In a major step toward inclusive support, Palliative Care Victoria (PCV), in partnership with Murray PHN, is thrilled to announce the release of new Auslan video resources covering crucial topics such as palliative care, death and dying, and grief and loss.
These resources have been made available on the PCV and Murray PHN websites to coincide with the International Day of People with Disability (3 December), demonstrating a commitment to making important information accessible to the deaf community across Australia.
The launch includes Auslan video translations created by Deaf Hub Bendigo to accompany the five Easy English booklets that were initially developed by PCV and the Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID).
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas spoke of the value of these new resources, saying that ‘Everyone deserves to feel supported and informed when navigating palliative care and end-of-life care, launching these resources on International Day of People with Disability is an example of how, when we prioritise inclusivity, we strengthen our entire community.’
Further, the Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn added ‘I commend Palliative Care Victoria on the creation of these resources which will make important information about death and dying, grief and loss accessible to more Victorians. The Allan Labor Government is building a safer, fairer and more accessible Victoria, and initiatives like this one help us to move closer to this goal.’
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones spoke to the significance of the project’s partnership being grounded in a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the deaf community. ‘Partnering with Palliative Care Victoria and Deaf Hub Bendigo has enabled us to develop resources that are accessible, practical and helpful to the deaf community. The collaborative project has shown what we can achieve when working together with a common goal, each organisation bringing their own strengths and thinking innovatively to address this health need.’
Murray PHN Palliative Care Lead Vitor Rocha said that inclusivity and humanism are at the cornerstone of palliative care. ‘By bridging the gap of access to information to deaf and hard of hearing communities, we can break down stigmas surrounding death, while creating a platform to celebrate their intersectionalities with dignity and respect in one of the most challenging stages of their lives.’
Reflecting on the importance of this project, VALID CEO Fionn Skiotis added ‘It's wonderful to see the resources originally developed by PCV and VALID repurposed in this way for use as Auslan video resources. VALID congratulates the project partners PCV, Murray PHN and Deaf Hub Bendigo on their release’.
Finally, Palliative Care Victoria CEO Adj, Associate Professor Violet Platt expressed that ‘This is an important first release of resources which are improving inclusivity for the deaf community of Victoria, which will improve information about choices available for all Victorians when they receive a life-changing diagnosis.’
These accessible resources aim to empower the deaf community by providing reliable and understandable information on topics often difficult to discuss.
The free-to-download materials include Auslan videos and booklets addressing significant life events and concepts, such as:
The resources offer valuable support for individuals seeking to better understand and navigate palliative care, end-of-life considerations, and the processes of grief and loss.
By making this information available in Auslan, PCV and Murray PHN are helping to break down barriers, ensuring the deaf community can access important, often complex information in their preferred language.
Visit the PCV or Murray PHN websites to explore these free resources and help to continue promoting inclusivity and understanding.
For more information and further comment, please contact:
Adj. A/ Prof. Violet Platt
CEO, Palliative Care Victoria
0417 095 768
vplatt@pallcarevic.asn.au
Jackie Grant
Communications Specialist, Murray PHN
0408 366 312
jgrant@murrayphn.org.au