The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

Seabeck Retreat 2010

Information & Qualifications for Volunteers

DEAF-BLIND CAMPERS SELECTION PROCESS

• The number of Deaf-Blind people we accept depends on the number of qualified volunteer-interpreters that apply and are accepted. We don’t know how many Deaf-Blind people we can accept until we know how many qualified volunteer-interpreters we have. We usually know this by mid June.
  
  
• Our Retreat serves Deaf-Blind people with a variety of backgrounds, languages and communication styles. Examples: DB from Seattle, as well as other states and countries. DB who use ASL, PSE, gestures, tactile, speech with FM system, or other equipment (typing) to communicate. DB who grew up with different life experiences.
  
  
• Safety issues are our primary concern. People who are considered a threat to others are not eligible.

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VOLUNTEER-INTERPRETER ACCEPTANCE PROCESS

• We look for qualified volunteer interpreter/guides. Our volunteers need to have communication and guiding skills, as well as experience socializing with Deaf-Blind adults. We offer a review of sighted guide skills at the Retreat, as well as a refresher training the day before camp. If you have any questions about your qualifications or you are not sure, please contact us at DBRetreat@seattlelh.org or call 206-436-2133.
  We appreciate your early application! Sending your application as soon as possible helps us so much with our planning and with knowing the number of DB people we can accept.
• There is no official deadline for volunteers. We accept applications until we have enough. Once we receive your application we will review it and let you know if you are accepted within 3 weeks so that you can make your travel arrangements and vacation plans. In your acceptance letter you will find all the necessary details about camp, arrival times, what to bring, release forms, etc.
  
  
• There is NO COST for volunteer interpreter/guides.
  
  
• Remember, it is possible to earn RID CEUs for attending trainings offered at the retreat or if you plan an independent study project related to camp. Contact us for more information.
  
  
• Your employer may be willing to sponsor you to come to camp. The Lighthouse is willing to write a letter on your behalf. Contact us for more information.
  
  
• We do consider your application a serious commitment to attend. Cancellations cause HUGE problems for planning process, and reduce the number of Deaf-Blind people who can attend.

DO NOT BUY YOUR PLANE, TRAIN AND BUS TICKETS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER!

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REGISTRATION / APPLICATIONS DEADLINE

• Please send application as soon as possible. (Remember, sending your application by April 30th makes our preparations much easier.
  
  
• There are limited one day or overnight spaces.

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ACCEPTANCE

• Letters stating your acceptance status will be mailed within three weeks after we receive your application.
  
  
• Do NOT send a check or make your travel arrangements until you get your confirmation letter!
  
  
• Letters of acceptance will include the following:

  Transportation Request Form
  Souvenir Information
  Dietary Information
  Housing
  What to bring list

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WAITING LIST / NOT ELIGIBLE

• If you are qualified to attend, but all spaces have already been filled, we will put your name on a waiting list until a space is available. You will be notified by phone or email if you are accepted or not by July 23rd.
  
  
• If you are not eligible to attend this year, we encourage you to apply again next year. You may also want to inquire about visiting for one day.

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FLOYD PITRE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

As many of you know, Floyd Pitre, one of our nation’s Deaf-Blind leaders, loved the Deaf-Blind Retreat at Seabeck so much that he chose it to be the place where he spent the last days of his life.

We were honored to have Floyd with us in 1994, and in loving memory of his wonderful spirit, we have established a scholarship fund in his name.

Donations that we receive for the scholarship fund will be used for financial assistance to Deaf-Blind who can not afford to attend the Retreat.

If you would like to donate to this fund, please make your check payable to “The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.” and write “For Floyd Pitre Fund” on the bottom of the check or on a separate note. All donations will be used for Retreat Scholarships.

Thank you for your support!

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QUALIFICATIONS

Our major need for volunteers is for people who can work 1:1 with DB campers. We have a few other volunteer spaces for people who are leading activities, and providing set up activities.

We need people who have both signing experience AND experience working or socializing with Deaf-Blind people.

These are the skills that we prefer our volunteers have:

• 3 years of experience in American Sign Language (ASL).
  
  
• Ability to express yourself in ASL and understand others who use ASL.
  
  
• Familiarity with using ASL in the following modes: Visual, Tactile, Tracking, Signing in a restricted field of vision.
  
  
• 1 year of social/work experience with DB people. Examples of experience that we would accept:
  • SSP with DB person at home, shopping, etc.
  • SSP at WSDBC meetings
  • Interpreting
  • Teaching/trainings (please describe)
  • SSP at AADB or other DB camps
  • Satisfactory completion of DB Interpreting class
• References from DB community if this is your first time (at least 1 reference should be from a DB person, the other reference could be from an Interpreter Training Program, DB program or agency, SSP coordinator, etc.)
• Ability to provide safe sighted guide*
• Positive and respectful attitude.
• Background check for all volunteers.

Exceptions to these qualifications may be made by the Retreat Coordinator depending on the communication needs of specific campers who apply.

If you feel you “almost but not quite” meet these qualifications or are not sure, please give us a call and we’ll chat about it.

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Internships / Training Positions

We may be able to accept interns or others who are interested in learning more about Deaf-Blindness. Our ability to accept people in training positions depends on:

1. The number of qualified volunteers and Deaf-Blind people we have who are able to provide guidance and support.
2. Having sufficient duties to accomplish training goals.

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TO GET AN APPLICATION:

If you would like to receive a Retreat application you have three options, You can call 206-436-2133, email DBRetreat@seattlelh.org, or download and print the application from the website.