IDK’s first Life Skills workshop for deaf and hard-of-hearing teens in Dublin yesterday, was high-energy and received great feedback (see below).
Mike Rossney, the first presenter, used a board-break exercise to show the teens they can break through their own ‘barriers’ if they apply themselves. By taking charge of their fears, they can then move towards their life goals.
Ireland’s first deaf pilot, who got his licence in the US, continued the theme by advising the teens that they won’t find their limits till they try themselves. He has posted a YouTube video of piloting himself into Dublin Airport.
IDK’s Caroline Carswell concluded the workshop session by sharing some life lessons with the group, for the teens to use to their own benefit. Getting her first job was one story angle: see clip on YouTube (with thanks to Mike).
Through the day, practical tips were also given for handling situations the teens may find themselves in, and for advocating for themselves as needed.
Details of the next workshop will be flagged, once it is planned. Feel free to post any questions or suggestions as a comment to this piece.
Feedback from the participants:
Brilliant idea to have interpreters and captioning.
Great choice of presenters!
Very interesting to hear new things.
I feel lighter [after the board-break exercise].
I would like [to attend] future IDK workshops!
I will tell more deaf [people] to come to future workshops.
I will encourage more deaf students to attend [so they can] learn to interact with others and to share experiences.
This workshop was free-of-charge to teen participants, thanks to IDK’s win in a competition held by 3 Mobile & the Sunday Business Post in April 2010.
