Eighteen Deaf and hard-of-hearing young people aged 12 to 17 from around Australia descend on ANSTO’s Lucas Heights campus for Deaf Youth Science Camp today.
Running until Sunday 16 August, the four-day, second annual camp gives Deaf participants the chance to explore science, learn from Deaf STEM professionals, and connect and socialise with other young Deaf people.
While the camp will be conducted in Auslan—the unique Culturally and Linguistically Diverse sign language of the Australian Deaf community—all camp activities have been designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, regardless of their preferred mode of communication. For many participants Auslan is their first language.
Hosted by ANSTO as part of its commitment to accessible science education, it’s a part of National Science Week and is run in conjunction with Deaf Youth Australia.
ANSTO Deaf Science Educator and software engineer David Parker said it was important for Deaf young people to see Deaf adults succeeding in STEM careers.
“Deaf engineers, scientists and IT specialists will share their lived experiences,” said Mr Parker. “We want them to know all things are possible, to give them insights, career advice and hopefully, inspiration.”
“Many Deaf kids miss out on full access to science education in their own language, Auslan. It’s just not available at most schools. It’s also great for Deaf kids to connect with each other. Isolation can be a problem.”
The campers will build and launch rockets, learn about the science of fire, see dinosaur fossils and visit the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering—home of neutron science in Australia, and OPAL, Australia’s only nuclear reactor.
OPAL is one of the world’s premier multipurpose reactors providing world-class research infrastructure supporting health, industry, the environment and innovation.
Participants, their families and the public are invited to Auslan-interpreted community tours and a careers Q&A panel with Deaf STEM professionals on Sunday 16 August.
Interviews
ANSTO Deaf Science Educators Christopher Makin and David Parker, and ANSTO Education Manager and Camp Coordinator Dr Bridget Murphy, are available for interviews.
Case Study
A camper case study is also available. Auslan interpreters will be onsite and available to assist with media interviews.
Shoot Opportunities
Media are invited to attend the camp on Thursday or Friday, or, at attend the Auslan-interpreted community tours and Deaf STEM careers panel on Sunday.
Digital Assets
Photographs and video are available.