{"id":34,"date":"2024-07-31T12:31:56","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T17:31:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/deafblindtip.org\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2026-02-16T12:47:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:47:40","slug":"about-contact","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/deafblindtip.org\/?page_id=34","title":{"rendered":"About & Contact"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(Under Construction<\/em>)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n

Mission & Statement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DeafBlind Training, Interpreting & Professional Development (DB-TIP) is dedicated to advancing inclusion and equity by providing high-quality, culturally responsive interpreting services and professional training.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We empower individuals, organizations, and communities to communicate effectively and build environments where Deaf and DeafBlind individuals can fully participate and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Group<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Our History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since 2007, DeafBlind Training, Interpreting & Professional Development (DB-TIP) has proudly served Deaf and DeafBlind communities. While our primary base is New York City, we maintain a nationwide network spanning all regions of the United States, as well as international connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our owner is a nationally certified sign language interpreter and educator, holding both the Certificate of Interpretation and Certificate of Transliteration since 1996. Our Business Manager is a respected leader within the DeafBlind community and an experienced professional trainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In 2016, DB-TIP made history by hosting the first-ever online international conference focused on DeafBlind content, featuring DeafBlind, Deaf, and hearing experts from across the field and attracting over 400 registrants. Following this milestone, DB-TIP developed and launched the first series of web-based training modules specifically designed to enhance sign language interpreters\u2019 knowledge and skills in DeafBlind interpreting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Since then, DB-TIP has coordinated services for events ranging from small gatherings to large-scale conferences across diverse sectors. We maintain multiple contracts with institutions of higher education, New York City departments, non-profit organizations, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Continuously evolving, DB-TIP partners with many expert DeafBlind trainers to provide the highest quality, culturally responsive services to the communities we serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Meet our team<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

DB-TIP consists of a team of three staff with over 85 combined years of experience in the Deaf\/DeafBlind communities. As an LGBTQIA+ owned business with a Business Manager who is a leader in the DeafBlind community, DB-TIP, Inc. prides itself on the importance of lived experience as it informs the quality and accuracy of the work provided. DB-TIP aims to recruit and assign interpreters who are not only the best qualified but who are also the best fit for every assignment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Susanne Morgan Morrow, MA, CI, CT<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

(she\/her\/hers)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Owner, Hearing-Sighted, LGBTQIA+<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Susie<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Susie is a nationally certified Sign Language Interpreter, interpreter educator, adjunct instructor, project director, and DeafBlind specialist. She has more than thirty years of experience providing interpreting services across a broad range of settings, including high-profile environments, rigorous academic institutions, large-scale professional conferences, and performing arts venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She has designed and implemented numerous professional development modules for sign language interpreters and educators specializing in DeafBlind education. In addition, she possesses extensive expertise in coordinating interpreting and Co-Navigation services for events of varying scale and complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Susie serves as a national trainer on topics related to communication access, the education of children who are DeafBlind, and best practices in interpreting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Jamie Pope, MS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

(she\/her\/hers)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Business Manager, DeafBlind<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Jamie is the former executive director of American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB), a national consumer advocacy organization of, for, and by DeafBlind people. She served in this capacity for eight years, increasing the visibility of AADB and the national DeafBlind community with federal government agencies and Congress. Before AADB, she worked as Technical Assistance Specialist with the National Technical Assistance Consortium on Children and Youth who are Deaf-Blind (now called the National Consortium on DeafBlindness). She is a savvy consumer of interpreting services which led her to be a critical force in establishing the National Task Force on Deaf-Blind Interpreting (NTFDBI). Her professional accomplishments are many, which include honored guest speaker, trainer, facilitator, instructor, and author. She holds a Master degree in Social Work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She became DeafBlind during early childhood due to illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Desiree Mistretta, AA<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

(she\/her\/hers)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Billing Manager, LGBTQIA+<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Desiree (Des) has a varied background, which includes skills in carpentry, painting, catering, on-site logistics managing, and is a champion boxer. Des\u2019 varied skill set brings her to the billing side DB-TIP. She handles all of the incoming and outgoing invoices and payments to contractors through DB-TIP, Inc.\u2019s unique and confidential online portal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Values & Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

At DB-TIP, our work is guided by the following core values:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Inclusion: We create spaces where DeafBlind and Deaf individuals are recognized, respected, and fully included.
Equity: We promote fair and accessible opportunities for all through intentional, informed practices.
Quality: We uphold the highest standards in interpreting, training, and professional development to ensure excellence in every interaction.
Cultural Responsiveness: We honor the diverse experiences, languages, and identities within the communities we serve.
Collaboration: We believe that meaningful change happens through partnership, shared learning, and collective impact.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Why Choose DB-TIP<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At DB-TIP, our small but dedicated team brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise\u2014as both consumers and providers of interpreting and communication services. With decades of combined experience, we have a deep understanding of the diverse needs of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
From one-on-one consultations to coordinating large-scale conferences, our hands-on approach ensures seamless, culturally responsive, and high-quality service delivery. We pride ourselves on personalized coordination, attention to detail, and a commitment to equity and inclusion, making DB-TIP a trusted partner for individuals and organizations seeking effective communication access.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n

How do I request sign language interpreting services?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can submit your request through our online portal. A checklist, called the Interpreting and Communication Needs Checklist, is provided to assist you in gathering the information you will need to complete the request. Please include event details such as date, time, location, and type of event so we can match the appropriate interpreters to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How far in advance should I make a request?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We recommend submitting your request as soon as possible. The more advance notice you provide, the better we can ensure that interpreters with the appropriate skills and experience are available for your specific event. Advance scheduling allows for optimal coordination, especially for complex, multi-day, or high-profile events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What information will I need to provide when submitting a request?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You will be asked to provide key event details, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n