Protactile Language for Deaf and Blind
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by
Ree Webster
Helen Keller famously said, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
Her words have many meanings, but they exceptionally relate to protactile communication, a form she began learning from her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
Pro-Tactile American Sign Language (PTASL) is a tactile language that combines touch and American Sign Language (ASL). It was created for deafblind people to communicate with each other.
What is ProTactile and What Are Its Benefits?
ProTactile is a socio-cultural language, created by two members of the DeafBlind community, that uses touch to communicate, however, it’s much more than just a language; it’s more of a socio-cultural philosophy that incorporates its own culture, attitude, and philosophy
Original created in 2007 by Aj Granda and Jelica Nuccio of Seattle, then later developed in 2010 with the help of Dr. Terra Edwards, the language is based on the natural tactile instincts of DeafBlind people, whilst incorporating signs from American Sign Language.
Protactile differs from other sign languages, which rely more on visual information, as it’s practiced on the body and focuses more on touch over visual signs. This approach allows for both one-on-one and group conversations, and also provides way for DeafBlind people to share their experiences and to form deeper connections.
Some principles of Protactile include:
- Contact space
- Tactile imagery
- Reciprocity
- Safe places to touch (hands, wrist, elbow, arm, upper back, and knees)
- Tapping someone's hand instead of grabbing or pulling
A common misconception is that ProTactile involves translating visual information into touch, like tracing out an image on your hand or someone’s back. However, the language is interactive and fosters equal exchange between all participants. And like all languages, ProTactile is still evolving and changing day by day. It will continue to do so as it adapts to the needs of the users, who will, over time, naturally find the most effective ways to implement the use of the novel language for the DeafBlind.
Touch has always been a primary means of communication for the DeafBlind community. For example, touch allows individuals to explore their surroundings, share stories, express actions and emotions, and convey essential information. ProTactile utilizes these revealing gestures to enable dynamic storytelling, multi-way conversations, and to express difficult deep emotions using signs alone. This makes the language far more than a one-directional form of communication.
Benefits of ProTactile
As a tactile-based language, ProTactile offers profound benefits for the DeafBlind community, some of the key benefits users will experience include:
Improved Communication: ProTactile enables DeafBlind individuals to share stories, convey emotions, and engage in dynamic, multi-way conversations.
Enhanced Social Connection: By embracing touch, the language reduces isolation and promotes stronger community bonds.
Increased Accessibility: ProTactile ensures DeafBlind individuals have equal access to information and social interactions.
Cultural Empowerment: It supports the recognition and celebration of DeafBlind culture and identity, shifting away from a medical perspective.
Autonomy and Inclusion: ProTactile fosters independence by validating touch as a legitimate and empowering way of life.
This innovative language continues to transform the lives of DeafBlind individuals, promoting dignity and equal opportunities. All in all, the concept provides a way for the Deaf and Blind to advance autonomy within their community.
The Role of Touch in ProTactile Communication
Since it’s inception, the concept has been slow to catch on due to the limited opportunities for DeafBlind individuals to share any innovative breakthroughs like this touch-based language. However, now well known amongst the community, the popularity and use of ProTactile are rapidly increasing, which bodes well for those who currently rely on sign language and other techniques to communicate daily.
Being established in Seattle, Washington, comes with little surprise. The region is known as a significant hub for the DeafBlind community and is. Therefore, it is a prime proving ground for new, alternative methods of communication.
One major hurdle the concept hopes to overcome is changing the traditional cultural view of the DeafBlind community, which members typically find rude and oppressive. Instead, ProTactile aims to encourage society to view touch as a legitimate and empowering way of communicating and, in turn, being a more natural way of life that provides autonomy and dignity to DeafBlind individuals who must navigate their way through a hearing-sighted dominant world.
Rebecca Alexander, an American psychotherapist and author who is almost entirely deaf and blind herself due to Usher syndrome, offers a fantastic look into how the language is used via her Instagram page.
Using Tactile Channels
ProTactile provides DeafBlind individuals with an inclusive platform to not only communicate but fully engage themselves in social and cultural interactions. It counters the isolation often experienced due to the lack of ability to rely on sight and sound like everyone else.
But by embracing ProTactile, individuals and communities can take their communication abilities to the next level, open doors to personal autonomy, and lift the restrictions that limited many aspects of life for the DeafBlind.
ProTactile promises a new lease on life, with equal access, and a stronger sense of belonging for DeafBlind individuals. If you’d like more information or resources about ProTactile, head on over to ProTactile Connects.
This site offers educational materials, videos, and opportunities to support the movement, including links to purchase ProTactile merchandise to raise awareness.
