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Monday, May 20, 2013
Signing Savvy's First Newsletter! Check it out!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sound off: Should Deaf students be forced to mainstream?
What did you think of the latest episode of Switched at Birth?
Is this a sign of things to come?
See previous post of episode synopsis where
the Carlton students stage an uprising
mirroring Gallaudet's "Deaf President Now" fight...
What is going on in your town, state, or nearest Deaf school?
Do you think this is just a tv show? I THINK NOT!
There are political agendas here, HUGE political agendas!
There are so many valid issues on both sides; as I see it anyway,
because I would love the opportunity to attend and immerse myself
in Deaf culture, at least for a time.
BUT certainly NOT at the expense of their culture
or of their extracurricular programs.
Share your thoughts please...
Thank you:D
Is this a sign of things to come?
See previous post of episode synopsis where
the Carlton students stage an uprising
mirroring Gallaudet's "Deaf President Now" fight...
What is going on in your town, state, or nearest Deaf school?
Do you think this is just a tv show? I THINK NOT!
There are political agendas here, HUGE political agendas!
There are so many valid issues on both sides; as I see it anyway,
because I would love the opportunity to attend and immerse myself
in Deaf culture, at least for a time.
BUT certainly NOT at the expense of their culture
or of their extracurricular programs.
Share your thoughts please...
Thank you:D
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Switched At Birth' To Do Entire Episode In American Sign Language
How cool is this gonna be? It's about time they did one in all ASL; and I hope the ratings SOAR!
Make your ASL voice be heard... write or blog your cable provider, the Switched at Birth website, the ABC Family website, or the series actors/producers/directors... whatever you can do... do it!
We need more ASL on prime time TV as well as at major concerts/speaking events!
Below is a synopsis of the AWESOME episode and poignant comments by Katie Leclerc, Marlee Matlin, et. al. Plus a challenge to Steven Spielberg (ie. all great producers) to use more Deaf actors!
LOS ANGELES -- "Until hearing people walk a day in our shoes, they will never understand," says a guidance counselor at a high school for deaf students in "Switched at Birth."
Such insights are a staple of the ABC Family drama, a TV rarity that puts deaf characters, played by deaf or hard-of-hearing actors, at the center of the action.
But Monday's episode takes it a bold step further: Save for a few spoken words at the beginning and the end, it is silent. The actors' hands do the talking with American Sign Language, even rapping together in one gleeful sequence.
Subtitles, which are typically sprinkled throughout "Switched at Birth" episodes, keep the viewer clued in. But when a deaf character is confused because she can't hear something vital, the audience is too. It's powerfully disconcerting.
The cast, including Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin as the school counselor, are excited about what they see as a grand experiment and eager for viewer reaction.
"This is an opportunity for the hearing person to watch at home and try to experience it," said Katie Leclerc, who stars as deaf teenager Daphne Vasquez. "It's not exactly the same, but maybe you can try to imagine what your everyday life would be like."
"It's a risk," added Leclerc, who has an inner ear disorder, Meniere's disease, that can cause hearing loss and vertigo.
"A big risk," Matlin said through a sign language-interpreter. "But it's going to be an eye-opener. I'm very proud to be part of this risk-taking, history-making episode."
Matlin knows about making history. She was the first – and remains the only – deaf person to receive an Academy Award acting trophy, honored as best actress for 1986's "Children of a Lesser God."
The "Switched at Birth" episode pivots on another key moment for the deaf community: A 1988 student protest at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., that ended the unbroken succession of hearing presidents at the school for the deaf.
For fictional Carlton High School (inspired by real-life LA school, Marlton), more is at stake: The school faces closure because of funding cuts, which means its students will be "mainstreamed" with hearing teens.
(It mirrors a real-life trend caused by budget constraints, Leclerc said. There's also an increasing number of children being given cochlear implants to counter hearing loss, itself a controversial issue, according to series creator and executive producer Lizzy Weiss.)
The prospect is dreaded by the Carlton students, either because they've felt the sting of being an outsider or because they treasure being part of a deaf-oriented school.
"Deaf people feel that moving into the mainstream chips away at their community, which is about language and culture," said Jack Jason, Matlin's longtime interpreter and the series' on-set arbiter for correct sign-language use.
With Daphne as the driving force and invoking Gallaudet, students mobilize to take over the administration building and demand Carlton's survival. The conflict's ending will wait for the March 11 season finale.
The uprising panics parents and puts relationships at risk, including that of Daphne and Bay Kennish (Vanessa Marano), the switched-at-birth characters of the title who have come together as teenagers from two very different households.
"We started in the pilot with just one scene that was pure ASL," involving Daphne and Emmett (Sean Berdy), said Weiss. As the series developed, she and her writing team began pondering the "what-if" of an all-sign language episode for the second season.
Then ABC Family approached her with the same idea, and the challenge was on to find a logical and engaging way to realize the ASL-only goal and a big enough story to make the most of it.
Last year, a "CSI: NY" episode took a stab at a nearly silent episode, using music by Green Day for most of its storytelling before reverting to dialogue in the final act.
The solution for "Switched at Birth" was to make sure every scene included a deaf character: "The truth is, when you're around people who are deaf, it's considered rude not to sign if you know how," Weiss said.
To avoid overloading viewers with subtitles the story was designed to be highly visual, including scenes of the student protest complete with picket signs and a defiant "Take Back Carlton" banner unfurled from the occupied school building.
Although some moments depict the pitfalls of being a deaf person in a hearing world, Weiss said, that's balanced by positive aspects.
"If you have been anything that's in the minority – gay, Jewish, a woman, anything – you have some piece of your identity that brings with it a lot of baggage and hardship, but also a lot of pride," Weiss said. "That's what we're trying to connect with."
The episode also highlights the beauty of ASL and its "coolness," such as being able to sign across a crowded theater and have an essentially private conversation, she said.
As with a silent movie – last year's Oscar-winning "The Artist" the latest case in point – "Switched at Birth" includes music intended to reflect the characters' internal lives. A viewer could add to the silence by muting it, but Weiss said that misses the point.
The episode "is not about silence, or `absence of' sound. It's about language and culture and seeing the world from the point of view of a deaf person, and our perspective is that deaf people's inner lives are not silent," she said.
Matlin, whose counselor is a recurring character on "Switched at Birth," said the episode is an emotional and professional high point for her, one she would like to see exceeded.
"I never thought in my life I would see this happen. But I want to go further in terms of using deaf actors. ... I want (Steven) Spielberg to say, `Hey, we want to use deaf actors.' Why not? And, hey, let's have the same respect for actors who are deaf as for those who are hearing.
"I don't know if we'll ever get there, but never say never," Matlin said.
Make your ASL voice be heard... write or blog your cable provider, the Switched at Birth website, the ABC Family website, or the series actors/producers/directors... whatever you can do... do it!
We need more ASL on prime time TV as well as at major concerts/speaking events!
Below is a synopsis of the AWESOME episode and poignant comments by Katie Leclerc, Marlee Matlin, et. al. Plus a challenge to Steven Spielberg (ie. all great producers) to use more Deaf actors!
LOS ANGELES -- "Until hearing people walk a day in our shoes, they will never understand," says a guidance counselor at a high school for deaf students in "Switched at Birth."
Such insights are a staple of the ABC Family drama, a TV rarity that puts deaf characters, played by deaf or hard-of-hearing actors, at the center of the action.
But Monday's episode takes it a bold step further: Save for a few spoken words at the beginning and the end, it is silent. The actors' hands do the talking with American Sign Language, even rapping together in one gleeful sequence.
Subtitles, which are typically sprinkled throughout "Switched at Birth" episodes, keep the viewer clued in. But when a deaf character is confused because she can't hear something vital, the audience is too. It's powerfully disconcerting.
The cast, including Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin as the school counselor, are excited about what they see as a grand experiment and eager for viewer reaction.
"This is an opportunity for the hearing person to watch at home and try to experience it," said Katie Leclerc, who stars as deaf teenager Daphne Vasquez. "It's not exactly the same, but maybe you can try to imagine what your everyday life would be like."
"It's a risk," added Leclerc, who has an inner ear disorder, Meniere's disease, that can cause hearing loss and vertigo.
"A big risk," Matlin said through a sign language-interpreter. "But it's going to be an eye-opener. I'm very proud to be part of this risk-taking, history-making episode."
Matlin knows about making history. She was the first – and remains the only – deaf person to receive an Academy Award acting trophy, honored as best actress for 1986's "Children of a Lesser God."
The "Switched at Birth" episode pivots on another key moment for the deaf community: A 1988 student protest at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., that ended the unbroken succession of hearing presidents at the school for the deaf.
For fictional Carlton High School (inspired by real-life LA school, Marlton), more is at stake: The school faces closure because of funding cuts, which means its students will be "mainstreamed" with hearing teens.
(It mirrors a real-life trend caused by budget constraints, Leclerc said. There's also an increasing number of children being given cochlear implants to counter hearing loss, itself a controversial issue, according to series creator and executive producer Lizzy Weiss.)
The prospect is dreaded by the Carlton students, either because they've felt the sting of being an outsider or because they treasure being part of a deaf-oriented school.
"Deaf people feel that moving into the mainstream chips away at their community, which is about language and culture," said Jack Jason, Matlin's longtime interpreter and the series' on-set arbiter for correct sign-language use.
With Daphne as the driving force and invoking Gallaudet, students mobilize to take over the administration building and demand Carlton's survival. The conflict's ending will wait for the March 11 season finale.
The uprising panics parents and puts relationships at risk, including that of Daphne and Bay Kennish (Vanessa Marano), the switched-at-birth characters of the title who have come together as teenagers from two very different households.
"We started in the pilot with just one scene that was pure ASL," involving Daphne and Emmett (Sean Berdy), said Weiss. As the series developed, she and her writing team began pondering the "what-if" of an all-sign language episode for the second season.
Then ABC Family approached her with the same idea, and the challenge was on to find a logical and engaging way to realize the ASL-only goal and a big enough story to make the most of it.
Last year, a "CSI: NY" episode took a stab at a nearly silent episode, using music by Green Day for most of its storytelling before reverting to dialogue in the final act.
The solution for "Switched at Birth" was to make sure every scene included a deaf character: "The truth is, when you're around people who are deaf, it's considered rude not to sign if you know how," Weiss said.
To avoid overloading viewers with subtitles the story was designed to be highly visual, including scenes of the student protest complete with picket signs and a defiant "Take Back Carlton" banner unfurled from the occupied school building.
Although some moments depict the pitfalls of being a deaf person in a hearing world, Weiss said, that's balanced by positive aspects.
"If you have been anything that's in the minority – gay, Jewish, a woman, anything – you have some piece of your identity that brings with it a lot of baggage and hardship, but also a lot of pride," Weiss said. "That's what we're trying to connect with."
The episode also highlights the beauty of ASL and its "coolness," such as being able to sign across a crowded theater and have an essentially private conversation, she said.
As with a silent movie – last year's Oscar-winning "The Artist" the latest case in point – "Switched at Birth" includes music intended to reflect the characters' internal lives. A viewer could add to the silence by muting it, but Weiss said that misses the point.
The episode "is not about silence, or `absence of' sound. It's about language and culture and seeing the world from the point of view of a deaf person, and our perspective is that deaf people's inner lives are not silent," she said.
Matlin, whose counselor is a recurring character on "Switched at Birth," said the episode is an emotional and professional high point for her, one she would like to see exceeded.
"I never thought in my life I would see this happen. But I want to go further in terms of using deaf actors. ... I want (Steven) Spielberg to say, `Hey, we want to use deaf actors.' Why not? And, hey, let's have the same respect for actors who are deaf as for those who are hearing.
"I don't know if we'll ever get there, but never say never," Matlin said.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Sunday, December 30, 2012
ASL in the movies? Rise of the Guardians could have used it with the Sand Man... How cool would that have been?
Have you ever wondered why there isn't more diversity in the media/movies? We've integrated women, people of color, and of different cultures to a degree; and we have Marlee Matlin, right? But when will we truly have a fully representative field of actors/actresses and TV/movie characters/roles as well? We need to advocate for more use of ASL, perhaps an entire network dedicated to this? More people with disabilities or those who consider themselves differently-abled? More cultural films and documentaries? What are your favorite ones to date? Do you have ideas for TV/movies that would fit the bill? Let's chat about it...
Sunday, November 25, 2012
ASL... as close to a universal language as it gets?
As a child, from my first exposure to ASL, I wondered why we didn't all learn sign language. Why wasn't it offered in public schools as an Elementary English class or even later as an elective? It seemed to cross all language and hearing barriers; as at that time, I was unaware of Spanish SL, Japanese SL, etc. or any other kind of signed language like SEE or Pigeon. It appeared to be the PERFECT language! Everyone could communicate and I thought that would be great! Here below is yet another testimony of why it may still be a valid idea today!
What are your thoughts?
The Many Faces of the Users of Sign Language
Posted by John @ Signing Savvy on Sunday, November 25, 2012 as General Interest
About
a year and a half ago, I came across a young man having problems in one
of my schools. He was about five years old and like any other five
year old boy, he was a bit stubborn. But, unfortunately, he was also
known to be a bit of a “flight risk” from the classroom. We will call
him Alex.
Alex isn’t deaf. I don’t even think he is hard of hearing. Alex is a very bright young man….a bright young man with Downs Syndrome. Because of the Down’s, Alex has a lot of trouble with his expressive communication skills. He can hear everything anyone is saying to him, and he really enjoys interacting with others he comes across. He is a very affectionate boy. But up until a year and a half ago, Alex had no real way to communicate back to others what he wanted to say. He made noises here and there but other than gestures, his full thoughts were not being conveyed well and his frustration with communication was evident.
Alex isn’t deaf. I don’t even think he is hard of hearing. Alex is a very bright young man….a bright young man with Downs Syndrome. Because of the Down’s, Alex has a lot of trouble with his expressive communication skills. He can hear everything anyone is saying to him, and he really enjoys interacting with others he comes across. He is a very affectionate boy. But up until a year and a half ago, Alex had no real way to communicate back to others what he wanted to say. He made noises here and there but other than gestures, his full thoughts were not being conveyed well and his frustration with communication was evident.
Thankfully Alex’s teacher had
previously worked as a speech therapist in a Deaf and Hard of Hearing
classroom and she suggested Alex be placed in a DH/H classroom setting
where he would be submersed in sign language and he would have continual
access to those who used it. Alex picked up on the concept of signing
almost immediately. His signs, much like baby signs are often
approximations of the true ASL sign, but they are definitely
understandable. His command of language shows remarkable purpose and
thought.
Today it is AMAZING to see Alex
sign with his teachers, interpreters and his peers. He has a schedule
and knows exactly how to use it and the purpose behind it, even making
suggestions of ways to add to his schedule so that it is more complex
and inclusive to his needs. He is reading everyday words that are a
part of his schedule. His mother and the staff that work with him are
so happy with Alex’s progress. “He has become a MUCH happier boy now
that he can effectively communicate his wants and needs.” Adds one
member of his educational team. His mother’s comment, “Our home life is
night and day different and the frustrations, although still there at
times, are so much less than what they were before Alex had a voice
through sign language.” This comment brought a tear to my eye and a lump
in my throat.
These are the people we created
Signing Savvy for, the people who need a voice and those who work with
them. We know there are others out there like Alex who may not be Deaf
or Hard of Hearing but are still walking the earth “without a voice”.
If you know anyone who fits into this category, please don’t hesitate to
suggest the introduction of sign language to them. You may
dramatically change their life forever!
Alex’s face is distinctly different
than your typical Deaf or Hard of Hearing child, yet one thing is very
much the same…..the smile when he is communicating.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Did you see this one??? Deaf Kid Kills Friend With Cochlear Implant: Cold Case Episode from 2008 just re-aired this week.
You can read a synopsis of the episode and a deaf person's review here; but, what do you think about these issues? CI's later in life vs. as an infant/toddler?; CI wearers as part of Deaf culture?; Deaf and Hearing as couples? Share your views please, and share this blog with your friends too~ Thank you.
When the science lab confirms Andy Rierdan's blood traces on a piano at
his former high school, Lt. Stillman reopens the case of the 17-year-old
deaf boy, who had disappeared in December 2006 from his high school
campus. While the police search the campus for Andy's body, the team
questions Andy's family and friends. The inquiries reveal that Andy was a
popular boy at school: a party boy and a straight-A's student. His
parents tell the police that he was a cheerful and outgoing guy and was
proud of his people, the deaf community.
One day, Andy
met Emma Walker, a young hearing girl who was to teach piano in the
school, as part of a court order for driving under the influence of
alcohol. After a first rough meeting, the two became friends and had a
liking for each other. However, Leah O'Rafferty, a schoolmate of Andy's,
became jealous because she considered him her boyfriend. When Andy said
that she was misunderstanding things, that the two of them couldn't be
more than friends, she took it badly.
Leah admits she was
hurt by Andy's refusal but also Carlos, Andy's best friend, did not
approve of Andy and Emma's friendship. According to Carlos, Emma
convinced Andy to get an artificial ear implant, a cochlear. He once saw
them together at the piano since Andy was very good in playing piano.
They were interrupted by Emma's father who was furious that Andy was
close friends with his daughter. Despite his fiery temperament, Mr.
Walker denies ever having hurt the boy, also providing a strong alibi
for himself.
Mr. Walker directs the police to the
headmistress of Andy's school for deaf children, Dean Vivien Harden, who
from the very beginning had shown full cooperation with the police
offering to be their interpreter. The detectives ask for an explanation
of a secret email she had sent Andy. She reveals that she had mediated a
meeting between Andy and his parents who had come to know that he
wished for a cochlear in order to hear again. His parents did not
approve of the ear operation as, for them, this was like betraying his
people. As a consequence, Andy had promised to break up with Emma and to
never mention a cochlear operation again.
Meanwhile, the
cops find Andy's body buried in the campus' playgrounds. Next to his
remains, they also find a cochlear and understand that Andy had gone
ahead anyway. When questioning Emma, the team discovers that she had
spoken again to Andy and convinced him to go for it, leaving him the key
to the piano room.
From the clinical reports, the
detectives discover that the operation had been authorized by his father
so they get back to his parents. Andy's father wanted his son to be
happy even if that meant losing him, so he signed the papers. While
about to leave the Rierdans, detective Vera, who had been studying sign
language, sees that the two were talking about Carlos. To his questions,
Mr. Rierdan answers that Carlos actually talked Andy in to it.
The
detectives call Carlos to their police station to question him. Rush
pushes him to the breaking point and he confesses in tears that he had
killed his best friend with a sudden blow from behind while he was
playing piano, because he was scared to be left alone.
Worth seeing over and over again
I absolutely loved this episode.But as a deaf person some of the reviews are alittle far fetched. I think there is too much expectation on the show being medically accurate and forgetting it's only an hour long show. I think that people also forget that every deaf person's experience is different so how can anyone say that deaf people aren't like that or deaf people aren't like this?
I often encounter daily hearing people who think I should automatically know how to read lips so that was pretty much on point. I also encounter the same attitude that was displayed in the episode. I wear hearing aids and am not a native signer b/c I grew up oral and sometimes the attitude I get from the congenital deaf community or those who have been signing for a long time (or even sometimes from hearing students at my school who sign fluently) is that they don't want to be bothered by people like me. Now that is not to say that this is the attitude of all or even most. I have found most are very patient with me and accept me but unfortunately that elitist attitude is present and the producers did a good job of showing this. It is also a reality that some hearing people do want deaf people to conform to them. I think people forget way back when that people would actually take their children to a priest for holy water hoping that deafness was a curse. And cochlears are a big issue in the deaf community. Someone also mentioned about the cochlear process. I think you have to keep in mind once again this is only an hour show they can't possibly be 100% accurate when it comes to such an extended process. It was also mentioned that ASL can't be learned from a book--not 100% true. Yes it is best to have deaf interaction but I grew up oral and I first started teaching my self ASL from the very same book Vera had (Signing for Dummies). And anyone who doubts that the deaf can play the piano is mistaken. Many great composers were deaf. Like I.King Jordan said, "Deaf can do anything, except hear!" If you all can't get over litte inaccuracies that don't really break the story then you will never see the true beauty of this episode.
Overall this episode was as accurate as possible within the time frame and gave an accurate portryal of various perspectives on the deaf community.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Extreme Sports and Charity Walks Include Deaf Participation???
OK, so I went skydiving last week in Molalla, Oregon at Skydive Oregon and took my daughter... wow, what a great experience! It was the most amazing feeling to free fall then to have control of the parachute and do 90 and 360 turns with the pull of the strap! Have you done it? Have you done any other extreme sports? Has being Deaf or H of H been a factor at all? It shouldn't be. My instructor was able to talk right into my ear, but could have easily given simple hand signs if needed. They were all so very accommodating and wanted to make it the best experience for us. What were your experiences?
Also, I walked the 60 miles in the Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure event in Seattle this weekend to fund research and awareness and hopefully bring an end to breast cancer! Everywhere I went across 6 cities everyone I signed to was able to sign back! How awesome! We had an interpreter at all times, speeches, games, dance night, and ceremonies. Even the police all dressed up and helping us cross streets and stay safe were able to give directions and encouragement with sign. It was great! Have you ever participated in such an event? Were you made to feel part of the bigger event/team? What was your experience like?
Also, I walked the 60 miles in the Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure event in Seattle this weekend to fund research and awareness and hopefully bring an end to breast cancer! Everywhere I went across 6 cities everyone I signed to was able to sign back! How awesome! We had an interpreter at all times, speeches, games, dance night, and ceremonies. Even the police all dressed up and helping us cross streets and stay safe were able to give directions and encouragement with sign. It was great! Have you ever participated in such an event? Were you made to feel part of the bigger event/team? What was your experience like?
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Interview for Preschool Interpreter Position Thursday... your advice?
I'm excited and nervous. I am interviewing Thursday for 2 Preschool Interpreter positions... last interview I was on, my first for such a position... I kinda blew it on the Pokey Little Puppy on the spot interpretation. Totally forgot the sign for running... been practicing since. What advice can you offer regarding interviewing in general? Interviewing for an Interpreter position specifically? Interpreting a preschool story book on the spot? Do we fingerspell the author/illustrator's names to a 3 year old? I wouldn't read the names out loud to a Hearing child... so why would I fingerspell the names to a Deaf child? Your thoughts are requested... thank you so much.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
What are you looking for?
This your chance to have me do the research and reporting for you... what are your interests regarding the Deaf culture/community? Are you interested in Deaf events and the newest technological advances? Are you on the fence about Cochlear Implants and other medical advances? Are you in need of ASL support or encouragement whether Deaf or Hearing? Do you want to see more on Deaf athletes or role models in other arenas? Do you want to find interpreter services for church, concerts, appointments? My blog needs people to comment and share so it has to provide what you, my readers want to read! Let me know how to make this the best blog ever! Thank you.:D
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Found: The Best ASL Handshape Dictionary
Finally, I found the kind of ASL dictionary that fits my learning style! This one is organized by handshape just like the one I was trying to create myself! I am so happy to have such a great reference. If you are learning ASL, you must give this book a look because it may improve your signing! Available on Amazon.com it is called simply The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary by Richard A Tennant, Marianne Glusak Brown. It features more than 1,900 sign illustrations including 327 new signs and a complete index of English vocabulary for all signs. Awesome! Check it out!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Check out Yahoo news re: Deaf preschooler asked to change his name sign because some say it resembles a weapon...REALLY?
I've watched this video and it is a shame it has gone this far! SEE is this boys language and his modified "Hunter" symbol is far from threatening...
Click here for the full story and video, then tell us your thoughts...
Click here for the full story and video, then tell us your thoughts...
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Any Deaf Events Left This Summer?
Hey guys and gals,
What's going on yet this summer? Deaf Events or other events with interpretation? Anything at the Puyallup Fair or??? Fill me in and share your plans right here!
Thanks!
What's going on yet this summer? Deaf Events or other events with interpretation? Anything at the Puyallup Fair or??? Fill me in and share your plans right here!
Thanks!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Needed: ASL ITP books or DVD's
I am in search of ASL ITP course books or DVD's either for free or at a reasonable price. The ITP program at Seattle Central Community College is no longer available and I am trying to figure out how to further my interpretive skills while waiting on a new program to begin locally. Please help~ thank you.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Girl Scouts deny Deaf girl's needs... What do you think?
Read the article posted on this link to the NAD site and give us your view please.
This blog seeks to bring awareness to discrimination and other controversial issues affecting the Deaf community, as well as to inform of great events and other relevant issues. Your feedback/comments will make this an even better blog... become a follower today and share this blog with your friends!
This blog seeks to bring awareness to discrimination and other controversial issues affecting the Deaf community, as well as to inform of great events and other relevant issues. Your feedback/comments will make this an even better blog... become a follower today and share this blog with your friends!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Breast Cancer Sucks! You Can Help Find A Cure!
Hello
there! I have less than 30 days left to reach my personal fundraising
goal for the Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure! You can help more than
you know by supporting my efforts, and in exchange... I will do the
walking for you! 60 miles over 3 days... whew! Training is gearing
up... 18 miles this Saturday. We will be the one's in pink! When you
see us out walking... Honk your horn, wave, and show us your
encouraging smiles! See donation links at bottom of this letter to donate on line or by mail~thanks!
One
woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes in the U.S.,
and somewhere in the world every 19 seconds. And every 74 seconds ~
someone dies from breast cancer. That is why I am walking and
fundraising for the 3-Day. I will join thousands of walkers and crew
members in the Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day. I am walking 60 miles
over three days to demonstrate my determination in finding a cure for
breast cancer. Because everyone deserves a lifetime. Chances are
that you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer in their
lifetime. Consider your donation as a powerful tribute to them. Every
mother, every aunt, every sister, every daughter deserves a life
without breast cancer.
I
served as a crew member on the (Judy Kent) 3-Day kitchen crew, giving
my all in service to the walkers for three days. The work I did
supported thousands of dedicated walkers and required that I rose
before dawn, and worked late into the evenings – I actually loved
the two nights in a pink tent! It was an amazing experience each year
getting to know the survivors and meeting many wonderful women and
men whose lives were all touched in some way by breast cancer. I too
have family and friends who have battled breast cancer and other
cancers.
I
had been on training walks with the Olympia/Lacey team of Hello
Cupcakes each season, but remained a kitchen crew member ~ and loved
every minute! Everyone on the Hello Cupcake team has a “Cake”
name; and last year while training with them, I was asked why I
continued to train if I was going to be a crew member? When I
explained that I loved to just soak in all the inspiration from their
encouraging stories of struggle and survival and determination... I
was named “Sponge Cake” and decided right then that the next year
I wanted to do more! Well, it's next year! Although my summer was
filled with much busyness with a total of 3 family graduations and my
son's wedding... I recently managed to get my 2012 training and
fundraising underway.
I
am raising a minimum of $2300 in donations. I had a huge yard sale
and raised $175 in sales/donations and have another planned for
Sept.1st. This cause is very important to me, and with my
determination and your support too, I know that I can do this!
Susan
G. Komen™ works hard to build a future without breast cancer, and
my goal is to help bring us closer to that goal. Net proceeds support
ground breaking research and scientific programs as well as grants
fro education, screening and treatment programs at both the national
and local level. No breast cancer organization provides more support
than Komen. Millions of women rely on Komen everyday. Please consider
matching my $60 donation today, or out give me! You can donate at
The3Day.org ~ under my name, or by using my personalized enclosed
donation form ~ in any amount that works for you. No donation is too
big – or too small.
See
how your donation could be used:
$35
(Could be used to provide the cost of patient transportation to a
treatment session.)
$60
(Could be used to support a 3-Day® walker for her/his 60-mile
journey.)
$120
(Could be used to provide the cost of a life-saving mammogram.)
$250
(There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in America.)
$585
(The average 3-Day walker will walk 585 miles while training.)
$1150
(Get your 3-Day walker halfway to their fundraising goal.)
Thank you for your support,
Sincerely,
Kelly
Lynne Murray
Participant
ID: 2931836
Seattle;
Hello Cupcake
***My
Personal Page:Highlight the link below and open in a new tab to donate online:
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/SeattleEvent2012?px=2931836&pg=personal&fr_id=1769
P.S.
Don't wait – please donate today!
Susan
G. Komen 3-Day™. BECAUSE
EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME®.
©2012
Susan G. Komen™
To mail in a donation; please print the document from the following link. Thank you.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Ryan Schlecht's One Man Show: The Vivacity of ASL, Voice Interpretation
THIS LOOKS TO BE A GREAT SHOW!
Tickets are only $20
If you have seen this before; give us your review here...
If there are other shows coming soon you want to tell us about... do that too!
Thanks!
http://www.strangertickets.com/events/5621636/the-vivacity-of-asl
Tickets are only $20
If you have seen this before; give us your review here...
If there are other shows coming soon you want to tell us about... do that too!
Thanks!
http://www.strangertickets.com/events/5621636/the-vivacity-of-asl
Friday, August 10, 2012
Guest Post by John Peter Walsh; My 2 Weeks at Gallaudet
Attending
Gallaudet University is not like enrolling in any
college.
It's like entering the world of the Deaf.
There
are three separate two week summer sessions of
intensive
ASL instruction. Six hours of classes daily, plus after
school
video preparations, dining in the cafeteria and living in
dorms.
Speech will make you as popular as someone answering
a cell
phone during a symphony performance.
I
stayed at Gallaudet from 7/15-7/27/12. The first day is a little
hectic
and confusing as you learn your way around campus and hook up on
Gallaudet's private e-mail and video system. However, 24 hours in,
I felt
right at home. Gallaudet is the only liberal arts college for the
Deaf in the
world. I have a Deaf brother and I did not learn to sign with him until
in my 30s. No one else in the family ever learned. My brother passed
away in 2003 and this trip was not just for language growth;it was
about personal, family healing.
The
curriculum and teacher were both excellent...more about
that
later. The primary reason I would recommend a session at
Gallaudet
is the opportunity to sign, day and night, in school, computer lab, library,
cafeteria, and dorms. Also, there are frequent signing opportunities in
stores and restaurants on or close to campus.
Some
students stayed and ate off campus. However, I would
encourage
buying a dorm and meal package. The tuition was $660
and a
package of twelve days in the dorms plus breakfast and lunch
in the
cafeteria cost $720 for a total of $1380. You can purchase
a
breakfast, lunch and dinner package but I thought it would be
interesting to go
out at night and try restaurants that were frequented by Gallaudet students.
Dining out did not provide the social and signing opportunities I hoped
for, but there were some memorable moments. Not all pleasant.
After
my first stressful day, I walked into a restaurant and ordered
a rum
and coke. $12. As Dorothy said, "Well Toto, I guess we're
not in
Kansas anymore." Most restaurants were reasonable but some
exorbitant.
Stunningly,
the food in the cafeteria was excellent. Breakfast
included
eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, toast, bagels, fruit plates,
an
assortment of healthy cereals and juices. Lunch featured burger and
fries
type meals if you were in the mood, but also a great salad bar,
a
sandwich bar and one daily special like stir fry chicken and rice.
The
last time I ate dorm food was in the 1960s and it was
abysmal,
so the Gallaudet cafeteria was a very pleasant surprise.
There
were 20 in our class. 19 women and me. Ever wondered
why the
interpreter field is dominated by women? I learned at home.
My
father was born in 1921. A gentle, loving man but raised
to be
the "strong, silent" type. I never saw him cry in my
entire life.
My
older brother is very stoic, just like my father. If you can't show
emotion
with your face, how can you possibly learn to sign well?
Women
are much more comfortable than men displaying their emotions and
that's why they make better signers.
Fortunately,
I cry at the movies or even during sappy commercials,
so
that's why I always end up the only male in the class.
Our
teacher's name was Edna Johnston. She didn't possess
the
hilarious acting skills of Nat Wilson, our teacher at SCCC.
However,
she presented an effective curriculum with enthusiasm
and a
very positive, supporting attitude. She delivered criticism
always
in an encouraging manner and, like Nat, she stayed cheerful
in
class at all times and displayed a wonderful sense of humor.
Edna
is a Deaf lesbian. She and her partner adopted three
deaf
children from Ethiopia. A girl, 7 years, and two boys, 5 years and
15 months. I really honor her for rescuing these children.
One
morning the girl and oldest boy came to class for about
an hour
to visit in the care of Edna's mother-in-law. The girl
signed
at warp speed and obviously enjoys a happy, loving home
life
and a positive self image. The boy was more shy, not quite
as
effervescent, but also seemed pleasant and well adjusted.
The
homework was a series of video presentations that could
be made
on any computer in the lab or library. Gallaudet has a program called
"Mythread" that allows a student to videotape his
assignment and
immediately submit it to the teacher. In all honesty, there were
some annoying glitches with this program. I always ended up sending in my videos
two different ways, because several students sent videos that were lost in
cyberspace and had to redo the assignment.
Everyone
attended two Deaf related activities in the community
or on
campus and delivered a video regarding their impressions. Everyone had to
film their textbook work and there were various projects involving room or
building descriptions and family life. Almost every evening a
project had to be practiced and then filmed.
The
temperature frequently hit triple digits...walk outside for
five
minutes and wilt. However, every 15 minutes there is an
air-conditioned shuttle bus leaving Gallaudet and headed for Union
Station.
Once
at Union Station, you can take the metro and travel cheaply
to
almost anywhere in D.C...Smithsonian, Library of Congress, Capitol
Building...in 10-20 minutes. Fortuitously on our weekend off, the
temperatures plummeted into the 70s and I spent a wonderful Saturday
walking
from the Smithsonian to Chinatown and back to Gallaudet.
Studying
at Gallaudet has been a lifelong dream of mine.
On the
last day, we all had to give a family related signed presentation.
I spoke
of my Deaf brother and his communication separation from
the
family and broke down. My teacher and classmates were all
very
sweet and supportive.
After
the final project, the whole class went out to Chinatown
for
lunch and celebrated.
If ASL
is one of your passions, I would heartily endorse
at
least a summer session at Gallaudet. I'd love to study there for
a year
if I dwelled in a higher income bracket.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Guest Post by John O'Connor; Help Reduce the Risk of Hearing Loss With Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Help
Reduce the Risk of Hearing Loss With Healthy Lifestyle
Changes
People who are at risk of hearing loss or those who are already hard of hearing can still reduce their risk of incurring further damage by taking some simple steps. The ears, like the rest of the body, are affected by what we eat, drink, and most importantly, listen to. Exposure to loud noises is one of the most common cause of non-age-related hearing loss.
Several types of hearing loss exist, and not all of them respond the same way to treatments and preventative measures. Noise-related hearing loss occurs because of damage to the cells inside the ears. This type of hearing loss is permanent and cannot be cured. If you feel you are losing your hearing, are currently hard of hearing of even experience a degree of deafness, hearing aids may be a good idea in order to help increase your hearing.
The best and most important way to protect hearing is to avoid loud noises. Extremely loud noises such as gunshots and jet planes taking off can cause damage even with short exposure. Noises at the level of a gasoline-powered lawn mower can cause damage after prolonged exposure.
Earplugs are a good investment in your hearing. Choose a type that is rated to reduce decibels across the entire noise spectrum. Noise-canceling headphones can be useful in some circumstances, but are most effective on lower-frequency sounds and may not protect hearing from higher-pitched noises.
In addition to avoiding noise, there is some evidence that eating well can protect your ears. In a study on animals, research noted that a formula of vitamins and minerals protected the hearing of animals exposed to loud noises for long periods of time. The formula contained vitamins A, C, E and the mineral magnesium. The mixture was more effective than the vitamins alone, magnesium alone, or a placebo (UMHS, 2007).
Age-related hearing loss comes from a number of sources, including noise exposure during earlier life. However, it is also affected by genetics and health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease (URMC, 2012). Eating well and exercising regularly can help prevent these conditions, which should then reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss.
Hearing loss may not be wholly preventable, but there is a lot you can do to reduce the risk. Noise exposure is the most important source of hearing loss in people under 65, and it can be entirely prevented. Age-related hearing loss can be affected by a healthy lifestyle, although it cannot be entirely prevented because of genetic factors. There are a lot of reasons to live healthy, and maintaining your hearing appears to have been added to the list.
People who are at risk of hearing loss or those who are already hard of hearing can still reduce their risk of incurring further damage by taking some simple steps. The ears, like the rest of the body, are affected by what we eat, drink, and most importantly, listen to. Exposure to loud noises is one of the most common cause of non-age-related hearing loss.
Several types of hearing loss exist, and not all of them respond the same way to treatments and preventative measures. Noise-related hearing loss occurs because of damage to the cells inside the ears. This type of hearing loss is permanent and cannot be cured. If you feel you are losing your hearing, are currently hard of hearing of even experience a degree of deafness, hearing aids may be a good idea in order to help increase your hearing.
The best and most important way to protect hearing is to avoid loud noises. Extremely loud noises such as gunshots and jet planes taking off can cause damage even with short exposure. Noises at the level of a gasoline-powered lawn mower can cause damage after prolonged exposure.
Earplugs are a good investment in your hearing. Choose a type that is rated to reduce decibels across the entire noise spectrum. Noise-canceling headphones can be useful in some circumstances, but are most effective on lower-frequency sounds and may not protect hearing from higher-pitched noises.
In addition to avoiding noise, there is some evidence that eating well can protect your ears. In a study on animals, research noted that a formula of vitamins and minerals protected the hearing of animals exposed to loud noises for long periods of time. The formula contained vitamins A, C, E and the mineral magnesium. The mixture was more effective than the vitamins alone, magnesium alone, or a placebo (UMHS, 2007).
Age-related hearing loss comes from a number of sources, including noise exposure during earlier life. However, it is also affected by genetics and health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease (URMC, 2012). Eating well and exercising regularly can help prevent these conditions, which should then reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss.
Hearing loss may not be wholly preventable, but there is a lot you can do to reduce the risk. Noise exposure is the most important source of hearing loss in people under 65, and it can be entirely prevented. Age-related hearing loss can be affected by a healthy lifestyle, although it cannot be entirely prevented because of genetic factors. There are a lot of reasons to live healthy, and maintaining your hearing appears to have been added to the list.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Deaf Athletes in the Olympics?
I was wondering if we had any Deaf athletes in the Olympics, so I did what any curious blogger would do... I googled it! I only came up with a few good links; but two things disturbed me. Firstly, what I found most disturbing is that the Deflympics was just in July and I had no idea! I have to find out how to be better informed on such events for the Deaf community! I missed out and am not happy about that. Secondly, I read that they actually had to debate the use of hand signals and lights to signal a Deaf swimmer Marcus Titus. Read all about Titus and other Deaf athlete issues from the links below. Enjoy! and comment, share, share:D Thanks
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/usa-swimming-will-allow-hand-signals-to-accommodate-deaf-athletes-at-olympic-trials/2012/04/19/gIQAkcbEUT_story.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaf_people_in_the_Olympics
http://www.deaffootball2012.com/
http://www.2012wdac.org/Public/Home.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/Deaflympics
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/usa-swimming-will-allow-hand-signals-to-accommodate-deaf-athletes-at-olympic-trials/2012/04/19/gIQAkcbEUT_story.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaf_people_in_the_Olympics
http://www.deaffootball2012.com/
http://www.2012wdac.org/Public/Home.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/Deaflympics
And the copy of Turn A Deaf Ear goes to...
There were no entries that fulfilled the contest guidelines completely; but in the spirit of giving there were 2 people who each left 2 comments. The first is our blog manager and the second is #
3c74ffa0-dc0d-11e1-82e3-000bcdcb8a73... whoever you are:D
If you are interested in receiving the free book you commented on; please send me your mailing information to my email via this blog. I will pass it along to the publicist and you will receive your copy.
Thank you for your comments.
3c74ffa0-dc0d-11e1-82e3-000bcdcb8a73... whoever you are:D
If you are interested in receiving the free book you commented on; please send me your mailing information to my email via this blog. I will pass it along to the publicist and you will receive your copy.
Thank you for your comments.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Final Book Review: Turn A Deaf Ear; Ch 10-12
Enter danger, intrigue, suspense, and a few more characters to keep us inspired til the last line. More about food, family, prejudice, and life's challenges including the Mafia. You simply must read for yourself how this one all ends... I just did, and I am thinking it is worthy of a re-read just for pure pleasure! The Epilogue is a brief history of Deaf struggles, technological advances, and legislation affecting the Deaf community. Visit their website as well at www.turnadeafear.com Thank you so much to publicist Darlene Chan for this great opportunity to review this book and share it with you. There are many of you that read this blog according to my stats... but no one has yet made 3 comments, become a follower, or gotten 3 more followers in order to win a free copy of Turn A Deaf Ear. You still have time tho... read the reviews, make your comments and build the list of followers today!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Book Review: Turn A Deaf Ear; Chapters 7-9
A distinctly Italian chapter that ends on a teary note is followed by Linda's first attempt at interpreting, which came about from a chance meeting. Friendship develops and the circle is enlarged. As we get to know Molly, we learn of another heart-wrenching account of Hearing parents not embracing their Deaf daughter; not learning to communicate with her, and all that comes with that. And if that isn't bad enough, then she gets taken advantage of and like a human slave, forcefully enters the world of drugs and prostitution without knowing where else to turn. This book once again brings to light the controversial topics that plague the Deaf community. Weigh in on them... right here! How do you feel about Hearing parents not learning ASL? What about residential schools vs. public schools? Bimodal? How can we improve helpful public service messages for Deaf runaways? think about it... comment... become a blog follower:D Thank you for your interest.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Oh wow! Loving the book: Turn A Deaf Ear! Ch, 4-6
Well, chapters 4-6 did not disappoint and have me anxious to finish the book! Now we meet John, the Deaf man and feel the emotional issues introducing someone who communicates differently can bring about. I also learned that somewhere out there is a book about ASL that actually answers the questions my ASL 1-6 instructors have not answered... why does this sign mean that concept? In chapter 4 as the romance begins we learn that the sign for America resembles a log cabin... now that makes sense! I need these types of visual aids and my college classes have barely alluded to these concepts. Oh we were told "boy" was like grabbing a baseball cap, but that is about it. I am on the hunt now for the ASL dictionary that gives the visual definitions like America / log cabin because I am sure my comprehension and memory of signs will greatly improve with such visual aids. This makes sense, ASL is a visual language... why don't they teach hearing students to be more visual then? Back to the book, sorry, my passion for ASL took over just then. In chapters 5 & 6 we learn more about the challenges of growing up Deaf in a Hearing family and integrating the two. This book is full of all the controversial subjects that Deaf Culture has dealt with since the dawn of time. It at least touches on them to get the reader thinking about viewpoints and prejudices, but this is afterall a love story... so on we read...
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Book Review: Turn A Deaf Ear; Chapters 1-3
The first 3 chapters are engaging as we learn about an Italian family from New Jersey. The two teenage children, the grown and married daughter, and their mother, all face life altering changes together and their family bonds are inspiring. What I also love about this book so far is that I am learning about life in New Jersey and about being Italian, two things I couldn't even imagine before. I liked the inspirational quotes at the beginning of each chapter that I had to fan through the book to read the rest and behold, there are recipes and other goodies lurking in future chapters! I can't wait to read the next 3 chapters!
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