The Fall 2010 issue of AER Journal: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness focuses on concerns related to services for adults who are deaf-blind. In addition to advocacy and leadership, the journal discusses communication, travel, and aging.
Six deaf-blind young adults traveled to Washington, DC, last year to develop leadership and advocacy skills and to put a face on the issues affecting persons who are deaf-blind. They were participants in a one-week course to build and apply their skills in meetings with Senators, members of Congress, and the President of the United States. Following this experience, the participants evaluated and discussed their perceptions of the benefits of the program to help shape its future direction.
George, an 18-year-old from Florida who graduated from high school with honors, is blind and uses hearing aids for moderate hearing loss. Crystal, a 24-year-old college graduate from Texas, was born with vision and hearing loss. She uses a combination of speech and sign language and works with a guide dog. These two young people and four others studied how best to present their messages and how to handle any situations that might arise. For instance, how should they respond if a Senator were to address the interpreter rather than the advocate?
The program participants reviewed and advocated for four legislative topics regarding deaf-blindness: the need for Support Service Providers, support for state technical assistance projects, inclusion in the 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Description Act, and increased support for the Helen Keller National Center.
The participants also turned their focus inward, evaluating their training and experiences to identify the most important aspects. They considered access to information on policy issues, knowledgeable mentors who understand deaf-blindness, and opportunities to practice advocacy skills while engaging with elected officials to be the most effective parts of the program. Their input will help improve the program in the future.
As a result of their experiences, the six program participants also expressed awareness of their ability to bring about change in a national context for other people who are deaf-blind. All have plans to become involved in mentoring other young adults who are deaf-blind to encourage participation in policy efforts.
Although deaf-blindness creates barriers to communication, these young men and women benefited from a positive experience. Several participants have continued advocacy efforts on state and local levels, while some have pursued international experiences. They have maintained contact with one another and others involved in the course. Some participants also plan to share their experiences at national conferences.
Source: Allen Press Publishing Services