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LESSONS IN CONNECTION: CCBC'S DEAFBLIND INTERPRETER WORKSHOPS

Tactile language workshops connect students and community

By CCBC Stories

November 18^th, 2025

For many DeafBlind individuals, social isolation and limited access to community events are daily challenges. At CCBC, a new series of interactive workshops is changing that—bringing DeafBlind individuals together with students in the ASL and Interpreter Preparation program for meaningful hands-on experiences.

The vision for these workshops came from CCBC Assistant Professor and Interpreter Preparation Program Coordinator Stephan Kennedy:

“As a Deaf interpreter and educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the barriers DeafBlind individuals face in everyday interactions. I wanted to create a learning opportunity that not only benefits interpreting students but also empowers the DeafBlind community by fostering meaningful accessible communication.”

Using tactile language to connect

LESSONS IN CONNECTION: CCBC'S DEAFBLIND INTERPRETER WORKSHOPS

The first DeafBlind-inclusive workshop, held in June 2025, focused on managing personal finances. In July, participants joined a gardening workshop, where they created personalized potted gardens using sensory-friendly plants such as chocolate mint, rosemary, lamb’s ear, green moss, yarrow and hosta.

“I loved it and was thrilled to bring home my own potted plant—especially the lamb’s ear! More importantly, we rarely get the chance to mingle with other DeafBlind individuals, as many of us often feel isolated from the world,” said one participant.

CCBC students enrolled in DeafBlind interpreting courses provided communication support throughout, gaining hands-on experience using tactile language, hand-over-hand techniques and other ProTactile strategies. Shared a CCBC INTR 254 student:

“It was an amazing experience to practice my tactile and ProTactile interpreting skills with the DeafBlind participants. I finally understood what it’s like to interpret at a more real-live leisurely pace, which allowed me to better monitor the flow and clarity of the interpretation.”

The third workshop, held in August at the CCBC Owings Mills Extension Center, brought participants and students together in the kitchen to create personalized granola blends. Using ingredients selected for texture, aroma and flavor—chocolate Dubai with pistachio and tahini butter proved a favorite—the hands-on activity fostered connection, engagement and community learning for all involved.

Thanks to support from the CCBC President’s Innovation Grant, transportation was provided for DeafBlind participants, removing one of the biggest barriers to participation and ensuring full access to these inclusive experiences.

These workshops go beyond providing academic opportunities. They create moments of connection, empowerment and joy, where students gain real-world interpreting experience and DeafBlind individuals enjoy meaningful social engagement that is often hard to find elsewhere. By bringing people together in hands-on, inclusive experiences, CCBC is helping build community, foster understanding and open doors for everyone involved.

Visit the CCBC ASL Interpreter Preparation program page to learn more, attend future workshops or support this initiative.

Footnotes

A special thank you to Michael Tan, CCBC director of CASE and dean of Lifelong Learning, for coordinating the event and to Summer Seiger, a Deaf guest lecturer and ASL adjunct, who led a fun and interactive granola-making demonstration. Also, a big thank you to Happiness is Granola, a women-owned business in Lancaster, Pa., for generously donating the ingredients.