Empowerment of Touch: Providing Access to DeafBlind Patients
Empowerment of Touch:
Providing Access to DeafBlind Patients
Presenter: Jill Gaus, DeafBlind Professional
Date & Time: Friday, June 26, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Special Olympics of Michigan Building – 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Registration Fee: $80/ticket – $80 is earlybird registration pricing. The ticket price will increase to $90 on 6/1/26. Registration closes 6/19/26.
REGISTER TODAY: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bjuAkvjpdtuMkxGu2O0p-g
Join us during DeafBlind Awareness month for a thoughtful workshop with DeafBlind professional Jill Gaus. A practical workshop designed to equip healthcare providers, support staff, and service professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively serve patients who are DeafBlind, this interactive session will challenge participants to reconsider their approach when serving DeafBlind patients.
Whether you’re new to working with DeafBlind individuals or looking to deepen your competency, this workshop offers valuable insights to promote accessibility, respect, and effective care.
Learning Objectives
• Define DeafBlind and recognize the vast range of vision and hearing loss and how that impacts communication needs.
• Identify accommodation methods for DeafBlind and how to ensure effective communication using these methods.
• Recognize the legal and ethical obligations to provide effective communication to DeafBlind patients.
• Observe and practice appropriate ways to approach, communicate with, and provide sighted guide to DeafBlind patients.
• Address the roles and responsibilities of the different members of the care team.
Target Audience
Healthcare Professionals, Social Workers, Emergency Services (Fire, EMT, Police), Accommodations Staff, and any patient service roles!
Cancellation Policy – 50% refund if cancelled by June 1, 2026. After June 1, no refund will be given. D&HHS reserves the right to cancel at any time with a full refund.
Questions?
Event Questions: Erica Chapin, echapin@deafhhs.org