Rethinking strategies for meeting the needs of deafblind people in Australia

Presenter:     Arnold Cielens


* Are the needs of the deafblind being compromised?
* Will the growing focus of attention and resources on the "multi-sensory impaired" undermine the quality of services available to the deafblind?
* Where are policies and services in Australia heading compared to the rest of the world?
* What can be done to reduce the erosion?


This workshop will address these questions and provide an opportunity to have a look at recent developments overseas.


Two videos will be presented that look at

A total service for the deafblind in the UK (Sense)  (20 minutes)
Deafblind education services in Austria  (13 minutes)


The discussion will address:
* Policies and services needed to adequately meet the needs of deafblind children.
* Implications of developments overseas for Australia.
* Strategies for the future.