Paved the way to complete my Undergraduate with a dual degree in Social Work and Deaf Studies. I am the first Generation to receive a Bachelor's degree. Then, I am pursuing my Master's in Social Work, which will be the first Generation in my family to receive the highest education. I came from a large family and a low income, which I raised by my single mother, who lost our father when we were really young. I promised myself and my mother that I would achieve the degree to uphold our family name. I have three DeafBlind Siblings and two hearing siblings, plus my spouse, who is the barrier breaker and has accomplished many ways to break down the obstacles during my academic career. This has increased my involvement in my M program, which has given me more skills to give back to the community. Now I am here as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist in the State of Hawaii, but I am purposing to become a counselor and pursue my Master's degree to increase my competency working with the Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard-of-Hearing/DeafPlus population. I know I will make the change to give the community more access and their rights, advocating for them to thrive better. Oahu Island is a small community with a specific population that I am working with. This holds immense cultural value and has a profound impact on fostering strong hospitality. As I am currently in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it has given me a lot of reflection on what I have done and what I need to do to break down the system and educate others about disability rights. I eventually came from a small town in Colorado. I transitioned to Washington, D.C. for school, then ended up on Oahu Island, Hawaii, which landed me many opportunities and allowed me to explore more of the cultural values. My goal is to become a clinical social worker and have been told that Hawaii needs more Social workers. Unfortunately, not many social workers specialize in the Deaf/DeafBlind/Hard-of-Hearing/Deafplus population, which I aim to help change by providing more resources and accessibility for those community members in the State of Hawaii. First-generation status has an impact on my family, including my siblings, who are now encouraged to attend college. I have one DeafBlind sister who is attending University to major in Child Development Education, which will make her the second Generation to receive a BA in 2 years. There was consistently strong encouragement in my family to show that it's never too late to go back to school and accomplish one's goals. As a DeafBlind person, I show the world a bigger perspective to break down the stigma and create a more inclusive society. This is why I become more self-advocating every day and educate others. My dream is to thrive in the community without barriers, given more access to resources, mental health services, and others who want to see those populations achieve a normal society perspective.

Being DeafBlind was a massive journey for me, where I am standing today I discover that I had Usher's Syndrome (Vision Spectrum with Heredity disorder and hearing loss) when i was 11 years old, I ended up blamed my oldest sister that time she was 16 years old I had no idea what those stuff meant to me when i was young I was like a normal childhood kid and wanted to be more carefree and more independent, to learning on my own. When landed into High School, more notice as of my vision loss that showing more noticeable and more challenging with my learning everyday in school and friends and families I decide to go ahead to learn and attend some workshops regarding about Usher's Syndrome and Low-Vision to help me more understanding I was able to identified myself as USH (Usher's Syndrome) until I graduated I eventually decide to go out there to travel as much I can. During the mid-late 20s, I ended up visiting and living in Japan, where I decided to discover my own identities as a DeafBlind person before I had always been a Deaf person, but became more DeafBlind. I met a few DeafBlind Japanese locals in Japan, where I learn so much from them. I ended up getting a name sign from the DeafBlind Japanese. Most Deaf cultures tend to give name signs to deaf or deafblind people. I accepted their name sign too. I am still using right now that represent myself as following Kanji in Japansese Sign Language as sound by following Tye as in Tai so it signed as handshape thumb up then moving opposite to become last index finger as "i" which it inspired "Ta" then "i" Eventually they strongly encouraged me to go Gallaudet to become Social Worker where most of DeafBlind Japanese are Social Worker So I ended up being at Gallaudet for 5 years. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Deaf Studies. One of my professors, my faculty advisor, pushed me beyond my expectations during my academic year in the undergraduate program. This person is a DeafBlind 1st generation immigrant, female, with a PhD in Public Administration in Education, an MSW in Social Work, and a private practice as a clinical therapist. She is one of my inspirations. Knowing that DeafBlind can do anything with potential skills that can give back to the community, she always reminds me to do self-care and achieve many things. And I eventually did it and graduated with two college degrees. She is only one who push me over to get into Master's in Social Work where I will be attending in Graduate Program at Gallaudet University which it only Deaf University in the World This is why I want continue my education and given back to community and work with many DeafBlind youth and empowering them and educate them to be more self-advoacy where they deserve to be more thriving in many potential ways without barriers and reduce of "can't". This is where I stand today; I am more confident in many ways.

During my undergraduate program, while I was doing a Dual Degree program in Social Work and Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, the decision was made during the pandemic in 2020, during my first year. This was everything that changed my mental and physical, plus emotional, that showed a shift in the remote world. Then, a year later, when the subsiding of the pandemic lifted stricter rules, I could return to campus for the first time as my "first" year in my 2nd year of college. Struggling with accessibility is one of the significant barriers for me as a DeafBlind student. I kept persevering to not give up on getting the accommodation I needed for my coursework to accomplish my Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Deaf Studies. A lot of obstacles, but constantly reminding myself to take one step at a time and learning the university's system, where I have to navigate to find a way to meet my educational needs with accommodation as a DeafBlind Student myself. Once, I met one of my faculty advisors who managed my academic and Social Work programs to achieve them. This professor is DeafBlind and an immigrant, plus Phd in public administration with a social work background, and manages a private clinic therapy. She is one of my most significant role models. She has substantially impacted my mental, emotional, and physical well-being to thrive through my final year of my Bachelor's program. She pushes me to pursue a graduate program to get into an MSW program. She made many points, gave me so much critical thinking, and ensured that I understood how to interact with different stress levels and overcome a long day of working in the social work field. SheoSheinds social woofwork-Carework helps evolve and manage my daily life. Self-care is a critical part of social work's belief in ensuring well-being and the value of self-care as a priority. I am the father of 15 a 15-year-old son, and raising him has given me different challenges while I'm in school and continue to achieve my goals at the same time, being a parent, which is impacted by my disability, such as vision loss. I have vision loss, which is called Usher's Syndrome. I am considered under the DeafBlind spectrum on vision los andlossdd tohade with it when it came to struggling, the frustration, and a lot of obstacles, which were significant challenges on this journey. I was on my first day of Internship and got injured since I have limited field vision, which puts me at risk of harming others and myself too. At same time i was taking the course under Social work program called quantitative research method which it was help me to break the stigma on using the mobility cane and did do self design method research which keep tracking when I use cane and increase the confident and that where it broke the barrier and making me less stress and tension when I use the mobility cane and it almost a year now to using mobility cane to navigate myself independently. This is why the Social Work Program's academic faculty has given me more empowerment and competency to improve my skills and manage stress levels physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I am legally DeafBlind, and others empower me and consistently practice self-advocacy during my education journey toward becoming a social worker. I maintain that I am not here to compete against others. Nobody is better than me, nor am I better than them. We talk about learning opportunities out there. Deserving scholarship where it should be given more commitment and striving to give back to the community, and focus on the situation where one should maintain the goal to achieve it. I had complete my BSW in Social Work and Deaf Studies now towarding to MSW to become Social Worker to focus work in DeafBlind population where it need increase of service to work with and given more resource and educate them to be more empowering movement and self-advocacy too. English is not my primary language; it always comes with many challenges with the language itself. I have primarily used American Sign Language to communicate daily and emerged with ProTactile, a communication method for the deafblind community. That is where it will increase the skill of educating others on interacting with DeafBlind clients. This is why I want to become a Social Worker and continue to emphasize self-advocacy.

My Mother, who had a considerable role and impacted our life with her chronic illness with diabetes and Chronic Kidney Diseases, Blindness with Glaucoma, plus remission with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. I am one of 6 siblings, and 4 of us are DeafBlind who heavily communicate with each other to take care of our Mother since day one when she had cancer, and she is giving and battling with her Kidney disease. This has shaped my family so much since I have my wife, who has a deafness and heart condition, who needs much support, and I know what it can be like to be a good caregiver for both of them. My wife and my Mother is one of huge impact of my life where it come understanding of value of life. I am attending Gallaudet for the Graduate program this fall and just obtained a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Deaf Studies. This is reason why I want to given back to the community to show how critical stage of aging stage like as my Mother who is nearly in her 70's and battling with her health and her disabilities. My language is not primary English. My language is American Sign Language, which relies on communication through our eyes and uses simultaneous communication (my speech is not that great, Mother does understand me), which involves both sign and voice. Being a caregiver is a huge responsibility, and financial management, which I managed while I was in my undergraduate program, where my Mother had consistently undergone surgeries many times while I was far away. Still, I have other siblings who take care of our Mother who tend to communicate with me and ask me if I need anything to help like food, medication, and rental coverage plus transportation costs for Mother's appointments. This is a way of value that includes communication, understanding, and patience. As we always remind ourselves that mom did raise us 6 of us alone after my dad died in 1990, and we know it's our turn to take care of mom when the aging process is in progress and facing loneliness. We didn't let that happen. Thankfully for technology which we could communicate through video call since time is precious for us and we been a lot of taking cof our Mother since day one plus it much stressful when it comes with insurance issues and other complication paperwork but we are teamwork to work together to meet our Mother's needs in her care. Focusing on a Graduate program to continue my MSW (Master's in Social Work), which would pave the way for me to enter palliative care in our family or caregiver if something happens in our family, since I know we have a substantial cultural value that we take care of our aging people with disability. I know I will have my son who will be a great caregiver when I get older with my disabilities,beingy Deaf and Blind, which will impact my future aging it will shape difference for my son to see and prepare him to make a great caregiver for me and my wife if something happen to us. Essential to be respected with dignity.

**Scholarship Application Statement** I am writing to express my passion for social work and the importance of education in empowering underserved communities, particularly individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing. I have recently completed my undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Deaf Studies, earning dual BA degrees that significantly enhance my ability to work with diverse populations. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous challenges faced by individuals in my community, particularly the lack of access to essential resources. Many Deaf and DeafBlind individuals experience barriers that prevent them from receiving adequate support, particularly in situations involving violence or inadequate agency representation. Although there are agencies in the United States that provide some assistance, few focus specifically on the needs of DeafBlind individuals like myself. As a member of a large family with three DeafBlind siblings, I understand these challenges intimately. My personal experiences, including being a victim of intimate partner violence and witnessing similar struggles within my family—such as my wife's experience with sexual assault—have fueled my desire to become a social worker. I aim to advocate for those who find it difficult to voice their needs in the justice system. I believe strongly that every client possesses their own voice and that it is vital to encourage their self-expression, free from fear. My background in Deaf Studies has provided me with a deeper understanding of DeafBlind culture, allowing me to approach my work with cultural sensitivity and humility. This understanding has motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW) through a fast-track graduate program, paired with a dual degree in International Development (IDMA). As an avid traveler, I relish the opportunity to connect with DeafBlind individuals in various countries, hearing their stories and advocating for safe spaces for their voices to be heard. I am aware that there are a limited number of DeafBlind social workers who possess the competencies necessary to effectively support the DeafBlind community. English is not my first language; American Sign Language is my primary mode of communication. Additionally, as my vision loss progresses, I am learning ProTactile—a form of touch communication that enhances accessibility for DeafBlind clients. This language is critical for our community, and I believe that agencies must adopt this approach to better serve victims and clients in the future. I am honored to apply for this scholarship, which would enable me to further my education and amplify my ability to advocate for vulnerable populations. With your support, I can contribute to creating a more accessible and supportive environment for individuals who are Deaf and DeafBlind, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued. Thank you for considering my application.

DeafBlind encompasses a wide spectrum of vision loss, and my experience at Gallaudet University has been transformative, empowering me to fully embrace my identities while actively seeking accessibility in numerous facets of my life. The Social Work program I enrolled in has been pivotal in boosting my confidence, especially through the courses I took in Quantitative and Qualitative Research during my final year of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. One significant project I undertook was centered around Single-System Design (SSD). This project not only provided me with valuable research skills but also played an integral role in my personal development, particularly in using a cane as a mobility device to navigate the campus effectively. Working under the mentorship of one of my DeafBlind professors, who holds a PhD in Social Work and is also clinically licensed, was a remarkable experience. Their guidance and encouragement were instrumental in my journey. With their support, I incorporated the use of a cane into my daily life, granting me newfound independence and safety while navigating the Gallaudet campus. For over a year now, this practice has allowed me to move through my surroundings with greater confidence, enhancing my educational experience. I realize how crucial self-advocacy has been in this journey and how the community support I received from the Social Work Program at Gallaudet has made it possible for me to flourish. It’s important to recognize that Social Work is often misconceived as being limited to child protective services. Initially, my family held negative views regarding my decision to pursue a career in this field. They struggled to see the broader scope of Social Work, which extends far beyond child welfare. I found it necessary to articulate how diverse and impactful this profession is, encompassing various roles that support individuals and communities in multiple ways. Over time, my mother, who initially was cautious about my choice, witnessed my achievements in Social Work and my ability to navigate the system effectively. This change in perspective has been heartening and has fostered a greater sense of understanding and support from her. Not only has my academic journey contributed to my growth, but my personal experiences with communication have played a vital role as well. English is not my first language; American Sign Language (ASL) serves as one of my primary languages. This linguistic background greatly enhances my interactions with family, community members, and colleagues, allowing for richer communication. Additionally, I have learned ProTactile, a touch-based communication style that has emerged in recent years. ProTactile has proven to be an effective means of communication, enabling me to connect with other DeafBlind clients and youth, thereby empowering them as well. In summary, my time at Gallaudet University has cultivated a deep understanding of my identity, fostered vital skills in self-advocacy, and highlighted the importance of community support. As I continue my journey in Social Work, I remain committed to advocating for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that others can navigate their challenges with confidence, just as I have learned to do.

I am DeafBlind and just completed my Undergraduate with 2 degrees. I want to take up the challenge of continuing my education in the graduate program in MSW (Master of Social Work) and IDMA (International Development in Master's), which will increase my competency as a global social worker. My central core was understanding more about the DeafBlind theme and contributing to DeafBlind communities where they felt a barrier or a lack of resources. Not many DeafBlind educators have obtained a degree in social work or international development, which would provide great exposure to those communities. Empowering the DeafBlind youth who they felt cannot do it on their own where I can embrace them that I achieve it. I came from a small town in Colorado where my mother raised me and my five siblings alone after our father died. My mom knew nothing about DeafBlind since I and three other siblings who are DeafBlind too had already accomplished in Deaf School in Colorado. I am the first generation in our family to obtain a BA/BSW and am the first to get an MSW/MA I want to give back to the community where my mom would look up to me and would be proud of me for what I have achieved and kept my promise. My didability do not define me who i am, Disablilty define me to be a better person and thriving what I can succeed. AI wants to maintain my goal as a Social Worker, empower the youth to embrace them, and see them as a new seed of growth. As an undergraduate student, I felt alone. I left out until I became more self-advocating at Gallaudet University, which gave me more opportunities to accommodate my needs to continue my education with accessibility. The pandemic era changed my world and my perspective on accessibility and how communication access is critical for me to be concise in the environment. I was able to use a Deaf Certified Interpreter to use Protactile, which is very accessible and inclusive in the classroom at the University, and that is where I became more self-advocacy. That is where it showed them when it was needed. Sometimes, when it comes without accommodation, I fight harder to get it and could have secured it for my 5-year academic journey. If it were nothing for a Certified Deaf Interpreter, I wouldn't be here. Those people are contributing to my education and giving me more empowerment in my knowledge of becoming a leader and more strength in self-advocacy. This is where I want to advocate for many youth to ensure they know their right to accessibility anywhere.