Phoenix training programs
Phoenix Consulting offers training to minimise the adverse outcomes that often result from listening problems (conductive hearing loss and auditory processing problems).
Training for teachers
The ear troubles training program for teachers is based on original research that has identified the ways in which listening problems contribute to learning and behavioral difficulties. This training program is especially relevant for schools whose students have a known high incidence of conductive hearing loss. They include Australian Aboriginal, New Zealand Maori and Pacific Island groups and children from low socio economic backgrounds. However, the program is also equally applicable to a number of children in any classroom.
This training is available face to face and online.
Evaluations of the training outcomes from this program indicate that problems with student behavior can diminish by as much as 66 per cent, student engagement in learning can double, and the stress levels for teachers can halve. Click here for more information on the Ear troubles kit.
Feedback on training from West Australian teachers of the deaf.
Training for health services
Face to face and teletraining is also available for health service staff on how to improve the access to health services by the many Indigenous clients with hearing loss. Download information on hearing loss and Aboriginal health care here.
Training for psychologists, welfare workers and others
The social effects listening problems impact on social and emotional well being of those with listening difficulties. Listening difficulties may be involved in what are seen a personality problems, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety/depression and antisocial behaviour. It is also an important factor in conflict management and poor workplace performance.
Employment and human resource management
The high proportion of Indigenous people with listening difficulties has important implications for recruitnment, management and retention of Indigenous staff. Recent work indicates that Indigenous workers with listening difficulties are those most likley to have workplace performance or social problems. If the role of listening problems is not understood these problems are usually ascribed to limited capacity or poor motivation with resulting ineffective performance management, high levels of worker stress and ultimatly poor retention. Training for HRM and supervisory staff in the workplace effects of listening problems can provide more successful problem solving and problem prevention strategies as well as more effective performance management, better retention of Indigenous staff as well as improved social and emotional well being for Indigenous staff. See information on employment issues on the articles page.
Individuals and organisations providing services to Indigenous people
Listening problems constitute a significant barrier for many Indigenous people accessing mainstream services. Understanding listening problems and how they effect communictions can enable better access to services for Indigenous people.
Cross Cultural Training
Listening problems compound the difficulties that are inherent in cross-cultural communication. Cross cultural training that does not consider listening issues will not prepare people to work with the large number of Aboriginal people, often the majority, with listening difficulties. It is especially important to understand how listening problems and cultural differences interact. Cross-cultural communication can be improved if non-Aboriginal people understand the nature of listening problems and how to minimize them.
Phoenix training programs will help anyone who wants better communication with Aboriginal people.
WEB BASED TRAINING IS NOW AVAILABLE 
email to damien@phoenixconsulting.com.au. FOR MORE INFORMATION
Recent Training Programs
- School Psychologists and Guidance Officers Adelaide March 2006
- Teacher of the Deaf Conference Adelaide March 2006
- Leadership in education Kalgoolie November 2005
- Pina Ear Health Conference Kalgoolie October 2005
- Conference Cairns Schools, April 2005
- Townsville Schools, April 2005
- Palm Island School April 2005
- Cleveland Detention Centre, Townsville April 2005
- Townsville First Ear Troubles online training program, Feb 2005
- Brisbane Learning support teachers, Feb 2005
- Cairns West Primary School, Cairns July 2004
- Petone Central Primary School, Wellington New Zealand July 2004
- West Australian School Psychology Conference, Perth July 2004
- West Australian Institute of Deaf Education, Conference, Perth July 2004
- Halls Creek District High School, whole school training, Darwin June 2004
- Fitzroy Crossing School, whole school training, Broome April 2004