On Sunday mornings, Dan Crawford is the eyes and ears of Guy Latulippe.
The 70-year-old was born deaf and lost his vision at age 35, the result of a genetic disease called Usher syndrome. Crawford becomes the link between Latulippe and the worship service at East Auburn Baptist Church.
It’s all in the hands. The challenge for Crawford is that American Sign Language involves not only hand movements, but body and arm movements and facial expressions. Because Latulippe cannot see Crawford’s movements or expressions, Crawford’s hands must convey the message. Subtleties, such as a speaker’s emotion, don’t always come across.
“I don’t give him verbatim, just the high points,” Crawford said.
Latulippe grasps Crawford’s hands with his left hand and follows along, as Crawford studies Latulippe’s face intently for signs of comprehension or confusion.
Miscommunication can go both ways. “American Sign Language can be very regional. Guy uses some slang signs, so it can be very confusing,” Crawford said.
He first learned sign language about seven years ago from a close friend. He’s been assisting Latulippe for the past four years. Also working with Latulippe is Andre Beaupre, who leads the church’s deaf community.
Asked how he feels to have Crawford communicate with him, Latulippe nods and smiles and signs, “Yeah, I like that! I really like it. You work together. It’s good coming to church to hear about God and Jesus.”
He also likes the organ music, which he “hears” by feeling the vibrations.
Latulippe, a former worker in the shoe industry, is married to Marie Latulippe. They met at Baxter School for the Deaf. On May 28, the couple will celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary. He subscribes to the Braille edition of The New York Times and spends hours a day reading.
“He is really a fascinating man. He has a great sense of humor,” Crawford said. The fact that sense of touch is one of the most powerful forms of communication is not lost on the two men, who have formed a friendship based on their desire to communicate.
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