Training Opportunities
Do you want to know more about sensory loss and deafblindness? We can help.
At Deafblind Scotland, we work with public services, employers, community groups, and governments to ensure that deafblind individuals have equal opportunities to thrive. We focus on upholding their rights to receive high-quality support and live the lives of their choosing. With a long history of using training as a tool, we aim to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote equality for deafblind people. Our training programmes are designed to equip individuals, organisations, and professionals with the knowledge and confidence to identify, engage, and support deafblind people effectively.
All our training is delivered by our resident Training Manager, John Whitfield, who has dual sensory loss, along with other deafblind facilitators.
Our training was incredibly efficient, well thought out and covered a lot of information in a short space of time. Thanks to John and Peat for creating a lovely, relaxed and informative session. I learnt about deafblind manual, supporting someone to move around and visual / hearing aids to demonstrate sensory loss.” Nicola, Brighthouse
Currently, we offer a wide range of courses. Here is a quick guide to the courses below:
Sensory Equality Training: Awareness of Deafblindness
To have a better awareness of the impacts of deafblindness.
Participants will learn about:
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Some facts about deafblindness
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The needs of deafblind people
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How deafblind people communicate
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Basic deafblind Manual skills
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How barriers can be removed to make it easier for deafblind people
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How to make best use of residual sight and hearing
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Cost: Contact JWParticipation@dbscotland.org.uk for more information
Sensory Equality Training: Understanding Deafblindness
To enable the participants to explore some of the everyday issues faced by deafblind people.
Participants will learn about:
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Learn deafblind manual skills with deafblind people
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Use communication skills with deafblind people
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Understand the definition of deafblindness
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Understand how to use residual sight and hearing
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Be aware of resources for deafblind people
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Be aware of equipment for deafblind people
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: Contact JWParticipation@dbscotland.org.uk for more information
Sensory Equality Training: Recognition and Support (Face-to-Face Course)
To enable the participants to recognise and engage with people with dual sensory loss. Learn and practice basic communication skills and an introduction to the resources available for deafblind people.
Participants will learn about:
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Understand the definition of deafblindness
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Be aware of the different groups within deafblindness
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Gain awareness of what it is like to be deaf, blind and deafblind
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Learn deafblind manual alphabet with deafblind people
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Use communication skills with deafblind people
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Gain understanding of how to engage with a deafblind person
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Understand how to maximise residual sight and hearing
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Support Available
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Equality and human rights for Deafblind people
Duration: 7 hours
Cost: Contact JWParticipation@dbscotland.org.uk for more information
Sensory Equality Training: Recognition and Support (Licensed On-line Course)
By the end of this course, participants will have:
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Improved knowledge of the range of sensory loss and confidence in identifying sensory loss in service users
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Greater understanding of the challenges people with sensory loss encounter and the practical support and resources available to address these
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Greater confidence in being able to support people directly and in signposting and accessing referral pathways to specialist support organisations
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Improved knowledge of the range of available local support and initiatives
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An understanding of the rights of people with sensory loss and the national and local strategies framing these.
Duration: Learning at own pace
Dates: To be agreed
Signature Level 2 Award in Communicating with Deafblind (DBC2)
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To enable learners to develop knowledge, understanding and skill in relation to communication with deafblind people who use English, and who make use of residual sight and hearing in communication.
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The deafblind experience is explored in depth and the individuality of the dual sensory loss is the priority. This qualification is seen as the starting point for those who wish to work in the deafblind field.
At the end of the qualification candidates will be able to:
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Understand and know how deafblindness affects communication for deafblind people
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Use a range of communication methods to support conversation with a deafblind person
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Take part in a conversation with a deafblind person
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Guide a deafblind person within a building and to a place of safety.
Course content
The theory unit covers key facts about deafblindness, and the communication methods used by deafblind people. It also covers the impact of deafblindness on mobility and access, and aids to successful communication.
Assessment takes the form of a 60-minute written paper, and the pass mark is 70%.
The practical unit is designed for people who need a range of communication skills in order to be more effective in communicating with deafblind people, in work or social settings. It is assumed that the deafblind individual has some residual hearing and sight.
Duration: 3 and half days. Final day includes 1 hour written exam and practical assessment
Interested? Get in touch!
For more information about training opportunities available to you or your organisation, feel free to reach out to John. He'll be happy to provide details and answer any questions.
Contact John at: JWParticipation@dbscotland.org.uk
Get Involved
Not only is John our Training Manager, but he is also one of our worldwide fundraisers! Read more about his Great Wall of China, Macchu Pichu and Iceland treks on our Fundraising Success stories page.
You can also support Deafblind Scotland by leaving a gift in your will, competing in the Kiltwalk, making a one-off donation, or raising awareness of our work in your workplace. Visit our fundraising page for more information.