FAQ

  1. What is the purpose of the organization?
  2. What is a Support Service Provider (SSP)?
    • Support Service Providers (SSPs) provide support that enhances independence (e.g. facilitating environmental communication, providing sighted guidance).
  3. What is an Interpreter?
    • An interpreter is a professional trained in facilitating from one language to another language.
  4. What is an Intervener?
    • An intervener is similar to a SSP, but will help DeafBlind individuals make decisions.
  5. What is a Personal Care Attendant (PCA)?
    • Personal Care Attendant (aka Caregiver) assist with the non-medical tasks that a person cannot safely or comfortably do alone. e.g. bathing, feeding, dressing, or such.
  6. How is the organization funded?
    • DBRAZ is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempted organization. Currently the retreat fees cover only a small portion of the operating cost. The remainder of the costs comes from donations. If you are interested in making a donation, click here, Donate.
  1. Is the retreat for Arizona residents only?
    • Since it is a pilot program, it is restricted to Arizonian only. Starting in 2021, it will be open to anyone in the world!
  2. Where is the the retreat held at?
  3. What do I need to bring?
  4. Can I ask for a ride to the retreat?
    • Everyone is responsible for finding their  transportation. If you are accepted, a transportation form with more details will be shared with you.
  5. What time can I arrive at the retreat and leave the the retreat?
      More information will be included in the Orientation Package to the accepted participants.
  6. Can the retreat accommodate a person with mobility difficulties?
    • Of course! The retreat has ramps in all the buildings and there are several shower stalls which are wheelchair accessible with drop-down seats.
  7. Can I come for only one or two days?
    • No, due to insurance reasons.
  8. Can I visit my friends at the retreat?
    • No, due to insurance reasons.
  9. How much money will I need at the retreat?
    • All meals and activities are included. You will need extra money only for merchandise or possible trips.
  10. What happens if I am injured during the retreat?
    • We can store medications that need to be refrigerated. You are responsible to bring and take your medicines. We cannot administer prescription medication. However, if more assistance is needed, there is an urgent care facility and a hospital nearby. It is important to complete the emergency contact page on your application. Participants are responsible for any cost incurred for hospitalization and urgent care visits.
  11. What do I do if I cannot eat the food provided?
    • Please be sure to note on your application if you have any dietary restrictions. All food allergies are considered during the meal preparations. Alternative options may be requested. A salad bar and a variety of drink choices are served at every meal as well. If you must follow a very strict diet, you may bring your own food; there are refrigerators available for you.
  12. How can I keep in touch with my family during the retreat?
    • You can contact your family at any time using your personal device. Your family and friends can also see daily updates on our social media.
  13. What activities are available at the retreat?
    • Coming soon!
  1.  
  1. Where will I sleep?
    • You will be sharing a double occupancy room with another participant.
  2. Can I do laundry during the retreat?
    • No, there is no laundry service.
  3. Is there a TTY or VRS booth at the retreat?
    • No, but there is a phone in every building for emergencies.
  4. Is there internet service?
    • Yes, there is WiFi at the retreat. However, you will be having so much fun that you will forget about checking in!
  1. When can I apply?
    • The number of DeafBlind individuals we accept GREATLY depends on every volunteer’s full commitment to the entire duration of the retreat. The sooner, the better! The applications are open on February 10. The applications can be found on Volunteer Application.
  2. How will I know if I am accepted?
    • We will start sending out the acceptance package around April to all volunteers. If the retreat is full, the coordinator(s) will contact you to ask if you want to be placed on a wait list.
  3. What if I apply and change my mind?
    • Please let us know IMMEDIATELY. We will be sad, but we will understand. As a friendly reminder; the number of DeafBlind individuals we accept GREATLY depends on every volunteer’s full commitment to the entire duration of the tretreat.
  4. What exactly do I do as a SSP?
    • In laymen terms, you will be the DeafBlind individuals’ eyes and ears. You will provide environmental information, sighted guiding, light interpreting during announcements, and such. You are not an interpreter, intervener, or a PCA.
  5. What exactly do I do as an Interpreter?
    • In laymen terms, you will provide only voicing and / or platform interpreting services between Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, Blind, and Hearing individuals. You are not a SSP, intervener, or a PCA.
  6. Will I work with a team?
    • It depends on the activity and the communication needs.
  7. How long will I work?
    • There are 3 shifts per day. Everyday, you will be assigned to a DeafBlind participant for 1st shift and another DeafBlind participant for the 2nd shift. You will have the 3rd shift off.
  8. Is the meal time part of the shift?
    • SSPs will eat along with the DeafBlind individual and provide environmental information. SSPs will not be servers though. We will all have a chance to practice some do’s and don’ts before the retreat starts.
  9. What if I need help?
    • There will be leaders, floaters, and coordinators everywhere. No worries!
  10. Do I need to wear only black shirts everyday?
    • Good (solid) color contrast will suffice. Please be mindful of your skin tone. If you are dark skinned, wear light colored clothes and vice versa.
  11. Who will I be assigned to?
    • Your assignments will be given out on the day of arrival. Life is full of curveballs and things can change.
  1. When can I apply?
  2. How will I know if I am accepted?
    • An acceptance package will be emailed out. If the the retreat is full, the coordinator(s) will contact you to ask if you want to be placed on a wait list.
  3. How much and when is it due?
    • A security deposit of $50 is required by April 30th.
  4. What if I apply and change my mind?
    • Please let us know IMMEDIATELY! Payments are no longer refundable after June 1st.
  5. What kind of support will I have at the retreat?
    • DBRAZ will provide Support Service Providers (SSPs) along with staff and interpreters that are trained to work with DeafBlind people. If you know a volunteer who wants to help out, please have them fill out the application at Volunteer Application.
  1. Concerns
    • The number one priority ot DeafBlind Retreat of Arizona (DBRAZ) is to keep everyone happy and healthy. We are hoping for the best, but trying to prepare for the worst. DBRAZ is taking it day-by-day while watching the occurrences of COVID-19 internationally. DBRAZ thanks you for your patience as we try to navigate not only the new adventure of the first of DeafBlind Retreat for the state of Arizona, but a world with COVID-19. For future information, please watch our social media avenues such Facebook and Instagram as well as our website. Hope to touch you later!

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