|
Bilby Publishing would like to Acknowledge and Thank:
Our database and bank of knowledge has evolved and continues to evolve today with the support, guidance and input of so many people across the country.
First of all, we’d like to thank all the members of the Deaf community, the Auslan tutors, CODA’s (Children of Deaf Adults), interpreters and teachers of the deaf who have worked alongside us to make our products true and accurate representations of the signs being used out there in the community and by both the older and young generations; who are where the languages future lies. To everyone of you, a very special thank you.
To all those parents out there who have traveled down the path to learn Auslan for their children. For your phone calls and emails of inspirational stories and encouraging words. For your determination in the face of adversity and inequality; and for your children. This book is for all of you.
To the education departments nationally, and the hundreds of disability and early intervention services out there who have supported us and helped to clarify your needs, thank you.
To all the speech pathologists out there who have helped us understand your needs and allowed us to be such a big part of your world. Also, special mention to all those professionals who have allowed us to consult them regarding different medical conditions and the needs of their clients.
We would, however, like to specifically thank:
Meghan Kirby : Staff sub-editor for all her efforts, without her many things would have never gone to print.
Toni Crepin : NATTI Par-professional interpreter (Auslan). An endless source of information and support, Toni’ s help, guidance and enthusiasm has been truly appreciated. Words will never express the full extent of our gratitude.
Gail Smith : CODA and NATTI interpreter. Gail has always been there to help and guide us when we needed it most and been an fabulous support to us over the years. Her incredible knowledge and experience, as a person whose first language was Auslan, as a parent, TAFE teacher, and friend have all been appreciated.
Debbie Bundock : Who motivated us to sit down and put a dictionary together at the best possible price for all those struggling parents and TAFE students out there. Thanks Debbie.
To the Teachers of the Deaf across the country who have always supported and encouraged us, but special mention to Toni Tallon and Heather Morris; all the teachers in the Northern Territory, you are inspirational; all the staff at Klemzig for keeping us in the loop on SA signs. To the teachers and staff at RIDBC (across all the schools and facilities), and the teachers of VCD, who have been a great support.
To Linda who has had to fight for everything for her daughter.
To Lisa, who fought for the rights of mute children to have signed communication...go girl :)
To Michelle who has fought for her Autistic son’s right to sign, and allowed us to be a small part of the story.
Anne, who has risen to the challenge of English as a third language, negotiated the tightrope of independent school funding and kept positive and determined throughout it all.
You are all incredible. Keep up the fight!
To Kelly and Drew, who inspired us to look into adding hints to our database to help people understand the bigger picture; and Kelly for always being so exhaustingly enthusiastic.
We would also wish to acknowledge and thank the wonderful people of Monnington Services, which closed down so many years ago. You were the first people to introduce us to Auslan and set us on the path to equality in communication for our deaf son. Thank you, you changed our lives.
Lastly, to our sons, Dy and Ajani, for starting us on the Auslan road in the first place; and motivating us to change the future for other children like you.
Chris and Lee Bilby
|
|
