DeafBlind Awareness Week is an annual event during the last week of June that serves as a platform to raise awareness about people who are DeafBlind, challenge misconceptions, and promote understanding and inclusivity. This week is an opportunity to educate the public, emphasize the importance of accessibility, and celebrate the resilience and diversity within the DeafBlind community.
Morgan Breese, with her unwavering commitment to the DeafBlind community, plays a pivotal role as the DeafBlind Program Manager at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. She shares her valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by the DeafBlind community and the remarkable work being done at the Lighthouse.
“Our DeafBlind program is unique in the world. It was designed specifically for DeafBlind community members and employees in the Seattle area,” she shares. “Without our program, Seattle would look very different than it does. We impact the employees, and we impact the community here.”
A Brief History and the DeafBlind Program’s Impact
The DeafBlind Program was established in the 1980s, driven by the needs of two DeafBlind sisters who joined the organization. Over time, the program expanded to provide a range of services, including technology training, braille and computer classes, and various communication modes for DeafBlind employees. The program also extends its support to community members through classes and interpretation services.
A Journey of Empowerment
Morgan’s role as the DeafBlind Program Manager involves supporting DeafBlind employees. She passionately speaks about the sense of community and the invaluable resources available for the DeafBlind people here. As a person who herself is DeafBlind, and coming from a previous job where such resources were lacking, Morgan appreciates the opportunity to learn and advocate for the needs of the DeafBlind community. Morgan highlights the unique accessibility challenges faced by DeafBlind individuals, as they navigate a world that is often ill-equipped to meet their needs. The Lighthouse’s DeafBlind program aims to bridge this gap by offering training, classes, and resources tailored to the DeafBlind community.
“We have a technology training center for DeafBlind employees so that they can learn braille and computer skills. People learn how to communicate with tactile sign language and ProTactile. We also have people use close visual signing. So, there’s quite a range of communication modes for our DeafBlind employees!”
Her day-to-day responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including supporting DeafBlind employees, facilitating communication with HR, and recruiting new team members. Morgan emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong sense of community, providing resources, and addressing the unique needs of DeafBlind individuals.
The DeafBlind Retreat at Seabeck and its Impact
One of the programs of the Lighthouse’s DeafBlind program is the annual DeafBlind Retreat at Seabeck. This week-long event brings together DeafBlind individuals from across the country and provides a recreational and educational experience in an accessible environment. The retreat offers a sense of community and empowerment that is often lacking in their everyday lives.
DeafBlind Awareness Week
DeafBlind Awareness Week serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible strength, resilience, and potential within the DeafBlind community. By raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and supporting DeafBlind individuals, we can create a more accessible and empowering society for all. Learn more about the DeafBlind Program at the Lighthouse >>
We’re Leaders in Blind Employment – View Our Open Positions and Apply Today!
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. We are leaders in blind employment. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities live fulfilling lives.
