History
In 2022, the DeafBlind League of New Jersey celebrated 40 years of friendship, support and fellowship! We've come a long way since our inception in September 1982 at an American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB) national conference. At that time, Mr. Robert "Bob" Heller brought together a group of people who were deafblind, some family members and those interested in deafblindness (today we would refer to these dedicated people as SSPs) for a discussion and a vote to establish an organization in New Jersey. The new organization would hold monthly meetings for the purpose of bringing people together to socialize and to ensure that everyone, regardless of their communication needs, would be able to participate in their communities without hindrance or prejudice.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Bob whose inspiration became a reality. Thank you, Bob, for your faith in New Jersey's deafblind community and for establishing an organization where we could come together, enjoy each other's company, support each other and share ideas. Bob: You would be so proud that we are still going strong after 40 years. You are sorely missed but will never be forgotten. (Bob passed away in 1988.)
DBLNJ
Officers & Board
2021-2025
Tamilah Alexander, President
Mark Gasaway, Vice President
Barbara Russ Smith, Recording Secretary
Dawn Brady, Corresponding Secretary
Jon Gabry, Treasurer
Mark Gasaway, Parliamentarian
John Benoit, Member-At-Large
Fonda Diamond-Levine, Member-At-Large
Purpose
The purpose of the DeafBlind League of New Jersey is to ensure that individuals who have varying amounts of vision and hearing have support, socialization, information sharing and meetings to attend throughout the year. It is the goal of the organization to seek additional resources necessary, through fundraising and donations, so members may attend events at a minimal cost. Through this mission, members become more confident, independent, share mutual high spirits, and enjoy attending recreational and social activities.
In Memory: Members & Friends
Philip DiMaio, friend (2023)
Urbano Aponte, friend (2022)
Chester "Chet" Gares, member (2022)
Elida "Lee" Gares, past President/Vice President (2021)*
Margaret "Margie" Reis (2020)*
Melvin Bell, member (2015)*
Saul Schiff, Past President (2004)*
Genevieve "Jennie" Linfante, past Board Member (2012)*
Robert "Bob" Heller, member (1988)*
*Founding Member of DBLNJ