Fall 2006

Seattle Lighthouse Deaf-Blind Retreat Promotes Community and Connection

Fifty-nine Deaf-Blind individuals attended our twenty-eighth annual Deaf-Blind retreat at the Seabeck conference center this year, including Deaf-Blind participants from Germany. One hundred and nineteen volunteers provided interpreting, visual information, and guiding; making the retreat a fully accessible experience for all participants.

Workshops included an international cultures workshop focusing on Indian and German cultures. Lighthouse Board Member Dr. Robert Francis presented the latest information on Usher’s syndrome and deaf-blindness. Participants also had the chance to attend a workshop on cutting edge assistive technology with experts on hand to answer questions.

As usual, the retreat offered a host of activities and opportunities for attendees to connect with one another. Activities this year included hands-on cooking classes with common themes. Participants in the Greek cooking class created a festive atmosphere by wearing togas and laurels while participants in the Mexican cooking class celebrated with a traditional fiesta afterwards. Deaf-Blind attendees also had the chance to visit the Seattle waterfront, tour the Lighthouse, and explore a local winery.

This year marked the retirement of Larry Hill, director of the Seabeck Conference Center for twenty-two years and long-time friend of the retreat. Retreat attendees had many chances to share stories with Larry and thank him for his outstanding support of the retreat through the years.

Our thanks to all the hard working volunteers, generous donors, and talented staff that made the retreat such a success this year!

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