Online Training & Professional Development via Macro Impact Consulting

We have a suite of modules for people who are interested in working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The modules are available for purchase as video-on-demand for self-paced learning.  We can also offer the modules as onsite workplace training if that better meets your needs.  The modules are between 2 and 3 hours in length and are delivered in Auslan and English with captions, a downloadable resource file of learning outcomes and links for further reading and relevant video materials. A certificate of completion is available for each module to use for your professional development portfolio along with a quiz to assess your pre and post learning (click the link to test your knowledge)

Module 1: Deaf, deaf, d/Deaf

This module examines the experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in 6 chapters: Identity, Language, Culture, Education, Social Considerations, Hearing Tech, Audism & Deaf gain. This module invites people to challenge pre-existing biases, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives in the DHH community. This module is essential learning for people new to the area.

Module 2: Access Across the Lifespan

This module explores access and identity across the lifespan in 4 chapters, introducing statistics on age-related hearing loss, the diagnosis process and daily adjustments. Building on content promoting linguistic diversity, the course advocates for a nuanced understanding and inclusive approach to supporting people across the whole audiological and DHH identity spectrum. 

Module 3: Communication Strategies

This module explores diverse communication strategies, emphasising accessibility. Across 3 chapters you’ll learn about sign languages,  AI and human captioning, the simplicity of “plain” English and how to use these tools. From infancy's nonverbal cues to the complexities of interpreting, this course will take you across the cultural bridge of inclusive communication for everyone.

Module 4: Culturally Affirmative Helping Conversations 

This module introduces you to essential skills for culturally affirmative conversations. A case study for healthcare, education, social services & police settings is presented. Using the comprehensive checklist provided, the content can be applied more broadly to make your workplace more accessible focusing on individual, environmental & organisational adjustments.

Module 5: Assessment Diagnosis, Treatment & Outcomes

This module helps you build skills to safely assess, diagnose, and deliver effective therapy for Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients. This module will extend your understanding of language deprivation syndrome, theory of mind challenges and the role of evidence-based practice while exploring culturally affirmative therapeutic interventions that support respectful & ethical care.

Medical, Psychology, Counselling, Allied Health Professionals. 

Q. I am a Counsellor/ OT/ Social Worker/ Psychologist/GP/ Psychiatrist/ Audiologist/BSP, which modules should I do?

A. If you are new to the area then you may to do all of the modules – try out the self-assessment quizzes to see how much you already know. This will also help you decide. Completing all 5 modules should have you ready to start seeing Deaf and HOH clients/patients. The course material is available to you for 2 years so you can check back in and re-fresh your learning when you need to.

Retail, Hospitality, Friends, Relatives

Q. I work in a retail store and we get a lot of clients who are signing or using hearing aids, I want our staff to be able to offer accessible service for deaf customers – what modules should I do?

Q. I have a staff member who has a cochlear implant – what should I know?

Q. I’ve just met a deaf person online dating and I’d like to learn more about it. Can a deaf and hearing relationship work? What should I know?

Q. I don't know anything about Deafness but I think I should - I keep hearing about diversity in workplaces?

A. If you are new to the area then do modules 1, 2 and 3 – try out the self-assessment quizzes to see how much you already know. This will also help you decide where to start.

Legal, Policing, Medical Reception, NDIS, Centrelink, Health Insurance, WorkCover, Education

Q. I work in a position where we have Deaf clients or clients with hearing aids or cochlear implants, my clients aren’t answering their emails and they don’t seem to gel with me. Will these modules help me understand where my clients are coming from and build a better rapport?

A. Yes. This will really help you understand your client’s needs – and communicate more effectively in writing and face-to-face.

Q. I have Deaf and hard of hearing people contact me and I don't know how to communicate or who to put them in touch with  - and I want our workplace to be more aware of inclusiveness and diversity.

A. If you are new to the area then do modules 1, 2, and 3 – try out the self-assessment quizzes to see how much you already know. This will also help you decide. After completing the basics, you can access more in-depth training in the areas of your interest - see the links below for more learning opportunities.

Q. My clients aren’t deaf – they have cochlear implants and can speak - do I still need to learn about deafness?

A. Yes! Very likely… deafness and 'hearingness' can be thought of as being a continuum of experiences and preferences, and speaking doesn’t necessarily mean hearing. It’s complicated. Start with the first modules or do the quiz for module 1 and 2 and see if there are things you haven’t thought of.