Deaf Mental Health Conference 2024 (in-person)

This in-person and online event will take place on Fri, Apr 12, 2024 at 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM, so mark your calendars!

Located at Deakin Downtown, this event is a unique opportunity to connect with the vibrant Auslan community and learn more about the life-changing impact of sign language.

Throughout the day, we'll have inspiring guest speakers, and interactive activities that showcase the importance of Auslan and the overall well-being of the Deaf Community. Whether you're a fluent signer or just starting your journey, this event is for everyone!

Discover the rich culture, and diversity of Auslan through live performances, storytelling, and hands-on experiences. You'll have the chance to connect with fellow sign language enthusiasts, make new friends, and share your own experiences.

Don't miss out on this incredible event that highlights how Auslan has transformed lives. Join us at Deakin Downtown on Fri, Apr 12, 2024 and let's celebrate the incredible impact of Auslan together!

*Lunch will be provided

Dr. Wyatte Hall is an Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY. He directs the Visual Language Access and Acquisition (VLAA) Lab, which focuses on the relationship between childhood language experiences and quality of life outcomes across the lifespan in the deaf population with an emphasis on the social phenomenon of language deprivation. Dr. Hall also directs the Language Deprivation track of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center at Gallaudet University. He also is co-director of the Future Deaf Scientists program, a summer STEM internship program for Deaf high school students. Dr. Hall has published over 25 articles and book chapters, and co-edited the first volume focusing on language deprivation in Deaf mental health.

Dr. Dainius Pūras is professor of child psychiatry and public mental health at Vilnius University, Lithuania. He is also a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Development Center of Vilnius university Hospital. Among positions he was holding, Dainius Pūras was President of Lithuanian Psychiatric Association, Dean of Medical Faculty of Vilnius University, Director of the Human rights monitoring institute. During the years 2007-2011 Dainius Pūras was a member of the UN Committee on the rights of the child. During the years 2014 – 2020 he was serving as a UN Special Rapporteur on the right to physical and mental health.

In his reports to the UN Human rights council and the UN General Assembly, as a UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dainius Pūras elaborated on important issues that are crucial to health and well-being of individuals and societies. Themes of the reports included right to health in early childhood and adolescence, mental health and human rights, prevention of corruption in healthcare systems, the need for change in medical and other health-related education, and other issues.

Prof. Dainius Pūras has been and remains actively involved in national and international activities in the field of developing and implementing evidence-based and human rights based health-related policies and services, with special focus on children, persons with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions and other groups in vulnerable situations, as well as in issues related to promotion of mental health and prevention of all forms of violence. His main interest is management of change in the field of health-related services regionally and globally, with main focus on operationalization of human rights based approach through effective policies and services

Dr Ruth Vine is a consultant psychiatrist with more than 30 years’ experience working in both clinical and government roles. Ruth was the first Australian Government Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health, appointed in 2020 to provide policy advice on critical mental health issues impacting the Australian community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During her four years in this role, Ruth championed Commonwealth policy development and implementation activities to better integrate the Australian mental health and suicide prevention system.

Ruth has worked for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, and has held positions of Deputy Chief Psychiatrist, Chief Psychiatrist, and Director of Mental Health. She has chaired the AHMAC National Mental Health Standing Committee, the National Mental Health Workforce Committee, and National Safety and Quality Committee. Ruth was the Executive Director of NorthWestern Mental Health, a division of Melbourne Health from 2013 to 2019.

Ruth holds a Bachelor of Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy from Melbourne University and a Bachelor of Laws from La Trobe University. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and a member of the Medical Practitioners Board (Victoria).

Jody Barney, an esteemed Aboriginal disability communications consultant with 38 years of experience, is dedicated to improving access and equity for First Nations Deaf individuals. Recognized with awards such as the Churchill Fellowship in 2022 and induction into the Victorian Honour Roll for Women in 2021, she has been a strong advocate for the Deaf First Nations community. Her work focuses on nurturing leadership and addressing Deaf First Nations mental health, drawing from her extensive experience working with individuals in custody. Jody's use of Aboriginal sign languages supports First Nations Deaf individuals in their first language, emphasizing the importance of cultural training and support within the community. She is a proud Birri-Gubba Urangan Deaf woman, a mother, grandmother, and devoted partner, known for her fierce advocacy and for providing meals for those in need. Additionally, she is a cancer survivor and a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community. Jody actively participates on leading boards and engages globally to improve the lives of First Nations Deaf individuals in custody.

Ramas McRae is a PhD candidate at Deakin University, Melbourne with his studies exploring mental health issues within the deaf population. He holds qualifications in science, interpreting and education. He is a part time lecturer and tutor and a freelance Consultant, specialising in interpreting, translating and training in deaf awareness and deaf culture as well as deaf arts, particularly film production.

Ramas has fluency in nine languages including seven sign languages and is certified as an International Sign interpreter, Auslan interpreter and translator.

He's contributions to the Deaf Community include leadership positions within deaf advocacy, deaf basketball and deaf arts and as a mentor.

Host or Publisher Deakin University Institute for Health Transformation