In country towns, community connections can be strong – but for people with disability, support services can still be hard to reach. For deafblind people, barriers like transport, communication access and social isolation can make it even harder to stay connected. That is why regional outreach is an important part of DBV’s work.
On 24 April 2026, DBV visited Shepparton for a Deafblind World workshop. Heather Lawson presented alongside Sharon Sellick, who lives locally and has a combined vision and hearing impairment. Sharon has worked as a nurse for many years and is well known in the Shepparton community.
It was clear from the comments on the day that Sharon is deeply respected, especially for the way she notices people who may be isolated because of vision and hearing loss, and helps bring them into community.
Thirteen people came to learn more about deafblindness, communication, guiding and ways to support deafblind people. Heather and Sharon shared their own experiences and participants took part in activities that gave insight into some of the challenges deafblind people can face.
We learned how much good work is already happening in Shepparton, from local volunteers to walking groups and links with the Deaf community. There was a lovely surprise when Heather recognised one participant as an old school friend she had not seen for many years.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the day such a success. It was wonderful to see such warmth, curiosity and commitment in Shepparton, and to keep building stronger connections across regional Victoria.
DBV events are supported by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Go to health.gov.au for more information.
