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 Caribbean Deaf Education Conference 2026
Wednesday, July 22nd 2026, Pre-Conference Activities
Registration is now OPEN! – Email sta-cdec@uwi.edu to indicate your interest in participating in the pre-conference workshops (spaces are limited to the first 30 registrants)
- Pre-conference workshops [The following are also outlined on the Conference Programme]:
Rooms 325-326: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon: Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language (Mr Ian Dhanoolal) Part 1 (TTSL)
Rooms 203-204: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon: Developing a Parent Sign Language Curriculum (Prof. Kristin Snoddon) (ASL)
Rooms 203-204: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Translanguaging Pedagogies in Deaf Education (Prof. Kimberly Wolbers) (ASL)
Rooms 325-326: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language (Mr Ian Dhanoolal) Part 2 (TTSL)
Caribbean Deaf Education Expo/Fair
Date: July 25th at 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Venue: Freedom Hall, UWI ST Augustine.
Aim: to showcase and provide meet-and-greet opportunities for Deaf-owned Businesses, the Government, Corporate, Business and NGO/CSO organizations that engage with the Deaf
Cost to set up a booth is TTD $300.
To register to set up a booth, email: sta-cdec@uwi.edu
Interested in CEU Certification!
If you would like to receive Continuing Education Units (CEU) Certification for your participation and attendance as a presenter or delegate at the Caribbean Deaf Education Conference at an additional cost of TT$ 100 / US$15, please indicate at STA-CDEC@sta.uwi.edu:
- Name of presenter or delegate
- Payment of TT$100 / US$15 at Touchnet Portal
If you would like to receive CEU Certification for interpreting at the Caribbean Deaf Education Conference sponsored by the Conference Planning Committee, please indicate at STA-CDEC@sta.uwi.edu:
- Name of Interpreter
- Submit Sponsorship Confirmation email from CDEC Interpreting Committee
Donate to the Conference
If you wish to donate to the conference, click Touchnet Portal or contact STA-CDEC@sta.uwi.edu
Secure your spot
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:
(click for sub-theme details)
(hover over sub-theme for more details)
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 for 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
Leadership and Empowerment in Deaf Education
Focuses on developing leadership skills within the deaf community, emphasizing the importance of deaf learners in advocating for inclusive practices and shaping educational policies.