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Participation in National Conference Highlights Red Cross Involvement with AADB
Red Cross Partnership with the American Association of the Deaf-Blind makes preparedness materials available in Braille to AADB National Conference attendees
Marin Rose Graney, Special to RedCross.org
Thursday, July 13, 2006 — Recently the American Red Cross participated in the 2006 National Conference of the American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) , “AADB on the Move: No Deaf-Blind Left Behind,” to share preparedness and volunteerism information with some 850 conference attendees.
Executive Director of the AADB Jamie McNamara Pope extended a personal invitation to the Red Cross to participate in her organization’s national conference in Baltimore. Representatives from Red Cross national headquarters attended the opening ceremony of the conference, which kicked off on June 17 and ran through June 23, 2006. AADB recognized the Red Cross, as well as the other partners and organizations in attendance, demonstrating solidarity and support for the deaf-blind community.
The American Red Cross participated in the 2006 National Conference of the American Association of the Deaf-Blind held in Baltimore, June 17-23, 2006, to share preparedness and volunteerism information with some 850 conference attendees.
(Photo Credit: American Red Cross)
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Under Red Cross Chapter Executive Director Frank Miller, the Central Maryland Chapter was instrumental in arranging a meaningful Red Cross presence throughout the week of the conference.
Marcos Castillo, International Social Services and Community Outreach Manager for Emergency Services from the chapter, operated a booth with a multitude of critical preparedness information, including specific guidance for people with disabilities, blood donor information provided by the Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region and more. Thanks to Pope and the AADB, these materials were available in Braille as well.
Castillo found the crowd to be very receptive. He spoke with more than 150 people, many of whom were interested in preparedness information and blood donation. Seven of the attendees were Red Cross volunteers, including a former Chapter Chair.
Christopher Johnston, an AmeriCorps National Preparedness and Response Corps member also with the Central Maryland Chapter manned the display booth one afternoon. Johnston, who has responded to more than a hundred local house fires, conducts community disaster education presentations and was deployed after Hurricane Katrina, was impressed the level of interest in the Red Cross among the conference attendees.
Thanks to the partnership with the American Association of Deaf-Blind and its Executive Director Jamie McNamara Pope, the American Red Cross was able to provide materials in Braille (center of display table) for attendees of the AADB's 2006 National Conference.
(Photo Credit: American Red Cross)
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“There was a great turnout for the event,” said Johnston. “I spoke with about 60 people from all over the country. Most people who came to our display took our literature. Many who were blind were impressed that we had one of our comprehensive brochures in Braille.”
He said that many of the guests he met had positive stories to share about their experiences with the Red Cross.
“Most of the individuals who were deaf were with family members or other assistants who could interpret American Sign Language, so we were able to communicate,” he said. “On two separate occasions, I spoke with students who were helping to interpret, who showed great interest in volunteering with the Red Cross. Overall, those in attendance reacted very positively to our presence, and I was glad for the opportunity that the AADB gave us by inviting us to meet their members.”
The Red Cross has an ongoing need for volunteers and staff with diverse skills and abilities. Learn more about Red Cross volunteer services, including information about volunteers with disabilities, and job opportunities by visiting RedCross.org or by contacting your local Red Cross chapter. To match your skills and abilities with Red Cross volunteer opportunities in your community, visit Redcross.volunteermatch.org.
Information and tips on preparing for and responding to life’s emergencies—big and small—also can be found on RedCross.org by visiting the “Get Prepared” section for preparing your home and family, which includes information for persons with disabilities, seniors and pets/service animals.
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