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Community Training

Bridge – Sensory Loss Communication Training, offered by DeafBlind Ontario Services, provides customized training opportunities for organizations that support individuals with a sensory loss and/or communication challenges.

In person or virtual training is interactive and involves activities simulating sensory loss.  The Community Services team can also provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to ensure skills learned are part of daily practice.

Please click here to view the Video Transcript

Bridge can enhance the services of:

  • Developmental Services Agencies
  • Long Term Care Facilities
  • In Home Support Services
  • Other Community Organizations

Our expertise in working with individuals that require alternative approaches to communication led to the development of interactive workshops/customized training available by request. Improved person-centered support, reduced frustration and service efficiency can all be addressed through our community training programs.

Workshops include:

Adapting Environments for Sensory Loss – 3 Hours, Virtual

Increase awareness of accessibility needs and barriers in the home and community. We will highlight the unique challenges people with sensory loss face and how they navigate their environment. We will explore ideas on adapting environments to meet these unique needs including DIY tips and solutions.

Communication 101: Bridging the Gap –  4 Hours, Virtual

Communication, however it happens, is an integral part of our everyday life. This workshop will help you recognize all the ways you communicate and equip you with more tools to improve communication with people with sensory loss and a communication challenge.

Experience Tools: Expand your Communication Toolbox – In-Person

Recommended Prerequisite – Communication 101: Bridging the Gap

Experience Tools are used to initiate conversation, enhance concepts, promote expressive and receptive language, encourage anticipation, reinforce choices or reflect on memories.

Introduction to Sensory Loss – 4 Hours, Virtual

“Sensory loss” is a term used to describe loss of the distance senses, specifically, sight and hearing. Improve your understanding and raise awareness of factors that impact an individual with sensory loss! Learn about the eye and ear, the causes of sensory loss and how to maximize residual vision and hearing. Enhance your work practices to support and empower people living with sensory loss.

Sensory Loss and Aging – 1.5 Hours, Virtual

Prerequisite – Introduction to Sensory Loss

Change is an inevitable part of the aging process. In this workshop, we will delve into the aging process by exploring the senses and recognizing the impact of aging for a person who has existing sensory loss. We will share ways to identify barriers and adapt support to address these changing needs.

Aging in Place with Sensory Loss – 1.5 Hours, Virtual

Prerequisite – Sensory Loss and Aging

“Aging in place” is a term used to describe a person living in the home of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age. This includes having access to any services they may require as their needs change. In this workshop, we will identify these changing needs of the person and the supports they may require while they age in place, taking their sensory loss into consideration. We will share some tools to assist in evaluation and resources that teams can build upon specific to the individual.

Personality Dimensions® – Virtual or In-Person

This interactive workshop of self-discovery will help you to develop a better understanding and appreciation for yourself and others. Build stronger teams and optimize performance.

Sensory Integration: Making Sensory Engagement Meaningful – 4 Hours, Virtual

Deepen your understanding of the 8 senses, the aspects of sensory integration, Sensory Integration Disorder and how sensory integration impacts someone with sensory loss. We will identify the importance of looking at activities and routines from a sensory perspective. We will also implement these theories into practice through interactive, sensory-focused activities.

Sensory Loss and the Impact on Sensory Integration – 1.5 Hours, Virtual

Prerequisite – Sensory Integration: Making Sensory Engagement Meaningful

Sensory integration is the process by which we receive information through our senses, organize this information, and use it to participate in everyday activities. How is this impacted by sensory loss? In this workshop, we will deepen understanding of how we can adapt and enhance everyday activities to include sensory aspects/needs.

Mentorship Program

We know the transition from learning something in a workshop to figuring out how to implement it in real life can be challenging. Our mentoring can help with that. Through the mentoring process, we focus on the person receiving Intervenor Services funding — who they are, how they communicate and how to best address their vision and hearing losses. We continue to build on knowledge and experiences gained from training with DeafBlind Ontario Services, exploring how this applies to the person supported, brainstorm and implement communication tools, develop and implement strategy plans, as well as provide access to resources. Where applicable, the mentoring program can include customized training sessions focusing on the needs of the person supported and the team.

Customized Training

In addition to the above workshops, DeafBlind Ontario Services can customize training to your needs, and/or develop training to meet the needs of your team and the person supported.

Black and white image taken over the shoulder of a women completing a simulation training exercise. She is wearing simulation goggles and feeling sensory items in a box.
A black and white photo of a young woman participating in a simulation training exercise. She is wearing simulation goggles while examining an object. The goggles help her to understand the functional impact of visual impairment or low vision.
A black and white photo of a woman sitting at a table participating in a simulation training exercise. She is wearing simulation goggles and feeling a square “gift” wrapped in patterned paper.

Click the link below for upcoming training workshops.

For more information about Bridge, or to be added to our email list, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-855-340-3267 x273.

 

Testimonials:

“I have truly loved this course.  Love that it motivates me to see things in a different light.  Love that it has taught me better communication skills. It has been more than amazing and I cannot thank you enough.”

Charmaine Vautour, Shift Supervisor

“The training was very interactive. It gave me a different perspective on working with someone who is deafblind.  As I work with individuals with developmental disabilities I am now much more aware of sensory loss and can use what I learned at the training to benefit my other clients.”

Gema Rondin, Residential Manager

“The most engaging training I have ever attended.  Wonderful presentation with knowledgeable and experienced instructors.

“I have really learned to SLOW DOWN, give time for our folks to feel and smell their way through life. Allow them to have the same opportunities that we might take for granted.”

Wendy Hewgill, Direct Service Worker

“I feel more confident in serving the clients we have and meeting the needs they have.”

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