In Search of Professionalism for DeafBlind Sign Language users: exploring the existing ones and considering the missing ones

"<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the critical needs of empowering deafblind sign language users in Italy. Recognizing them as the primary target group, our goal was to inspire and empower them to become trainers for future assistants and interpreters. The project provided role models, concrete actions nationwide, and immediate financial support, resulting in positive impacts. Increased awareness of unique needs and enhanced self-confidence were observed among deafblind sign language users in Italy. Regarding our second target group composed of service providers and policy makers, since there is a crucial need of professional service providers for deafblind sign language users in Italy, we wanted to raise awareness among interested and aspiring service providers such as deafblind interpreters and deafblind assistants on deafblind topics as well as on how to become professionals and allies of deafblind users in Italy. We addressed those needs by creative a supportive environment where deafblind sign language users could actively contribute to the development of future professionals in their country, thanks to the positive impact of role models from partner organizations in this project. << Objectives >>The project had the following concrete objectives: - Promoting transnational exchanges and knowledge sharing among European and national deafblind organization- Increasing awareness about the importance of professionalism in services for deafblind sign language users- Empowering deafblind sign language users to advocate for their rights to quality services and to become trainers of deafblind professions. - Developing awareness-raising materials at the European levelThe envisioned results encompassed the creation of a network of European and national deafblind organizations, heightened awareness among Italian deafblind participants as well as a part of the service providers and policy makers in Italy, empowerment of deafblind sign language users in Italy, and the collaborative development of a Deafblind Professionalism Awareness Pack by partner organizations. These outcomes were designed to not only address immediate needs but also establish a foundation for ongoing advocacy and collaboration in the realm of deafblind services in Italy and beyond.<< Implementation >>The project featured two key activities. The ""Experts and Preparatory Meeting"" gathered deafblind representatives, the Italian events coordinator, and the media officer. Over four days, the team exchanged expertise, discussed, and crafted materials for the Deafblind Professionalism Awareness Pack. This included three days of intensive preparation to host workshops and lectures, with the fourth day dedicated to preparing the subsequent ""Deafblind Professionalism Awareness Seminar."" During this phase, a promotional video for the seminar was produced in collaboration with the media officer.The ""Professional Awareness Seminar"" attracted about 80 participants from Italy, and some European countries, including deafblind individuals, service providers, and policymakers. The workshops and presentation have outlined professionalism standards, explored the importance of allyship, provided insights into specialized interpretation, detailed assistant responsibilities, explored the unique identity of deafblind individuals, advocated for rights and equal access, and defined roles within services. Post-seminar, the expert team spent three days evaluating results, reflecting on future pack utilization, and working on it for its publication. << Results >>The project achieved the expected concrete outputs that are the Deafblind Professionalism Awareness Seminar and the publication of the Deafblind Professionalism Awareness Pack. Those results were exceeding our expectations as the initial target of 50 participants was surpassed with 80 participants at the Seminar, where active engagement occurred between participants and experts. Notably, service providers, aspiring deafblind assistants, and policymakers demonstrated commitment to enhancing professionalism in services. Deafblind participants expressed interest in becoming trainers, and seven of them established a working group with financial support for nationwide advocacy in Italy. The project also expanded networks, strengthened relationships among partner organizations, and garnered heightened commitment from the European Deafblind Union (EDbU) for a European approach on Deafblind professionalism. Moreover, representatives from other countries such as Spain, Germany and France attended the Seminar and showed increased interest in working in the same perspective as the project organisations. Finally, the Deafblind Awareness Raising Pack has been published on the webpage of the project and disseminated at the European level."