Who are we?
We are a Deaf-owned and Deaf-run business that aims to create awareness of Deaf people that use Auslan and people who are hard of hearing. We aim through this awareness to create a more accessible and inclusive world for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
We do this through tailor designed deafness awareness training (DAT) for a range of situations that can suit almost any individual, organisation or program.
Your teachers
Who we can help
We do this through the provision of Auslan courses ranging from introductory courses to more advanced courses. These courses are available to:
- parents of deaf children
- interested individuals
- workplaces
- any organisation or program that wants its staff and members to be more inclusive of Deaf Auslan users
- Our Courses are designed by our CEO and Deaf man, Dr Donovan Cresdee, who has a Doctorate in Applied Linguistics.
We offer programs that can be funded through the NDIS. These include:
- Auslan development for individuals and families
- Mentoring for young deaf people
Our Mission
Fostering an inclusive Australia for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Our why
Our Vision
An Australia that values and respects Deaf people, Deaf Communities, Deaf culture and people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Our Future
Our Values
Integrity
Sign language Australia uphold the highest standards of integrity. Through our work, we will respect customer and participants right to privacy and high-quality program delivery.
Accountability
Sign Language Australia is personally accountable for the delivery of all agreed outcomes for programs.
Community Responsibility
Sign language Australia Commitment – For each Sign Language Australia bookings, we will invest 5% of profits to the SLA Foundation. The foundation aims to provide support to foster their continued well-being, development and community participation.
Respect
We value and respect the people that we support and represent including:
- Upholding the values and rights of Deaf people and Deaf Communities.
- Respecting the identity that people choose be it Deaf, hard of hearing or hearing.
- Respecting differences including culture, religion and ethnicity.
- Ensuring Auslan is taught in a way the upholds the wishes and requirements of the Deaf community.
Quality training & education
Our programs will meet the highest standard of delivery through:
- The use of certified and qualified and experienced professionals who provide relevant and accurate knowledge and training.
- Our trainers are Deaf and bring with them a wealth of experience garnered through professional and lived experience.
- Regular reviews and feedback to trainers to ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge.
- Regular reviews and updates of training programs, materials and resources (including human resources).
- Receiving and implementing feedback from participants.
Equity and Access
Sign Language Australia will practice the highest principles of access and equity possible by:
- Providing equal weight to qualifications, life experience and prior learning in selecting our trainers.
- Supporting our trainers in skills development.
- Meeting the access requirements, including alternative training delivery, to the highest level we can within our financial capabilities.
- Where access requirements are beyond our resource capabilities Sign Language
- Australia will attempt to source other supports through mainstream services. We will strive to provide language development access to families of Deaf or hard of hearing babies to ensure maximum language.
Meet The Founders
Dr Donovan Cresdee
CEO, Auslan Teacher & Material Developer
Barry Priori
Former Auslan Teacher & Entertainer
Lee-Anne Cartledge
Former Administrative Officer
Gary Kerridge
Former Support Officer
Meet The Management Team
Dr Donovan Cresdee
CEO, Auslan Teacher & Material Developer
Paul Bartlett
Interpreter Co-ordinator
Kasia Stepien
Administrative Assistant
Meet The Tutors
Dr Donovan Cresdee
CEO, Auslan Teacher & Material Developer
Janet Dunning
Auslan Tutor
Annette Phillips
Auslan Tutor
Samantha Clarke
Auslan Tutor
Meet The Interpreters
Emma Cresdee
Interpreter
Heather Loades
Interpreter