The Australian Deaf Chamber of Commerce -- Deafness No Handicap To Success
By Mark Richards
Deaf people across Australia are using the Internet to create networking and support opportunities for business and professional people with hearing impairments.
As employment opportunities prove elusive for deaf and hearing-impaired people, many are taking the initiative and establishing themselves in business. Many of them, however, do not join local chambers of commerce because of communication issues or they are not confident in requesting communication assistance, such as Auslan Interpreting.
"As many as 10% of working age Australians have some sort of hearing loss. However, the networking opportunities offered by conventional chambers of commerce rely on the ability to communicate orally, often in noisy environments," says Founder and President, Cate Deans Smith. "As a result deaf and hearing impaired people lose out on a significant source of information and business leads."
Believed to be the first of its kind in the world, the Australian Deaf Chamber of Commerce (ADCC) has been set up to rectify this situation. It is harnessing the power of the Internet to bring information and provide a network for deaf and hearing-impaired people. Most importantly, ADCC is a communication friendly forum which allows deaf, hearing impaired and hearing individuals and organisations of Australia to work and network together.
An e-mail list was created on February 4, 2003, and over 40 members have joined from around the country. At present, the group is operating through e-mail and the Internet, providing access Australia wide. At face-to-face meetings, it is planned that Auslan and other communication methods will be used as needed.
By forming an official association, and working to ensure communication access, deaf and hearing-impaired members will benefit from the established state chamber of commerce networks, and have the voice to lobby for business and professional social justice issues for people with hearing impairments.
Individuals and organisations wishing to join the ADCC Email News List can do so at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/aust_deaf_chamber.
Membership is moderated, and an application letter, including full (real) name and interest in the aims of the group will be requested upon joining.
For more information contact:
Media Enquiries Information - Tony Nicholas
Fax: 02 9653 2105
Email: deafbrutha@despammed.com
P O Box 265, GALSTON, NSW, 2159
Australia
Cate Deans Smith (President)
Ph: 07 3342 5261 (V/TTY/Fax)
PO Box 203, SPRINGWOOD, QLD 4127
Australia
|
