27May2015

We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects 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.

One in four children with disability refused school enrolment A survey finds that children with disability do not receive adequate supports at school.

Researchers identified a biological clock in the cochlea This circadian clock controls how well hearing damage may heal and opens up a new way of treating people with hearing disabilities.

Ground hog day Australasian Railway Association wants exemptions to the Disability Discrimination Act and disability standards for railway operators.

Disability Employment public forums The Australian Government will hold public forums on developing a new National Disability Employment Framework to boost employment rates.

One in four students with disability refused school enrolment The results of a national survey, conducted by not for profit body Children with Disability Australia (CDA), confirm that children with disability face barriers to quality education. CDA believes the statistics reflect an education system that is failing to meet the needs of students with disability. As a result, many are being denied the right to a quality education. The survey found: One in four children with disability has been refused school enrolment. 68% of children with disability do not receive adequate supports at school. 17% of children and young people with disability are only offered part-time enrolment. Nearly all respondents (93%) said they had the opportunity to talk with the school about

information they believe is important for their childs learning, however 41% of those said that they did not think this information had been appropriately considered as part of their childs education program.

When asked for suggestions regarding improvements for schools the top three priority areas for respondents were: more funding and support; better communication and value views of parents and students; and teacher training & professional development.

To receive a copy of the survey results, contact CDA on 03 9417 1025 or 1800 222 660 (regional and interstate callers) or via email to info@cda.org.au

Review of Disability Standards for Education The Minister for Education and Training, in consultation with the Attorney-General, is required to conduct a review of the effectiveness of the Disability Standards for Education every five years. Urbis has been commissioned to undertake the 2015 review. The Standards seek to ensure that students with disability are able to access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability. On the same basis means that a student with disability must have opportunities and choices which are comparable with those offered to students without disability. People with disability and their families are particularly encouraged to consider making a contribution, as are educators and education providers. Organisations representing or working with these groups are also encouraged to consider making a formal submission. http://dsereview.urbis.com.au/2015-review-of-the-disability-standards-for-education-2005?tool=survey_tool&tool_id=upload-your-submission#tool_tab

The 2015 Libby Harricks Memorial Oration will be presented in Sydney on as a keynote address at the 8th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference. Saturday 20 June, 3.30 to 4:30pm, Sydney The 2015 Orator is Professor Christine Yoshinaga-Itano, an innovative leader in presenting evidence to support the value of identification of, and introduction of appropriate management for, D/deaf/hearing impaired infants as early as possible. From this evidence-based beginning, universal newborn hearing screening has rapidly been established in many countries. Her Oration moves on to address how she envisages that these benefits can be increased to assist and facilitate families on their journey through the frequently previously unknown world of Deafness and Hearing Impairment. To enable as many people as possible to have the opportunity to hear Professor Yoshinaga-Itano, the Oration is again open at no cost to interested people not registered for the full Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference. The Conference is being held at the SMC, 66 Goulburn St (cnr Goulburn and Castlereagh). Communications access will be available, and for related professionals, CPD credit may be sought. For those attending the Libby Harricks Memorial Oration only, afternoon tea is NOT provided. For further details, contact Deafness Forum of Australia, info@deafnessforum.org.au

Since 1999, the Libby Harricks Memorial Oration series has raised awareness of the big issues relating to hearing impairment. The Orations are delivered by the great thinkers in the hearing disability sector. The series is in honour of the first President of Deafness Forum of Australia.

Application for an exemption under the Disability Discrimination Act and disability standards An application for temporary exemptions has been made by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA). The ARA has made an application to the Australian Human Rights Commission for exemptions under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 and Disability (Access to Premises Buildings) Standards 2010. The ARA is a peak industry body representing railway operators in Australia.

The application relates to exemptions from compliance with parts of the Transport Standards for a maximum allowable period of five years to ensure compliance requirements can be practically implemented. Exemption applications include: Hearing augmentation listening systems - public address systems Signs - electronic notices Information - size and format of printing Australian Human Rights Commission has published the application on its website and is inviting submissions from interested parties. https://www.humanrights.gov.au/australasian-railway-association-ara

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is the federal regulator of the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act). The Privacy Act protects your personal information, and applies to Federal Government agencies, medium-large businesses, not-for-profits, health service providers and the credit reporting industry. If you think your personal information has been mishandled, you can complain to the OAIC. Information is now available in Auslan: www.oaic.gov.au

World first telephone technology for people who are deaf and blind Conexu has launched a national technology trial for people who are deafblind to access the telephone using their own voice. The technology, developed in the USA has the potential to provide fast, natural conversation through a CapTel handset and braille display for people who are deafblind. Conexu is working with Able Australia to explore the possibilities of this new trial service. http://www.vision6.com.au/em/mail/view.php?id=1020919&a=44437&k=3456791

THE WELLINGTON DECLARATION

17 MAY 2015

Background

One in six Australians suffers from hearing loss, yet Audiology, the healthcare profession that delivers services (assessment, counselling, therapy and hearing devices) for those affected, is a profession that currently falls outside of regulation by the Australian Healthcare Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA). Similarly, New Zealand audiology is currently an unregistered profession. Relationships with industry are an integral element of audiological practice, but as an emerging profession with few guidelines to follow, many of those relationships have not been transparent, either to colleagues or to the public. As a result, media attention to audiology has been negative and understandably the public has been left unsure of the difference between the hearing device industry and the profession of audiology. Similarly, the range of services that audiologists deliver has not been promoted, but rather has been obscured by the influence of industry on the marketing of products via audiology clinics. As a result, the public is seldom well informed as to the difference between consulting audiologists, audiometrists, hearing aid distributors or online or retail stores (such as pharmacists or direct to consumer businesses) that sell hearing devices direct to the public. In response, Independent Audiologists Australia Inc and Independent Audiologists New Zealand co-convened a three day interactive seminar, Independence Matters: Professionalism in Healthcare, that was held from 15 - 17 May in Wellington, NZ. They invited an expert panel of internationally recognised bioethicists comprising Prof Paul Komesaroff, Assoc Prof Ian Kerridge and Prof Grant Gillett who, together with other presenters including Prof Ron Paterson and representatives of other professions, demonstrated how the audiology profession could build trust with the public if they ensure transparency in all relationships between patients and professionals; and between all stakeholders, including industry. Information about the seminar, seminar reading lists and the programme can be accessed here. The Wellington Declaration was accepted by all delegates on Sunday 17 May 2015, representing many stakeholders - including independent audiologists, audiologists employed in other sectors, patients, consumer representatives and regulators. The declaration provides a way forward for audiologists to promote the profession as individuals, within professional associations such as ours, and across other bodies with whom we engage. The declaration is newsworthy because hearing loss affects society in general - not only those whose hearing is affected, but all those who suffer the effects of that hearing loss on communication - the spouses, families, co-workers and friends of those with hearing loss. To date, many of those affected have been sceptical about the audiology-related advice they have received. By sharing the Wellington Declaration with the public, Independent Audiologists Australia Inc and Independent Audiologists New Zealand seek to establish a framework against which the public can seek information about their service providers such as professional qualifications; commissions, sales targets or preferred supplier agreements; and clinic ownership by medical specialists, industry, or business. All goals of the Wellington Declaration may take time to achieve, but they nonetheless provide a powerful strategy and standard for transparency which, if applied, could renew trust that the public has in the field of audiology. Importantly, the Wellington Declaration declares the commitment of our associations to ensure patient-centred and professional service delivery in the audiology field for all Australians and New Zealanders.

www.independentaudiologists.net.au Dr Louise Collingridge (Executive Officer)

exec@independentaudiologists.net.au

www.independentaudiologistsnz.co.nz Ms Jeanie Morrison-Low (Representative) info@NZiAud.co.nz

Preamble

Independent Audiologists Australia and Independent Audiologists New Zealand convened a three day interactive seminar in Wellington, NZ Independence Matters: Professionalism in Healthcare (15 17 May 2015) which was attended by a cross-section of audiologists, patients, consumer bodies, regulators, representatives of other health professions (including optometry, pharmacy and physiotherapy) and facilitated by panel of internationally recognised bioethicists comprised of Professor Paul Komesaroff, Associate Professor Ian Kerridge and Professor Grant Gillett.

The seminar drew attention to relationships that audiologists hold with industry that have emerged but which, to date have not been clearly defined, disclosed, constrained or regulated. These relationships are known to be of concern to patients, audiologists and other stakeholders, having been the topic of recent public scrutiny in the media. In order for the profession of audiology to achieve a position of trust within society, steps need to be taken. In particular, audiologists need to ensure transparency in relationships between themselves and other stakeholders.

Declaration

We, the participants at the seminar co- convened by Independent Audiologists Australia and Independent Audiologists New Zealand, in Wellington, New Zealand, are mindful of the responsibility that rests on us at this moment in the history of our profession, to declare our commitment to:

1. Ensuring a patient-centred approach within audiological services including the prescribing / dispensing elements of our practice.

2. Building and strengthening relationships between stakeholders (including patients, colleagues, industry, funding bodies, regulators, training institutions, associations and health care practitioners) across the field of audiology in both Australia and New Zealand.

3. Promoting a single code of professional conduct for audiologists, that incorporates clinical, ethical and legal aspects of practicing audiology in Australia and New Zealand.

4. Reducing risk of harm (including risk of financial harm) to the public through seeking mandatory national registration in both New Zealand and Australia under the relevant regulatory structures.

5. Guaranteeing transparency of interests (financial and otherwise) that could be perceived to influence the clinical judgement and professional recommendations made by audiologists, including transparency in billing for products and services.

6. Encouraging professional bodies to uphold the code of conduct in the interests of all members regardless of their employment status including the offering of legal advice and mentoring within the profession.

Implementation

Independent Audiologists Australia Inc and Independent Audiologists New Zealand will set in motion the process of:

- Drawing up and establishing a strategic plan including the ratification of this declaration by their respective bodies.

- Formalising joint cooperation between the two organizations to promote the implementation of this declaration.

- Seeking endorsement by stakeholders for this declaration. - Preparing policy and position statements aimed at widespread implementation of this

declaration.

- Applying and promoting this declaration when advocating for the profession of audiology.

- Providing guidance to professional bodies on the adjudication of complaints in light of this declaration.

Endorsements

Mojo Mathers, MP and Greens Political Party spokesperson for disability issues in the New Zealand parliament. Richard Brading, President, Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Australia, Inc.

Digital accessibility can be confusing - full of technical standards, jargon, lack of clarity around services available and exactly which barriers to access they overcome. At the same time, there is a growing need among businesses and public sectors to better include people with disabilities in the workplace, as customers and as participants in online life and the digital economy.

Media Access Australia, Australia's only not-for-profit dedicated to increasing access for people with a disability to media and the digital economy, has launched a new digital accessibility services website showcasing customised services for organisations large and small, government and non-government.

The website takes the complexity out of procuring digital accessibility services and puts solutions to access, usability and disability compliance issues within easy reach. Services include:

Digital Accessibility Consulting Digital Accessibility Maturity Assessment Accessible Web, Mobile and App Development Accessibility Audits and Testing Creating Accessible Content Accessibility Education and Training Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility Accessibility Resources and Guides Accessible Digital Communications

Start getting the answers to your accessibility questions at digitalaccessibilityservices.com.au or call on 02 9212 6242.

Disability Employment public forums The Australian Government will review the disability employment system and develop a new National Disability Employment Framework to boost employment rates for people with disability. Have your say by attending one of the government's public forum in 2015. Issues paper https://engage.dss.gov.au/disability-employment-framework/issues-paper/ Hobart - 28 May Brisbane - 1 and 2 June Townsville - 3 June Darwin - 9 June Perth - 15 and 16 June Adelaide - 17 and 18 June Sydney - 23 June Newcastle - 25 June Canberra - 29 June For more information on forums or to make a submission go to https://engage.dss.gov.au/disability-employment-framework/attend-a-public-forum/

Quota International with a show of hands for Make It Number 10 Deafness Forums chairman David Brady gave presentations on the campaign to make Hearing Health the next Australian Government National Health Priority. Photo: Region 16, quota international, Region 16 NSW (Central, West, North), QLD.

The Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening biennial conference presents Australasias best

opportunity to discuss trends in the newborn hearing screening sector, hear about national and

international initiatives, and participate in thought provoking workshops showcasing the

innovative ways in which professionals respond to the challenges they face in continuing to

deliver high quality and newborn hearing screening and related programs.

The Conference program will include keynote presentations by Dr Christie Yoshinaga-Itano and

Dr Guy Lightfoot as well as a wide range of presentations about national and international

research and practice. The program is available here:

http://www.newbornhearingscreening.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Full-Program1.pdf

Dr Yoshinaga-Itano will also provide the 2015 Libby Harricks Memorial Series oration. Since

1999, the Libby Harricks Memorial Oration series has raised awareness of the key issues

relating to hearing impairment

http://www.deafnessforum.org.au/index.php/events/libby-harricks-memorial-oration

Registration, accommodation and venue information can be located on the ANHSC Conference

website: http://www.newbornhearingscreening.com.au/newborn-hearing-screening-

conference/anhsc-2015/

8th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference

SMC Conference and Function Centre Sydney 19-20 June 2015

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a biological circadian clock in the hearing organ, the cochlea. This circadian clock controls how well hearing damage may heal and opens up a new way of treating people with hearing disabilities. Important body functions, such as sleep, the immune system, and hormone levels are controlled by a biological circadian clock. A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now discovered that there is also a biological clock in the ear, controlled by genes known to regulate circadian rhythms. One of these genes was found to cycle in the cochlea from mice over several days in a pattern that followed the hours of the day. By measuring the activity of the auditory nerve, the researchers found that mice exposed to moderate noise levels during the night suffered from permanent hearing damages while mice exposed to similar noise levels during the day did not. The ability to heal after hearing damage was therefore linked to the time of day during which the noise damage occurred, and here the ear's circadian clock played an important role. It is known that the production of the growth hormone, BDNF, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, known to protect auditory nerve cells, fluctuates throughout the day. When mice were exposed to noise during daytime, their concentration of BDNF in the ear increased, which protected them from permanent hearing damage. This protective response was absent at night time. However, researchers succeeded in tricking the mice's ear clocks in an experiment where they exposed mice to noise at night while stimulating BDNF at the same time. Mice were then protected from permanent hearing loss as their auditory nerve cells successfully recovered from noise injury. These exciting new findings about the ear's clock, which is published in the journal Current Biology, may explain why we have different levels of noise sensitivity during different times of the day. The findings pave the way for new treatment methods for hearing damage, which affects between 10 and 15 per cent of the population. The results are for example important for shift workers in noisy environments, flight crews that travel quickly across time zones and people visiting concerts and discos with high noise levels.

Vicdeaf launches Auslan Connections Formerly known as Sign Language Communications Victoria (SLC VIC), Auslan Connections is a comprehensive language access service, providing the full range of services for Deaf and hard of hearing people including Auslan/English interpreting, Deaf & Deafblind interpreting, Video Remote interpreting, Emergency After Hours interpreting, Live Captioning and Note-taking.

The Auslan Connections brand is a joint venture between Vicdeaf and Deaf Services Queensland, two organisations with a combined 240 years of experience providing access and services to Deaf and hard of hearing people. Over the last 12 months, more than 40,000 hours of language access services was delivered between both organisations, and as not-for-profit organisations all funds are reinvested in the Deaf and interpreting communities.

Vicdeaf Communication & Community Relations Manager Brent Phillips said This rebranding process is part of the evolution of our language access service. The commitment of the 177 registered interpreters, note-takers and captioners must also be recognised as they have strengthened our brand and reputation. Through funds generated from our services, we have been able to provide vital services such as free interpreting for funerals, develop an Interpreter Internship Program and an Emergency After Hours Service as well as investing in live streamed professional development sessions for our interpreters.

Know someone who might like to receive One in Six? Send an email to info@deafnessforum.org.au Items in Deafness Forum communications may incorporate or summarise views, standards or recommendations of third parties or comprise material contributed by third parties. Such third party material is assembled in good faith, but does not necessarily reflect the considered views of Deafness Forum, or indicate commitment to a particular course of action. Deafness Forum makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any third party information. We encourage organisations to be deafness friendly. In planning meetings and events, choose venues that have reliable hearing loops, and add real time captions and interpreters to meet the communication access needs of the 4 million Australians we represent.