Hi, my name is Young-Joo Byun. I am deaf and use hearing aids in both my ears. Living with disability has equipped me with skills such as lip reading and sign language. I am now on my first year of NDIS and have utilised it to help support my hearing loss and improve my skills.

I graduated with a TAFE tracing course which enabled me to work in the Department of Lands as a public servant for 33 years. It is when I decided to take an early retirement to focus more on my skills and pursue other passions. My hobbies include teaching others Auslan (Australian sign language), sign ‘n’ sing, Korean fan dancing, listening to music with FM, starring in short films, joining signing choirs, running sushi making and paper folding classes.

I am passionate about education and employment for people with disability. Which is why I currently work at the Deaf Society as a support worker. This involves mentoring parents who have deaf children and teaching Auslan at people’s homes.

People say one of my great characteristics is my patience and ability to listen. I do hope that I can make a difference in people’s lives and empower them to pursue their dreams, whether it be getting a job or getting the confidence to speak for themselves.