Deafblind Information Australia have various upcoming Zoom webinars from now until the end of 2023. All webinars are free to attend and will be recorded and added to the Deafblind Information Australia website at a later date.

All webinars will:

• have live captioning,
• be Auslan interpreted,
• run for 1.5 hours, and
• have an opportunity at the end of the presentation for audience members to ask questions.

Deafblind Technology Project update

Date: Wednesday 27th September, 2023

Time: 1:00pm AWST / 2:30pm ACST / 3:00pm AEST

People with deafblindness use a range of mainstream and assistive technologies (AT). This allows them to take part in everyday activities and maintain social connections.

Deafblind Information Australia funds the Deafblind Technology Project. The project explores the use of mainstream technology by people with deafblindness. It also supports the learning of new technology.

Webinar content includes:

• overview of the project
• research process and methods
• preliminary findings and observations
• areas for future research

Click on the link to register for the webinar on ‘Deafblind Technology Project update’

Hand under hand

Date: Monday 9th October, 2023

Time: 12:30pm AWST / 2:00pm ACST / 3:30pm AEDT

Hand-under-hand is a technique used to guide exploration. This method helps in developing trust and supporting shared experiences. It encourages independence whilst being respectful and inviting.

Content includes:

• overview of hand-under-hand
• the role of hand-under-hand in informal and formal communication
• examples of interactions
• case studies

Click on the link to register for the webinar on ‘Hand under hand’

Interoception – the Eighth Sense

Date: Wednesday 18th October, 2023

Time: 9:30am AWST / 11:00am ACST / 12:30pm AEDT

The term ‘Interoception’ refers to the entire condition and feelings of the inner body. It is called the 8th sense. These feelings include:
• hunger and fullness,
• thirst,
• body temperature,
• heart and breathing rates,
• itch,
• muscle tension,
• nausea, and
• sleepiness.

This webinar will cover:
• history of interoception
• what is interoception
• clinical significance and intervention
• the importance of recognising interoception in people with deafblindness

Click on the link to register for the webinar on ‘Interoception – the Eighth Sense’

Decision making in deafblind communication

Date: Wednesday 18th October, 2023

Time: 12:30pm AWST / 2:00pm ACST / 3:30pm AEDT

There are many communication options available to people with deafblindness. An important part of exploring communication is how this is supported. Also, how language foundations are developed. This webinar will cover:

• factors shaping decisions on which communication method to use
• steps to language for someone with congenital deafblindness
• what to think about when sending messages through hearing, vision and touch

Click on the link to register for the webinar on ‘Decision making in deafblind communication’

Deafblindness in children with complex disability

Date: Tuesday 24th October, 2023

Time: 1:00pm AWST / 2:30pm ACST / 4:00pm AEDT

Sensory disability and deafblindness may go unrecognised in children with complex disabilities. This includes children with cerebral palsy and rare disease. Because of this, sometimes necessary adjustments are overlooked. Necessary adjustments may be interventions for:
• mobility
• daily living activities
• access to communication
• social participation

Webinar content includes:
• Overview of complex disability and rare disease
• ‘F words’ of childhood disability
• Brain anatomy of cerebral palsy and rare disease
• Impact on vision and hearing
• Assessment tools
• Case studies

Click on the link to register for the webinar on ‘Deafblindness in children with complex disability’

Quality interactions

Date: Wednesday 1st November, 2023

Time: 12:30pm AWST / 2:00pm ACST / 3:30pm AEDT

High quality interactions are essential for the development of communication in children with deafblindness. This is especially the case during early communication. There are some key factors to consider during interactions. These include:

• tuning in to emotion,
• the importance of mirroring,
• turn taking,
• novelty – adding something new, and
• co-regulation of positioning and timing.

Click on the link to register for the webinar on ‘Quality interactions’