[nfb-db] Definition of Deafblind? was new person

[Janice Toothman]

Hi Elizabeth,
Welcome,thanks for sharing your thoughts. When did you lose your sight 
and hearing?

  It is true that the deaf-blind (DB) person is most aware of the 
struggles, challenges and emotions that characterize the life 
experiences of a person with DB.  I struggle to accept myself.  On a 
daily basis, I am problem solving tasks, making accommodations or 
adapting in order to deal with my DB. At the same time, I still have my 
desire to work as a therapist/counselor helping disabled individual 
solve their problems.

Before DB, I had sung in the church choir as a soprano. I enjoyed going 
to classical music concerts. I visited art museums. Now I see my life as 
bleak in a colorless landscape. I will be expected to make judgments 
about my clients nonverbal behavior; but touch it usually not permitted. 
Because I recently become DB and  can speak, people often don't perceive 
me as DB even when they see my guide dog and my dark glasses. I an 
frustrated that I have to constantly admit to people "i am DB" and "I 
need your assistance". I feel I have to constantly be exposed. It 
doesn't get any easier the more I do it. This is where advocacy can help 
by making society aware of DB people because right now we are an 
invisible minority in society.
Janice