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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I attended, too; and it happened that Michelle was my guide-in-training! She captured the highlights of an excellent training day, in this synopsis. If you ever have the chance to attend somewhere sometime, I highly recommend it, even as a veteran to blindness with lots of guide experience. BTW, also, yay for Michelle being such a quick study when it came to the practical guide exercises with me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Sandra<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><a name="_Hlk152435195"><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'>One can never consent to creep, when one feels an impulse to soar.<o:p></o:p></span></u></a></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk152435195'><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'>(Helen Keller)</span></u></span><u><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> CT-NFB <ct-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Mary Silverberg via CT-NFB<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, June 24, 2025 7:04 PM<br><b>To:</b> NFB mailing list <ct-nfb@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> Mary Silverberg <marysilverfox@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> [CT-NFB] Fwd: Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>FYI, from URCommunity Cares<o:p></o:p></p><div><div><p class=MsoNormal>---------- Forwarded message ---------<br>From: <strong><span style='font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif'>UR Community Cares, Inc.</span></strong> <<a href="mailto:info@urcommunitycares.org">info@urcommunitycares.org</a>><br>Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 at 6:13<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>\u202f</span>PM<br>Subject: Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop<br>To: <<a href="mailto:marysilverfox@gmail.com">marysilverfox@gmail.com</a>><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><br>Mary Silverberg<o:p></o:p></p><div><div><p><span style='font-size:1.0pt'><img border=0 width=1 height=1 style='width:.0104in;height:.0104in' id="Picture_x0020_10" src="cid:image001.gif@01DBE541.E5870E30"></span><span style='font-size:1.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='background:white;color:transparent'><span style='font-size:1.0pt;color:black'>Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop Today, I had the privilege of attending a Human Guide Workshop hosted South East Cen</span><span style='font-size:1.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;min-width:640px' id="m_649351344724080639mimi_background_color_wrapper"><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id="m_649351344724080639"><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;border-collapse:collapse' id="m_649351344724080639container"><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;border-spacing:0' id="m_649351344724080639"><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt;border-spacing:0'></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=590 style='width:442.5pt;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0' id="m_649351344724080639logo_container"><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 0in 11.25pt 0in' id="m_649351344724080639logo"><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=176 height=75 style='width:1.8333in;height:.7812in' id="_x0000_i1034" src="https://cascade.madmimi.com/theme_logos/0126/5598/promotion/Logo-R-Large.png?1663582579"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=590 style='width:442.5pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-radius:4px' id="m_649351344724080639outer_wrapper"><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><div id="m_649351344724080639header_inner"><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://email.cloud2.secureclick.net/c/4104?id=2745235.2889.1.ce2a3d1a8e28d0f5db808982339ade17" target="_blank"><span style='color:mediumvioletred;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=590 height=443 style='width:6.1458in;height:4.6145in' id="_x0000_i1033" src="https://files.gem.godaddy.com/promotion_images/5561/8658/original/HKC.jpg?1750801584" alt=HKC></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></div><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr style='height:22.5pt'><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt;height:22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:22.5pt'><span style='color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 15.0pt 22.5pt'><div><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:green'>Learning to Truly See: Reflections from the Human Guide Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></h1></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 15.0pt 22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Today, I had the privilege of attending a <strong><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Human Guide Workshop</span></strong> hosted <a href="https://email.cloud2.secureclick.net/c/4104?id=2745235.2890.1.1bfc0a861c6ac297f29006fac263a631" target="_blank"><span style='color:mediumvioletred;text-decoration:none'>South East Center for the Blind</span></a>, and presented by the Helen Keller National Center, featuring Christine Tedford and Jenna Rydl\u2014both Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). This immersive experience brought together a diverse group, including volunteers, bus drivers, board members, physical therapists from Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, and individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are hard of hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>We gathered to learn how to better support individuals with vision and hearing loss\u2014those with conditions like macular degeneration, optic atrophy, glaucoma, color blindness, and retinitis pigmentosa. These are not just clinical terms; they represent real challenges people face daily\u2014reading a menu, identifying groceries, navigating new spaces, or moving to a new home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Understanding Vision Loss</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Christine and Jenna explained that legal blindness isn\u2019t just about total blindness\u2014it\u2019s defined as having visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Some individuals have central vision loss, making tasks like reading recipes or shopping difficult. Others lose peripheral vision, as with retinitis pigmentosa, which often begins with night blindness in the teenage years and progresses over time. We also learned about scotomas, or blind spots, and how these vary from person to person.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Accommodations can make a world of difference\u2014such as additional lighting, reduced glare, magnification, voice output, tactile sign language, braille, contrasting colors, and <a href="https://email.cloud2.secureclick.net/c/4104?id=2745235.2891.1.e506542f533c0d4a271c674069a2089e" target="_blank"><span style='color:mediumvioletred;text-decoration:none'>OttLite task lighting</span></a>. Tools like white canes are not one-size-fits-all either\u2014participants were encouraged to swap out cane tips for different environments, like hiking.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Human Guide Techniques</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>The heart of the workshop was learning the <strong><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Human Guide technique</span></strong>\u2014a respectful and effective way to assist a person who is blind or has low vision in navigating their environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Here are the essentials:</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span class=m649351344724080639list><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>\u25aa Tap the back of the person\u2019s hand gently to signal you are ready to guide.</span></span><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'><br><span class=m649351344724080639list>\u25aa They will slide their hand up to your elbow, maintaining a C-shaped grip\u2014like holding a soda can.</span><br><span class=m649351344724080639list>\u25aa No hand-holding, no interlocking arms.</span><br><span class=m649351344724080639list>\u25aa The guide keeps their elbow bent at 90 degrees and walks slightly ahead.</span><br><span class=m649351344724080639list>\u25aa In tight spaces, the guide can make a fist and place it behind their tailbone to let the person grasp the lower arm and follow through the narrow area.</span></span><span class=m649351344724080639text-container><o:p></o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;float:none'><tr><td width=14 valign=top style='width:10.5pt;padding:0in 6.0pt 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>\u25aa<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=0 style='width:.3pt;padding:0in 0in 2.4pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Tap the back of the person\u2019s hand gently to signal you are ready to guide.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span class=m649351344724080639text-container><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;float:none'><tr><td width=14 valign=top style='width:10.5pt;padding:0in 6.0pt 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>\u25aa<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=0 style='width:.3pt;padding:0in 0in 2.4pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>They will slide their hand up to your elbow, maintaining a C-shaped grip\u2014like holding a soda can.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span class=m649351344724080639text-container><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;float:none'><tr><td width=14 valign=top style='width:10.5pt;padding:0in 6.0pt 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>\u25aa<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=0 style='width:.3pt;padding:0in 0in 2.4pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>No hand-holding, no interlocking arms.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span class=m649351344724080639text-container><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;float:none'><tr><td width=14 valign=top style='width:10.5pt;padding:0in 6.0pt 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>\u25aa<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=0 style='width:.3pt;padding:0in 0in 2.4pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>The guide keeps their elbow bent at 90 degrees and walks slightly ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span class=m649351344724080639text-container><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;float:none'><tr><td width=14 valign=top style='width:10.5pt;padding:0in 6.0pt 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>\u25aa<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=0 style='width:.3pt;padding:0in 0in 15.6pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>In tight spaces, the guide can make a fist and place it behind their tailbone to let the person grasp the lower arm and follow through the narrow area.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>It was a simple but powerful lesson in dignity and independence.</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 13.5pt 0in;border-spacing:0'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img border=0 width=400 height=300 style='width:4.1666in;height:3.125in' id="_x0000_i1032" src="https://files.gem.godaddy.com/promotion_images/5561/8665/original/HKC1.jpg?1750801596" alt=HKC1><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 15.0pt 22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:deeppink'>Broader Services & Support<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>The Helen Keller National Center serves all U.S. states, including territories like the Virgin Islands, Guam, and Samoa. They offer training for individuals who are deaf-blind or have combined vision and hearing loss, beginning at age 14 or 16, depending on location. There are grants available by region and through agencies like BESB (Board of Education and Services for the Blind) to help fund these supports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>One important takeaway:</span></strong><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'> the Center can help individuals even if they are transitioning between states, and they\u2019ll work with nursing homes or group homes to train staff when someone needs that extra level of support.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Need help navigating housing or benefits? Christine encouraged everyone to reach out\u2014referrals are available for those kinds of resources too, click link to go to their website: <a href="https://email.cloud2.secureclick.net/c/4104?id=2745235.2892.1.409a08e84330f577ef3965d397c48f41" target="_blank"><span style='color:mediumvioletred;text-decoration:none'>https://www.helenkeller.org/hknc/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 0in 22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 13.5pt 0in;border-spacing:0'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img border=0 width=400 height=300 style='width:4.1666in;height:3.125in' id="_x0000_i1031" src="https://files.gem.godaddy.com/promotion_images/5561/8665/original/HKC2.jpg?1750801601" alt=HKC2><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 15.0pt 22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><h2 style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:deeppink'>Final Thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Today\u2019s workshop reminded me how much we can all do\u2014especially when we listen, learn, and lend an elbow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>Whether you\u2019re a professional, a family member, or a neighbor, we all have a role to play in building a more inclusive community. <br><strong><span style='font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The first step? Extend a hand\u2014not to lead, but to walk alongside.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=left style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;width:100%!important;min-width:100%!important' id="m_649351344724080639"><tr><td style='padding:0in 22.5pt 15.0pt 22.5pt' id="m_649351344724080639"><div><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#3A352A'>My Meme was DeafBlind in her later years and I wish I had known then what I know now,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.6pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline'><span 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