Michael J. Mulé on LinkedIn: VT Senate Bill 310 (2024)

Quick peek behind the scenes! We're creating some accessible resources in Auslan with the help of two language professionals: Auslan interpreter and Deaf interpreter. Around 20,000 people in Australia use Auslan daily. It is the official sign language of the Australian Deaf community. It is unique to Australia, with its own grammar and vocabulary that evolved two centuries. It was recognised as an official language of Australia in 1991 although the language itself is much older. Auslan is as complex, distinct visual as any spoken language and is not just English conveyed through signs. It’s a visual-gestural form of communication that uses the body and facial movements and gestures to convey meaning.It is estimated that there are 130 sign languages around the world, including an Aboriginal sign languages.

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Accessibility is impossible without sign language. Here's why 👇The freedom to express ourselves through language is a fundamental human right. Without language access, how can someone participate in community or cultural life?For the deaf community, that language is sign language. Did you know? The Accessible Canada Act recognizes American Sign Language, Langue des signes québécoise and Indigenous sign languages as the primary languages for communication by Deaf people in Canada.To make your services and communications accessible to deaf people, you NEED sign language.#HumanRightsDay

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The interpreter is needed for non-signing people, too. If you are planning inclusive environments for deaf colleagues, consider your own communication needs to access their expertise. The burden is always on the deaf colleague to ensure accessibility. Scott, J. A., Kasun, G. S., & Gardiner-Walsh, S. (2023). Flipping the interpreter script: Perspectives on accessibility. Harvard Educational Review 93(4), 516–532. https://lnkd.in/gSMM3iAJ

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Deaf Awareness Week begins today – its aim is to increase the visibility and inclusion of deaf people.If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, or know anyone who is, we can offer you text relay and British Sign Language translation.Just tell us how we can help you by signing up to our free priority services register at 👉 #DeafAwarenessWeek

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🚨Support Language Access Improvement for VA State Agencies in the Final Budget 🚨Please continue to remind legislators to make Virginia's young people the priority during this legislative session by completing the action alerts in our bio! Support Language Access Improvement for VA State Agencies in the Final Budget:Over 450,000 Virginians are identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP), representing over 30 languages across the state. According to the Virginia Dept. for the Blind and Vision Impaired, there are over 179,000 Virginians with vision difficulties including blindness and vision loss—this includes over 15,000 children. According to the Virginia Dept. of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, over 700,000 Virginians are impacted by hearing loss and limitations. All Virginians need to be able to communicate and receive the support they need to access services. Support the inclusion of Item 331 #3h in the final budget here: https://ow.ly/jNZe50QJlZL

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Silence speaks volumes when we learn to listen with our eyes. On International Day of Sign Languages, let's embrace the beauty of silent communication, and together let’s bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf people.#InternationalDayOfSignLanguages #InternationalDayOfSignLanguages2023 #LanguageOfSilence #DeafPeople #Sybrid #SybridImpact #Pakistan

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On International Sign Language Day, let's celebrate the richness and diversity of sign languages around the world. Communication is a fundamental human right, and sign languages play a vital role in ensuring inclusivity and understanding for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Let's continue to promote and support sign language accessibility for all. #SignLanguageDay #DWAF #celebrate #internationalday2023 #SignLanguage

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 19 July 2023, sign into law the South African Sign Language Bill during a ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. On 02 May 2023, the National Assembly approved that Section 6 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 be amended to include South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language to promote the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.The recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language is an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.South African Sign Language is an indigenous language that constitutes an important element of South African linguistic and cultural heritage. It has its own distinct grammatical structures and lexicon and it is independent of any other language.The new legislation seeks to:•Advance the cultural acceptance of SASL; •Ensure the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing to equal protection and benefit of the law and human dignity; and •Promote inclusive and substantive equality and prevent or eliminate unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability, as guaranteed by Section 9 of the Constitution.With this initiative, South Africa becomes the fourth country on the African continent to recognise sign language as an official language; other countries are Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda. https://lnkd.in/eBVxMy7x.

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Write Your Self Workshop for the Deaf Community (includes interpreters, CODAs etc) - resources in British Sign Language and English:“A number of things that we encounter in life make us feel as if we have lost our voice, our choice, and are powerless. Therefore our method can also be used in finding and using your voice in the creation of your on going life, as a tool for self-empowerment.”https://lnkd.in/eTw6psCc

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Hello, LinkedIn community! Today, we’re spotlighting the vital role of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in professional settings. Watch as Danté breaks down why these services are essential for both the deaf community and English-speaking professionals. Understanding and being understood is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of inclusivity. Stay tuned to the end for key insights into the ADA's mandates and how they serve to bridge communication gaps effectively. Let's discuss further—do you have experiences or additional insights on the importance of ASL interpreters in your professional environment? Share them in the comments! 🤝 #PoweringConnection #Interpretation #AdAstraConnects #ASL #LanguageServices #AdExcellence

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