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

[Bdummette]

Hello,
My name is Betty Banks, and I read your story and I am in awe, because I
am experiencing the very same thing, but I can tell you this! this is only the beginning for DB today! many people as well over look the fact that I am DB, and do not know the struggles I put up with on a daily basis.
I do not have a dog yet,but I wear dark glasses and have a cane and speak very well, and advocate very well for myself, and I keep my hearing aids in my bag and without those visual aides you cannot tell athing, you
continue on your journey of doing you and tell the world to move over for you!!


-----Original Message-----
From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thu, Jul 12, 2012 5:05 pm
Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Definition of Deafblind? was new person


Hi Elizabeth,
elcome,thanks for sharing your thoughts. When did you lose your sight 
nd hearing?
  It is true that the deaf-blind (DB) person is most aware of the 
truggles, challenges and emotions that characterize the life 
xperiences of a person with DB.  I struggle to accept myself.  On a 
aily basis, I am problem solving tasks, making accommodations or 
dapting in order to deal with my DB. At the same time, I still have my 
esire to work as a therapist/counselor helping disabled individual 
olve their problems.
Before DB, I had sung in the church choir as a soprano. I enjoyed going 
o classical music concerts. I visited art museums. Now I see my life as 
leak in a colorless landscape. I will be expected to make judgments 
bout my clients nonverbal behavior; but touch it usually not permitted. 
ecause I recently become DB and  can speak, people often don't perceive 
e as DB even when they see my guide dog and my dark glasses. I an 
rustrated that I have to constantly admit to people "i am DB" and "I 
eed your assistance". I feel I have to constantly be exposed. It 
oesn't get any easier the more I do it. This is where advocacy can help 
y making society aware of DB people because right now we are an 
nvisible minority in society.
anice
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