Items

• WHAT HAPPENS IN TACTILE ASL?
  This study focused on tactile ASL as it was used by fluent Deaf-Blind ASL users when they communicated tactilely with other fluent Deaf-Blind ASL users. Selected linguistic features from four subfields of linguistics (phonology, morphology, syntax and discourse) were studied. Comparing visual ASL with tactile ASL provided a unique opportunity to observe the variation and change that occurred when a community of fluent Deaf-Blind ASL signers used a visual language in a tactile mode. Pinky Extension and Eye Gaze: Language Use in Deaf Communities. Lucas, Ceil (Ed.)
• TACTILE SWEDISH SIGN LANGUAGE: Turn Taking in Signed Conversations of People Who Are Deaf and Blind
  This chapter describes how deaf-blind people regulate turn-taking in conversations when using tactile sign language. Describes the two different conversation positions, monologue and dialogue, used by deaf-blind signers. Provides line drawings to illustrate how the different positions affect the conversation, and the manual sign structure. Describes turn zones, back channeling and support turns, all of which direct the flow of the conversation. From Bilingualism and Identity in Deaf Communities, Metzger, Melanie (Ed.).
• TACTILE SIGN LANGUAGE : Turn Taking and Questions In Signed Conversations of Deaf-Blind People
  This dissertation is primarily about turn-taking and questions as they are carried out in tactile conversation. Beginning with the concept of deaf-blind people and different methods of communication, it then presents the material used in the authors’ analysis and then an overview of the concept of "conversation" which consists of sequences, turns, adjacency pairs and feedback. It then looks more specifically at form and function regarding questions with an overview of interrogative clauses in sign language and shows what partial signals are used in questions. The author also analyzes yes/no questions, alternative questions and wh-questions. Finally the book examines support questions and how conversational participants support one another by requesting feedback and clarification. This dissertation was originally written in Swedish and then translated into English. Publisher's web site: http://www.signum-verlag.de International Studies on Sign Language and Communication of the Deaf, Volume 38
• STUDY OF THE TACTUAL RECEPTION OF SIGN LANGUAGE
  In the study reported here, 10 experienced deaf-blind users of either American Sign Language or Pidgin Sign English participated in experiments to determine their ability to receive signed materials including isolated signs and sentences. Experimental results are discussed in terms of differences in performance for isolated signs and sentences, differences in error patterns for the ASL and PSE groups, and communication rates relative to visual reception of sign language and other natural methods of tactual communication. JOURNAL OF SPEECH AND HEARING RESEARCH, vol. 38, April 1995, pp. 477-489.
• SIGNED CONVERSATIONS OF DEAF-BLIND PEOPLE
  This is the text of a workshop presentation given at the 13th DbI World Conference on Deaf-Blindness. The study focuses on turn taking and questions in conversations among deaf-blind people using tactile sign language. 13th DbI World Conference on Deafblindness Conference Proceedings, August 5-10, 2003, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
• FASTEN SEATBELTS: A Guided Tour of the Research on Deafblind Communication in 45 Minutes
  A presentation giving an overview of the research that has taken place regarding communication and the deafblind population. Reviews communication methods such as ASL, tactile ASL, fingerspelling, computer recognition, Tadoma, and communication speed and accuracy of each. Plenary presentation at the International Symposium on Development and Innovations in Interpreting for Deafblind People, Netherlands, June 1999.
• BILINGUALISM AND IDENTITY IN DEAF COMMUNITIES
  The goal for this book was to include empirically-based work that is international in scope and extends knowledge of the sociolinguistic issues in deaf communities by building on previous research or breaking new ground with preliminary studies. This collection of data-based studies follows a variety of research methodologies with two recurring themes. First, the perception of deaf people and deaf communities and second, bilingualism. Specifically related to deaf-blindness, in part six, there is the study Tactile Swedish Sign Language: Turn Taking in Signed Conversations of People Who Are Deaf and Blind by Johanna Mesch. Sociolinguistics In Deaf Communities Series, Volume 6
• TIPS FOR DEAF-BLIND CONSUMERS WORKING WITH INTERPRETERS
  This article gives a list of suggested tips for deaf-blind individuals when working with interpreters. It recommends screening interpreters and advocating for communication and logistic needs. Publisher's web site: http://www.aadb.org/ THE DEAF-BLIND AMERICAN, April-June 2007, vol. 46, #2, pp. 12-14
• GUIDELINES: Practical Tips for Working and Socializing with Deaf- Blind People
  This second edition of Guidelines includes expanded chapters on topics such as tactile sign language, interpreting, conversation and physical environment. New information and more examples are included. Three new chapters include: Support Service Providers; Authority, Power and Control; and Meetings. The book is intended for people who know Sign Language, who are already experienced in "deafness" and in interacting with Deaf people, and who want to know more about "deaf-blindness" and interpreting for Deaf-Blind people. Professional interpreters, student interpreters, and anyone who wants to communicate and/or work more effectively with Deaf-Blind people will benefit from reading this book. May be ordered from Sign Media, Inc., 4020 Blackburn Lane, Burtonsville, MD 20866. Phone: (800) 475-4756. Cost: $24.95 Publisher's web site: http://www.signmedia.com
• BEING IN TOUCH : Communication and Other Issues in the Lives of People Who Are Deaf-Blind
  This book is aimed at interpreters, teachers, and other professionals who work with deaf-blind people. It provides basic information about deaf-blindness and devotes a large section to interpreting. The appendices cover organizations, agencies, and schools serving deaf-blind people; training for teachers and interpreters; manual and Braille alphabets; and characteristics of vision loss; recommendations for those looking for more information.
• THE MIND TRAVELLER : The Ragin' Cajun
  This video takes a look at Usher Syndrome through the experiences of Danny Delcambre, a deaf-blind restaurant owner in Seattle, Washington. Neurologist/author Oliver Sacks explores the nature of deaf-blind culture, American Sign Language, and tactile signing with several deaf-blind adults in both Louisiana and Washington.
• DEAF-BLIND COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY: OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION
  This is a forty-minute open-captioned tape that features Theresa Smith discussing a number of topics that provide a glimpse into the multi-faceted Deaf-Blind community. Among topics discussed are a definition and description of the community, individual communicative differences and preferences, becoming involved in the community, and setting limits. This tape also makes use of video footage to illustrate guiding and communication preferences. Available from Sign Media Inc. for $49.95 ($98.95 when purchased as part of a set of 2 tapes). Phone: (800) 475-4756. Publisher's web site: http://www.signmedia.com/
• DEAF-BLIND COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY: GETTING INVOLVED - A CONVERSATIONDEAF-BLIND COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY: GETTING INVOLVED - A CONVERSATION
  This ninety-minute tape offers two presentations of a forty-five minute conversation with Pat Cave and Janice Adams, two Deaf-Blind individuals. Moderated by Theresa Smith, this tape presents a discussion of topics such as general perceptions and experiences of deaf-blind adults and their communication frustration and needs. In addition, the two interpreters, one who is deaf and the other who is hearing, share some of their experiences and perceptions. The first portion of this tape is a full-screen, edited version of the conversation. The second portion uses special digital effects to present all five individuals on screen at the same time. Available from Sign Media Inc. for $59.95 ($98.95 when purchased as part of a set of 2 tapes). Available from Sign Media Inc. for $59.95 ($98.95 when purchased as part of a set of 2 tapes). Phone: (800) 475-4756. Publisher's web site: http://www.signmedia.com/
• DEAFBLIND SELF-ADVOCACY: Reach Out and Touch Someone
  This brief article emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in the DeafBlind community and mentions several examples in different parts of the country. VIEWS, Vol. 31, No. 2, p. 13.
• Looking at Art
  A young man, who is deaf-blind, explores a sculpture with a Support Service Provider (SSP). He uses tactile sign language and touch to explore and communicate about this piece of art.
• An Introduction to the Seattle DeafBlind Community and the Role of the Support Service Provider (SSP)
  A video introduction to the Seattle Deaf-Blind community and the role of the Support Service Provider (SSP), narrated by Jelica Nuccio.