Australian Organisations Launch Video Series to Empower Deaf Employees in the Workplace

Five pioneering Australian organisations have today released a compelling video series, which equips businesses with practical strategies to foster career progression for Deaf employees. 

Launched at the Australian Disability Network’s Impact 2025 Conference in Sydney, this series titled ‘Signs of Success’ showcases real stories of inclusivity from: 

• Australia Post 
• Deaf Connect 
• The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) 
• The Victorian College for the Deaf 
• Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 

Each episode in the Signs of Success video series provides a window into an Australian business or industry, where these organisations have implemented the accommodations and support necessary to ensure the success of their Deaf staff.  

Deaf Connect orchestrated the project, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services through the Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program and supported by research undertaken by Deakin University. The research findings enabled Deaf Connect to produce an Employer Handbook which provides best practice methods and tools to ensure workplaces can support the recruitment, development and retention of Deaf employees.  

Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey said the organisation is proud to lead an initiative that gives employers the confidence to foster the career progression of Deaf staff across the nation. 

“Signs of Success showcases a range of inclusive practices across Australian organisations and provides a practical, step-by-step guide to workplace inclusion through the Employer Handbook,” Mr Casey said. 

“As the largest employer of Deaf people in Australia, I witness every day the skills, knowledge and expertise our staff bring to their roles – skills which would not be recognised in an organisation that can’t accommodate a diverse workforce. 

“Deaf Connect’s own episode highlights the positive outcomes that follow when Deaf employees are empowered to seize new opportunities and grow their careers within our organisation.  

“This cross-industry collaboration demonstrates the real value of investing in Deaf staff members—through innovation, inclusive leadership and a strong commitment to professional development.” 

National Disability Insurance Agency CEO Rebecca Falkingham said the project conveys the importance of strong leadership to create inclusive work environments. 

“Managers play a critical role in shaping workplace culture, including ensuring all employees have the resources and tools they need to effectively perform their role. This project is about offering clear, practical steps that help employers move beyond good intentions to real, measurable change,” Ms Falkingham said. 

“Simple shifts like fostering open dialogue, ensuring access to Auslan, and displaying equality in promoting Deaf employees to leadership roles can create a culture where everyone thrives.” 

Australia Post Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Talent, Julie Duncan, stated that inclusive accommodations benefit all employees in the workplace, and Auslan access is an essential part of this. 

“Australia Post has a long-standing history of working with and championing our Deaf team members. We were thrilled to share our learnings on how to better support the Deaf workforce, and the benefits of a truly inclusive environment,” Ms Duncan said.

“Providing interpreters and captioning workplace meetings not only supports our Deaf team members, but also enhances collaboration and productivity across the entire enterprise. We’re on a journey of continuous improvement, and our Signs of Success episode discussed the Auslan interpreted session that united all of our Deaf team members, creating a space where they could share their thoughts and experiences.” 

Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Chief Human Resources Officer, Parul Chauhan said inclusive workplaces are built on trust, respect and the right support structures.  

“At DBCA, we have seen how tailored adjustments and open communication can empower our employees with diverse needs to contribute with confidence and grow in their roles,” Ms Chauhan said. 

“Programs like the Signs of Success series help employers move beyond basic accessibility and create real opportunities for career development.” 

The Building Employer Confidence project was officially launched today at the Australian Disability Network’s Impact 2025 Conference in Sydney, to an audience of employers committed to fostering inclusive workplaces. 

For more information, to download the Employer Handbook, or to watch the Signs of Success video series, visit the Deaf Connect website.
 

Media Opportunities:  

For all media enquiries contact: Gabrielle Strosberg, Communications Officer: 0428071733 or [email protected]

Deaf Connect offers interpreting services for Auslan representation across all media.  

Interviews and comment are available from Deaf Connect CEO, Brett Casey, and other organisations involved upon request. 

ABOUT DEAF CONNECT  

Deaf Connect is the largest whole-of-life service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Australians. We stand with the Deaf community to build capacity and influence social change while paying respect to our community’s history, culture and language.  

We are the largest employer of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Australia, a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme and an approved provider of in-home care for seniors. Deaf Connect is also the country’s largest Auslan interpreting agency and provides training in sign language through our RTO (RTO Provider Number 41192).