Filling in the gaps and joining the dots
The Dual Sensory Impairment Project is delighted to announce the upcoming National Dual Sensory Impairment-Deafblindness Conference, taking place this November at the University of Sydney.
We are co-convening this important awareness-raising, experience-sharing and skills-building event with the Dual Sensory Impairment Fellowship at Macquarie University. Support and sponsorship have also been provided by:
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, University of Sydney
- Dual Sensory Impairment Fellowship, Macquarie University
- School of Nursing, University of Sydney
- NextSense
- Senses WA
- Noesis
- Live captions by Caption Connect
This two-day event promises to be a landmark gathering for professionals, advocates, researchers, and everyone interested in enhancing the lives of those who experience deafblindness or dual sensory impairments. The conference would be nothing without us, people and families who live with dual sensory losses, so there will be a very strong lived experience presence.
We warmly invite you to join us for this unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and exchange ideas with leading experts in the field and the expert knowledge of those who live with sensory losses.
One of the conference’s highlights will be an inspiring keynote address by Dr Peter Simcock of Birmingham City University. Renowned for his research and commitment to supporting people with dual sensory impairments, Peter will share vital insights and perspectives that will set the tone for the entire event. In addition to Peter Simcock, we will welcome an array of globally recognised speakers, each bringing their own expertise, experiences, and innovative approaches to deafblindness. Expect discussions on best practices, cutting-edge research, and strategies for promoting inclusion and quality of life.
Day one will be hybrid and focus on presentations and panels sharing knowledge and lived expertise. Each research or professional presentation will be followed by lived experience insights. The day will culminate in a documentary “The Journey” which won awards at international film festivals. The Journey was directed by Christopher Tuckfield and filmed by Dion Beebe of “Memoirs of a Geisha” fame.
And yes, there will be ice cream!
Day two will be hands-on skills-building workshops with three streams including social-haptic communication, tactile museum tours, better research practices, Blak Auslan and Indigenous sign language to name a few.
Whether you are a seasoned professional, a student exploring a career in this field, or someone keen to understand more about dual sensory impairment, these workshops will equip you with actionable insights to take home and implement.
If you are interested in contributing, there are two ways to get involved: volunteering and submitting an expression of interest for the workshop.
To submit an EOI for volunteering or a workshop idea, please reach out to our organising team at:
natalielrumbelow@gmail.com
annmaree.watharow@sydney.edu.au
We look forward to welcoming you this November at the University of Sydney. Join us to explore the latest developments, celebrate the resilience of those living with dual sensory impairments, and strengthen our collective commitment to improving support for people with dual sensory impairment.
