[nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 42, Issue 36

Sun Jul 29 23:02:46 UTC 2012

Cathy,
I was so relieved when Lydia Roth told me about the Deaf Blind Camp of 
Maryland. I had complained to her when at conventions about feeling 
isolated due to my deaf-blindness. I have been going to this camp for 
the past two years and I look forward to it all year. Each camper is 
assigned one or two SSPs (tactile requires 2) from 7:00AM-10:00PM each 
day. It was such a relief to has an SSP to bridge that gap and assist 
when technology failed. Also, as someone that only knows the manual 
alphabet and has not had training in ASL due to my recent loss of sight 
and hearing (2004).

I would like to be able to know of a way to learn tactile ASL.

Scott, where are you taking your ASL lessons are did I misunderstand you?
Janice
On 7/27/2012 5:20 PM, Catherine Miller wrote:
> Janice, Scott, Geraldo, and All:
>
> My heart aches for all deaf blind people in terms of the isolation we feel.  I went for many years not knowing there were others like me.  I am thankful every day for our Division.  I am truly fortunate to have had successful bilateral cochlear implant surgeries, so that the problem is alleviated; but I will forever remain committed to the finding a solution for the isolation that plagues us.
>
> I've spoken about SSPs before to some of you, and I would truly appreciate your feedback.  Many DB people I know from the Deaf culture use SSPs that are paid for with public funds.  I have enjoyed the use of an SSP for over two years.  Based on my experience, there is no technological substitute for an SSP when we need one in social situations.  I believe that coupled with deaf-blind communicators, the role of an SSSP is perfect for those of us who have not yet learned to sign.
>
> I believe that if we in the Division pooled our resources, we could educate the Federation, get them behind us, and approach Congress to request the funding of a nationwide SSP program.
>
> I would like to hear from you guys how you feel about this.  I'd also like to answer any questions yu have concerning my experience with an SSP.
>
> I know there are better solutions for us than those we are struggling with today.  The Federation has a proud history of promoting independence for blind people.  But it also promotes equality.  I don't believe those of us who are hearing impaired can enjoy equality with our brothers and sisters who are blind until we have the support we need as deaf-blind federationists.  It will require more tan the technology we're using now.
>
> With warmest regards,
>
> Cathy Miller
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Jul 27, 2012, at 10:35 AM, nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org wrote:
>
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>> Today's Topics:
>>
>>    1. Social situations with normal people (Janice Toothman)
>>    2. Re: Social situations with normal people (Scott Davert)
>>    3. FCC publishes consumer guide to the National deaf-blind
>>       equipment distribution program (Scott Davert)
>>    4. Re: Social situations with normal people (GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES)
>>    5. Re: Social situations with normal people (Janice Toothman)
>>    6. Re: Social situations with normal people (Gerardo Corripio)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:05:30 -0400
>> From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
>> Message-ID: <501178DA.1070406 at verizon.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>> in the room?
>>
>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>> after the class has ended.
>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>> and a digital recorder.
>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:10:05 -0400
>> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
>> Message-ID:
>>     <CAOHXxEbwtzfhrEF8YmoALoqr_C-rdttx+PRmpKOhpQcNEPVgZg at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Hi janice.
>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>>
>> Scott
>>
>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>> in the room?
>>>
>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>> after the class has ended.
>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>> and a digital recorder.
>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:13:46 -0400
>> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: [nfb-db] FCC publishes consumer guide to the National
>>     deaf-blind equipment distribution program
>> Message-ID:
>>     <CAOHXxEYH7cErxGHhHGS6qrngqVWTvEmGKqDFpECKaZAN1RP31g at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>>
>> The FCC published a new Consumer Guide that provides a description and
>> summary of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
>> (NDBEDP).
>>
>> The Guide is available online in two versions:
>>
>> HTML ? http://www.fcc.gov/guides/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program
>>
>> PDF ? http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/NDBEDP.pdf
>>
>> For this or any other consumer publication in an accessible format
>> (electronic text, Microsoft Word, Braille, large print or audio),
>> please send an email to FCC504 at fcc.gov; call 1-888-CALL-FCC
>> (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; or
>> write to:
>>
>> Federal Communications Commission
>> Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
>> Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
>> 445 12th Street, S.W.
>> Washington, DC 20554
>>
>>
>> Scott Davert, MA, VRT
>> Senior Instructor, Adaptive Technology Department and Communications
>> Learning Center
>> Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
>> 141 Middle Neck Rd.
>> Sands Point NY, 11050
>> 516-944-8900 ext. 322 (Voice)
>> scott.davert at hknc.org
>> www.hknc.org
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:41:41 -0500
>> From: GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES <gera1027 at gmail.com>
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
>> Message-ID:
>>     <CAMxgdKJDNXPH7pb+ptR2Y7QzZNvLhem0TYo-kaS=KGdO3Sz++w at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Wow! what a great topic! Though I'm not deafblind (I have 70% hearing
>> loss and use hearing aids) I prefer small social gatherings of two
>> three or up to five people at most. ABout fm transmiters, I used to
>> use one some years ago but only used it in school since I'd like to
>> appear as most regular as possible. Keep on this great topic!
>>
>> 2012/7/26, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>:
>>> Hi janice.
>>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>>>
>>> Scott
>>>
>>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>>> in the room?
>>>>
>>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>>> after the class has ended.
>>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>>> and a digital recorder.
>>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:26:52 -0400
>> From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
>> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
>> Message-ID: <5011C42C.8030000 at verizon.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>>
>> Gerardo,
>> If I may ask, were you afraid of the stigma of being labeled hearing
>> impaired or deaf? or was if something else that prompted you to refrain
>> from using your FM receiver. I know that for me it is always a struggle
>> not wanting to appear different from others yet having a desire to not
>> only learn but also to be heard. Because of the stigma of deaf-blindness
>> I often did not want draw attention to my needs in a classroom. The
>> result was that I could not fully participate in the class and the
>> teacher did not know why so I was graded down with respect to
>> participation. It is an awful responsibility to be the counseling
>> departments first deaf-blind student. This means I must educate my
>> professors and classmates not only about deaf-blindness and what we can
>> do with the proper training and technology.
>> Janice
>> On 7/26/2012 2:41 PM, GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES wrote:
>>> Wow! what a great topic! Though I'm not deafblind (I have 70% hearing
>>> loss and use hearing aids) I prefer small social gatherings of two
>>> three or up to five people at most. ABout fm transmiters, I used to
>>> use one some years ago but only used it in school since I'd like to
>>> appear as most regular as possible. Keep on this great topic!
>>>
>>> 2012/7/26, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>:
>>>> Hi janice.
>>>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>>>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>>>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>>>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>>>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>>>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>>>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>>>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>>>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>>>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>>>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>>>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>>>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>>>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>>>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>>>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>>>>
>>>> Scott
>>>>
>>>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>>>> in the room?
>>>>>
>>>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>>>> after the class has ended.
>>>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>>>> and a digital recorder.
>>>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:34:24 -0500
>> From: "Gerardo Corripio" <gera1027 at gmail.com>
>> To: "'NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List'" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
>> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
>> Message-ID: <00d701cd6c0d$4dc51a30$e94f4e90$@com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> I think the wanting to appear as normal as possible; all my life I've grown
>> up with blindness being the only disability since with my hearing aids I'm
>> able to hear OK.
>>
>> -----Mensaje original-----
>> De: nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] En nombre
>> de Janice Toothman
>> Enviado el: Jueves, 26 de Julio de 2012 17:27
>> Para: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
>> Asunto: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
>>
>> Gerardo,
>> If I may ask, were you afraid of the stigma of being labeled hearing
>> impaired or deaf? or was if something else that prompted you to refrain
>> from using your FM receiver. I know that for me it is always a struggle
>> not wanting to appear different from others yet having a desire to not
>> only learn but also to be heard. Because of the stigma of deaf-blindness
>> I often did not want draw attention to my needs in a classroom. The
>> result was that I could not fully participate in the class and the
>> teacher did not know why so I was graded down with respect to
>> participation. It is an awful responsibility to be the counseling
>> departments first deaf-blind student. This means I must educate my
>> professors and classmates not only about deaf-blindness and what we can
>> do with the proper training and technology.
>> Janice
>> On 7/26/2012 2:41 PM, GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES wrote:
>>> Wow! what a great topic! Though I'm not deafblind (I have 70% hearing
>>> loss and use hearing aids) I prefer small social gatherings of two
>>> three or up to five people at most. ABout fm transmiters, I used to
>>> use one some years ago but only used it in school since I'd like to
>>> appear as most regular as possible. Keep on this great topic!
>>>
>>> 2012/7/26, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>:
>>>> Hi janice.
>>>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>>>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>>>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>>>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>>>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>>>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>>>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>>>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>>>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>>>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>>>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>>>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>>>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>>>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>>>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>>>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>>>>
>>>> Scott
>>>>
>>>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>>>> in the room?
>>>>>
>>>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>>>> after the class has ended.
>>>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>>>> and a digital recorder.
>>>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>
>>
>> End of nfb-db Digest, Vol 42, Issue 36
>> **************************************
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