Sharing A Life Changing

I would like to share this beautiful experience I had last November. It is my great joy to have been given the chance to participate in the Pre-Conference on deafblindness last November 6, 2013 at the Tagaytay International Convention center, and the 10^th Helen Keller Conference held last year on November 7 and 8  at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City These events were hosted by the Deaf Blind Support Philippines (DBSP), with the collaboration of the National Council on Disability Affairs and World federation of the Deaf Blind.

November 6: PRE-CONFERENCE ON DEAFBLINDNESS Theme: Awareness Raising and Building Support

Filipino Deaf Blind speakers shared there inspirational stories. Mr. Patrick Sobreviga (who is hard of hearing and has low vision) shared about his work experience. Ms. Monica Garcia (deafblind) with her the aid of her interpreter, talked about her life experiences. Other illuminating testimonies were delivered by Ms. Joey vhie Tolin (hard of hearing and blind); Mr. Angelo bryan pelino (hard of hearing and blind), and Ms. Rizalina Tadeos (deafblind). Ms. Mila wayno of  resources for the blind, inc (RBI), Dr. Yolanda Capulong, Principal of the Philippine school for the deaf (PSD) broadened our knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of deafblindness with their talks. 

November 7 and 8: 10^th Helen Keller World Conference

This was a conference I had fun in and learned so much from. I came to know about

the various interesting experiences of my fellow deafblind, both from the Philippines and from foreign lands. I took delight in learning about tactile sign language apart from the standard sign language I have grown to utilize, as well as the gadgets employed by the deafblind such as cellphones, computers etc. Delegates from foreign countries like Akiko Fukuda of Japan and many more inspired the crowd with their stories of determination, courage, persistence, faith, and love.

Upon hearing the sharings of the speakers, I learned that there is so much we the deafblind can do to be productive citizens. We should be not mocked, laugh at,  underestimated against deafblindness is a hindrance or an excuse to succeed. 

I learned about the different conditions concerning deafblindness. This was proven by the acquaintances I had with those who are totally blind and totally deaf, the low vision and hard of hearing, the totally deaf and have low vision, and those who are totally blind and hard of hearing.

I count myself blessed of having been invited to take part in these life-changing events. Everything was worth the time, effort, and treasure. If God hadn’t blessed me with such a golden opportunity, I would have missed out on a lot. Having attended these gatherings of the deafblind made me realize that I am not alone, that I have been called, alongside my fellows, to enjoy our life and to work towards more opportunities for productivity in the society and a better quality of life.