A voice for deaf and hard of hearing Victorians
Deaf Victoria advocates on behalf of deaf and hard of hearing Victorians to increase access to services and to educate the wider community on how to work, play and study with deaf and hard of hearing people.
Deaf Victoria also represents deaf and hard of hearing people in both state government and disability groups.
Vision Statement
A voice for deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.
Mission Statement
Deaf Victoria is a not for profit organisation led and managed by deaf and hard of hearing people through provision of advocacy and information services to strengthen community participation and quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.
Deaf Victoria receives funding from the Victorian Government’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to provide individual advocacy for deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.
Our Plan 2019-2023
Deaf Victoria’s 2018-2023 strategic plan aims to ensure deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria experience equality, opportunity and connection, and are valued for their unique contributions towards a diverse society. This strategic plan maps out how Deaf Victoria commit to advance the needs and aspirations of deaf and hard of hearing people from 2018-2023.
The three strategic goals of Deaf Victoria’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023 are:
- Deaf and hard of hearing people have the knowledge and skills to advocate for the things that are important to them, and a network of peer advocates to support self-determination.
- The broader community responds to the needs and aspirations of deaf and hard of hearing people through the provision of equitable opportunities for engagement.
- Work in partnership to identify and address systematic barriers in the areas of health and wellbeing, access to interpreting and access to education.
History
In November 1982, a special meeting was held and involved several deaf organisations such as John Pierce Centre, Deafness Foundation (Victoria), Bendigo Deaf Club, Better Hearing Australia, Victorian Deaf Society, Deaf Seniors Group and Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria. Victorian Council of the Deaf (now Deaf Victoria) was established as a result of the Deaf community wanting an organisation that is run by deaf people representing the deaf community.
Under the Cain Government, VCOD received funding for employment of a part-time administrator and still remains the first and only state organisation to employ staff.
Over many years, VCOD/Deaf Victoria has advocated for and increased the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria. Past campaigns included:
- Ethics of Fundraising – Telethon
- Free TTY (teletypewriter) access
- Subsidised TTY equipment
- Captioned television programs
- Interpreted theatre performances
- Emergency SMS
- Education
- Communication
- Subsidised TTY equipment
- Deaf Rights
- Deaf Awareness
- Auslan interpreting in Victorian public hospitals
The success of Deaf Victoria is due to the dedication, commitment and hard work of Deaf Victorians. They were mostly volunteers who had given up countless hours of their time and energy in ensuring deaf and hard of hearing people in Victoria are represented by an organisation who will advocate for the Deaf community.
Deaf Victoria is run by deaf people for deaf and hard of hearing people. In 2010, Deaf Victoria expanded its membership base to include Victorians who are hard of hearing. In 2011, VCOD changed its name to Deaf Victoria.
