Deaf community gathers in Lismore for national week

DEAF community members came together in South Lismore last weekend as part of National Week of Deaf People.

Around 15 people gathered at Silent Hand Cafe on Saturday, September 20, to share food, play games and take part in Auslan activities.

The event was one of 16 ‘Deaf Space’ gatherings held across Australia by Deaf Connect, marking the week-long national celebration from September 22 to 28.

Deaf Connect chief executive Brett Casey said the events were about connection.

“These gatherings give Deaf people, allies, and the wider public the chance to connect in an inclusive Deaf Space,” he said.

The week also saw the release of the Deaf Space report, which documents the experiences of Deaf Australians across different communities and offers practical steps to improve accessibility.

Report author Amanda Everitt said Deaf Space was about more than just buildings.

“Deaf Space is more than just a physical environment. It is a sense of belonging that transcends time, space and person,” she said.

National Week of Deaf People encouraged the wider community to consider how businesses, services and public spaces can be made more inclusive.