A new language for DeafBlind people uses touch to communicate

(JANUARY 7, 2022) New languages are not common. However, a new language has been created here in the Pacific Northwest recently. The name of the language is Protactile.

Jelica Nuccio helped to create the language. She is DeafBlind (she can neither hear nor see). Nuccio worked at the DeafBlind Service Center in Seattle. At first, she wasn't thinking about a new language. She just wanted to communicate directly with other DeafBlind people.

So Nuccio worked with other DeafBlind people to decide what worked best for them. The new language is similar to American Sign Language used by people who are deaf, but it does not rely on sight. Instead, it uses touch to share information. In fact, it often uses both hands of both people to communicate with each other, all at the same time.

Protactile is growing as more people use it. Now Nuccio is training interpreters at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. These interpreters will be able to help DeafBlind people communicate with people who can see and hear.