Australia’s leading service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf Australians, Deaf Connect, has announced a merger with Access Plus WA Deaf – strengthening the existing supports for the WA Deaf community.
From July 24 all of Access Plus WA Deaf’s staff and services will be transferred to Deaf Connect –support for clients and participants will be maintained under the Deaf Connect brand.
CEO of Deaf Connect Brett Casey says that the merger is a significant step towards creating a stronger, better resourced and better-connected community nationally.
“We look forward to seeing increased scope to enhance services and introduce new programs to the Deaf community in Western Australia.” Mr Casey says.
“Deaf Connect and the team from Access Plus will leverage our collective resources, experience, and shared values to deliver even greater impact and address the needs of our community
“As a Deaf-led organisation we recognise the history of the Access Plus, the work of current and previous staff from that organisation, as well as community members and Elders past and present.
“Access Plus has been supporting the Deaf community since 1921. Through this merger, this legacy will be transferred to Deaf Connect, preserving the rich history of the Deaf community in Western Australia.
“Deaf Connect look forward to welcoming Access Plus staff to the organisation and working with the Western Australian Deaf community to ensure our service delivery, programmes and advocacy are tailored to meet their needs.”
Chair of Board of Access Plus WA Deaf Narenne Barrett says that through inviting Deaf Connect to merge, staff from Access Plus will continue to deliver their high quality of service and community support, with the added advantage of joining a larger, national Deaf organisation.
“The Board considered the opportunities available to them, and this merger provides the best prospect for our organisation to build on its work for the Deaf Community”, Ms Barrett says.
This is an opportunity to provide stability and growth, providing future access to Deaf Connect’s full range of services for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Western Australians, the wider Deaf community and Auslan students.”
“Both organisations are excited about the possibilities that this merger brings and are committed to transparency throughout the transition process,” Brett Casey says.
Access Plus Members are invited to join Brett Casey and the Deaf Connect Executive team to discuss this transition, and closed community forums will be held to provide more information to clients and the Deaf community.
