Renwick Centre

Renwick Centre

Renwick Centre

Professional Education Courses 2010


Courses by Category

Our Calendar for 2010 is now complete. Please keep checking for updates and additions to the calendar over the coming months. You can download the PDF version of the calendar if you prefer.

Multiple Disability Courses



One size does not fit all: Communication Strategies for children with sensory and multiple disabilities

Strategies for Supporting the Educational Development of Children with Disabilities and Unique Behaviour: for educators

Strategies for Supporting the Educational Development of Children with Disabilities and Unique Behaviour: for educators

Strategies for Supporting the Educational Development of Children with Disabilities and Unique Behaviour: Parents only

 
Hearing Impairment Courses



Living a Balanced Life: Assisting Parents of Children with a Sensory Impairment (for Parents) Dr Dale Atkins

Supporting Families - Dr Dale Atkins

Education Assistants Supporting Children with Deafness/hearing impairment (PERTH)

Improving the Outcomes of Hearing Impaired Students in Mainstream schools


Leaders in Deaf Education Special Meeting - "Working Towards Mandatory Qualifications for Teachers of the Deaf"

Hearing-Loss Simulation - Training Communication Partners with HELOS

Teachers Aides Supporting Children with Hearing Impairment

Hearing-Loss Simulation - Training Communication Partners with HELOS (PERTH)

New (?) Answers to Old Questions: Literacy Development in Deaf Learners (SYDNEY and PERTH)

5th Annual Leaders in Deaf Education Meeting

Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Conference

Audiologists two day seminar

Deaf History Course

Centre for Special Education & Disability Studies Research Mini-Conference

Deaf Teenagers: Social and Emotional Issues (PERTH)

 
Braille courses


Braille for Educators


Braille for English Speaking Pacific Islanders

Braille for Beginners: Module 1

 
Vision Impairment Courses


Living a Balanced Life: Assisting Parents of Children with a Sensory Impairment (for Parents) Dr Dale Atkins

Supporting Families - Dr Dale Atkins

Visual Surveillance and Screening

Visual Efficiency Training-Teaching Low Vision Skills to students with a Vision Impairment

Orientation & Mobility

Childhood and Common Eye Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Vision Impairment

Social Skills Across the Lifespan; Early childhood and family life (parents and early childhood teaching staff)

Social Skills Across the Lifespan; Teaching social skills to school-aged youngsters (school-based personnel)

Social Skills Across the Lifespan; Social skills in the work place and community (staff working with teens and adults)

Accessing Information - Up-date on Alternate Formats

"Trekker Breeze Makes Travelling an Easy Task"

Teacher Aides Supporting Children with Vision Impairment

Centre for Special Education & Disability Studies Research Mini-Conference

Visual Surveillance and Screening

e-Learning Courses


A series of one hour lectures will be available live on-line in 2010 - speakers and topics TBA

Current Online Courses and Activities

DVD Resource


Australasian Deaf Symposium III 2008 DVD


Courses in 2010

 

MULTIPLE DISABILITY

 
One size does not fit all: Communication Strategies for children with sensory and multiple disabilities

Date When: Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd August, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Sharon Barrey-Grassick

One size does not fit all! These presentations will explore a range of strategies for developing effective, meaningful?communication with individuals with sensory or multiple disabilities. The importance of acknowledging behaviour as communication and respecting the need for highly individualised communication systems will be a focus.

Fee Course Code: RC10C101M
Fee Fee: $250 register for course

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Strategies for Supporting the Educational Development of Children with Disabilities and Unique Behaviours: for educators

Date When: Thursday 14 th October 2010
Presented by Presented by:
Tim Hartshorne & David Brown

The combination of disabilities with unique behaviours in children poses interesting challenges for educators, therapists, and parents. The goal of these workshops is to empower all those who work with such children with strategies, understandings, and new perspectives that will help guide their interactions.

This workshop is for educators and will focus on: Understanding where the behaviours come from, Tools for coping with unique behaviours, Developing self-regulation skills in children, Building social skills and opportunities, Building and fostering relations with parents, Appreciating the gifts in spite of the behaviour.

Fee Course Code: RC10C102M
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Strategies for Supporting the Educational Development of Children with Disabilities and Unique Behaviours: for therapists

Date When: Friday 15 th October 2010
Presented by Presented by:
Tim Hartshorne & David Brown

The combination of disabilities with unique behaviours in children poses interesting challenges for educators, therapists, and parents. The goal of these workshops is to empower all those who work with such children with strategies, understandings, and new perspectives that will help guide their interactions.

This workshop is for therapists and will focus on: Understanding where the behaviours come from, Understanding how the behaviour impacts the need for therapy, Using self-regulation as a tool in therapy, Gaining cooperation for the therapy session, Building and fostering relations with parents and teachers, Maintaining a focus on the child’s development.

Fee Course Code: RC10C103M
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Strategies for Supporting the Educational Development of Children with Disabilities and Unique Behaviours: Parents only

Date When: Saturday 16 th October 2010
Presented by Presented by:
Tim Hartshorne & David Brown

The combination of disabilities with unique behaviours in children poses interesting challenges for educators, therapists, and parents. The goal of these workshops is to empower all those who work with such children with strategies, understandings, and new perspectives that will help guide their interactions.

This workshop is for parents and will focus on: Understanding where the behaviours come from, Discipline without tears – coping with overwhelming behaviour, Supporting social development through Circle of Friends,Tools for handling the professionals who work with your child, Supporting your child without losing yourself, Appreciating your child’s gifts and showing others how to also.

Fee Course Code: RC10C104M
Fee Fee: no charge register for course

 

HEARING IMPAIRMENT

 

Living a Balanced Life: Assisting Parents of Children with a Sensory Impairment (for Parents)

Date When: Wednesday 24th february 2010, 9.30 - 12
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Dale Atkins

Dr Dale V. Atkins, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who has more than thirty years of experience as a relationship expert focusing on hearing loss, social skills, marriage, parenting, communication, aging well, transitions and living a balanced life. She received her Masters Degree in Education of the Deaf and taught at the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York, The Micha Center for Deaf Children in Israel, and The John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles. Author of several books, articles and journals for popular and professional audiences, Dr. Atkins is a much sought after lecturer as well as media commentator. She is a regular guest expert on the USA NBC's 'Today' and has appeared on many TV and radio programs. Please visit Dr Atkins' website for more information.

You can either register online register for course or call 02 9872 0207 for further information. There is no charge for this course.


 

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Supporting Families

Date When: Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd February, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Dale Atkins

The purpose of this 2-day event is to focus on the needs of families and the mechanisms and strategies professionals can use to maximise opportunity for a balanced life. The underlying premise is that living a life in balance is the key to success whether one is a parent, a child, or a professional. It is expected that participants will learn strategies to recognise, approach and alter life patterns that may be facilitative to their desire to live a healthy and balanced life.

Fee Course Code: RC10C103H
Fee Fee: $300 register for course

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Education Assistants Supporting Children with Deafness/hearing impairment - PERTH

Date When: Day 1 Friday 29th january and Day 2 Monday 19th April 2010 (online study activities to be completed between face to face workshops). 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by: Presenters from WAIDE and the Renwick Centre.
Venue: WA Institute for Deaf Education located at 53 Curtin Avenue, Cottesloe in Western Australia.

The 'Education Assistants Supporting Children with Deafness/Hearing Impairment' course will be conducted in Perth early in 2010. This course is intended to provide participants with the competencies required to assist in supporting learners with hearing impairment in the learning environment. The course would suit people already employed as Education Assistants or who are seeking employment in this role in the future.

Upon successful completion of the program participants will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of hearing impairment and its effect on learning,
  • Use the knowledge of the role and duties of an Education Assistant working with a student with hearing impairment, and
  • Apply skills and strategies to assist in the support of a learner with hearing impairment across a range of learning environments.

Fee Course Code: RC10C101H
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Improving the Outcomes of Hearing Impaired Students in Mainstream schools (one-day workshop)

Date When: Wednesday 24th February or Monday 15th March, 2010 (one-day repeat workshop), 8.30am to 3.30pm
Presented by Presented by: Staff of RIDBC Garfield Barwick Centre
Venue: MLC, Grantham Street, Burwood.
Please note, no parking is provided, street parking is 2 hours only. Strathfield or Burwood stations are a 5 minute walk from MLC. Street parking is available on the north side of Parramatta Road, approx. 10 minute walk.

Mainstream teachers will benefit from this one-day workshop by gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics, expectations, and needs of students with hearing impairments. They will also attain a heightened awareness of the potentially important role that they can play in improving the educational outcomes of students with impaired hearing. Suggested practical classroom measures will be augmented by exploration of wider perspectives that include the issues of communication, literacy development, the use of technology, and opportunities for the students’ social inclusion both in and out of class.

Fee Course Code: RC10C102H
Fee Fee:
$150
with no RIDBC school support.
Register for 24th February
OR
Register for 15th March

$40 with RIDBC school support.
Register for 24th February.
OR
Register for 15th March

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Leaders in Deaf Education Special Meeting - "Working Towards Mandatory Qualifications for Teachers of the Deaf"

Date When: Thursday 4th & Friday 5th March, day 1: 12 pm to 4 pm, day 2: 8.30 am to 4 pm
Presented by Presented by:
RIDBC Renwick Centre Staff

This meeting will specifically focus on developing a National Consensus Statement on mandatory qualifications for Teachers of the Deaf. All professionals in leadership and management positions within Deaf Education in both Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to attend and contribute to this additional meeting for the “Leaders in Deaf Education”. (Please note the Leaders in Deaf Education 5th Annual Meeting will be held on 8th & 9th Of September 2010)

Fee Course Code: RC10C105H
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Teachers Aides Supporting Children with Hearing Impairment

Date When: Thursday 22nd April to Thursday 19th August (2 face to face days plus online study), 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
RIDBC Staff

This course will provide participants with the competencies required to assist in supporting learners with hearing impairment. It will enhance the skills and knowledge of people employed/seeking employment as teacher aides, child care workers, or care assistants. Participants will gain an understanding of hearing impairment and its effect on learning, examine the role of a teachers aide and apply skills and practical strategies to assist a learner with hearing impairment.

Fee Course Code: RC10C107H
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Hearing-Loss Simulation - Training Communication Partners with HELOS

Date When: Friday 18th June, 8.30 am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Associate professor Norm Erber

Most parents, teachers, and therapists want to understand: (1) the effects of impaired hearing on speech perception; and (2) how to facilitate a child's communication/language learning. This course will provide insight through a range of experiences with HELOS hearing-loss simulation software. Hands-on workshop activities will include demonstrations, creation of video recordings, live interaction through HELOS, and participation in a variety of communication-training activities.

Fee Course Code: RC10C106H
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Hearing-Loss Simulation - Training Communication Partners with HELOS (PERTH)

Date When: Friday 13th August, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Associate Professor Norm Erber

Most parents, teachers, and therapists want to understand: (1) the effects of impaired hearing on speech perception; and (2) how to facilitate a child's communication/language learning. This course will provide insight through a range of experiences with HELOS hearing-loss simulation software. Hands-on workshop activities will include demonstrations, creation of video recordings, live interaction through HELOS, and participation in a variety of communication-training activities.

Fee Course Code: RC10C108H
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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5th Annual Leaders in Deaf Education Meeting

Date When: Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th September, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Staff of the RIDBC Renwick Centre and presenters from other participating organizations.
Keynote Address will be given by Dr Cheryl DeConde Johnson from Colorado, USA.

This meeting is designed to facilitate networking, discussion of issues and as a support mechanism for leaders in deaf education in both Australia and New Zealand. Participants from both private and public organizations are encouraged to contribute to the meeting through the sharing of program innovations.

Fee Course Code: RC10C110H
Fee Fee: $250 register for course

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Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Conference

Date When: Friday 10th September, 8.30am to 3.30pm
Presented by Presented by:
Keynote: Dr Cheryl DeConde Johnson

A one-day conference for visiting teachers and other professionals supporting students who are Deaf and hearing impaired in mainstream settings. Sessions will address a range of topics in the areas of: Social/Emotional Issues, Deaf Education, Audiology and General Education/Teaching Practice.

Fee Course Code: RC10C111H
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Audiologists two day seminar

Date When: Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th September, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Cheryl DeConde Johnson

Monday 13th September
Session 1 (morning) Paediatric Audiology - Partnerships
Models of Educational Audiology: partnerships of educational and pediatric audiology practice.
Session 2 (afternoon) Paediatric Audiology - Transitions
Transition from school to adulthood: Self-Advocacy and Personal Responsibility related to communication access and hearing and hearing assistance technology transition

Tuesday 14th September
Session 3 (morning) Audiology in the classroom
Classroom Listening Assessment including Classroom Acoustics
Session 4 (afternoon) Minimal hearing loss in the classroom
The M & M Children: minimal and mild hearing loss

Both days of this seminar will mainly be for Audiologists with the second day being of particular interest to teachers of the deaf

Fee Course Code: RC10C112H
Fee Fee: $250 register for course

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Deaf History Course

Date When: Monday 27th September to Friday 1st October, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Breda Carty,Lecturer, RIDBC Renwick Centre, Dr Susannah Macready and Darlene Thornton

This week-long workshop will present new information about Deaf History, and will include a ‘mini-conference’, where participants are encouraged to present their own work and receive constructive feedback. The workshop will also provide practical opportunities for learning how to find, analyse and share historical resources and research.

Fee Course Code: RC10C113H
Fee Fee: $550 (or $150 for one day, $250 for 2 days, or $110 per day for 3 or more days: please indicate preferred dates on registration) register for course

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Centre for Special Education & Disability Studies Research Mini-Conference

Date When: Friday 8th October, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Staff from RIDBC Renwick centre and the University of Newcastle

This one-day event provides a showcase for the research being conducted within the Centre for Special Education & Disability Studies (CSEDS) at the University of Newcastle. The Centre comprises research staff from the Newcastle, Ourimbah and RIDBC Renwick Centre campuses of the University. A range of research topics related to the education of children with special needs will be presented by academic staff and research higher degree students from across the School of Education, University Newcastle. This mini-conference will be of interest to a broad range of people with interests in special education and disability studies including classroom teachers, parents, post-graduate students (particularly country and interstate students), and those considering enrolling in postgraduate studies.

Fee Course Code: RC10C105M
Fee Fee: $30 register for course


Deaf Teenagers: Social and Emotional Issues (PERTH)

Date When: Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th October, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
TBA

This annual seminar conducted jointly by the WA Foundation for Deaf Children and the RIDBC Renwick Centre will be held in Perth. Interstate participants are encouraged to attend and recommendations for nearby accommodation can be provided.

Fee Course Code: RC10C114H
Fee Fee: $250 register for course

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New (?) Answers to Old Questions: Literacy Development in Deaf Learners (SYDNEY)

Date When: 11th and 12th November
Presented by Presented by:
Beverley Trezek, DePaul University, USA and Dr. Connie Mayer, York University, Canada

In this two-day workshop*, participants will be introduced to a framework for understanding literacy learning (i.e., reading and writing) in deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) individuals. Answers to long-standing questions about the nature of literacy development and effective instructional strategies will be explored throughout day one, with an emphasis on the changing context in the field (i.e., UNHS, cochlear implants, evidence-based practice). In day two, participants will receive training in Visual Phonics, a multimodal instructional tool used to assist deaf students in acquiring phonological skills. Instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing will be demonstrated and practiced focusing on the role and pedagogical application of Visual Phonics.
*Attendance at both days of the workshop is not required but is highly recommended

Fee Course Code: RC10C109H
Fee Fee: $250 register for course

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Visual Phonics and Literacy (PERTH)

Date When: 16th and 17th November
Presented by Presented by:
Beverley Trezek, DePaul University, USA and Dr. Connie Mayer, York University, Canada

See course information above

Fee Course Code: RC10C115H
Fee Fee: $250 register for course

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BRAILLE

Braille for Educators

Date When: July to November 2010
Presented by Presented by: Josie Howse, Manager, State Braille and Large Print Service, NSW DET and Nicola Stowe, Publications Officer, RIDBC VisonEd.

This twenty-week course in Unified English Braille (UEB), offered by distance education, introduces students to basic skills in writing and reading Braille and is offered in both semesters each year. Through a series of weekly lessons, students will develop such skills as transcription of print to Braille using a Perkins Brailler; transcription of embossed Braille to print; and general formatting guidelines for the layout of Braille, including the layout of test papers. A certificate of proficiency in Unified English Braille (Grade 2) is awarded by the RIDBC Renwick Centre upon the successful completion of the course.

Fee Course Code: RC10C101BV
Fee Fee: $400 (Texts included) register for course

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Braille for English Speaking Pacific Islanders

DateWhen: Commences march 2010 via distance learning
Presented byPresented by: Frances Gentle, Lecturer in Vision Impairment, RIDBC Renwick Centre

This is a distance education course in Unified English Braille (UEB) for people in Pacific Island nations (or other relevant interested parties). The course introduces students to basic skills in writing and reading Braille. Through a series of weekly lessons, students will develop such skills as transcription of print to Braille using either a slate and stylus or a Perkins Brailler; transcription of embossed Braille to print; and general formatting guidelines for the layout of Braille, including the layout of test papers. A certificate of proficiency in Unified English Braille: Pacific Region is awarded by the RIDBC Renwick Centre upon the successful completion of the course. In Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2008, in collaboration with Callan Studies Institute of PNG.

Fee Course Code: RC10C102V
Fee Fee: FREE. register for course

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Braille for Beginners: Module 1

DateWhen: Commences March 2010 via distance learning
Presented byPresented by: Frances Gentle, Lecturer in Vision Impairment, RIDBC Renwick Centre

This course provides an introduction to braille for those who wish to learn the Braille alphabet, numbers and some simple Braille contractions. The content is presented in a series of self-paced lessons, using a printed training guide, a CD and accompanying online materials. Course participants may progress to Module 2 if they wish to become proficient in contracted (Grade 2) Braille.

Fee Course Code: RC10C103V
Fee Fee: $150 Register for Course.

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VISION IMPAIRMENT

 

Living a Balanced Life: Assisting Parents of Children with a Sensory Impairment (for Parents)

Date When: Wednesday 24th february 2010, 9.30 - 12
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Dale Atkins

Dr Dale V. Atkins, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who has more than thirty years of experience as a relationship expert focusing on hearing loss, social skills, marriage, parenting, communication, aging well, transitions and living a balanced life. She received her Masters Degree in Education of the Deaf and taught at the Lexington School for the Deaf in New York, The Micha Center for Deaf Children in Israel, and The John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles. Author of several books, articles and journals for popular and professional audiences, Dr. Atkins is a much sought after lecturer as well as media commentator. She is a regular guest expert on the USA NBC's 'Today' and has appeared on many TV and radio programs. Please visit Dr Atkins' website for more information.

You can either register online register for course or call 02 9872 0207 for further information. There is no charge for this course.


 

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Supporting Families

Date When: Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd February, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Dale Atkins

The purpose of this 2-day event is to focus on the needs of families and the mechanisms and strategies professionals can use to maximise opportunity for a balanced life. The underlying premise is that living a life in balance is the key to success whether one is a parent, a child, or a professional. It is expected that participants will learn strategies to recognise, approach and alter life patterns that may be facilitative to their desire to live a healthy and balanced life.

Fee Course Code: RC10C103H
Fee Fee: $300 register for course

AGBell logo

 

 

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Visual Surveillance and Screening

Date When: Friday 23rd April, 8.30 am to 4 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Sue Silveira, Orthoptist and research fellow, RIDBC Renwick Centre

This workshop will equip health professionals with the knowledge to be able to conduct childhood vision surveillance and screening in accordance with the NSW "My First Health Record".

Prereading of approximately 6 hours is required, prior to attending. A module will be sent at least 2 weeks ahead which covers the rationale for vision surveillance and screening; visual development; basic ocular anatomy; and tools for identification of signs of vision and eye problems through vision surveillance and screening.

The workshop will cover the practical skills required for vision surveillance and screening, drawing on the knowledge gained from the prereading module.

Fee Course Code: RC10C104V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Visual Efficiency Training-Teaching Low Vision Skills to students with a Vision Impairment

Date When: Friday 14th May, 8.30 am to 12.30 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Heather Archbold, Vision Support Teacher, NSW Dept of Education & Guest Lecturer at the Renwick Centre.

The presentation will include assessment, programming and practical lesson ideas for the teaching of low vision skills to students with a vision impairment. The skills needed for the efficient use of low vision aids and the need for students to have a basic understanding of the implications of their own vision impairment will also be addressed.

Fee Course Code: RC10C108V
Fee Fee: $80 register for course

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Orientation & Mobility

Date When: Thursday 20th May
Presented by Presented by:
Desiree Gallimore, Ewa Borkowski & April Harris

The morning session in this practical course covers introductory techniques followed by an afternoon session learning more advanced techniques. Participants may attend either morning or afternoon sessions, or both. The introductory session involves basic guiding techniques, assistance with independent travel and in room familiarisation. The afternoon session will focus on particular aspects of guiding techniques, travel techniques, use of landmarks, clues, simple maps, communication cards and sequencing skills acquisition, plus a particular focus on issues for students with multiple disabilities.

Fee Course Code: RC10C105V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Childhood and Common Eye Conditions

Date When: Friday 7th May, 2 pm to 4 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr John Gregory Roberts, Hon. Ophthalmologist & Board member of RIDBC and Visiting Lecturer at RIDBC Renwick Centre.

This presentation will include an overview of common clinical conditions which will include childhood disorders such as retinopathy of prematurity, and strabismus and common surgical conditions such as cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery and medical eye diseases including macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

Fee Course Code: RC10C106V
Fee Fee: $40 register for course

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Social Skills Across the Lifespan; Early childhood and family life (parents and early childhood teaching staff)

Date When: Wednesday 9 June 2010, 9 am to 4 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Karen Wolffe

In this course, Dr. Karen Wolffe will introduce the basic social skills that young children with visual impairments benefit from acquiring at home and in early childhood programs: developing concepts of self and others, engagement skills, turn-taking skills, cooperative play skills, and so forth. These foundation skills in the social area will serve them well as they transition into elementary and secondary school settings.

Fee Course Code: RC10C111V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course
(Social Skills Across the Lifespan 3 day special $400 register for 3 days)

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Social Skills Across the Lifespan; Teaching social skills to school-aged youngsters (school-based personnel)

Date When: Thursday 10 June 2010, 9 am to 4 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Karen Wolffe

In this course, Dr. Wolffe will discuss the social skills necessary for students with visual impairments to establish and maintain positive relationships at school and in the community: positive communication skills, including demonstration and interpretation of nonverbal cues; self-awareness and self-improvement; learning to reciprocate in social settings, actively participate in play or other extracurricular opportunities; and so forth. These are the relationship-building skills that will enable children with visual impairments to?move into adult roles and responsibilities successfully.

Fee Course Code: RC10C112V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course
(Social Skills Across the Lifespan 3 day special $400 register for 3 days)

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Social Skills Across the Lifespan; Social skills in the work place and community (staff working with teens and adults)

Date When: Friday 11 June 2010, 9 am to 4 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Dr Karen Wolffe

In this course, Dr. Wolffe will focus on the soft skills required for success in work and adult life: an understanding of the impact of one's behaviors on others, hence the need for punctuality and attendance, following rules and instruction from others, working cooperatively with others, etc.; an appreciation and acceptance of others' differences, the ability to communicate assertively, the understanding of differences in the levels of relationships that one develops and maintains, an awareness of how social demands change over the course of time in relationships, and so forth. Without these soft skills, youth and adults with disabilities run the risk of not securing employment or; if they secure jobs, being unable to maintain employment. These are also the skills that enable youth and adults to establish life-long relationships with others.

Fee Course Code: RC10C113V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course
(Social Skills Across the Lifespan 3 day special $400 register for 3 days)

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Accessing Information - Up-date on Alternate Formats

Date When: Wednesday 16th June,?8.30am ? 12pm
Presented by Presented by:
Tim Connell, Managing Director, Quantum Technology Pty. Ltd., Rydalmere NSW

During Christmas 2009, an historic milestone was reached when Amazon.com sold more e-books than traditional books on paper. Alternate format is becoming mainstream! In this session we will look at the increasing number of options for converting information into other formats, including large print, audio, DAISY and Braille. We will explore some commercially available products as well as freeware and low cost apps. Discussion will also focus on how alternate formats can be incorporated into everyday classroom use.

Fee Course Code: RC10C115V
Fee Fee: $80 register for course

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“Trekker Breeze makes Travelling an Easy Task”

Date When: 23 June 2010, 8.30 am to 12 pm
Presented by Presented by:
Sam Taylor and Phil Hazell

The presentation will cover essential topics such as expectations with GPS orientation, discovering more from the environment, the ability to quickly become familiar with new routes, step by step instructions from start to end and knowing what is around in your location.

Fee Course Code: RC10C116V
Fee Fee: $80 register for course

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Teacher Aides Supporting Children with Vision Impairment

Date When: Tuesday 3rd August to Tuesday 2nd November (2 face to face days plus online study), 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
RIDBC Staff

This course will provide participants with the competencies required to assist in supporting learners with vision impairment.It will enhance the skills and knowledge of people employed or seeking employment as teacher aides, child care assistants or residential care assistants or who are otherwise engaged in assisting people who are vision impaired. Participants will gain an understanding of vision impairment and its effect on learning, examine the role and duties of a Teachers Aide, and apply skills and practical strategies (e.g. orientation and mobility) to assist in the support of a learner with vision impairment across a range of learning environments.

Fee Course Code: RC10C109V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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Centre for Special Education & Disability Studies Research Mini-Conference

Date When: Friday 8th October, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Staff from RIDBC Renwick centre and the University of Newcastle

This one-day event provides a showcase for the research being conducted within the Centre for Special Education & Disability Studies (CSEDS) at the University of Newcastle. The Centre comprises research staff from the Newcastle, Ourimbah and RIDBC Renwick Centre campuses of the University. A range of research topics related to the education of children with special needs will be presented by academic staff and research higher degree students from across the School of Education, University Newcastle. This mini-conference will be of interest to a broad range of people with interests in special education and disability studies including classroom teachers, parents, post-graduate students (particularly country and interstate students), and those considering enrolling in postgraduate studies.

Fee Course Code: RC10C105M
Fee Fee: $30 register for course

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Visual Surveillance and Screening

Date When: Monday 18th October, 8.30am to 4pm
Presented by Presented by:
Sue Silveira, Orthoptist and research fellow, RIDBC Renwick Centre

This workshop will equip health professionals with the knowledge to be able to conduct childhood vision surveillance and screening in accordance with the NSW "My First Health Record".

Prereading of approximately 6 hours is required, prior to attending. A module will be sent at least 2 weeks ahead which covers the rationale for vision surveillance and screening; visual development; basic ocular anatomy; and tools for identification of signs of vision and eye problems through vision surveillance and screening.

The workshop will cover the practical skills required for vision surveillance and screening, drawing on the knowledge gained from the prereading module.


Fee Course Code: RC10C110V
Fee Fee: $150 register for course

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DVD Resource

Australasian Deaf Studies Symposium III 2008 DVD

The DVD of this 2-day symposium, which ran during september 2008, is now available for purchase.

A Keynote Address was given by Robert Adam (Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre, University College London, UK), with Dr Breda Carty, from RIDBC Renwick Centre chairing the event.

The Symposium focused on the concept of "Deaf Identity", and how it is evolving in a changing world. The two-day event is of special interest to Deaf people and their families, those who work with them, and researchers and teachers in the Deaf Studies field. The symposium provides an opportunity to re-examine this complex subject from a variety of different perspectives. The DVD features video footage from each session of the Symposium presented in its entirety with additional access to supplementary materials used during the session. View the promotional flyer for more information. The DVD can be ordered using the order form.

Watch these highlights!

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Special Offers and Discounts

Special offers are available when registering for more than one course, or for multiple registrations from the same organisation. For more information please contact the CPE team on (02) 9872 0302 or e-mail cpe@ridbc.org.au.

 

Registration

To register for a course, please complete the online registration form or alternatively, contact us.

 

Location

All courses are located at the RIDBC Renwick Centre in Sydney, Australia, unless otherwise stated.

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