Supporting post-school transition for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

School-leavers who are deaf or hard of hearing face the usual challenges of emerging adulthood, but with the added challenges that are specific to their hearing loss, including communication difficulties, identity issues, and a range of social and structural barriers. These young people can no longer rely on the supports that have been provided to them throughout their school years. They need well-developed knowledge and skills in many areas, including self-advocacy and self-awareness, in order to achieve success in post-school education and employment.

Dr Punch's on-demand presentation presents a model of transition planning specific to the needs of deaf or hard of hearing students and discuss the individual practices and tools that can contribute to successful post-school transition for these students.

VDEI recommend the use of Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari (Macintosh users only) as the preferred web browsers to seamlessly register and access this learning.

Please note – Victorian Department of Education staff can access this professional learning offering free of charge. Enter your @education.vic.gov.au email address during the registration process to ensure the registration fee is waivered.

Participants will develop an understanding of:

• Why specific post-school transition planning is essential for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

•  The barriers and facilitators to success in post-school education and employment for these students

•  A transition model for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

•  The best transition practices to support deaf and hard of hearing students in their post-school transition

Dr. Renée Punch is an Adjunct Professional Fellow in the School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University. She is a researcher and consultant in the area of disability and deafness, and has a background in counselling.

Dr Punch has published widely in international peer-reviewed journals in the areas of children and young people who are deaf or hard of hearing, adults with hearing loss in the workplace, and older adults with hearing loss.

Her primary research interest is in the post-school transition and career development of young people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Download On-Demand Flyer

This On-Demand presentation is delivered in spoken English with captioning

Participants who successfully complete this On-Demand Presentation will receive a certificate noting 2 hours of professional learning.