Recently, Rinne Miller, KDBP State Educational Consultant, and Brandi Hitzelberger, KDBP State Family Engagement Coordinator, from the Kentucky DeafBlind Project spent time with us at Rise Fitness, teaching us about combined hearing and vision loss.
We began by learning about the various degrees of hearing and vision loss and associated diagnosis. After that, we moved into practical exercises where our coaches and volunteers wore goggles and earmuffs that simulated different types of vision and hearing loss. We experimented with our gym equipment and movements, getting a rare and important point-of-view, which is that of some of our athletes.
This training was critical for the team at Rise Fitness as we work to make training with us as inclusive as possible. The best part about all of this is that making something more inclusive for a single person benefits everyone.
To learn more about the Kentucky Deaf-Blind Project, please visit their website.