Deaf Workplace Equality: “it’s a team effort”

Workplace equality for Deaf Australians can take many forms. But it starts with a culture that respects Auslan and Deaf identity.

Signing “hello” in the morning. Listening to your colleague’s communication preferences. Training the team. Involving Deaf staff in leadership decisions.

If there’s anything we can learn from Deaf community leaders, it’s that inclusion is a team effort. 

That’s exactly what Geelong-based Deaf teacher, Andrew Welshe has shown. 

Andrew’s story, recently featured in The Daily Telegraph and shared across major news outlets, paints a clear picture: Deaf Australians are already thriving as leaders, teachers, advocates, and more. But they need the rest of us to step up, too.

Andrew, who is profoundly Deaf, teaches Auslan at Armstrong Creek School in Geelong. He’s been breaking down barriers his whole life, starting as the only Deaf student at his mainstream school, where support was minimal and social isolation was significant. He credits those early challenges with building his resilience.

“Inclusion isn’t just the job of the Deaf person – it’s a team effort. Being Deaf has absolutely shaped my life, not as a limitation, but as a different lens.” Andrew told reporters.

At university, Andrew studied outdoor education, which involved a lot of communication.

“I advocated for interpreters and notetakers, not just for myself, but for all Deaf students. From using rope tugs and visual signals on whitewater kayaking trips, to hand gestures during rock climbing and group hikes I learned to adapt and helped others adapt with me.” 

Eventually, Andrew realised that while he loved outdoor education, constantly having to educate others in Auslan just to participate was tiring.

“That’s when I decided to become an Auslan teacher myself to be someone who could change that experience for others.”

Now, in his role at Armstrong Creek Public school, Andrew is thriving in an environment that recognises Deaf identity – one that listens and adapts to his needs to facilitate a culture of respect and inclusion.

“I’m proud to work not only as a teacher but also stepping into a team leader position. What really sets Armstrong Creek apart is its willingness to listen and adapt. Colleagues make the effort to sign “hello” or “good morning” a small gesture that speaks volumes about belonging.”

Andrew is one of many Deaf professionals across the nation who are laying the foundations for a more inclusive Australia.

As a service provider and social impact organisation, Deaf Connect was also able to contribute to this.  

Earlier in 2025, we were proud to spotlight the experiences of several Deaf professionals and the workplaces that allowed them to thrive, in a project called Signs of Success. 

In collaboration with other industry leaders like the NDIA, Australia Post and more, Deaf Connect released an Employer Handbook and video series which gives more Australians practical advice to increase workplace equality for Deaf people.

It was fantastic to collaborate with news publications like the Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun to highlight stories of Deaf success like Andrew’s.

As Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey stated: “At Deaf Connect, the largest employer of Deaf people in Australia, we see the skills, knowledge and expertise that our Deaf team members bring to their roles every day.”

“Armstrong Creek Public School is a powerful example of inclusivity done right. Behind every Deaf Australian is a wealth of knowledge, lived experience and expertise – the kind of asset any organisation would be lucky to have.”

Through the Deaf Lottery, every ticket purchased helps fund initiatives like Signs of Success – providing our society with practical tools to foster inclusion and accessibility.

Your support backs Deaf leadership with action, allyship, and visibility. 

You can help make more stories like this possible. Enter the Deaf Lottery today.

🎥 Watch the Signs of Success series:

📰 Read Andrew’s story in the Daily Telegraph: