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VIDBE - Q Volume 6 4 Issue 1
projects with hard work and commitment, but also through the quiet
expectation of others whom she treated as equal collaborat ors, even when
in truth she was far better at what was being done. I still find it very difficult
to put into words how much Deborah's belief in me meant to me." Sandra
Lewis, Florida State University
Deborah left her mark on every single person that she interacted with;
on her students, on her colleagues, on the children she worked with in the
field, and in almost every aspect of the world of visual impairments, from
standards to research and beyond. Personally, I know that I would have
never discovered a passion for the field without her and without her
guidance, I would not be prepared to enter the field and be the best
researcher, educator, and professional possible. I think Mackenzie
Savaiano put it best with the following quote; "Whenever I find mysel f
overwhelmed, I hear Deborah's voice saying, "I'm in survival mode" and I
almost immediately have a better sense of what I need to do." I still hear
Deborah's voice in my head every day, guiding me and helping me make
the best decisions possible. She will forever be remembered for being a
one - woman force of nature who was unstoppable whenever she decided to
do something. Deborah Hatton was one of the most amazing people that I