Who we are
The Pennsylvania Partnership was created to help people who are deaf-blind and their families make these connections and support each other. PPDB is a federally-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We have been legally incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since October 2007 and all contributions to PPDB are tax deductible.
The Partnership is a family-led organization governed by a Board of Directors. Our members set the organization’s priorities with an agenda to serve the needs of the families connected to us, and educate public officials on issues involving deafblindness. Most of our members are parents of children with deafblindness.
PPDB was honored to be selected as the first State Affiliate of the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB). PPDB also has a close partnership with the PA Deaf-Blind Project (Hand in Hand), which has provided support, assistance, training and encouragement.
The Partnership is a family-led organization governed by a Board of Directors. Our members set the organization’s priorities with an agenda to serve the needs of the families connected to us, and educate public officials on issues involving deafblindness. Most of our members are parents of children with deafblindness.
PPDB was honored to be selected as the first State Affiliate of the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB). PPDB also has a close partnership with the PA Deaf-Blind Project (Hand in Hand), which has provided support, assistance, training and encouragement.
About deafblindness
In Pennsylvania, there are approximately 425 children (birth to 21) who are deaf-blind. There is no reliable census of the number of adults with deafblindness, although some estimates put the number between 1,000 and 3,000.
Deafblindness is not merely the loss or impairment of two senses (1+1 does not equal 2). As Helen Keller stated, “Blindness cuts you off from things; deafness cuts you off from people.” In addition, approximately 80% of children who are deafblind have at least one other disability or health condition that affects their lives.
When a small population of people with unique, and often complicated, needs is spread throughout such a geographically large state as Pennsylvania, it is very difficult for these individuals and their families to identify, talk to, and learn from people in similar situations.
Deafblindness is not merely the loss or impairment of two senses (1+1 does not equal 2). As Helen Keller stated, “Blindness cuts you off from things; deafness cuts you off from people.” In addition, approximately 80% of children who are deafblind have at least one other disability or health condition that affects their lives.
When a small population of people with unique, and often complicated, needs is spread throughout such a geographically large state as Pennsylvania, it is very difficult for these individuals and their families to identify, talk to, and learn from people in similar situations.
Our goal
The Partnership strives to:
- Establish & maintain a network to identify & help connect families with similar needs.
- Develop & disseminate accurate, timely information & share resources.
- Collaborate with other organizations & groups to ensure that the needs & concerns of persons who are deaf-blind are addressed.
- Educate policymakers on issues involving the deaf-blind.
Board of directors
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Officers
Kristina Kezmarsky, President 724-884-3586 kmkezmarsky@gmail.com Kristina lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her son Shane. Shane is DeafBlind and has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. Kristina has bachelor’s degree in Law and Society from Penn State University. She currently works as a paralegal supporting local social service agencies to ensure the permanency of children in foster care. Tammy Kitterman, Vice President 412-445-8784 gtkitterman@verizon.net Tammy lives in Bethel Park, PA with her husband Grant and 12 year old son Brock, who is DeafBlind. At 12 weeks old Brock was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma. The chemo that he received to save his life damaged his hearing. Brock is successful and active in many sports, both blind and typical, and in his academics. Tammy works part-time as a school bus driver and full-time as Brock’s advocate and personal trainer. Saneeka Macon, Secretary 215-485-7931 saneeka.macon@gmail.com Saneeka lives in Aston, PA with her husband and two children. Her oldest daughter, Savannah is DeafBlind and has mosaic Trisomy 13. Shelley Lill, Treasurer 814-421-7685 shello513@yahoo.com |
Board members
Jackie Brennan 215-877-0313 jackie@obs.org Jackie is the Education and Professional Development Director for Overbrook School for the Blind and the Executive Director of the Overbrook Friedlander Program (OFP). Jackie has served on the boards of a number of professional organizations and advisory councils. She has a bachelor's degree in special education and a master’s in the education of the deaf and hard of hearing. Jackie is a certified teacher of the visually impaired and as a special education supervisor. Juli Baumgarner 724-674-0075 julibaumgarner@gmail.com Patti McGowan 724-862-2553 pmcgowan@pattan.net Patti lives outside of Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and three grown children. Her youngest son, Hunter, is DeafBlind and has Usher Syndrome Type II. Patti is a Family Consultant with the PA Deaf-Blind project and has worked with NCDB and Perkins as a parent leader. Gabe Radzik 717-873-1203 maintrat@aol.com Molly Black 724-863-1283 mblack@pattan.net Molly rejoined the Board in order to work alongside other passionate parents in the DeafBlind community. She lives in Irwin, a suburb east of Pittsburgh with her husband. Molly and her husband raised two grown daughters and raised a son who lived 22 years with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, the cause of his deaf-blindness. For many years Molly has worked as a Family Consultant with the PA DeafBlind project. She’s focused on supporting families and school teams in secondary transition planning. Gordon Boe g.boe@comcast.net Gordon lives in North Wales, PA with his wife Mary. They raised their DeafBlind granddaughter Brittany from the age of 3. Brittany had many health complications including a kidney transplant. She’s nonverbal, but ambulatory and very sociable. Brittany is 24 years old and lives in an apartment with a 1 on 1 caregiver and attends a day program. |