Gecko BASL Protactile ASL LLC

07/14/2026

Over three inspiring days, participants explored the foundations of Protactile through hands-on activities centered on trust, communication, and embodied learning.

Together, we practiced tactile communication, environmental exploration, partner collaboration, and problem-solving—experiencing new ways of connecting beyond vision.

Thank you to every participant for your curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn alongside one another. Watching your confidence grow throughout the weekend was incredibly meaningful.

This training marks an exciting milestone for Gecko BASL + Protactile + ASL LLC as we continue expanding DeafBlind-centered learning opportunities in Arizona.

Special thanks to the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing for sponsoring this training, Ability360 for providing an excellent venue, and Yash for co-facilitating this experience with me.

Here's to many more Protactile trainings to come.

As the founder of Gecko BASL + Protactile + ASL LLC, I left this weekend feeling incredibly proud. Thank you for trusting us to begin this journey together.

07/06/2026

[Video description: An AfroMexican male with a salt-and-pepper beard, wearing a black blazer, a teal polo shirt, and a silver necklace.]

[Transcript: We would like to extend our appreciation to the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) for supporting our upcoming Protactile Training.

Your support helps create more opportunities for DeafBlind access, connection, and community learning here in Arizona.

Protactile is more than communication—it is about connection, inclusion, and recognizing the importance of DeafBlind experiences and leadership.

Thank you, ACDHH, for investing in accessibility, education, and a stronger community.

We look forward to an amazing weekend of learning, growth, and connection.

— Gecko BASL + Protactile + ASL LLC]

05/21/2026

[ID: The flyer advertises a 3-day Protactile Training event taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, from July 10–12, 2026. The overall design is bold and modern, using a black-and-gold/yellow color palette over a warm beige background with abstract shadowy textures that create depth and movement.

At the top, very large gold letters on black banners read:

“PROTACTILE TRAINING”

To the right is a large circular-style badge that says:

“3 DAYS”

Centered beneath the title is a smaller black-and-gold text box that reads:

“Want to learn Protactile?
This is your chance!
July 10th–12th, 2026”

In the middle-left section, a large bold label announces:

“PHOENIX, AZ”

The right side of the flyer features a smiling woman with long dark wavy hair and dark-framed glasses. She is wearing a black shirt with a light gray cardigan and is posed warmly facing slightly toward the viewer.

Below the city name is another large black-and-gold banner that says:

“Send your RSVP and questions to:
[email protected]”

Near the lower-left corner is a rounded black badge with gold lettering reading:

“10 Slots Max”

At the bottom center are two logos:

* A yellow-and-black “MR” cube-style logo
* A green circular “gecko bpa llc” logo]

05/15/2026

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ✨
Arizona Deaf, DeafBlind, Disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened artists, creatives, storytellers, and culture makers — I want to hear from you.
I am currently building new opportunities through MDVAP (Melanated Deaf Visual Arts Project) across Arizona, including future exhibitions, workshops, storytelling spaces, community events, and collaborative art activations.
I am especially seeking:
• Deaf and DeafBlind artists
• Black, Brown, Indigenous, QTPOC, and marginalized creatives
• Emerging artists who have never shown their work publicly
• Artists working in visual art, photography, film, storytelling, poetry, Protactile-centered work, mixed media, fashion, performance, or experimental forms
You do NOT need to be “famous” or professionally established. Your story, perspective, and creativity matter.
This is about creating accessible, community-rooted spaces where our voices, languages, identities, and experiences are centered — not treated as an afterthought.
📍Arizona-based preferred
📅 Opportunities beginning Summer/Fall 2026 and continuing into future projects
📩 Interested? Message me directly or email me at [email protected] with:
• Your name
• Short artist bio/introduction
• Photos/videos/examples of your work
• Social media or website (if available)
Please share with Deaf, DeafBlind, disabled, and BIPOC creatives across Arizona. Community grows through connection. ✊🏾✨
— Earl Terry
Founder, MDVAP

05/15/2026

📣 Registration is now open for the Protactile Phase 2 Intensive Training in Arizona!
🗓 July 10–12, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily
📍 Phoenix, Arizona
💲 $150 registration fee
⚠️ Limited seats available
This training is intended for participants who already have foundational exposure to Protactile and want to deepen their skills, practice, and understanding through an intensive community-centered experience.
Register here:
https://forms.gle/wyxYRDbFDZRaMxBn9
Please share with Deaf, DeafBlind, interpreters, SSPs, educators, and community members who may be interested.

Welcome! Thank you for your interest in attending the Protactile Phase 2 Intensive Training led by Earl Terry and Yashaira “Yash” Romilus. This 3-day immersive training is intended for participants with previous exposure to Protactile who wish to deepen their understanding, practice, and engagem...

07/31/2024

Upper left: Building Bridges: Busting Myths and Discomfort about the DeafBlind Community

Hearing Interpreters, Deaf Interpreters, and Support Service Providers (SSP/CN) Encouraged
RID logo

Upper Right: Workshop Summary:
3 hours = 0.3 CEUs
Jenga - Touching and Connecting: Explore the significance of touch in communication, practice tactile interactions, and consider boundaries and consent.
SSP Training Discussion: Discuss the role and training of Support Service Providers (SSPs) for deafblind individuals, and identify best practices and collaboration strategies.
History of ASL, TASL, and PTL: Learn about the development and cultural importance of American Sign Language (ASL), tactile ASL (TASL), and Protactile Language (PTL).
Power, Privilege, and Oppression (PPO): Analyze power dynamics, reflect on personal privilege, and explore strategies to challenge systemic inequalities.
DBLT Discussion Panel: Engage with DeafBlind Leadership Team advocates on their experiences and goals, and learn how to support their advocacy.
Co-Navigating & Interpreting: Develop skills for co-navigating and interpreting for deafblind individuals, including environmental awareness and tailored communication techniques.
Co-Navigating/Interpreting Techniques:
Hand-on up to 20 hours = 1 CEUs
- Learn protactile signing and tactile cues.
- Use clear communication and sighted guide techniques.
- Be mindful of the environment and utilize assistive technology.
- Approach interactions with empathy and patience.
These workshops focus on improving communication, understanding cultural contexts, and promoting inclusive practices for deafblind individuals.
Bottom left: Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This PPO program is offered for up to 1.3 CEUs at the LITTLE/NONE Content Knowledge Level.

Bottom Left: $35 Registration Fee
CANCELATION AND REFUND POLICY: HTTPS://SHORTURL.AT/9VFTY
Non-discrimination policy: https://shorturl.at/GB6vZ

FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
DBLEADER....COM

Bottom right: SATURDAY
08.24.2024
12PM TO 3 PM
Phoenix Deaf Community Center
1545 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015

ACET logo

Bottom: [email protected]

07/05/2024

Professional Headshot 2024

[ID: Outdoor. A blur of brown and green leaves in the background. A bald, brown-skinned male has a black beard and a white goatee. He wore a light blue plain buttoned-up shirt with an unbuttoned collar and a royal blue suit with a white handkerchief in his left pocket. He smiled.]