Presented at the 2022 Summit

Understanding the DeafBlind World with Cultural Competency

0.3 CEUs, PS PPO

The DeafBlind world is more diverse than you may realize both culturally and linguistically. There are still many common misconceptions about the DeafBlind community’s communication and behavioral norms. These misconceptions can lead to intentional or unintentional oppressive behaviors including Vidism, Distantism, and Audism.   This workshop will provide insights and will guide our interactions in an appropriate and culturally competent manner. Those insights include how to approach DeafBlind persons and how to ask for and honor preferences. Key terms LV, CV, CN, SSP, TASL and PTL will be explained. Understanding their world from a Deafblind perspective will enhance our interpersonal relationships and extension our interpreting with the DeafBlind.

Workshop Curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome
  2. 2

    • Workshop

    • Quiz

Reviews from The Summit

Average Rating

4.7/5.0The activity provided opportunities to develop skill and/or awareness.

4.6/5.0The learning materials used were effective and complimented the goals of the activity.

4.7/5.0This activity will contribute to my professional growth.

4.8/5.0The instructor interacted with the participants in a professional manner.

  • Summit Attendee

    Fantastic workshop! I really appreciated the exposure to current signs, viewpoint perspective of DeafBlind culture, and practical application of interpreting techniques to use in the field! Thank you

  • Summit Attendee

    Loved this dynamic duo. I learned more in three hours than I have in other workshops I've attended. The info Kevin provided was so beneficial and the added anecdotes that Brent provided were a great accompaniment to help remember all of the info. I feel more confident going into a job that I may have turned down in the past.

  • Summit Attendee

    I learned so much valuable information in this workshop. I am new as far as venturing out in deaf/blind and my concerns and thoughts were mentioned as I sat and watched, but I also got an opportunity to see a different perspective as well and I learned so much. I know I have so much more to learn, but this was a WONDERFUL workshop. Thank you for your support, knowledge and guidance in this community.

Meet Your Presenter

B.Ed., NIC, Ed:K-12

Brent Tracy

Brent Tracy is a proud CODA and native Bostonian. Since starting his interpreting career at Gallaudet University in 1999, Brent has worn several professional hats: interpreter, coordinator, advocate, mentor, and presenter. After witnessing and experiencing numerous inequities both personally and professionally, his aim has been to address these inequities caused by a historically strained cultural climate among hearing, Deaf, CODA practitioners, and stakeholders. He leverages his influence as CEO of Equal Access Resources on public platforms including social media to foster honest dialogues that will galvanize stakeholders to champion change for the ASL community. In his leisure time, Brent enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and 2 amazing children and creating unique handmade bow ties for his business KnotTied.

DeafBlind Instructor

Kevin Richmond

Kevin is DeafBlind and has given many presentations and trainings for the hospital and educational institutions about DeafBlind experiences and how to work with Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind patients. Kevin also used to be a full-time lecturer at The University of Vermont in the ASL Program.
TerpAcademy is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.3 CEU's at the ‘Some’ Content Knowledge Level. TerpAcademy promotes an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other protected class.