Deafblind conference 2025
Access Advisors were honoured to be part of the Third Biennial Deafblind conference in Wellington recently. The Deafblind Conference brings together people with vision and hearing impairments, along with their allies and sector partners. The conference focuses on education, networking, and empowerment.
Our senior access advisor, and current President of the Deafblind Association of New Zealand, Kevin Prince took centre stage along with all the amazing organisers. Over the three days many others helped to shape an important conversation around how best to support dual sensory loss. Topics included technology, service delivery and advocacy.
Be heard
Minister for Disability Issues Hon Louise Upston MP opened the event. Attendees commended the clarity of the Minister’s address and the government's commitment. However, many expressed a desire for more tangible follow-up actions and timelines for the future of disability services. Many others spoke about proposed changes and what they mean for our community, but no concrete plans or timelines.
Be counted
Our wonderful friend Dr Sally Britnell discussed her research into the national prevalence of dual sensory loss. There was huge interest in this topic and attendees were keen to learn more. Future research and outcomes could include additional demographic breakdown and comparison of deafblind individuals to those with low vision. It is worth noting that the data Sally discussed is currently being published and will be released once it is completed.
Banking
Two representatives from the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, Kate Kenworthy & Conn Meyer, discussed their role in providing support for people who find systems and digital platforms inaccessible. Participants described the session as "nourishing" helping give attendees practical skills and enhancing financial accessibility. You can read more about this on our blog.
Making the most of Digital Technology
New Zealand Police, Consumer New Zealand, Fire & Emergency NZ and many others discussed how they support people who are deafblind. This session explored and explained a variety of tools currently used, including audio-first interfaces.
There was also a strong sense of innovation across the three days. Several speakers discussed new technology and the role artificial intelligence is likely to play in assistive technology going forward. These sessions were design to encourage exploration of new and existing technology. Being more aware of the tech available enhances access to assistive devices and increasesg personal confidence in adopting new tools.
In between taking photographs and supporting others, Chandra joined the technology panel to discuss how mainstream technology can be used by people who are deafblind and expanding digital literacy. Also on the panel, Martine Abel Williams explained how the World Blind Union uses technology and Brian Grubb also talked about artificial intelligence.
Be connected
As well as the many amazing speakers, there was also the chance to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and share stories. One special moment was when our Kevin met Kevin the guide dog. The smiles said it all. Chandra also got to reconnect with a colleague from her journalism days and many of our amazing Access Panel. She also got to finally meet the amazing Stace Roberston from Arts Access Aotearoa who attended as a volunteer.
Global Deafblind Awareness Day
The timing for the conference also coincided with Helen Keller's birthday. The New Zealand Deafblind Association were the first people in the world to celebrate the first official Global Deafblind Awareness Day on 27 June.
As part of the celebration, member Rosalind gifted a whakataukī for the Association.
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi: With your basket, and my basket the people will thrive
This whakataukī encapsulates the idea that while working in isolation might result in survival, working together can take people beyond survival and onto prosperity. The conference was a perfect example of this philosophy in action.
Thank you for including Access Advisors in the event. We left feeling connected, inspired, and hopeful. If you are interested in hearing more about the work they do, check out the Deafblind Association website or follow them on social media.