DEAF/BLIND RESOURCE LIST

The manual alphabet is a series of hand motions which depicts letters. In some instances, the fingers are positioned to resemble print letters. Other letters are formed by arbitrary hand positions which bear no resemblance to print symbols. The basics of the alphabet can be learned in a few hours. It takes a good deal of practice to develop speed. The deaf‑blind person reads by placing his or her hand over the hand of the person making the letters. It's possible to communicate at a speed similar to that used in shorthand dictation. An interpreter must summarize speeches, lectures, and ordinary conversation. The manual alphabet can be one of the quickest and most versatile communication methods for a deaf‑blind person.

It is possible to communicate with deaf‑ blind people by tracing the shapes of block letters on the palm of their hand with an index finger. Capital letters should be printed and cursive writing should be avoided.

Some deaf‑blind people were deaf from birth and became blind as teen-agers or adults. They prefer the sign language used by deaf people. Instead of watching the hands and arms of friends, they touch the hands of the person making the signs to learn what is being said. It is usually necessary to restrict the movements involved in making signs so that a deaf‑blind person can follow along conveniently. This system can lead to confusion. It requires the speaker to have extensive training in sign language. However, it is possible to interpret as quickly as English is spoken using this method.

Tadoma is lip reading by touch. It is not very popular because it is hard to do and not very accurate.

This device is portable and weighs less than four pounds. It consists of a small typewriter keyboard which the interpreter uses to pass on information. The deaf‑blind person sits opposite the typist and places a finger on a small Braille "screen." Each letter that is typed appears briefly under the finger of the deaf‑blind person. The letter can be felt as long as the typist holds down the key. Only one letter can be felt at a time. Fifty words per minute is probably the maximum speed of the device. The chief advantage of the Tellatouch is that it allows people who have no specialized training to communicate quickly with the deaf‑blind.

Puerto Rico Deaf-Blind Parents Association
Projecto Ninos Sordos-Ciegos
Edificio B
Antiguo Hospital Ruiz Soler
Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00619
Phone: 787-783-9910

Sign Language Associates, Incorporated
8630 Fenton Street
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: 301‑588‑7591

Capcom, Incorporated
Phone: 202-331-5771 (Voice and relay)

Assists with repair of telephones using TDD, TTY, or amplified handsets.

Children's Hospital
Biomedical Research Institute
CMV Coordinator
345 North Smith Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102

Hot‑Line to Deaf‑Blind:
American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
18440 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, California 91356
Phone: 818-343-2022

Deaf-Blind Service Center Bulletin:
Deaf-Blind Service Center
2366 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 312
Seattle, Washington 98102
Phone: 206-323-9178

Manual for Parents of Deaf‑Blind Children:
Sign Language Associates, Incorporated
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 406
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Phone: 301-588-7591
Fax: 301-588-3021

Deaf-Blind Service Center
2366 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 205
Seattle, Washington 98102
Phone: 206-323-9178 (Voice or TTY).

Relay Texas

Radio paging system for deaf‑blind communication that transmits basic lifeline information such as a doorbell ringing, telephone ringing, and fire alarm.