When Support Workers Sign: Improving NDIS Access for Deaf Australians

As the major fundraiser for Deaf Connect, every Deaf Lottery ticket makes a real difference. 

Your support funds important services that empower Deaf Australians right across the country. 

But did you know that by getting a ticket, you’re also helping Deaf Australians who use the NDIS? 

The NDIS provides individualised plans that cover essential services, including therapies, equipment and community access. Many Australians have Support Workers who come to their homes to help with everyday tasks, household chores and social connection. 

For Deaf people, though, finding Support Workers who know Auslan is often a major challenge. 

If your Support Worker didn’t know your language, you’d likely feel isolated and misunderstood. How could they properly support you if they couldn’t communicate directly? Relying on written notes to explain complex or personal issues is not equal access. 

That’s where Deaf Connect Support Workers come in. 

As a registered NDIS provider, Deaf Connect employs Auslan-fluent Support Workers, many of whom are Deaf themselves. This means Deaf participants can get services in Auslan, their first language, from someone who understands Deaf language, culture and identity. 

There is no need to rely on an interpreter to translate conversations.  

Proceeds from the Deaf Lottery help create these roles and grow a workforce committed to delivering Auslan-based, culturally responsive services. 

We recently chatted with one of these Support Workers, Olivia Jackson, who identifies as Deaf. She shared why lived experience is so important in her role:

“One of the barriers Deaf people face is that English is not our first language – it’s Auslan. Because I share that experience with my clients, we can connect on a much deeper level. I communicate with them and understand their Deaf identity. 

My favourite part is working with so many different clients – helping them learn new skills, supporting them to get out into the community, and empowering them. That’s what I love. 

We’re guided by what our clients want to do. They may need support with social connection, building their skills, or getting outdoors and exercising. 

Some days we go to a gallery for a social gathering, or I might spend time with a client working towards a specific goal. Everything we do is tailored to their service plans and what they want, to develop their independence and life skills.

Being able to adapt to what our clients want, learning their personalities, and respecting their choices. It’s a constant learning and sharing opportunity, and I think that’s so valuable.

With your support, we can employ more people like Olivia – empowering Deaf Australians who use the NDIS to access services in their language, in ways that respect their identity and support their independence. 

There’s never been a better time to get behind a great cause. 

Grab your tickets to make a difference! https://www.deaflottery.com.au/deaf-lottery/buy