NCDBA Conference

Letter from John Sherwood, NCDBA Treasurer

To the DeafBlind Community, Service Providers, Families, and Friends.

From John Sherwood, NCDBA Development Chair

This article is about the NCDBA 40th Anniversary Conference which occurred on September 14, 2024.  Wow! A Big thanks to Monica McBride, and Christina Gralak for coordinating communication services, transportation, and SSP/CN for DeafBlind participants. Whew! That was a heavy load. We all worked many hours to make sure the event was very successful.

Randy and Ashley successfully passed two important amendments to NCDBA Byl-Laws. Our brand-new name is North Carolina DeafBlind Associates, Inc (NCDBA). Also, NCDBA Board of Directors can appoint Board members to fill vacancies for the remaining term. Furthermore, please welcome Erin Bradford as 2nd Vice President as NCDBA. Thank you, well done by Randy and Ashley. Most importantly, NCDBA wants to give thanks to our members for their votes and support.

All of us came together to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of NCDBA. We started off with each presenter giving the audience a short and brief speech. Johnny Washington along with his committee and Sue Etheridge established NCDBA in 1984. Kim Jones invited a family member of Johnny Washington. Her name is Jumela Evans, and she is the granddaughter of Johnny Washington. She shared the unique and compelling story of her grandfather.

Ashley, along with help from her mom, Jackie Pope, formally invited Sue Etheridge. Thank you, Ashley, and your mother Mama Jackie (According to Marilyn Trader). Sue Etheridge was the first DeafBlind Services Specialist in North Carolina. She established many DeafBlind programs in state agencies and private entities. She gave a lovely speech and listed all the names that involved with establishing NCDBA. Ann Yokeley and Pat Roesel’s names were mentioned. She is a very special lady. 

There were more people providing important information. Saarah Waleed is Ashley’s boss. She provided Important resources related to mental health. Ann Yokeley, the only DeafBlind person on the original committee still living, provided a wonderful speech about her experience and a brief history of NCDBA. Lee Bob Hartline provided some stories about his experience with NCDBA. It was so nice to see them give stories. Crazy and funny stories about trips to California, pie in the face and standing on a scooter. All needed a laugh!

Randy Pope, along with board members, stood on the stage. Randy is the current president of NCDBA. Randy and current board members congratulate Erin Bradford to be 2nd Vice-president of NCDBA. Randy gave a speech and walked to the members of Johnny Washington’s family and Sue Etheridge to present a Certification of Appreciation for their dedication and hard work establishing NCDBA. It was a heartfelt and emotional moment to witness. It is just a wonderful experience to see that.

A good friend of Randy came all the way from Florida to provide TASL interpreting service. His name is Steve Collins. Steve used to be a professor at Gallaudet University. Thank you, Steve. I am so happy that Randy is able to find someone to provide TASL interpreters.

Thanks to all interpreters, and SSP/CN volunteering their time to help DeafBlind participants enjoy their time. This event wouldn’t be possible without your volunteering to help. Thank you so much.

Kind Regards!

John Sherwood

NCDBA Development Committee

Recent Conferences

September 14, 2024 in Winston-Salem, NC.

NCDBA celebrates 40 years with a 1 day conference and a celebration! The event is open to DeafBlind from North Carolina. There is no cost, but if you would like to become a member, or renew your membership, please bring $10. Lunch will be served at no additional cost. A special thank you to Carolina University’s Deaf Studies department chair and professor Dr. Zimmerman for allowing us to use their conference room and facilities.

Please note that registration is required! Whether you are DeafBlind, an SSP or CoNavigator, interpreter, sponsor representatives. We need an accurate headcount for food and drinks. Please fill out our registration form. View the event flyer.

Conference History

Every year, NCDBA holds an annual conference with the focus to educate DeafBlind members and others in attendance. For example, in the conference for 2017, we had multiple presentations on healthy living, self-advocacy, and a service called text to 911 among others.

Our conference is usually held the second weekend in March from Thursday-Sunday up through March 2020. After Covid-19 hit, there were no conferences for NCDBA. In July 2023, the Board elected in 2020 held a special 1-day conference to hold an election for a new Board and to discuss bylaw changes.

Please check back for information on future conferences!