Vicdeaf - About us

About Us

The Victorian Deaf Society (Vicdeaf), a non-profit organisation, was established in 1884 and is the primary source of reference, referral, advice and support for deaf adults in Victoria. Vicdeaf works collaboratively with a variety of mental health, legal and employment providers, welfare agencies and government departments.

Throughout its years of operation, Vicdeaf has been the main provider of specialised welfare and communication services to deaf people in Victoria, serving over 16,000 people a year.

In any community, there are those who experience social problems. Deaf people are no different, but they find it difficult and very often impossible, to access the help and support they need through hearing organisations. This can isolate deaf people from their community and put them at risk through chronic homelessness, illness, poverty and an inability to communicate in the community.

Today, Vicdeaf has three main target groups in relation to deafness.

• Those who are born Deaf and who communicate through Auslan as their first language
• Those who are born hearing and have acquired deafness
• Those who are born deaf and who communicate using their residual hearing and speech

Vision, Mission, Principles:

Vision:

Vicdeaf...Leading the Way in Social Justice and Equity for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Mission:

Vicdeaf aims to improve the quality of life for deaf people*. It does this by:
1. Breaking down communication barriers and improving access to services.
2. Increasing the status and participation of deaf people in society.
3. Providing specialist support and community services.

* Used with a lower case “d”, the term “deaf” includes all who are hard of hearing or signing deaf.

Principles:

Vicdeaf’s principles are: Access, Equity, Communication, Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Efficiency and Accountability.

Privacy:

The Victorian Deaf Society is fully committed to respecting the privacy of our clients and stakeholders.

Vicdeaf is bound by the Privacy (Private Sector Amendment) Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001.

For further information or for a copy of Vicdeaf's Privacy Statement or Privacy Policy, please contact the Vicdeaf Privacy Officer via Email:

Vicdeaf Community Survey:

Click here to view results of Vicdeaf Community Survey May/June 2008

Annual Reports

Click on the image below to download a copy of our latest annual report (PDF)

Please click here to watch a summary of the report in Auslan (no captions).

Previous Annual Reports

Click here to download a copy of our 2007/08 annual report (PDF)

Click here to download a copy of our 2006/07 annual report (PDF)

Click here to download a copy of our 2005/06 annual report (PDF)

Click here to download a copy of our 2004/05 annual report (PDF)

 

Financial Statements

Click here to download a copy of our 2008/09 financial statement (PDF)

Click here to download a copy of our 2007/08 financial statement (PDF)

Click here to download a copy of our 2006/07 financial statement (PDF)

 

Strategic Plan

Click here to download a copy of our 'Towards 2010' Strategic Plan (PDF)

Funding

Vicdeaf is a non-profit organisation that receives approximately 45% of its operating costs from state and federal governments. The remaining 55% of operational funding is derived from the Society's fundraising initiatives and service fees where applicable.

A Vicdeaf annual report is available on request.

If you would like further information on Vicdeaf services, please send an Email: 

* Used with a lower case “d”, the term “deaf” includes all who are hard of hearing, hearing impaired or signing deaf.