Hear and See Me: Speak My Language
In partnership with Vision Australia and Deaf Australia, the Hear and See Me program is sharing audio and video conversations that deliver evidence-based advice for blind and Deaf people from culturally diverse and First Nations communities.
The Impact
You and your team have advocated and provided an avenue through which the voices of those living with disability may be heard. What you have achieved and continue to achieve is life changing. You have affirmed that the lived experience of disability is worth being heard, shared, and embraced. You’ve also changed the lives of those that you have interviewed.
Alex
Former Speak My Language Storyteller
In partnership with Vision Australia and Deaf Australia, the Hear and See Me: Speak My Language Program will deliver accessible, evidence-based information and advice through a national series of audio and video podcasts featuring people with sensory disabilities from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and First Nations backgrounds.
Funded under the Commonwealth Government’s Information, Advice and Referral Program, Hear and See Me builds on the successful lived-experience model of Speak My Language (Ageing Well) and Speak My Language (Disability) to provide accessible information about services, resources and inclusive activities to help people make informed choices, regardless of their NDIS access.
In total, the program aims to include the unique stories of 30 people with low or no vision, and 10 Deaf people who communicate with Auslan, who belong to migrant, refugee and First Nations communities.
Interviews will support viewers or listeners to navigate key life transitions, build capacity, improve social and economic participation and enhance wellbeing.
Through lived-experience, the Program will share stories that focus on the following areas:
Navigating key life changes
Stories show how people handle big changes in life, such as:
- Coming to Australia
- Starting school, study, or work
- Losing vision or hearing
- Changing jobs or careers
- Starting something creative or new
- People talk about what was hard, what helped, and what they learned.
- They share how they got support, made changes, and kept going.
Building skills and confidence
Stories show how people:
- Learn new skills
- Build confidence
- Speak up for themselves
- Follow their interests and passions
- People share simple tips, advice, and helpful services.
- They talk about support from family, mentors, organisations, and accessible services.
Joining work and community life
Stories show how people take part in:
- Work or volunteering
- Study or training
- Community groups
- Creative activities
- Running a business
- People talk about places and services that were welcoming and inclusive.
Feeling good and living well:
Stories show how people:
- Do things they enjoy
- Stay connected to others
- Feel happier and more confident
- People share advice to help others do the same.
- Stories may include places, services, or activities that are helpful, fun, or welcoming.
We are looking for people to share their stories:
For Blind or Low Vision People
You need to be:
Between 18 – 65 years of age.
Be able to speak Arabic, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin or Vietnamese
OR
Be from a First Nations community.
Be OK with speaking on radio.
(You can choose to be anonymous)
For Deaf or Hard of Hearing People
You need to be:
Between 18 – 65 years of age.
Communicate in Auslan fluently.
Able to travel to Queensland or Sydney for filming (travel expenses paid for)
Be from a migrant, refugee or First Nations community.
Be OK with appearing on a video-podcast made for social media.
