Quiet+Signs+of+love

“Quiet Signs of Love” is revolutionary type of campaign targeting Gen Yers (16 – 24). It has just been released for online viewing by the National Relay Service and funded by the Australian Government, and has the feel of an artwork which wouldn’t be out of place in any short film festival. It is the first internet based film promoting this type of service, and is an absolute must to see. It would be perfect for Years 11 & 12 to watch, introducing them to the world for people who are deaf, and practical solutions when communicating with people with hearing difficulties. This you-tube video with a "vibetrack" by Brett Williams (of The Choirboys fame) that allows deaf viewers to ‘feel’ the music. Put your hands on the speakers when you are watching it to “feel” it too. Beautifully shot and acted in two seven minute parts, Quiet Signs of Love is intended to “bridge the gap” between the two worlds. It is about two young people – one deaf and the other hearing – “and a love that transcends their differences.” The woman who plays the part of the deaf lead is also deaf in “real life” and is exceptional in the role. According to Deborah Fuller, Outreach Manager for the National Relay Service, it is also promoting this government service which provides relay phone calls between people with hearing or speech impairments, and anyone else. I would use this in the classroom as a starting point for discussing how students might communicate with other students who have hearing impairments, and strategies they can use - many of these are demonstrated in the video. Yet it is also a resource for those with hearing impairments, as the video is also aimed at this group too, as discussed by Deborah Fuller - “We wanted to let deaf young people know there is a service that lets them use the telephone to call hearing people – and they can do it all online, with internet relay.’ It is also an examination of a relationship from both hearing and non-hearing perspectives, and raises a number of issues both "sides" may face in understanding each other. The film also explores the way we define and label people with disabilities. The Australian Government has to be commended for funding such a well-produced and well-targeted piece of online media. A spokesperson from Australian Communications and Media Authority (the Contract Manager for the production) is quoted saying “Social media is growing rapidly and it is great to see such creativity used to engage not just Gen Y, but all generations’. This is an original, engaging piece which can only be summed up in one way – bring on Part 3!

Watch it on [], or visit the national relay website to check out more information about their wonderful services. []