Train the Trainer

‘TTT’ stands for Train the Trainer. This is a special program for those who are deafblind. This program was made by us, Deafblind Australia and the reference group, people from all around Australia. This program is specifically for those who identify as deafblind. Deafblind people who are learning about deafblindness, and deafblind people who have maybe recently received a diagnosis as being deafblind.

This program is designed to help you build confidence and improve your skills in a variety of different areas. Maybe you could learn to be a presenter or organise a workshop. You could learn how to share your lived experience as a Deafblind person. You will learn how to communicate with different types of audiences. There are many topics that are covered within this program, such as personal growth and development. Developing your communication skills. How to self-advocate. There are many examples of what is included in the full Train the Trainer program.

For myself, this was a really empowering experience. Before I joined Train the Trainer, I had no experience in what type of skills I should have. I was initially part of the reference group. I had no idea what things I needed to learn, such as how to run a workshop, how to book interpreters; just many, many things. How to use zoom – I had no idea. I learned so much from this program.

Also, it was a fantastic opportunity to meet so many deafblind people from all around Australia. It will also help you to feel that you’re developing more skills and broadening your knowledge. It’s so, so valuable for you to get involved. After I finished the program, I learned so many things.

I became more confident in how to present. I learned how to work better with commguides because commguides are a huge part of organising workshops. I learned how to work in partnership with interpreters, whether that be face to face or online. I learned how to make sure that my speech was clear and easily understood by my audience.

And I learned how to connect better with my audience. I learned so many things from this program. I learned how to present as a Deafblind person. I learned how to run a workshop.

Please remember that this program is not only for people who are learners, it’s really anybody that wants to polish their skills. If you want more information, go straight to the DBA website and have a look at how this program is funded.

Hi everyone, and welcome to our Train the Trainer program by Deafblind Australia. This program is all about empowering Deafblind individuals to run their own workshops and become confident advocates for our community.

In this series of videos, you’ll find everything you need to deliver a great workshop, from practical tips and a checklist to detailed guidance on planning your sessions, including working with supports and engaging your audience. We’ll also share ideas for creating impactful Deafblind awareness PowerPoint presentations, strategies for effective communication, and more!

We even have advice on how to introduce yourself confidently. Our goal is to help you build the skills and confidence you need to lead workshops that truly make a difference.

Client workshops require support: support from interpreters, support from commguides and also support from venue staff where the workshop is taking place. All three groups will be involved.

What specific supports will be needed on the day depends on two things: the first is your needs as a presenter and the second is the needs of people in your audience.

The information in this video is intended to help you plan what supports you’ll need to organise in order to make your workshop fully accessible. This information is intended as a guide only. You might use some of the information, all of it or none of it at all. You also might add points yourself and that’s totally fine too.

The following document includes the information on Slides 1- 10 in the PowerPoint presentation around Deafblind Communication. The information covers lots of different experiences of lots of different Deafblind people, and you can add your personal experiences too. The sections in  italic text that begin with “You can:” offer some tips on how to include your personal experiences into the presentation. 

Slide 1: Deafblind Communication

Deafblind presenter: insert your name here and add it to the PowerPoint slides included with this toolkit. 

Slide 2: Acknowledgement of Country: Deafblind Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, to their cultures, and to their elders past, present and emerging. 

You can: add a version of the above that makes reference to the local Aboriginal people’s of your area or the area where the workshop is taking place. 

Slide 3: Workshop Agenda: 

• What is Deafblindness? 
• Who is Deafblind Australia and what is the Information, Resources and Workshops Reference Group (IRWRG)? 
• Deafblindness in depth: Causes and impacts
• Deafblind Communication Basics
• Deafblind Communication Methods

Slide 4: Deafblindness defined: 

Deafblindness is described as a unique and isolating sensory disability resulting from the combination of both hearing and vision loss or impairment. This has a significant effect on communication, socialization, mobility and daily living. Deafblindness is the result of a number of acquired and congenital conditions, impacts the above domains in a variety of ways, and is frequently regressive/degenerative in nature. 

You can: Add a short part here about your own lived experience as a Deafblind person. Your personal history and some information about your condition. 

Slide 5: The interpreting community at a glance

• 1 in 6 Australians have hearing loss. 30’000 (approx.) profoundly Deaf Auslan users. Source: https://www.and.org.au/pages/disability-statistics.html 
• As of 2019, 302 active interpreters in Australia. 257 accredited through NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) Source: https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/publications-articles/policy-research/report-on-supply-and-demand-for-auslan-interpreters?HTML

You can: Add any personal stories here about the difficulty of finding an interpreter given how small the community is. 

Slide 6: Who is Deafblind Australia (DBA)? 

DBA is the national representative body for the Deafblind community. They are a small, Deafblind lead organization that advocates, communicates and exchanges information to and from the Deafblind community nationwide to improve services and provide capacity building supports for Deafblind people, their families and the networks of support. 

Slide 7: Information, Resources and Workshops Reference Group (IRWRG) 

• Established in 2020 
• 15 Deafblind Australians with varying backgrounds, communication methods and lived experiences. 
• The group informs and guides the creation of resources and workshops that are relevant and representative of the community. 
• 4 Members then completed Train the Trainer Program. 

Slide 8: Causes of Deafblindness: 

Congenital (from birth): 

• Prematurity 
• CHARGE Syndrome
• Norrie’s Disease
• Congenital Rubella Syndrome 
• Usher Syndrome type 1

Acquired (after birth): 

• Accident
• Usher Syndrome type 2 and 3
• Tumor
• Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2)
• Ageing

Slide 9: Impacts of Deafblindness: 

• Lack of access to information
• Loss of independence 
• Ongoing repeating cycle of grief as deterioration worsens and needs change
• Increased dependence on others
• Increased negative mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety and feelings of helplessness 
• Communication 
• Relationships

You can: Add some personal stories here about your specific type of Deafblindness and how it has impacted different areas of your daily life. 

Slide 10: Communication Basics- Approaching and Introduction: 

• Approach from front when possible. From behind or the side may be startling. 
• Gently place band on back of the Deafblind person’s hand, arm or shoulder and allow them time to move. They may raise their hands or move into a position where they can see you. 
• Identify yourself.
• Be patient. Don’t rush the Deafblind person. 
• Identify how the individual communicates and respond accordingly. 

You can: Give some information here about how you like interpreters to approach you.