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To download our latest issue dated June 2008, click Here
If you have any comments regarding the newsletter, please contact Mike Reese, our newsletter editor at:
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Self Help For Independency In
The first thing you probably want to
know, if you don't already, is what does SHI-M=DB stands for? Our mission statement is as follows:
“Our focus is to
improve the lives and well being of DeafBlind individuals. SHI-M=DB will play
an active role in educating the public about the needs and abilities of the
Deaf-Blind. SHI-M=DB helps DeafBlind individuals realize their potential and
utilize the skills they have to improve their communities.”
The bylaws go along the same lines as our
mission statement. "The principle purpose of this shall be
to initiate, sponsor, promote, educate, and execute policies and activities
that will further enable and empower DeafBlind persons in the community. The
specific purposes shall be to advance the social skills, interests and welfare
of its members; and to increase the public awareness of the DeafBlind in
general; and to provide opportunities for
training through workshops, meetings,
lectures, etc; and to promote and sponsor the DeafBlind in Michigan;
…and to act as liaison for the DeafBlind; and to advocate for the interests and
rights of DeafBlind persons …[in] the State of
Michigan."
OUR HISTORY
SHI-M=DB had its beginnings at a 1997
workshop designed to develop and encourage support services for DeafBlind
persons. Sign Language interpreters and others spent a weekend with persons who
are DeafBlind, in order to learn the special circumstances in working with
people who deal with the dual challenges of varying degrees of hearing and
vision loss.
The experience impressed everyone who
shared the weekend, and from the fellowship among those who were DeafBlind
expanded the awareness of the need for an organization that would belong to the
deafblind, and to continue to promote their own
independence.
DeafBlind Workshop:
Every year, since 1997, SHI-M=DB has
helped sponsor a weekend long workshop for the DeafBlind, their interpreters,
and support service providers (SSP’s). The purpose of this workshop is for all
participants to learn, socialize, and grow as individuals.
DeafBlind Transition Camp (DBTC):
During the summer of 2002, SHI-M=DB
helped sponsor and conduct the first training camp for DeafBlind students. This camp was designed to introduce the
students to a college campus and help them explore the services available to
them as they considered post-secondary educational opportunities, helping them
to realize their own potential and possibilities.
That camp for students was a dream come true for the board members and a real awakening
for the students themselves. Another
training camp is being planned for summer of 2007.
Interpreter’s Training
SHI-M=DB helps in training of interpreters
and support services providers on the special needs in working with the
DeafBlind.
SHI-M=DB is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization and contributions
are tax deductible.
SHI-M=DB would love to receive your feedback and we encourage everyone
who is interested to get involved with this organization.
Thank you for stopping by our website,
and feel free to check back for future updates as this site continues to
expand. Should you have any questions or comments regarding the site's
mechanics or if something is not accessible to you, please send the webmaster an email
Last update by Scott Davert
on Jan 27, 2008 at 2:20 AM EDT.