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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 3
Dr. Jan van Dijk. Through all of his psychological and neurological research on
individuals who are DeafBlind, perhaps his most memorable contribution to the field of
DeafBlindness was the reminder that the quality of life for all individuals, regardless of
background or ability, lies in finding "moments of joy" to share with others. As I
shimmied, shuffled and twisted the night away with old friends and new acquaintances, I
could feel the barriers of communication, culture and conditional differences begin to
melt away and the joy of the moment begin to take hold.
Since returning from the DbI Conference of the Americas, I have enjoyed the
opportunity to continue conversations on issues related to DeafBlind education that
were initiated at the conference with my colleagues across the country. These
conversations and connections have helped ensure that the joy that I experienced at
DbI has remained long after the euphoria of the conference has subsided. Another
result of attending the conference is that I have become more aware of the intelligence,
dedication, passion and joy that a younger group of professionals, family members and
individuals who are DeafBlind are bringing with them to their respective professions and
organizations. This has led me to experience more and more moments of hope for the
future of our field. Though the prospect of creating a world with an inclusive mindset, as
George Stern has challenged us to do, may seem like an impossible goal, the
connections made through organizations such as DbI, DVIDB, NFADB, AER and others
will enable us continue to bring joy and hope to the work we all must do together to
achieve it.
