2024 DeafBlind Retreat of New England

From Saturday, July 06, 2024 4:00 PM to Saturday, July 13, 2024 10:00 AM (EST)

Description

Registration Deadline is February 15 2024.

DBSAN is excited to host its third annual DeafBlind Retreat of New England! This year's Retreat will take place at Camp Wightman in Griswold, Connecticut.

This year our goal is to have 10 DeafBlind staff, 17 to 19 DeafBlind Participants, and 20 to 22 CoNavigators (CNs)

CoNavigators will arrive on July 6 to start their training.
DeafBlind Participants will arrive on Monday July 8.
Retreat will finish Saturday July 13.

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 happens equitably through touch. The retreat will be a Protactile Zone.

Currently the camp fees cover only a small portion of the operating cost. The remainder of the costs comes from donations.

Application Types

CoNavigator (CN) -- $300

Retreat CoNavigators: 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. The cost is $300.

DeafBlind Participant -- $600

This application is for anyone that has both vision and hearing loss. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The cost is $600.

DeafBlind Staff -- $0

DeafBlind Retreat Staff: Staff must be DeafBlind, and have knowledge of Protactile. Staff must be at least 18 years of age.