[Nfbf-l] Robert Doyle

Wed Feb 19 13:56:36 UTC 2014

The expanation of how you manage your hearing and vision losses was 
fascinating! I think sometimes we get immersed in our own worlds and 
situations and don't look at what teh other person is going through. Thank 
you so much!

Sherri
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Darlene Laibl-Crowe" <dlaiblcrowe at att.net>
To: "'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 4:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Robert Doyle

Hello, RJ.

I grew up wearing bilateral hearing aids.  I began to have vision problems
at the age of 28 and had to give up driving once I was diagnosed with
Retinitis Pigmentosa.  For years, I was able to see to read lips but when I
began to lose more vision about five years ago, I also began to lose more
hearing.  It has been a journey for sure.

To answer your question about video phone, I personally do not use a video
phone.  I can speak using a hearing aid compatible phone.  This means I can
also hear on it but sometimes I do have a hard time understanding what is
being said if there are distracting background noise but Overall, I do hear
good on the phone.  If there is something I don't understand, I ask for the
person to repeat.

However, I do associate with several Deaf Blind individuals who do use video
phone and sign language.  It is challenging for them but very doable.  For
one thing, I have found that these people are very patient.  (smile)
Sometimes the relaying between the phones can be quite slow.  They totally
amaze me at how well they communicate.

Most of my DB associates use the iPhone and use Facetime or other relay
sites.  They also can use a phone by calling a relay system that will
interpret the sign and voice to the hearing person.  Some DB use the Deaf
Blind Communicator, which allows the DB person to type his/her response and
the hearing/sighted person can read it and then that person can also type
their response.  Then the DB person can read it using Braille.

For those of us who are Hard of Hearing, there are many listening devices
that can be use to help hear better.  For example, there is a Bluetooth
device that can be used for cellphone or loop systems to 'hear' in the
hearing aids or Cochlear implants.

The board that I am on as a Deaf-Blind representative (Florida Coordinating
Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) uses interpreters, voice and
Communication Access Relay Technology (CART).  The interpreter voice what is
being signed by those who are Deaf and I use a Support Service Provider to
helps me in many ways on the board.  CART is where a person types what is
being said into the computer.  Each of us on the board can use our laptops
to view what is being said to clearly understand.  It is kind of like court
reporting...as a person speaks the words appear on the CART website.  It
also has a chat box in which people can quiety say 'hand up' to communicate
that they would like to speak or to talk to one another during the meeting.
All is very professional and keeps the meeting on track.

Technology has increased accessibility for the Blind and/or Deaf in many
ways and I am so amazed at it each time I encounter something new!
Communication is the key for all of us and this technology is allowing the
deaf to speak as well.

It would be interesting to have a workshop or seminar that could exhibit
these technologies to all so we can know what is available.

(smile)
Darlene

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of RJ Sandefur
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 3:32 PM
To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Robert Doyle

Darlene, I'm interested in learning more about the deaf blind. Do you have a
video phone? How are you able to comunicate with the outside world? RJs
----- Original Message -----
From: "Darlene Laibl-Crowe" <dlaiblcrowe at att.net>
To: "'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 3:16 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Robert Doyle

> Yes, Holly!  We do have a Winner in Mr. Doyle.  Like Denise says he is
> very inclined to hearing what we have to say!
>
> (smile)
> Darlene
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Holly
> Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 2:53 PM
> To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
> Cc: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Robert Doyle
>
> In the past we have had directors of DBS come in for the day, present
> and leave, without wanting to speak with consumers. Mr. Doyle was
> there Friday night, when I got there, and I saw him on Sunday
> afternoon. He join the parents for the white cane walk to Pulbix . He
> was willing to speak to anyone and often, if he was free, would strike
> up a conversation with the next person who walked by.
> All around, I think we have a winner!
> Holly
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Feb 18, 2014, at 2:24 PM, "Darlene Laibl-Crowe"
>> <dlaiblcrowe at att.net>
> wrote:
>>
>> Hello!  I wanted to make a comment on RJ's question about Robert
>> Doyle being 'open to consumer groups'
>>
>> I want to say that he is but it would have to be arranged through his
>> department.  I want to share my experience at the NFBF State
>> Convention where I met and was able to talk with Mr. Doyle personally.
>>
>> This convention was a great experience for me and intrigued me in
>> many of the activities.  When I heard the various speakers, I told my
>> SSP, Leah, that I wanted to speak to some and she made sure that I did.
>> One of those persons was Mr. Doyle but the opportunity came when Leah
>> and I were working the State Wide Chapter fundraising table.
>>
>> I took advantaged of that meeting and shared with him my experience
>> with DBS, recognition of being a Deaf Blind person and how I attended
>> the Helen Keller National Center and much more.  I share the bad
>> stuff but I also gave him a big praise report of how much my DBS
>> counselor and I have grown and how the resources have been available
>> for me many times over the past three years since returning to
>> Florida from HKNC in
> 2011.
>>
>> Leah, my SSP, said that his facial expression when I began was like
>> 'oh, no.here I go again she is going to complain'.she said his facial
>> expression soon became guarded as I spoke and then it changed to
>> being 'amazed' because of my praise report!  He was very delighted in
>> hearing this and knew that my frustrations, struggles are definitely
>> validated but the surprise of receiving a praise report made his day
>> and made him feel good about what DBS is doing.  My journey is
>> continuing with DBS as I am still seeking employment and I continued
>> to
> volunteer my skills to various organizations.
>>
>> By doing this, I am showing my willingness to do what I can to get a
>> job and by praising Mr. Doyle, my DBS and VR counselors I am also
>> allowing them to open up to work with me.  Communication and positive
>> thinking are great tools in everything we do.
>>
>> So to answer RJ's question, I believe Mr. Doyle would be open to
>> consumer groups as it is his desire to achieve success for those who
>> are visually impaired and this should be the goal of all the DBS
>> counselors and staff as well.  So, I hope you will take the time to
>> contact him, your counselor and praise them for their efforts.  Who
>> knows
> where the next step will lead you?
>>
>>
>> Have a blessed day!
>>
>> (smile)
>> Darlene
>>
>> One step at a time...Accept, Adapt, and Move on!
>>
>>
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