and Patty

[Guest guest]

,

What you described (tracing block letters into the palm of the hand) is

called print on palm or POP. Tactile sign is just like ASL, PSE and SEE

except that it is done tactually -- hence the differentiation " tactile "

sign. A deafblind person uses tactile sign by placing his/her hands over the

person who is signing. In this way, they can feel what sign is being made.

Something interesting to note about tactile sign...When I was instructed at

my local deafblind center about the use of interpreters, I was told to

always request a *tactile* interpreter for the deafblind (as opposed to " a

sign language interpreter. " ). This is because not all sign language

interpreters are certified, familiar or comfortable with tactile sign. I've

already had the experience of requesting an interpeter (one of my first

experiences) in which I forgot to indicate I was deafblind and used tactile

sign. Although this interpreter was happy to work with me, it was evident

she did not know how to describe visual information to me through sign (such

as my environment). Of course, this wasn't her fault and what information

she did provide through sign was very helpful just the same.

In addition, most (not all) tactile interpreters are familiar with other

methods of communication used by the deafblind including POP,

fingerspelling, TeleBraille, Tellatouch and Braille/raised print alphabet

card. If for some reason one communication mode can't be used, another can

be substituted in its place.

Patty,

If you like, I would be happy to put you in touch with the former Director

of the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI. She is

deafblind herself and I'm sure she can provide additional resources for your

daughter. I can also put you in touch with an O & M instructor who used to

work at the Helen Keller National Center. He has over 20 years experience

working with deafblind children who have various degrees of vision and

hearing loss. Since many O & M instructors also work in conjunction with

occupational therapists, I'm sure he can also put you in touch with an O & M

instructor and OT in your area. As mentioned, I can also provide a

list of local deafblind resources in your area if you let me know what city

and state you live in. As usual, if you have any questions, please feel free

to e-mail me anytime. Good luck!

Implanted: 12/22/04 Activated: 1/18/05

Deafblind/Postlingual

BTE hearing aid user 20 years

Severe-profound hearing loss 10 years