Resources

“WHERE DO I BEGIN?” DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN BORN DEAFBLIND

Key strategies for effective communication development are highlighted, including the following: making contact, building rapport, acknowledging communication efforts, touch cues and object-symbols, tactile signing, routines and choice-making.  Strategies are child-directed and demonstrated across various settings – home, school and community.  (23 minutes, open-captioned)

DEAFBLIND COMMUNICATION METHODS – CD ROM

This interactive CD-ROM focuses on two-hand tactile fingerspelling and short-cut signs, as well as providing brief demonstrations of:

• Visual frame or Box Signing

“WE HAVE CONTACT!” INTERACTING EFFECTIVELY WITH CHILDREN WHO ARE DEAFBLIND.

This training video focuses on early interactions with children who are deafblind and have complex needs.  Examples from Individual Communication Guides demonstrate principles used to acknowledge, reinforce, enjoy and expand each individual’s personalised communication system.  Although the main focus is on children, these same strategies can be applied to adults as will be demonstrated.  (27 minutes, open-captioned)

DEAFBLIND SIGHTED GUIDE

This training video focuses how to provide sighted guide to people who are deafblind.  Practical demonstrations are provided within the home and in the community.  (12 minutes)

“GETTING OUT THERE” INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY.

 “Getting Out There” explores three stories of people with disabilities engaging in activities with others from their local community.  People with disabilities are frequently isolated from others – despite living in the community, perceived limitations and fears often prevent them from connecting with others and vice versa.  In these stories, individual lives are made richer and the community is strengthened.  People experience mutual relationships that they did not expect or believe possible.  The lives of all concerned are richer as a result.  Whether you are a person with a disability, a support or care worker, part of a community group, or an organisation working with people with disabilities, “Getting Out There” will give you a starting point for making connections in the community. (20 minutes, open-captioned)

YOU AND ME – KEEPING IN TOUCH

This training video focuses on early interactions with children who are deafblind and have complex needs.  Examples from Individual Communication Guides demonstrate principles used to acknowledge, reinforce, enjoy and expand each individual’s personalised communication system.  Although the main focus is on children, these same strategies can be applied to adults as will be demonstrated.  (16 minutes, open-captioned)

MAKING IT EASIER: 

STRATEGIES FOR EMPOWERING PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAFBLIND TO BE MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS WITH THEIR HOME AND COMMUNITY

This training video was developed by a Speech Pathologist and Occupational Therapist to provide information and strategies for enhancing the independence of people who are deafblind in their home and community.  Making it Easier focuses on the following topics:

• Structuring the Environment
• Changing the Environment
• Task Analysis
• Adaptive Equipment

The strategies presented can be used for both children and adults who are deafblind, as well as for people with a range of other disabilities and multiple disabilities.  This video provides real situations and examples from people who are deafblind.  (25 minutes, open-captioned)

CIRCLES OF SUPPORT: PERSON CENTRED THINKING

This booklet is a manual for self reflection and change towards a Circle of Support for a person with a disability, using person centred thinking.  The booklet allows the user to understand person centred approaches and the values needed to ensure this approach.  It describes a Circle of Support, how to build and prepare a circle.  It has exercises throughout to enhance learning and reflection.

ACCESS TO EDUCATION: PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR INCLUDING PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAFBLIND

This poster (42cm wide x 60cm length) provides practical information on:

• Build Environment
• Routine
• Communication
• 1:1 support

It is aimed to highlight areas for parents and teachers to improve the accessibility of children who are deafblind in an educational setting.

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