Expanding Access: Mornington Peninsula’s Commitment to Inclusion through AUSLAN

At YAWA Aquatic Centre, located on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, Jack Heseltine, Senior Exercise Physiologist, is on a mission to help everyone lead a healthy, happy, and active life. With a genuine passion for his work, Jack ensures that all individuals feel safe and welcomed when visiting YAWA. His expertise lies in exercise physiology, which caters to people with acute, sub-acute, or chronic medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities.

"I strive to provide the highest level of support to individuals, helping them achieve their goals no matter how big or small," shares Jack. "I take great pleasure in working with a diverse range of people, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds. Guiding them through their first steps in the gym and designing inclusive and safe programs for their success is incredibly rewarding."

One of Jack's clients, who has been deaf from birth and also has a cognitive impairment, receives support from Atypical Solutions, an organisation specializing in empowering and uplifting individuals facing diverse challenges. Both Jack and Atypical Solutions share a common vision of creating a support network that enables their clients to lead healthy, happy, and active lives in a safe and inclusive environment.

Recognising the need to bridge communication gaps and enhance accessibility, Atypical Solutions generously funded Jack's training in Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN), the predominant sign language used by the Australian Deaf community. YAWA, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace, agreed Jack's AUSLAN lessons during his work hours.

Initially, the AUSLAN lessons took place online, once a week for two hours over a four-week period. As the sessions progressed, they transitioned to face-to-face meetings at the Rosebud Community Hub, allowing for more personalised instruction over the course of eight weeks. Equipped with this valuable skill, Jack took it upon himself to share his knowledge with other gym staff and clients, teaching them key AUSLAN signs.

Inspired by Jack’s proactive vision and backed by our committed team at Mornington Peninsula Belgravia Leisure venues, they are excited to introduce a fantastic AUSLAN accessibility initiative. This significant move towards inclusivity and accessibility aims to improve communication and create a strong sense of belonging for all their patrons.

Embracing a collaborative approach, this initiative will see a range of AUSLAN resources introduced and strategically placed across their four prominent leisure venues: Yawa Aquatic Centre, Pelican Park Recreation Centre, Civic Reserve and Somerville Recreation Centres.

AUSLAN flashcards will become accessible in gyms, reception areas, aquatics departments and ensuring preparedness in emergency situations with specialised AUSLAN first aid booklets integrated within venues first aid cupboards and emergency evacuation kits. This strategic placement guarantees immediate access to essential communication tools, emphasising safety and the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Miranda Doherty, Area Support Manager for Mornington Peninsula, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming launch announcing the initiative to the community in September coinciding with National Deaf Week. 'We are truly excited about this initiative, which underscores our commitment to inclusivity and community sense of belonging'

Beyond physical enhancements, the Mornington Peninsula team are always taking a proactive approach in fostering an inclusive community with these AUSLAN education initiatives, bi-annual interactive community network forums and the utilisation of the innovative Cerge app, all of which assist to actively break down barriers and nurture a thriving, interconnected community.