Deafblind UK hosts virtual conference
Deafblind advocate Catarina Rivera will speak about inclusion at work
The Deafblind Convention is back online for its second year on 6 October.
Speakers have a professional or personal interest in sight and hearing loss. Chief executive Steve Conway said: “Being deafblind means living with constant change; it’s an ever-evolving cycle that has no end point. From experiencing first symptoms to adapting to a global pandemic, sight and hearing loss changes lives.
“This event will explore how deafblindness forces change and how a changing world impacts deafblindness.”
Over 700 people attended the UK’s first convention last year. Delegates will hear from the BBC’s research and development team about the work they are doing on accessibility. The Deafblind UK team will explore the effects of change on mental health.
Dr Arthur Theil from Birmingham City University will talk about gaming, while Dr Peter Simcock, also from Birmingham City, discusses who is qualified to assess the social care needs of deafblind people. Other speakers include psychologist Kolbein Lyng and deafblind consultant Else-Marie Svingen.
The keynote, by disability advocate Catarina Rivera, addresses the myths that block leaders from focusing on disability. The event will include the Stepping Forwards commendations, official recognition of people and organisations who have gone above and beyond in their support for Deafblind UK.
The event is free. Book at: www.deafblind.org.uk/convention