Published on: 12th February 2024
Deaf Connect’s Ageing Well Project Officer, Simon, shares his journey with Deaf Connect and his ongoing passion for supporting seniors all over Australia. After the resounding success of Ageing Well in NSW, SA and Queensland, Simon is eager to gauge community interest in Victoria. Want to learn more about this service?
Click here to express your interest or join one of our upcoming information sessions.
Across Australia, numerous Aged Care providers offer a wide range of services to seniors in need. However, the number of providers offering services in Auslan is limited. Simon explains that addressing this need is what motivated him to join Deaf Connect and give back to the community.
“What’s great about Ageing Well is that the services are provided in Auslan. This means that d/Deaf seniors who require these services in their homes can enjoy the comfort of communicating in their own language.”
“The Ageing Well service enhances the quality of life, independence, and personal well-being of Deaf and hard of hearing seniors. We achieve this by supporting their daily activities, encouraging social participation, and fostering a strong sense of community connectedness. What we’re doing here is tailoring our services to the unique needs of each client while preserving the identity and culture of Deaf seniors.”
Having spent years in various roles within the community, Simon’s passion for this cause stems from his own experiences growing up in the Deaf community. He understands the importance of a service like Ageing Well in Victoria and the positive impact it can have on so many lives.
“Growing up in Melbourne, I always felt a strong connection to the Deaf community, as my parents would bring me to many Deaf community events held at Jolimont Square. It was fantastic to see so many Deaf adults in one cultural hub, interacting and forming lifelong connections. Now those adults are Deaf seniors, and we want to ensure that they have all the support services they need to enjoy their later years and live life to the fullest.”
“The reason I advocate for Ageing Well is because there are so many Deaf seniors, including my own parents, who would have greatly benefitted from a program like this if it was available in their lifetime.”
“We now have the opportunity to truly make a difference and ensure Deaf seniors can maintain their independence and livelihoods.”
If you see Simon in the community, feel free to approach him and ask about the services that Deaf Connect provides.
We are also holding information sessions, so please come along and find out more! Find out more here.
If you’d like to reach out to Simon, please use the below contact details:
Email: [email protected]
