Able Deafblind Volunteering - Disability & Auslan
Able Deafblind Volunteering

Able Deafblind Volunteers celebrate Christmas break-up at Able Australia's Head Office in Camberwell.
Click here to view more photos from the Able Volunteering Program.
 
Able Recreation Program
The Able Recreation Program runs learning and leisure activities for people experiencing dual sensory loss, also known as deafblindness. Most participants of the program use Auslan sign language to communicate and many rely on touch (tactile sign language) to receive information through sign language.
 
The Recreation Program activities give this typically isolated group of people the opportunity to get out and about in the community, partake in social activities, meet new people and learn new things. The Recreation Program offers an annual camp which attracts Deafblind people from around Australia and is always a popular event.
 
We can thank our group of experienced and dedicated volunteers for the success of the program. The recreation program volunteers guide and interpret for the Deafblind people and most importantly, they provide friendship and support. The Recreation Program is grateful to the ANZ bank for their sponsorship in the 2008 – 2009 financial year.
 
 
Able Recreation Program for non Auslan users
Some of the people that able Australia supports experience hearing and vision loss but do not communicate through Australian sign language (Auslan). This group do not often partake in the Recreation Program as they are not able to communicate with the rest of the group who use Auslan.
 
Able Australia will begin a pilot program that will see one activity carried out every three months (starting on April 2nd 2009) that accommodates for those  people with hearing and vision loss that do not communicate through sign language.
 
We believe the program will be of great benefit to the people who have hearing and vision loss and communicate through lip reading, hearing and other means of communication.  This Recreation Program will provide crucial social interaction, exercise, new experience, links with the local Melbourne community and ultimately relief from the social isolation which is commonplace amongst people with dual sensory loss.   
 
 
Become a companion to a Deafblind person
Deafblind people and their families often request a volunteer to help out with a specific task or activity. Becoming a companion to a Deafblind person can be a flexible arrangement and your role can be tailored to suit your availability.
 
Common activities that Deafblind people need support with include: exercise, shopping, being driven to appointments, interpreting and of course social gatherings and other fun activities.
 
Key requirements for becoming a companion to a Deafblind person:
  • commitment and reliability. It is important that we find the right match between a Deafblind person and volunteer in order to ensure an ongoing relationship is made possible
  • Communication skills: Most Deafblind people communicate through Auslan so Auslan sign language skills are important. Not all Deafblind people communicate through Auslan and free Auslan training is offered to able volunteers
  • A passion for helping people: more than anything, our volunteers need to demonstrate their passion for helping people. As an able volunteer working with Deafblind people is a unique and rewarding opportunity, therefore we seek volunteers who are truly motivated by a passion to support others
2009 Volunteer opportunities
 
Volunteer drivers needed
  • A Deafblind woman living in the Dandenong area requires a volunteer to drive her to craft classes in Kooyong once a fortnight
  • Man with vision and hearing impairments from Essendon is seeking a volunteer driver who can bring him to Templestowe once a fortnight.
Volunteer computer trainer needed
  • A volunteer with both Auslan and computer skills is needed to assist Deafblind people with accessing new social networking opportunities on the internet i.e. face book and my space. The volunteer would be required once a month to work from the Deafblind technology centre ‘the link’ in the city
Exercise companion
  • A Deafblind man from Highett is seeking a volunteer to go for walks, visit the beach and generally keep fit. A weekly or fortnightly arrangement would suit him. A volunteer with some Auslan skills would be preferred
  • Two women from Mitcham are seeking a female volunteer to assist them with visiting the gym on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Shopping assistance
  • An elderly woman with vision and hearing impairments from Moonee ponds is seeking a volunteer to assist with shopping and reading mail on a weekly or fortnightly basis
  • A blind woman from the Pakenham area would like a volunteer to help her with shopping on a fortnightly basis
Interpreting assistance
  • A deaf man with a vision impairment is seeking a volunteer with Auslan skills to assist with communication at a day service in Box hill. A volunteer would be needed on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Companionship
  • A Deafblind woman from Reservoir seeks a volunteer companion with Auslan skills to have coffee and conversation with
  • A Deafblind man from the Greenvale area is seeking a volunteer to go on outings with on a fortnightly basis
  • A Deafblind man from Lalor is seeking a volunteer companion for outings and conversation
  • Man with a vision and hearing impairment from the Knox area is seeking a companion for coffee and conversation
Recreation program support
  • People with Auslan skills are needed to support a recreation program for Deafblind people runs on a fortnightly basis
  • Volunteers without Auslan skills are needed to support another recreation program for people with vision and hearing loss once every 3 months
 
Volunteers will be reimbursed for the travel costs and offered Auslan training if needed. Please keep an eye out for information regarding the Volunteer training session coming up on March 28!