Vicdeaf - Find Out More

Find Out More

Did you know that:

  • 1 in 6 Australians is affected by hearing loss - this will increase to 1 in 4 by 2050

  • 3 in 4 people over the age of 70 suffer from hearing loss

  • There is a steep increase in hearing loss from the age of 51

  • Hearing loss affects 20% of Australians of all ages

  • The majority of people with a hearing loss (85%) do not have a hearing aid or implant.

  • Deafness and hearing loss is invisible – there are 3 Deaf people for every blind person in Victoria

  • In 2005 the real financial cost of hearing loss was 11.75 billion dollars or 1.4% of GDP

In any population, there are people who experience social problems. Deaf people are no different, but they find it difficult and very often impossible, to access the assistance and support they need through mainstream channels. This can lead to social isolation, risk of homelessness, illness and poverty.

For many Deaf people, English is often a second language and this combined with limited or poor educational opportunities results in significant literacy issues. Many mainstream information, support and educational resources are therefore inaccessible for Deaf people.

Vicdeaf’s focus is to ensure that Deaf people have equitable access to the services they require and are able to obtain their rights and entitlements.

IMAGINE if you were suffering personal or family crisis and there was no support that you could access.

IMAGINE attending the funeral of a family member, relative or friend, and not having access to support to enable you to understand what is being said.

IMAGINE being deaf with multiple disabilities where you have been placed in a mainstream facility where you are unable to communicate with carers and other residents.


Click here to return to Supporting Vicdeaf

PDF icon Click here to read more information in the Listen hear! report