The Centre of Excellence undertakes research that supports and informs its missions. The Centre has undertaken a number of research projects that include the following:

Auslan Projects (2005)

Funded by OTTE, this research entailed three components, each looking at different aspects of accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing students to the TAFE sector. The Auslan Projects were funded as a direct result of research undertaken by the Centre in 2000 out of which 17 recommendations were made to OTTE.

Project One carried out an identification of an appropriate employment model for Auslan interpreters in TAFE and then undertook a trial of that model. The aim was to identify possibilities that may address the chronic shortage of Auslan interpreters in the system. As a result of this research, CABS was established by OTTE to be operated by the Centre.

Project Two undertook a trial of the delivery of Auslan online, via videoconferencing technology and analysed the feasibility of such a delivery.

Project Three identified new and emerging technologies both within Australia and overseas that showed potential as a means to support deaf in a classrooms setting. Additionally, this project supported Project Two.

The final report in PDF format is now available and can be downloaded from this site. Be aware that it is a large file, so may take some time to download. If you have difficulties with the download or require a copy that is accessible by screen-reading technology, please contact the Centre. Click here (PDF) to begin download.

Connecting the Dots (2007)

This National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) investigates and evaluates the available pathways for Deaf and hard of hearing students from secondary education into tertiary education and/or employment. It provides a snapshot of the barriers faced by this student group when undertaking this “journey”. This report can be downloaded from the NCVER website. Click here to go to NCVER publications page.

Information Should be Visual—New and Emerging Technologies and their Application in the VET Sector for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (2001)

This National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) explored the current use of technology as a medium for learning in a range of TAFE institutes across Australia. It also identified barriers that the student group may have when undertaking learning through new technologies.

Deaf Australia Online II (2001)

Funded by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA), this follow-on project to Deaf Australia Online (1999) took forward the actions and recommendations of the first project. Specifically, it conducted trials of a number of online technologies; investigated the best approach to raising awareness about, and skills for using, technology by Deaf and hard of hearing people; and it continued to build the engagement of all stakeholders in the use of online services by the Deaf community.

Current Perceptions held by Auslan Interpreters of Working in TAFE (2000)

This research formed a portion of the work undertaken by the Centre of Excellence at the behest of OTTE. It identified a number of reasons for the shortage of Auslan interpreters working in TAFE and set forth 17 recommendations to address the situation. The document is unpublished.

Deaf Australia Online (1999)

Funded by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA), this was the original research undertaken on their behalf. It resulted from concerns about the ability of Deaf Australians to access and effectively use commonplace technologies in our society. It identified the reasons for this as well as indicated potential solutions, both educational and technological, to the situation.

Identification of Support Services Utilised by Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Victorian TAFE Institutions (annual)

The Centre of Excellence undertakes an annual survey of each Victorian TAFE institute to identify the resources used to support Deaf and hard of hearing students in the Victorian TAFE sector. As well, information about the difficulties faced in the provision of these services is collected. This research is undertaken as a part of the Centre’s funding from OTTE and results are made available to them in a confidential, annual report.

Identification of Potential Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing Entering into Victorian TAFE Institutions (annual)

The Centre of Excellence undertakes an annual survey of the Victorian secondary system, endeavouring to identify the potential number of students who may be entering into the Victorian TAFE sector and the support that they may require. This research is undertaken as a part of the Centre’s funding from OTTE and results are made available to them in a confidential, annual report.