Cairns author inspires greater understanding of people with impaired hearing

Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt today in Cairns launched an inspirational book exploring the life and achievements of 35 deaf Australians.

Cairns author Carol O’Reilly, who is herself deaf, wrote Deaf Australian Story to provide an insight into the lives of some of Australian’s most well-known deaf people.

Mr Pitt said he was pleased to provide Ms O’Reilly with $5000 from Disability Services Queensland to assist with the printing costs of her 180-page book.

“The 35 personal stories featured in Ms O’Reilly’s book should be an inspiration to all Australians, not only those people who have a hearing impairment,” he said.

"This book delves deeply into the heart of the Australian deaf community and shows what can be achieved with the determination and desire to succeed.

Mr Pitt said the funding was provided as part of Disability Services Queensland’s Building Supportive Communities grants program.

“This program is designed to promote community awareness and understanding of the experiences of people with a disability.

“It also seeks to provide opportunities for people with a disability to make a visible and valued contribution in their community.

“Carol’s book does all this, as well as providing an enduring snapshot of the achievements and heartaches of deaf people from throughout Australia,” Mr Pitt said.

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