As part of Deafblind Awareness Week 2025, SensesWA was proud to stand alongside Deafblind West Australians (DBWA) to launch a vibrant new mosaic art trail and an equally powerful new leadership initiative that’s already changing lives.
The Engaging Future Leaders Program, developed by DBWA and supported by a Department of Social Services grant, is designed to equip young people with deafblindness to step confidently into leadership, advocacy and mentoring roles.
It’s a first-of-its-kind initiative in WA and one that’s come at exactly the right time.
“Our founding members are now reaching retirement,” said Hannah McPierzie, Chairperson of DBWA and Senior Deafblind Educator at SensesWA.
“So this program is about handing over the baton and creating a future where young people who are deafblind can see themselves as leaders and be supported to grow into that role.”
The launch event at City Farm was opened by the Hon Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Disability Services.
Guests explored 26 new mosaic artworks installed in the Market Gardens at the unique East Perth venue, each handcrafted by members of the deafblind community.
Designed to be touched as well as seen, the pieces reflect the tactile ways many people with dual sensory loss communicate—through methods like Tactile Auslan and Haptics.
SensesWA CEO Duncan Guy, who was the MC for the event said the morning was a celebration of identity, resilience and connection.
“This mosaic trail tells a story that words alone can’t capture,” he said.
“It’s a reflection of the creativity, strength and leadership already thriving in the deafblind community.
“I invite everyone to visit City Farm, explore the mosaics and learn more about the remarkable people behind them.”
The artworks and the leadership program bring to life this year’s Deafblind Awareness Week theme: Cultivating Leadership: Together We Grow.
“It’s incredibly powerful to see young people with deafblindness stepping into leadership and advocacy roles,” said Duncan.
“Our role is to walk beside them, remove barriers where we can and champion their vision for the future.”
This year SensesWA celebrates 130 years since it first began helping people with disability.
