National Deafblind Camp returns, bringing together one of Australia's most isolated communities
Announcement posted by ABLE AUSTRALIA 17 Apr 2026
Melbourne, 17 April 2026 - National Deafblind Camp, Able Australia's landmark
event for one of the most underserved communities returns to Oasis Camp, Victoria.
Forty deafblind people from across the country have attended the three-day
Melbourne camp from Wednesday, 15 April until Friday 17 April, making this the 22nd
community camp.
With 10 campers travelling interstate from Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia
and New South Wales, the event has been a rare opportunity for community
connection and belonging. Among the six first time attendees, some have never
previously met another deafblind person.
Lynette McKeown, Able Australia Chief Executive Officer says Able's aim is to create
better days, every day for the people living with disability, by co-designing events and
creating genuine impact.
"What sets the National Deafblind Camp apart is its commitment to genuine co-design.
Four deafblind people sit on the Camp Planning Committee, ensuring the event is
shaped by people with deafblindness, for their community. When leadership sits with
people with lived experience, services shift from access to capability, from inclusion to
power, and everyone grows," Ms McKeown says.
One of the committee members responsible for event design is Alex Sar, a long-
standing camp attendee. Through Able Australia, Alex discovered something rare in the deafblind community: a true sense of belonging. For him, the camp is a chance to
reconnect with friends from across Australia, to feel relaxed, and to simply be himself.
"I call it more of a holiday. I spend three days actually socialising, which is something
we don't really get to do. Deafblind people don't have regular social gatherings like
everyone else," Mr Sar says.
To ensure deeper connection, the 2026 camp featured evidence-based activities
developed with allied health professionals — two of whom are also Deaf — covering
creative arts like candle making, singing, games and bingo, and horticulture. Social
activities, including flying fox, archery, dancing with vibrating music vests, along with
several orientation and mental health training workshops aim to build confidence,
connection and independence.
Each deafblind participant requires up to two support workers due to the complex
communication and mobility needs. To provide adequate support, the 2026 camp has
been staffed by 16 Communication Guides, Able Australia's specialist support workers,
alongside 10 interpreters, three allied health professionals, Able Australia staff, and 10
volunteers.
The camp directly addresses barriers to participation that deafblind Australians face
daily: social isolation, limited access to assistive technology, and reduced mental and
physical wellbeing. Able Australia's goal is for every camper to return home with
stronger community networks, new skills, and renewed confidence to engage in their
local community. When people are seen early, well, and consistently, their skills grow,
confidence carries forward, lives widen and futures change.
-ENDS-
About the Able Australia National Deafblind Camp
The National Deafblind Camp has a history stretching back more than two decades.
Able Australia took over the organisation of the event in 2020, marking its 20th year,
before the COVID-19 pandemic pause. The 2024 camp marked a welcome return, and the 2026 event builds on that momentum, offering the community a much-
needed opportunity to reconnect. The camp will run as a biennial event.
The 2026 camp is made possible through the generous support of the Lionel &
Yvonne Spencer Trust and the Olver-Carlyle Charitable Foundation.
About Able Australia
Established 59 years ago as the Deafblind Association, Able Australia is a not-for-
profit disability services organisation delivering person-centred support across Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and the ACT. A registered NDIS provider, Able Australia aims to create Better Days, Every Day, and offers a broad range of high-
quality services, with deafblindness remaining central to its history.
Media enquiries:
For more information, and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Ana Asanovic, National Manager, Communications and Engagement
ana.asanovic@ableaustralia.org.au
Phone: 0431 58 30 41