I was scrolling through Quora, a question-and-answer website where questions are asked, answered, and edited by users.

Of course I look up questions people have asked about Deafness, Blindness & Deafblindness.

There were some legitimate questions asked such as:

"What percentage of blind people are unemployed?"

Great question, according to the National Federation of the Blind, there's about 59.8% of blind people that are unemployed.

"How do blind people learn advanced mathematics?"

Blind people who use Braille can use the Nemeth Code which is designed for encoding math.

"Can a person with hearing loss "hear" an inner voice?"

If that person has some hearing, they'll "hear" in their sounds, some others who are lipreaders actually can visualize lips moving. Other fully deaf people see their inner voice visually in sigh language

"How does a deaf person indicate to someone that they're deaf?"

Well if the person noticed the deaf person isn't responding to them, that would be an indication that they're deaf. Many Deaf people start signing or gesturing for a "pen and paper". Others might cover an ear and shake their head "no".

"Can deafblind people use Facebook and other Apps?"

Yep, with a smartphone and refreshable Braille display, or a computer with a refreshable braille display, many deafblind people connect with the social world online. Although I read blind friends comments online that sometimes Facebook and other Apps are unaccessible for Braille readers. 

"What is a deafblind person's experience of Nature?"

Like I always say deafblindness isn't always "completely deaf, completely blind". They can use whatever senses they have like touch and smell to experience everything.

Then there are these questions:

"A boy loves a girl who is deaf, blind, dumb and uneducated and wants to marry her. How can he propose to her without touching her?"

Oh goodgawd seriously? I hope this is just research for a novel or something. First learn the proper terminology - "deaf, blind, dumb and uneducated" is a big no-no! Just call them Deafblind or deaf and blind, period. Many deafblind people do have an education, and some, like me, are certainly not mute! So, to answer this I'd suggest he text her or have someone transcribe a poem and proposal into Braille for her. But even better would be tactile sign language, deafblind people connect to others by touch, so how can you express love without touch?

"What things can deafblind people with both arms broken do?"

Whatever possessed you to think of this? In the rare chance that this would happen, I hope their hands would still be somewhat free to still be able to tactile sign and feel around.

"Why do deaf people still talk with their hands when they can just text each other?"

Why am I reading this in a California Valley Girl voice? "Like? Ok?" *head tilt* First off Deaf people would still communicate in their first language, usually ASL, which is easier and more natural, uses facial expressions and body language as well as signs. Secondly, texting takes twice as long, doesn't convey emotions and expressions well and doesn't offer the same emotional and spiritual connection that socializing in person would.

"Would a deaf person feel sorrow for not being able to hear the sound of running water?"

Would you feel sorrow for never being in outer space? (Ok for the 552 of you who have, Hush!) For deaf people, this pretty much wouldn't cross their mind. We're too busy dealing with our daily lives to care about mindless thoughts like these.

"Do blind people know about cinema?"
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You obviously haven't read any news about television and theater descriptive services, or seen signs at the theater or on your TV screen saying this. It's basically an audio option that describes the scenes in between dialogue. There's even a Blind Movie Critic.

"Would a blind person know they were blind if no one told them?"

​Unlike stupid people who can go through life oblivious to their own stupidity and how it affects those around them, disabled people can tell they are "different" from everyone else. It starts in childhood where they notice their peers doing things differently than them, hearing, seeing, walking, etc. Secondly they notice in the way that others treat them, usually not in a positive way either.

Like I've said in my old post, I don't mind answering curious questions from people, but please think them through! Think about how it would be perceived.

So yeah there's going to be some snarkiness, not because people with disabilities are mean and hateful, we've heard these questions countless times and it's "here we go again"

So here's to the scary world of ignorance out there, may you continue to be a source of humor, jaw-dropping dumbfoundedness & teeth-grating.

But in true reality we all wish ignorance would go away for good. Because with ignorance comes barriers, discrimination, hate, fear, misunderstanding, and hardship.

Tracy,
​​"One finds limits by pushing them" ~ Herbert Simon

​

Brew up a steamy kitchen romance, by adding elements of lush red to cherry colored cabinets..
 
Cherry kitchen cabinets look stylish and elegant. Their rich color, excellent durability and fine grain evoke a feeling of luxury that is upscale and modern. They are also suitable for any kitchen design and you can choose from multiple shades to  a single one, suitable to a kitchen ambiance.
 
If you are looking around for something to add a punch to this already sophisticated feel, then think of the color red. Red is dramatic. It can stimulate the senses around a kitchen just like your appetite. Cherry (whether you choose a darker or a lighter finish), belongs to the warm color family. Kitchens with heavily wooded furnishings can appear dark and closed-in. You can stick to neutral color patterns for the walls or granite countertops, but an element like red can spice up the things that make a kitchen inviting.

Using Red In the Kitchen When You Have Cherry Kitchen Cabinets
 
Red is a powerful and bold color. While red can add a dramatic statement to your kitchen space, too much of it  can be a disaster. If you want to play with the color red, go for cherry colored cabinetry with lighter undertones. This will help to keep your color contrast look natural and well balanced. Also, try using the color on focal points to make the kitchen look peppy and vibrant. Remember – cherry kitchen cabinets should be stealing the show. Red will just help to work up the charm.
 
Places To Include Red Elements as a Focal Point
 
 
#1 – On the Countertop
 
A red colored focal point, when placed on a dark colored countertop will draw everyone's attention. If your cherry kitchen cabinet has a dark colored countertop (like black), then consider placing a bowl of red apples on top. This will give the furniture piece a more distinct visibility and will brighten up your kitchen space.
 
#2 – The Charming Accessories
 
Work up the charm in your kitchen by adding red colored accessories. Red accessories look beautiful with any kitchen cabinet color. Use minimal red for accessories to lighten up the heavy darkness. These include the color in your utensils, pendant lights, cabinet door knobs, wall clock, chairs, tiled back-splash, etc. Such minimalist elements can work to make your kitchen charming and impressive.
 
#3 – The Accent Walls
 
Bold accent walls are fun and dramatic. They accentuate the entire architecture space and give the kitchen an interesting visual appeal. Going for neutral wall paints might save your cherry kitchen cabinets from sticking out like a sore thumb. However, you can paint your accent walls with a red color. Go for a red shade with an orange undertone. This will add some fun puff to a kitchen with neutral wall paints.
 
#4 – The Ceiling
 
For kitchens with cherry kitchen cabinets, here is how you add the red punch to the rustic look – paint your ceiling.
 
The ceiling is the long forgotten fifth wall that we often ignore. However, a red color on the ceiling wall can give the kitchen a whole new look.
 
#5 – Don't Miss the Floor
 
Red is an attention seeking color. For this however, the idea of using multi-tone cabinetry style would work best. Coordinating cabinets of two different shades is a very popular trend. You can put an island countertop with built-in cherry kitchen cabinets in the center of your kitchen room and surround the rest of the walls with classic white cabinets. A red colored floor is what you would need to draw everyone's attention to the centerpiece. Now that is a cabinetry style of different kind. Ideal for kitchens with large spaces.
 
Cherry kitchen cabinets have multiple shades that can darken over time with exposure to light and oxygen. But the good thing is that, materials of cherry color (be it natural wood or RTA) have a red undertone. It's a little bit tricky, but blending the right shades with red will give your kitchen a unique look. Already inspired to use red in your kitchen? Make sure you consult an expert to help you find the perfect shades.
 
Emily Smith is a professional market analyst of Cabinet DIY from California. She has knowledge of the latest product market strategies & is currently writing for this company, which is the best Kitchen Cabinet Design Company from Orange County, CA

With so much going on in our families and kids having their own computers, laptops, and other technology it’s hard to keep up. Whether it’s staying in contact with each other; protecting them from outsiders invading their computers; keeping up with ever changing technology; or being able to check on them and monitor them online.
​

 One great program to help stay in touch with each other while everyone’s out doing their own activities is Apple's FaceTime App. My girl loves it! She chats with her best friends often and it’s great for us as it doesn't hog the phone lines! She "calls" us when she’s on a sleepover to check in
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A lot of public places offer free Wi-Fi while you or your kids are out. It’s all well and good, but did you know sometimes hackers can sneak in onto your computer through these open Wi-Fi sessions? You can stop this and protect your information by using a free program called Hotspot Shield. This secures your web session and hides your IP information from prying eyes. I think this is great as you don’t want someone finding out your kid’s home addresses, school, and other contact information.

My kids watch a lot of online videos, play online games, or other user interface applications. Once in a while they come to me or their father saying the computer won’t work now. As it turns out, the computer’s version is outdated and a newer version of software has to be downloaded. It’s usually a program like Adobe Flash Player. To help the kids out, I bookmark a link on how to install adobe flash player and they can just go to it whenever they need to.

My kids, who are 14 and 16, are pretty good at censoring themselves and we trust what they’re doing online (with the occasional peek in). But if you’re unsure of where they’re surfing, who they’re talking to, or what game they’re playing you can download Familoop Safeguard which provides parents with a snapshot view of their kids’ digital friends, interests and intents. The tool is designed to identify digital threats like communicating with strangers or cyberbullying timely and help parents with protection of their kids online.

But the best way to protect your kids and their computers is teaching them about proper downloads, sharing information and proper checkups for virus scans, unwanted applications, and cookies. Do plenty of cache cleaning and install passwords so strangers or their own friends can’t hack in. Chat with them often about what they’re doing and who with.

​Software technology shouldn’t replace our own instincts, but it does add a little extra peace of mind on protecting your kids online

I'm starting another category called "Quote of the Day" of random quotes that I like, I've said, or people submitted.

This quote is mine, I've said it countless times throughout the years.

The main reason I say this often is people call me "fearless" for travelling alone, travelling with 2 kids, and just being deafblind.

​Another reason I say this is because of being tactile and feeling around to "see", you can come across a lot of "surprises"

​So if you have a favorite quote you'd like to see in future postings, please comment below.

Tracy,
​​"One finds limits by pushing them" ~ Herbert Simon

​Aside from regular visits to the doctor, a child must develop good oral practices at home at an early age. With the help, guidance and motivation of parents, these kids will grow up to have healthy and bright smiles, free from pain associated with a multitude of dental problems. Below are some tips on how to help your child practice good oral hygiene by getting involved as a parent.

1. Tell a story
Tooth-brushing time is also a great time to tell your creative stories. You can create characters out of the different parts of the mouth to keep them interested. Invent stories about castles, dragons and slayers as they continue to keep their mouths wide open. This is to let you watch and see if they are doing a great job, brushing their teeth.
 
2. Use fun and interesting dental products
There are plenty of dental products available that will not make tooth-brushing a chore, but an activity that kids will look forward to every day. There are toothbrushes with cartoon characters, different flavoured toothpastes, and fun containers of dental floss. These tools will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. There are also electronic toothbrushes available that would make tooth-brushing fun for them. 
 
3. Establish a routine
Parents should establish a schedule for their kids when to brush and floss. This will help them remember and eventually continue the habit as they grow older. It is also important that you show your kids the importance of sticking to a schedule, by practicing it yourself. Your kids will value and prioritize their oral now that you make it a priority as well.
 
4. Eat healthier foods
Eliminate the consumption of sodas, candy, chips and other junk foods, which produces acids that will linger in your child’s mouth. This can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems in the future. This is also unhealthy for the overall health of a developing child who needs to eat the healthy kinds of food

5. Make brushing fun
By being creative, you can make tooth-brushing fun for kids. You can play together while doing it. For example, the child can brush the teeth of a doll or stuffed toy, while you brush their teeth. You can also sing a nice nursery rhyme about tooth-brushing to keep them enthusiastic about it.
 
6. Early dental visits
Early visits to a kid’s dentist as soon as the first tooth comes out, is a foundation for good oral health. Every time you visit a pediatric dentist, they will check the progress of your child’s oral development and health. This will ensure that your child’s teeth will grow and chew properly. Also, they will check for tooth decay and other dental problems that need immediate attention.
 
 
To form good oral habits among your kids, takes a lot of time and persuasion from you. But if you make these moments fun and entertaining for them, they will also see it as something to be enjoyed as well. It is also essential that as a parent, you become a role model in practicing good oral hygiene. When they see that you make it an important thing in your daily life, they, too, will find its value.

Here's a list of events happening throughout the year that may interest DB people:

​Passages Deaf Travel Hawaii Cruise:  April 20 – May 2
Deaf Group Hawaii Cruise 2016 on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas
For more information on prices, rooms, tours, etc. check out their website.

Saint Louis DEAFestival June 4th
Held at St. Louis Union Station.
For more information on exhibitors & tickets to their Gala Dinner, check out their webpage.
(This one, I'm actually thinking about attending)

Maryland DB Camp: June 12 – 17
The theme this year is "Roaring '20s".
​Check out their website for directions and application.

American Council for the Blind (ACB) conference:  July 1 – 9 (Minneapolis, MN)
Not exactly DB focused, but they do have a Sight and Sound Impaired Committee for DB
​Check out their website for more information.

Deaf Nation World Expo (Las Vegas, NV): July 5 – 8
Not DB focused, but a lot of Deafblind do attend to meet other Deaf people from around the World.
It's held at the Paris Las Vegas hotel, more information can be found here.

DB Alaska Cruise (DnA Travels):  July 10 – 17
The third annual deafblind cruise is going to Alaska!
​For the flyer, prices, contact, etc. See this page.

International DB Expo (Orlando, FL):  Aug. 17 – 20
More than 600 people attended the last one in 2014 in Las Vegas. This year it's in Orlando Florida.
The theme is "Community Partnerships without Barriers"
More information can be found on this page.

Seabeck DB Camp (Seabeck, WA): Aug. 28  – Sept. 3 (this isn’t a confirmed date yet – their website isn’t updated for this year – but it is usually the last week of Aug.)
Follow this page for any updates

DB Escape Cruise (Bahamas & Caribbean): Nov. 12 – 19
Registration is still being accepted, but unfortunately I just found out that today (Feb. 5th) is the last day to bring your SSP for free in the same room. After 11pmEST tonight, you'll have to pay for SSP as well.
For more information, here's the page.

​If anyone knows of anymore Deafblind related events across the United States, or Canada, please fill out this information form.