Conavigator and Protactile Foundations:
A DeafBlind-Led Training
THE DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY is rich, vibrant, and deeply rooted in its own language, culture, and ways of connecting. Members of this community navigate the world through touch, presence, and trust — channels of communication that most of us were never taught to recognize, let alone use well. Before we can support, serve, or work alongside DeafBlind individuals, we have to do something more fundamental: we have to take the time to know them, learn from them, and understand the world as they experience it. That is where this training begins.
Conavigators play a critical role in the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind. They provide vital information and environmental access so that members of this community can autonomously manage daily activities and meaningfully engage in the workplace and community at large. But what exactly does this work look like? What are the tasks that define it? Is a conavigator the same as a personal aide, or an interpreter — or something entirely different?
This DeafBlind-led training invites you to find out. Across one full day, we will explore the core principles of Protactile philosophy — including CoPresence, Information Source, and the thoughtful use of contact space — and examine how these principles shape access, navigation, and meaningful interaction. You will learn how to recognize the responsibilities of a conavigator, how Protactile philosophy informs the creation of a Protactile zone in any setting, and how to apply practical, DeafBlind-centered strategies that support real autonomy and inclusion.
This is hands-on, experiential learning grounded in the lived experience of four DeafBlind expert instructors. Whether you are an interpreter, a service provider, an educator, a family member, an accessibility professional, or someone considering this work as a career path, you will leave with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and understanding needed to show up well for the DeafBlind community.
The workshop will be presented in American Sign Language. Seats are limited to 16 participants to ensure personalized instruction and direct feedback throughout the day. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact us at training@mindyourlanguageinc.com.