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A voice for deaf and hard of hearing Victorians
Deaf Victoria advocates on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing Victorians aiming to make Victoria more inclusive and accessible.
We are funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to provide free individual advocacy services. We undertake systemic advocacy and provide education and consultancy services.
Photos from Parliament of Victoria's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Big congratulations to Philippa Sandholm on receiving an honour from the Finnish President and his wife. A Deaf woman from Melbourne, Philippa has been advocating for many years through her work with the World Federation of the Deaf. We’re proud to see her recognised internationally! 👏
See the video in our previous post for an interview with Philippa.
(Correction: Philippa moved from Australia to Finland 35 years ago)
Transcript:
What's the significance of the White Rose? Philippa Sandholm, is a Deaf woman from Melbourne. She moved to Finland about 15 years ago, and works at the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), where she has been advocating for many years. She has been awarded an honour by the Finnish President and his wife. The award was presented by them to Philippa on the recent Mother’s Day. Wow! Congratulations, Philippa! I'm sure the deaf community in Melbourne and across Victoria will be celebrating, supporting and congratulating you, too. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Philippa Sandholm on receiving a special honour in Finland 🌹
A proud moment for the Deaf community in Melbourne and across Victoria!
Transcript:
Reporter: Mothers have once again been awarded with honours. The President of the Republic, Alexander Stubb, presented on Sunday, May 10, decorations were awarded to 38 mothers. Among those awarded is a sign language user, deaf mother Philippa Sandholm from Helsinki.
Philippa: I was in shock when I read the letter that had arrived home. I actually had to ask my daughter what the letter meant. The answer was that I would receive the Order of the White Rose decoration. It completely surprised me, but also made me happy. I remember very well the moment when I moved to Finland. This month marks exactly 35 years since I moved. It left a strong impression on me as a new culture and new people awaited me. In addition, I was expecting a child. The move was not easy. Because it was difficult to make contact with people here, adapting took a long time, but nowadays I manage well. As an expectant mother, I was asked a lot in the beginning about how deaf people are supported or how communication works. It was difficult, however, things have not progressed much up to this day. People still ask how to raise a hearing child. It feels unpleasant. On the other hand, society does provide services for mothers, for example, the maternity package and regular visits to the maternity centre. It's different in my other home country where there are fewer such services. It is good to live in Finland, but deaf people still encounter obstacles today at the maternity centre and with the authorities. There are still a lack of answers.
Reporter: In the families of few awarded mothers, in addition to their own children, there are also foster support, holiday and care children. Many of them are or have been, for example, in village communities, organisations or congregations, and have done volunteer work in them.
Philippa: I do volunteer work for Helsinki Deaf. In the women's club operating under the Helsinki Deaf club, I am involved in organising activities and events. I joined because I'm a foreigner. and this way I can become part of the Finnish society. I met Finnish deaf people and made friends. It would not be a good thing if I became isolated, so it's better to adapt in this way to Finnish society.
Reporter: The awarded mothers come from diverse backgrounds and life situations. Some are mothers who have immigrated, like Philippa who moved from Australia to Finland.
Philippa: I am grateful for one deaf mother who got me involved in a sign language family club during my earlier years. This used to be called the Mother's Club. I attended there regularly and was able to network. I also found friends there. I am grateful for that. I still go to the club to take care of the children.
Reporter: Philippa has four children and three grandchildren. She's enjoying her new stage of life.
Philippa: Yes, I am now a nana, which is a completely different role. My children have a new way of raising children, whereas I still have the old way. I can't influence it, but I respect their way. It's nice to be a nana and take care of the children. The oldest grandchild already knows the sign language. She understands me and it's nice to have a conversation. I am really satisfied and enjoy being a nana.
Reporter: Deaf mothers have been awarded several times before as well. The Order of the White Roses of Finland, which is awarded on Mother's Day. is a first-class medal and is a prestigious decoration. Mothers were awarded decorations for the first time in 1946, that is 80 years ago. ... See MoreSee Less
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