Vision Australia (VA) is the leading provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia. VA was formed in 2004 through the merger of Royal Blind Society, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Vision Australia Foundation and the National Information and Library Service. It employs 1100 staff, including braillists, occupational therapists, orthoptists, psychologists, employment officers and computer experts. Half of VA’s clients are aged 79+ years. Some of the services provided include: individual assessment and training via Low Vision Services emphasising lighting contrast and magnification; Independent Living Services including assistance with daily living skills, orientation and mobility; Community Educationviaeducation programs and online resources; limited Deafblind Services focusing on community participation and independence for deafblind clients requiring alternative forms of communication; and Policy and Advocacy through strong links and networks with other blindness organisations. For more information see www.visionaustralia.org

The Audiological Society of Australia (Audiology Australia, ASA) is the principal professional association representing audiologists in Australia. The ASA’s stringent Code of Ethics, Clinical Practice Standards and Clinical Certification Program, together with the ASA biennial national conference, The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology and continuing professional development program aims to ensure that Australian’s receive the highest standard of hearing health care. The ASA currently has membership of some 1600 audiologists - 98% of the profession - across Australia. The ASA has responsibility for continuing professional development of audiologists, and acts as national assessor for accreditation of audiology education. They have a commitment to the science and professionalism of audiology. The ASA is optimally placed to support recruitment of audiologists into the study and to enable effective dissemination of the study outcomes for clinical practice. For more information see www.audiology.asn.au

Next: Audiologists: How to get involved?

Back to: The Vision Hearing Project