Hello!
Staying true to my blog name I have been traveling all over. Took a little pit stop over to Washington D.C. for a week and am now back in California where I have been driving all over the state for the last few weeks.
Three years ago I was blessed with the opportunity to work with a group called Deaf Blind Young Adults in Action (DBYAA). This group provided leadership training to Deaf Blind individuals on effective advocacy skills, and training on gathering information on key legislation issues that are related to deaf-blind people. Once the education part is accomplished, the participants will talk to their legislators about the issue(s) they have selected. Some examples of legislation issues that were discussed at the training include: education for Deaf-Blind children, Helen Keller National Center, Gallaudet University, technology, and support service providers.
This year I was able to join this group again in a different capacity. Once the leadership training of DBYAA is over, the students then become members of Deaf Blind Citizens in Action (DBCA). This group meets with different parts of the Government such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission, the Office of Special Education, along with different legislators as well. With each of these Governmental agencies, the members are able to tell their stories and how it relates to the specific organization. The participants are then able to educate and express their needs so they, along with other Deaf Blind individuals, can have equal access to everyday life.
This group has a very special place in my heart and I have been so honored to be one of the interpreters that gets to partake in their very busy week. Working with them, I have been able to meet so many amazing interpreters and participants who make me want to become a better person and therefore make a difference somehow, some way.
George and Vale in front of the Russell Building. 
George, Vale, Jamie, Piper, and I at the Hellen Keller statue in the Visitors Center. I am giving a verbal description as they are feeling the statue and reading the braille. 
Standing in front of the Hellen Keller Statue. On the Left is me, George, Vale, Jamie, Piper, and Christie. 
Picture of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal outside the building. 
Picture of the team sitting at the table reviewing what will be happening in the days meetings. Jaime is to the left of the picture. My arm is around her chair and I am to the right. Amy is to my right at the head of the table. George is to Amy's Right. Eddie is to George's right. Suzanne is in the background.
If you would like more information on these wonderful organizations I have provided the links:
Deaf Blind - http://www.aadb.org
Detour:
This last Saturday , 8/2, I drove down my street to see that my house was officially up for sale... felt like I got ninja-kicked to my gut. That was a very bitter sweet moment. As of Saturday, I am officially out of Fresno and will be a visitor from here from on out. All my stuff is now here in San Diego. It is rather depressing that all my things for the last 9 years fits in a 10 by 10 storage unit...
On to packing and trying to get organized.... T -minus 7 days!
Hope you all are still buckled in and continuing on this wonderful ride of life!
