DBI World Conference 2019 Technology stream: Concurrent session 11C Presenter: Karen Wickham Topic: Codesign of a national deafblind information hub with and for people with deafblindness

1. CODESIGN of a National
Deafblind Information Hub
with and for people with deafblindness
Karen Wickham
Deafblind Consultant
Senior Social Worker

2. OVERVIEW
What is co-design?
What is the National Deafblind Information Hub?
What is the Deafblind Hub reference Group?
Outcomes
 Deafblind accessible website
 Deafblind accessible videos
 Deafblind Accessible Webinars
 “Ask a Deafblind Consultant”
 Mentoring program
Future of this project

3. What is Codesign?
• Codesign can be defined as
collaboratively designing services with all
stake holders
• It’s about co-production and co-creation
• Valued component of business

4. What is Co-design
Codesign Guide based on the “Connect with Me Toolkit”
designed by People with Disabilities WA - PWdWA
Elements of codesign:
1.Engage
2.Plan
3.Explore
4.Develop
5.Decide
6.Change

5. Deafblind Information Hub
Deafblind Information Hub
 Deafblind accessible website
https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/
 Deafblind accessible videos
 Deafblind Accessible Webinars
 Mentoring program
 “Ask a Deafblind Consultant”

6. Deafblind Information Hub
Reference Group
Primary aim of the DBIH reference group:
1. To assist Senses Australia through the DBIH to
support db to understand and access the NDIS
2. To recognise the unique needs and concerns of
people who are deafblind
3. To ensure accessibly
4. To advise on relevant information outside of the hub
5. To assist in developing and implanting webinars
6. To raise awareness of the Deafblind Information Hub

7. Reference Group

8. Reference Group Meetings

9. Face to Face sessions

11. Deafblind information Hub Webinars
1. Develop webinar series for Australians with deafblindness, their
families and service providers
2. Highlighted best practice for webinar accessibility
3. Used zoom which has accessibly features
4. Auslan + captions (in various sizing) + transcript
5. Auslan terps on screen with appropriate lighting backgrounds for LV
6. Slowed clear speech for people accessing by phone or audio
7. Webinars recorded made available for people who cannot attend in
real time

14. QUOTES from Participants
“Participating in the hub was the first time I have taken part in a
video conference with two interpreters I believe this is very
promising for the future – this is a very worthwhile project”
“Being part of the DB Hub project is giving me more insight into the
needs of people who are Deafblind and how we can make
communication more accessible“
“ It has been fantastic to be involved in meetings where we can all
communicate with each other through Zoom and have open and
constructive conversations in relation to the Deafblind Hub
activities.”

15. Videos Resources
1. Considerable feedback given on existing videos
Typically asked for
 Slightly slower Auslan and captions
 Plain language
 No moving images in the background
2. Draft guidelines for Deafblind accessible videos
3. List recommendations
4. Liaison with Expressions Australia who now take these factors
into consideration when producing videos

17. Deafblind Information Website
https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/nd
is/

18. Ask a Deafblind Consultant
Services established via Deafblind Information
Hub “Ask a deafblind Consultant”
https://www.deafblindinformation.org.au/

19. Next steps
• Future webinars
• Face to face workshops ongoing
• Ask Deafblind Consultant service ongoing
• Future videos
• Reference group meet up for ongoing
feedback

20. Deafblind Information Hub
Consider your own services
Where could you use codesign principles in your
workplace??
Please Share:
 Your experiences
 Important Considerations
 Questions?

21. Thankyou