Deafblind Australians and representatives of various organisations have ‘yarn bombed’ several Victorian politicians to raise awareness of key issues faced by the deafblind community including urgent improvements needed in education.
Also called ‘dual sensory loss’, deafblindness is estimated to affect 0.2%-2% of the Australian population or 50,000-500,000 people.
“Deafblindness is much more common than people realise, and as we age, it is likely that more of us will require deafblind-aware services”, said Ms Lynette McKeown, CEO of Able Australia.
The group of deafblind Australians and representatives from community, service and research organisations brightened the steps of Victorian Parliament with knitted items leading up to Deafblind Awareness Week which starts on 24 June 2024.
They urged government to change the way it addresses deafblindness in schools so children with multi-sensory impairments can obtain appropriate intervention and support. Organisers also hoped the event would spark conversations around recognising deafblindness as a unique disability.
‘Yarn bombing’ is a type of street art and activism that covers installations with colourful displays of knitted or crocheted wool but, in this case, members of the deafblind community ‘yarn bombed’ politicians with woollen knits.
Mr Paul Edbrooke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Mr Tim Richardson, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Infrastructure and Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Mr Iwan Walters, Parliamentary Secretary for Disability, put their hands up to be ‘yarn bombed’.
Led by Deafblind Victoria, Able Australia, UsherKids Australia, CHARGE Syndrome Australasia and Vision Australia, the event aimed to connect members of the deafblind community with policy-makers through tactile art.
“Yarn bombing has been used as an activism tool for over 20 years. It also engages our sense of touch, which is one of the few senses that someone who is deafblind can use,” said Dr Meredith Prain, head of the Centre of Excellence, Deafblind at Able Australia.
“This year’s theme for Deafblind Awareness Week is ‘connect to act’. We hope that our combined efforts will create a united voice for those who are deafblind and lead to real change for those who have multi-sensory disabilities.”
Dr Prain said people with deafblindness were less likely to experience successful educational outcomes than sighted and hearing peers, leading to higher rates of unemployment and poverty.
“This is because there is still a lack of understanding of deafblindness, particularly in the education system,” she said.
Ms Emily Shepard, founder and Director of UsherKids Australia, said understanding that deafblindness was a unique disability would result in better outcomes for deafblind people.
“We need more resources in classrooms so we can intervene sooner rather than later,” Shepard said. “Resources may include a dedicated deafblind consultant in schools, as well as mandatory training for regular and specialist teachers in deafblind education standards, which Victoria doesn’t currently implement.”
CHARGE Syndrome Australasia and Vision Australia said the system was fragmented and needed tailored resources and support.
“A lack of information and resources from the government on deafblindness means kids with multi-sensory disabilities may slip through the cracks, leading to an increased risk of isolation,” said Mr Ron Hooton, CEO of Vision Australia.
Ms Madelene Rich from CHARGE Syndrome Australasia Australia said deafblind people were more likely to experience isolation and depression, as they may struggle to communicate and feel connected but with access to the right supports such as communication guides and assistive technology, they could flourish.
Mr Rodney Baskett, who is deafblind and a committee member of Deafblind Victoria, said society needed to do better to identify the complex issues facing the deafblind community.
“Greater awareness can lead to early identification and intervention, which can lead to a more fulfilled life for someone who is deafblind,” he said. “We have a lot to offer and can thrive if given the right services and tools.”
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