Published on the 22nd August 2024 by ANSTO Staff
ANSTO was proud to support the first science-themed AuslanX event for the greater Sydney Deaf community during National Science Week.
“This was an important step for us to further our science outreach to under-represented groups in the community,” said Rod Dowler, National Education and Engagement Manager.
AuslanX is a public lecture series organised by Deaf people to showcase Deaf presenters and their area of expertise, all presented in the sign language of the Australian Deaf community, Auslan.
Almost 100 members of the Deaf community attended the event at Sydney University on 17 August.
“Two accomplished Auslan educators, David Parker and Christopher Makin, worked with ANSTO’s Education Manager Bridget Murphy on content for four science lectures on topics, including the electromagnetic spectrum and radiation,” said Dowler.
ANSTO extended congratulations to all presenters – Josh Sealy, Leyla Craig, Nick Craig and Andrew Niklaus, expressed appreciation to Sydney University for their support with the venue and AV, and also thanked Kevin Smith for event support on the day.
ANSTO will also be at the Sydney Deaf Festival this Saturday 24 August.
“Our two Deaf educators, Christopher Makin and David Parker, will be leading fun hands-on science workshops for kids and adults.”
The Sydney Deaf Festival is a free event, and everyone is welcome to attend. See performances from Deaf artists, visit the stalls of Deaf businesses and service providers, and celebrate Deaf culture.
ANSTO is proud to be working with both Deaf Connect and Deaf Australia on this broader initiative, which will also see David, Christopher and Bridget deliver hands-on science workshops to more than 100 Deaf and hard-of-hearing students at schools across Greater Sydney.
Deaf Australia estimates that close to 20,000 people use Auslan to communicate every day.
Read more about Auslan and the Deaf community.
ANSTO is committed to diversity and inclusion principles and activities.
