Increased Auslan funding through JobAccess opens opportunities for Sofya’s career in film and theatre
Sofya enjoys her varied role in film and theatre, working with talented individuals. As a Deaf person, Sofya experienced communication barriers at work. That’s when she and her employer contacted JobAccess for Auslan funding support. This has helped improve communication, and enhance inclusion and access for Sofya at work.
Sofya’s work in film and theatre
Sofya Gollan is a screenwriter, director and actor. She also works with a writers room and on set in production.
Sofya is Deaf and uses Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as one of her main forms of communication. The project she was working on did not have Auslan interpreters, which made communication a challenge for her. Sofya also works with large teams, which makes communicating more complex.
That’s when Sofya and her employer, Spit Films Pty Ltd, contacted JobAccess for help. They applied for Auslan interpreter funding via the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF). The EAF gives financial help to employers and people with disability to make work-related modifications or adjustments. This includes Auslan interpreting services for people with deafness or low hearing.
What is Auslan?
Auslan is a visual-spatial language. It uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. Auslan is a unique language that is specific to Australia’s Deaf community.
It provides Deaf people with an accessible means of communication. It allows them to take part in all aspects of society, including employment.
Sofya learns about Auslan funding boost
In 2023, the Australian Government increased funding for Auslan interpreting services. The goal was to help deaf employees communicate and collaborate better at work. Under these changes, the yearly funding for Auslan Level 1 interpreting doubled from $6,000 to $12,000, with indexation added yearly.
“The increase in the (funding) limit for Auslan interpreting has been a welcome change. Earlier, the funding would run out quickly. This created workplace barriers, preventing me from doing my job effectively,” Sofya shares.
Sofya and her employer lodged an EAF application through the JobAccess website for Auslan interpreting. Soon after lodging the application, a JobAccess Professional Adviser contacted Sofya and her employer. They discussed eligibility requirements and some of the barriers she experienced at work.
Sofya found the application process easy and liked that it was employer-led. The funding was granted very quickly.
With increased funding through the EAF, Sofya can now get more Auslan support at work. This has helped her communicate with ease and make her workplace more inclusive and accessible. Sofya is now able to better connect with her team.
“Having the support for interpreting is so welcome and much needed. It ensures a respectful and smooth working process,” says Sofya.
Workplace barriers removed
Being a screenwriter, director, and actor, Sofya thoroughly enjoys the diverse responsibilities her job offers. She also loves the flexibility it provides.
“Because I am skilled in all these areas, I am able to adapt to different roles.”
“The presence of an interpreter eradicates any trepidation or unease, opening doors to wider networking possibilities.”
– Sofya Gollan
The support of having Auslan interpreters at work has greatly improved Sofya's communication with her colleagues and professionals across the wider film and theatre industry.
“Having an interpreter means that fear or anxiety no longer exists. It also means I have more opportunity to network. This helps me build strong industry connections,” concludes Sofya.
Are you looking for advice and support with workplace adjustments? Get in touch with JobAccess
JobAccess is the go-to expert for disability employment matters. It helps removes barriers to sustainable employment for people with disability.
JobAccess has a team of allied health professionals who provide expert, confidential and tailored advice on workplace adjustments from the first point of contact.
For expert advice and tailored support, call JobAccess on 1800 464 800. You can also submit an online enquiry or visit our website for more information.
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