Within adult education guidance services, we follow the guidelines of the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (SIAE) and devote particular attention to deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. As early as November 2024, we presented a comprehensive overview of the activities of the Association of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People of Podravje, Maribor at a meeting of the Strategic Council for Guidance Services. Counsellors at the Maribor AEC are becoming increasingly aware of deafness as a complex form of disability and a multifaceted issue involving communication barriers, social isolation and related challenges. Our activities aimed at strengthening partnerships and guidance work with deaf and hard-of-hearing adults are the result of continuous work, ongoing evaluation and an increasingly in-depth understanding of the target group, its educational needs and interests.
In October and November 2024, we delivered an eight-hour educational programme, Information and Guidance for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Adults for Inclusion in Lifelong Learning, for members of the association.
Giving priority to group forms of guidance
At the very beginning of our cooperation, we recognised that we were working with an exceptionally well-organised association offering a rich programme of activities and intensive promotion. We understood our guidance role as a meaningful complement to and enrichment of the association’s existing offer. The association promotes its activities through social media and the printed newsletter Naš glas (Our Voice). Cooperation was established within the association’s premises, where our counsellors are present during office hours. We are delighted to see the premises filled with members eager to learn. Many members possess extensive informal knowledge and demonstrate remarkable skills in photography and video production. The association also ensures continuous interpretation into Slovenian Sign Language.
For 2026, we prepared a programme of group guidance activities based on the successful practices of the previous year. The March 2026 session focused on memory training and introduced participants to a range of practical exercises and techniques for improving memory. During our April visit, we addressed the topic of values – what motivates and drives us, what we are proud of and who supports us in this process. The May session will focus on different temperament types, while the September programme, held in connection with the Days of Guidance for Learning campaign, will be enriched by a presentation of the virtual Self-Directed Learning Centre. In October, participants will explore practical applications of artificial intelligence, and the year will conclude with a session offering practical life skills and advice, including setting realistic goals and making effective use of time. As shown in the photographs, the events are typically attended by 10–20 members of the association.
Looking ahead
At present, we can be satisfied with both the implementation and attendance of group guidance activities. Despite additional promotion of individual guidance sessions – which were also intended to take place at the association’s premises with interpretation into Slovenian Sign Language provided – we have not yet observed significant interest in individual counselling conversations.
We also collaborate with the association on other joint projects, including Lifelong Learning Weeks, the Learning Parade and a Slovenian Sign Language course planned as part of the Municipality of Maribor’s Annual Adult Education Programme for 2026. Each year concludes with new content and new areas of cooperation. With every collaboration, we deepen our understanding of deafness and hearing loss, and we are always pleased to return to the welcoming premises of the Association of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People of Podravje, Maribor.
Alenka Sagadin Mlinarič (alenka.sagadin.mlinaric@azm-lu.si), Maribor AEC
Photographs by Jernej Auer, Association of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People of Podravje, Maribor