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Bringing the Music to Everyone: Auslan Interpreters Revolutionising Concert Accessibility

For many Deaf Australians, the vibrant world of live music has long been out of reach. Growing up, Cheryl Wilhelm often missed out on the concert experiences her friends enjoyed. Born with hearing loss at five, becoming profoundly deaf without a hearing aid meant countless missed opportunities. “I missed a lot,” she explains through Auslan, the national sign language of Australia.

But things are changing. Across the country, a growing number of concerts and festivals are embracing Auslan interpreting, dramatically improving accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. This isn't just about providing a service; it’s about inclusion, ensuring everyone can share in the joy of live music.

The Power of Auslan: More Than Just Translation

Auslan interpreting at concerts goes beyond simply translating lyrics. Skilled interpreters convey the energy, emotion, and atmosphere of the performance. They use visual cues, body language, and facial expressions to capture the essence of the music, creating a rich and immersive experience for Deaf audience members.

“It’s not just about understanding the words,” says Sarah Johnson, a professional Auslan interpreter who frequently works at live events. “It's about feeling the beat, seeing the performer’s passion, and sharing that connection with the crowd. We strive to make the performance visually engaging and emotionally resonant.”

A Growing Movement: Venues and Artists Stepping Up

The shift towards greater accessibility is being driven by a combination of factors, including advocacy from Deaf communities, increased awareness among venue operators, and a willingness from artists to support inclusivity. Major music venues in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are now routinely offering Auslan interpreted performances. Some artists are even proactively requesting interpreters for their shows, demonstrating a genuine commitment to reaching a wider audience.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in requests for Auslan interpreting over the past few years,” says Mark Thompson, accessibility coordinator for a leading concert promoter. “It’s clear that there’s a strong demand for accessible events, and we’re committed to meeting that demand.”

The Impact: A Sense of Belonging

For Deaf concertgoers like Cheryl Wilhelm, access to Auslan interpreted performances is transformative. It’s not just about hearing the music; it’s about feeling a sense of belonging, being part of the community, and experiencing the magic of live music alongside everyone else.

“It's amazing to finally be able to go to a concert and feel like I’m not missing out,” says Wilhelm. “It’s a chance to connect with others, enjoy the music, and just be myself.”

Looking Ahead: Continued Progress and Advocacy

While significant progress has been made, there's still work to be done. Advocates are calling for greater consistency in the provision of Auslan interpreting across the industry, as well as increased funding to support interpreter training and development. The goal is to make accessible concerts the norm, not the exception, ensuring that Deaf Australians have equal access to the cultural experiences that enrich our lives.

The rise of Auslan interpreting at concerts is a powerful example of how inclusivity can transform an industry and create opportunities for everyone to share in the joy of live music. It's a story of empowerment, connection, and the pursuit of a more accessible and equitable Australia.