In May, DeafBlind Services Minnesota hosted trainer Keva Richmond of Evolve Access. Keva provided training to support service providers (SSPs), interveners and members of the deafblind community. The purpose of the training was to learn more about co-navigation (CN), a new service model that focuses on deafblind autonomy and access, Protactile language and traveling together (not “guiding”).

A co-navigator and a deafblind person work as a team, sharing experiences and making decisions together. Respecting and empowering deafblind autonomy is a top consideration for CNs. Like the SSP and intervener roles, CNs do tasks with a person and not for them. CNs practice co-presence, which includes joining deafblind people in more direct, hands-on experiences. Co-presence allows extra time for communication and access, resisting the idea that deafblind people should be expected to adapt to sighted and hearing norms.

The training included discussions on sighted and hearing privilege, sensitivity to trauma, and deafblind empowerment. Learning activities under blindfold were provided, such as the popular telephone game in American Sign Language, practice using Protactile, and hands-on training for safe co-navigating techniques. Participants expressed appreciation for the training and a strong desire for more learning opportunities of this kind.

Funding for this training was provided by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services.

You can find more details about the grant awarded to DeafBlind Services Minnesota on the grant webpage. If you are interested in becoming a co-navigator, contact Vision Loss Resources/DeafBlind Services Minnesota at 612-843-3400.

If you would like to learn more about resources available for people who are deafblind, please contact us.