Community Services – Bridge

Sensory Loss Communication Training

Community Services – Bridge provides customized training opportunities for organizations that support individuals with a sensory loss and/or communication challenges. A flexible and adaptive approach to learning is cornerstone to this program, which is designed to augment and strengthen your organization’s services while focusing on the unique needs of the individuals you support.

In addition to hearing and vision loss, there are many factors that can impact traditional communication and wellbeing. Our expertise in working with individuals that require alternative approaches to communication led to the development of this program. Improved person-centered support, reduced frustration and service efficiency can all be addressed through this program.

Community Services – Bridge can enhance the services of: 

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

In addition to adaptive communication techniques, Community Services – Bridge can also include:

• Total Communication Approach – reviews various ways of communicating, including formal and informal approaches (sign language, objects of reference, picture symbols). Talks about the process of approaching and initiating dialogue with individuals with communication challenges and/or sensory loss.
• Behaviour as Communication – often coping skills/behaviour is used as a means of communication for people who are unable to articulate how they feel. This module discusses the roots of behaviour and identifies ways to work with the individual to provide alternate ways of communicating frustration.
• Sensory Integration – reviews the process by which people get input from their various senses. Discusses implications of sensory loss on the other senses, and makes the best use of all the senses they still have.
• Concept Development – reviews the difference between a skill and a concept, and the implications of sensory loss on concept development.
• Vision and Hearing Loss – reviews various types of vision loss, showing practical examples of each. Discusses some the causes and tips when working with various types of loss.
• Person Centered Planning – work with your team to brainstorm ideas for meaningful activities for individuals with sensory loss and/or communication challenges to participate in.
• Creating Accessible Environments for Sensory Loss – practical tips for modifying environments to meet the needs of individuals with hearing and vision loss, and the importance of having a consistent approach (utilizing guidelines from our Accessibility Guidelines for Sensory Loss).
• Assistive Devices to Enhance Quality of Life and Wellbeing – discusses high tech and low tech devices as well as possible funding available.
• Safe Orientation in the Home and Community – reviews techniques for proper sighted guide for people with low vision as well as ideas for setting up an accessible area for people with sensory loss.
• Team Building (Personality Dimensions ®)
• And many more.

Training is interactive and involves activities simulating sensory loss. Caregivers will gain essential tools to improve client or person centered care. The Community Services Team can also provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to ensure skills learned are part of daily practice.

Click the link below for workshops available near you.

For more information about Community Services – 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.”