Occupational therapists (OT’s) often work with deafblind people to help us adapt our environment, improve daily living skills, use technology, develop communication strategies and build independence. We were really pleased that a group of OT’s approached DBV to find out more about Deafblind people, what we need and how we communicate.
We delivered a special workshop for OT’s on 28th October 2024. Attendees were from The Rehabilitation Specialists, Tashacare Australia, Allied 4 Health, Full Life Occupational Therapy and Guide Dogs Victoria. Some therapists missed out and are on the waiting list for a future workshop.
Three Deafblind presenters (Jael Espinal-McCoskey, Jackie Sciberras and Heather Lawson) shared information about deafblindness and the ways we communicate, and especially about the different technologies we use.
Thank you everyone for coming to the workshop! It helps DBV’s Deafblind presenters to build our knowledge and skills in presenting. See the feedback from participants below. Thanks also to interpreters as always for the wonderful work you do with the Deafblind community.
Feedback from the participants:
- Great Immersive Activity, have some experience with this type of activity but always great to learn.
- I found it very immersive and a great way to understand the lived experience. Especially found the two demonstrations of being hand led great.
- I liked the practical bit at the start. It was helpful to build further insight.
- Initially it was fun, but as time went on it got confusing and disoriented. It was beneficial though to understand the barriers as I learn more and problem solve from practical experience.
- Great to get input from individuals with lived experience. Interesting to see the different types of communication live during the workshop as wel as all the technology available.
- Some technology options, different perspectives and experiences; difference between communication guides plus interpreters; lots of apps are available, however everyone has different levels of knowledge. It takes time to learn new environments, etc. Better awareness of access challenges.
Thank you from Deafblind Victoria team
These events are supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.