SensesWA, in collaboration with DeafBlind West Australians (DBWA), will host the Deafblind South West Roadshow from March 18 to 21, 2025, across Busselton and Margaret River. This series of workshops is designed to raise awareness and provide support for people living with vision and hearing loss (deafblindness) in the region.
These workshops will equip health professionals, carers, educators, and service providers with valuable tools to improve the lives of those affected by deafblindness.
The Roadshow will feature a range of events and workshops led by specially trained allied health professionals and people with lived experience of sensory loss:
- Parent Information Sessions (19 March in Margaret River, 20 March in Busselton): Parents will learn how to support children with vision and hearing loss, including making homes more accessible through adjustments like lighting, furniture, and technology. They’ll also explore tools like magnifiers, captions, and apps that convert speech to text, as well as simple changes like using high-contrast colours and communication boards. These free workshops are made possible by Telethon.
- Inclusive Schools Workshops (19 March in Margaret River, 20 March in Busselton): Led by Deafblind Senior Educator Hannah McPierzie, these workshops provide practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments. Suitable for all educators, the workshop is free thanks to Telethon.
- Communication Guide Training (18 & 19 March, Busselton): This training teaches support workers and carers how to assist individuals with vision and/or hearing loss. It covers skills to safely help people with deafblindness access their environment and communicate. The two-day training costs $800, with limited scholarships available through the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation.
- Key Word Sign Training (20 March, Busselton): This training helps individuals with communication difficulties through manual signs and gestures. It’s designed to support language development and uses signs from Auslan. The one-day training costs $350, with scholarships available.
- Information session and networking (21 March, Busselton): Information session and networking event by DeafBlind WA & SensesWA
For more information on the event schedule and registration, please visit https://www.senseswa.com.au/deafblind-southwest
Contact:
SensesWA
Phone: 0417 705 169
Email: intouch@senses.org.au
