A year out from the 2018 Australian Deaf Games being hosted on the Border, organisers are highlighting ways the region can make the most of the economic opportunities generated by an expected 1000 visitors.

Games organising committee chairman Alex Jones said key staff could do a basic Auslan (Australian sign language) course to give them some confidence when interacting with the deaf and hearing impaired.

“It’s seen as a great boost if retailers and hospitality hosts go to the trouble of learning how to communicate at even a basic level,” he said.

“In addition to that it’s mainly about awareness, good communication skills, eye contact and a smiling, welcoming attitude.”

A visual approach is encouraged, with quality, easy-to-see signage an asset to venues or shops.

Bars, lounges and hotel rooms should provide television with captions and accessible menus and ordering systems, for example with photos of the meals available.

Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce business manager Kathie Heyman said businesses should have plans in place to deliver excellent service. 

“Imagine 50 athletes walking into your restaurant for dinner; they have money to spend and have expectations of a great meal, the only difference is, they are deaf or hearing impaired,” she said,

“Similarly, I’m told the athletes love to shop, so our retailers should be geared up to be ‘deaf friendly’ and maximise the opportunities with so many visitors to the city.”

Border and North East residents with Auslan skills are asked to step forward to help as volunteer or paid interpreters during the event. Interpreters will be needed at each sporting venue as well as other locations such as Albury airport.

Deaf Sports Australia sports development manager Irena Farinacci said the opening and closing ceremonies and social events also offered chances to become involved.

“It’s an opportunity for those who have learned Auslan to take an important role in the games,” she said.

Expressions of interest can be made to volunteers@deafsports.org.au.​

THE benefit of the Australian Deaf Games taking place in their own backyard isn’t lost on two young Border sportspeople.

Declan Campion, 17, and Brooke King, 12, both of Lavington, intend to be among more than 1000 participants when the games begin next January.

Their plans started forming a year ago, as soon as Albury-Wodonga was announced as host at the end of the previous event in Adelaide.

“I was absolutely shocked, I thought it was going to be in a bigger city like Sydney or Melbourne,” Declan said.

“I was really glad, it’s going to be good running on my own turf and it’s going to be good for the community as well. I reckon it will be good to compete against someone with the same disability and see what it’s like.” 

Declan is aiming at four athletics events while Brooke wants to compete in both athletics and swimming.

“That means we’re familiar with all the tracks and all the swimming pools,” Brooke said. “So we have, like, the home ground advantage.”

Not having to pay for travel or accommodation is a big plus as well.

“It saves a lot of costs and it’s easier for my family,” she said.

Her parents, Steven and Leisa, will also compete in a couple of sports.

“We really want to do our best in it,” Brooke said.

“We’re really excited and we’re training hard for it, even though it’s next year.”​

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