Advancing linguistic human rights for Deaf and hard of hearing people

On 23 September every year, the world marks the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL). It is a day dedicated to promoting the linguistic and cultural identity of the Deaf and hard of hearing community around the world.

First proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2017, this annual celebration provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages in preserving the identity and rights of deaf and hard of hearing people. This year’s theme, Sign Up for Sign Language Rights, focuses on advancing the linguistic human rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people, particularly in everyday environments such as the workplace.

Deaf and hard of hearing people face numerous challenges when navigating the modern workplace. Despite increased awareness about accessibility, many workplaces are still not equipped to fully support deaf and hard of hearing employees. Lack of interpreters, accessible communication tools, and inclusive policies often leave Deaf and hard of hearing people feeling isolated or underutilised.

For Deaf and hard of hearing professionals, tasks such as participating in meetings, following verbal instructions, or engaging in casual conversations with colleagues can become difficult when there are barriers. Barriers in the workplace limit opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and career progression. Additionally, there is often a misconception that providing accommodations such as a sign language interpreter is a burden on the employer, when in fact, fostering an inclusive environment has been shown to increase productivity and morale for all employees.

Sherrie Beaver, Manager, Grants & Projects at Expression Australia

To address these challenges, it’s important to create a bilingual and bicultural environment where both spoken and signed languages, as well as hearing and Deaf cultures, are equally respected. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, allowing Deaf and hard of hearing employees to thrive.

Expression Australia has been a pioneer in advocating for Deaf and hard of hearing people since its establishment in 1884. This year, Expression Australia is proudly celebrating 140 years of services to the Deaf and hard of hearing community, reflecting a long-standing commitment to empowerment, accessibility, and inclusion. 

Expression Australia is more than just a service provider; it has built a bilingual and bicultural workplace where Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing employees are able to work together in an environment that respects and celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity. Auslan and English are both respected languages, and employees are encouraged to embrace an inclusive mindset that recognises the importance of communication equity.

Research has shown that Deaf and hard of hearing people excel in bilingual and bicultural environments. This is particularly important in the workplace, where linguistic identity should not be overlooked. Respecting other people’s preferred communication methods – whether it’s Auslan or English – contributes to a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.

Deaf and hard of hearing employees should be able to express themselves freely in their language, knowing that their communication needs are acknowledged and valued by their colleagues.

Bilingualism does not stop when Deaf and hard of hearing people graduate from high school; it’s a lifelong necessity that should be integrated into all areas of life, particularly in professional settings. For Deaf and hard of hearing people, navigating a predominantly hearing world can be challenging without receiving ongoing access to information in sign language.

It is crucial for employers to recognise that bilingualism goes beyond just having interpreters available during meetings – it’s also about creating an environment where Deaf and hard of hearing employees can fully participate in all aspects of work life. This means implementing practices such as using visual aids in presentations, ensuring there is proper lighting for ease of communication, and fostering a culture of inclusivity where hearing colleagues are encouraged to learn Auslan. In this way, both Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people benefit from an enriched and diverse workplace.

To truly support the linguistic human rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people, more workplaces need to embrace a bilingual and bicultural approach. This will not only address the communication barriers faced by Deaf and hard of hearing employees but also enrich the workplace, bringing diverse perspectives and new ways of thinking to the table.

As we celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages, let’s reflect on how we can commit to creating a future where Deaf and hard of hearing people can thrive in every aspect of their lives – especially in the workplace. By signing up for sign language rights, we can work towards a more inclusive, supportive, and equal world for everyone.