Alter State: First Nations Deaf and Disabled Yarning Circle

First Nations Deaf and Disabled Yarning Circle: Principles and Foundations

Painting: Inclusion by Paul Constable-Calcott

The First Nations Deaf and Disabled Yarning Circle: Principles and Foundations is a First Nations-led gathering that will support Deaf and Disabled mob to shape a shared set of community-determined principles, foundations, and ways of working ahead of Alter State 2026. Building on the 2024 Yarning Circle, this next phase moves from connection-building into formalisation, creating space for reflection, cultural protocol, access, rest, relational care, and collective decision-making by and for First Nations Deaf and Disabled people.

About the gathering: The Yarning Circle will be developed through a residency at Arts Access Victoria prior to Alter State 2026. The process will be led by Disabled Elders, alongside delegates from the 2024 Yarning Circle. We welcome other First Nations Deaf and Disabled mob to attend as well. Attendance numbers will be subject to venue capacity.

Event focus

• Developing First Nations-led Principles and Foundations for Deaf and Disabled community practice
• Honouring cultural protocol, yarning methodologies, access, rest, and relational care
• Formalising community-determined values that reflect Deafness, disability, and Indigeneity
• Creating pathways for broader sector understanding, accountability, and engagement

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Alter State has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, Office for the Arts and Screen Australia.