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Media ArticleDeaf Australia calls for a fair go for Deaf people and others with disabilitiesJoint Media Release - 7 August 2009Deaf Australia has called for extensive changes to disability policy in Australia following the release on Wednesday of a report that details the shocking exclusion of people with a disability from the Australian way of life. Shut Out, the report on the government’s consultation on disability in Australia, and produced by the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, shows that the Australian belief in a ‘fair go’ does not seem to apply to Australians with a disability. Council Chair Dr Rhonda Galbally AO described the revelations in the report as nothing short of a national disgrace. “We live in one of the wealthiest and most liveable countries in the world – yet people with a disability remain shut out of housing and employment, education, healthcare, sport and recreation,” she said. “They’re shut out of kindergartens and schools, shut out of shopping centres and even shut out of community groups.” The report puts forward a number of solutions, which will be incorporated into an upcoming National Disability Strategy. “Recognition of Deaf people’s right to use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and to be bilingual in English and Auslan would be an excellent way to start getting the basics right for deaf people,” said Deaf Australia President Kyle Miers. “It’s time to stop all this nonsense about Auslan being bad for Deaf people and start listening to our experience and advice on what is needed to give deaf people a fair go in this country.” To download the report, go to www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/community_consult/Pages/default.aspx
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