SEATTLE

DEAF-BLIND

SERVICE CENTER

SENIOR CITIZENS PROJECT

What is the Senior Citizens Project?

In 2004, the Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC) started providing new services for older deaf-blind persons. The services help older deaf-blind persons to keep their independence and to have a better quality of life.

Who is eligible?

Deaf-blind persons must:

• Be 65 years old or older
• Be retired or unemployed
• Have limited support system from their family, friends, or social networks. (Some exceptions can be made.)

Due to budget cutbacks, the program has been slightly modified, but we are trying to provide the same quality of services in more creative ways. Currently the program includes:

• Specialized SSP services that take senior abilities and needs into account
• Quarterly social event (a meal at a restaurant, a trip to Seattle Center, etc.)

It is important to note that the seniors themselves are determining their class topics.

The classes fill our large meeting room as each client requires two tactile or close vision interpreters. The two co-leading staff are both deaf-blind and also need interpreters as does the speaker! We have been creative in teaming with local interpreter training programs. This benefits both the interpreting professional community and assists our budget. The professionals provide mentoring to the students, while the students gain valuable experience and comfort with this population. We have already seen improvement after one year in these newly graduated participants as skilled deaf-blind interpreters in the community.

Please contact Jenné Chalfant, DBSC's Community Development Educator at deafblind@seattledbsc.org, for more information.