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ThePilot.com : Deaf-Blind Consultant Speaks at Belle Meade
Belle Meade residents recently welcomed guest speaker, Deidre Dockery, a deaf-blind consultant with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, for a presentation on programs available through the Division of Services for the Blind.
"Having a medical emergency can be overwhelming for most people," said Dockery, who is also an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator. "Imagine having hearing and vision loss in addition to a medical crisis. 'Overwhelming' does not adequately describe the feelings experienced by individuals who are deaf-blind. The Division of Services for the Blind has many programs to address the specific needs of different types of hearing and vision loss."
Dockery explained that the term "deaf-blind" is used to describe people with considerable hearing and visual impairments, as well as those with medical conditions that will progress, causing limited vision and hearing. Dockery, whose grandmother was deaf, said she understands the dynamics that a family experiences when a member suffers from hearing and/or vision loss.
"Communication and mobility are the two biggest challenges that can cause isolation and loneliness," Dockery said. "Being in the presence of others and able to communicate is part of what gives quality to life."
Lisa Gold, activities coordinator for Belle Meade, arranged for Dockery to speak with residents after the recommendation Belle Meade resident Grace Kraege provided.
"I first met Deidre when I took a 13-week mini-course for the blind on how to be more independent," said Kraege, who has macular degeneration, an incurable hereditary-and/or age-related disease that destroys a person's central vision. "She taught practical skills, like how to cook and organize your home. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for our residents here at Belle Meade to learn more about the tools that are out there for people with vision and hearing loss."
Residents learned about ways to interact and communicate with people who have hearing and vision loss.
Dockery explained that although people who lose their hearing or vision later in life continue to communicate in the same ways they always have, they will experience difficulties when they try to receive new information. This requires the development of new ways to receive language that will continue to let people receive information.
Dockery asked residents to pair up and practice the 'print-on-palm' method of communication, in which letters are traced onto a person's palm. Most residents agreed that it was not an easy task to discern what letters were being spelled out.
Residents also received information about different types of assistive technology such as hearing aids and telecommunication devices. In addition, residents were provided with resources from which they can obtain more information.
"I would like to ensure that our residents are aware, informed, and educated on the newest medical information," Gold said. "I want residents to learn how to ask questions and get answers in a health care situation. My goal is for our residents to be involved in their own health and to make this the best time of their life."
Gold schedules specialists and experts to visit with Belle Meade residents each month.
St. Joseph of the Pines Health System, a member of Catholic Health East, is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and includes Belle Meade Resort Retirement, The Villas at Pine Knoll, The Overlook at Pine Knoll, The Coventry, The Health Center, and Providence Place.
Belle Meade residents recently welcomed guest speaker, Deidre Dockery, a deaf-blind consultant with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, for a presentation on programs available through the Division of Services for the Blind.
"Having a medical emergency can be overwhelming for most people," said Dockery, who is also an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator. "Imagine having hearing and vision loss in addition to a medical crisis. 'Overwhelming' does not adequately describe the feelings experienced by individuals who are deaf-blind. The Division of Services for the Blind has many programs to address the specific needs of different types of hearing and vision loss."
Dockery explained that the term "deaf-blind" is used to describe people with considerable hearing and visual impairments, as well as those with medical conditions that will progress, causing limited vision and hearing. Dockery, whose grandmother was deaf, said she understands the dynamics that a family experiences when a member suffers from hearing and/or vision loss.
"Communication and mobility are the two biggest challenges that can cause isolation and loneliness," Dockery said. "Being in the presence of others and able to communicate is part of what gives quality to life."
Lisa Gold, activities coordinator for Belle Meade, arranged for Dockery to speak with residents after the recommendation Belle Meade resident Grace Kraege provided.
"I first met Deidre when I took a 13-week mini-course for the blind on how to be more independent," said Kraege, who has macular degeneration, an incurable hereditary-and/or age-related disease that destroys a person's central vision. "She taught practical skills, like how to cook and organize your home. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for our residents here at Belle Meade to learn more about the tools that are out there for people with vision and hearing loss."
Residents learned about ways to interact and communicate with people who have hearing and vision loss.
Dockery explained that although people who lose their hearing or vision later in life continue to communicate in the same ways they always have, they will experience difficulties when they try to receive new information. This requires the development of new ways to receive language that will continue to let people receive information.
Dockery asked residents to pair up and practice the 'print-on-palm' method of communication, in which letters are traced onto a person's palm. Most residents agreed that it was not an easy task to discern what letters were being spelled out.
Residents also received information about different types of assistive technology such as hearing aids and telecommunication devices. In addition, residents were provided with resources from which they can obtain more information.
"I would like to ensure that our residents are aware, informed, and educated on the newest medical information," Gold said. "I want residents to learn how to ask questions and get answers in a health care situation. My goal is for our residents to be involved in their own health and to make this the best time of their life."
Gold schedules specialists and experts to visit with Belle Meade residents each month.
St. Joseph of the Pines Health System, a member of Catholic Health East, is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and includes Belle Meade Resort Retirement, The Villas at Pine Knoll, The Overlook at Pine Knoll, The Coventry, The Health Center, and Providence Place.