Winter 2005

Deaf-Blind Community Class Gets Out the Vote

This Fall, representatives from the Democratic, Republican, and Green parties visited the Seattle Lighthouse Deaf-Blind community class. “It was interesting to hear each one talk about their candidate and try to sway people to their side,” observes Annie Sting, machine shop production worker. “You get a flavor of the different parties -- the spirit behind them.”

“I felt that I had a really good handle on what the Democratic party was about and what the Republican party was about, but not so much the Green party,” says Debbie Sommer, production worker. “It was nice for the representatives to clarify what their positions were, what each of their positions are about.”

“It’s greatly educational for the representatives,” remarks Tami Berk, Deaf-Blind retreat and community class coordinator. “People really appreciate being a part of Deaf-Blind class.”

Linda Williamson, interpreting services supervisor, was delighted to present information on 2004 ballot initiatives during the following class session. “I love doing the class. I love people’s questions. I think most people in the larger community would be surprised by how important voting is in the Deaf-Blind community, how high voter turn out is.” She adds, “it’s a real pleasure and privilege to be a part of helping Deaf-Blind people get access to information so that they can make their own choices.”

“Linda talked about the people who were for and against each initiative, so the positions were very clear. The information that evening was good, it helped me get the big picture,” Debbie remembers. “The next day, people were abuzz about their preferences.”

“It is helpful,” Annie declares. “I can talk with other people who use ASL. I hear from both sides, and then I decide what I want to do, but I need to get the information first.”

“What’s really satisfying to me is that after this class, when people are making their decisions, they don’t all make the choices I would make. That means I’ve succeeded in getting information out so people can use it to make their own decisions based on their own values,” Linda says.

“The reason this is so important is that getting information in a fully accessible form is very difficult. Radio, TV, the Internet -- none of those formats are readily accessible to Deaf-Blind people. Having this information in ASL means it’s actually accessible information,” she continues.

Community classes provide a completely accessible environment where interpretation, special lighting and backgrounds, and culturally appropriate topics are essentials in every class.

Tami explains, “It was set up to give people a place to be together; people want that. It is a place where people get information. It’s a training ground for any interpreter or interpreting student to learn how to work with Deaf-Blind people, any professional who wants to run a Deaf-Blind friendly organization, any Deaf-Blind person who wants to learn leadership and facilitation skills.”

“I can’t say enough about receiving information in my native language, American Sign Language,” Debbie exclaims. “If I have a question, I can ask it on the spot. It’s a good learning environment.”

“I love going to Deaf-Blind community class,” Annie says. “I go regularly, I’ve been going for years. I can learn about things in ASL. I can participate too and ask questions.”

Annie’s husband Ken Sting, machine set-up, agrees. “I’ve gone for many years. A lot of what I enjoy is seeing people get the chance to talk to each other. Class is an important part of the community, what we do in the Deaf-Blind community.”

Deaf-Blind community classes take place throughout the academic year every other Wednesday. For more information, please contact Tami Berk at her voice and TTY number: 206-436-2120 or email tberk@seattlelh.org

Interpretation note: Interviews were conducted with the support of Lighthouse interpreting staff fluent in American Sign Language and proficient in close-visual and tactile signing.

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