Asphyxia is available to give motivational speeches and presentations on a variety of topics relating to her experience as a Deaf performer.

Objectives include:

• inspiring young people, both those with disabilities and those who are able-bodied;

• providing a reference point and encouragement for parents of children with disabilities;

• informing arts and industry bodies about specific needs and circumstances of some disabled performers;

• providing a model for aspiring performers to achieve their goals.

Speeches can be informal and brief, or can have a discussion focus, or can be substantial presentations involving Microsoft Powerpoint, with images and point-form references. Asphyxia has a presentation, A Silent Vision, which is ready for a variety of settings. She can also tailor presentations according to your needs.

A Silent Vision

A Silent Vision is an inspriational presentation by Asphyxia which details her artistic vision as a deaf circus performer, her achievements in this area, and some of the obstacles she has faced due to her deafness. Suited for a sit-down audience, the speech is approximately twenty minutes in length, and for non-signing audiences requires an Auslan interpreter. The presentation is done using Microsoft Powerpoint, and the event organisers must provide a projector with sound which can be connected to AsphyxiaÕs iBook computer.

Hearing Audiences

Originally developed for the Victorian Arts Industry Forum, A Silent Vision is suitable for hearing audiences, especially arts practictioners and organisations, to gain an insight into the creative techniques Asphyxia has used to develop performances which incorporate her disability and present it in a positive way. Asphyxia's work encourages audience members to examine the ways in which they contribute to the isolation of people they consider to be different. A Silent Vision also provides a realistic glimpse of the challenges faced by a deaf woman striving to achieve her professional best in an aural-based world which doesn't always accommodate her needs. Asphyxia outlines how she has overcome various obstacles which have at times threatened her ability to survive in a highly competitive arts industry.

Deaf Audiences

A Silent Vision is also suitable for Deaf audiences - encouraging and inspirational, Asphyxia provides a model for her survival in the hearing world, as well as a detailed analysis of how she has incorporated Auslan with sophistication into her artistic work. Young Deaf people will find a positive role model in Asphyxia.