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Glossary

Glossary

Auditory Processing

Auditory processing difficulties are conditions to be aware of. They can often present among individuals who have experienced fluctuating hearing loss during childhood due to recurrent episodes of ear disease. The functional difficulties can persist even after the hearing returns to normal after the infection, as inconsistent hearing input has affected the neurological development necessary to process sound effectively. The challenges experienced are often similar to those encountered by individuals with mild hearing loss. Additionally, individuals who are Hard of Hearing as a result of early childhood ear diseases also experience auditory processing difficulties, resulting in compounded functional communication problems.

Gratuitous Concurrence

a common behaviour where people tend to say “yes” to questions, even if they don’t fully understand or agree. It means they acknowledge things without necessarily being sure about them. To communicate effectively, it’s essential to recognise this occurs and adapt our approach to meet the need of the individual person who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing so they can understand what is being communicated to them.

Whitefella

an Aboriginal English word commonly used by First Nations people in Australia to refer to non-Indigenous Australians, typically those of European, often Anglo-Saxon, descent. The use of "whitefella" can be seen as a pragmatic and straightforward descriptor. Over time, as relationships and dynamics evolved, the term has been used in various ways, sometimes neutrally, affectionately, or critically, depending on the context and the speakers' intentions.

Trauma

Is the experience of highly distressing or frightening events that can result in psychological harm, known as trauma. What may constitute a traumatic event can differ between people, so that two people can experience the same event and one can experience trauma and the other does not. Secondary or vicarious trauma refers to trauma experienced by observing harm done to others. The experience of multiple traumatic events can result in complex trauma. Challenges associated with trauma may occur directly after the traumatic event or much later. Some people experience ongoing challenges that impact on their ability to cope or function. With the right supports, many people recover well from traumatic events. Many factors contribute to the higher levels of trauma that may be seen within First Nations communities. These include the impact of colonialism and racism contributing to many life and health inequities, and the ripple effect this can have on communities with closer connections to more people whose lives are cared about are impacted. The communication challenges and outcomes of miscommunication for First Nations who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can also contribute to their experiences of trauma which in turn impacts on the capacity to communicate.

‘Shame’

fear of embarrassment is especially pronounced in collective cultures, such as First Nations cultures, where one's reputation and how others view them holds significant importance. The potential for public failure can be a reason to not engage in certain activities, as the risk of embarrassment (being shamed) is high. This concern is more likely to be felt by people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and is a reason why they may avoid participation in situations where the possibility of misunderstanding conversations creates a high risk of being shamed in front of others. When a person refers to ‘shame’ or ‘shame job’ as a reason not do something it is important to try to structure the engagement to reduce the risk of them being shamed.

Poison relationships

In many First Nations cultures, the practice of "poison cousins" involves avoiding direct communication with certain relatives to maintain social boundaries and respect. This tradition helps prevent conflicts and uphold modesty within communities, reflecting a deep commitment to community harmony and structured social relationships. It's a culturally significant way to ensure that family interactions are respectful and appropriate, supporting both community cohesion and individual dignity.

Humbugging

when someone asks for too much or makes unreasonable demands for money, drink, cigarettes, food, household items, cars etc from their family or community. It’s different from the positive practice of sharing resources within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Instead, humbugging can lead to stress, arguments, and even abuse. This situation (being humbugged) can be particularly difficult for First Nations people with disabilities, who, often have a strong desire to fulfill their cultural responsibilities like other community members, find it hard to know how to refuse such demands.

Hand talk

Many communities have a sign language or hand talk (sometimes called action) that compliments their local spoken language. In these communities many in the community may be able to use sign language to communicate with deaf community members. However, as with oral languages these are diminishing and often Deaf community members can only communicate with a few family members using family hand sign with elements of community sign.

Countryman

"Countryman" is an inclusive term used by some First Nations people to indicate their deep connection and responsibility to their land. It underscores a unique relationship that sets them apart from non-First Nations people, who may not share the same sense of belonging, affinity, or duty to the Country. This term highlights the profound bond First Nations people have with their land, which is central to their identity and cultural responsibilities.

Behaviours of concern

Behaviours of concern are actions displayed by individuals that might be disruptive, harmful, or challenging to themselves or others. These behaviours often occur when someone is unable to communicate their needs, feelings, or frustrations in more typical ways. They might include yelling, hitting, or refusing to follow rules or instructions. The goal in addressing these behaviours is to understand what the individual is trying to communicate through their actions and to find more positive and effective ways for them to express their needs and desires.

Positive relationships are so important for our social and emotional well-being. For many First Nations people, family and community relationships are communal, meaning, they are social constructs that follow various kinship systems and lore. These relationships (like any) can be strained due to fluctuations in stability, safety, health, justice and environmental barriers.

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing can sometimes find it hard to navigate these relationships. When relationships are strained or trust is broken, it can take a while to get things back on track. This can be distressing for people and can also influence behaviours.

Positive and trusting relationships with services and support workers can help stabilise some of the distress associated with challenging family relationships.

At the very least, it’s essential that relationships with support workers are offered with the intent to do no harm and create opportunity and develop self-determination and belonging. When this is not provided there are cracks that may cause the individual to withdraw and react in ways that are seen as challenging or behaviours of concern.

Remember Bob and Trudy?

One of the most important things you can do is to manage your own feelings and responses.

First Nations people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing usually watch facial expressions and body language closely. They are usually highly sensitive about others judging their intelligence or as being unmotivated or unresponsive. Their reactions to feeling judged may make them reluctant to continue to engage.

We therefore need to be really careful about displaying irritation or frustration in response to any difficulties an individual may have in understanding what you are trying to communicate or them asking to understand better.

“You see that look, the look that tells you they are thinking you are some stupid black fella and you don’t want to say you don’t understand, can you tell me it again. You just want to get away and never want to work with them again if you can help it.”

Hard of Hearing First Nations man. Mixed Messages page 113.

Taking care of yourself and your own social and emotional well-being is equally important. Not just as this is important for you, but also as it will help you turn up to work in a positive mindset. Any emotional disturbance or upset you bring to work is likely to be observed and assumed that it is related to your feelings about the participant. You may think that you have not ‘said’ anything about how you feel, but your reaction will have been observed and thought by participants to be related to them.

When considering influences on participants responses, consider the feelings of staff involved with them, that may have been observed and responded to by the participant. For example, participants retreating to their room to avoid contact with a staff member in a bad mood that day. Or being regularly upset on days that a particular staff member is working. It may indicate that a staff member is being perceived as unresponsive, unhelpful or negative towards a participant.

Learn more

This video is a great example of how different identities and relationships can impact the experience of being ‘othered’ on account of who we are or are perceived to be.

https://belonging.berkeley.edu/video-building-belonging-time-othering-john-powell

References

Mixed Messages https://zenodo.org/record/3826158

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