Now I will give you some insight into my world without an intervenor, Remember his name is Leo and he is a professional who helps a person who is Deaf-Blind experience visual and auditory information.  Leo is my eyes and ears.

Pros of not having intervenor

• I  don’t have to put up with intervenors with lousy skills.
• I am free to schedule my day as I please, do spontaneous things and enjoy my days.
• I eat lunch at home, saving money.

Cons of not having intervenor

• ! would be left out of parties, even my own birthday party!  Once I had booked Leo for my birthday party, yet he got sick and could not come.  I was left out, and could not understand what anyone was talking about.  I did try pen & paper, but it got lost after a few turns!  It was sad.
• I would depend too much on my wife, who is usually quite chatty.  She can chat with my two sons, and everyone else in the room.  With everyone talking to her, it is very hard for her to focus on me.  Yet, she does try!  And for that I love her more.
• I can’t go a unique fast food restaurant myself and eat lunch, without some hassle.
• I can go to a museum without an intervenor, but I would miss out on almost all information plagues and the like.  It would be very boring!
• At doctor’s appointments without Leo, I would be using a pen & paper.  Many doctors still think that Deaf people can lipread, which is far from the truth.
• I would be lonely without no one to talk to.   Luckily Vancouver has weekly Deaf-Blind drop in where I go most Fridays to chat with friends, play games, and hear horror or success stories!

Next blog: The Outcome of this comparsion…