The DeafBlind Community Class serves the DeafBlind community by providing information in an accessible environment, opportunities to socialize and network with peers, and opportunities for interpreters to practice their skills working with DeafBlind individuals.
We are committed to the DeafBlind community. All DeafBlind program services offer a safe, supportive, and respectful environment; linguistically and culturally appropriate services; and consumer involvement and input. Our goal is to ensure maximum respect, autonomy, choice, and control over matters impacting each participant.
DeafBlind Community Class in Seattle, WA
DeafBlind Community Class Opportunities
Community Class functions as the meeting grounds for DeafBlind people from other areas, professionals wanting to connect with the DeafBlind community, and students who want to increase their exposure and develop their communication skills.
Community Class helps break the isolation of being DeafBlind in a hearing world by bringing community members together. We work with Deaf and hearing interpreters, as well as utilize Pro-Tactile communication methods, to ensure information and communication is shared in each person’s preferred mode of communication – Pro-tactile, close visual, platform or voice interpreted. Information is delivered in a culturally appropriate format, at an accessible pace that allows time for tactile or relay interpreting.
Classes are held in small groups, and may be either information sharing lecture style, social events or activities. DeafBlind community members may be hosts, announcers, presenters, or participants, and can work with staff to develop the necessary skills to fill those leadership roles.
We may invite speakers or presenters to provide information on topics of interest to DeafBlind community members. We work with all presenters in advance to ensure they have the information they need to provide a successful presentation.
The facilities we use have excellent lighting, flexible seating, dark backgrounds behind presenters and amplification systems available (FM, PA).
Individual classes may include:
- Local area interests and history: Theo Chocolate, Starbucks, Boeing Aerospace
- Current Events
- Annual Election Issues and Candidates
- Travel stories
- Inspirational stories
- Feedback forums with local agencies or other service providers
- Emergency Preparedness
- Games and field trips
- Appreciation night
Eligibility
Participants in Community Class must be DeafBlind: legally blind and either Deaf, significantly hard of hearing, or late deafened. Services are open to all DeafBlind community members.
Volunteer Interpreters must be fluent in ASL, have the ability to sign or learn ProTactile ASL and possess a working knowledge of interpreting for DeafBlind individuals. Support Service Providers must have minimum 2 years ASL exposure and experience providing human guide and visual information.
Funding
DeafBlind Community Class relies upon community support from local corporations, foundations, service organizations, and individuals, in addition to Lighthouse operations. Outside philanthropic funding is critical to preserving and expanding programs for those we serve.
Participants are asked to pay a nominal fee per quarter.
Information Contact
Morgan Breese
DeafBlind Program Manager
206-512-8503
MBreese@LHBlind.org