- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
DeafBlind Awareness Week - Staff Spotlight - Peggy Feldmann-Firinne
Peggy Feldmann-Firinne is a DeafBlind Extended Supports (DBES) Rehabilitation Counselor who has worked at MCB for 14 years. In her position, Peggy provides services to consumers who are DeafBlind and/or legally blind with cognitive issues to help them reach their goals.
Tell us about yourself.
I live in Western Massachusetts and have three young adult children. About 20 years ago, we moved to Western Massachusetts from the Boston area where I worked at Perkins School for the Blind in the DeafBlind and Community Living programs for many years. In my free time, I go to fairs with my partner to sell handmade pet and people wear.
What is the best part about your job?
I enjoy working with my MCB colleagues to help individuals who are DeafBlind and/or legally blind with cognitive issues best support themselves. Whether it be at home, a day program, or a group home, DeafBlindness requires special supports to enable each individual to be as independent as possible.
Are there any moments in your career (with MCB or a previous employer) that have stuck with you?
At Perkins School for the Blind I worked with Chris, a young DeafBlind student, until his teenage years. Chris, who had lost his vision and hearing at an early age, had cystic fibrosis and a brain disorder among other disabilities. He came to Perkins frustrated that he could not communicate. After learning American Sign Language, he blossomed into a brave, inquisitive, intelligent young man who met many challenges head on with the help of his family and staff. He was the first person in his family to graduate high school.
Do you have any goals at MCB?
My goal at MCB is to best support the individuals and families I serve, at home and in the community.
What would your advice be to people looking to work with the DeafBlind community?
The DeafBlind community is a very diverse community. While many individuals will graduate high school, go to college, and get a job, other individuals need one-on-one staffing. Every milestone is a success worth celebrating. It is an extremely rewarding career but one you will need to learn much about, including a potential new language to communicate with the people you work with.
As a DBES counselor, what does DeafBlind Awareness Week mean to you and the consumers you work with?
DeafBlind Awareness Week helps those who are Deafblind to be seen for who they are, people who often have to work harder than all of us but are just people who want the same things from life that we all do.
Do you have any DeafBlind role models?
Chris who I mentioned above has now passed but will always be a role model to me. He taught me to put aside my fears at times and do the hard things or the things that make you happy. Chris met Presidents (of the United States) in his short lifetime. One time, he came back from his home in Maine banged up from head to toe. When we asked what happened, he said he’d been snowmobiling. He didn’t let his limitations stop him from having fun with his siblings.
