Patti Sarchi is a dedicated advocate for individuals with dual-sensory impairment or loss. Not only does she serve as a community supporter, but she also uses her own experiences to help, mentor, and encourage other individuals who experience the same challenges that she routinely overcomes.
Ms. Sarchi is the current Chair of the Commission for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened in Maine. As a deaf-blind individual - self-identified as "dual sensory impaired"- Ms. Sarchi has gone beyond being just a powerful community advocate and has become a cherished mentor to many individuals who are deaf-blind. She has served on the Boards of Maine Division of the Blind; Iris Network; National Association of the Deaf-Blind and has been an active advocate for the deaf-blind with Maine's Department of Health and Human Services.
Patti routinely lobbies state labor officials and other community leaders to provide training that not only benefits those are themselves deaf-blind, but also teaches others how to better communicate with those who are deaf-blind.
Ms. Sarchi is often described by her peers as fearless and determined, something that she continues to prove with her relentless advocacy efforts. She maintains active involvement in committees and groups whose goals are to improve services and the quality of life for individuals who are deaf-blind. Ms. Sarchi was presented with the award at a recent meeting of Maine's Telecommunications Relay Service Advisory Council in Falmouth.
Concurrent with National Deaf Awareness Week occurring in September, the Hamilton Relay 2012 Deaf Community Leader Award is given out on an annual basis and recognizes individuals who are deaf or deaf-blind for the commitment they have made to enhancing the lives of those around them.
About Hamilton Relay
Hamilton Relay offers a variety of services including Telecommunications Relay Services, Captioned Telephone and Internet Relay services. Hamilton provides Telecommunications Relay and/or Captioned Telephone services to 16 states, the District of Columbia, the Island of Saipan and the Virgin Islands. More information is available at hamiltonrelay.com.