2022 DeafBlind Retreat at Isola Bella

From Monday, August 15, 2022 3:00 PM to Saturday, August 20, 2022 10:00 AM (EST)

Description

The first-ever DeafBlind Retreat in the Northeast will be held at Camp Isola Bella in Salisbury, CT. Isola Bella is an island in the middle of the Twin Lakes, located in the Berkshires. For over forty-five years, Isola Bella has served as a summertime camp for those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This summer, we have the unique opportunity to run a retreat for DeafBlind individuals.

Our retreat will build DeafBlind identity, self-esteem, and self-confidence among participants by promoting and teaching the values of Autonomy, Teamwork, and Responsibility. There will be opportunities for individual and community growth as well as for interpersonal collaboration and connection. We will provide DeafBlind participants with a safe environment where they can learn, grow, and try new things at their own pace. Our goal is to provide complete access to enable socialization to reduce isolation.

The DeafBlind Retreat will be a space where communication feels natural and accessible. We will be teaching the language of DeafBlind people: ProTactile. ProTactile is when communication and information sharing happen equitably through touch. The retreat will be a ProTactile Zone.

Application Types

Participant -- $500

This application is for people that are DeafBlind. DeafBlind means dual sensory loss of both vision and hearing. Applicants must be 18 years of age and older.

Volunteer -- $250

This application is for sighted Deaf and Hearing that are interested in working with DeafBlind. This role includes, but not limited to, being a sight guide, explaining about the environment, and interpreting other information. Applicants must be 18 years of age. We will provide all training.

Thank You to our Sponsors