Vivecca Hartman, board member at The Lighthouse of Houston and parent of an adult son who is deafblind, shares practical insights on building community resources and advocacy for families affected by dual sensory loss. The episode details her experience with educational advocacy, navigating life beyond school years, and the development of programs like TouchBase Center for the Deaf-Blind. Hartman explains how Lighthouse programming supports family engagement, employment, and long-term skills for adults.

Listeners gain strategies for connecting with organizations, fostering lifelong support, and strengthening networks for the visually impaired and deafblind community.

Key Takeaways

1. Early community involvement and local programs help families discover their children’s capabilities and foster independence.

2. Organizations like the Lighthouse of Houston offer essential support, networking, and resources for families with children experiencing dual sensory loss.

3. Advocacy and learning to partner with schools are critical during the educational years, but ongoing support is needed well into adulthood.

4. Specialized centers like TouchBase provide targeted programming, peer interaction, and individualized support for the deafblind community.

5. Connecting with organizations and other families is key to building community, sharing resources, and sustaining lifelong support.

Timestamped Overview

• 00:00 — Introduction; set description; Vivecca’s background and family overview

• 01:02 — Story of noticing sensory differences; pursuing diagnoses for hearing and vision loss

• 03:07 — Early involvement with Lighthouse programs; swim lessons, beeping Easter egg hunt, and other youth activities

• 04:55 — Christopher’s current abilities; light perception, peripheral vision, cochlear implants

• 06:22 — Volunteering and board service at the Lighthouse; roles on Finance Committee

• 06:49 — Family participation in community events; fundraising for deafblind homes and their impact

• 08:51 — Changes over the years at Lighthouse; return of children's programs post-COVID; branding, employment opportunities

• 10:09 — Importance of organizations in creating social networks and sharing resources for families

• 11:48 — Sense of community, technology resources, and support available at Lighthouse

• 12:52 — Friendships and long-term family connections formed through Lighthouse activities

• 13:22 — Challenges navigating the school system for children with dual sensory loss

• 14:55 — Transitioning to adult life after schooling; sustaining engagement, recreation, and planning

• 15:18 — Forming TouchBase Center for the Deaf-Blind to provide appropriate lifelong programming

• 17:38 — Day program funding and peer interactions at TouchBase; partnership with state organizations

• 20:18 — Creative programming and woodworking at TouchBase; adapting activities post-COVID

• 21:36 — Lighthouse as a role model for programming and community-building

• 22:57 — Parent advocacy experiences and the importance of helping other families access resources

• 25:06 — The role of advocacy for individual children and broader community support

• 26:12 — Contact details for TouchBase Center and invitation to reach out for information

• 26:22 — Tips for parents: Get involved with local organizations and community activities for support

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