"The Universal Language is in Our Minds"

This is a provoking thought by linguistics lecturer Patrick Boudreault. It is captioned and signed.

"Wish Them Well and Pray for Them"

When we  traveled to Oregon a year ago this week, Fabulous Husband and I dropped in at the local clinic to visit with my dad. He was in a room with other chemotherapy patients receiving treatment.

It had been five years since we last saw each other. He did not like that I had adopted a child. He did not like that I had met a man online who was coming from Pennsylvania to Oregon to meet the rest of my family. 

He disowned me as a family member and did not want my mother to have any contact with me.

As we entered the room, I didn't recognize my father at first. I saw a man with a hat similar to the one he used to wear and thought that was him. Fabulous Husband pointed to another man. How did he know that was my dad when he had never met the man before is beyond me. I did not expect seeing my father again would bring up so many past experiences and emotions. It was hard to believe this person actually had power to make me feel inept, unwanted and unaccepted for who I was and the choices I had made for my life.

It took him a moment to recognize me. Fabulous husband stood beside me. Have I mentioned how wise my husband is? We had discussed the moment I would be seeing this particular person and my hesitation to go visit. Fabulous Husband kindly stated, "This time it will be different. You have me now."

There was comfort in knowing that we were not alone in the room. There were other patients with family and friends lounging and visiting. Dad was always on his best behavior when out in public.

I introduced him to Fabulous Husband. It didn't take long before Dad asked me, "Are you hearing better these days?"

"What?" I asked, unsure if I saw his question correctly.

He did actually ask that in front of a roomful of people. Twice.

"No. I'm deaf now."

He looked at Fabulous Husband and asked, "How do you put up with that?"

I looked at Fabulous Husband, who did not say a word, but turned and looked at me with compassion, gentleness and love.

My husband  loves me. Patiently. Kindly. Truly. Sincerely. 

What Fabulous Husband said before we traveled to Oregon was true. It WAS different. It was different simply because of his love.

I saw this posted on FaceBook recently. It speaks volumes to me. It simply says:

  "Forgiveness does not always lead to a healed relationship. Some people just aren't capable of love and can be toxic to our lives. Sometimes we have to set up boundaries to protect ourselves. Wish them well, pray for them, and take care of yourself."

"Thought of You" by Ryan Woodward

I saw this posted on a friend of a friend's Facebook page. Art needs no words to convey grace, beauty and a story. The animation is by Ryan Woodward.  Enjoy the visuals:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBk3ynRbtsw

Captioned Video of the webinar about the Fortissimo Phone is now available

Karen Latimer, the Assistive Technology Assistant at PIAT Institute of Technologies notified me that the captioned webinar of the Clarity Fortissimo Phone is now available for viewing. Check out this FABULOUS new phone and all it can do in this video:  

http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp/fortissimoVideo.shtml

Equipment Name: Clarity Speaker Phone Fortissimo

This speakerphone gives "one-touch" access to dialing, answering, and memory scanning functions from up to 40 feet away. Phone can be dialed by using the one touch number, the wireless pendant, or a connected switch. Headphones may be added to the pendant for privacy. Additional accessories may be added-call program for information.

HEADSET OPTIONS - One of the following headphones may be added to the pendant for privacy:

- Headband: an over the head style that covers both ears with sound (Must be able to put over head and on both ears)
- Two ear buds that have foam covers and fit completely in the ear (Must be able to use hands to put small device completely in each ear)
- One ear clip that slides over the top of the ear (Must be able to use hands to slide clip over the outside of the ear)

PEOPLE WHO MAY BENEFIT

Appropriate for people who... HAVE THE ABILITY TO: Program needed phone numbers into the memory buttons or have assistance to program in memory buttons, activate the switch (by pressing standard buttons, pendant or switch); YOU NEED TO: Have a hands free conversation, activate phone with remote control or switch (push a button of some kind).

http://disabilities.temple.edu/programs/assistive/tddp/fortissimoVideo.shtml

VBS Accessible for Deaf Children (Mechanicsburg, PA area)

Just a reminder that we're less than 2 weeks away from our deaf-friendly VBS!  Please tell/forward this email to everyone you know who has a deaf child.  This VBS is fully staffed with signers and interpreters, from the skits and songs to the lessons and games!  Come one, Come all!!!

West Shore Evangelical Free Church is making it's Vacation Bible School accessible again this year!

We are inviting all deaf children ages 4 through completed 5th grade to attend.

Interpreters and signers will be working throughout the VBS environment to make it completely accessible.  This is an integrated concept.

Theme:  Kingdom Chronicles, Standing Strong in the Battle for Truth 

With The Kingdom Chronicles, your brave knights and fair maidens will be equipped to put on the full armor of God so they can stand strong in the battle for truth. They'll love the fun songs, the daily skits, and the “Truth or Error” game.

Dates: 7/29 - 8/2

Time: 6pm - 8:45pm

Location: 

West Shore E. Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA  17055

 

Register online:  www.westshorefree.com or call 717-620-2330 ext. 162

Online registration ends Sunday, July 28

Registration is also accepted each night of VBS.

"3 True ASL Hospital Stories"

My friend, Jessi shared this on Facebook this week. The first 2 stories by this young man are hysterical, the 3rd, should not have happened to him, nor anyone else. He advocated for himself, and by doing so, perhaps prevented this from happening to anyone else. He captioned these so those who do not understand Sign Language yet can have access to what he is sharing. Thanks for the CC!!"

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10100550125111905&set=vb.478368492250296&type=2&theater

Be sure to "like" his page so you can see more of David's posts: https://www.facebook.com/Deafthecomedian

"Facebook isn't just Facebook."

A little Wednesday Humor for you:

"Facebook isn't just Facebook. It's ESPN, The Weather Channel, TMZ, Twitter, and even the Jerry Springer Show."

Haunted Prison at Jim Thorpe

Nestled in the Pocono Range is the beautiful resort town of Jim Thorpe. Originally named Mauch Chunk, it was renamed in honor of the World's Greatest Athlete, Jim Thorpe in 1953 after his death.

There is a lot of history, outdoor adventures to be had, beautiful galleries and an outstanding opera house, but we weren't there to see any of that. While most people were celebrating the 4th of July with bar-b-ques and get togethers, Fabulous Husband, Bear and I were spending time in an old prison, an old haunted prison. We'll be revisiting the city again in October when the city offers "Haunted Tours". The prison is one of the highlights. Our 9 year old, Bear, was quite enthralled with the entire tour and wants to go back for the haunted festivities. I'd like to come spend a day or two around the Christmas holidays.  

When the tour ended, we wandered into the kitchen where there was a photo on display of an orb that was caught by someone's camera. There were no orbs in any of our photos. We do notice them in the photos Fabulous Husband takes of many of the old, small cemeteries that are scattered along the roads and next to old farm houses throughout the state. 

Being late deafened as I am, I wasn't able to follow what our tour guide was saying, however, in the end, it didn't matter. Everything we needed to know, the stories she shared along with many others  were typed and mounted onto plaques and posted throughout the tour. There were old magazine articles and newspapers that filled us in with many details. 

The story of the Molly Maguires and the mysterious handprint (check out Weird Pennsylvania), make this a tour well worth taking.

Casting Call for ASL Proficient Actors

My friend Amelia is looking for people proficient with ASL for her film! I'm sure many of you remember Amelia as you helped vote her into film school "Amelia Wins, Expresses Gratitude". Below is her request, along with a link for you to click through if you are interested and want to be in her film.

Hi Joyce,

I hope you're doing great. I'm delighted to tell you that I've just finished my first week at film school and I am in preproduction of the film that you helped create! 

This weekend is casting already. I've put out adverts on Mandy.com, Craigslist and AllDeaf.com. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing this link with any Deaf or HH friends you think may be interested and know actors, or any ASL students that you may have.

http://www.mandy.com/1/cast3.cfm?v=55422526

Many thanks.

Best wishes, 

Amelia

Police State?

Fabulous Husband snapped this photo at a parking lot in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania yesterday. This is a PA State Police car.

"Navigating Deafness on the Way to a Rhodes Scholarship" Rahel Kolb TEDx

My friend Sara Wegley posted this on her blog over at  Speak Up Librarian. This TEDx presentation by Rachel Kolb is one that should be shared everywhere. Rachel challenges us to look beyond what we "can't do", and instead look to our abilities and see the possibilities that can be reached simply by doing things differently. I like how she reframes deafness...deafness isn't so much of a disability as it is a communication barrier. This impressive 17 minute presentation is captioned.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKKpjvPd6Xo#at=27

Firework: 4 Different ASL Interpretations for the 4th

Like many of you, I enjoy watching the interpreted music videos that so many talented people post on YouTube. Here are four of my favorite interpretations of "Firework". It seemed appropriate for the Holiday.

Jason Listman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOEdqV5iRcY

Sherry Hicks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7KKHx--Ok4

Brooklyn Moore:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibc7eeU5fy0

Tiffany Hill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nByWHdu1pXY

Video by CSD Innovations #CSDVision

This totally blew me away- featured on today's Limping Chicken and by far has got to be the coolest thing I have ever seen when it comes to communication. There is no limit to the amazing things we can do with technology. I am in awe of the people who create and design ideas and gadgets like this.

#CSDVision from CSD on Vimeo.

http://limpingchicken.com/2013/07/02/watch-the-future-of-interpreting-services/

Find out more about CSD Innovations here: http://www.c-s-d.org/innovations

Tweet, share, get the word out about this company and share their vision.

ASL Tip When Relocating

My family and I just finished a month of ASL classes together at a church over near Lancaster. Though I had taken classes before where I used to live decades ago, I would suggest anyone moving to another area to take ASL classes in their new community. There are many signs and idioms that evolve within closed communities that are different from other regions. I wish I had figured this out sooner. Many signs I had learned years ago aren't used in the area I currently live.

My vocabulary and knowledge has been greatly enriched from these classes. Our teacher provided many of the origins of how the signs came to be. I was always interested in the study of etymology when I was younger. I took French and Spanish in school. Though I couldn't hear or speak them well, I could read and write them decently. I noticed how many words were similar with spelling and meaning. This interest is flowing over into Sign Language, wanting to know the origin and history behind the signs.

I would recommend anyone relocating to sign up for classes and not only will you learn the idioms of the area, you will meet interesting people in your new community.

"The Craziest Video....."

Today's share is a visual feast of wild, thrilling and "Wait..what was that?" I was hooked when I saw the diving giraffes. Enjoy!

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/06/heres-the-craziest-video-youll-watch-all-day/

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Interpreted by Keith Wann

Kids love this interpretation of  "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Keith Wann. So do I. There are Captions for those just learning ASL.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmbpJpI6Uko&feature=related

Deaf Awareness: Talk Normally

These young people do a great job of getting the message across of how to communicate clearly with a person with hearing loss and deafness:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_xT3e0HySKY

A Cell Phone for Blind, Hearing Impaired

photo credit LG

I learned about this new cell phone for blind, hearing impaired people at the recent TRS meeting in Harrisburg from Amy Goldman of the TDD PIAT program.

This new smart phone for people with BOTH hearing and vision loss is affordable at the cost of only $30.00.  http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-6452_7-57588016/lg-optimus-f3-a-$30-android-phone-for-blind-hearing-impaired/

While the phone is available at a reasonable cost, not everyone can afford wireless service and equipment. There is also communication equipment and funding available for Deaf/blind Pennsylvanians through http://www.icanconnect.org/ at no charge.

Please note that only Pennsylvanians who have BOTH, hearing AND vision loss  are eligible to apply.

To find out if equipment and service are available to you in your area, call your state PUC office and get connected. The links I posted above are for the state of Pennsylvania only.

This Simple Solution Can Save Lives

The story below broke November 24, 2011. There is absolutely no need for this to happen to ANYONE. Future incidents like this can be avoided simply by educating our police departments as well as all those that serve public duties. The simple solution is to have training at the academies and regularly on the job.  A fine example of that would look like is shown in the video below the story. The officer involved in the incident had been on the job only one month. Had the officer had some kind of training with deaf awareness before the job started, Mr. Anthony would not have died at the hands of an agency that is to serve and protect. 

Deaf, Disabled Senior Citizen on Bicycle Deemed Threat by Police, Tased to Death

If, in the euphemistic police state in which we currently live, pepper-spray is a taco condiment, that would make tasing...what? A joy-buzzing compliance aid? Sure, let's call it that. Now can someone explain to me why Officer John Turner of Scotland Neck, North Carolina's police department felt the need to use a joy-buzzing compliance aid on an 61-year-old, disabled man with a hearing impairment who was riding down the street on a bicycle? Because that man is now dead.

The call came on Monday night, and it made mention of a man who had fallen off his bicycle and injured himself in a parking lot. So Officer Turner pulled up to the scene, and found Roger Anthony — a local fixture who people call "Rabbit" because he had big ears — rolling down the street on his bicycle. Turner followed Anthony in his patrol vehicle, sirens blaring, and ordered him to pull over. Anthony didn't respond.

Williams said Turner then saw Anthony take something out his pocket and put it into his mouth. At that time, Turner got out of the car and yelled for Anthony to stop. When Anthony didn't stop, the officer used a stun gun on him, causing him to fall off of his bike.

Anthony was taken to a hospital, where he was declared brain dead. He was taken off life support on Tuesday. According to Anthony's sister, her brother was disabled, had frequent seizures and trouble hearing. He lived in an independent living community, and "used to smoke cigarettes, drink coffee and ride his bicycle around town." That's what Rabbit liked to do.

This was Turner's first month on the force. He's currently on administrative leave while the incident is investigated. [WRAL, Screengrab via WRAL]  http://gawker.com/5862447/deaf-disabled-senior-citizen-on-bicycle-deemed-threat-by-police-tased-to-death

 Look at what the Federick Police Department and the Maryland School for the Deaf are doing TOGETHER.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=AVewAHRu6Qc

"We Interrupt This Program" Sean Forbes, signed and captioned.

Here is a new video by Sean Forbes, something a little different. :-)



Like Sean Forbes? Subscribe to his channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=p9De54n8oRk

"Deaf Awareness: Face Me When You Talk"

SayWhatClub posted this on their Facebook page  This video posted on YouTube by ndcwebteam is a helpful example to share with people who do not understand the issues that come with hearing loss or deafness. It's clever how they used blur on the captions to make the point visually, as well. What an excellent video for deaf awareness!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_dZDFP05ZGA

VBS for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

West Shore Evangelical Free Church is making it's Vacation Bible School accessible again this year!

We are inviting all deaf children ages 4 through completed 5th grade to attend.

Interpreters and signers will be working throughout the VBS environment to make it completely accessible.  This is an integrated concept.

Theme:  Kingdom Chronicles, Standing Strong in the Battle for Truth (see flyer attached)

With The Kingdom Chronicles, your brave knights and fair maidens will be equipped to put on the full armor of God so they can stand strong in the battle for truth. They'll love the fun songs, the daily skits, and the “Truth or Error” game.

Dates: 7/29 - 8/2

Time: 6pm - 8:45pm

Location: 

West Shore E. Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA  17055

Register online:  www.westshorefree.com or call 717-620-2330 ext. 162

Registration BEGINS June 24 and ENDS July 28

Registration is also accepted each night of VBS.

"Father and Son" by Cat Stevens Interpreted by Tiffany Currier

One of my favorite YouTube interpretive signers is Tiffany. She recently interpreted a song by Cat Stevens, "Father and Son".


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN0M49p-hA4

If you like to watch Tiffany's interpretations, be sure to click "like" and subscribe to her channel.

In Search of ASL Volunteers for VBS Kids

The message below is from Jenice of deafkonnect in hopes to find ASL volunteers able to help these kids out this summer. I was unable to download the flyer to share with you (my computer has security software I am unable to change settings). The contact email is at the bottom.

West Shore E Free Church is asking for signers to volunteer to make the Vacation Bible School (VBS) accessible to deaf children again this year. We had two children last year (one deaf, one HoH) and hope to have more this year as word gets around. 

 

This year, the VBS takes place Monday - Friday, July 29 - August 2, 6pm - 8:45pm at 

West Shore E. Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg 

 

This year, the theme is Kingdom Chronicles, like crusaders in search of the truth, and putting temptation on the run with the point of one's sword (the Word of God).  You can look it up here: http://answersvbs.com/2013/  Feel free to print out the flyer attached, and pass this info around to anyone you know who might be interested. 

 

We're assembling our volunteers now, and will need about a dozen.  Last year we had a wonderful time, and hope to make each year better for the volunteers as well as for the kids. 

We are looking for 3 or 4 people especially to commit to practicing the songs (and attending song practice meetings), and 2 or 3 volunteers to interpret announcements at the beginning and end, interpret the lesson, and interpret the special interest part (the church's VBS always highlights a specific ministry that the children's tithes will be donated to, such as World Vision for a child's welfare, Cure International for a child's surgery, etc.)

We're also going to need a volunteer for each of the grade levels (that's 5 volunteers) and for each of the stations (that's another 3-4 volunteers).  Stations are snacks, games, and crafts.  (One could potentially handle more than one assignment.)

 

It is one of my most passionate soap boxes that families with deaf children have no spiritual support in the greater Harrisburg area.  There are no churches that provide interpreted or signed church services or religious activites for the deaf children in our area.  (If there is one, let me know.  I don't want to give out false information!)  Who better to reach with the gospel??  How better to use your signing skills to help others? 

 

If interested, or want to know more, reply to this email, and we'll get in touch with you!

 

Thank you all so much for considering this opportunity to use your signing skills to help deaf children hear about Jesus!

Jenice         deafkonnect@gmail.com

 

Will U Stand? The Campaign

This duet is sung by siblings Charleigh and Justin Gere. Their mother, Heather invited young people from all over to take part in this moving music video calling us to action and to "stand". There are ASL signers incorporated into parts of the video. Heather also took the time to add the captions.

Be sure to hop over http://www.willustand.com/ and see what a wonderful movement these fabulous young people have started. While you're there, add your "pin" to the map to show where you are standing and supporting this movement.