We recently had the pleasure of undertaking some pro-bono work for Expression Australia, an organisation near and dear to our hearts, providing Quantity Surveying services for the relocation of their new head office in Collingwood.
A non-profit organization based in East Melbourne, Victoria, Expression Australia (EA) have served the Deaf community since 1884; working to ensure people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf LGBTIQA+, or those who experience any other barriers are provided with equal access to opportunities.
They are the sole provider of interpreter services for our team at WT, and when the opportunity arose for us to work on this project, we were excited to be a part of it.
Registered under the NDIS, EA offers a diverse range of services, including:
- Auslan interpreting, live captioning and note taking including emergency announcements, ABC News, and Premier announcements
- Auslan classes
- Assistive Devices and equipment
- Audiology services
- Employment support
- Individual support
- Group support
- Community activities
- Video productions
- Supported accommodation
A project that heralds inclusivity, we worked alongside Marchese Partners, an architectural and design firm who also employ a Deaf interior designer.
Overseen by our National Director, Gavin Balharrie a Deaf person himself, this particular project was one of particular importance.
“The shift of attention from ‘standard’ office layout to a co-designed space, taking into account accessibility requirements for Deaf and hard of hearing people, was a refreshing and exciting change, and should be catered for in office fitouts everywhere.
Great examples were the use of colour, natural lighting, and curved corners – elements which are critical for Deaf and hard of hearing people whose visual senses are more heightened with their loss of hearing.” says Gavin.
Learn more about Expression Australia’s services and all their work on their website here.
