A group of deafblind Australians, service, community and research organisations will meet with key Victorian politicians on Thursday 19 June to discuss introducing a standardised level of care from hospitals and health care providers when treating deafblind patients.
The meeting comes ahead of Deafblind Awareness Week from 23-29 June 23, and as more deafblind Australians step forward with stories of neglect in health care settings.
There is currently no standard level of care in Australia for people with dual sensory disabilities.
Able Australia, CHARGE Syndrome Australasia, Deafblind Victoria, Deafblind Australia, Usher Kids and Vision Australia will hold discussions with and yarn bomb the MPs.
It’s hoped the yarn bombing exercise will connect the deafblind community with the politicians.
“For over 20 years, yarnbombing has been used as an activism tool. It also engages our sense of touch, which is a sense that the deafblind community relies on. While yarn bombing typically involves decorating objects, we’re happy that the MPs are wanting to go that step further to participate in our event,” said Steve Rose, Paediatric Speech Pathologist and deafblind program lead at Vision Australia.
Explaining why the action is needed, he said people with deafblindness experience higher rates of hospitalisation and poorer health outcomes than those without the disabilities.
“Coupled with their complex communication needs, it’s crucial that healthcare providers know how to communicate with them to provide appropriate healthcare,” he said.
“Through sharing their stories, deafblind Australians hope that real change will come out of these discussions.”
Victorian Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn and Minister for Mental Health Iggy Statt, are among those who will be in attendance.