SUB.100.02843_0002
Story Two
I have barriers with service providers - they often want me to use a video phone to make a call, but get mad or annoyed at me for not being able to use the devices. I am old! It’s not my fault.
I want to have access to Convo, but they don’t provide free interpreting over 65, and I don’t have NDIS.
I don’t have access to any assistive technologies because I am over 65. I know people who are rich and have NDIS to buy flashing lights and fire alarms. I know people who are so poor but don’t have NDIS. I don’t qualify for the Aged Care program for those over 65 - I am too fit!!
Story Three
I went to a Deaf school - and I was doing well there. Then we moved and school was bad. My English is no good, I am ashamed and embarrassed - I don’t understand anything. My father told me he got into a physical fight with my teacher at the •••school. I was so shocked. My father is angry with my school.
Story Four
My doctor won’t book interpreters. They say no. I don’t know how to get interpreters.
Story Five
I went to the hospital - they kept sending me letters for my appointment changing the dates. I finally went to one - they said to arrive at 7.30am. So I arrived at 7.30am on the dot. I went to reception and showed them the letter. I asked where the interpreter was - they said to sit down and wait. I sat and waited and waited. After an hour, I got up and I asked again, they told me to sit down and wait again. So I waited and waited. At 10.30, an interpreter arrived and I was asking them where they had been, they said they were only booked for that time - I showed them the letter and we went to the desk - the nurse at the desk said - oh I am so sorry, we tried to call you to let you know the time changed. But I am Deaf!!! They just made me sit and wait for hours!! Then I went in for the operation and the interpreter had to go - so I was alone and scared after the operation. Then they sent me to go to another place for overnight care - because I didn’t have anyone to drive me, I asked them to call me a taxi - then they sent me outside and there was a limo to take me to the other place. I was so confused - a limo?! The limo took me to the other place, and the next day again, the limo took me back to hospital for the check up. No interpreters of course. Then I went home.
I remember going to school - I liked the school. But I hated my teacher. He was horrible - he would hit us. And I remember he would crouch under the table and look up the girls skirts - I called him out on it and he abused me for it.
Story Six
Everyone always wants to call - not text. I keep telling them to text me text me! But they just call. Then they will take my number, and I ask them to give me theirs so I can text them to make appointments or follow up or whatever - like hearing people can make calls. They always say no. No no no no. It’s not fair! They have my number, but I cannot contact anyone to make Dr appointments or do anything. I am angry about it.
Story Seven
SUB.100.02843_0003
I went to the council for some reason, and I asked them for an interpreter. They said ‘no’. Just
wouldn't book an interpreter and I couldn't work out a solution. I had to write, my English is not
good.
Story Eight
My doctor won’t give me an interpreter because he says I can read and write English fine.
Story Nine
My teacher strangled me because I couldn't speak properly. I was only 7 or 8 at the time. She was so
angry, and she wrapped both hands around my throat and squeezed tight and shook me. I am
traumatised by this and I haven't been able to forget it. It has affected me my entire life. I think
about it every day.
I remember one time, I was walking home from school and a lady picked me up to drive me home. I
didn’t know how to get home or explain anything, and she was so angry she was screaming at me. I was so frightened.
Story Ten
I don’t know English.
Story Eleven
For every wrong answer I gave to any question at school, I would be given the strap.
Story Twelve
My family moved to - and I went to a normal local school - my parents couldn’t afford to send me to a Deaf school. The irony is that my mother taught deaf children in her school. My mother
taught me everything because I learned nothing at school. When I was 18 I moved back to
and I met Deaf people and learned sign language. I wish I learned it when I was a kid. It
took me a long time to become fluent and I have never looked back.
Note
Every person who did not learn Auslan growing up mentioned they wished they had learned Auslan as a young child. These stories were told to me in a private room, so these were shared independently.
Personal note- every person who shared their story looked sad and traumatised, or angry.