Webinar Invitation: Insights from the Pacific - Education for children with vision impairment

[ph...@sonokids.com]

Posted on behalf of Frances Gentle.

Dear colleagues and friends,

 

Webinar Invitation

Insights from the Pacific: Education for Children with Vision Impairment

Date: Tuesday 5 May, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm (Sydney time) / 6:00 – 7:00 pm (New Zealand time)
Format: Free live online webinar

The Presidents of ICEVI Pacific and SPEVI New Zealand, Martine Able Williamson and Lynda Williams, invite you to a one-hour webinar exploring education for children who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision in Pacific Island Countries.

Presenters and Topics

Sisi Sovaia Coalala

Acting Manager Inclusive Development, Pacific Disability Forum

Sisi will provide an overview of education opportunities for children with vision impairment in Fiji. Drawing on her lived experience and leadership in disability advocacy, she will highlight key barriers and pathways toward more inclusive education systems.

Ben Clare

Co-President, SPEVI Inc; Disability Lead Adviser, Aspen Medical

Ben will share insights from his work in Samoa, including collaboration with the Samoa Blind Persons Association and the Ministry of Education to expand inclusive education opportunities. He will also highlight partnerships with the DAISY Consortium and the WIPO Accessible Books Consortium to develop digital and braille libraries for Pacific learners.

Dr Elena Jenkin

Disability Inclusion Practitioner and Researcher

Elena will present findings from participatory research with children with disabilities in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. She will explore how children with blindness or low vision have contributed their perspectives, and how co-design and lived experience can inform more effective and inclusive education systems.

Why Attend?

• Gain insights into education for children with vision impairment in Pacific Island contexts
• Connect with others in a collaborative space to share ideas and explore opportunities for partnership

Who Should Attend?

Educators, disability professionals, policy makers, researchers, families, and anyone interested in education and disability rights in the Pacific region.

Registration Details

To register, please email: in...@icevi.org

 

Frances Gentle	​​​​
AO, PhD, Hon DLitt, Lecturer
NextSense Institute