FEEL THE WORLD: A story of a DeafBlind traveler | PART 1

So far, I've shared that Deaf people are capable to travel. However, not many people realize that it is also possible for DeafBlind to travel too! A DeafBlind traveler from the USA created Feel The World with his friend and Support Service Provider (SSP), Lia Chapman, who is also Deaf! Both shared their traveling experiences, including the challenges. Part 2 video will be coming soon where he shared about his solo travel experiences and his tips for everyone, including the DeafBlind communities!
This video is in American Sign Language (ASL)
Support Kevin's journey by following Facebook page ( 2feeltheworld) and Instagram: @feeltheworldtraveler!

[@hiteshkumar2957]

I am guilty of admitting that while I started watching the video I increasing the volume wondering the sound is not audible and a few minutes later I realised it's a sign language .

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

haha yeah, it happens! :)

[@raflores220]

Oh yeah, you're not the only one😂

[@AdityaGupta20]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f17SaqmbaNKges0 Share your friends

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

[Transcription: [A light-skinned Mexican-American with brunette hair, named Stacey, is wearing colorful hoop earrings and a black tank top. On the top left, 3 social media logo icons are shown: Facebook, Instagram and KZbin. Followed by “@deafinitelywanderlust.”] Stacey: We, Deaf people around the world, usually already know that it is possible for us to travel but many Hearing people are still skeptical about it and if they're DeafBlind? That's more puzzling for them Hearing people think about the loss of two senses but they can show you this! [A white male with white scruff beard. He is wearing a black sunglasses, black shirt and a faded black hat turned to the back. Background: There are Japanese shops and people are walking around behind Kevin at Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles.] Hello! I'm Kevin. I am a DeafBlind world traveler and I created "Feel The World." [A white female with a mole on her right right chin. She is wearing a brown and black glasses, black sleeves with a rainbow on the front center of her shirt.] Hi! I am Lia! (sign name) I'm a Deaf world traveler I am also his friend and SSP! [Cut to different video clips and photos of Kevin and Lia traveling in Asia] (Lia: wow!) (Kevin: wow, the boat is so roughly fast!) (Lia: ...helping us guide around - ) (Lia: are you enjoying so far?) (Kevin: yes!) (Lia: you will eat - ) [Cut to Kevin and Lia who are walking through Little Tokyo. On the top right, an animated red pinpoint icon appeared with “Los Angeles, CA, USA”] [Cut to Kevin who is now sitting center of the screen. On the top right, a black box appeared with white text: “Kevin Southworth.” Followed by two logos of Facebook and Instagram. “@feeltheworld.” Then it faded to a short clip of Kevin’s shirt on the back. It says “Deaf - Blind” with a white colored world map. On the bottom on his shirt, it says “World Traveler. Facebook Page: Feel The World.”] Kevin: What is "Feel The World"? It's about a DeafBlind who explore the world through touching and feeling [Cut to Stacey and Kevin together. Stacey is sitting next to Kevin, on the left side of the screen. On the top left, an animated white circle appeared with black text: “Some Hearing and Deaf people also wonder too!”] Stacey: Some DeafBlind wonder what are the different ways to communicate? When traveling, they wondered how can they communicate? I'm not the right person to answer that. You're the person who can explain this because you're experienced with this. So, what are the ways for the DeafBlind communities around the world find different ways to navigate while traveling? [Cut to Kevin who is now sitting center of the screen] Kevin: When I was meeting with (Deaf) people, they didn't know how to communicate with me because they feel intimidated because I cannot see and wasn't sure how to do it so I'd teach them how to communicate through using ProTactile (PT) I'd teach them PT. [On the top right, an animated rectangular box appeared with white text: “Teach them to use ProTactile (PT)] They're really unfamiliar to PT and feel awkward with touching Their awkwardness didn't stop me, I've become more assertive to have them become comfortable and used to PT but it does take some time. [Cut to Stacey, Kevin and Lia who are sitting together. Lia is sitting on the right side of the screen.] Stacey: Another way to travel is... [Cut to Lia who is now sitting center of the screen] Lia: SSP - what does that mean? [On the bottom right, a black animated banner appeared. “Lia Chapman. A friend & SSP” in white text.] Support Service Provider (SSP). [On the bottom left, three black animated banner appeared. Each banner as its word “Support” “Service” “Provider” in white text.] What does the SSP do? They're a guide. [On the top right, a black animated chat bubble appeared. “Notice! Some use the new term, CoNavigator (CN) instead” in white text.] The SSP accompanied a DeafBlind person around. to make ensure their safety. Kevin: and they also interpret for DeafBlind The SSP look at the surrounding and interpret it [The screen splitted diagonally into two. Kevin remains talking on the left side. On the right side, it shows a clips of Lia who is interpreting the environment and objects to Kevin through PT]. which then the DeafBlind person can visualized and understand what they're seeing. Some DeafBlind are fully blind, they cannot see the surroundings Then the SSP needs to interpret the details of the surrounding such as the mountain, the beautiful river, etc. a very detailed interpretation. then then they can visualized it and sometimes a DeafBlind person has low vision. It can be very blurry for them. and they'd ask "what's that?" and the SSP interprets it [The split screen ended. Kevin and Lia is now standing, looking at the camera]. Lia: They like to feel and touch what's the world is like They'll touch and feel an object and understand what it is [Clips are shown where Kevin and Lia are exploring Little Tokyo]. (Lia: are you hot?) [Lia waved the blue fan at him] (Lia: oohh. This is a bag.) (Lia: this is a magnet of food.) (Lia: this almost looks like a pho) [cut to Kevin and Lia who are sitting] Lia: SSP also includes ProTactile (PT) I'd sign the PT cues on his shoulder To tell him "yes," "no," "laughing" There are different kinds. You see this? He's holding my hand while I'm signing. This is because he can know what I am saying. Kevin: When talking to another person, PT cues help. what are the reactions, such as facial reactions, A DeafBlind person may not see the person's reactions [On the top right, an animated black box appeared: “ProTactile Cues. To tell him whether that person that he is talking with is laughing, nodding (yes), shocked (jaw dropped), etc.” in white text] So, this is what PT cues are for. So they'd know what that person is reacting. [Cut to up close scene of Lia’s hand who is using the cues on Kevin’s shoulder for “laughing” and “yes.”] [Cut to Kevin and Lia who are both sitting on the stairs] Kevin: One of our biggest challenges was in Asia. The challenge is our communication Deaf people there, because they have their own sign languages in different countries [On the top middle of the screen, an animated black box appeared: “There are different sign languages around the world!” in white text] Lia: yes, that's right! Kevin: That was really challenging there was a difficulty of communicating I had to learn their signs work on communicating Lia: I'd try to understand their language engage with them and once I understand, I have to translate it to him in English. ASL (American Sign Language). I interpret it to him And then Kevin answered through signing to that person and if that person doesn't understand Kevin, Then I explained to Kevin what was happening and to wait while I translate what Kevin said through gestures with them Personally, what's challenging for me is when I had to fight to break DeafBlind's barriers. For an example. Do you remember when we swam with the dolphins? Kevin: yes (nodding). We went to go swimming with the dolphins Somehow, the dolphin trainer noticed something about Kevin that he's DeafBlind The trainer was really stunned like that trainer was petrified. The trainer wasn't sure about Kevin I could see it on his face. And I was like, "oh, okay. Well, he's DeafBlind." Then the trainer said, "no, no, no" The trainer said he can't do it. He kept saying "can't" repeatedly and it made me feel upset I told Kevin what was going on and then Kevin became really mad he was pissed off about it and I told him, "let me take care of it." The trainer and I were arguing for a while and finally solved the problem. Because I told him that he can count. It's simple as that. it's not that hard, right? so, I asked Kevin "so, can you count?" Kevin puzzledly said, "of course!" So, I asked the trainer how much time? The trainer said 5 seconds. so, fine. So, I explained everything to him and he understood everything once Kevin went to see the dolphins, I was really nervous and the trainer was really nervous too Then Kevin was spending his time with the dolphins his experience of swimming with the dolphins was [Screen split into two. On the left side, two photos are shown of Kevin who was swimming with the dolphins. Lia remained talking on the right side.] successful! [Screen split ended] It went perfect. We proved the trainers wrong. that [A faded white banner appeared on the bottom on the screen with black text: He can do it!] Kevin: we will both go to Asia for 2 months in 2020 to continue working on our projects. [A white rectangular box appeared “Projects: provide SSP training & DeafBlind (DB) education around the world and interviewing DB communities!” in black text]. Lia: and I hope that you, DeafBlind community, you can travel like us! Lia: See you later! [An animated white circle appeared “Video Part 2 will be about Kevin’s solo travel and his advice!” in black text]. Kevin: Touch you later! (Kevin: we will - plan to ... - oh I messed up!) [An end slate appeared on the right side of the screen. A small photo of Kevin and Lia who were smiling at the camera. Below the logo, a black text font says, “Feel The World. DeafBlind traveler and a Deaf SSP/CN” Two logos of Facebook and Instagram: “@Feeltheworld”] [cut to a mauve pink and white frame with a centered video of Stacey who is sitting on one of the ruins and looking at the ruins of Teotihuacán. In the navy blue frame, a white text appeared on the top center: “follow or subscribe for more stories!” The logo of Facebook, Instagram, KZbin and Twitter are also shown on the top left of the video screen with “@deafinitelywanderlust.” On the bottom center of the white frame, it says “www.deafinitelywanderlust.com”]

[@alcli9911]

Lia Chapman - i think what your doing for deaf/blind community is amazing. The world needs to hear/see your thoughts - education is key for breaking down barriers and stereotypes #EDUCATETHEWORLD

[@rainbowsatan2620]

This is very fascinating to watch. I’ve never met a deaf blind person Irl so this is very learning and cool. Great video guys

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

thank you!! :)

[@GeekInSequins]

4:50 "We will both go to Asia for 2 months in 2020." 😬Oh my! I hope they got to go later.

[@Lisa-vr2yh]

Very interesting. God bless you guys❤

[@erisby]

Just discovered your channel and your travelling project is really fascinating

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

thank you; I really enjoy doing this! :)

[@bangkamal4978]

beautiful sound in silence😍😍😍

[@fraxisse]

i love this

[@mercygrace.]

Fascinating ☺

[@Learningwithmarcus]

I would love to accompany a deaf blind individual on trips around the world. I’ve been in the deaf blind community for over a year and I’ve grown to love my friend who is deaf blind. I still need more exposure to different individuals in this community so I can better communicate and understand them!

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

Hi Marcus! That's great that you're interested and are involved with the DeafBlind community! When you are able to or are more experienced to do so, I can have you on a personal list of SSP / CoNavigator who are interested to accompany DeafBlind travelers. I think some may even be willing to train you personally before traveling together. Let me know whenever if you'd like to be part of this list :)

[@Learningwithmarcus]

Hey, yes I would love to be apart of the SSP/CoNavigators list. Please let me know what I need to do to sign up!

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

@@Learningwithmarcus Hey Marcus! It has been a while! I have an update: I did establish a list via google doc but it's best if I collaborate with another DeafBlind traveler with this since I don't think I'm in the position to handle this. So, I'm working on that :) Meanwhile, if you're still interested - would you mind if I have your email for a deafblind traveler to contact you?

[@Learningwithmarcus]

@@DeafinitelyWanderlust Sure! It’s [e-mail]

[@drudixon]

Only thing I'd add for understanding is deaf blind comes in all kinds of flavors and personalities. Some see or hear a little, others nothing at all. Likewise, the individual life journey and personality have to be considered. Long way of saying, see the individual first, then support the need.

[@rubikfan1]

Oh sweet. Subtitels even work with sign.

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

CC VOLUNTEERS: If you are interested to translate International Sign or ASL to any language, please feel free! You can create CC via my video yourself or you can send me .SRT file via email ([e-mail]). I’d love Spanish, Korean, Chinese (traditional or simplified), Hindi, etc. Thank you!

[@drudixon]

Ushers syndrome here. Raised in immersion and don't know sign. What's left of my vision will go away long before what's left of my hearing. Should I learn asl at all? Ps travel 200k miles a year so right with you on traveling :)

[@donaworks]

Kevin, have you ever traveled to some countries that don’t allow touching? How do you proceed this obstacle?

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

I recommend to ask him directly on his Facebook page or Instagram (@feeltheworldtraveler).

[@saintmichael666]

Please visit us in Thailand.

[@yosefrio1805]

Do Lia Chapman have a youtube channel or instagram?

[@liachapman1141]

Joseph @littlestar.fernweh

[@cilebehind]

where is the sound?

[@proulxes]

Is it me or people use sign languages speak really fast? It seems faster than English.

[@ninaayulianti5185]

👍👍👍🇮🇩🇮🇩😂😂🤗

[@albertos.2197]

Such an amazing and interesting video! Thank you so much! Your channel is cool as fuck.

[@onlygodknows2290]

im deaf but i dont do asl/bsl :(

[@raflores220]

Wait the trainer was apprehensive because he thought he couldn't count????

[@DeafinitelyWanderlust]

Mainly because the trainer saw that he's Deaf and Blind, so the trainer just doesn't how it would work or how to accommodate. Often times, people forget that we are intelligent than they think.

[@raflores220]

Dear lord

[@dasarikanthamma4793]

Hi

[@rubikfan1]

Interesting. The video has no sound. Deaf and deafblind cant hear it anyway. Goodway to work with your audiance.