Recognised for her knowledge and expertise in vision impairment education, Dr Wolffe’s latest course draws on over 40 years’ experience in the field.

Dr Wolffe visited Australia earlier this year to deliver a range of presentations at RIDBC and other organisations. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis interrupted the full in-person program that was planned. So instead we recorded Dr Wolffe remotely from her home in Texas, USA. Now, parents and educators of children with vision impairment can access the valuable lessons in this online course.

Title: Social Skill Development: Physical and Mental Well-Being for Life. What’s Not to Like about Being Engaged with Others?

What it’s about: The course focuses on the importance of how people interact with others and how these interactions are influenced by the quality of our social skills. For children and youth who are blind or have low vision, developing these social skills can be challenging when social cues and the body language of others cannot be seen.

Dr Wolffe poses the question, ‘How can parents and educators empower children and youth who are blind or have low vision to develop resilience and effective self-advocacy skills’? In response you will learn ready-to-use strategies and techniques to assist children and youth with vision impairment.

How long is it: There are 12 hours of content. The online course offers the flexibility of learning at your own pace. The content is so interesting, you may just want to watch it twice!

Dr Wolffe is highly skilled in connecting with audiences. Whether it be professionals, academics, or parents with a child who is blind or has low vision, Dr Wolffe’s unique presentation skills inform and inspire.

“Dr Wolffe is a world leader in vision impairment education. She has been a great contributor to the postgraduate and CPE programs at RIDBC Renwick Centre, and continues to share her extensive knowledge,” said Dr Fran Gentle, RIDBC Lecturer.

“She always brings something new.”

RIDBC Renwick Centre’s Trudy Smith has also been fortunate to witness the work of Dr Wolffe.

“Dr Wolffe has supported countless students, teachers, therapists, support staff and other specialists during her many visits to RIDBC,” Trudy said.

As well as her sizable contribution to her profession, this internationally renowned researcher, educator and author also delivers parent workshops that offer practical advice and solutions to RIDBC families.

Dr Wolffe’s connection with RIDBC goes back 15-years. Despite residing in the US, Dr Wolffe is a regular visitor to Australia. Thank you, Dr Wolffe for your continued contribution to vision impairment education with this insightful and engaging course.

This news article was created prior to 22 March 2021 when NextSense was Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC).