Justine Lorenz

Justine Lorenz is a deafblind practitioner who tutors deafblind people in tactile communication.

In 2014 Justine established a peer network for the deafblind members of the Hunter region. The group seeks to support deafblind members to build strong relationships, experience new things, reduce their isolation and boost their self-esteem and confidence.

Since then deafblind members of the group have participated in Harley Davidson motorbike rides, Hunter cheese and wine experiences, and swimming with sharks and rays. Justine has also organised workshops in health, wellness and technology using specialised communicative tools specific to these members of the community. The group also produced their own film to raise awareness of about deafblindness.

Most recently she has been an integral part of Community Disability Alliance Hunter’s project to develop the communication and social skills of deafblind residents of a large residential centre, so that they can transition to smaller group homes.