Able Australia recreation program
The Able Australia Recreation Program runs learning and leisure activities for people experiencing dual sensory loss, also known as deafblindness. Most participants of the program use Australian sign language (Auslan) 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.

Able Australia recreation program for non Auslan users
Some of the people that Able Australia supports experience hearing and vision loss but do not communicate through 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 began a pilot program that will see one activity carried out every three months (starting in April 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 those 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 Australia 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.