The goals for this project are to provide statewide specialized deafblind communication training. This includes providing training in Protactile, Tactile Interpreting, DeafBlind interpreting, and working with speaking deafblind (who may or may not identify as DeafBlind).
This involves working with individuals who are deafblind, regardless of communication modalities used; ASL Interpreters; Interveners & SSPs; and others who serve individuals who are deafblind.
If you’d like to keep up with current events in Minnesota’s DeafBlind community, check out the DeafBlind events calendar.
This retreat is for speaking deafblind. It is an opportunity for them to receive information customized to their needs, receive training in tools and technology to improve their quality of life, and connect with others who experience similar challenges in navigating a hearing-sighted world.
The retreat took place the weekend of March 4-5, 2023 at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN. We anticipate that another retreat will take place in fall of 2024 or spring of 2025.
Once a month, the Minnesota Speaking DeafBlind Group (MSDBG) holds conference calls for speaking deafblind people. This is an opportunity to connect, share information and resources, and provide ongoing support to persons with combined vision and hearing loss who use spoken English as their primary language.
We will be providing opportunities for participants of the 2023 DeafBlind 101 class to practice their skills in a group setting.
This is an opportunity for DeafBlind people to learn (or brush up on) ProTactile communication. The goal is to enable DeafBlind people to take leadership in teaching ProTactile to sighted individuals.
This three-day in-person event is scheduled for September 29, September 30, and October first. It will run from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm on all three days. Registration is limited to 12 people, so sign up today!
This is an opportunity for exposure to ProTactile communication. Possible topics include backchannelling, mapping, environmental information, and how to negotiate communications with DeafBlind people.
Opportunities to receive one-on-one training with DeafBlind individuals on topics such as ProTactile, tactile communication, guiding, and other topics of interest to people who work with DeafBlind individuals.
This grant is expected to last up to 5 years. In future years, we hope to host a range of trainings and events. Examples include: PT training, DeafBlind Advanced Training, and 1-on-1 DeafBlind Training Practice. This is not a guarantee that all of these things will happen; the list is just an example of things that ASLIS might do.
“DeafBlind” or “deafblind”? Which is it? It’s a complicated question!
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, capitalization matters. “Little d” deaf simply denotes an audiological status – profound hearing loss. “Big D” Deaf is used for people who are deaf, use signed languages, and who identify with Deaf cultural norms and values.
Similarly, “deafblind” without capitalization is used to describe people with combined vision and hearing loss. The range of people is vast; some are partially sighted, some have usable residual hearing, some have no vision at all, and some are profoundly deaf. Some use ASL as their primary language, and others use spoken English.
With capitalization, “DeafBlind” refers to members of a cultural movement that promotes deafblind self-determination and engagement with their environment on their own terms. This includes resistance to the intersection of sighted and hearing oppressions, encouragement of a distinct DeafBlind identity, and a set of values that centers touch as the primary source of information about the world.
All Specialized Deafblind Training programs are provided by ASLIS and supported by grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division.
