Many of us know who Helen Keller is, and through reading her autobiography, may feel we have a mild understanding of what it’s like to be both deaf and blind in a world which expects you to communicate through sound and sight.
But what is it like for the average deafblind person living in interior B.C. in 2025? How do you navigate the modern world as an independent person when access to connections, resources and services is limited?
How can we better understand the experiences of a deafblind person in our own community so we can engage with them in a respectful and safe way?
Brenda Macalister of McLeese Lake wants us to know, and she’s inviting Williams Lake and surrounding areas to help her build that awareness.
June is Deafblind awareness month, and Macalister is wondering how she can best reach out to the community and get that ball rolling.
Whether it’s going to schools to talk with students, setting up an information booth at an upcoming event or posting infographics around town, Macalister wants your ideas on how she can best connect with Williams Lake residents and get us informed.
If you have any ideas, reach out to Tribune reporter andie.mollins@wltribune.com or submit a news tip on our website, and we will pass the idea on to Macalister.
