Writings about Ataxia, being DeafBlind, family life. The best life can offer!


Without

Hi folks:

Without?  What is without?  If I am without water, I become thirsty, right?

If you are without food, you become hungry.

If you are without makeup, you might feel “naked” at a party, depending on if you wear makeup or not.

If you are without clean clothes, you really are naked at that fancy party.

These examples are easily fixed: Go buy a bottle of Evian, go chow down on a giant burrito, buy something from Avon, and wash your clothes!  Easy right?

Now, if you are Deaf-Blind and without an intervenor.  There is not an easy solution if your province does not provide intervenors.

I am not going to illustrate how an intervenor will improve the situation: you will see for yourself in the following examples:

About 4 years ago, I somehow cracked my tooth, suffice to say it was a bad combination of sneezing and a stow-a-couch.

I made an appointment to see my  dentist the following Saturday.  I was unable to book interpreter or intervenor.  So, I used my iPad and the Dentist typed out questions and I answered verbally.  But it was a slow process!

Next example: My oldes son, who also has CAPOS had an audiologicaly assessment.  They did try to secure an interpreter, without luck.

So, I used my tablet and bluetooth keyboard. I was able to fully understand and she was able to ask questions.

The third example happened just recently: my youngest son had a last minute appointment with our pediatirician.  I was without an interpreter.  However, my wife was able to call, during her lunch break, to converse our concerns.  I was just the delivery guy.

As you can see, I hope, that an intervenor would have helped empower my communication in a clear and quicker way.

Sure, using techology is a good backup, and is most used when other else is available!

Let us bring intervenors to Vancouver’s Deaf-Blind community!

Like and Share if you please!

Leave a comment

From the blog

About the author

Craig MacLean is DeafBlind with ataxia, a rare condition called CAPOS. He & his wife of 22 years have two sons, the oldest of which has CAPOS as well.

Craig uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is an avid writer, friend, Hot Wheel collector and intervenor advocate.

Craig sits on many committees, boards and associations as a DeafBlind rep. He graduated university with a BA in psychology in 2000.