For the first time, people in regional Victoria will be able to study Auslan qualifications up to Diploma level without having to travel to Melbourne, thanks to a new TAFE-led project funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said a $2.5 million funding boost would enable Melbourne Polytechnic to use the latest digital technology to deliver Certificate and Diploma level Auslan courses to more than 400 additional students statewide.
The expanded delivery of Auslan courses will make it easier for deaf Victorians to gain invaluable communication skills, while also enabling others to gain the qualifications they need to work as Auslan interpreters and for other roles such as disability caseworkers.
Demand for skilled Auslan practitioners is expected to increase significantly with the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Melbourne Polytechnic is the sole provider of Government-subsidised Auslan accredited training and leads the Victorian Auslan Training Consortium, which also includes Monash University, VicDeaf and deafConnectEd.
Last month, the Labor Government introduced the new Inclusive Training Provider of the Year Award, which will be presented for the first time at this year’s Victorian Training Awards to recognise training providers showing leadership to support the achievement, engagement and wellbeing of students with additional needs.
This dedicated funding builds on the Labor Government’s $61 million investment to better support children with disabilities and their families with their education and beyond.
Additionally, the $10 million Inclusive Schools fund is helping Victorian government schools to develop facilities that better support the social and educational needs of children with a disability.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“We‘re making the investments needed to improve access to education and training for all Victorians, regardless of where they live and their personal circumstances.”
“This project means more people will have access to Auslan training and in more locations.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Polytechnic CEO Frances Coppolillo
“It is Melbourne Polytechnic’s privilege to collaborate with the Deaf community and our partners in the delivery of Auslan to Regional Victoria using this innovative technology.”
“We are very pleased with the commitment of Government to this important need.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020