Open their world through comnnection

When the world is dark and quiet, connection can disappear. People who are deafblind can be left isolated without the right support.
Able Australia provides specialist Communication Guides and programs that help people communicate, participate, and live with greater independence.

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Alex is walking with his cane outside and is being supported by his Able Australia CommGuide

How your gift can help deafblind people like Alex:

Communication Guides, who help people who are deafblind take part in community life and attend important appointments with confidence.
Accessible excursions and recreation programs that reduce isolation.
Research that improves how deafblind people can safely connect with the world around them, like road safety programs.
 
Alex is walking with his cane outside and is being supported by his Able Australia CommGuide

How your gift can help deafblind people like Alex:

Communication Guides, who help people who are deafblind in Australia take part in community life and attend important appointments with confidence
Accessible excursions and inclusive recreation programs that reduce isolation
Research that improves how deafblind people can safely connect with the world around them, like road safety programs
 
Donate now
Alex standing on stage presenting at the Deafblind Camp 2026 and to his left is his interpreter
Alex painting on a canvas. He is painting an animal with a blue background that represents the sky.

Alex is deafblind. He lost his sight as a teenager and lives with significant hearing loss.

“It was very difficult socially,” Alex recalls. “At that age, you don’t really understand what’s happening.

As his vision changed, so did his independence. Everyday moments, like walking into a room, finding friends or ordering food now take time, planning, and often assistance.

Able Australia’s Communication Guides help people who are deafblind follow what’s happening, take part in community life, and attend important appointments with confidence.

Alex painting on a canvas. He is painting an animal with a blue background that represents the sky.

Alex is deafblind. He lost his sight as a teenager and lives with significant hearing loss.

“It was very difficult socially,” Alex recalls. “At that age, you don’t really understand what’s happening.

As his vision changed, so did his independence. Everyday moments, like walking into a room, finding friends or ordering food now take time, planning, and often assistance.

Able Australia’s Communication Guides help people who are deafblind follow what’s happening, take part in community life, and attend important appointments with confidence.

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Able Australia supports both adults and children with complex disabilities to enjoy experiences of their choice, strengthen their independence, and reach new goals.

Cody, 14, attends Able’s Children’s Respite service where he tries new activities and builds skills. He lives with Angelman syndrome, autism, ADHD and epilepsy, and is non-verbal.  Cody’s mum, Mel, has navigated his hospital stays and complex care needs with extraordinary strength.

“Children’s Respite has honestly been a lifesaver for me,” Mel says. “Cody started going when he was just five. His sleep is very poor and Respite gives me a chance to rest and recover, so I can be the best mum I can be.” 

After 15 years of attending Able’s Deafblind Camps, Alex successfully applied to become the first Camp Coordinator who is deafblind.  With a committee of four deafblind leaders, he designed every part of the camp experience. They ensured activities were inclusive, engaging, and designed by the community they serve. 

Donating helps the deafblind community thrive,” he says. “It helps create more opportunities, more support, more chances for people to get out of their houses and be part of life.” 

Able Australia CEO Lynette McKeown (pictured at Deafblind Camp with Alex) says that this role reflects his leadership abilities and the power of lived experience. 

Please see below a video of Deafblind Camp 2026.

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Alex and Lynette McKeown CEO of Able Australia outsite at the Deafblind Camp 2026. They are both looking at the camera smiling with the sun shining behind them.
Alex and Lynette McKeown CEO of Able Australia outsite at the Deafblind Camp 2026. They are both looking at the camera smiling with the sun shining behind them.

Able Australia supports both adults and children with complex disabilities to enjoy experiences of their choice, strengthen their independence, and reach new goals.

Cody, 14, attends Able’s Children’s Respite service where he tries new activities and builds skills. He lives with Angelman syndrome, autism, ADHD and epilepsy, and is non-verbal.  Cody’s mum, Mel, has navigated his hospital stays and complex care needs with extraordinary strength.

“Children’s Respite has honestly been a lifesaver for me,” Mel says. “Cody started going when he was just five. His sleep is very poor and Respite gives me a chance to rest and recover, so I can be the best mum I can be.” 

 

Your donation creates better days and essential support for children and adults with complex disabilities

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About Able Australia

Established 59 years ago, Able Australia (formerly the Deafblind Association) is a leading, registered and trusted disability services provider. We support children and adults with complex disabilities to live the life they choose.

Able’s broad range of disability services in Australia include: Children’s Respite, Deafblind Recreation Program, Supported Independent Living, Day Programs, Community Participation, Centre of Excellence – Deafblind research and Positive Behaviour Support Services. 

About Able Australia

Established 59 years ago, Able Australia (formerly the Deafblind Association) is a leading, registered and trusted disability services provider. We support children and adults with complex disabilities to live the life they choose.

Able’s broad range of disability services in Australia include: Children’s Respite, Deafblind Recreation Program, Supported Independent Living, Day Programs, Community Participation, Centre of Excellence – Deafblind research, Positive Behaviour Support Services 

GIVE TODAY

If you wish to speak to our fundraising team about your donation,
please call 1300 220 602 or email us on
fundraising@ableaustralia.org.au.

If you wish to speak to our Donor Care Team about your donation, please call 1300 220 602 or email us on fundraising@ableaustralia.org.au.

Every day donors like you make a difference to the lives of people with disability. Thank you for your support❤️

If you wish to speak to our Donor Care Team about your donation, please call
1300 220 602 or email
fundraising@ableaustralia.org.au ❤️