The Society's Support Services provide a variety of services to Deaf or hard of hearing people within Western Australia. Support Services staff advocate for the interests of individuals and the Deaf community in a variety of matters including para-legal issues. Assistance with Centrelink, Tribunals, Court proceedings, Homeswest, Guardianship and Administration Boards, and other bodies can be provided. People with specific problems or long-term counselling needs are usually referred to generic agencies and interpreting support is available if required. The Society's Support Services staff work with the Deaf community to ensure Deaf and hard of hearing people can participate in the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Staff can inform people how to acquire information, be heard and effect change in society.
This equips them to be involved in society and have an influence on how it is run. Understanding how the system works is the first step in effective advocacy and in having a say on laws, on government decisions, in public service agencies and in the courts. Staff can offer people guidance in negotiating their way through the bureaucratic, legal and parliamentary maze. An advocate is someone who stands by people in their struggle for justice and supports them to get their fair share of power. As advocates, Support Services staff need to appreciate the cultural, economic and political climate of today.