Able Australia

26/02/2026

Good news for Deafblind Australians and it's great to see the acknowledgement of Associate Professor Louisa Willoughby’s work, to reduce communication barriers for people who are Deaf and Deafblind.

At Able Australia we were pleased to collaborate with Associate Professor Willouby’s team on a recent project to improve professional competency in staff working with people with deafblindness.

There are positive signs for the future of Deafblind interpreting, with new national steps helping to strengthen and recognise this vital work.

As reported in The Australian, researchers at Monash University have helped introduce Australia’s first formal credential for Deafblind interpreters. An important move toward better access and consistent standards.

This is about more than qualifications. It’s about making sure Deafblind Australians can communicate, connect and fully take part in everyday life.

A strong step forward for inclusion and accessibility.

https://tinyurl.com/32twkay4

26/02/2026

🌏✈️ Sometimes the journey you take isn’t the one you need.

A young woman escapes London, walking away from a draining relationship and burnout at work in search of peace in Tasmania. What she comes across instead changes everything. 🌿✨

Check out one of the many videos Mosaic Studios has produced Mosaic Support Services.

👉 Watch The Way We Could Be: https://vimeo.com/974688138

A film about unexpected encounters, self-discovery and the magic that happens when you least expect it. 🎥💫

ShortFilm

A young woman from London travels to Tasmania to get away from her troubled relationship and her demanding work life. Only what she found on her sudden vacation…

25/02/2026

We sat down with social butterfly Margie to chat with her about what makes Better Days, Every Day for her. Let's say we could have sat with Margie all day with her infectious smile!

What does a typical day at Able look like for you?

I live in a beautiful house near the beach, I have been living there for seven years. Before that the house I lived in wasn’t very accessible. But I love my home now. I get on really well with my housemates, one of them I am very close friends with and have been for a long time, we love going out together.
I love my room, it is very “me” – colourful with decorations and photos everywhere. My dad bought me a projector, and one of the support workers helped install it so it projects onto the ceiling so I can watch movies in bed.

Read more, https://ableaustralia.org.au/margie-smiling-infectiously

24/02/2026

Are you looking for a place to call home with the right support around you? 🏡✨

We have Supported Independent Living (SIL) vacancies available now!

We support people with disability to live as independently as possible while receiving tailored, high-quality support in a safe and welcoming home environment.

💙 What we offer:
✔️ 24/7 tailored support
✔️ Comfortable, accessible homes
✔️ Support with daily living skills
✔️ Community participation opportunities
✔️ A person-centred approach focused on your goals

Whether you’re looking to build your independence, connect with your community, or find a supportive home to thrive, our experienced team is here with you every step of the way.

📞 Get in touch with us today on 1300 225 369.
📧 Contact our team to discuss current availability and find the right home for you.

https://ableaustralia.org.au/services/ndis_accommodation

23/02/2026

Able's Melbourne Community Inclusion project helps clients enjoy a range of exciting, fully-supported excursions.
Our favourite adventures include:
- exploring the wonders of SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
- soaring above the city at Melbourne Skydeck
- discoveries at ACMI, National Gallery of Victoria and Imaginator exhibition

A huge thank you to our donors and the City of Melbourne for supporting these unforgettable experiences and strengthening inclusion across our community. You're helping people with complex disabilities feel valued, connected, and part of the vibrant Melbourne community.

20/02/2026

Monash University wants to hear from Deaf people and people with disabilities.
We want to know:
• 🔎 how you find government information
• ❓ what is hard or confusing
• 👍 what works well
• 💬 how government communication can be better

This research will help the Australian Government improve the way it gives information to Deaf people and people with disabilities.

How you can take part
You can choose one or more:
• an online survey (easy to read)
• a focus group
• co-design workshops

Want to join?
Select the links to:
• do the survey
• sign up for a focus group or codesign workshops
• read the project information (standard or Easy Read version).
• download the poster for the full project
• download the poster for the survey
• watch an Auslan video about the project

Need help?
You can contact the research team:
📞 0449 192 832
📧 jing.hu@monash.edu
Jing can help you:
• join the project
• fill out the survey.

19/02/2026

What a day we had for Friendship Day! 😀

The sun 🌞 was shining and the positive vibes were flowing. It was near impossible for them not to, with music 🎵 to move to, delicious food (What a feast we day!!), decorations to brighten anyone’s day along with plenty of laughs and games!

Friendship Day is about so much more than just a celebration. It’s about connection, inclusion, kindness 💜and creating a space where everyone feels valued and supported.

Days like this remind us of the importance of community and how beautiful it is when we come together to celebrate each other 🥳

Thank you to our generous friends at Bunnings Warehouse Australia Hawthorn and Woolworths Kew who supported our celebration.
Bunnings provided 30 Friendship Day pot plants 🪴 as gifts to Able's clients. Woolworths donated the delicious meats🥩 and fruits 🍉 for our luncheon. Thanks for helping make our day even better!

18/02/2026

Throwback to some fantastic inclusive activities from the past 12 months!

We enjoyed fun excursions:
- exploring Melbourne Zoo
- a safari at Werribee Zoo
- an immersive experience for deafblind community at Sensas Experience
- a Family Sports Day with new sports equipment.

Thanks to our supporters including State Trustees Australia Foundation for funding these wonderful experiences for people with complex disabilities. You're helping them feel included and valued in our community!

Zoos Victoria

17/02/2026

Our Comms Guide Training for next week is full!⁠
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Our specialist 2-day CommGuide training is being held on Thursday and Friday 26 and 27 February. You walk away with the knowledge, practical skills to confidently support people who are deafblind. ⁠
Delivered by our experienced Deafblind Services team in partnership with Deafblind Victoria, this hands-on program focuses on safe guidance, Orientation & Mobility skills, and real-world practice.⁠
✨ Limited places⁠
✨ One of the only programs of its kind in Victoria⁠
✨ $600+ GST⁠
⁠
Build skills that create connection, safety, and independence.⁠
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The next training is Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 June⁠
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To join the training, email Bec at Bec.Swansson@ableaustralia.org.au⁠

17/02/2026

Thanks for the visit Jo Palmer MLC. It was great having you and glad you joined in on the fun 🥳

Karen showing off her best moves before hitting the dance floor at Able Australia.

Every Monday, Able Australia host a music program featuring a live band and lots of dancing by participants. So much fun and joy in the room!

16/02/2026

Tom recently reached a milestone in his independence 💙

Participating in our Click & Collect service. Tom took the lead in ordering and collecting the items to take back to the Day Service. With active support provided alongside him, he confidently stepped through each part of the process checking in, collecting items from the order and making sure everything was correct.

This experience was centred around Tom’s choices and goals. Tom genuinely enjoys the responsibility of collecting the items and values being in control of the experience. Doing jobs like this support Tom to build his confidence, decision-making skills and independence in so many ways.

13/02/2026

Deafblind Camp 2026 is coming in two months! Thanks to The Lionel & Yvonne Spencer Trust and the Olver-Carlyle Charitable Foundation, deafblind adults from across Australia will come together for a fully accessible, community designed camp experience created by and for people who are deafblind.⁠
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We spent some time with Deafblind Camp Coordinator Alex and Camp Committee members Kimberley, Jasper and Rodney to find out more about the camp, what is planned, and the significance of the event for the deafblind community.⁠
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To find out more head to https://bit.ly/DBCamp26 or email DBCamp@ableaustralia.org.au ⁠
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[Image Descriptions: Combined Image Description (with quotes):
A series of four square graphics share the same design: a dark blue background with small yellow triangular accents. Each graphic features a circular photo of the speaker in the lower left corner, with their name in bold yellow text and their role in white beneath it. Above each profile is a large quote in white text, with key phrases highlighted in yellow for emphasis.

Alex’s graphic: The quote reads: “I remember when I first met the deafblind community through Able Australia and know it will also be life‑changing for the campers.” His name appears below, labelled as Deafblind Camp Coordinator.

Kimberley’s graphic: The quote reads: “I know I have friends out there, who are living their best life too. And camp is a great way for us to get together and catch up!” Her name appears below, labelled as Deafblind Camp Committee Member.

Jasper’s graphic: The quote reads: “It is a time of connection that I always look forward to.” Their name appears below, labelled as Deafblind Camp Committee Member.

Rodney’s graphic: The quote reads: “To me, the camp is a little holiday away from home. It’s an opportunity to do some activities I’ve never done before.” His name appears below, labelled as Deafblind Camp Committee Member.

Jasper’s graphic: The quote reads: “It is a time of connection that I always look forward to.” Their name appears below, labelled as Deafblind Camp Committee Member.]