Deafblind Victoria delivered a Deafblind World workshop at Ross House for people who use Auslan. Three Deafblind presenters planned to deliver the workshop, but due to a problem with the lift, the venue wasn’t wheelchair accessible. The other presenter pulled out due to a family commitment, so Heather delivered the workshop solo.
The day ran smoothly with 25 participants – a mix of Deaf, hearing, CODA, and hard of hearing people from organisations (Auslan Education Services, Limitless Care Australia) as well as school teachers, support workers, nurses, Auslan students, and a teenager.
Heather presented on a range of topics, including Deafblind communication, life experiences and barriers, and attendees practised guiding and experiential activities with earplugs, pinhole goggles and blindfolds.
Thank you to the interpreters for great interpreting and working with Deafblind Victoria.
“Challenged, grateful for the experience, thank you for inviting us into your world.” “Wow, confronting and good experience to make me think.” “More empathy, to trust more, the importance of different communication styles and what haptic communication is.” “To slow down with my signing, pick one space to sign not move around if the person has RP. “Lots of information I never considered.” “Very valuable experience, thank you.”
