Northwest Symposium

Because I was unable to facebook about this last week and all of the amazing things that I was able to experience, I figured that I would blog about it instead. I had the pleasure of spending September 9,10, and 11 in Portland attending the biennial Northwest Symposium on Rehabilitation and Deafness. It was spectacular in so many ways. This conference was accessible to anyone who wanted to attend. First of all, it was free, allowing a college student from Seattle to make the way down and take advantage of all that was there. Secondly there were no less than six interpreters working at any one time, working as voice interpreters as well as signed interpreters. There were also no less than four tactile interpreters for those were are deaf-blind, at least three up close interpreters for those who could not see far enough to see the main interpreters, CART was also available in all sessions, FM transmitters as well as a text to braille for a woman who was deaf-blind. There were two service animals present and several personal attendants. I never once felt left out because there was always someone who could help me communicate with other attendees or presenters. 

As a student in a Rehabilitation Counseling program I never felt left out, even when I was embarrassed by my lack of sign language skills. I never felt like I was not supposed to be there. In fact, I felt encouraged to learn and grow from those around me. I met so many great people who were able to share valuable information.

The presenters were some of the best that I have ever heard from. Now, this is my first professional conference that I have ever been able to attend, but I hope that I get this feeling at every conference that I attend. The first presenter that stands out is a woman named Haben Girma. You can see her and learn more about her at http://www.habengirma.com and you will want to once you know more about her. She was the first deaf-blind student at Harvard Law School. The university was willing and able to assist her with all of the accommodations but one that she asked for. The one that they were not able to provide was because it is not a technology that is available right now. She also recently sat for the Bar exam and is awaiting her scores. She travels around the world speaking about her experience being deaf-blind and what people can do assist those who are deaf-blind be independent.

Brad Ingrao, an Audiologist and Jackie Woodside, a motivational speaker from Massachusetts both hearing, but chose to sign their speeches that I attended.  Brad shared that he adopted a five-year-old deaf boy whom he chose to not get a cochlear implant for him. His son is now 23 years old and heavily involved in the deaf community. After the conference, he shared with me his journey of getting education for his son. Jackie was fantastic. She shared how changing our wording to “I am being productive” vs. “I am busy” can change how we feel and lessen the stress that we feel in our life.

I learned so many great things this week and I enjoyed my time in Portland, even if I did not explore it as much as I could have. I learned several new signs and was able to practice my sign language. On top of everything, two organizations tried to poach me. The Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services said that they have money for stipend for practicum/interns for 2014. The other one that tried to poach me was the California Vocational Services for after I graduate. Through my sloppy signing we chatted and he tried to get me to come work for him once I graduate. I have to admit, it feels great to have people wanting me.

I also learned that there are several other conferences going on in recent times. There is another free conference in October for three days hosted by the Native American Rehabilitation Association in Portland that I might attend. According to my sources, it is a great training on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am excited to go to Tacoma for another conference in the near future.