The main objective of the Learning Through Touch project was to educate and train the DLAN Association’s staff and volunteers to develop and strengthen competencies for working with people with deafblindness. This is a particular field in which the exchange of knowledge and experience among experts from different countries is particularly valuable and vital for the development of the profession.
Learning Through Touch
As part of the project, we hosted experts on deafblindness from the Croatian Association of Deafblind Persons DODIR. We explored guidelines for interpreting for and accompanying people with deafblindness. The lectures also addressed ethical principles that must be respected by both interpreters and individuals with deafblindness themselves. Providing or conveying information in ways that consider how individuals perceive it – through residual hearing and sight, and especially through touch – requires a solid professional understanding of deafblindness and the various methods of communication used by people with this dual sensory loss. A variety of communication approaches must be applied to ensure access to the broadest possible range of information.
During the project, we gained in-depth knowledge of different communication methods with people who are deafblind, as well as techniques that respectfully support their exploration of the world, their learning and their engagement with others.
Among other things, we explored the palm signs technique, communication using symbols, objects of reference and various communication boards. We also worked through real-life case studies. For us, this was a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of how complex communication systems develop in both children and adults.
The Erasmus+ programme and the two projects we have carried out in recent years at the DLAN Association are regarded as highly valuable and meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, development, collaboration and mutual empowerment. These projects also allow us to learn from leading experts in the field of deafblindness and, in doing so, contribute to the development of the profession here in Slovenia.
Marjana Kenda (zdruzenje.dlan@gluhoslepi.si), DLAN Association
