For many years I have participated in DeafBlind World Training via different organisations where the participants acquire skills in being blindfolded and have ear plugs and learn to navigate around their environments.
On 27th May, I facilitated a Deafblind World workshop at Melbourne Polytechnic for 13 Auslan students.
The first half hour the students were told to put googles with holes and ear plugs in their ears and told to complete the tasks on the paper given out and perform some activities. Then they put the full blind folds on and experienced what it feels like to be deafblind for a short while.
After the tasks were completed students then were able to present in Auslan their experiences. Mostly heard what is common in deafblind people experiences like Isolation. Confusing. No know what to do.
Rodney, Jasper and myself shared Information about a list of 4 items, including what deafblindness is like, different perspectives. b. Different types of communication deafblind people may use. Eg oral communication, tactile Auslan, fingerspelling, haptics, different types of technology deafblind people used and guiding information.
All the participants involved on the day were wonderful, and the feedback was positive.
Thank you, Trudy.
Note from Heather: Thank you Trudy, Jasper and Rodney for running this Deafblind Workshop for me while I was away on another commitment. Congratulations to you three for your efforts working as a team.
Thank you, Heather – Training Officer.