Aquamarine and blue gradient "LSK" logo on black background. A circular aqua-blue ring surround the letters with a dotted arc at the upper right, and three flowing wave liner extend beneath the logo.
Headshot of Lesley Silva-Kopec with long dark curly hair, wearing a black sleeveless top and smiling at the camera.

Language lives through touch.

Connection Begins with Touch.
Expanding Possibilities.

I am a DeafBlind Latina consultant, Protactile educator, and Co-Navigator trainer wiith lived experience and years of Protactile training.Many Protactile trainings are designed and delivered by two or more trainers. Depending on the trainings, I collaborate with other DeafBlind trainers to deliver high-quality training.

WHAT I OFFER

DeafBlind ConsultingConsultation and training on DeafBlind access, interaction, and inclusion.
ProtactileTeaching the foundations of Protactile language and philosophy.
Co-Navigator TrainingTeaching the principles and practice of co-navigation.
Presentations & WorkshopsInteractive learning through discussion, demonstration, and participation.

SERVING NATIONWIDE

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© 2026 Lesley Silva-Kopec. All rights reserved.

Meet LesHola! I’m Lesley “Les” Silva-Kopec, a DeafBlind consultant based in New York City.Growing up, my DeafBlind sister and I navigated the transition from being Deaf to DeafBlind without the guidance, community, or support we needed.Years later, I found the DeafBlind community I had been missing. During that time, I embraced my identity as a DeafBlind person and was first introduced to Protactile in 2015. Although I understood some Protactile, I had the opportunity to experience how the language continued to grow and evolve over the years. In 2022, I completed formal Protactile training through the Protactile Language Interpreting program and Tactile Communications LLC, building on years of lived experience and community learning.I also serve as a council member on the New York State Interagency Coordinating Council on Services to Persons who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.Today, I travel to provide consultation, workshops, Protactile training, and Co-Navigator training for organizations, agencies, and others interested in DeafBlind communication and co-navigation.My work with Tactile Communications includes immersive Protactile training for DeafBlind individuals, where students experience Protactile through touch and everyday life.I also co-created and performed in Becoming Protactile, an immersive theatrical production where participants experience the story through touch.My goal is to deepen understanding of communication through touch.I’m grateful to the DeafBlind community for all it has taught me, and I hope to continue sharing and learning alongside others.

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