Age related dual sensory loss or deafblindness is an isolating disability for our growing ageing population.  Senses Australia will undertake an Australia wide project called ‘Ending the Isolation’ to help older Australians living with deafblindness.

Matthew Wittorff, Senses Australia’s Manager Deafblind Services and the lead researcher in the project, says the project will assist those working in the aged care sector to identify when a person has a combination of a vision and hearing impairment.

“As a provider of services to people of all ages with disability, we will be applying our 120 years of experience and expertise to this project.  This is a significant move for Senses Australia into the aged care sector and we are excited to be supporting older Australians and our community in this way.

“We also have a long history and proven expertise with supporting people who are deafblind.  We are the centre of excellence in deafblindness and dual sensory loss, our expertise dates back to our earliest beginnings.

“It is our goal to educate and create resources for people working in the aged care industry, so they can support older Australians that receive care and give them the support they need.  We want to help end the isolation for many older Australians experiencing hearing and vision loss,” says Matthew.

During the next two years, thanks to funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Social Services, the project will undertake significant research with the help of people receiving services from aged care providers in Western Australia. Findings will assist in developing resources as well as information packages, which will be available to the aged care sector nationwide.

“Senses Australia is committed to providing information and support to Australians who are deafblind or have dual sensory loss, as well as conducting research and advocating on their behalf,” says Matthew.

As one of the oldest disability service providers in Western Australia, this year the not for profit, charitable organisation celebrates 120 years of service.

To find out more about Senses Australia or its services visit www.senses.org.au.