[nfb-db] Tactile Signing

[Catherine Miller]

aDanielle:

I am the person charged with coordinating the deaf-blind initiative for the the NFB in Kentucky.  I have been corresponding with Cathy Jackson, your NFB affiliate president.    She is currently seeking persons who are interested in helping the deaf-blind iniative in Kentucky.  I believe that serving on your state deaf-blind committee would provide you with opportunities to meet others to practice signing tactilely.  I live in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which is an hour from the closest deaf-blind people I know.  But traveling several times a year to their city for meetings helps me to  learn more about deaf-blind issues and to consider how I might fit in.

Another great asset for me has been the Deaf community in my city.  They are very organized, and they hold regular meetings and social events.  I can always find hearing folks there who come because they are family members and friends who have learned to sign because of their friend or loved one who is Deaf.  These hearing folks are always eager to meet me and to help me learn to sign.  They are always receptive to learning what my needs are as a non-visual learner.  These people will be glad to accommodate you.

Please let me know what I can do to help you and other deaf-blind persons in Kentucky to start an initiative.  Cathy Jacksons will, I am sure, provide the resources you need to get started.  Remember that that, even with even just a moderate hearing loss, combined with blindness, the isolation we experience is what we fight so hard to overcome.  I believe that with your level of motivation, you could make a huge difference in the lives of the deaf-blind folks in Lexington and Louisville.

Thank you for posting and being part of our list.  I hope you will continue to share your concerns with us.

Warm regards,
Cathy Miller

Sent from my iPad