Australia’s National Week of Deaf People (NWDP), led by Deaf Australia, is celebrated from 20 to 26 September.

It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the deaf community in Australia and deaf and hearing-impaired culture, raise awareness of the community and celebrate their achievements.

We take a look at what National Deaf Awareness Week 2021 means and some practical tips for making life easier for anyone with a hearing impairment.

More about the National Week of Deaf People

The theme for this year is 'Celebrating Thriving Deaf Communities', recognising that the week is all about the positive impact of deaf communities and what they can — rather than can’t — achieve.

Events to mark the week include the online Flow Festival Australia, a celebration of deaf arts. It will include performances, films, workshops, children’s arts and many more events to showcase the rich and diverse artistic talent of deaf people.

The University of Sydney will be hosting an online panel discussion to explore the deaf community and their languages and culture, while the Art Gallery of New South Wales will offer a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Archibald Prize in Auslan (Australian sign language).

These are just a taste of the many events planned for the week. Numerous other events and activities, including deaf awareness training, workshops, open days and family get-togethers, will also be held up and down the country in recognition of the week.

If you are interested in attending or hosting an event during NWDP, check out the Deaf Australia website for more information.

The week also celebrates the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), led by the World Federation of the Deaf (IWDP).

How can I help someone with a hearing impairment?

If you have a loved one with a hearing impairment, then the week is the perfect opportunity to understand their day-to-day life and offer them help and support.

Here are some of our ideas to get a deeper understanding of the deaf community and its culture:

Learn Auslan

Auslan is the short name for Australian sign language for the hearing-impaired and deaf community, with its own unique vocabulary, grammar and signs. Around 20,000 people in Australia use Auslan on a daily basis, so it’s a valuable tool for the deaf community and anyone close to them too.

You can learn Auslan whether or not you are deaf or hearing impaired. Search for organisations for the deaf community in your locality that will be able to direct you to an online or in-person course.

Communicate with care

When speaking to a deaf or hearing-impaired person, it’s important to communicate with care so that they can pick up on your facial expressions and body language, as well as your speech.

Maintain eye contact and don’t turn your face away from them while speaking. Make sure you don’t cover your mouth when speaking, as they may use lip reading to understand what you are saying. Speak at your usual volume, only increasing it if asked.

Help your loved one find like-minded people

If your loved one finds being deaf or hearing impaired an isolating experience, then encourage them to meet up with other people living with similar issues.

You can reach out to deaf advocacy organisations in your area to find support groups and social events geared to their community.

The National Week of Deaf People is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, so encourage your loved one to join in with any activities in your location.

Get a medical ID bracelet

Another way of helping to make everyday life smoother for your family member or friend is to get them a medical ID alert. This can be worn as a stylish bracelet that states they are deaf or hearing impaired.

A medical ID bracelet is helpful when they are interacting with people who are unaware of their background — for example, when travelling on public transport or shopping in unfamiliar places.

You can choose from a medical wristband with the information already included or a plain bracelet with your own words.

Shop medical wristbands Australia

NWDP is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the deaf community, celebrate its achievements and offer proactive ways to help anyone close to you affected by hearing loss.

By gifting them a medical wristband, you are not only offering a practical item that can enhance their day-to-day experience but also showing that you care.

Explore Mediband’s wide range of medical wristbands to find a medical ID alert that’s perfect for your loved one. Know that they can also be linked to the MedibandPlus medical database, where subscribers can keep medical information for access in an emergency.

Our wristbands are available for delivery all over Australia and internationally, and they will reach you quickly wherever you are.