SPEVI Deafblind Education Community of Practice (DB Education CoP)
The SPEVI Deafblind Education Community of Practice (SPEVI DB Education CoP) aims to provide opportunities for networking, learning and sharing of information, resources and ideas. In the four sessions in 2024 we will concentrate on all things 'Communication'.
When: Once per school term on a Tuesday afternoon (see dates below).
Who: Open to members and non-members of SPEVI who are Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island educators working with students with deafblindness at early, primary, or secondary levels, and other professionals who support children and young people with deafblindness, or have an interest in the topic. If you are not a member of SPEVI, we encourage you to (re)join SPEVI to support our organisation's work in supporting you.
Organised by SPEVI Inc (Australia).
Co-facilitators: Julie Tait and others TBC
Contact email: taitjulie61@gmail.com
Next Meeting: Tuesday 19 November 2024
Time: 3:30 pm Brisbane, 4:30pm Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, & Hobart
4:00pm Adelaide, 3:00pm Darwin, 1:30pm Perth, 6.30 NZ
Guest Speaker is Rob Last, and the topic will be Communication for Children with CHARGE Syndrome.
You need to register for this webinar in advance!
Please use this link:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcuf-ChrjkuEtDgf4MJ3dEc50m7iCw6TOyU
Note: SPEVI Inc. is committed to accessibility. Audio description of slides and content and live captioning and transcription of this session will be available.
Meeting dates for 2025
TBC
Past Meetings 2024
Meeting 3, Tuesday 27 August 2024.
Meeting 2, Tuesday May 28, 2024
Guest Speaker: Steve Rose.
Topic: Tactile sign language.
Our guest speaker is Steve Rose, who will be discussing a range of projects focused on tactile sign language – in the UK he developed the bodily-tactile communication and tactile sign language framework (see www.steverosetherapy.com/tactile-framework). He’s also been involved in using the Nordic Welfare Tactile Working Memory Scale (TWMS). Read more bout Steve Rose here
Note: SPEVI Inc. is committed to accessibility. Audio description of slides and content and live captioning and transcription of this session will be available.
Meeting 1, Tuesday March 19, 2024.
Guest Speaker: Robert Last
Rob is on the board of CHARGE Syndrome Australasia. Rob Last is a retired Teacher of the Deaf and Early Childhood Educator and worked with a number of children in the 1980s when CHARGE syndrome was relatively unknown. He was instrumental in establishing CHARGE Syndrome Australasia in 1988 and coordinated the first CHARGE syndrome conference in Australia. His expertise is in early communication and the importance of meaningful communication systems. In 2018, Rob received an Order of Australia Award for significant service to children who are deaf, deafblind, or have low vision, and their families, particularly those with CHARGE syndrome.
Rob will present for 30 minutes on early communication with children who are deafblind. We will then have 15 mins for general questions followed by a 15-minute opportunity to network in a couple of break out rooms.
You may request a recording of this guest speaker session by contacting the facilitators.
Repository of resources
A short video about educational options across Australia, according to a number of professionals from the education sector. Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lbXwgLXnA
Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference for the SPEVI Inc DB Education CoP can be downloaded here.
Background
With the establishment of the Deafblind International (DbI) Education Network at the global level, the need for a SPEVI Deafblind Education CoP for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island educators and other professionals who support children and young people with deafblindness was recognised. The SPEVI Deafblind Education Community of Practice was established in January 2024.
SPEVI acknowledges the guidance of Able Australia’s Centre of Excellence – Deafblind, in conceptualising the SPEVI Deafblind Education Community of Practice.