either on DVD or DVD ROM (to be submitted on a regular basis to NABS for feedback).
Enrolment in the course will be subject to successful completion of an Entrance Screening process demonstrating Diploma level skills in Auslan, English and knowledge of and involvement in the Deaf community.

You are invited to email your expression of interest to training@nabs.org.au including all relevant contact details (i.e. name, postal address etc). NABS will then forward an Application Form and a Screening Process kit to be completed and returned for consideration.

Don’t delay – this opportunity is limited and enrolments must be finalised by the end of November.

NABS at ANC09

2009-08-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Several NABS staff members attended this years ASLIA National Conference in Melbourne. The conference held on the 22^nd& 23^rd August, was well supported by over 250 delegates. Interpreters from all around Australia attended, along with some very well known deaf community members and international guests including interpreters from developing countries.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our staff to meet many of their deaf clients and registered interpreters. Putting faces to names seemed to be the theme for the weekend. It was very exciting to catch up with many of you – our valued clients and employees.

It was wonderful to see the NABS Diploma of Interpreting trainers also present at the conference. Merie Spring and Lesleigh Brennan attended the training information sessions gaining insight into the latest training techniques used in other countries. We are proud to say that we stand tall amongst the best of them.

Administration Officer Deborah Howcroft-Miles was at the conference taking photos for the new NABS Interpreter Visual Register due for launching on the NABS website in early October. This initiative has been revisited due to feedback received by our clients who want photos of interpreters available to assist them with booking the correct interpreter.

NABS was a major sponsor of the ANC09 annual dinner on Saturday night. Dinner guests were served a sumptuous fare of food. Entertainment included tributes to theatre interpreting with renditions performed live from modern musicals and tributes to the history of interpreting. A great time was had by everyone who attended the evening. Socialising, networking and having some laughs were all on the menu

Chevoy Sweeney was presented with accolades for being the Australian interpreter of the year. This is a deserved win for Chevoy. Not only is she a registered NABS interpreter but Chevoy also presented several of the NABS Interpreter Professional Development workshops in New South Wales earlier this year. Congratulations Chevoy we know how hard you work in your chosen industry. We are so proud to have you available as an interpreter of choice for our clients.

All NABS call centre staff who could not be present at the Melbourne conference are very excited about the announcement that the 2010 ANC will be in Brisbane. They are already looking forward to meeting you there. We hope that interpreters and members of the deaf community will all travel to sunny Queensland, where the beaches are wet, the days are bright and the people are friendly.

Above Left: Ali Dowl - NABS Tasmania, Liz Temple - NABS Northern Territory, Deborah Howcroft-Miles - NABS Administration and Emily Coles - NABS Booking Centre caught up at the ASLIA Annual Dinner where NABS was a major sponsor.

Above Right: NABS Trainer Lesleigh Brennan catches up with Ugandan Interpreter Sam Begumisa at the ANC09.

. Left: Chevoy Sweeney a NABS registered Interpreter and Trainer was presented with ASLIA Interpreter of the Year.

Spotlight on Regional Interpeter of Year ASLIA Victoria Award - Pauline Hume

2009-07-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

NABS has over 500 Interpreters all over Australia.

One of them is Pauline Hume. At the recent ASLIA Victoria Awards Night in Melbourne on 30 May 2009, Pauline received the Regional Interpreter of the Year Award. Congratulations Pauline!
Pauline was a student of NABS’ online Interpreting course, the Diploma of Interpreting (NABS in partnership with Central College of TAFE W.A.).

NABS provides Interpreter training via online courses, DVDs and face to face workshops.
Pauline lives in Wodonga, Victoria. She grew up on a dairy farm in North East Victoria. She is a single mum with two daughters, Sam, 16 and Steph, 17. Before Pauline became an accredited Interpreter, she was always studying and working as a waitress. “My family put up with a lot during my study years and I am very grateful to them”, said Pauline.

Pauline fell in love with Auslan and decided to become an Interpreter. She started her Auslan studies at Riverina TAFE, Albury. Then, Pauline and her daughters moved to Melbourne for a while so Pauline could study at Kangan Batman TAFE.

But when Pauline and her family moved back to the country, she was not able to continue her studies at Kangan Batman TAFE.

Thanks to the NABS online course, Pauline was able to study for Diploma of Interpreting. This online course assists people in remote areas to study for this Interpreting qualification. They don’t have to move to capital city to study and train for this Interpreting course. “This course has opened windows for other regional interpreters to have a voice”, Pauline said.
Pauline is also a civil celebrant who does weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, pet funerals, commitment ceremonies and renewals of vows. One of her dream goals is to do a wedding for a Deaf couple in Auslan.

Pauline also works 3 days a week Interpreting at a high school for 2 Deaf boys, Interpreting at Riverina TAFE Albury for Beauty Therapy, teaching Auslan 1 at Riverina TAFE Albury. Her aim is to improve her Auslan and Interpreting skills to reach Level 3. “This is a life choice for me, not a job”, Pauline said.

James Kerwin, Communications Officer.

People NABS meets

2009-07-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

NABS provides services all over Australia.

NABS meets many different and interesting people all over Australia when there are Community Presentations held all over this huge country.

James Kerwin, Communications Officer, interviewed some people while on travels for NABS. Some of these stories have been published in the NABS Auslan Users Newsletter.

Sunshine Coast Local Thanks NABS:

Jill Knapton, 56, lives in Bli Bli on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. She moved there from Brisbane. She is married to Barrie and mother to grown adults and 1 granddaughter, aged 10.

She found out about NABS from the Deaf community. Jill came to the NABS Presentation at Millwell Road Community Centre, Maroocyhdore on Saturday, 24 May as she wants to know more about NABS.

"It was frustrating without Interpreters. Some of the Doctors could not be bothered to write down on paper or sometimes I don't understand Doctor's rough writing. I couldn't understand long medical words. It was not helpful", Jill said. She said she noticed that some Doctors didn't know how to talk to Deaf people.

Jill now books Interpreters from NABS for her private medical appointments.

Jill says "It's the best! I am comfortable and satisfied with NABS". "My GP is very happy to have an Interpreter at my appointments".

A Country Practice Interpreter

NABS provides services all over Australia. There are Interpreters who live all over Australia. Some live in the city and some live in the country. Some are near or far.

One of them is David Barnes. David, 47, is originally from Stanmore, Sydney. He moved to Tunable Creek, on the Far North Coast of NSW 10 years ago. Tunable Creek is 30 minutes north-west of Lismore.

David received his Professional Interpreting accreditation 3 years ago. He has been involved with the Deaf community for about 21 years and started interpreting 17 years ago.

"In Lismore the North Coast Deaf community are very supportive and provide lots of feedback to all the Interpreters in the area and I hope this continues", said David.

David said that NABS is a "wonderful achievement for the Deaf community when the Federal Government acknowledged the need for private medical Interpreting services to be provided to people who are Deaf".

Living at the Harbour

The local Deaf community in Coffs Harbour, NSW, invited NABS to visit to give an Information Session to them. Coffs Harbour is a pretty town next to the harbour on the central coast of NSW.

A Presentation was held at the Council Chambers, on 25th March, 2009. One of the people who attended this Presentation is a long time resident of Coffs Harbour, John Cross.

John, 45, is single and has lived in Coffs Harbour since 1985. He was originally from Nowra, where he completed his apprenticeship in horticulture and grave digging.

John uses NABS frequently for his private medical appointments. John said, "When Interpreter is provided, I feel relieved. I am pleased when NABS contacts me to confirm Interpreter for my appointments".

"I am used to contacting NABS by SMS, online and fax. It is not hard to use. It is easy and clear to understand. I feel better for the future", John said.

James Kerwin, Communications Officer

NABS visits the Torres Strait

2009-07-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

NABS went to the Torres Strait, Queensland, for a few days in June, 2009.

The Torres Strait is the sea between the top of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. The main populated place is Thursday Island. There are about 150 small islands in the Torres Strait.

A team of four people worked together, learning about the Indigenous culture and what NABS provides. James Kerwin, Communications Officer, Ray Hilsdon, NABS Interpreter, Alma Waia, Deaf NABS Indigenous Relay Interpreter, and Frank Cook, Local Area Co-ordinator from Disability Serivces Queensland on Thursday Island, spent time touring Thursday Island and Bamaga, on Cape York.

An Indigenous Family:

We met this lovely family, who came to the NABS Community Information Presentation on Thursday Island. Marjorie Blanco is a Deaf Torres Strait Islander, her son, Joseph and her cousin, Gertie Kudab, communicate with each other using their domestic and Island signs.

Island Signs:

Deaf people in the Torres Strait have their own sign language. It is not Auslan. Families who have Deaf children raise them using their Island signs. Also many hearing Islanders sign to other hearing Islanders. This is because when they are out on sea, fishing from their boats, they cannot hear each other. So they use Island signs to communicate to each other. The Islanders also use a lot of facial expressions such as nose wrinkles and nods of heads. They use a lot of finger spelling in the air and sometimes on their arms.

James Kerwin, Communications Officer.