Deaf residents inspire others to learn Auslan
Two deaf residents at a Umina aged care facility are inspiring others to learn Auslan.
Peninsula Village residents Ms Jan Morley and Ms Maureen Stewart, 86 and 87, met at the age of eight at the New South Wales Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.
They have been close friends ever since and moved to Peninsula Village to be together and support one another.
The two women started running weekly sign language classes at the Central Coast aged care facility for other residents and staff.
"We love using Auslan," said Ms Stewart.
"It's our way of communicating and it's a beautiful language."
"We're so happy that staff and other residents are learning Auslan too," said Ms Morley.
"It means that we can communicate with them better and they can understand us."
The two women were born deaf and grew up in a world where sign language was not widely accepted.
They both faced challenges in their education and in their personal lives, but they have always been determined to live independent and fulfilling lives.
Staff members at Peninsula Villages, including lifestyle manager Ms Linda Segrott, lifestyle advocate Ms Karen Evans, and care worker Ms LeeAnn Medina, were inspired by the women's determination and their love of Auslan.
They decided to attend the sign language classes so that they could better communicate with residents who were hard of hearing.
Deaf Connect has now joined Jan and Maureen in running the classes.
SOURCE:
Social media, 28 Jul 2023
Colin Osborne, Peninsula Villages