Post by SensesWA

As part of #DeafblindAwarenessWeek, we're sharing the stories of people in our community to help build understanding of what it means to live with Deafblindness. Meet Deb! Born Deafblind with Congenital Rubella Syndrome, Deb is a passionate advocate who is helping others better understand Deafblindness and the role assistive technology and specialist supports can play in everyday life. From using a white cane to navigate her community, to relying on her Roger Pen to hear instructions at ballroom dancing, Deb demonstrates that with the right supports in place, people who are Deafblind can live independently, pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Video description: Deb shares her lived experience of Deafblindness from her home. Throughout the video, she demonstrates the assistive technology she uses, including her Roger Pen and white cane, and speaks about her advocacy work, community participation and the support she receives from SensesWA. Audio description: My name is Deb Kazich. I was born deafblind with Congenital Rubella Syndrome. With my vision, I can't see things far away. That means I need large print to read paperwork and to stand close, not only to see but to hear as well. With my hearing, I can't hear things too far away. I need a quiet place to hear and talk to people. With the noisy environment, I can't hear what people are saying. It's so amazing when I use my roger pen. The roger pen connects to my hearing aids. It sounds so clear, especially when I go to dancing. I'll be able to hear all the instructions when we do the dance. My white cane helps me to get around, to go out in the community, to go to work. My cane is my friend. SensesWA support workers or comm guides, they support me through the right food to get when I go shopping. One of my favourite things I like to do to be an advocate for the deafblind is doing speeches on technology. And sometimes when I go to the doctors, I make sure I get one of those DBIA postcards to them so they can learn how to work with deafblindness.

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