INSTITUTE CONTENT TOOLS
Section 4.4: Facilitator Guide for Round Robin Sessions
FACILITATOR GUIDE for ROUND ROBIN SESSIONS
Time Frame
2 – 2.5 hrs
Description
Participants are divided into 3 groups: a) Parents, b) DB young adults who use sign language and c) DB
young adults who are oral. This panel consists of 3 presenters who will rotate from group to group to
give a 20 – 30 minute talk with 10 minutes for questions and answers. Presenters can range from DB
young adults sharing personal experiences to DB adults who are part of the state DB group to
professionals describing services or focusing on a topic related to the weekend theme.
Purpose
To provide information about services or experiences useful in transition in a small group format to
encourage questions and interactions.
Suggested To Do List
1) Identify the 3 speakers. Provide them with a brief overview of the weekend and explain how
they will fit into the program.
2) Describe the design of the Round Robin Panel and let the speakers know they will present their
topic 3 times. They may alter their presentation slightly for the parent group.
3) Select speakers and topics according to available local resources, topic interest to the groups
and current trends in transition.
4) Select 3 rooms that are fairly close to each other. This will minimize rotation time.
5) Set the communication for each room ahead of time. For the oral group, make sure assistive
listening devices and speakers are set. For the sign language group, have seats arranges for close
vision, copy signing and for tactile for ease of access to the presenter.
INSTITUTE CONTENT TOOLS
Section 4.4: Facilitator Guide for Round Robin Sessions
6) Typically, PowerPoint presentations are discouraged for the DB young adult groups and can be
optional for the Parent group. If presenters have items to demonstrate or show, allow time for
them to be passed around.
7) Room set up is casual with presenter sitting or standing close to the group rather than behind a
podium or table.
8) Plan to have photographs taken. Video is optional. Be sure to get release forms signed listing all
of the various partners who may use the images.
Things to Keep in Mind
a) Try to keep groups small, no more than 10 people.
b) Have water available. Have extra pillows and movable lighting available.
c) Set up black backdrop for interpreting.
d) Allow for at least 15 minutes between rotating panel members. This is for moving between
rooms and making sure communication is set and giving brief break for participants.
e) Prepare a small thank you gift and card. These are volunteer presentations and these people
may not stay for the whole weekend.
Sample Topics
DB young adults share experience of going to vocational training, community or 4 year college or
directly to work and supports needed
Volunteer Experiences and Hobbies (Art, martial arts, 4 H)
Travel experiences (HK World Conference, People to People, Global Explorers)
DB state adult organization and events available
Motivational Tips (Positive thinking, volunteering for work experience)
Helen Keller National Center and available services
INSTITUTE CONTENT TOOLS
Section 4.4: Facilitator Guide for Round Robin Sessions
DB Camps
Gallaudet, NTID and RIT pre-graduation offerings and admissions