Deaf Space -- and Deafblind Space at Gally

wait and see what they do. i sincerely hope they do take our concerns to heart.

Glad to hear from you.  It is very helpful for us to know DeafBlind people's perspectives on things. Yes, Gallaudet definitely should make sure the space is Deaf-Blind friendly.  You should talk to MJ Bienvenu- the chair of the SLCC project or something like that.  She should be open to having a DeafBlind person on the planning committee if there is not one already.  The DeafBlind representative can consult with the DeafBlind community to get their input.

Candace A. McCullough

www.ascdeaf.com/blog

 

Marisa Bennett,

 

As student of that program this semester, I am glad that you brought it up issues about people who are Deaf-Blind , Usher Syndrome, and other type of visual experience into consideration during stages of development within the newly established Deaf Space program.  .

 

First, allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Robert T. Sirvage and I am currently a graduate student under Deaf Studies department.   I happen to have Usher Snydrome myself.  Currently my range of periphery vision is at between 10 to 15 degrees.  I had a serious case of cataract which I had to endure with for three years before finally got it surgically removed about two years ago. Generally I don’t converse well during nighttime however I can get around without cane.  However, before going on, please do not presume that as individual I am seeing myself as representative agent of all people with various visual experiences as in knowing what is better for them.   But I am more than to glad to share something that are relevant to your point of inquiry. 

 

 I am finding the whole concept of Deaf Space to be exciting.   I sincerely believe that people outside of our community will someday benefit greatly from our finding because our focus, in term of architecture, is centered around the idea that the more we understand the complex dynamic between individual or group’s sensory experience and space in board sense will lead to creation of better architectural space. 

I can tell you with certainty that the ‘visu-centric’ as term that was originally used describe the totality of Deaf’s sensory experience are virtually dead and outdated those involved the Deaf Space program.  We realize that we are not entirely visual as we outlook the role that tactile have in our language and experience.  For example, we don’t keep our eyes on our own hands while we are signing to other.  And we do depend on other things other than ‘seeing’ to get ourselves from place to another.  For example, the tactility that one feel as one walks through space.    Personally, I believe that tactile based sensory aspects of Deaf Culture are sorely overlook and this fact to be realized.  Hopefully it will lead to further documented exploration into the subject..   Anyway, the bottom line is, people in the program (Deaf Space) are turning away from this visu-centric notion.      

 

As person who had experience with cataract, I am very aware of roles lights have in creating a space and its potential as well.  Yes, many people with usher syndrome are exceptionally sensitive to lights.  I mean a numbers of people have actually moved to Seattle because constant cloudy weather makes outdoor light more agreeable with them.   This is one perfect example of choosing and creates space that suit to your sensory experience best.  

 

I agree with you that there are people whose happen to don’t have their sensory experience resolving around their visual and auditory ability yet they (Including myself) see ourselves as member of signing community.    We mustn’t really overlook that.   I can’t speak for them all like I have said earlier.  So inputs like you and from Deafblind individuals are very important to us.  Go to www.signcast.com to check out about survey project that several of my colleagues are undertaking which invites anybody connected with this university including alumni’s input.  

 

If you guys are curious and want to discuss various issues relating Deaf Space in depth..  Stop by Gallaudet’s Deaf Studies dept anytime and look for me, Robert T. Sirvage..  If you are lucky, I just might give you a tour to our cool new Deaf Space Studio.    J  

Also I like to add that..  Professor Ben Bahan from Deaf Studies deptartment will give a presentation on topic:  'Sensory Experience' which will take in place on  March 21st at Andrew Foster Auditorium from 12 to 2pm.  

Anybody  with inquisitive mind are invited to attend!

Cheerio!  

Robert,

Awesome! Thanks so much for posting that update on how the Deaf Space project is going. I viewed Ryan Commerson's sign cast yesterday about the Deaf Space survey project and was really impressed. I had a feeling that Deafblind access issues might already be included in the Deaf Space discussions, but just in case, I wanted to post a reminder.

Last year and the year before, when I was a Gally student, Christine Roschaert was active in trying to get make the administration aware of architectural/landscape safety issues from a Deafblind perspective. As you may know, there are problems with cracked and uneven pavement and other structural barriers. It was the front page story of the Buff and Blue last year.

Now that Christine has graduated, I thought I'd just add Deafblind access issues to the discussions in the blogosphere about Deaf Space.

Thanks again for your post, and keep up the exciting work on Deaf Space.

p.s. I'm not Deafblind, but over the past 19 years I've had several roles at Deafblind organizations and at a residential school for the blind, so I'm familiar with vision-related physical access issues and wanted to bring them into the online discussion. And yeah, I've heard great things about the Seattle DB community - lots of self-advocacy and activism. Did you know that the Minneapolis/St. Paul DB community is just as large? (even though the weather is sunnier and MUCH colder, haha)