The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has launched a plan to enhance communication between police officers and the deaf community.
Constable Latisha Whalan (pictured) from the QPS Community Engagement Group, is teaching officers and the general public common Auslan signs that could be used in an emergency.
Constable Whalan grew up with Auslan as a natural form of communication in her family.
“I have three deaf cousins who have embraced me and taught me how to sign,” Constable Whalan said.
“As a family, we can all sign basic sign language and it has proven very useful for various reasons. My cousins have proven to me that being deaf is definitely not a disadvantage in life.”
She said communicating was a crucial role for police, and it was important for officers to have a basic understanding of Auslan to help the deaf and hard of hearing community feel safe and comfortable.
Chief Executive of Deaf Services, Brett Casey said the project was a step towards greater access and inclusion for deaf Australians in times of crisis.
“At Deaf Services, we want our community to feel safe and be confident when communicating with police, especially when asking for assistance,” Mr Casey said.
“This video with Constable Whalan is part of a larger Deaf Services project that began with Queensland Ambulance Service and aims to eventually involve all Queensland Emergency Services.”
The video can be accessed on Facebook at this PS News link.
