The Seattle Lighthouse is a private, not-for-profit agency providing employment, support, and training opportunities for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind with other disabilities. We are the foremost employer of Deaf-Blind people in the United States with a comprehensive Deaf-Blind program serving our employees and the larger Deaf-Blind community.

Annual Deaf-Blind Retreat Statement of Purpose

-- to provide Deaf-Blind people with an extended opportunity for connection, access, and independence within a community setting --

Our Commitment to the Deaf-Blind Community
All Deaf-Blind program services offer a safe, supportive, and respectful environment, linguistically and culturally appropriate services, and consumer involvement and input. Our goal is to ensure maximum respect, independence, choice, and control over matters impacting each participant.

Annual Deaf-Blind Retreat Program and Services
The annual retreat is a week-long, completely accessible experience. We offer people who are Deaf-Blind formal and informal networking opportunities, workshops, activities, and leadership skills training. The retreat takes place in Seabeck, Washington on Hood Canal the last week of August. Deaf-Blind individuals are integral to planning and hosting the retreat which helps to ensure a totally accessible environment.

Accessibility features:

• Communication paced to accommodate individual needs
• Individual volunteer interpreter/guides for each Deaf-Blind participant
• Culturally relevant presentation of information
• One-on-one sign language interpretation in each individual’s preferred language and mode
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Pidgin Signed English (PSE)
  • Signed Exact English (SEE)
  • Tactile interpretation
  • Close interpretation
  • Vocal interpretation
• FM Systems
• All materials available in large print or Braille
• Rope guide system linking all major buildings throughout retreat grounds
• Dark backgrounds and extra lighting in meeting spaces and common areas
• Intepreter clothing contrasts with skin tones to maximize visual clarity
• Refreshable computer braille displays
• Screen magnification computer software
• Accessible equipment displays
• Large visual displays for closed captioning

Recreational Activities:

• Tandem bikes, kayaks, and jet skis
• Crafts
• Storytelling
• Dancing and exercise classes
• Hot tub
• Field trips
• Games: bingo, board games, water games, giant maze, triathlon

Educational opportunities:

• Deaf-Blind cultural immersion
• Leadership opportunities
• Internship opportunities
• Workshops: technology, health, research, and other topics of interest
• Peer networking

Eligibility
Retreat attendees must be Deaf-Blind: legally blind and either Deaf, significantly hard of hearing, or late deafened. Volunteer guides and interpreters must have experience guiding and communicating with Deaf-Blind people and have a language level of ASL 6 or above. Those interested in attending or volunteering must submit an application.

Funding
Retreat attendees are asked to pay a tuition fee and may attend a half-week or all of the retreat. Some scholarships to the retreat are available. Volunteers receive free room and board during the week. Tuition fees do not cover the entirety of retreat costs, and community support is critical to preserving and expanding the retreat. Community support includes financial contributions from local corporations, foundations, service organizations, and individuals. This additional funding is critical to preserving and expanding the existing programs and creating new opportunities for the people we serve.

All community support for Lighthouse programs is channeled through the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation, whose sole purpose is to gather community support for fulfillment of the Seattle Lighthouse mission.

Location
Seabeck Conference Center, Seabeck, Washington on Hood Canal

Information Contact
Tami Berk
Program Manager: Education, Mentoring and Retreats
Voice and TTY: (206) 436-2120
Email: tberk@seattlelh.org
www.deafblindlh.org
www.seattlelighthouse.org

Back to About the Seattle Lighthouse