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Is this Deaf Awareness Training (DAT)?
Is this Deaf Awareness Training (DAT)?
Our training differs significantly from DAT offerings. We see DAT as a great start to learning about the Deaf community, but DAT doesn't generally cover aspects of learning that are important for hard-of-hearing contexts, post-lingual deafness, injuries, illnesses and mental health. The table below summarises some of the key differences.
Our training differs significantly from DAT offerings. We see DAT as a great start to learning about the Deaf community, but DAT doesn't generally cover aspects of learning that are important for hard-of-hearing contexts, post-lingual deafness, injuries, illnesses and mental health. The table below summarises some of the key differences.
MACRO
MACRO
Interactive, bilingual (Auslan + English), co-facilitated by Deaf and hearing educators with interpreters and captions
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Often single-session, presentation style, primarily lecture-based
MACRO
MACRO
The modular structure (2–3 hours each) designed for progression, reflection activities, and application and active pre and post assessment
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Typically 1–2 hours, one-off sessions, no active assessment
MACRO
MACRO
Explored in depth as a lived, evolving culture — with learners experiencing Deaf and hearing collaboration and allyship directly
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Foundational knowledge and etiquette
MACRO
MACRO
Recognised as diverse identities concerning cultural, linguistic, and systemic dimensions across the spectrum of hearing loss and identity change and development
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Often not covered
MACRO
MACRO
Tailored to real-world systems (schools, health, workplaces, community organisations) with practical scenarios
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
General workplace or customer service etiquette
MACRO
MACRO
Actively integrates intersectional perspectives (gender, culture, race, disability) within Deaf AND hard-of-hearingexperiences
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Rarely addressed; Main focus is Auslan users
MACRO
MACRO
Relevant for leaders, educators, service designers, policy-makers, families, and broader community members
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Primarily for front-line staff or “accessibility compliance”
MACRO
MACRO
Modular learning can be bundled to meet organisational needs, professional development needs, matching specific contexts and goals
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Limited flexibility for multiple contexts; “off-the-shelf” format
MACRO
MACRO
Explicitly explores links between hearing loss, audism, barriers to access, systemic exclusion, communication, physical and mental health impacts
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Rarely covered in depth or delivered by mental health professionals
MACRO
MACRO
Built in as a core element, ensuring full access in Auslan and English (with optional captions), modelling best practice, with in-depth information on language access, acquisition, sign language structures and adjusting written communication.
Deafness Awareness Training
Deafness Awareness Training
Foundational; how and why to book interpreters
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