Let Us Hear

LET US HEAR is a committee of the Deafness Council of NSW, campaigning for equity and continued access to services of Australian Hearing for former child clients of Australian Hearing.

ISSUE
Deaf and hearing impaired babies and children are fitted with hearing aids or cochlear implants and have their audiological needs met by Australian Hearing until the age of 21. During these years they are educated in lip-reading, language and speech so that by the age of 21 they have become very reliant on their hearing devices. At 21, many have not completed their tertiary studies and others are establishing their careers in the workplace when they no longer have access to affordable aids. It is often very difficult for them to find an audiologist experienced in the needs of the pre-lingually deaf - and in many cases they cannot afford the huge costs.

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the Australian Government permit all former child clients of Australian Hearing over the age of 21 be included on the Eligibility List.

OR

2. That the Australian Government permit all former child clients of Australian Hearing over the age of 21 be allowed to continue to be serviced on an affordable co-payment basis with appropriate subsidies for low income earners.

See our formal Submission to the Government below:

Let Us Hear official submission (PDF 91 KB)

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

On August 11 2008, Let Us Hear met with The Hon Minister for Ageing and Hearing Services Justine Elliot, who requested a submission. This was sent to her on 25 August 2008.

It is now most important that deaf people - and others interested in their welfare - support us by writing to Minister Elliot, or your own member, telling of their own difficulties to find functional and affordable hearing aids and cochlear implants. If you prefer you can use the letter template below.

Letter template (WORD 25 KB)

And send it to:

The Hon Justine Elliot, Minister for Ageing and Hearing Services
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services
RG87 House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
officeofbillshorten@fahcsia.gov.au

Human Rights Commission supports Let Us Hear's fight for affordable hearing aids (PDF 79 KB)
16 December 2008 - Attached is a letter from Commissioner Graeme Innes to Justine Elliot, Minister for Ageing and Hearing Services, regarding the submission made by the Let Us Hear committee of the Deafness Council of NSW. A copy of this letter has also been sent to Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services. >> Read the letter (PDF 79 KB)

Contact Let Us Hear