To view a this page in a larger
font, click here To read the minutes from our last open board meeting, click Here To download our December 2007 Newsletter in Microsoft Word format, click here To download our Newsletter dated March 2008, click Here
For our latest issue dated June 2008, click Here If you have any comments regarding the newsletter, please contact Mike Reese, our newsletter editor at:
WelshGent@aol.com
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
This page was last updated by Scott Davert on June 26, 2008 at 2:20 AM EST.