ETB 27: In this episode I talk with Vivecca Hartman, mother of 2 and new grandmother, about life with her 24 year old son Christopher, born with a rare genetic mutation, Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Physically healthy in every other way, his vision and hearing was all that was affected at birth. Very curious, physically fit and funny, Christopher likes to stay active and keep busy. He communicates with tactile sign language. As long as he feels safe, Christopher is a very happy person, very independent within his home.
Vivecca is cofounder of Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind, a nonprofit organization that benefits deafblind people after they graduate from school. Currently, Touch Base is located in Houston, Texas. It is a small organization with a board consisting of parents of deafblind children, experienced staff from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and other dedicated professionals. The purpose of Touch Base is to provide deafblind men and women with a day habilitation facility where they can participate in organized, meaningful, and purposeful activities.
Vivecca is also a long standing board member for the Lighthouse for the Blind, having served 10+ years. The Lighthouse of Houston serves 5,000 individuals annually through health and community programs, independent living centers and assisted living facilities. Of those they employ, nearly 40% are blind or visually impaired. Employees are trained to work in their service or products division. Their programs and services provide individuals with the ability to live independently and to reach their full emotional, social and educational potential.
Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DMBD) Medicaid Waiver
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/deaf-blind-multiple-disabilities-dbmd
Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas (DBMAT)
https://dbmat-tx.org/
Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/community-living-assistance-support-services-class.
Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs for Children with Disabilities
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/insurance-financial-help/texas-medicaid-waiver-programs-for-children-with-disabilities
Phone Number: 1-877-438-5658
Lighthouse for the Blind
https://www.houstonlighthouse.org/
PPCD
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/education-schools/what-is-ppcd
Touch Base Center for the Deafblind
https://www.touchbasecenter.org/about-touch-base
Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/TouchBaseCenter
Connect with Vivecca Hartman
hartmanfam28@sbcglobal.net
1-713- 231-7508
Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/