"Empowering DeafBlind Individuals to reach their highest potential."
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About DeafBlind


What is DeafBlind?

DeafBlind simply means a person has self identified themselves as having both a vision and hearing loss substantial enough to make everyday activities challenging.

Are the majority of individuals who are DeafBlind totally blind and totally deaf?

No, a very small percentage of individuals are actually totally deaf and blind. Most see or hear to some degree.

What are the most common causes of DeafBlind?

Usher and CHARGE Syndromes. Usher is a combination of Retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss. CHARGE is a combination of multiple disabilities ranging from vision, hearing, kidneys, heart and nasal.

Can DeafBlind live alone?

Yes. Many DeafBlind live normal active lives just like anyone else. With the proper training, alternative methods, and support, DeafBlind can do just about anything they want to do.

Is DeafBlind contagious?

Believe it or not, some do believe this, but I assure you, it is not. In some cases though, it is hereditary.

Is Braille hard to learn?

Braille is like any other language. It takes time and effort. There are two phases of learning Braille. You learn the combinations of six dots which form the letters, and you practice using your fingers to feel the Braille. Sensitivity or sense of touch needs to develop just like anything else.

Are DeafBlind individuals to be pitied or thought of as extraordinary?

Not at all! DeafBlind are just like anyone else! We all have special gifts and abilities and it's up to us to develop them.

If I see a DeafBlind person, should I try to help?

Treat DeafBlind just like you'd treat anyone else. If you want to help, just ask them if they want help. They will let you know. Please don't take offense if they say no though. Sometimes it is less confusing if the DeafBlind does whatever it is on their own rather than trying to explain to another person how to help. For more information on what to do when you meet someone who is DeafBlind, check out our article on "Tips for Interacting with Individuals Who Are DeafBlind".

Is American Sign Language the same as written English?

No, not at all! American Sign Language is its own language different from spoken English. In some cases, short simple English can be written back and forth but it is best to have an interpreter or someone who knows ASL. It would be the same if a person spoke Spanish and not English. Same difference.

Is Sign Language hard?

What's hard for some folks isn't considered hard for others. Like Braille, it depends on how dedicated you are to learning it. It takes about two semesters and a lot of continual practice.

Can DeafBlind use technology?

Yes, technology has been a definite plus for DeafBlind with all its improvements! Many Bluetooth devices can connected to Braille displays or hearing aids to enable the DeafBlind to text, email, and surf the internet just like anyone else.
Welcome to the Web Home of
Jeri's House, Inc.!
Support Jeri's House Inc on Amazon Smile:

If you're like most of us, you have bought a thing or two from Amazon. If you're like some households, then the majority of your purchases are delivered to your door via Amazon. Why not make an impact in the DeafBlind community by supporting Jeri's House with the things you are already buying? According to their website: AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. We recommend Jeri's House as that charitable organization of choice! The donations can really add up with the things you are buying. Here's how to use Amazon Smile:

How to Shop Amazon Smile

1. Visit smile.amazon.com. We recommend bookmarking this page so you'll land on the smile page every time you shop.
2. Sign into your account if you're not already, and search for Jeri's House as your charity of choice. Once you make this selection, you will receive an email confirmation. You are now ready to support Jeri's House in your everyday purchases!  Or use this shortcut to go directly to Jeri's House search result https://smile.amazon.com/ch/81-5032992
3. Shop as normal. Most items are eligible for an Amazon Smile donation, but they will let you know is something is not. Shop as usual, and watch the donations add up! (Note: If you use the regular Amazon.com site, no contribution will be made.)

How to Shop Amazon Smile on Mobile

One of the drawbacks to AmazonSmile, is you have to make your purchases through the AmazonSmile site. Purchases through the regular Amazon site and their mobile site won't give a donation. Fortunately, there's a work around.

If you regularly shop Amazon through your mobile browser, simply navigate to smile.amazon.com instead of the App! It will be a very similar experience to what you are used to.
If you regularly shop Amazon through the Amazon app you could add items to your cart via the app but finish the checkout process on your Safari browser. (Just make sure you are at smile.amazon.com before you checkout.) Or you could take the following steps on your Apple device:

Shortcut to Use Amazon Smile on the iPhone

1. Visit smile.amazon.com in Safari.
2. Next, hit the share button at the bottom middle of your screen.
3. Now click add to Home Screen. You have just created a shortcut to the Amazon Smile page to easily navigate here from the homepage.
4. Use the shortcut you just created the next time you shop on Amazon.
Info@JerisHouse.org
Jeri@JerisHouse.org

(918) 619-6610
Main Number

(918) 200-6550
Text

Jeri's House, Inc.
P.O. Box 580695
Tulsa, OK 74158