On the European Day of the Deafblind, 22 October, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN. Twenty years of a journey that transformed powerlessness, distress, loneliness, and shame into a great story of understanding, humanity, and the language of touch.
The evening was a historic moment, highlighted by the multimedia performance “20 YEARS OF A COMMUNITY THAT LISTENS WITH THE HEART AND SEES WITH THE HANDS”.
The performance artistically showcased the 20-year development of the deafblind community and the work of the DLAN Association, from its first steps to today’s achievements.
It highlighted the challenges faced by the deafblind community, presented the diversity of people with deafblindness, their language, successes, talents, and abilities. Through various forms of communication in the deafblind language, the audience experienced the world of the deafblind and their life experience. The central theme of the performance was the power of touch, which for people with deafblindness represents connection, relationships, and everyday existence.
The performance carried the message that there is strength in community, and that together, with heart, we can create miracles and build a better world. The performers, through art, touch, and courage, reached the hearts of everyone in the hall.
The event was honored by numerous distinguished guests who shared the celebration and expressed their respect for the deafblind community.
Honorary Patron of the Event:
-
Dr. Robert Golob, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
Other notable guests included:
-
Tina Gaber Golob, Ambassador for the Rights of the Deafblind
-
Dejan Crnek, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ljubljana
-
Tamás Gangl, Vice President of the European Deafblind Union (EDbU)
-
Dr. Sanja Tarczay, President of the World Federation of the Deafblind (via video message)
-
Victoria J. Harrison, British Ambassador
-
Biserka Marolt Meden, Advisor to the President of Slovenia
-
Dr. Jože Ruparčič and Dr. Dijana Možina Zupanc, Deputy Ombudspersons for Human Rights
-
Many other distinguished and esteemed guests
The heartfelt speech by the British Ambassador, delivered in Slovenian, and Vlasta Nussdorfer’s warmth and compassion deeply moved all present, showing the power of empathy.
Special thanks to the charming host, Nina Cijan.
Sincere gratitude to all performing people with deafblindness, their personal assistants, interpreters, musicians, and supporters who helped co-create this unforgettable, magical evening.
At the end, we proudly presented acknowledgments and plaques to the most deserving individuals who, through their work, dedication, and passion, paved the way for the success of the DLAN Association of the Deafblind of Slovenia.
Thank you to Helena Petrovčič, President of the DLAN Association of the Deafblind of Slovenia.
Heartfelt thanks also to mag. Petra Rezar, co-founder and legal representative of the DLAN Association for 20 years, whose unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion have written an extraordinary story.
A special and sincere thanks to dr. Simona Gerenčer, initiator, co-founder, and Secretary General of the Association, whose vision, expertise, and unwavering dedication have created a space where the deafblind language can live, breathe, and connect.
Thank you all for your support, collaboration, and understanding.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Thank you for believing in humanity and in the touch that connects.
Photo: Miha Fras
Ljubljana, 22 October 2025
