‘We’re leaders too’: Deaf Geelong teacher calls for regional workplace support

A “proudly deaf” Geelong teacher who is calling for the region’s schools and workplaces to become more accessible – and welcoming – for deaf employees. Here’s how.

Andrew Welshe is a Deaf LOTE Auslan teacher at Armstrong Creek School. Picture: Alison Wynd

A “proudly deaf” Geelong teacher is calling for schools and workplaces to make themselves more accessible for the deaf community – starting with learning a simple “hello”.

Andrew Welshe, who is profoundly deaf, is LOTE Auslan teacher and leader at Armstrong Creek School.

“Being deaf has absolutely shaped my life, not as a limitation, but as a different lens,” Mr Welshe said.

Mr Welshe said he’d faced educational barriers since he was very young, growing up as the only deaf child at his mainstream school.

He said he had limited access to support but “lucky” to have Auslan interpreters.

“The barriers weren’t just academic; they were social, too, but that experience shaped my resilience,” he said.

At university, defying all odds, Mr Welshe studied in outdoor education, which required him to develop learning creative communication – including using rope tugs and visual signals on whitewater kayaking trips, and hand gestures during rock climbing and group hikes.

At University, defying all odds, Mr Welshe studied in Outdoor Education, which required him learning creative communication, before switching to LOTE. Picture: Alison Wynd

When he switched to LOTE teaching and began working, Mr Welshe said he often felt he’d been included at work as a “token” during disability week, but not supported the rest of the year.

“That kind of visibility without action can lead to burnout,” he said.

Mr Welshe said he felt supported at Armstrong Creek School as he had access to visual communications with captions, recordings, and an Auslan interpreter.

“But what’s even more meaningful is the culture of respect and effort,” he said.

“Colleagues make the effort to sign ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ - a small gesture that speaks volumes about belonging.

“Inclusion isn’t just the job of the deaf person – it’s a team effort”.

Last week, five Australian organisations, including Deaf Connect, NDIA, Australia Post and more, launched a video series ‘Signs of Success’, spotlighting career progression for deaf Australians.

Deaf Connect chief executive officer Brett Casey said the videos documented stories like Mr Welshe’s.

“At Deaf Connect, the largest employer of Deaf people in Australia, we see the skills, knowledge and expertise that our deaf team members bring to their roles every day,” Mr Casey said.

Originally published as ‘We’re leaders too’: Deaf Geelong teacher calls for regional workplace support