Online Deafblind Introductory Training Course
Australia’s first online course about deafblindness. Improving knowledge about and support for people with deafblindness
Location
Online self-paced training platform
Duration
20-25 hours learning over 8 weeks
Cost
Subsidised fees for 2025-2026
- $400 per place ($300 for valid healthcare, pension, or student card holders)
- Bulk discounts apply for financial year 2025/26 subject to course intake dates. Buy 10 places at $400 each and then buy more for $320 each
- Sponsored places (free to access) are available on application
Download cost and sponsored place information (Word docx 239KB)
Participants
This online course is for anyone with an interest in learning about people living with dual sensory loss. This includes:
- people with both deafness and blindness,
- people with at least one sensory disability,
- people with complex disabilities
The following people may find this course useful:
- People with deafblindness and their families
- Educators
- Allied health professionals
- Comm guides and Support workers
- Aged care professionals
- Advocates
- Researchers
Course aims and content
This online course aims to equip participants
• to understand the spectrum of deafblindness and
• to understand of key considerations and supports people with deafblindness need, for a good quality of life.
The course has eight learning modules and a case study module, covering
- Understanding deafblindness
- Accessibility
- Communication
- Orientation and mobility
- Acquired deafblindness
- Congenital deafblindness
- Person-centered support and independence
- Policy and funded support
- Case study module
Download module outcomes (Word docx 440KB)
Accessibility
Video content has Auslan interpreting, open captions, and written transcription
Application for discretionary/sponsored places
Applicants with family members with deafblindness or who work in the field of deafblindness can apply for a sponsored place.
Applicants to state:
- Name:
- State:
- Job role (if relevant):
- Sector: (if relevant, Aged Care, Disability, Education, Health, Other)
- Do you identify as deafblind or are you a family member of a person with deafblindness?
- Connection to/interest in deafblindness:
- Why you want to do this course:
A short application would be welcomed. Applications are to be emailed to: meredith.prain@senses.org.au
We use some of this data anonymously to report back to our funders. Visit our privacy policy (Opens in a new tab)
Dates for next groups
Enrolment deadlines:
- Group 5: Apply by October 30, 2026 (course runs November 2 – December 21, 2026)
- Group 6: Apply by January 8, 2027 (course runs January 11 – March 1, 2027)
Contact:
Meredith Prain
Project Manager, Deafblind Information Australia
Senior Speech Pathologist & Deafblind Consultant, SensesWA, Able Australia
meredith.prain@senses.org.au
Download a flyer with this Deafblind Introductory Training Course information (Word docx 1.2MB)
Evaluation of learning and participant experience
The University of Melbourne conducted an evaluation of the Deafblind-Introductory Training Course (DB – ITC) during 2025 and 2026. Their report has now been released.
Summary of evaluation report
1. Learner Experiences
Participants said the course was easy to access and helpful. They liked
- being able to learn at their own pace
- the accessible features, such as captions, transcripts, and Auslan interpreted videos
- stories and experiences shared by people with deafblindness.
Some wanted a simpler online experience. Some wanted more opportunities to connect with other learners.
2. Reactions
Learners were very positive about the course. They found the information was useful, relevant, and interesting. Many said the course gave them a better understanding of deafblindness. Suggested improvements included more online activities and better accessibility for screen reader users. Most said they would recommend the course to others.
3. Results
The course increased participants’ knowledge and confidence in supporting people with deafblindness. In particular, people learnt about:
- communication methods
- support strategies
- the needs of people with deafblindness
Many said they had already started using what they learned in their work, studies, or daily lives.
The evaluation found that the course is helping build skills and awareness. More time is needed to measure its long-term impact.
Download the full report University of Melbourne DB-ITC Evaluation Report (Word docx, 266KB)
Page last updated October 12, 2026
