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Pathways to Inclusive Education and
Human Rights for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
Empowering Change in the Caribbean and Beyond

July 23 – 25, 2026

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
ST AUGUSTINE CAMPUS,
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

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About the Event

The University of the West Indies School of Education will be hosting 

The Caribbean Deaf Education Conference 2026

The conference will run from Thursday, 23rd  to Saturday, 25th July 2026 at School of Education, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. This three-day conference, which culminates in a Deaf Expo/Fair, will feature a mix of keynote presentations by leading experts, focused workshops on Deaf Education research and practice, and presentations by local, regional, and international researchers, practitioners, and advocates.

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Conference Theme

Pathways to Inclusive Education and Human Rights for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
Empowering Change in the Caribbean and Beyond

Sub-Themes:

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Inclusive Practices in Deaf Education

Inclusive Practices in Deaf Education

Focuses on strategies and frameworks to create inclusive and equitable educational environments for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, emphasising accessibility and support at all educational levels, including ECCE, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Literacy Development fir Deaf Learners

Literacy Development for Deaf Learners

Explores methodologies and best practices for developing literacy skills in deaf and hard-of-hearing students, addressing the unique challenges they face in acquiring reading and writing skills.

Advocacy and Legislation for Deaf Rights

Advocacy and Legislation for Deaf Rights

Examines existing legislation impacting the rights and education of deaf individuals, highlighting the role of parents and students in advocacy efforts, the role of policy in promoting inclusion and equity, and grassroots movements and community engagement.

Sign Language Access and Interpretation

Sign Language Access and Interpretation

Addresses the importance of sign language interpreting in educational settings, discussing training for interpreters and the role of sign language in facilitating communication.

Health and Wellness in the Deaf Community

Health and Wellness in the Deaf Community

Discussions on accessibility and support emphasise the need to address health challenges within inclusive educational frameworks.

Addressing Gender Issues in the Deaf Community

Addressing Gender Issues in the Deaf Community

Explores gender dynamics within the deaf community, focusing on the unique experiences of deaf women and girls, as well as intersectional issues related to gender and disability.

Professional Development for Educators and Support Staff

Professional Development for Educators and Support Staff

Covers training programmes for teachers and teacher aides, equipping them with the skills needed to effectively teach and support deaf students in various educational settings, including ECCE, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Crisis Management and Disaster Preparedness in Deaf Education

Crisis Management and Disaster Preparedness in Deaf Education

Discusses strategies for preparing deaf education systems for crises, including emergency preparedness plans tailored to the needs of deaf students, with attention to health challenges they may face.

Lessons Learned from COVID-19 in Deaf Education

Lessons Learned from COVID-19 in Deaf Education

Reflects on the challenges and successes faced by the deaf education community during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying lessons learnt and future directions for resilient educational practices.

Exploring Deaf Identity: Cochlear Implants, Speech Therapy, and Language Use

Exploring Deaf Identity: Cochlear Implants, Speech Therapy, and Language Use

Investigates diverse perspectives regarding cochlear implants, speech therapy, and the use of native Caribbean sign languages, addressing issues of identity and language deprivation.

Leadership and Empowerment in Deaf Education

Literacy Development for Deaf Learners

Explores methodologies and best practices for developing literacy skills in deaf and hard-of-hearing students, addressing the unique challenges they face in acquiring reading and writing skills.