DEAF-BLIND

THE MOHNEYS FROM DURHAM, NC

Melanie Mohney is 8 years old and was born with a rare deletion of chromosomal 1p. This congenital birth defect has left Melanie legally deaf and blind and with a seizure disorder. Melanie lives with her Mom (Lisa), Dad (Robert), and younger brother (Robbie) in Durham, where they moved a few years ago from Cleveland, Ohio.

Melanie attends Parkwood Elementary School in Durham and is in a severe/profound handicapped class that includes 6 other children. Melanie truly delights in going to school. She enjoys hearing the other children's voices and likes when her teacher, the assistants, and the therapists talk to her. She enjoys tactile stimulation, pleasant smelling lotions (Bath & Body-type stuff), and being moved into different positions. Last year Melanie began to learn several touch cues. For example, tapping Melanie's elbows upward lets her know that she will be lifted or moved. In addition, her parents and teachers wave in her hand to say 'hello' or they let her feel her diaper before changing it. When her parents and teachers want Melanie to respond to them, they place her fingers on their neck and throat as they talk to her. Melanie really seems to be responding well to many of her touch cues, and of course, her parents are very excited about it!

The Mohneys have been members of the Deaf-Blind Multi-handicapped Association for two and a half years. This parent organization has been extremely helpful in organizing meetings with other parents and professionals who are able to relate to Melanie's needs. Many of Melanie's closest and dearest friends are also members of this parent group.