Dallas Schmidt, who is totally deaf in his left ear and has moderate hearing in his right ear, is with his two children, Journee, left, and Tamirah. Mr Schmidt is petitioning the politicians in the House of Assembly to ask that Auslan be taught in South Australian primary schools.
Dallas Schmidt , who is totally deaf in his left ear and has 50-per cent hearing in his right, has not only ‘talked the talk, but is walking the walk’.
The father of five is on a campaign to have Auslan, the sign language of the Australian deaf community, be put into the curriculum of all schools in South Australia.
Mr Schmidt is petitioning politicians in the House of Assembly and is asking people in the community to sign to help his quest.
He is not complaining about the quietness in his world but he is speaking out for all those who are deaf or have a speech impediment and struggle each day with difficult means of communication.
He believes if children were taught signing at an early age, it would open up communications between deaf and hearing people.
After Mr Schmidt contacted local Independent Member for Frome Geoff Brock in regards to introducing sign language into schools, he received a reply that Mr Brock had taken action and referred the enquiry to Minister for Education and Child Development, Grace Portolesi for consideration.
Mr Schmidt already has 1200 signatures but will continue to get more and will target people at the Smelters Picnic, which is being held next month.
He will present the signatures to State Parliament at the end of October.