Deaf Connect’s ‘Traffic Signs’ campaign celebrates deaf culture, via goa
Social impact and whole-of-life service provider, Deaf Connect, is raising awareness of sign language via its ‘Traffic Signs’ campaign.
The campaign coincides with National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) – an initiative from Deaf Australia (an information and advocacy body focusing on the deaf community) that seeks to celebrate Auslan – the country’s national sign language – and deaf culture.
NWDP runs from September 23 to September 29, with the former date doubling as International Day of Sign Languages – a period of time that acknowledges sign language’s diversity and the 300-plus official sign languages used today.
“This month-long campaign is a first for Australia and is a step towards fostering a more connected and Deaf-aware nation. We are inviting the public to learn Auslan on the go and find out more about the Deaf community and our vibrant culture,” said Deaf Connect’s chief executive officer, Brett Casey.
“Traffic Signs is a national campaign, headlined in Brisbane by our collaboration with goa. Through goa’s Community Partnerships Program, the team have generously supported Deaf Connect in bringing the campaign to life.
“Following the success and enthusiasm surrounding last year’s ‘This is your Sign’ campaign, we’re excited to integrate Auslan learning into the daily commute of people across Australia.
“The campaign shows a variety of easy-to-learn Auslan signs, designed to spark conversations, challenge stereotypes, and encourage Australians to embrace Deaf culture and community.
“National Week of Deaf People is an opportunity for all of Australia to celebrate Deaf language, culture, and heritage. Through this public education effort, we aim to advance towards a future that is accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
The chief operating officer at Queensland-based billboard advertising organisation, goa, Deb Langham, weighed in on the platform. Langham praised the campaign for being a clever opportunity to educate the public on the Deaf community by leveraging outdoor capabilities.
“We are proud to support the fantastic work that Deaf Connect does in our community, and this Traffic signs campaign was one that we wanted to spearhead in Queensland,” Langham said.
“This campaign uses outdoor to cleverly educate a broad audience in a way that can lead to meaningful inclusion for the Deaf community.”
Deaf Connect’s chief services officer Brent Phillips added: ““We invite organisations and allies to join us in strengthening connections with Deaf people and supporting their linguistic and cultural rights.”
“We urge communities, governments and businesses to collectively recognise Auslan as an integral part of our diverse linguistic landscape.
“This initiative is both a celebration and a call to action, offering a meaningful opportunity for society to engage in promoting Deaf awareness and solidarity on a national scale.”
In addition to Traffic Signs, Deaf-focused companies such as Deaf Australia and Deaf Connect are investing in projects and hosting events for the Deaf community.
More information on Deaf Connect’s events can be found here.
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