Touch the Future: A Manifesto in Essays

John Lee Clark is a DeafBlind man who is on the frontlines of the Protactile movement, which gave birth to an unprecedented tactile language and a way of life based on physical connection. He advocates for "Co-Navigation" and offers a brief history of the term "DeafBlind".

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

John Lee Clark, born deaf into an ASL-speaking family and blind by adolescence, has defied societal expectations by embracing the richness of his tactile world. He is a leading figure in the Protactile movement, which has given rise to an unprecedented tactile language and a way of life centered around physical connection. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, Clark delves into the seismic shifts occurring within the DeafBlind community. In "Against Access," he challenges the prevailing advocacy for "accessibility" that perpetuates a mere imitation of a hearing-sighted experience. In the National Magazine Award-winning "Tactile Art," he explores his relationship with visual art and encounters with tactile sculpture. He advocates for "Co-Navigation," a new guiding approach that respects DeafBlind agency, and provides a brief history of the term "DeafBlind." Clark's writing is both warm and witty, as well as radical and inspiring, inviting readers to explore the captivating Protactile landscape and celebrate the hidden knowledge that can be unlocked through touch.

In "Against Access," Clark challenges the prevailing advocacy for "accessibility" that perpetuates a mere imitation of a hearing-sighted experience. He argues that the DeafBlind community should be empowered to navigate their own lives, rather than being subjected to a one-size-fits-all approach that often fails to meet their unique needs.

In "Tactile Art," Clark delves into his relationship with visual art and his encounters with tactile sculpture. He describes how touch has opened up a new world of artistic expression for him, allowing him to create works that are deeply personal and meaningful. Clark also advocates for the integration of tactile art into mainstream art institutions, arguing that it is an important form of cultural expression that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

Clark's advocacy for "Co-Navigation" is a groundbreaking approach that recognizes the agency and expertise of DeafBlind individuals. He argues that traditional guiding methods that rely on visual cues are often ineffective and inaccessible for DeafBlind individuals, and that a new approach is needed that incorporates touch and other sensory modalities. "Co-Navigation" involves the use of tactile signs, braille, and other forms of sensory communication to guide DeafBlind individuals through their daily lives.

Clark's work has had a significant impact on the DeafBlind community, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the field. In 2016, he received the National Magazine Award for his essay "Tactile Art," and he has been invited to speak at conferences and events around the world to share his insights and experiences.

In conclusion, John Lee Clark's life and work demonstrate the incredible resilience and creativity of the DeafBlind community. Through his essays and advocacy, he has challenged societal expectations and advocated for a more inclusive and equitable society for DeafBlind individuals. His work has opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and has paved the way for a more tactile and sensory-based way of life.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 148 x 218 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324035367