DeafBlind Awareness Training at the CAV Summit
DeafBlind Awareness Training at the CAV Summit
On October 22, 2024, CAV hosted a special DeafBlind Awareness Training session during the annual Summit for CAV Service Providers in Ottawa. The day was led by two DeafBlind experts, Robert T. Sirvage and Nancy Dillon, and included the CAV staff along with representatives from the CAV Technology Platform (IVèS) and Video Interpreter Providers (Asign, Convo, SIVET, and ISEP).
This training was a result of a key recommendation from the Feasibility Study on Providing Video Relay Services and Meeting the Needs of DeafBlind Users of ASL/LSQ conducted by CAV, which was completed in July 2024. The study, in partnership with Touch Seeds (a USA-based DeafBlind consultancy) and Eversa (a Canada-based Deaf organization), highlighted the importance of increasing cultural awareness and sensitivity to better support Canada VRS users who are DeafBlind. You can find a summary of the study in the Publications section of the Canada VRS website: srvcanadavrs.ca/en/publications/research-studies/
The one-day session helped everyone have a better understanding of the unique needs of DeafBlind individuals using Canada VRS. It covered:
- Different language styles and modalities.
- Best Practices for Video Interpreters.
- Communication challenges with technology.
This one-day training is just the beginning! In 2025, CAV be rolling out a new training program for the CAV staff, Video Interpreters (VIs) and Customer Service Representatives (CSRs).
It is an exciting step toward making VRS more inclusive to ensure DeafBlind Canadians receive the telecommunications services they need to build connections.