Deaf and Hearing Impaired Challenges

The deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) are more common in Australia than many of us realise. The Deafness Forum Australia estimates that approximately one in six Australians has a significant hearing loss. This can, depending on the severity of the hearing loss, create significant issues for the individuals and more broadly, for society. A range of systemic barriers exist that negatively impact individuals with a DHH condition. These include barriers and difficulties in education, employment and accessing services and direct and indirect discrimination, even though that is, under State and Commonwealth law, illegal. The result of these barriers can impact a person’s mental health, increase a sense of isolation and loneliness and exclusion from society because they are “seen to be different” which to some, can trigger mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Those with severe or total deafness in Australia resort to the use of sign language, Auslan (or a localised Australian Indigenous sign language such as the Warlpiri, Gurindji or the Takataka sign languages). Yet it can be challenging to find counsellors skilled in any sign language. Hearing and/or speaking language difficulties create the potential for an impenetrable barrier between those with a DHH condition and those without (the majority). I strongly believe that we can all play our part in helping to lessen these barriers and to relate to a person with a DHH condition with empathy, understanding, and a positive sense of regard, empowering them to make decisions affecting their lives. All levels of government, business and the community can do more to make everyone feel part of the community. A small act of kindness, of participation, of respect and of engagement can be like a trickle turning into a waterfall of strength for the mental health of people with a DHH condition. This is not too much to hope for, what do you think?