(Low Vision and braille display friendly pages)
Pip's Cause is a fund, started in February of 2008, by myself, Tonilyn Wisner, and my husband, Keith Wisner. The fund is maintained by PT Computers, Keith's computer business.
I am deaf-blind and Pip's Cause
was started as an idea to raise money to purchase adaptive aids in order to
improve the quality of my life and allow me to be a more productive member of my
community. We have expanded our goal and hope to help many people who are
deaf-blind (not just in the USA) improve their quality of life by providing
equipment, adaptive aids, services, information, and support, in whatever way is
best for each individual.
Many adults who are deaf-blind are refused services from
their state Rehabilitation Programs or the state program can not afford the aids
and training. They often fall between the
cracks because they do not fit into existing programs for people who
are deaf or people who are blind. And because deaf-blindness is such
a rare combination, there are few programs set up to help people with
this dual sensory impairment. It is especially difficult for people
like me who have become deaf-blind as an adult.
I have been trying for over three years to find support and equipment to help me adapt to my sudden deaf-blindness. I have had to learn on my own. I taught myself braille, I am learning tactile sign language,and have been experimenting to find ways to remain a full-time home maker. Discovering ways to cook and clean on my own has been an interesting challenge. I would love to be able to interact with people and become more active in my community. My dream is to one day become employed and be able to support myself financially. There are many types of adaptive equipment that would allow me to do this but they are extremely expensive. My state has helped with small kitchen adaptive aids and mobility training but refused to assist me with my other needs and goals based on my age and medical condition. So I have decided to take matters into my own hands. I am fighting for all people who are deaf-blind. We CAN be independent and productive members of society if we are given a little help.
I AM DEAF, BLIND, AND DETERMINED!
How can you help? There are several ways:
Or send a check to:
Pip's Cause
429 Pleasant Run
Opelousas, LA 70570
You can also shop at our Cafe Press Store (we earn very little profit, but every little bit helps!)
We also accept new or used adaptive equipment, such as software, braille displays, kitchen aids, computers, etc. Even if it isn't working, Keith can fix it for someone. Braille books are also a nice contribution.
Adding a link to this page on your web site
will be greatly appreciated as well
And please, spread the word!
For my story on how I became deaf-blind and a little bit about
who I am, you can go to
About Me
See who we have helped so far!
New: Newsletter
We now have a newsletter called “The Pip’s Cause Newsline. This newsletter will contain news about new products for sale, equipment that we have to give away, money to buy things that are needed, fundraisers, and also sell/buy/trade equipment. To join Click here and in the body of the message be sure to include the email address you would like to subscribe with and your full name.
This newsletter is for everyone, not just those who are deaf-blind.
Helpful tips for people who are deaf-blind from people who are deaf-blind,
and information on deaf-blindness and adaptive aids and services,
and
other informative pages will be coming soon!
Please feel free to e-mail me with suggestions, comments, or questions, at
pip@pipscause.org *SMILE*
Thank you for your support!
~ Tonilyn and Keith Wisner
** (Donations through PayPal are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes)
