“THE LIFE EXPERIENCE AND INTERPRETING FOR PEOPLE WITH USHER SYNDROME, TYPE 3”By Dana Tarter

Just Me

• My journey • Transparent and real • Usher Syndrome, Type 3

Identity• Where do I fit? To be honest. No where really. • Changing, adapting and rediscovering. • Stages

DeafBlind Culture

• Unique • Stage can equal community connection - Deaf community - Blind community - Hard of Hearing community

Interpreting Needs• Receiving information/Finding the sweet spot• Environment • Lighting • Change happens • Energy • Posture and care • Keeping the assignment • Clear communication

Grief• Grief? I am alive I am not dead. • Usher Syndrome Type 3 is about loss. • Family• Friends• Freedom/ Independence• Job• Grief with each change in vision/hearing

Acceptance• I didn't know what was happening. I was just living life. • When I came to the real understanding that I was going to be

DeafBlind I cried. • No clue what to do • How to live life DeafBlind

Question & Answer