Lauren Patrick is a proud Deaf disability advocate, who wants to challenge perceptions and improve accessibility and inclusion for her community.

“I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant” - Alan Greenspan
A quote that has been with Lauren for as long as she can remember. Being constantly misunderstood in a hearing world was surely an uncomfortable experience. Reaching out to the Deaf community at 26 years old changed her life. Auslan (Australian Sign Language) changed her life. 

Born to hearing parents, Lauren was diagnosed profoundly deaf, had congenital heart defect and nystagmus of the eyes. Lauren's parents were told to prepare for the worse, 'By the age of 5 this child will be Deaf & Blind'. Lucky this was not the case. 

Growing up, Lauren continued to defy the 'odds' of being a profoundly deaf child navigating through the never-ending speech therapy sessions, university research studies/ trials for student PhDs, and audiology appointments. It became the usual.

Being seen as the 'Deaf child who could speak' was always a topic starter for many who she came across, now Lauren embraces the privilege of having access to both the hearing and deaf world. 

Additionally, Lauren was diagnosed with Endometriosis which explained her 8-year-old symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2022. Being diagnosed with both and navigating a recent diagnosis of ADHD has created challenges when accessing the health system. Creating effective communication in the health system is something Lauren would advocate for on a regular basis. 

Lauren looks forward to combining her lived experience, and professional knowledge to improve the access in all areas of life for Deaf and Hard of hearing individuals across Australia one at a time. 

Also, Lauren is currently working on her most exciting project yet, an autobiography!