Dear IASSIDD Community,
You are warmly invited to join the IASSIDD Academy Webinar Series No. 2: Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) and Inherited….
This three-part series explores the intersection of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and vision impairment, with a focus on inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The sessions will provide practical insights for clinicians, educators, families, and advocates to improve diagnostic pathways and enhance independence for individuals navigating both IDD and visual challenges.
Moderator: Dr. Kathleen Tait – Australian Representative for The Academy IASSIDD
Webinar Information
Webinar 1: Identifying the Link Between Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Vision Impairment – Dr. Susan Silveira
This webinar explores the visual system and its critical components, reviewing common conditions that impact vision and highlighting red flags for families and professionals to watch for as indicators of vision impairment.
Dr. Susan Silveira is a qualified pediatric orthoptist with extensive experience in the Australian public hospital system and vision screening programs. She is Course Director for the Master of Disability Studies at Macquarie University and NextSense Institute, and a research fellow leading projects on childhood vision impairment, braille, accessible playgrounds, and Family Quality of Life.
Webinar 2: Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Inherited Retinal Diseases – Impact, Red Flags, and Detection – Philippa Miller
This session examines inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), their impact on functional vision, and the importance of observation and functional assessment in detecting IRD in individuals with intellectual disability. It highlights genetic testing advances and strategies for proactive planning.
Philippa Miller is a pediatric orthoptist at NextSense and Academic Fellow with the NextSense Institute, affiliated with Macquarie University. She teaches in the Master of Disability Studies Program and conducts functional vision assessments to support children and young adults with vision impairment and co-morbidities.
Webinar 3: Unseen and Underserved – Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Vision Impairment, and the Case for Timely Orientation & Mobility Support – Bronwen Scott
This webinar addresses the need for Orientation & Mobility (O&M) support for children and young people with intellectual disability and vision impairment. It covers sensory development, spatial learning, safe pedestrian skills, and assistive technology, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
Bronwen Scott is an Orientation & Mobility Specialist experienced in complex and dual-diagnosis presentations. She focuses on critical developmental windows from birth to eighteen, providing participants with a clear understanding of O&M and its significance for this population.
Webinar Schedule
The series comprises three webinars. You may choose to attend one, two, or all of the webinars when booking.
- Webinar 1: Identifying the Link Between Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Vision Impairment
Date and Time: Friday, 4 September 2026, 9:00 AM (AEST) – IASSIDD Members may log into the Member’s Portal to access the recording: https://iassidd.org/academy-webinar-series-2/ - Webinar 2: Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Inherited Retinal Diseases – Impact, Red Flags, and Detection
Date and Time: Friday, 25 September 2026, 9:00 AM (AEST) - Webinar 3: Unseen and Underserved – Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Vision Impairment, and the Case for Timely Orientation & Mobility Support
Date and Time: Friday, 16 October 2026, 9:00 AM (AEST)
Registration
- Non-Member and Group Bookings – USD $25
Register as a non-member or group. Cost: $25 per session, with access to recordings if you cannot attend live. - IASSIDD Members
Individual members and center-nominated members can log in and register for free using this form. A separate email with the registration link will also be sent—please contact the office if you need this resent.
Academics, researchers, educators, school leaders, families, allied health and disability support practitioners, disability service providers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, community stakeholders, and self-advocates are all invited to participate.
For inquiries or clarifications, please contact IASSIDD Academy through Angela Hassiotis at a.hassiotis@ucl.ac.uk or email office@iassidd.org.