On October 24-26, 2025, six DeafBlind employees from HKNC gathered at the Conference Center for an immersive Protactile (PT) training led by trainers, Rhonda “Rho” Voight-Campbell, Jonathan LeJeune, Yashaira “Yash” Romilus, and Roberto Cabrera.  Over two and a half days, Ashley, Chad, Jenee, Maricar, Ryan, and Sonia explored the philosophy, history, and language of Protactile—a communication approach rooted in touch, connection, and shared experience. 

From the very beginning, Chad shared a powerful insight that set the tone for the weekend: “Protactile is for everyone.” That simple but profound statement echoed throughout the training. It reminded us that Protactile is not just for DeafBlind individuals; it is for anyone seeking deeper, more inclusive ways to connect. The use of touch can benefit all people—whether DeafBlind, Deaf, hearing, sighted, or blind. 

All participants appreciated learning new Protactile vocabulary and perspectives. We explored how to present information in direct communication, how to share time using a vibrating device called the Meteor Watch (which conveys time through touch to those connected), and how to use “Braille on Palm” instead of fingerspelling—an approach that provides greater clarity and ease of understanding through touch. These hands-on skills deepened our appreciation for how Protactile communication can make information more accessible, precise, and inclusive. 

For Jenee, the experience was both personal and empowering: “I’ve learned a new language—my language. One that connects me to the DeafBlind community and our shared identity.” She added, “I hope the broader community—Deaf, hearing, sighted, and everyone in between—will keep an open mind and heart when they meet someone who uses Protactile. It is a language rooted in co-presence, connection, and inclusion, and it deserves to be understood and respected.” 

For Ashley, the training brought profound realization and reflection: “This training, more than any of my previous training, really made it clear to me that Protactile is a language,” she shared. “When I learned how to express that something was delicious in various degrees using pure touch—taps, squeezes, and flutters—it made complete sense. I could understand exactly how they were feeling.” Ashley also reflected on how her understanding of language access evolved: “I used to wonder why Protactile is becoming a language when it means fewer people will know how to communicate with DeafBlind individuals. Few interpreters know Protactile, and it felt like our world was becoming smaller compared to those who use American Sign Language. I thought maybe we could just make ASL more accessible by modifying signs. But I learned that ASL is purely visual and will never be fully accessible, while Protactile is being developed with the DeafBlind perspective in mind.” The training also encouraged deep reflection about the social norms surrounding touch. “The most basic sense every baby is born with is the sense of touch,” Ashley noted. “As we grow, we’re taught to pull away. With Protactile, we have to relearn to be comfortable with touch—to explore, to communicate, to understand, and to connect.” 

Maricar shared that the experience left her both inspired and motivated to keep learning and sharing what she gained: “I was fortunate to experience a foundational immersion in the evolution of Protactile language. A heartfelt thanks to the four PT trainers for their expertise and hands-on guidance that deepened our understanding of this powerful communication approach. I look forward to sharing this valuable knowledge with others and continuing to build more meaningful connections through touch.” 

Sonia reflected on how transformative the experience was, emphasizing that “it’s worth going—you can’t pass up this training.” She appreciated the opportunity to learn from four Protactile trainers over three immersive days, noting how well the training was structured to help everything “connect together” and deepen her understanding of what PT truly is. She also shared how quickly the impact spread within the HKNC community: students began giving her backchanneling after observing the trainers in the residence halls, showing genuine interest in learning Protactile themselves. Motivated by this, Sonia expressed a desire to begin offering basic mini-trainings for both staff and students in the dorms to help foster everyday PT communication.

For Ryan, Protactile training represents both a personal pursuit and an organizational commitment. He was first introduced to Protactile in 2012 by Jelica Nuccio and aj granda at Gallaudet University—a transformative experience that deepened his understanding of self-determination, identity, and social inclusion within the DeafBlind community. “This is not for HKNC. This is for the DeafBlind community we serve,” Ryan reflected. “Together, with the DeafBlind community as partners, we are building the path forward—expanding autonomy, communication accessibility, and redefining inclusion.” At HKNC, Ryan continues to help advance efforts to integrate Protactile into both the Center’s culture and professional practice, collaborating with colleagues and community partners to build a shared journey of growth and empowerment. His insight reflects the broader purpose of the training: to honor DeafBlind leadership and to model inclusive communication that reaches beyond any one program or department. 

Throughout the training, participants practiced modeling a Protactile philosophy—being present, inclusive, and respectful of personal boundaries and consent. The trainers’ commitment and thoughtful guidance helped each participant grow in both skill and confidence, reinforcing that Protactile is not just a language—it’s a way of being. 

The experience was transformative, reminding us that Protactile is not only for the DeafBlind community; it is an invitation for all HKNC staff to engage, learn, and connect. As Ashley said, “We want others at HKNC to join us. Protactile isn’t just for DeafBlind people—it’s for everyone. Anyone can learn it, and everyone can benefit from it.” 

This training marked an important step in HKNC’s journey toward a more inclusive, connected community—one that recognizes that communication through touch is not just a tool but a bridge. As Jenee beautifully expressed, “Protactile is a language of connection. I’ll always carry it with me.” 

Image description: HKNC staff (and a guide dog) and PT trainers are standing in a group, posing for the camera.