Bridge: Community Training
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Bridge – Sensory Loss Communication Training, offered by DeafBlind Ontario Services, provides 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.
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This service is a good fit for:
- Intervenors
- Direct Support Professionals
- Developmental Services Agencies
- Long Term Care Facilities
- Family Members
- Other community organizations and professionals working with people with sensory loss
This service is available:
- Virtually (via Zoom)
- In-person upon request
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Introduction to Sensory Loss
Sensory loss’ is a term used to describe loss of the distance senses, specifically, sight and hearing. Build upon your understanding and raise awareness of factors that impact a person with sensory loss. Learn about the eye and ear and causes of sensory loss. Enhance your work practices to support and empower people living with sensory loss.
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Communication 101: Bridging the Gap
Communication, in whatever capacity, is an integral part of our everyday life and a basic human right. This workshop will help you recognize the importance of both receiving and expressing communication and providing opportunities for this to happen. We identify various communication methods and brainstorm more tools to provide effective communication.
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Sensory Loss and Aging
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 sensory loss. “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. We will share some tools to assist in evaluation and resources that teams can build upon specific to the person.
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Sensory Integration
Introduction to 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.
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Adapting Environments for Sensory Loss
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.
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The Enriched Communication Approach Journey
This workshop is delivered through six short information sessions on communication themed topics. This unique training will introduce you to tools and considerations to support empowerment, expression, reflection, and connection through communication pathways.
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Experience Tools
Experience Tools are used to initiate conversation, enhance concepts, promote expressive and receptive language, encourage anticipation, reinforce choices or reflect on memories. This workshop provides a hands-on opportunity to develop experience tools. (In-person only)
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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.
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Mentorship
Transitioning from workshop learning to real-life application can be tough. Our mentoring supports this by focusing on the person receiving Intervenor Services funding – their communication, vision and hearing needs. We build on training, apply strategies, explore tools, and offer tailored sessions to meet individual and team needs.
Upcoming Workshops
This interactive session is designed for individuals and organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of sensory loss—specifically vision and hearing. Participants will explore the mechanisms of sight and hearing, common conditions affecting each, and practical ways to support and empower those living with sensory challenges.
This workshop explores how aging affects the senses, with a focus on individuals experiencing vision and hearing loss. Participants will gain insight into the challenges of aging in place and learn practical tools and resources to better support personalized care and independence for older adults with sensory loss.
This interactive workshop explores inclusive communication strategies for individuals with sensory loss or those who use non-traditional methods of communication. Learn about the impact of communication barriers, discover the Enriched Communication Approach, explore various communication systems, and get a hands-on introduction to American Sign Language (ASL).