DeafBlind's Photo Journal

Yesterday I spent a whole day in London, ON at the CNIB and the Ivey Eye Institute.

It was an interesting day, I learned a lot about my resilience although my pain tolerance was truly tested. I had a series of tests done on my eyes. First was the retinal ultrasound. I had the solution which dilates the eyes in order to have the really fine wire to be inserted in both eye sockets to test the muscles in order to determine whether there were retinal detachment or not. I had another dilating solution applied as well. This test had intense strobe lights in my eyes. Truly pushed my comfort levels as I couldn't see afterwards.

I rested for 20 minutes, had both eyes closed. I had another dilating solution and a numbing solution. This test had even further intense strobe lights pulsating into the eyes.

Afterwards, I had pictures taken of my retina to further explore and see the depth of the blindness.

I asked my tactile interpreter and the retinal specialist if I could have my DH take pictures to share my day with my friends. I also wanted to share my DB experiences with sighted Deaf people as well.

On the way to London, ON.. I saw such beautiful scenery. It was so unique to see such barren yet beautiful scenery during the winter. Just had to share them with you.

Returning home to Kitchener, the most beautiful pink/red sunset shone on us on the way home and again, I had to take that picture.

I've learned I "see" the best in each and every situations.


Tactile smile with love to all,

Patty ox

Inspired by DeafReaders

Hi DeafReaders,

I've been inspired by your comments and feedback. I truly wanted to thank you for the constructive criticism, feedback and your thoughts into this. It does help.

I wanted to post my vlog as well.



Tactile smile!
Patty

Subtitles in Vlogs

Dear fellow DeafReaders,

This is an open letter to my fellow friends, the Deaf community, within DeafRead.

I enjoy each one of your v/blogs. I start my day off with a good cup of strong coffee and I have the laptop opened first thing to DeafRead. I simply have to have my daily dose of laughter when I view vlogs and I admit I do miss out some of the signs because being legally blind truly restricts my viewing abilities.

Seek Geo was the very first vlogger that subtitled his vlogs. Being dedicated to him, naturally, because of the subtitles. Others followed his path such as Banjo and McConnell. (I'm sorry if I forgot to mention others' names that subtitled their vlogs) There are others that subtitled their vlogs as well.

There has been a personal choice about subtitling vlogs in DeafRead. One say it is a lot of work doing subtitles, another vehemently opposes subtitling with ASL to preserve ASL as a language on its own.

I'm reaching out to my peers here, as a Deaf-Blind person, to make an effort to subtitle their vlogs because I truly do miss out your beautiful and interesting vlogs.

We, the Deaf-Blind community, literally are at the bottom of the totem pole. We constantly struggle and if I may point out, not to make an effort to subtitle the vlogs is an act of oppression.

I honestly hope you will take those in consideration, you all do have this powerful choice to make your vlogs accessible for your Deaf-Blind peers.

Tactile smile with love,
Patty

Chinese New Year 农历新年

The Chinese New Year 农历新年, the year of the Rat, 鼠 as well as the public holiday for a number of countries and cultures.

The Nian, a man-eating beast from the mountains (other versions has it from the seas) comes out every 12 months to prey on humans. The Nian, easily startled by loud noises & the colour red, led to the custom of fireworks and celebrating with red.


Red packets, known as Ang Pow, laisee, lai see, red packets, hung bao or Hung-Bao are given out as gifts. However, it is given out to juniors and children by married people and elders.

I have learned something, the number 4 is not considered good luck. You would not see 4 dollars in a red packet or a box of tea cups.

Cleaning house during the New Year as well is not encouraged because you risk sweeping away your good luck.

Positive reinforcement through Deafread

Positive reinforcement is such an amazing ripple effect in Deafread. Whether it be through v/blogging or leaving comments, I feel very inspired to see the Deafread community work together to solve issues.

I would love to use a wonderful example of the powerful ripple effect of positive reinforcement that a Deaf v/blogger has been doing lately. Her presence has been a much needed one , in my honest opinion, for Deafread lately. Her jokes brings tears of laughter to my face to the point where my stomach muscles protests out of ache and it’s all good!

Let’s talk about Terri.. I’ve had the luxury of meeting her only for a fleeting moment. She is such a beautiful woman, let me tell you this. Inside and outside, she is amazing. Terri doesn’t mince words and that’s what I adore about her. Being straightforward, she is the perfect advocate we need nowadays.

Shining the spotlight on you, my girl.. Terri! *hugs* Just so proud my fellow local girl is making strides in Deafread! Please click on Terri’s blog and enjoy her vlog jokes!!

Tactile love,
Patty ox

Travelling and Hiking Abroad

I love to travel when finances permits me. When I do travel, the very first place and person comes up to my mind has to be my best friend. I have travelled and hiked with Marc to many places in USA and Canada.
Believe me, it’s not the normal “tourist” places we went to, it was the wonderful unique landmarks. It was through Marc I was able to sample a vast culinary of food, explore all kinds of things I would never imagine myself doing all alone (maybe it was because he was my Clyde??) and best of all.. all the wine and cheeses we had at late nights.

I was able to learn certain rules and regulations applying to airports, passports, international travel regulations. This blog is a gem, readers. You can learn a lot from him. I am blessed to have travelled with him. Just a wealth of knowledge and Marc is only more than happy to share with his friends.

I’m shining the light on this blogger and of course bragging about my best friend.

Tactile smile with love,

Patty oxox