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Glasgow hosts major conference for deafblind and disabled people and their families
Listen 2 Me 4, hosted by Sense Scotland, attracts world renowned speakers
For one week at the end of August, Sense Scotland hosts the fourth Deafblind International Listen 2 Me conference, as disabled people and their families from across Europe gather together in Glasgow. From the 22nd to the 27th of August 2008 delegates will participate in workshops, seminars and presentations which look at the challenges faced by deafblind people, as well celebrating their skills and talents. Delegates also have the chance enjoy day tours and social evenings with music and performances provided by some of the people supported by Sense Scotland.
"There's still time to book places for the Listen 2 Me Conference in August which promises to be a wonderful opportunity for deafblind and disabled people and their families to gather together," said Gillian Morbey, Chief Executive of Sense Scotland. "It's a unique opportunity for renowned speakers and families to share centre stage, present their ideas and knowledge while celebrating all the wonderful international work."
Accommodation is at the Campanile Hotel by Glasgow's Clydeside, while Sense Scotland's TouchBase resource in Kinning Park is the main venue for presentations and activities. Creche facilities will be provided. Attendees will hear presentations from parents, brothers and sisters as well as seminars frompeople including William Green, President of DbI (Deafblind International), Janka Sarisska from Slovakia and Paul Hart, Principal Officer for Practice at Sense Scotland. The conference main sponsor is Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland and is further supported by the Souter Charitable Trust and the Hoover Foundation.
- Event:
- Listen 2 Me 4
- Date/time:
- August 22nd- 27th 2008
- Conference venue:
- TouchBase, 43 Middlesex Street, Glasgow, Scotland G41 1EE
To take part contact:
For more information contact:
Sense Scotland43 Middlesex Street
Kinning Park
Glasgow G41 1EE
Tel: +44 (0)141 429 0294
Fax: +44 (0)141 429 0295
Text: +44 (0)141 418 7170
Click here to download a booking form for residential places. To read this document you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer system. 
- Residential delegate rates:
- £278/€350 for each delegate (at the Campanile Hotel).
- Day delegates:
- £35/€44 for non-residential delegate. Both rates include lunch and crèche; evening meals can be provided at an extra cost.
Conference highlights include:
Parents Panel - Parent's Hopes and Dreams: A panel led by Scottish parents discuss Hopes and Dreams for their children. A DVD will also be shown. Peter Fasung from Slovakia, and Ricard Lopez from Catalonia will contribute along with Scottish families as they explore their hopes, dreams and concerns for their children.
Brothers and Sisters - DbI Siblings Network: The conference will welcome all brothers and sisters to join this network. It will be a chance for siblings to meet other people who also have a disabled brother or sister, to have fun and maybe even learn something new.
Young person panel discussion - young persons' group: Discussion asking whether we really listen to children? Are their needs understood? Are they patronised or over-protected?
The Art of Being - Paul Hart, Principal Officer for Practice at Sense Scotland: Paul's presentation will explore what it means to really live authentically as your self. How can any of us be the person we were supposed to be? And how can we recognise other people for the persons they are supposed to be? Getting Together - Paul Hart: Paul will highlight some of the themes explored during "The Art of Being" plenary session, with a particular focus on ways of developing activities that help friendships and relationships develop naturally.
Growing Older - William Green chairs a presentation by parents: A universal concern of parents is "what happens when I am no longer able to look after my child?". William will chair an open discussion where people can talk about how they approach this difficult subject and share their concerns and maybe even some solutions.
Risk and Outdoor Activities - Dr Joe Gibson Sense Scotland's Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator: Joe's presentation examines the level of risk in the outdoor activities undertaken with service users. The value of risk and the benefits of the activities will be discussed along with the distinction between real and perceived risk as well as what is risk to service users.
Practical Arts Activities - Music, Visual Arts, Drama & Woodwork Tutors: Sense Scotland art tutors will assist delegates with various activities, including "making a wish", where people can create a three dimensional representation of their wishes or hopes and hang it a tree. These can be taken home after the conference as a memento. There will also be drumming workshops, and woodwork sessions. Drama Games - Jon Reid, Creative Arts Tutor: The Drama games on offer will be fun, informal and practical and will provide an opportunity for people to come together and meet each other in a friendly, invigorating environment.
The Arts - Gillian Morbey, Chief Executive of Sense Scotland and Music Tutor David McCluskey: Gill gives a history of Sense Scotland's art programme, why it started and the belief in arts as an approach. David will describe some aspects of his work demonstrating this with some inspiring film.
Stress Management - Rachael Tonge, Advisory Worker with Sense Scotland's Parent Enabler Project: Rachael presents a workshop involving discussions about how to recognise warning signs our body gives us when we are stressed.It will look at ideas on how to manage stress and involve a relaxation exercise.
DbI Siblings Network: Having a deafblind and disabled brother or sister can have a big impact on young people's lives in both positive and negative ways. During this conference we welcome all brothers and sisters to join us. Young people can get to know other siblings who also have a disabled brother or sister, have fun and maybe you even learn something new.
Evening at TouchBase: The conference will end in a celebratory final evening in Sense Scotland's new resource, TouchBase.
Civic Reception: Hosted by Glasgow's Lord Provost in the City Chambers.