DBV represents the Deafblind Community in Victoria. A deafblind person is someone with a combined impairment in vision and hearing.
We are a unique organisation run by and for Deafblind people, with majority deafblind staff. All of our members are Deafblind, including our entire Committee of Management. New members are welcome! Membership is free for any deafblind person in or from Victoria.
Our activities include:
- Deafblind community events and peer support
- Deafblind awareness-raising and advocacy
- Information and resources for deafblind people and the wider community
- Advising and consulting about deafblindness
We are located on level 3 at Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia, 3000.
DBV relies on grants, volunteers and donations to keep us running. All donations are tax-deductible. Get in touch if you would like to contribute.
Get in touch to contribute or join DBV.
Meet the team
DBV strongly believes that deafblind people can be capable employees. See below for profiles of our wonderful deafblind staff.
Heather Lawson
Training and Outreach Coordinator
I have been deaf since birth and started losing my sight as a young adult. I communicate using tactile Auslan, and I love to travel. I have been lucky to visit the US, Cambodia, the Philippines and Japan! I run deafblind awareness workshops.
Michelle Stevens
Digital Resources Coordinator
I was born with hearing and little sight, then lost my hearing when I was older. I play piano and I love music! I live independently in rural Victoria. I teach technology and braille.
Alex Sar
Peer Support Coordinator
Alex speaking. I make sure events are planned for the Deafblind community in Victoria. I focus on creating a fun and welcoming environment for all staff and DBV members. GO BOMBERS!
Jael Espinal
Project Officer
This is not a dating profile! I moved here from the US because I heard it was a place where the Deafblind world is moving and shaking. I love running events and being part of a team.
Rodney Baskett
Project Officer
I run craft group. I am passionate about community and craft group is a great way for deafblind people to stay connected. We are the Deafblind mafia!
Jackie Sciberras
Project Officer
I have retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss. I started with DBV as a volunteer looking to practice Auslan, and now I run events and the group email account. How did that happen?!
Casual project workers
- Robert Lokmer
- Kathy Wise
- Steve Ripley
Structure
DBV is governed by a Committee of Management, elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. Any member is eligible to nominate to join the Committee. The current Committee members are:
- President: Alex Sar
- Vice President: Michelle Stevens
- Secretary: Jael Espinal-McCoskey
- Treasurer: Jackie Sciberras
- Ordinary Committee members: Heather Lawson, Jasper Cleland, Rodney Baskett, Kathy Wise
Read DBV’s Constitution (rules). An Auslan translation of the rules is in development.
Annual reports
- Download 2025 Annual Report (PDF, 1.2 MB)
- Download 2024 Annual Report (PDF, 2 MB)
- Download 2023 Annual Report (PDF, 1 MB)
Deafblind community history
The Deafblind community in Victoria formed in the 1990s, and has since grown into a unique and vibrant culture, with community leaders, tactile communication, organisations and art.
The key moments, objects, documents and stories that created it are currently being collected for the project Touching Lives: A History of the Deafblind Community in Victoria. Watch this space!
DBV in the news
See below for some appearances of DBV in the media:
2025 – ABC TV report and news article featuring DBV members Jael and Michelle
2025 – Joy FM radio interview (diHARD) with DBV member Jasper Cleland
2025 – ABC TV special about Deafblind piano player and DBV member Michelle Stevens
2022 – ABC TV news report about interpreter/commguide shortage and free Auslan TAFE courses
2017 – 3-minute video from ABC news about DBV and Traveller’s Aid
2017 – 30-minute video: “Deaf and Blind: Being Me Heather” – click here
2017 – Huffington post article – click here
2016 – DBV collaborates with the City of Melbourne – click here (see page 28)
2015 – DBV recognised by the Victorian Parliament – click here (page 2224)
2015 – Research about deafblind accessibility, with DBV – click here (see page 37)
2014 – DBV presentation at Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission for International Day of Disability – click here
2013 – DBV meets the Prime Minister – click here
2012 – The Age Melbourne newspaper article on Deafblindess and government programs – click here