Programa Especial - casal surdocego Carlos Jorge e Claudia Sophia

Summary

This video shares the inspiring story of Carlos Jorge Wild Haagen Rodrigues and Cláudia Sofia da Leste Pereira, the first couple of deaf-blind individuals in Latin America. The couple, both deeply involved in advocacy and support for the deaf-blind community, showcases how they live independent lives, communicate through a mix of sign language and Tadoma, and navigate daily challenges together. Despite societal prejudice and personal obstacles, they exemplify strength, love, and determination, highlighting their accomplishments, including their marriage in 2005 and their commitment to making a difference for people with sensory disabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Carlos Jorge Wild is 53 years old, deaf and blind, and lives in São Paulo with his wife, Cláudia Sofia, the first deaf-blind couple in Latin America.
• 😀 Carlos is the director of the Brazilian Association of Deaf-Blind People (ABRAS) and involved in various organizations supporting people with multiple disabilities.
• 😀 Cláudia Sofia is also deaf-blind, and she works as the coordinator of a rehabilitation center for the deaf-blind and those with multiple disabilities in São Paulo.
• 😀 Cláudia lost her vision due to a condition and has been working with deaf-blind individuals for over 24 years.
• 😀 Carlos and Cláudia first connected in 1994 via Braille correspondence, and they met in person for the first time in 1997 at an event for deaf-blind people in São Paulo.
• 😀 They started dating in 2002 and got married in 2005, which was a very emotional and historic event, marking the first marriage of a deaf-blind couple in the area.
• 😀 Their wedding was significant for its inclusivity, with interpreters for the deaf and blind present, and it was a celebration of their dreams coming true.
• 😀 After their wedding, they initially received support from Cláudia's mother and a niece, but later decided to live independently as a couple.
• 😀 Both Carlos and Cláudia handle daily activities independently, with Cláudia cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the household, while Carlos assists with tasks like washing dishes and sorting clothes.
• 😀 Carlos and Cláudia communicate using a mix of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), Tadoma (touch-based communication), and the manual alphabet, proving that deaf-blind individuals can live fulfilling, independent lives and form families.

Q & A

What is the background of Carlos Jorge Wild?

Carlos Jorge Wild is 53 years old, a deaf-blind individual from São Paulo. He is the general director of the Brazilian Association of Deaf-Blind People (ABRAS) and works in sports and leisure areas for the Brazil Group for Deaf-Blind and Multiples Disabilities support.

What role does Cláudia Sofia play in the community for the deaf-blind?

Cláudia Sofia da Leste Pereira is a coordinator at a rehabilitation center for deaf-blind and multiply disabled individuals at the Brazil Group for Deaf-Blind Support in São Paulo. She has been working in the field for 24 years, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for the deaf-blind community.

How did Carlos and Cláudia first meet?

Carlos and Cláudia first made contact in 1994 through correspondence, using Braille and Tadoma, a tactile communication method. They met for the first time in 1997 at an event for the deaf-blind in São Paulo, and after some time, they began a relationship in 2002.

When did Carlos and Cláudia get married, and what made their wedding special?

Carlos and Cláudia got married in 2005. Their wedding was significant as it was the first marriage of a deaf-blind couple in Brazil, with interpreters and family present. It was an emotional day for both of them, marking the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream.

What challenges did Carlos and Cláudia face in their early years of marriage?

In the beginning, Carlos and Cláudia received help from family members, such as Cláudia's mother and a niece, with daily tasks like shopping. However, they decided to become more independent and manage their own household together.

How do Carlos and Cláudia communicate despite both having sensory disabilities?

Carlos communicates primarily through Brazilian Sign Language (Libras), while Cláudia uses Tadoma, which involves touching the lips of the speaker to perceive speech through articulation and vibrations. They combine both forms of communication for everyday interactions.

What is Tadoma, and how does it assist Cláudia in communication?

Tadoma is a tactile communication method that allows Cláudia to understand speech by feeling the vibrations and movements of the speaker's lips. It helps her understand what others are saying despite her hearing impairment.

How do Carlos and Cláudia manage daily household tasks?

Carlos and Cláudia work together in their household. Cláudia handles cooking and cleaning, while Carlos assists with tasks like washing dishes and sorting laundry. They have developed a system that accommodates their sensory needs and allows them to live independently.

How do Carlos and Cláudia feel about their life together?

Carlos and Cláudia express great happiness and love for each other. They have overcome numerous challenges and barriers, but their determination, strength, and mutual understanding have made their marriage fulfilling and successful.

What is the message Carlos and Cláudia hope to convey through their story?

Carlos and Cláudia hope to demonstrate that people with sensory disabilities, such as being deaf-blind, can live independent lives, get married, and build families just like anyone else. They emphasize the importance of overcoming prejudice, especially from families, and the potential for growth through education and understanding.