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.
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.
PRINCIPLES:
Vicdeaf’s Principles are: Access, Equity, Communication, Responsiveness, Effectiveness, Efficiency and Accountability.
Annual Reports
Click on the image to download a copy of our latest annual report (PDF)
Annual reports from previous years.
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 2006/2007 financial statement (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 contact us on info@vicdeaf.com.au
* Used with a lower case “d”, the term “deaf” includes all who are hard of hearing, hearing impaired or signing deaf.