Ashley Benton
A white woman with platinum, chin-length hair and glasses is smiling confidently at the camera with her arms crossed and tucked in front of her. She is wearing a white blouse with a tan parka sweater over it. She is standing outside on a grassy hill with a partial view of a lake behind her.
Ashley Benton, MSW is an advocate with more than 25 years of experience in providing a wide array of services to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind populations. Ms. Benton is the Director of Field Services for the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC). Her professional experience includes being the Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard of Hearing Services Lead with the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, and the Deaf/DeafBlind Services Coordinator with the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health/Substance Use therapist. Ms. Benton received her MSW with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind specialty certification from East Carolina University. Her community involvement includes currently serving as Vice President of the NC DeafBlind Associates (NCDBA), former board member of the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensing Board, former member of the National Task Force on DeafBlind Interpreting and serving as coordinator of the American Association of the Deaf-Blind Mentoring Pilot Project. Ms. Benton grew up on a family farm in eastern NC, is married to a sign language interpreter and has a young adult son. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends and riding her tandem bike.
Liam Coleman
Liam (LJ) Coleman [they/them] is originally from Salt Lake City, UT. They earned a BA in Visual Arts & Multimedia Communications from RIT in 2019. LJ has worked in various DeafDisabled-led stage productions as an actor, and collaborated closely with RIT/NTID’s theatrical productions, serving as Director of Artistic Sign Language for Men on Boats (2022) and Peter & the Starcatcher (2024). Additionally, they contributed as a videographer, editor, and creative producer for Morpheyes Studio from 2019 to 2024. Most recently, LJ wrote a short play, Plant A Kiss, which was selected for Deaf Spotlight’s Flower Shop Festival in 2023.
Korian DeMont Thomas
Koko, a Black DeafBlind man, with a bald head and a long salt and pepper curly beard, is wearing a gray button up shirt and cream colored suit jacket, and is looking directly into the camera and smiling. The background is dark blue.
Korian “Koko” DeMont Thomas was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and identifies as Black DeafBlind. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree specializing in HIV education and a Master of Public Administration, both from Gallaudet University, and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas.
Pronouns: Koko/he/him/his
Pronouns: Koko/he/him/his
Rhonda Eernisse
Hello, my name is Rhonda Eernisse, and my journey as a DeafBlind individual has been a transformative experience since I entered the DeafBlind Community of Texas camp in 2023. Embracing this new chapter, I have come to accept and navigate the changes in my abilities, embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery and growth. The support and guidance provided by the DBCTX DeafBlind Community of Texas have been invaluable in helping me understand the diverse experiences and challenges DeafBlind individuals face. I am grateful for the lessons learned and the sense of community fostered by this remarkable group.
From October 2022 to the present, I have participated in The Landmark Worldwide's self- and professional development program. As a second-year event leader, I am immersed in training and learning opportunities that shape my personal and professional growth. This experience has been instrumental in enhancing my self-awareness and leadership skills.
In addition to my personal development journey, I have been an ambassador for Plexus Worldwide for 5 years, promoting health and wellness through their products. Furthermore, I have volunteered as a DeafBlind leader for the DBCTX camp and hosted engaging DB Coffee events, fostering connections and empowerment within the DeafBlind community.
I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from the University of Alaska Anchorage and have a background in advocacy and case management from my work at Access Alaska. I also have experience as an ASL tutor at UAA and as an instructor at The Arc of Anchorage and Access Alaska. My involvement with the ASL Club at UAA, the Diversity Council, and the UAA Government Council has further enriched my educational and community engagement experiences.
I have collaborated with the city of Anchorage and the state on Emergency Preparedness initiatives, created a brief film, and participated in The Alaska Humanities Forum-Leadership Anchorage program. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Deaf Leader in Panama City, Florida, organizing community events and establishing an organization to support the Deaf community.
I am grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and positively impact in various capacities. Each experience has contributed to my personal and professional development, and I look forward to continuing my service, advocacy, and community engagement journey.
From October 2022 to the present, I have participated in The Landmark Worldwide's self- and professional development program. As a second-year event leader, I am immersed in training and learning opportunities that shape my personal and professional growth. This experience has been instrumental in enhancing my self-awareness and leadership skills.
In addition to my personal development journey, I have been an ambassador for Plexus Worldwide for 5 years, promoting health and wellness through their products. Furthermore, I have volunteered as a DeafBlind leader for the DBCTX camp and hosted engaging DB Coffee events, fostering connections and empowerment within the DeafBlind community.
I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from the University of Alaska Anchorage and have a background in advocacy and case management from my work at Access Alaska. I also have experience as an ASL tutor at UAA and as an instructor at The Arc of Anchorage and Access Alaska. My involvement with the ASL Club at UAA, the Diversity Council, and the UAA Government Council has further enriched my educational and community engagement experiences.
I have collaborated with the city of Anchorage and the state on Emergency Preparedness initiatives, created a brief film, and participated in The Alaska Humanities Forum-Leadership Anchorage program. Additionally, I have volunteered as a Deaf Leader in Panama City, Florida, organizing community events and establishing an organization to support the Deaf community.
I am grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and positively impact in various capacities. Each experience has contributed to my personal and professional development, and I look forward to continuing my service, advocacy, and community engagement journey.
Christina Gralak
Christina Gralak, a DeafBlind woman with Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), started going DeafBlind as a toddler. She was diagnosed with SCA in 2006. An active member of North Carolina DeafBlind Associates, Tina has served as member at large, the Communication Access Coordinator, and has assisted in setting up socializing events for NCDBA.
Venesse Guy
Venesse Guy is a DeafBlind astrologer, educator, and accessibility advocate. As the founder of Astro Woke, she blends astrology with personal and collective growth while championing accessibility for Deaf+ and hearing communities alike. With a passion for Protactile language, she mentors others in fostering inclusive communication and autonomy for DeafBlind people. Through teaching, consulting, and advocacy, Venesse is dedicated to creating spaces where everyone can fully engage and thrive.
Sonia Hernandez
Hi there! I’d love to share a bit about myself with you. I’m originally from Arizona, and I have a degree in Special Education. I spent eight years teaching, but then I decided to move near New York City for my career. I’ve been living here for ten years now. I love to go for long walks and take my dogs for walks in the birth orbits. It’s so great to know that there are more professionals who use Protactile and are available to work with DeafBlind people!
Jose Isais
My name is Jose Isais. I am 70 years old. I live in San Diego, California. I enjoy doing arts and crafts in my free time. I make keychains and all kinds of jewelry with beads. I also like to make small sculptures out of foil and plaster.That is a long process because of the dry time and the painting. I also enjoy weaving baskets and have made woven picture scenes. The art I make is tactile so that I can enjoy it. I have a big loving family that helps me a lot.
Juan Isais
My name is Juan Isais. I am DeafBlind. My brother is also DeafBlind, his name is Jose Isais. I was born in Mexico. In 1972, I moved to Los Angeles and went to Marlton High School. Jose and I went to Helen Keller National Center in New York in 1989. I learned how to communicate in ASL more. We moved to San Diego in 1980. In 1981, I had surgery on my eyes and I could see with my glasses, but in 2018 I started loosing much of my vision. 2012 I started using tactile ASL. I started learning some Protactile when I went to the Seabeck DeafBlind Retreat in 2012. My knowledge of Protactile is limited and I want to learn more. I do art and make animals and flowers from wire! I am very excited that my interpreters and I are learning Protactile!
Peter JameS
My name is Peter James, the Deaf Blind who loves jokes and laughter. I enjoy adventures and am a husband and father of three kids. I enjoy being around people and learning new things as I go. I’m also am a growing in leadership of many different areas including Deaf community, and ministry.
Debra KahN
Since moving to Seattle in 2015, I have become more involved in the DB community through DeafBlind Service Center, WA State DeafBlind Citizens, and the Lighthouse.
I have been in a variety of different roles such as SSP Coordinator, Braille instructor, DB Consultant, DB trainer, PT trainer, advocate, board member of WSDBC, DB staff at Seabeck camp, as well as provide presentations about the DB community.
I have attended a 6-weeks training at TC in 2021.
I'm a proud mother of 2 grown children.
I have been in a variety of different roles such as SSP Coordinator, Braille instructor, DB Consultant, DB trainer, PT trainer, advocate, board member of WSDBC, DB staff at Seabeck camp, as well as provide presentations about the DB community.
I have attended a 6-weeks training at TC in 2021.
I'm a proud mother of 2 grown children.
Andrew KopeC
Andrew Kopec is a DeafBlind mentor and freelance co-navigator trainer. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computing from Gallaudet University. With over 26 years of experience in Human Resources and Payroll at a non-profit organization, Andrew retired in June 2024.
Growing up Deaf, he struggled to embrace his DeafBlind identity, but later recognized the profound connection it offered to his true self. In 2014, he learned about Protactile, and in 2024, he completed Protactile immersion training at Tactile Communications. Protactile is an important part of his life.
Andrew enjoys reading eBooks, playing tactile chess, following baseball, hosting wine and cheese events, and learning new things. He lives in New York City with his wife and their Yorkie.
Growing up Deaf, he struggled to embrace his DeafBlind identity, but later recognized the profound connection it offered to his true self. In 2014, he learned about Protactile, and in 2024, he completed Protactile immersion training at Tactile Communications. Protactile is an important part of his life.
Andrew enjoys reading eBooks, playing tactile chess, following baseball, hosting wine and cheese events, and learning new things. He lives in New York City with his wife and their Yorkie.
Jaimi Laird
My name is Jaimi Lard.
I live in Watertown MA. I was born Deafblind from when my mother was pregnant with German measles called Rubella. I went to Perkins school for the blind when I was 5 years old. I learned how to do tactile sign language at school. I had been a student at Perkins for 16 years. I graduated from school in 1986. I worked as a mailman in the transportation dept for delivery at a hospital. I transferred to work at Perkins as a spokesperson. It is about Deafblind culture and advocating to the public community like i visit public schools. Children love to learn basic sign language and I show kids about how I walk with a cane and I use large print for reading. Now I am retired. I am involved with Deafblind community for social events and i volunteer for fingerspelling robot hand for the Tatum company. My friend taught me basic PT in my community in MA. My friend and I are practicing PT.
I live in Watertown MA. I was born Deafblind from when my mother was pregnant with German measles called Rubella. I went to Perkins school for the blind when I was 5 years old. I learned how to do tactile sign language at school. I had been a student at Perkins for 16 years. I graduated from school in 1986. I worked as a mailman in the transportation dept for delivery at a hospital. I transferred to work at Perkins as a spokesperson. It is about Deafblind culture and advocating to the public community like i visit public schools. Children love to learn basic sign language and I show kids about how I walk with a cane and I use large print for reading. Now I am retired. I am involved with Deafblind community for social events and i volunteer for fingerspelling robot hand for the Tatum company. My friend taught me basic PT in my community in MA. My friend and I are practicing PT.
Lorita MoorE
Lorita Moore, DeafBlind, was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome in 2007. In 2012, she moved from Alabama to North Carolina. It was there where she received an Associate degree in Microcomputer Applications at Miller-Motte College Online, became a Virtual Assistant and the IT Girl to family and friends, joined North Carolina DeafBlind Associates (NCDBA), learned that Signed Exact English (SEE) was not the 'only' sign language in the world, was introduced to American Sign Language, Tactile American Sign Language and Protactile. She served as a member of the North Carolina Council for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing and became the secretary for NCDBA. She is a Virtual Administrator for her brother's transportation business and still does IT work and Virtual Assistant jobs. Lorita believes that embracing her DeafBlind identity has led her to focus on what she 'can' do rather than what she 'cannot' do. She enjoys listening to music, writing poems, watching Sci-Fi, socializing with her friends, and attending DeafBlind events with the DeafBlind Community.
Jelica NucciO
Jelica is a seasoned phonologist and researcher with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing the understanding of protactile language and DeafBlind communication. Her work is marked by rigorous research, data collection, and analysis, particularly in collaboration with the University of Chicago and Saint Louis University.
Her expertise is demonstrated through significant contributions to National Science Foundation-funded projects. Notably, she served as a key researcher on projects such as "What You See is What You Feel: Sign Language Phonology in a Protactile World," and "RAPID: Navigating Social Distancing with DeafBlind Children: Protactile Language Acquisition in an Online Learning Environment." These projects underscore her commitment to exploring the intricate linguistic structures within protactile communication.
For over a decade, Jelica has also led, as the founder of Tactile Communications, LLC, based in Monmouth, Oregon, where she has focused on facilitating DeafBlind individuals to achieve greater autonomy. Through this venture, she has developed and implemented comprehensive programs designed to enhance crucial life skills, including braille literacy, technological proficiency, and daily adaptive strategies. Her dedication to fostering autonomy within the DeafBlind community is a cornerstone of her professional endeavors.
Jelica's academic foundation includes a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her early work in cytogenetics and research at Emory University laid the groundwork for her meticulous approach to data analysis and protocol design, skills she continues to apply in her current phonological research.
Beyond her research, Jelica is a respected consultant, sharing her expertise through workshops and trainings. Her leadership within the DeafBlind community is further evidenced by her past roles as President of the Washington State DeafBlind Citizens and board memberships with national organizations. She has been a Protactile Language Educator with Protactile Language Interpreting (PLI) and was the lead trainer for the DeafBlind Interpreting Institute at Western Oregon University (WOU), home to the DeafBlind Interpreting National Training and Resource Center (DBI). She was instrumental in securing a grant to train Protactile language interpreters at WOU. Her dedication to advancing accessibility and communication is recognized through prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Edmund Lyons Memorial Lectureship Award, and the James W. Alley, M.D. Student Award for Outstanding Community Service, which she received during her MPH graduation ceremony at Emory University.
Jelica's ongoing work continues to push the boundaries of linguistic research, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of protactile language and enhancing communication access for DeafBlind individuals.
Tactile Impression:
Her stories are smooth and come with the scent of lavender. She draws you in slowly and then grips. When she laughs on you, you can't help but laugh too. In the summer, her skin soaks up the sun and feels warm.
Her expertise is demonstrated through significant contributions to National Science Foundation-funded projects. Notably, she served as a key researcher on projects such as "What You See is What You Feel: Sign Language Phonology in a Protactile World," and "RAPID: Navigating Social Distancing with DeafBlind Children: Protactile Language Acquisition in an Online Learning Environment." These projects underscore her commitment to exploring the intricate linguistic structures within protactile communication.
For over a decade, Jelica has also led, as the founder of Tactile Communications, LLC, based in Monmouth, Oregon, where she has focused on facilitating DeafBlind individuals to achieve greater autonomy. Through this venture, she has developed and implemented comprehensive programs designed to enhance crucial life skills, including braille literacy, technological proficiency, and daily adaptive strategies. Her dedication to fostering autonomy within the DeafBlind community is a cornerstone of her professional endeavors.
Jelica's academic foundation includes a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her early work in cytogenetics and research at Emory University laid the groundwork for her meticulous approach to data analysis and protocol design, skills she continues to apply in her current phonological research.
Beyond her research, Jelica is a respected consultant, sharing her expertise through workshops and trainings. Her leadership within the DeafBlind community is further evidenced by her past roles as President of the Washington State DeafBlind Citizens and board memberships with national organizations. She has been a Protactile Language Educator with Protactile Language Interpreting (PLI) and was the lead trainer for the DeafBlind Interpreting Institute at Western Oregon University (WOU), home to the DeafBlind Interpreting National Training and Resource Center (DBI). She was instrumental in securing a grant to train Protactile language interpreters at WOU. Her dedication to advancing accessibility and communication is recognized through prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, the Edmund Lyons Memorial Lectureship Award, and the James W. Alley, M.D. Student Award for Outstanding Community Service, which she received during her MPH graduation ceremony at Emory University.
Jelica's ongoing work continues to push the boundaries of linguistic research, providing invaluable insights into the complexities of protactile language and enhancing communication access for DeafBlind individuals.
Tactile Impression:
Her stories are smooth and come with the scent of lavender. She draws you in slowly and then grips. When she laughs on you, you can't help but laugh too. In the summer, her skin soaks up the sun and feels warm.
Ginny Nyholm
Ginny Nyholm, M.A., was born in Philippines but raised in Tennessee and California coming from a military family. She was a product of all the programs from the oral method to Signed Exact English (SEE) to American Sign Language (ASL) before graduating from California School for the Deaf in Riverside. She is a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies from California State University, Northridge and holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Gallaudet University. Ginny is the advocate with more than 30 years of experience working with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf Disabled communities. She is presently the Regional Director of Tri-County GLAD( a subsidiary of Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness) serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in California. She is Asian (Filipino) and DeafBlind with residual vision from Usher Syndrome Type 1, communicating primarily in close-track ASL and tactile ASL. She is married to a sighted Deaf person with a college-aged CODA son. She enjoys reading and spending quality time with family and friends alike.
HEATHER PAVEY
Pavey, a white female with short salt and pepper hair wearing a golden rainbow mirrored aviator sunglasses, Forest green button up collared shirt with a dark camel colored leather jacket, and is smiling at the camera. Trees in the background.
Pavey is a professional independent consultant, educator, mentor, and presenter. She graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Prior work experience includes but is not limited to employment at University of Rochester Medical Center and at Texas School for the Deaf. A proud Michigan native, Pavey is now a resident of Austin, Texas for over 15 years. She enjoys taking on a variety of education and mentoring opportunities. Pavey is also a well known massage therapist. She devotes her free time to co-hosting community events for DeafBlind inclusion. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, hiking, SUP, camping, and other indoor hobbies like crocheting, playing cards, and is also a budding artist.
Pronouns; she / they.
Pronouns; she / they.
Diane PouliN
Diane Poulin, I am DeafBlind and have 2 DeafBlind brothers. I grew up in Maine until I was 50 years old. I moved to the west coast because I found the right culture for me and my identity as a DeafBlind person. I learned about a new language called Protactile. It helped me to be more passionate about my role in the DeafBlind community and with DeafBlind children. I work as a PT teacher and family mentor for DeafBlind children. I am an activist in support of PT language for our DeafBlind community. I have been part of the Citizen Accessibility Advisory Committee with Sound Transit for over 5 years. I also am a board member of VP for DBSC.
Rossana “RoRo” ReiS
I am a Latine DeafBlind Autistic Queer artist, poet and writer currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area. My artworks continue to evolve as I soulfully embrace the creative tactile expressions and mysteries. I’m an accomplice to missions that matter to me behind the scenes, slipping notes to keyboard bumpers. You may know me by my slow paced demeanor with occasional sudden bursts of aero winds and stray feline fuzz curiously landing on your lips.
Sharon SackS
My name is Sharon M. Sacks, and I am Deaf-Blind with low-vision. I was born and raised in Massachusetts and now reside in Texas with my cat, Max and my dog, Boston. I feel very fortunate to have my daughter, Justina, teaching me PT, which I believe will have a profound impact on my life as a DeafBlind person.
Phillip Smith
I went to a speech school, then school for the deaf in South Carolina and Georgia. I graduated from Gallaudet University with a Bachelor degree in Computer Information Systems in 1982. Afterwards, I worked for a federal government agency for 30 years as a software developer. I retired at the age of 58. I have Usher's Syndrome. I am 72. I enjoy travelling on back roads with my wife Judy.
Allyson Snow
White female with brown hair in a ponytail with bangs on one side. She is wearing brown and black frame eyeglasses with a black scoop t-shirt and smiling at the camera.
Allyson Snow is a homemaker who adores her fur babies (4 cats and a guide dog). Originally from Long Island, NY she grew up attending a Deaf School and graduated from NTID with an AA degree in Liberal Arts in 1999. With many years of experience in the DB community in Minnesota, this socialization and connection led to an acceptance of her DeafBlind identity. She has been involved on several Boards and committees related to DeafBlind events, particularly those related to the DeafBlind Service of Minnesota and the Association of DB of Minnesotans. She played an active role in these organizations from 2004 to 2007.
She moved to North Carolina in 2015 and began to engage with the local DeafBlind community there through the DeafBlind Self Advocacy Forum, and she now serves on the Board for the NC DeafBlind Association, and works hard to ensure everyone in the DeafBlind Community has the opportunity to participate in activities and leadership roles at various fun events. She started to learn Protactile language a year ago and continues on this journey of learning each day. She is very excited to be part of Protactile Language Interpreting Institute and is eager to learn more so she can take that knowledge back to NC and share it with other DeafBlind people in NC.
Allyson also loves swimming in herendless pool and loves visiting any place with pools and socializing with interesting people.
She moved to North Carolina in 2015 and began to engage with the local DeafBlind community there through the DeafBlind Self Advocacy Forum, and she now serves on the Board for the NC DeafBlind Association, and works hard to ensure everyone in the DeafBlind Community has the opportunity to participate in activities and leadership roles at various fun events. She started to learn Protactile language a year ago and continues on this journey of learning each day. She is very excited to be part of Protactile Language Interpreting Institute and is eager to learn more so she can take that knowledge back to NC and share it with other DeafBlind people in NC.
Allyson also loves swimming in herendless pool and loves visiting any place with pools and socializing with interesting people.
Jesse StanleY
Jesse is the President & CEO of a small international nonprofit: DeafBlind Support and Access Network (DBSAN), which provides education and support to the DeafBlind community, interpreters, schools, and allies. Jesse is also the Retreat Director for the DeafBlind Retreat of New England, which has organized and ran a weeklong DeafBlind Retreat focusing on Protactile; Jesse also runs the Protactile Immersion Training program under DBSAN, which aims to support Protactile skills development over a 5 day training period.
Jesse works at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, CT, where he works as a teacher’s aide; as well the DeafBlind workshop coordinator. He serves on the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind’s DeafBlind Advisory Committee as a representative of ASD.
Jesse is involved in the DeafBlind community, regularly setting up unique tactile events for DeafBlind and the community; as well as mentoring interpreters and community people in Protactile.
Jesse is the President and Camp Director of an ASL immersion camp in RI for adults, and has been working on including more DeafBlind related workshops and activities in the camp.
Jesse works at the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, CT, where he works as a teacher’s aide; as well the DeafBlind workshop coordinator. He serves on the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind’s DeafBlind Advisory Committee as a representative of ASD.
Jesse is involved in the DeafBlind community, regularly setting up unique tactile events for DeafBlind and the community; as well as mentoring interpreters and community people in Protactile.
Jesse is the President and Camp Director of an ASL immersion camp in RI for adults, and has been working on including more DeafBlind related workshops and activities in the camp.
Patty StarR
Patty Starr, an advocate, teacher, mentor and consultant lecturer from Rochester NY. Divorced mother with two grown up sons and grandmother of three grandchildren. DB from Ushers Type 1B born on April 14, 1956 from New York City . Graduated from Lexington School for the deaf in 1975 and RIT/NTID in 1978 . Worked and now retired from the University of Rochester Medical Center as a histopathology technician. Today she remains actively involved with the deaf and deafblind community like DB coffee chats, Deafblind Awareness Day, DB Rochester Team meetings, SSP programs support groups, etc. Her favorite hobbies are walking and socializing.
Cai SteelE
Cai Steele is a DeafBlind Artist and Teacher. They currently work for WillieRoss School for the Deaf in Longmeadow, MA.
They are also working in collaboration with VOX to promote educational workshops for museums and theater spaces on how to be accessible to DeafBlind patrons.
They are also working in collaboration with VOX to promote educational workshops for museums and theater spaces on how to be accessible to DeafBlind patrons.
Savi ToolE
Savanna Toole is a dedicated advocate and service provider with over 10 years of experience supporting the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and disability communities. Currently, she serves as a Regional Counselor for the Deaf in Virginia's Skyline District. Prior to earning her master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Winston-Salem State University, Savanna worked as a DeafBlind Service Specialist with the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH). During this time, she was an active member of the NC Deaf Blind Associates (NCDBA) and developed expertise in ProTactile, Haptic communication, and Support Service Provider/Co-Navigator (SSP/CN) services. Savanna continues to expand her skills and applies her knowledge to advocate for and support the DeafBlind community in Virginia. Originally from Florida, she enjoys traveling the world to immerse herself in diverse cultures, gain rich experiences, and capture the beauty of nature through Imagegraphy.
Sarah YsordiA
My name is Sarah Michelle Ysordia and I was diagnosed with Ushers Syndrome at the age of seven. I identify as DeafBlind with a Cochlear Implant on my left ear. I will be graduating from California State University, Channel Islands this year with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and a double minor in Political Science and Dance. I have a deep passion for teaching dance and performance choreography. My goal, one day, is to make dance accessible with tactile assistants.
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