I have provided educational leadership, support and programs in primary and secondary mainstream settings, early intervention/early childhood, specialist, regional/central administration, TAFE and community.
I have undertaken the role of a Visiting Teacher, Early Intervention Teacher, LOTE teacher, Teacher of the Deaf, Yoga, Wellbeing and Art Coordinator within different schools and programs.
I have represented as a board member for Deaf Victoria, Deaf Australia and Arts Access Victoria where I was active as an advocate and policy maker for Deaf Australians. I also advocated for Deaf youth and families with young deaf children nationally and internationally.
Auslan Arts Tours
I have provided Auslan Art Tours for galleries, exhibitions and artists, creating accessible and culturally meaningful experiences for Deaf audiences. She has delivered engaging tours and creative workshops at institutions including the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Geelong Gallery and Bendigo Art Gallery, and works with artists to develop Auslan tours that support deeper connections between artworks and Deaf audiences.
Art can be complex, abstract and open to interpretation, with specialised language and concepts that may create barriers for some Deaf people. Irene’s tours recognise the importance of visual communication, lived experience and Deaf ways of seeing. Through Auslan-led discussion and creative activities, participants are encouraged to explore their own perspectives, share interpretations and connect with artworks in meaningful ways.
These tours provide a Deaf-centred and culturally safe space where participants can engage with art, language and ideas alongside others who share similar experiences. The result is not only greater access to art, but an opportunity to expand how artworks are understood, experienced and appreciated.
Advocacy
- Advocacy information support for Deaf clients
- Advocacy information support for families of deaf children
Auslan translation/language consultancy services
- Translation of English text usually presented on video or face to face.
- Language consultancy support for Deaf translators
- Language/cultural consultancy support for Interpreters
