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.
We will be offering the opportunity for interpreters, SSPs, interveners, and others who work with the DeafBlind community to receive one-on-one mentoring directly with DeafBlind community members. This will enable service providers to improve and expand their skills while learning from the experts – DeafBlind people.
This service is free to all residents of Minnesota.
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 next retreat will take place at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN, on March 1 and 2, 2025. Registration opens in late-December!
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.
This is an opportunity for exposure to ProTactile communication. Possible topics include backchannelling, mapping, environmental information, and how to negotiate communications with DeafBlind people.
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 above Specialized Deafblind Training programs are provided by ASLIS and supported by grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services: Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services Division.
