DeafBlind Education

Workshop description

This presentation centers the lived experiences of DeafBlind adults who navigated education as children and youth, including the presenter's own experience. It will explore gaps in representation, access, and meaningful instruction, and highlight how educational practices can better support DeafBlind students. The session will also examine the disconnect between isolated skill instruction and day-to-day classroom learning, and offer insight into what more responsive, accessible, and student-centered education can "feel” like for DeafBlind youth.

Presented by Riss Leitzke. 

Riss Leitzke

Riss Leitzke (they/them) is a DeafBlind consultant, advocate, and organizer based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Their work focuses on DeafBlind access, equity, and education, drawing on lived experience navigating the education system as a DeafBlind student. They bring a strong personal perspective to conversations about representation, meaningful instruction, and better support for DeafBlind children and youth.