[nfbwatlk] FW: Pro-Tactile E-News December

[Nightingale, Noel]

From: Angela Theriault [mailto:atheriault at seattledbsc.org]
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:19 PM
To: DBSC Info
Subject: Pro-Tactile E-News December



DEAF-BLIND SERVICE CENTER
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December 2015

Note from Executive Director
I can't believe the year 2015 is almost over. DBSC is ready for 2016.
I want to recognize our wonderful and hardworking staff that have made DBSC successful and able to provide quality services.  The number of DeafBlind clients who are receiving DBSC services continues to increase rapidly.  This is because of the staff's expertise and skills. I want to say "Thank you" to them.
Wishing you all the best for the Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year.

DBSC Programs
DBSC wants to say "Many thanks!" to all our donors, those organizations and foundations that have provided grants, the City of Seattle, and the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) for providing the money necessary for our SSP and CF programs. Without your support, these programs would never happen. Here are four short articles from Deaf-Blind participants about their experience in these programs. They were asked to share why the Program was beneficial? And why the services were important to them?

SSP (Support Service Provider)
A DeafBlind mother feels more independent when she has an SSP with her.  It gives her freedom to go out and do the things that she either can't do on her own or would struggle with on her own.  It is really important to her to be able to go to the food store, medical appointments, and do errands.
Her vision has declined lately, and she has difficulty reading labels on food packages.  Her CCTV is too bulky and heavy to carry around, so she would ask her SSP to read the labels for her.  With her SSP, she says she feels like she's "normal" like sighted people.  She doesn't want to depend on her husband all the time.  It gives her the opportunity to do things alone like shopping for gifts for her family.
She replies "Oh yes, MUST keep SSP program!"  She cannot imagine not having an SSP.  "It's so important to have this service for the DeafBlind.  Many states don't provide SSP services, we are very fortunate to have it here in Washington.  It's a very valuable service."

Advocacy Program
A middle age DeafBlind man in Seattle commented on DBSC's Case management services:
DBSC is the only place that provides case management in a way that fits me as a DeafBlind person.  They have a lot of experience with services for the DeafBlind community and understand how to provide the right kind of support.
When I moved here many years ago I had a medical emergency and had to go to the Emergency Room. The DBSC person who supported me was wonderful. I was new to the area and it would have been very difficult alone.  After I left the hospital the DBSC case manager was very dependable and was able to successfully work with me and the business office at the hospital in dealing with the medical bill.  I have also used the case management services to do planning for my future health related issues so I am better prepared.

Communication Facilitator (CF)
A DeafBlind gentleman loves CF services.  After moving back to Seattle from Pittsburgh two years ago, he met the CF Coordinator and learned about CF services. He was surprised that DBSC provides CF services for DeafBlind persons making VP calls with assistance from CF. There's no CF program in Pittsburgh.
He is able to make VP calls with CF, which is much easier than using TTY Relay Service. Also, he uses VP for a meeting with his lawyer with assistance from his CF and DBSC case manager. He feels very comfortable because he is not familiar with legal vocabulary and process. He is satisfied with CF services.
He is not motivated to call via TTY Relay Service if there is no funding for CF program.  He prefers to use CF because it is easier to sign using my American Sign Language (ASL), as it is his first language.

National DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP)
A DeafBlind gentleman came to DBSC to get assistance in order to apply for NDBEDP program. He received an IPAD. The IPAD is very useful because he uses email and videophone. It is easy to carry with him anywhere and he can connect and communicate with his family and friends.
He strongly supports NDBEDP because it helps to reduce isolation and allows him to contact anyone independently.

Job posting - Administrative Assistant
DBSC has an open job position and is actively looking for an Administrative Assistant. You can go to our DBSC website to get more information at www.seattledbsc.org<http://www.seattledbsc.org>.

Holiday greetings message
May joy and comfort be with you and yours during this Holiday Season

Donate to DBSC
If you would like to donate to DBSC's programs & services, you can donate on our DBSC website! Click here to donate<http://seattledbsc.org/support/supportDonate.php>.
DBSC is on Facebook!
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Click here to join<https://www.facebook.com/The-Deaf-Blind-Service-Center-307809821674/timeline/> DBSC on FACEBOOK!

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Deaf-Blind Service Center
1620 18th Avenue, Suite 200
Seattle, Washington 98122
TTY (206) 323-9178
VP (206) 455-7932
info at seattledbsc.org<mailto:info at seattledbsc.org>
www.seattledbsc.org<http://www.seattledbsc.org>

To unsubscribe to the monthly Pro-Tactile E-News, please email info at seattledbsc.org<mailto:info at seattledbsc.org>.


Angela Theriault, MA
Executive Director
Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC)
(206) 257-2754

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