Leading Deafblind groups yarn bomb pollies to raise awareness on deafblind patient safety and care

Ahead of Deafblind Awareness Week (June 23 to June 29), a group of deafblind Australians, service, community and research organisations will meet with key MPs on Thursday June 19 to discuss a standardised level of care from hospitals and health care providers when treating deafblind patients.

This comes as more deafblind Australians step forward with stories of neglect in health care settings. Currently, there is 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 are leading the discussions and hope the yarn bombing exercise will connect the deafblind community with MPs.

“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.

“We know that people with deafblindness experience higher rates of hospitalisation and poorer health outcomes. Coupled with their complex communication needs, it’s crucial that healthcare providers know how to communicate with them to provide appropriate healthcare.

“Through sharing their stories, deafblind Australians hope that real change will come out of these discussions.”

The Minister for Disability, Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn and the Minister for Mental Health, Hon. Iggy Statt, are among those that will be in attendance.