Posted on 04/18/2020 7:22:47 AM PDT by billorites
Deaf and bind Eilo Riggillo dearly misses the touch of others — something he has had to endure since the outbreak of COVID-19.
The isolation of physical distancing during the pandemic has taken away most of the limited world he knows.
Most of us receive information through our eyes and ears on a daily basis, but that is out of reach for the deaf and blind.
Being a high-functioning member of his community, Riggillo — a George Brown College instructor who teaches students how to best work with the deaf and blind — says he is experiencing very lonely times as a result of the coronavirus.
Riggillo, 48, who was born deaf and as a teen later lost his sight, relies on sign language to communicate.
He said through an interpreter that he is luckier than most in his community as he has a family. However, he yearns for the days when he could interact more freely with others.
“Things have changed a lot for me since social distancing because I can’t communicate with others. Without touch there is no communication. It’s more challenging for those who rely on touch,” Riggillo said.
The deaf and blind require intervenors to help with tasks like doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, communication and social activities.
An intervenor communicates with the blind deaf through touch. One way is that each point of the hand represents a different letter in the alphabet.
“It’s been an adjustment, but I have a sixth sense which is humour,” said Riggillo. “I want everyone to stay positive, but people are feeling isolated. People need to reach out and help others with their mental health (using technology). It can be devastating.”
Canadian Helen Keller Centre in Willowdale has 37 deaf and blind clients, including Riggillo, and 16 of those live in the centre’s Rotary Cheshire Apartments on Willowdale Ave.
“The disability of deaf-blindness, which includes all types and degrees of dual hearing and vision loss, can be isolating and restrictive on the best of days,” CHKC Executive Director Jennifer Robbins said.
“In mid-March, we activated our organization-wide pandemic plan to ensure that members of the deaf-blind community continue to have access to the programs and services that they are accustomed to, with a few modifications.”
Marta Zaharia, a social worker with the deaf and blind for 28 years, says the duel disability is compounded by COVID-19.
“We have been through SARS, Y2K, but this is pushing the limits,” Zaharia said.
“We are doing what we can the best we can.”
CHKC clients are, like the rest of the population, encouraged to self-isolate.
Alexa Hawley, an intervenor, says clients are confused, stressed and scared.
“The physical distancing is the biggest challenge. We can’t do it in our job. We need to be in close contact,” Hawley said.
I can understand how maddening that could be. I am partially deaf, and have made up the difference by watching what you say. Now, in this crazy time, you in the mask talking to me is just you mumbo jumbo.
And Tinder users. Eh, Dr. Fauci?
I'm impressed that this man has somehow persevered to become a teacher. As for the current situation, everyone just has to get through it.
I'm impressed that this man has somehow persevered to become a teacher. As for the current situation, everyone just has to get through it.
My hearing is still good at age 68, but I often have a hard time understanding clerks through the masks.
Are you sure it’s not deaf and blind Women and Colored People? (I refuse to use POC)
Im glad your hearing is good.
Being 68, as you say, its a wonder, having been a draftable age, as i was back then, that you have very good hearing.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say “very good” — just “good.”
Tinnitus is a huge pain, but I don’t notice it unless I mention it or think about it. I don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to go pee, so I’ve lots to be thankful for.
Yes, tinnitis ....its that darn mosquito again!
Well, between plaque psoriasis, chf, diabetes, losing my butt to cancer, having a time change stent by a urologist, that mosquito, I’m still here!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.