Deafblind Statewide Consultation Program
A unique communication service to children and adults who are deafblind or sensory impaired with additional disabilities, their families and care givers.
The Deafblind Statewide Consultation Program encourages the development of communication and independence for people who are deafblind or sensory impaired with additional disabilities throughout Western Australia.
Deafblindness is a sensory disability that is described as a ‘unique and isolating sensory disability resulting from the combination of both a hearing and vision loss or impairment, which significantly affects communication, socialisation, mobility and daily living’ ( Australian Deafblind Council, 2004).
Deafblindness does not mean having no vision or hearing, but rather degrees of vision and hearing impairment. It affects children and adults of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, with an increasing number of people with dual sensory loss occurring as the population ages.
The development of communication is the key to interaction with loved ones, with family and friends and within the community in which the person lives. Due to the complex needs of people who are deafblind, they often struggle with communication, mobility and daily living. The Deafblind Statewide Consultation Program provides specific education, training and resources on deafblind issues. The service also provides support to those with only vision or hearing impairments with other disabilities.
The service is staffed with a highly skilled Deafblind Consultant. Support is also available from a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist and Social Worker, all with experience in assisting those who have deafblindness. These staff assess clients, develop and implement programs to assist and support them to develop communication and independence.
The Deafblind Statewide Consultation Program also provides training to the family, direct care workers and to therapy staff working with people who are deafblind or sensory impaired with additional disabilities. Additionally, resources including DVDs, handouts and booklets are developed through the service, and are available to be purchased as training tools throughout the world.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information contact Angela Wills, Deafblind Consultant
(08) 9473 5479 or lsfs@senses.asn.au
REFERRAL
To download a Deafblind Statewide Consultation Program referral form click here.
