One in Six 17 February 2016

17 February 2016

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present. We acknowledge the challenge that faces Indigenous leaders and families to overcome the unacceptably high levels of ear health issues among first Australians.

Future of Australian Hearing A consortium comprising non-profit service provider, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, Macquarie University and Cochlear Limited, has bid for ownership of Australian Hearing.

The Consortium has proposed what it described as a unique partnership model that will honour Australian Hearing’s original intent; safeguard clients of the Community Service Obligation (CSO) program; address areas of service growth and unmet need; and ultimately provide an enhanced service and improved hearing health outcomes for all Australians.

Read the media releases in this edition of One in Six.

Australian Deaf Games The games provide athletes like Tylar the opportunity to compete against people with hearing loss on an equal and level playing field.

5 things I wish everyone knew It is hard to explain to others what it is like to have hearing loss -- the lack of clarity in speech, the sensitivity to loud noise, and the exhaustion that comes with heavy bursts of communication.

SENATOR THE HON. MATHIAS CORMANN

Minister for Finance

Friday, 12 February 2016

ENSURING A STRONG AND VIABLE FUTURE FOR AUSTRALIAN HEARING IN

A CONTESTABLE NDIS MARKET

The Government has been approached by a consortium led by the Royal Institute for Deaf

and Blind Children, alongside Cochlear Limited and Macquarie University, with a proposal

for the transfer of Australian Hearing into non-government ownership.

Australian Hearing provides important and valued services to Australians with a hearing loss,

in particular children, older Australians, indigenous Australians and veterans.

Over the past two years, the Government has been working with relevant stakeholders to

ensure Australian Hearing has a strong and viable future in the context of a contestable

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) market.

When establishing the NDIS, the previous Labor government made a decision, since re-

affirmed by our government, to make funding for relevant services provided under the NDIS

in the future fully contestable.

This means that Australian Hearing will have to compete with other private providers in

relation to all the services it provides to Australians with a hearing impairment.

While Australian Hearing has already been competing with private providers in relation to a

range of services for some time, as the NDIS roll out ramps up this competition will increase

further and intensify.

That’s why the Government has been exploring the right future ownership options for

Australian Hearing to ensure it has the strongest possible future and continues to be in the

best possible position to provide high quality valued services to Australians with a hearing

loss.

The Government will formally examine the proposal put forward by the consortium led by

the not-for-profit organisation, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. This will

include further work with the consortium on the possible terms and conditions for any

ownership transfer should the government decide to proceed with that approach.

As the Government goes through this assessment process with the consortium it is important

to note that:

The Government has not yet made a decision to transfer Australian Hearing into non-

government ownership.

People with a hearing loss who currently receive (or are eligible to receive)

Community Service Obligation services will continue to receive those services, either

as NDIS participants or clients of the Hearing Services Programme.

Children under the age of 26 with a hearing loss who currently receive (or are eligible

to receive) Community Service Obligation services will continue to receive those

services, either as NDIS participants or clients of the Hearing Services Programme.

There is absolutely no intention to change any of the current eligibility criteria or

public benefits currently available for Australians with a hearing loss.

At the completion of this formal assessment process a recommendation on the best way

forward will be considered by the Government.

[ENDS]

Media Contacts

Karen Wu 0428 350 139

Private Bag 29, Parramatta NSW 2124 P: 02 9871 1233 F: 02 9871 2196 E: [email protected] W: www.ridbc.org.au

MEDIA RELEASE

12 February 2016

Innovative partnership proposes new arrangements for the future of Australian Hearing

Today, a consortium comprising non-profit service provider, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC), Macquarie University and the iconic Australian company, Cochlear Limited, confirmed that a proposal for the future governance and ownership of Australian Hearing has been put to Government.

The Consortium has proposed a unique partnership model that will honour Australian Hearing’s original intent; safeguard clients of the Community Service Obligation (CSO) program; address areas of service growth and unmet need; and ultimately provide an enhanced service and improved hearing health outcomes for all Australians.

RIDBC Chief Executive, Chris Rehn, emphasised that “the driver of the Consortium is the well-being of people with hearing loss, especially those most in need, and ensuring they continue to receive world-class services that dramatically improve their lives.”

“Preserving, protecting and extending services for all Australians – especially vulnerable CSO clients including children; the elderly; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; returned soldiers/veterans; and adults with complex hearing health needs – is the Consortium’s priority,” said Mr Rehn.

The Consortium approach seeks to extend upon Australia’s already world-leading hearing services, providing a total end-to-end service for people with hearing loss, including access to integrated assessment, diagnostics, hearing aids, cochlear implantation, therapy, education and additional rehabilitation and support services.

By leveraging this full-service model, and the research capabilities of the Consortium partners, the Consortium also aims to support and further develop the work of Australian Hearing’s research division, the National Acoustic Laboratories.

Mr Rehn recognised Australia’s leading role in the field of hearing health, saying that, “we have an opportunity to continue to improve services and minimise the significant health and social impacts for all Australians with hearing loss, by working together with, and building upon, the significant achievements of Australian Hearing.

“Maintaining and building Australia’s global leadership role in technical and service innovation, ground breaking research, professional education and innovation in the hearing health field, is key.”

The Consortium proposes to undertake a comprehensive due diligence process and consult with Australian Hearing, key stakeholder groups, partner organisations and Government to ensure the future of Australian Hearing stays focussed on world class hearing outcomes, not profit. In addition, the Consortium model will keep Australian Hearing in trusted Australian hands.

--ends—

For media enquiries, please contact:

Private Bag 29, Parramatta NSW 2124 P: 02 9871 1233 F: 02 9871 2196 E: [email protected] W: www.ridbc.org.au pg. 2

Linda Berrigan, RIDBC Director Marketing & Communications on (02) 9872 0304 or 0478 119 066

Nicole Smith, RIDBC Communications Manager on (02) 9872 0792 or 0412 922 832

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

CONSORTIUM PARTNERS

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC)

RIDBC provides services to over 6,000 people across Australia, including early intervention and education programs for children with hearing and vision loss, as well as operating Australia’s largest cochlear implant service for children and adults.

Macquarie University

Macquarie University is renowned for teaching and research excellence in speech and hearing sciences, cognitive science and psychology. It has a significant focus on medical and health sciences and is host to the Australian Hearing Hub, located on the University’s main campus. The Hub gives organisations and students the unique opportunity to work alongside experts in the industry providing an unrivalled learning and service delivery experience. Its focus is on enabling graduates and researchers to drive innovation and improve the lives of people with hearing and language disorders around the world.

Cochlear Limited

Cochlear Limited is the world’s leading producer of cochlear implants and an icon of innovation in Australian advanced manufacturing. Today Cochlear supplies hearing devices and products in more than 100 countries. Cochlear’s commitment to world leading technology includes research and development, links with the service industry and strong leadership within the Australian Hearing Hub at Macquarie University. In 2014/15 Cochlear invested $128million (13% of revenue) in research and development.

Double gold at Deaf Games for Tylar ATHLETICS: For South Grafton (NSW) High School student Tylar Barry, living with hearing loss hasn’t held him back from chasing his dreams of making it to the top in athletics.

After reaching the NSW State School Championships the last four years, and progressing to the national titles in 2015, Tylar struck gold at the Australian Deaf Games in Adelaide recently. 16-year-old Tylar joined around 1,000 deaf and hard of hearing competitors from across Australia and neighbouring Pacific nations, taking part in different sports over seven days of competition in January. “I have never been to anything like the Deaf Games before and my whole family flew to Adelaide to support me,” Tylar said. Tylar competed in the open 100m, 400m, 800m and long jump events and overcame nerves to bring home four medals. “I won gold for the 800m and 400m and silver for the 100m and long jump. The Games provide athletes like Tylar the opportunity to compete against people with hearing loss on an equal and level playing field. Instead of relying on the standard starter’s gun to begin the race, special coloured lights were used trackside to signal the competitors including green for go. Since being first diagnosed with hearing loss at three years of age, Tylar has had the support of Australian Hearing’s specialised hearing to help him reach his full potential at school and beyond. “Having hearing loss hasn’t held me back with anything really. I wear my hearing aids everywhere and I wouldn’t like to be without them.” Outside of running, Tylar is keen to follow his goal of completing an electrical apprenticeship locally. But his immediate focus is counting down the days to go for his ‘P’s’, or provisional licence. From The Daily Examiner, Grafton NSW. http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/double-gold-at-deaf-games-for-tylar/2919946/

Libby Harricks Achievement Award 2016 Nominations open

Libby Harricks was a founding member of SHHH Australia Inc and was its President for a number of years. She became profoundly hearing impaired as a young adult, but persevered with her career as a Pharmacist while raising two children. As a driving force behind SHHH, she helped it to become an effective volunteer organisation and was also widely known and admired as a dynamic advocate for access for hearing impaired people. Libby was a wonderful role model for all those who felt lost and overwhelmed by hearing impairment. She was made a member of Order of Australia in 1990 in recognition of her work for the hearing impaired. In 1998 Libby Harricks passed away from cancer, aged 52. SHHH Australia has established this award in memory of a friend and a woman who through determination and spirit achieved more than she ever thought possible, both for herself and for many others. DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO HAS BEEN ABLE TO MANAGE A HEARING LOSS TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL SUCCESS? This person should be over 21 and living in Australia hearing impaired, and communicating orally

This award is not limited to members of SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People All nominations must include the following information:

1. Name, address and phone number of the person making the nomination; 2. Name of the person nominated; 3. A short description (approx 250 words) of why this person is being nominated, what

problems have been faced and an overview of their achievements. Nominations MUST be received by the Office manager by the end of February Nominations are welcomed by mail or email to [email protected]

5 things I wish everyone knew about hearing loss It is hard to explain to others what it is like to have hearing loss -- the lack of clarity in speech, the sensitivity to loud noise, and the exhaustion that comes with heavy bursts of communication.

It is an invisible disability so it is often misunderstood, downplayed or even ignored -- sometimes even by those closest to you. But it can have a huge impact on your life, and the lives of those who love you.

1. Hearing loss is exhausting. When you have hearing loss, hearing takes work. This is hard for those with normal hearing to understand since hearing is so automatic for them. The best way I know to explain it is as a game board from Wheel of Fortune. Some of the letters are filled in, others are blank. The contestant (or listener in this case) is trying to make sense of the assorted and incomplete sounds he or she is hearing and turn these sounds into a word or phrase that makes sense in the context of the conversation. Not easy, especially since the conversation does not pause while you are doing this extra processing.

2. I am not stupid or rude. I might answer questions inappropriately or miss the point of a conversation now and then, but I am not stupid. I just misheard what you said. And if I don't respond to your greeting or an "excuse me" at the store, it is not because I am ignoring you. I just didn't hear it.

3. Hearing aids don't work like glasses. Glasses transform blurry images into something crisp and clear restoring your vision to normal. With hearing aids, this is not the case. Hearing aids amplify sounds, but this only makes them louder, not necessarily crisper or clearer. Hearing aids also have a tough time differentiating among sounds so that background noises like the hum of the refrigerator or the air conditioner are amplified in addition to the more important sounds of conversation. This can actually make it harder to hear in certain situations!

4. I do not need you to speak for me. I am neither a child nor an invalid. If someone asks me a question and I don't hear it, please repeat it so I can answer for myself. Doing otherwise is insulting and demeaning.

5. A few simple tricks can help a lot. Face me when you speak to me and keep your lips visible. Don't try to talk to me from another room and be sure to get my attention first before speaking. I want to hear you and am trying my best. Following these rules will let me know that you are, too.

By Shari Eberts, hearing health advocate. From the Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shari-eberts/5-things-i-wish-everyone-knew-hearing-loss_b_9051454.html

Jordanna joins Deafness Forum board of directors Jordanna Smith is a new member in 2016 of the Deafness Forum board of directors. Jordanna was born in USA. Diagnosed as profoundly deaf at one year old, she was then mainstreamed full time and used American Sign Language as her main mode of communication. After completing her Bachelors of Science in Psychology, she decided to make the move to Australia. She then transitioned from American Sign Language to Auslan. She currently works as Coordinator for the Employment Service department at The Deaf Society supporting deaf and hard of hearing clients achieve and keep employment. She has served on the board for Deaf Australia NSW as board director and president. Jordanna is a recently new mother to a beautiful daughter who has bilateral cochlear implants and provides access to Auslan as well as speech. She is an avid Swans supporter.

Australia Day Award Congratulations to our member Jill Lindley in Brisbane. Redland City Council awarded Jill a highly commended certificate for her 30 years of supporting those with a hearing impairment, and involvement in the Redlands Hearing Impaired Support Group since it began in 2001. Jill (at left) is pictured with Lorna Riley, a fellow member of Redlands Hearing Impaired Support Group.

Seminar - patient centred audiologic care Sydney 11 - 13 March 2016 All welcome

Register at https://madmimi.com/p/0ebd37 Registrations will close on 22 February or as soon as all places have been filled. The seminar is being convened by Peter Altidis with international presenters Dr Gurjit Singh, Prof Kris English, Dr Joseph Montano, Prof Gaby Saunders, Dr Dusty Jessen and Dr Sigrid Scherpiet. This panel of international experts will join local experts, Dr Christopher Lind & Prof Louise Hickson, in addressing matters related to: * Rehabilitation * Counselling * Patient centredness in hearing device dispensing * Social support for those affected by hearing loss * Measuring outcomes of a social nature A master class will be offered by each of the international experts on Sunday 13 March as part of the seminar. You will be asked to select one master class when you register for the seminar. Each will offer high value for practicing clinicians. The seminar is expected to result in a manifesto as to what constitutes audiologic care in 2016, which will be generated through the presentations and discussions built into the seminar. This seminar has been endorsed for 25 CPD points by Audiology Australia.

HEARing Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) launched its new look HEARnet Online website, dedicated to providing independent and easy-to-understand information about hearing loss and hearing technology. Some of the technologies featured on the website include Bone-conduction Hearing Aids, Hybrid Cochlear Implants, Assistive Listening Technologies and we've also included a really exciting new range of technologies known as Hearables. “Hearables are devices worn in or around the ear that form part of a wider group of emerging wearable technologies - or Wearables - like Google Glasses or Fitbits. Being adaptable and sophisticated devices, Hearables are designed for everyone, they are not being developed specifically for people with hearing loss, but they could host technology found in hearing aids to help wearers manage their hearing loss,” Communications Manager Greg Lawrence said. Also featured on the HEARnet Online homepage is the Interactive Ear – an interactive animation that visitors can quickly use to gain an understanding of the different types of hearing loss and the commercially-available technologies, which can be used to manage it. For people who want to do something about their hearing, HEARnet Online has a Getting Help section dedicated to explaining the steps and options available for people who want help with their own, or a family member’s hearing loss, to ensure effective diagnoses and ongoing management. Detailed pages that explain how hearing works and an expanded section on the various medical conditions that can impact on hearing and listening abilities such as Auditory Neuropathy, Auditory Processing Disorders, Otosclerosis, Tinnitus and Vertigo have been added to the website. “HEARnet Online is really for anyone interested in protecting and enhancing their lifelong hearing abilities,” Greg explained. The website address for HEARnet Online is: hearnet.org.au HEARnet Online, through the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre, is financially supported by the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme.

From Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/todd.j.wright.79?fref=ts “Very proud to move a motion alongside Helen Westwood to establish a first for Australian political parties - an Auslan branch of the Labor Party. The Auslan Branch will ensure social and democratic inclusion of all community members. Great to have Deaf Community Leaders in attendance to hear the motion including Colin Allen, President World Federation of the Deaf - Official, Todd Wright National President Deaf Australia, Christian James, NSW President Deaf Australia.”

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