Text reads: CDBS Family Support Providers
CDBS Family Support Providers
California Deafblind Services is working to ensure that family members of children who are deafblind have access to other family members for the purpose of peer support and guidance. CDBS staff understand, however, that there is no need to create a duplicate or parallel family network—many Family Resource Centers (FRCs) around the state already operate successful, effective family-to-family support networks. The goal of CDBS is to make sure that interested family members from around the state are linked with their local FRCs, that the FRCs benefit from the training that CDBS conducts, and that FSPs are supported by CDBS in whatever way they need in order to be effective.
Family Support Providers have experienced deafblindness in their families; they are here to help. You can link to some of the FSP profiles below by clicking on their names.
Myrna Medina — Riverside County
My name is Myrna Medina, and my very supportive husband is Juan, and we are the parents of two great children, Deloris (17) and Norman (15); we also have a dog named Buster. I was born in Durango, Mexico, and lived in the Los Angeles area for over 15 years. Since 2002 my home has been in Riverside, California, and in 2000 I joined California Deafblind Services as a family specialist.
Norman is deafblind, and I have learned through the years how to deal with many different situations that are sometimes very difficult. I also know what is is like to cope with the grief that keeps resurfacing every time something new happens regarding Norman. I have learned to navigate systems such as education, health, in-home support services, and the Social Security Administration (for Norman’s SSI – Supplemental Security Income). I am happy to share my experience and knowledge with other families.
Patricia Barr — Los Angeles County
I like to meet new families and hear their stories.
Tamberly Bloodgood — San Diego County
My name is Tamberly Bloodgood, I am originally from North Carolina, but San Diego has been my home for over half a decade now. My husband is in the Navy and we have three children. Gideon, my middle child, is six years old and was born with CHARGE Syndrome. Professionally, I own a house cleaning business and am a freelance makeup artist.
Victoria Criswell — Contra Costa County
Welcome to the Family Support Providers! My name is Victoria Criswell and I live in Alamo, CA, a suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have been married to an amazing, supportive husband for 23 years’. Originally from Kansas City Missouri, I met my husband in Texas and have been in California for 25 years. I have three wonderful boys. My oldest is 19 and in college in LA, I have a 17 year old who is a senior in high school. Lastly, Tyler is 15 years old and a freshman in high school. He has CHARGE Syndrome and Autism. Our house always has something going on with so many boys. Tyler attended Perkins School for the Blind in Boston this summer(2019) in their Deafblind program and loved it! I’m currently trying to duplicate the Perkins program into my sons school, so that he can flourish in our home district. Additionally, I’m focusing on educating myself on transition and what does that look like for Deafblind adults. My son, Tyler, loves life just as I do and we try to make everyday amazing! There is nothing he can’t do, it just takes little longer to get there. He would like to travel the world and I’m trying to figure out how to make that happen! Stay tuned……
Josie Garro — San Bernardino County
I’m Josie Garro, my son is Tony. Tony is 39 yrs old, one of those multi-disable preemies. Tony has mild CP, developmentally delayed (able to function independently), moderate to severely hearing impaired, (wears hearing aids) and became totally blind 2 years ago. I’m blessed Tony learned many independent skills, attended California School for the Blind and Transition Program at Foundation for the Jr Blind in Los Angles, Ca. He was employed at Vons Market for 11 years, as a courtesy clerk. In which he traveled to work independently using public transportation ( bus routes). Tony lives independently, Together we’re working on finding services to better fit his needs. We’re facing new challenges. I’m very blessed Tony has a sense of humor, loves chatting, is patient and brave. In this picture we’re taking a break as we walk the trail at Zion Park. At the end of the day we were both exhausted. It was an adventure for both of us.
Sorina Littlejohn — Los Angeles County
Hola, mi nombre es Sorina Littlejohn. Vivo en la Ciudad de Gardena y tengo un hijo de 16 años con el diagnóstico de Charge Syndrome.
Esmeralda Mora — Los Angeles County
My name is Esmeralda Mora. I enjoy movies, reading, taking pictures and spending time with my family. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband Juan Mora for 24 yrs. We have four wonderful kids Esai, Alexis, Mia and Abia. We live in the city of Compton.
Guadalupe Ruelas — San Bernardino County
Hola mi nombre es Guadalupe Ruelas esposa de Juan Ruelas y madre de cuatro hijos la más pequeña con necesidades especiales de nombre Fátima.
MORE PROFILES ON THE WAY
we will be updating these FSP profiles with more information soon. Thank you!