Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here–

and your beautiful DeafBlind child too!

You’re entering a wonderful, rich new journey that many parents will never know. Your child has so much to show you and offer the world!

It’s of utmost importance that you feel supported and find role models who are DeafBlind themselves. They’ve lived it and can show you how to navigate successful and delightful experiences!

Your DeafBlind child’s natural communication is through touch. Did you know there’s a language completely accessible through touch? It’s called “Protactile language,” and it’s the coolest! It’s a rich language that will help you connect and fully communicate with your child.

I run Conscious Baby, but I’m also a certified sign language interpreter, immersed in the Deaf and DeafBlind communities. Here are some resources I trust!

DeafBlind & Protactile Language Resources

Protactile Kids

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Early exposure to language is critical. PT Kids is investigating early language acquisition for DeafBlind children through the touch-based protactile language. Children themsleves contribute to language development! 

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DB YEA! (DeafBlind Youth Engagement & Advocacy)

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Find support for your famiy here with mentors and leaders who are DeafBlind themselves.

Events are held in Austin, TX and surrounding areas.

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Touch Seeds

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Consulting for communicating with your child, behaviors, school services, and all aspects of your child’s life.

Your DeafBlind child is not a medical problem who needs to be fixed. S/he is a beautiful little human who is about to bring you along on a rich journey! The “problem” usually arises due to language and a lack of communication. Touch must be embraced for your child to thrive.

Read more about Protactile, co-presence, and Hayley’s story here >

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DeafBlind Kids!

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Learn about Protactile language, how to support and communicate with your child, and the criticalness of “co-presence” during shared daily experiences.

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Protactile Research Network

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Browse people, projects, publications, and resources related to Protactile language.

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Or reach out to me

You can also contact me directly and I’ll connect you with these wonderful people! 

Behavior

Has your child been assumed to have “behavior problems”?  All behavior is communication. I know there are difficult times as a parent, and I’m sorry you’ve experienced this labeling. Here’s what’s really going on:

• The Problem With Traditional Approaches to Behavior
• The Wisdom Behind Weeds and Lingering Behaviors

Children need to understand and process feelings around early experiences, including birth, specialist visits, medical interventions, and any stressful or traumatic situations. More here >

Motor Development

It’s more important than ever that your DeafBlind baby has a chance to “measure” where their body is in relation to the floor. This will help balance, coordination, and safety. More here >

This is called “Baby-led” motor development.

Other

Touch and movement are the first senses to develop in the womb. Your DeafBlind child is intimately connected with this incredible wisdom!