The third virtual Deafblind Conference will take place on October 5.
Well-known international and UK based speakers, including deafblind doctor, Alexandra Adams, and Christopher Patnoe, Google’s Head of Accessibility & Disability Inclusion for Europe, Middle East and Africa, will feature at this year’s event.
The online event, organized by Deafblind UK, will focus on the topic of ‘Connected Lives’ and speakers will explore how deafblindness affects all areas of someone’s life.
“We know that the effects of deafblindness are far reaching, beyond the person directly affected,” said Deafblind CEO Nikki Morris.
“At this year’s conference we will explore how deafblindness affects the people around us. We’ll look at how relationships, education and employment are impacted and explore the systems that are in place to support these areas.
“Once again, we are extremely proud to host this popular event. Having a day to explore the impact of deafblindness, not only on the individual but beyond, is vitally important for everyone we work with.”
Alexandra Adams’ personal experiences of discrimination and stereotyping both within and outside the workplace, has led her to take up a strong advocacy role in the world of better inclusivity and accessibility, adopting a passion and belief for the ‘can do’ attitude.
Alexandra (pictured above) will share the reality that comes with trying to dispel the myths and misconceptions of being a deaf and blind healthcare professional; what and how she was inspired to become a doctor, the discrimination and hurdles she encountered, and what she has learnt about workplace cultures and general society views.
Christopher Patnoe (pictured below) leads Google's work around the accessibility of product, people, policy and partnerships - with a particular focus on Emerging Markets.
He will discuss the key factors in building inclusive, innovative products - using Google's AT as examples of this in action.
Christopher and Alexandra will be joined by a host of other high-class speakers, many with lived experience of deafblindness. These include Dr Annmaree Watharow, Lived Experience Research Fellow from the University of Sydney and Megan Taylor, a social media star telling her ‘superdogs’ story.
This year’s conference will also include panel discussions on life as a deafblind parent, and how local authorities engage with people living with deafblindness.
The event is free to join and is available to book online at: www.deafblind.org.uk/conference.
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