Summer 2002

Annual Retreat Focuses on "Deaf-Blind Pah!

"On Wednesday we're bringing in the 'Climb n' Dangle'," enthuses Tami Berk, Seattle Lighthouse Deaf-Blind Retreat Coordinator. "It's a twenty-seven-foot, cylindrical climbing wall -the most challenging one we could find to rent." Heidi Zimmer, an experienced mountain climber who is Deaf-Blind due to Usher Syndrome, is a special guest at this year's weeklong retreat. "Heidi has a goal of climbing the highest summits on all seven continents," explains Tami. "She has already done three. She'll join us at the retreat to talk about her experiences and give Deaf-Blind people instruction on the basics of climbing and how to use equipment like ropes and harnesses."

The theme of the Seattle Lighthouse's twenty-fourth annual retreat is "Deaf-Blind Pah!" "Pah! is the English word for a sign meaning Success! Can do! Breaking through the barriers!" Tami continues. "We will have lots of focus on personal success stories and examples of Deaf-Blind people facing challenges and succeeding in all aspects of life."

Designed with total accessibility for Deaf-Blind people in mind, this year's retreat includes 55 Deaf-Blind attendees and over 100 volunteer sign language interpreters. Other retreat activities include jet skiing, yoga and nutrition classes, crafts and the traditional Friday night salmon bake. "We are going to do some woodworking this year, making some benches to leave as gifts to the retreat center. We will also have computer stations with magnification and braille displays available every day so people can explore the Internet," Tami adds. David Miller, the Seattle Lighthouse's Orientation and Mobility Instructor, will demonstrate the newest generation of technology for independent travel. Field trips this year include a visit to the Seattle waterfront, exploration of a local llama farm and wine tasting at a local winery.

For more information about the annual Deaf-Blind Retreat, please visit our Deaf-Blind Program Web site at www.deafblindlh.org. Retreat pictures will be posted immediately after the event.

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