2023 seminar: Be Seen Be Heard Be Connected

UPDATE (Aug 2023): The report below outlines the Aotearoa New Zealand context for planning a seminar for deafblind while still in a “Covid live” environment, logistical challenges, and the successes and outcomes that have inspired plans for another seminar in 2025. We also note the learnings that offer us scope for improvement going forwards.

Deafblind Association New Zealand Charitable Trust Seminar 2023 Executive Officer Report

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In January 2023, we hosted our second biannual 'Be Seen Be Heard Be Connected' seminar, with the theme 'Reconnecting'.

Held 22-25 January 2023 at Riccarton House in Ilam, Ōtautahi Christchurch, it included attendances by:

• Patron Ruth Dyson
• Minister for Disability Issues Poto Williams
• Chief Executive Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People Paula Tesoriero
• various representatives from Blind Low Vision NZ, and
• people from around New Zealand and the world working in areas of interest to people with dual sensory loss.

In this section, you can find out more, read speeches and presentations, and look at images from the seminar, which was a great success!

Note: the section will evolve over between late January to mid February 2023 as we add more content.

More information

• Our Instagram feed

• Minister Poto Williams' speech

• Paula Tesoriero, CE of Whaikaha's speech

• Jessica Nelapovich, Manager Guide Dog Service's speech

• BLENNZ's update on education and deafblind tamariki, including questions and answers

• Personal reflections from Amanda Stevens, Executive Officer Deafblind Association

• Our image gallery (coming soon)