Deaf Interpreter Conference 5
June 22 - 26, 2026
Workshops
Protactile 101:
Foundations of Contact Space and Object Exploration
Sponsored by:
Mind Your Language
DeafBlind
.20 CEUs
(GS)
This introductory workshop explores foundational Protactile principles through guided engagement with contact space and intentional hand placement. Participants will learn how contact space operates as a shared tactile environment that supports communication, access, and connection. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, participants will practice establishing contact space, maintaining CoPresence, and exploring objects using Protactile. Emphasis is placed on developing tactile awareness, reciprocity, and clarity in shared interactions. Participants will also examine how CoPresence fosters mutual understanding and contributes to language development within Protactile. Designed for experiential learning, the workshop encourages reflection, practice, and collaboration, allowing participants to build confidence and deepen their understanding of tactile communication. By the end of the session, participants will gain practical tools and foundational knowledge to support meaningful engagement within Protactile.
Golden State DeafBlind Service Center Team
Dana Dehaesus
Dana Kana is a proud Pacific Islander/Cancrean who was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She enrolled at the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley at age 11 and graduated in June 1986. She later attended Gallaudet University but was unable to complete her studies due to family responsibilities.
In 2012, she became involved with the Northern California Association of DeafBlind, where she served as president for 12 years. During this time, she also embraced her DeafBlind identity. She completed a 12-week training program at Tactile Communications and became a CoNavigator trainer.
Currently, she is the Co-Founder of the Golden State DeafBlind Service Center, established in 2023. She continues to focus on expanding CoNavigator services and strengthening interpreting programs across California.
Yashaira “Yash” Romilus
Yash identifies as DeafBlind, Latine, and Queer (she/her). With roots in Puerto Rico, she brings unique lived experience to her work. Yash is co-director of MultiPoint Contact, Inc. and studied Social Work and Spanish at Gallaudet University.
Since 2016, she has worked nationally and internationally as a Protactile (PT) educator and trainer, specializing in PT language instruction. Her leadership and mentorship roles support education and outreach within the DeafBlind community. She continues this work with PLI and has been recognized as a PT trainer with the DeafBlind Interpreting Institute (DBII) at Western Oregon University.
In addition, her work in PT theatre is a testament to her creativity and passion to work with the DeafBlind community.
Rhonda Voight-Campbell
Rhonda Voight-Campbell has been teaching DeafBlind and Protactile Studies courses at the Rochester Institute of Technology for over nine years. A dedicated mentor and advocate, she works closely with the DeafBlind community across diverse settings, including retreats, direct training sessions, and online listservs.
In addition to her teaching, Rhonda serves as a Protactile Expert for the Protactile Kids Research Study at Gallaudet University, where she engages DeafBlind children in interactive play sessions to support research on Protactile language acquisition. Driven by a deep belief in the inclusion and autonomy of DeafBlind individuals, Rhonda creates spaces that celebrate and cultivate the sense of touch through Protactile plays, storytelling, and rich, embodied experiences.
Erick Gallegos
Erick Gallegos is a DeafBlind individual, born and raised in Southern California. He uses Braille and communicates in Protactile, American Sign Language, and English.
Erick graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from California State University Northridge in 2013. He also graduated from Tactile Communications in 2024, where he learned Protactile.
As a professional, Erick provides trainings in communications and accessibility, including but not limited to assistive technology, Braille, screen readers, computers and mobile devices, as well as Protactile and CoNavigators.