[nfb-db] Delcenia -- Usher2

[Darlene Laibl-Crowe]

Hello, Delcenia!  Nice to meet you!  I am from Florida and I also have Usher
2.  I was able to go to HKNC because I advocated for myself to the state and
justified as to why I needed their services.  My reasoning was that there
are NO services for Adult Deaf Blind individuals in the State and I had also
been a client of DBS since 1986.  By the way, DBS means Division of Blind
Services.  Anyway, after a few years I kind of got lost in the state's
system and was not getting the services I needed.  So when I began to lose
more hearing and vision I struggled in a huge way.  I didn't know anything
about HKNC until I started doing research And found out about the Florida
Deaf Blind Association.  I soon met HKNC Southeast rep and many of the
members of that organization and within a year I was hearing to NY.  

The training is very expensive but the state more than willingly paid for
that service.  I am so grateful that they have.  Now, the state has grown
because I do all I can advocate and educate them and others as needed.  I
don't know everything but what I don't know I do my best to find out.  One
thing that I have learned is that it is important to know what resources are
out there and how you can use it for your specific needs.  HKNC taught that
to me and it is something that needs to be taught to many.

As for the balance issue, I, too, did not have problems with balance but
I've noticed more lately that I am getting dizzy...I think it is because I
can't quite focus on something to maintain a sense of balance.  It isn't too
bad...and hopefully it won't get worse.  

My guide dog is wonderful about being sure I am good on my feet.  I've
noticed when I get a little off balanced she will slow down and let me kind
of lean on her a bit to get myself oriented again.  She is amazing and I am
so glad I have her.  

I, too, am fairly new to NFB...a little over a year now.  NFB is a great
learning experience as well!

Hope you are able to go to HKNC, it is very a rewarding experience!!


(smile)  
Darlene

"God wants to breathe new life into your dreams. He wants to breathe new
hope into your heart. Don't give up. Hold on and you'll begin to see Him do
amazing things"
   ~               Joel Osteen