Welcome to Pro-Tactile: The DeafBlind Way

[jerrykoh]

I can't believe I tried turning up my volume despite knowing what I clicked on

[coreyhamptonrn]

Great! Teh different forms of communication are knowledgeable
impressive. Thanks for sharing.

[Valzimful]

I am very glad that I saw this vlog. I have usher syndrome. I learned something about Pro-Tactile, really new world for me. Bless both of you.

[artcarrieful]

Love it! As a tactile hard of hearing person (learned ASL age 25), I immediately got it (hand tapping, like a yes, that's right, hmmmm, yeah). What was new was learning that the touch also helps with knowing what's going on with the speaker, It would definitely help with turn taking. You are a great team! Thanks!

[vincenuccio]

You both are awesome. This is just the beginning of something so beautifully contagious!

[foundonroaddead]

Wow! I'm amazed with how you both can communicate with each other. It's an inspirational video.

[Gimpygladiator]

I teach ASL to hearing kids. I'm Deaf. Teaching PT has been ... I would call, a blessing. Not in a religious sense, but an informative, well-rounded sense, especially for kids who had no idea that there were successful Deaf folk in the world, MUCH LESS successful Deaf-blind folks! This wasn't around when I grew up with ASL. My signs were from the 50s, like the people who taught the people I learned from, and I was raised to believe DB folk used signs letter-for-Letter. To have an honest, truthful, educational way to introduce Deaf-blind communication (pro-tactile) to hearing kids (who just met a Deaf person for the first time very recently) is such a gift to offer our future leaders, waitresses, customer service workers, teachers, lawyers (bosses?), feels like such a privilege! It's not just about "adjusting" Deaf communication (ASL) to meet the needs of those who are Deaf-blind, but a language and syntax entirely separate (but equal to) from ASL that still provides the same information and access to the visual components of sighted responses (mouth open, nod, or shaking the head, or describing 3-dimensional space, is both exciting and illuminating to both the Deaf world AND the hearing world! Thank you for this (older) introduction! I'm excited to share this video with future generations!

Question: I know ASL changes/adds/adjusts signs from one generation to the next, and when we add TECHNOLOGY (ie: video calls with one hand holding a phone, turning two-handed signs into singular-handed signs, mainl y for clarity) then ASL gets tossed into a RAPIDLY changing word salad ... my question: has PT gone through similar changes??

Edits: typos.... oops!

[opticaltips]

I have joined sign language now for 4 years and have new deaf blind friend to visit. I cannot thank you enough for your series so help me begin to communicate with her. Keep up the good work! Penelope

[ydkc]

Thank you so much for posting this. I am newly deafened two years, but grew up with Deaf friends. I had seen a student at the school I went to last year who is Deaf and Blind but has a little view area. I also have another Deaf friend who also works with a Deaf Blind program in Canada here, but could not really explain to me how the communication worked. He was trying to demonstrate it with me, but I could not grasp it. This is great to see. I am excited to watch other postings from you both. 

[deafblindtip]

Jelica and aj - as always, pioneers in the field! Thank you for putting a name and recognition to the techniques that we have been using from within the community for so long. Bringing this to the general public through your extensive knowledge and effervescent personalities will surely make a great impact. Thanks and keep on keeping on! All the best from the other coast, Susie

[saizai]

Suggestion: if you add the transcript to youtube, it'll show up in closed captioning so be more easily accessible.

[paulgarza]

This is so inspirational... Wow! I'm learning a lot from you gal! You are truly making a difference in many deaf blind people's lives and our lives too!

[kewlasl]

This is terrific! Can't wait to see more!!!!

[outdoorzimmy]

it is excellent educating to any people about the DeafBlind Way. Kudos! both of you did good job for educating. I am sure the people will respect and get more sensitive toward the DeafBlind people after you educate us.

[Hannah-tghw]

THIS IS HUGE! Turn-taking at the sub-lexical level... From a phonological perspective they are sharing each other's articulators to produce "words". Fascinating!

[zanthornton]

Thank you so much. I met Jellica in GA, and really glad to see ProTactile! Hugs from GA!

[xiprokovicho]

Great video! You both are the best. Read many many articles about you both. GREAT JOB!

[awesomemom]

Kissfist your vlog! Thank you ladies I look forward to your next vlogs, this will help me communicate with my friend when I see her....

[aslspud]

Thank you both for sharing this introduction to PT and allowing those of us who are not in Seattle to learn from you and incorporate into our daily lives with others. I will post this on our DB Member Section Listserv for all to view and hopefully subscribe. THANK YOU again for sharing.

[Emma]

I received the transcription! Thanks Aj & Jelica! You both have taught me more awareness! Thank you, you both are an inspiration! Thank you, I look forward to more vlog coming soon! I appreciate you for making the time to do this! Many will benefit from your info.