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New service a first for GippslandBy Wellington Shire Council - 8th June 2005 - Back to News Wellington Shire Council is proud to announce the launch of the Gippsland AUSLAN Interpreter Service – a partnership initiative involving RuralAccess, Deaf Access Victoria, the Department of Human Services, VicDeaf, Latrobe Community Health Service and members of the deaf community.
A Gippsland AUSLAN interpreter, employed by Latrobe Community Health Service, will provide a locally based Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) interpreting service for the deaf community within the Gippsland region.
This is the first official initiative of its kind in Gippsland, and aims to assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and their families, to receive access to a range of services within the community including medical appointments; job interviews and work meetings; involvement in community meetings; and appointments with council officers.
More information about the Gippsland AUSLAN Interpreter Service is available from Latrobe Community Health or by telephoning Wellington’s RuralAccess Officer, Frances Ford, on 1300 366 244.
Said Wellington’s Mayor Peter Gault: "The council is extremely pleased to be a key stakeholder in this worthwhile initiative. We see our support for this service as one of many ways to make our council, and its services, more accessible to all members of the community. Access and inclusion is not just about physical access, but recognising the communication and information needs of all people with disabilities. "The council has introduced an Access Policy and Action Plan that has been instrumental in identifying and implementing programs like these to ensure people with disabilities can participate."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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