Despite the Anti-Discrimination Act (1991) in Australia, many people with disabilities continue to be socially marginalised and disenfranchised. Even though there are heaps of D/eaf people who don’t consider deafness to be a disability, this does little to impact how they are treated by society.

The depth and level of deaf discrimination is so pervasive in the lives of many D/eaf people it has become “the way things are”. When one gets so used to this kind of treatment on a daily basis, disempowerment becomes a way of life. That isn’t to say D/eaf people never challenge this kind of attitude or treatment… they do! The problem is, this crap happens SO much, that one can’t help but let some things slide for the sake of keeping their sanity, time, or energy.

The real reason though, that the really important things are let go, is the very real risk of severe and adverse consequences should one kick up a shit stink about what has or is happening to them.

The more serious marginalisation and disenfranchisement always happens within the system. It is more serious than any other discrimination that can occur because the system is in a position of authority and power. It takes some bloody backbone to stand up and wave your fist at the system as a vulnerable individual. I don’t care what anyone thinks, the consequences are often swift, vicious and unfair… and a stark unbelievable reality.

It doesn’t matter how well-behaved you are, how nice you are, how educated you are, how informed you are of your rights, the truth of your position… none of that matters to the administrators of the system. These administrators are used to power, force, coercion, fear, manipulation and absolute authority. They are especially used to vulnerable, marginalised groups of people being quiet, scared, complacent, not wanting to push too hard.

So many of you might be wondering what I mean when I say the system. This is any governing body in a position of power and authority. In Queensland, the system comprises of Queensland Health, the Queensland Courts, all government departments, particularly the ones that deal with people – for example the Department of Communities, the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women, the Queensland Police Service and so on.

The very systems that are in place to provide services, supports and protection to the community are the very same ones that pose a very real threat to the marginalised and disenfranchised of the community.

You would also think for example, that a deaf specific service such as Deaf Services Queensland, would be understanding and encompassing of what D/eaf people face in their daily lives. Unfortunately, they are just as much, if not more a part of the systemic problem – especially in Far North Queensland.

The majority of D/eaf people have lived a lifetime of oppression, and not all of them have fluent use of the language (English) of the society they live in. There are D/eaf people with poor literacy who have difficulty reading and writing. There are others who rely heavily on Auslan and interpreters to accurately convey Auslan communication into English and vice-versa.

I make a point of this language access here because I would like you to imagine yourself in a foreign country. Imagine you have been discriminated against, and you only have basic access to the language of that country. How would you see yourself standing up for your own rights? You would likely rely heavily on an advocate as well as an interpreter. Imagine in doing so, you are further disenfranchised because you obviously are so incapable you have to rely on others.

Imagine living like this day in, day out. At some point you are going to need to prioritise your own physical, emotional and mental health. Fighting constantly against a tide of oppression means you miss out on a peaceful life. It means other aspects of your life suffers. D/eaf people have families, children, desires, needs, interests, hobbies, the same need for peace and calmness that the rest of the world does.

So… we let things go. Being constantly angry and frustrated has serious adverse impacts on people’s health, and many of us have lived for long periods feeling that way. We’ve learned it is often pointless. While we know we can bring about some changes as individuals, to benefit ourselves mostly, this normally changes nothing in the larger picture. If we want happy, fulfilling lives, we have to learn to let go and hope for the best. This is a survival strategy, not a thriving one.

Is this acceptable? No. It really isn’t! I believe it is time to stop being afraid. In being afraid, we are all putting ourselves at further risk in the future… because it can, and will happen again. The system keeps records, and each time something happens you will be dealing with people who are being biased by this previous recorded history. This increases the risk to you!

The risks of kicking up a shit fit are still there yes, but they become less when bigger waves are made. It isn’t enough anymore to complain to the same department that is responsible for systemic discrimination. Complain to other departments who are meant to provide oversight. Complain outside to members of parliament. Complain to the ombudsman. Kick your complaints up the ladder as far as you can, and complain on other ladders too. Screw not rocking the boat, and start creating a motherfucking tsunami!

We’ve learned attention is bad, so lets use that to our advantage. The focus of attention should be on THEM, not us! Rip off these blinkers. It is THIS day and age, and THIS is still happening. There are so many people out there that would be absolutely outraged… if only they knew!

And for these of you who know D/eaf people in need of a fire lit under the butt of someone committing wrongs against them, but don’t have the personal resources to be able to fight… ask them how they feel about YOU complaining on their behalf.

I’ll leave all of you with a couple of relevant lines from this kickass poem by Dylan Thomas:

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.