Sensory Superpowers

Exploring our hidden perceptual skills.

by Lawrence D. Rosenblum

How Words Feel

By Lawrence D. Rosenblum on August 4, 2009 in Sensory Superpowers

I just met Rick Joy and he’s already touching my face. His right hand’s thumb is resting vertically on my chin, with its tip brushing against my bottom lip. His index finger is curled under my chin and his remaining three fingers touch my neck and Adam’s apple. This might seem like a particularly awkward interaction for people who’ve just met. But any awkwardness is quickly dispelled by Rick’s warmth and humor. Also, touching my face is the only way he can understand my questions. Rick Joy is deaf and blind. Read More

Tadoma Method

Submitted by Diana on December 19, 2009 - 6:04pm.

Hi-

I have been looking for someone who can teach me the Tadoma method; no luck so far. I'm an older student back in graduate school for deafblind studies; early intervention. I'm involved in research looking at outcomes of cochlear implants on children that are deafblind. I'm especially interested in combining auditory oral therapy with the Tadoma method as an intervention strategy for children with deafblindness receiving cochlear implants. It seems the combination of auditory and tactile cues would significantly increase the ability to discriminate and recognize speech sounds.
If you know of anyone that might be interested in teaching me Tadoma, I'll find a way to see them and make it work logistically.
I'm looking forward to hearing back from you and hoping you may have some leads on someone who can possibly teach me this method.

Best regards
Diana

reply
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Re: Tadoma Method

Submitted by Lawrence D. Rosenblum on December 21, 2009 - 4:02pm.

Thanks very much for your message Diana. I actually don't know of anyone who is teaching Tadoma off-hand. However, I would try contacting the Perkins institute in Massachusetts (http://www.perkins.org/). They may be able to put you in touch with a teacher. Also, researcher Charlotte Reed at MIT may know of someone (cmreed@mit.edu). Your idea to use Tadoma for enhancing cochlear implants is a terrific idea. Good luck with it!
-Larry R.