Provincial Outreach Program for Students with Deafblindness Conference Speaker and Presentation
Course Description:
In this two day conference, Kim will help us gain an appreciation of what is trauma and its effect on the whole person. The dual sensory loss of deafblindness can be viewed as contributing to a profound impact on overall human development affecting social, emotional, spiritual, behavioural, physical and cognitive functioning. Kim will help us learn how to understand and support our students who have deafblindness and have experienced trauma so that we have a positive impact on their lives.
Course Details:
Day 1: Trauma is a universal experience yet generally speaking, it is an uncommon part of people’s daily conversation. Thankfully, and appropriately, trauma informed practice is becoming an increasingly common topic within forward-thinking organizations world-wide. This is essential if we want the people we serve to be receiving the most effective levels of support needed for them to thrive.
An individual’s experience of their life’s trauma impacts every area of human functioning: physical, mental, behavioural, social and spiritual. Circumstances such as domestic violence, abuse, neglect and addiction are examples of what is happening within families that dramatically affects a child’s development, and it significantly impedes their capacity to function in adulthood. But the understanding of “trauma” is frequently misinterpreted, misunderstood and minimized - leaving people responding repeatedly from wounded places, without awareness. When combined together with developmental disability or substance abuse, the challenges are compounded enormously.
We are most effective in supporting others when we understand how personal trauma experiences influence overall function and healing processes. Regardless of our day-to-day work responsibilities, this mental health workshop will help us develop new skills in working mindfully and effectively with other people. For any of us participating in this workshop, the upside is that we’ll become a more effective supporter to the people we care for, and the spin-off is that we’re highly likely to understand ourselves more too.
Learning Objectives for Day 1:
Gain an appreciation for the deep impact that trauma has upon brain development, relational skills, coping strategies and behaviour
Identification of the red flags in behaviour that are suggestive of relational trauma, and complexities when coupled with developmental disability
Develop skills of attunement and “holding space” as a force for regulation, healthy brain rewiring, reflection, self-esteem and learning
Develop practical scripts and skills related to compassionate communication
How to support others with trauma in any setting
Understand how, as a professional, your awareness and mindfulness can open the door for improved
connection with clients who live with these challenges
Day 2: Day 2 is intended for teachers and professionals supporting individuals with deafblindness. In-depth conversation will enhance the understanding of the relationship between deafblindness, attachment and trauma. Supports and Intervention strategies will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives for Day 2:
Develop an appreciation of the experience of attachment deprivation that can accompany loss of vision and hearing
Develop an appreciation of the impact of communication limitations upon attachment and regulation
Develop an understanding of the attachment challenges experienced by parents and families when there is a loss of vision and hearing
Develop an understanding of implicit memory and body memory of trauma as it pertains to deafblindness
Develop a repertoire of strategies to support families of children who experience deafblindness
(including social isolation, issues related to immigrants/ refugees, and a range of family stressors)
** CART or ASL Interpreter Service is available on request
Registration Information:
Registration closes Feb 3, 2020
Registration Cost:
$300 covers both days *
*Includes speaker fees, meeting space costs. *No price reduction for one day attendance
*Includes breakfast, snacks, and lunch for 2 days
*Complimentary parking at Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport for overnight guests and meeting attendees. Register vehicle on arrival or use registration link that will be provided near conference date
Sponsored by:
