Deafblind Awareness Month 2023

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This year, the theme for Deafblind Awareness week is “In touch with Community”. During the month of June, DBV ran many activities to celebrate:

  • Ross House window in Flinders Lane raising awareness about deafblindness and showcasing art and crafts produced by DBV members
  • Deafblind World workshop with VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation)
  • Day on the Bay with rides in a speedboat, vintage cars and lunch by the bay
  • Craft group painting clay ornaments and pots for the window display
  • DBV cafĂ©: mental health forum
  • DBAW event for the wider community celebrating deafblind awareness, with food, balloons, prizes and activities.

The DBAW celebration was attended by over 60 people. Visitors learned braille through fun activities in one corner. Bethany, a young attendee, typed the following message on a Perkins brailler: “Coming to this deafblind week celebrating was a great experience. It was lovely to meet everyone and practice signing. I hope to come to many future events. Thank you all and see you next time.” Well done Bethany!

Deafblind artist Gina Pontelandolfo displayed and sold many macrame items in another corner of the room, and Alex Sar was interviewed by DBV member Robert Toseland for Robert’s show on community radio station 3KAW.

Thanks to everyone who made the day a success: the Deafblind community, our commguides and interpreters and our amazing team of volunteers. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

The Deafblind Community – Growing Together project is supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.

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