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Drisana Levitzke-Gray

Deaf Activist, Motivational Speaker & Auslan Advocate & 2015 Young Australian of the Year

Deaf activist, motivational speaker, and 2015 Young Australian of the Year. She champions the human rights of deaf people, promotes Auslan, and inspires audiences with her message of ‘deaf gain’—celebrating Deaf culture, language, and inclusion.

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Drisana Levitzke-Gray is a Deaf activist, motivational speaker, and advocate for the human rights of deaf people in Australia and globally. Born deaf and the fifth generation in her family to be deaf, she was awarded the 2015 Young Australian of the Year for her dedication to promoting Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and ensuring that deaf children have access to language from birth.

A graduate of Shenton College (WA) and the Frontrunners Deaf Youth Leadership Program in Scandinavia, Drisana has delivered leadership and community development workshops across Europe, Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia. She is a strong proponent of ‘deaf gain’—the idea that being deaf enriches culture, language, and community—challenging misconceptions about deafness and inspiring both the Deaf and hearing communities to embrace diversity.

Drisana works as a self-employed motivational speaker and consultant, serves as a Workplace Advocate at Woolworths, contributes as a columnist for PrimoLIFE Magazine, and volunteers on multiple committees. She is also a qualified Deaf Interpreter. In 2014, she became the first deaf Auslan user to serve as a juror in Australia, demonstrating the full participation of Deaf people in civic life.

Renowned for her intelligence, passion, and ability to engage audiences, Drisana inspires with her message that “It’s OK to be deaf,” encouraging communities to celebrate Deaf culture, language, and identity.

Topics

  • What it means to be deaf
  • The culture and identity within the deaf community
  • Challenging assumptions and attitudes towards those in the deaf community
  • Accepting diversity in the community
  • Why it is so important for all Australians to be encouraged to learn the visual language Auslan
  • Leadership
  • Human Rights
  • Young People
Drisana is a young woman who lights up a room, any room: from a classroom to a boardroom. She is the embodiment of the concept of ‘deaf gain’ not ‘hearing loss’, inspiring the deaf community and encouraging others to accept diversity and Drisana promotes a positive image of deafness which says loudly and proudly: ‘it is ok to be deaf’ National Australia Day Council
Drisana is a fun, candid and inspiring speaker, whose advocacy for Auslan and equality would rouse even the most complacent bystander into action. Armed with great humour, honesty and empathy (not to mention ferocity for her cause), she is one of our best Australians, in this or any year. Student Edge
I had the privilege of sharing the stage a number of times with Drisana, and it was an experience I won't forget. Drisana is an extremely passionate and enthusiastic advocate, but also bringing an element of fun to every situation that helped the audience engage in the meaningful messages she was sharing. While in some places across Tasmania she was treated like a rock star (signing autographs!), she was also extremely humble and valued the contribution of everyone who attended, which is a special skill. And I must say, I have never actively had a situation to engage with someone for whom Auslan is their first language, and the care and respect that was shown to me was something that I still cherish and value to today. As a speaker, Drisana is powerful communicator and one that can motivate and excite an audience. While her experience is one that many audiences have little in common with, she has an ability to share her story and convey key principles in a way that everyone feels connected to her and her incredible journey." illuminate Education
Drisana is a young and inspirational deaf leader who put Auslan at front and centre. Deaf Australia is proud to have Drisana as our Ambassador as she continues to raise awareness of Auslan and its deaf community through her activities and to continue the legacy of her great-grandmother, who founded Deaf Australia. Deaf Australia
Drisana Levitzke-Gray was the keynote speaker at the Australian Network on Disability annual conference in 2015, delivering a powerful presentation about the importance of access to Auslan for Deaf children. Drisana is an animated and dynamic presenter, and had our audience of HR and Diversity professionals engaged from the moment she walked on stage. Drisana was one of the most popular presenters at our conference and received very positive feedback, including… Drisana was absolutely brilliant… a powerful and engaging speaker… loved Drisana’s talk… We were extremely pleased with Drisana’s presentation and would happily recommend her as a speaker. Australian Network on Disability
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