The City of Onkaparinga is aiming high and achieving milestones in providing a safe and inclusive workplace for a hearing-impaired employee.
Deane Morgan who is totally deaf has worked for the City of Onkaparinga since 2011.
A cabinet maker by trade, Deane was originally employed as a member of the building maintenance team. Deane’s superior wood-working skills were identified quickly and he was moved into the Carpentry Workshop full-time. Changes to the workshop were required to ensure a safe work environment. Council installed flashing lights on each machine in the Carpentry Workshop to ensure that Deane knew when they were operating.
To ensure best practice in communication, sign language interpreters are engaged for training courses, corporate events, monthly meetings, and staff forums. Some of Deane’s co-workers and supervisors have learned AUSLAN (Australiam Sign Language) to better communicate with him.
Deane originally came to City of Onkaparinga through the services of Your Employment Success (YES), an Adelaide specialist employment service for the deaf, hearing impaired and hard of hearing. YES specialise in assisting both the job seeker and employer to achieve valued successful employment.
YES have partnered with the City of Onkaparinga to ensure a long-lasting, productive working relationship was possible. This support included such things as Interpreter Services, special phones and watches, etc.
A council co-worker said, “Deane Morgan is a valued member of the building maintenance team, he has one of those infectious attitudes, always positive and always willing to help and support others. He is a highly skilled worker always undertaking all works to a high standard.
“Deane is able to clearly communicate with his fellow employees using sign language and he is well liked and respected by all.”
Deane is a keen sportsman and has been particularly successful in Table Tennis. At the 17th Australian Deaf Games held in January this year in Adelaide, Deane received two silver medals.
In September 2015, Deane completed his 40th consecutive City-Bay Fun Run, where he completed the 12km course in a not-too-leisurely 77minutes.
The City of Onkaparinga’s Community Plan 2035 outlines Council’s strategy vision to become a Council of Excellence. Providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees aligns with the plan’s Objective 5.3 – A Great Place to Work.
