Deaf Interpreter Conference 5
June 22 - 26, 2026
Workshops
Protactile 201:
Roles and Communication in Scenario
DeafBlind
.15 CEU
(GS)
This workshop examines the roles and interaction strategies essential in Protactile-centric settings. Participants will explore the responsibilities, expectations, and dynamics among DeafBlind individuals, Protactile Interpreters, and CoNavigators, with an emphasis on collaboration and shared access. The session highlights how each role contributes to effective communication and meaningful engagement within the Protactile zone. Participants will learn practical strategies to support interaction, including ergonomic positioning, identifying and managing information sources, effective backchanneling, and providing environmental feedback. Through structured scenarios and guided practice, participants will apply these strategies in simulated situations that reflect real-life interpreting and interaction contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness, adaptability, and responsiveness in dynamic settings. By the end of the workshop, participants will strengthen their ability to navigate roles and interactions with greater confidence, clarity, and intentionality, enhancing overall communication and access in Protactile.
Golden State DeafBlind Service Center Team
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.
Dana Dehaesus
Dana Kana is proud as the Pacific Islander/Cancrean, was born and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and enrolled at the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley at age 11 and graduated in June 1986. Later, she attended Gallaudet University and did not complete her studies due to her family obligations. In 2012, she got involved in the Northern California Association of DeafBlind and had served as the president for 12
years. She found my truly identified as DeafBlind. She underwent a 12-week training program at Tactile Communications and became a CoNavigator trainer. Currently, she is a Co-Founder of the Golden State DeafBlind Service Center since 2023. Looking forward to growing service in CoNavigators and Interpreting program in 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.