Supporting Access, One Translation at a Time

Ever wondered where your support goes? 

Sam Martin is one of several Deaf Translators working with Deaf Connect across Australia, helping translate TV shows, documents and more into Auslan so Deaf Australians can access the same information as everyone else.

By working with governments, businesses and community organisations of all sizes, people like Sam help make media, workplace documents, procedures, event information and much more accessible for the Deaf community. 

Thanks to Deaf Lottery funding, Sam and the wider translations team can continue delivering this important work every day. 

Here’s what Sam had to say about why every translation makes a difference:

“As an Accessible Media Coordinator, no day is quite the same for me.  
Our clients may include government departments and organisations, service providers, arts and cultural festivals and events, cultural institutions such as libraries, and so on.  

On a day-to-day basis, I work with Deaf translators, presenters and language consultants, hearing Auslan interpreters and voice over talent, and my colleagues in broader translation team who support with filming and editing. 

I come from a film background and I am also deeply passionate about Deaf people. In many ways, sign language and film are intertwined. For example, when filming technology was first invented, it could only capture images and not sound. This was never a concern for Deaf people, because we don't need sound to communicate! 

Working in the Translations Team, it’s great being able to provide high quality Auslan translations to the Deaf community across Australia. Each project we take on has its own unique challenges and enjoyable moments.  

Every Auslan video we produce, no matter how big or small, contributes towards creating access and inclusion for the Deaf community.

At the end of the day, I feel fortunate to be working with all our clients towards creating a more accessible and inclusive Australia.” 

With your support, Sam can continue doing this important work.

Thanks for getting behind a great cause!