First Deaf NASCAR Driver
Kokonut Pundits reports on Greg Gunderson First Deaf NASCAR Driver! I’ll let him do the talking while I go recover from the flu.
February 6, 2007
January 2, 2007
Designing Babies with Differences
Couples with differences or disabilities wanting children like them isn’t anything new. However, USA Today reports couples who are trying to create babies using in vitro fertilization and embryo screening. Not a cheap procedure with a cost of over $15,000 — something insurance companies aren’t most likely to pay for. Insurance companies may pay for the in vitro fertilization, but not for any additional procedures. But first, the couple most likely has to show they can’t have children the old-fashioned way.
December 20, 2006
Telecoms in UK Provide More Calling Options
Deaf Americans should be grateful for the relay options we have as most of it is free especially the Internet-based services. According to UK Telecoms opening up for deaf callers, users must pay one pound (equivalent of USD $1.89) PER MINUTE!
December 14, 2006
Video Game Accessibility Campaign
Michelle Hinn campaigns for more accessibility for disabled gamers addresses something few of us think about. Well, I think about it when I play games with a lot of audio, but when do I ever have time to play games?
I remember a few instances where one of my kids played a game and asked for help. I couldn’t because it meant hearing the audio. Then we got a Harry Potter game and it came with an option to turn on sub-titles. But captioning video games and videos isn’t the only accessibility problem as the article shows.
December 13, 2006
CSI: NY Silent Night
A deaf family appears tonight on CSI: NY in its Silent Night episode. If you miss it, just be on the look out for this episode title during reruns.
In the episode, an intruder breaks into a home, shoots the teen daughter and almost kidnaps the baby without the mother hearing a sound. The entire family is deaf. The CSIs search for the intruder with the mother’s help.
It stars Marlee Matlin and Sasha Cohen. Ironically, you can watch a video preview… without captions. The other deaf actors are Amber Stanton and Troy Kotsur.
December 10, 2006
Gallaudet Interim President Selected
Gallaudet University announced the selection of Robert Davila as the university’s interim president. As interim president, “The Board expects the interim president will serve on an interim basis only, for a period of eighteen months. The Board and the interim president, by mutual agreement, may extend this period for an additional six months if needed.”
As for the permanent president, “The Board expects to announce a separate search process for the permanent president, after an interim president has been selected.”
One person commented he didn’t want Davila for president. Well, this is just interim and it doesn’t guarantee Davila will continue on as permanent president.
The Washington Post reports on the story.
December 6, 2006
Gallaudet Down to Final Three Candidates
Gallaudet University reports the Interim President Selection Advisory Committee has three men (no women — will this start another protest?) standing in line for the president position. One of those is Robert Davila. I remember him well from when I worked in Washington, DC for the government. I contacted his office once, but I don’t remember why. He has an impressive background and sounded liek a likeable person.
Weiner got his Ed. D. from my school at the same time I graduated with my BA — The American University. He also worked at the Texas School for the Deaf.
All three have been involved with Gallaudet. So the first thing I wonder — do students who know them, like them? JKF worked there and that’s one of the things that started the whole protest — she wasn’t likeable among other things. The candidates look good on paper, but what about off paper?
A long weekend waits the committee as they plan to make a final decision.
The Open & Closed Project
To keep things simple in explaining this important project, I’ve listed the bullets from the Open and Closed Project Web site.
- Write standards for the four fields of accessible media — captioning, audio description, subtitling, and dubbing — based on research and evidence.
- Conduct research when the existing research or evidence does not exist or is insufficient.
- Test standards for a year in the real world, make any changes necessary, and publish them.
- Develop training and certification programs for practitioners.
While all of the above happens, they will also do the following two things:
- Design and test improved fonts for captioning and subtitling (already underway).
- Develop and test file formats for the four fields of accessible media.
Joe Clark is looking for supporters to donate small amounts of cash — micropatronage, as he calls it — to start up this project.
November 29, 2006
Deaf Woman Boxer
Not only is she a female, but she’s also deaf. Union-Tribune reports on Leni Hall’s first professional boxing match, which ended in a draw. Her handler, Bernie Navarro, believes she can make an impact in women’s boxing as a super flyweight.
I love sports, but boxing isn’t one of my interests. It’s always exciting to hear about woman making advances in any sport.
November 28, 2006
iPods Make Ear Molds Cool
A green ear mold caught my eye on TV right before commercials (you know how the news likes to tease us), so I stuck around. It was the story [free registration required] of kids with iPods getting ear molds made to protect their ears. Audiologists say custom-fitting ear molds work better than ear buds because they don’t come close to the ear drum like ear buds can. As a result, the ear mold shuts out background noise so the listener can hear the audio better.
Even the kid in the story thought ear molds weren’t cool until she learned they come in a variety of bright colors. That’s why my hearing aid is silver and not beige. I got so sick of that color as that was the color of ear molds and hearing aids I wore for most of my life.
Hmm… maybe I should get them for my family. Don’t want them to lose their hearing. Now I can just see the deaf world coming after me for saying that.
November 27, 2006
Jericho ASL Episode
Shoshannah Stern sent an email to the deaf network asking we watch her show this coming Wednesday, November 29. Here’s her note from Deaf Network.
This Wednesday, November 29, (2006) is a very special episode of Jericho for me. As some of you might know, I am a regular on this show, which airs on CBS at 8 pm Pacific time. There are so many people on the show, however, that there is so much ground to cover. I’ve been trying for a scene ONLY in sign language (no voice over or simcom) from the beginning. The writers and producers have been amazing and even let me try my hand in writing part of the scene! It will be aired THIS Wednesday. I don’t know how much of the scene will actually make it because of time constraints, but I would LOVE if you guys would watch and help me spread the word! This is a big step for everybody within the deaf community and of course for my character, Bonnie. Please, please watch… or at least TIVO it! Feel free to forward this to whoever you think may be interested!
For more information about this TV show “Jericho”: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/jericho/
Shoshannah Stern - The Offical Web Site: http://www.shoshannah-stern.com/
November 14, 2006
Internet Scammers Target Deaf Community
Internet Scammers Target Deaf Community doesn’t surprise me. Many people view senior ciritizens and people with disabilities as weak — easy to scam. That’s why I believe religious organizations keep coming to me (there’s no question they target me because I’m deaf). Such organizations believe deaf people are easier to sway especially since we can feel socially isolated.
I know of a religious organization that preys on senior citizens especially when they’re hospitalized. They visit them and show interest in their lives. Sadly, many seniors don’t have family involved in their lives, so when they don’t feel lonely as a result of the organization’s visits, they’re more likely to give in.
My rule: I have to be the one who approaches an organization when it comes to helping and donations. If the organization approaches me, I’m not going to cooperate unless I know the organization and the folks behind it.
November 10, 2006
More Ugly News on Captioning Exemptions
An update to previous entry on Captioning News: Not Good News:
By Cheryl Heppner
Many of you have been following the recent saga of sudden mass exemptions granted for closed captioning of TV programs. The exemptions, over 270 of them, were given by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to mostly faith-based organizations. Few of these organizations provided the required evidence to show that captioning would be an undue burden.
Actions by Consumer Organizations
I have been working with a team of advocates from TDI, NAD, AAPD, CSD, DHHCAN and HLAA to address the serious errors committed in the granting of these permanent exemptions from closed captioning.
Among our actions were:
- Two meetings were held with FCC Commissioner Deborah Tate, one with Commissioner Robert McDowell, one with Chairman Kevin Martin, and conversations with Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein.
An “Application for Review of Bureau Order” filed with the FCC. We asked that all grants of exemption be rescinded and that the FCC individually review each petition for exemption to determine undue burden, and place all current and future exemptions on public notice. We pointed out that the FCC had violated the Telecommunications Act and Administrative Procedures Act, and had committed a number of procedural violations.
A “Petition for Emergency Stay” was also filed with the FCC. In this petition, we noted that the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau arbitrarily overruled its own precedent without giving any rationale. We also reminded the FCC that the Bureau did not have delegated authority to create new rules or categories of captioning exemptions, only to administer and enforce rules and policies already created.
Action by National Religious Broadcasters in Opposition
The National Association of Religious Broadcasters (NRB), which is based at Technology Drive in Manassas, VA, filed an opposition to our “Application for Review of Bureau Order”, requesting that it be denied by the FCC.
In response, we filed a reply today that refutes their argument. The NRB gave as its interpretation of the test of undue burden a requirement that shows captioning would “likely produce a central interference, a mission-critical intrusion onto the non-profit organization’s ‘programming’ or ‘other activities important to its mission’”. Among other things, we pointed out that it’s not clear how the FCC would characterize an organization’s “mission”, or determine which activities are “important” or which intrusions are “mission-critical”.
Yesterday’s Shocking Development The FCC released a Public Notice on November 7, 2006 that we did not receive until the afternoon of November 8, 2006. This notice said that the FCC had put the petitions for those 290+ entities which received exemptions on its website on October 12, 2006 The FCC also made information about additional petitions available on its website.
Buried in a footnote was the news that the petitions for exemption already granted by letter order were being “held in abeyance until the comment cycle on these petitions has ended.”
Good news: The FCC is indicating that its earlier decision to grant 290+ exemptions apparently isn’t final.
Bad news: We must submit comments on these and hundreds more new requests for exemption - a total of about 600 petitions - even though most of them clearly lack any information to justify an undue burden exemption. The FCC staff needs only to look in their files to see this.
Incredibly bad news: We have 20 days to file our comments. That’s 20 days from the date the Public Notice was released. We already lost 1 1/2 days before we knew of its release. Tomorrow and November 23-24 are holidays. November 11, 12, 25, and 26 are weekends. This gives us a total of 11 working days to go through and write up comments before the deadline of Monday, November 27, and two of them are already gone. That’s an average of 66 or 67 we’d have to comment on each working day.
You can find the FCC’s Public Notice at: http://www.fcc.gov/da062287.pdf
And More Gripes! We didn’t need another stab to the heart, but the Public Notice issued on November 7 had a lot of objectionable language and inaccuracies. One that definitely didn’t sit well was the FCC’s note “where similar petitions were previously placed on public notice, an opposition was filed by only one coommenter:. Our coalition of organizations that had worked together to file comments in the past (aided enormously by pro bono lawyers at Bingham McCutchen) does its best to represent the more than 30 million people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The FCC’s public notice also blames our coalition for deciding not to put any more petitions for captioning exemption on public notice. They cite a letter sent to them in after we learned that more than 450 exemption requests had been sent to the FCC. In this letter, we said that it was a hardship to our organzations to file oppositions to petitions that were “clearly deficient” — the ones that didn’t have all the information required by the FCC’s own regulations. We said we’d only file oppositions to petitions that raised new issues. We felt that after filing dozens of oppositions we had established a clear precedent with the FCC that we expected them to put each petition to the test contained in their own regulations.
The November 7 public notice says, “As a result, the Commission stopped placing these petitions on public notice.” the November 7 public notice says. How crazed is that? How can we know if the exemption requests are clearly deficient or not unless they’re placed on public notice? And why assume that we are the only people in the entire nation who might have something to say about the petitions for exemption?
So this is our reward for speaking up, 600 petitions to respond to in 20 days.
©2006 by Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC), 3951 Pender Drive, Suite 130, Fairfax, VA 22030; www.nvrc.org Items in this newsletter are provided for information purposes only; NVRC does not endorse products or services. You do not need permission to share this information, but please be sure to credit NVRC. This news service is free of charge, but donations are greatly appreciated. To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your email address, or report a problem receiving the news, send an email to cheppner@nvrc.org
October 29, 2006
Gallaudets Board of Trustees votes to terminate Fernandes appointment as president
Whoa! Press release from Gallaudet:
TO: Campus Community FROM: Board of Trustees RE: Board of Trustees Meeting
Today, we announce with much regret and pain that after serious deliberation in a special, all-day Executive Session of the Board of Trustees, we have voted to terminate Dr. Fernandes’ appointment as President-Designate (currently effective) and President (effective beginning January 1, 2007) at Gallaudet University.
We understand the impact of this decision and the important issues that inherently arise when a Board re-examines decisions in the face of an on-going protest. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the University to terminate Dr. Fernandes from the incoming President’s position. Although undoubtedly there will be some members of the community who have differing views on the meaning of this decision, we believe that it is a necessity at this point. The Board is continuing to meet to discuss transitional issues.
It has certainly been a difficult and trying time for our Gallaudet community. Now is the time for healing. The hope of the Board of Trustees is for our beloved community to come together to work for a stronger and better Gallaudet.
On Reprisals
The Board of Trustees respects the right of people to express their views in a peaceful manner. However, individuals who violated the law and Gallaudet University’s Code of Conduct will be held accountable. We expect the University to honor its long tradition of respect for each other and property and to return to normal.
October 23, 2006
Deaf Culture and the Presidential Uproar
The Washington Post attempts to educate readers with an article explaining the protests over the selection of Jane K. Fernandez for Gallaudet presidency. This started last spring, but apparently last week — the faculty voted they have no confidence in her leadership.
It’s a insightful must-read article as it looks at the big picture of the situation, reporting on it, and its affect on students.
October 11, 2006
UPS Court Case Update
Got an update to the court case I mentioned in this 2004 entry (two years!). The US court states that UPS may not exclude deaf people from applying for driving lighter delivery trucks. No information explains the situation with other types of trucks, however.
October 5, 2006
Deaf Statistics
The Dallas Morning News writes a story about a teen who is deaf and doing very well with a cochlear implant. He has a bright future ahead of him.
The article also looks at the contoversy with cochlear implants. Here are insightful statistics on deafness and cochlear implants that appear at the end of the story:
According to the Food and Drug Administration’s 2005 data, nearly 100,000 people worldwide have received cochlear implants.Sources: Callier Center for Communication Disorders and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersIn the United States, roughly 22,000 adults and nearly 15,000 children have received them.
Cochlear implants were first approved by the FDA in the United States in 1985 for adults and in 1990 for children.
Since 1990, the North Texas Cochlear Implant Program has given about 350 children cochlear implants.
About 1 in every 1,000 infants is born deaf. Another 1 in every 1,000 infants has a hearing impairment significant enough to make speaking difficult.
More than half of all deafness or hearing impairment is believed to have genetic cause(s). Recessive hearing impairment accounts for the largest portion of deafness or hearing impairment.
About 90 percent of infants who are born deaf are born to hearing parents.
Interestingly enough, I went to House Ear Institute in 1984 to learn about cochlear implants. At the time, they were not FDA-approved (stats say 1985) and only had a few channels.
September 27, 2006
Closed Captioning in Google Video
About time someone did something! Closed Captioning Hits Google Video says that Google is captioning select videos. You can see a list of videos with captions here. Mostly stuff from NOVA and documentaries, but you can find a few fun videos like Mariah vs. Whitney. Unfortunately, the captions are a little faster than the singer.
September 25, 2006
MyHearingHealth.com
MyHearingHealth is a blog for anyone with a hearing loss and their loved ones - it’s a place to learn, share and grow. The site’s vision is to create a vibrant community and it accepts blog posts and feature articles from our readers in addition to the content written by Clarity and The EAR Foundation.
If you don’t have a blog, here’s a place you can share an experience or a story. You’re also welcome to contact me and I’d be glad to post the story with your name or anonymously. What I like about the site is that it’s open to submissions from anyone. I can only share so many experiences here, but when you include the community — you gain real insight into life with hearing loss.
September 21, 2006
Fans Sue for Captions
Hearing-Impaired Fans Sue for Access to Closed-Captioning. Go fans! Get ‘em! Can you tell I’m a Dallas Cowboy fan? It was fun living in Washington, DC for six years and watching the Cowboys win the Superbowl twice!
When I finished my assignment with one of the agencies, they gave me a Redskin shirt for a going-away gift. I wore it… for workout when I could sweat all over the shirt and make it yucky. :)
September 15, 2006
Captioning News: Not Good News
Time to start writing! From DeafNetwork:
The News Just Got Worse!
By Cheryl Heppner
In addition to the two exemptions announced today, the Federal Communications Commission has sent out 250 more letters granting captioning exemptions! They are apparently poised to send out another huge batch of letters that will amount to a total of about 550 exemptions.
Nothing about these other exemptions has appeared in the FCC’s Daily Digest to notify the public. The FCC is just making them available in the Public Reference Room. You wouldn’t even know to look for them there.
September 8, 2006
Cartoon Features a Guest Who Is Deaf
PBS cartoon Maya & Miguel celebrates Deaf Awareness Week (September 24–30, 2006) by featuring a character who is deaf and uses sign language to communicate. The episode, “Give Me a Little Sign,” premieres on September 25 and runs daily until Friday, September 29. This episode will have open captions, a first for PBS KIDS GO!sm programming.
Captioned Media Program (CMP) provides two flyers.
Two-page flyer with an in-depth explanation of the episode: http://www.captionedmedia.org/flyers/nadf131.pdf [pdf]
One-page flyer with several brief points about the episode: http://www.captionedmedia.org/flyers/nadf132.pdf [pdf]
August 28, 2006
Gene Responsible for Hearing Loss
Researchers have found another gene that increases a person’s risk for hearing loss. The gene known as KCNQ4 may be the cause of “age-related” hearing loss rather than long-time noise exposure.
Here are previously mentioned genes also linked to hearing loss.
August 17, 2006
Deaf Actress in Jericho
Shoshannah Stern, a deaf actress, is a cast member of Jericho, a new CBS TV show about the after-effects of a nuclear mushroom cloud appearing in the distance from Jericho, a small town in Kansas. Stern is a fourth generation member of a deaf family. Her brother and sister are also deaf.
She attended California School for the Deaf and Gaulladet University. Stern has guest-starred on Providence, Boston Public, and ER. She has a recurring role in Weeds, a Showtime show. She’s the only deaf actor to have a major role in two prime time TV shows in the same season.
August 11, 2006
News Links: 08-11-2006
U.S. Army in Iraq and the International Kids Fund donate funds to help an Iraqi girl get a cochlear transplant.
Discrimination in golf. Makes me grateful I never had a problem with sports or lessons and I’ve played or tried most of them (basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, tennis, golf, and racquetball).
August 7, 2006
Heroic Dog Motivates Kid
Take a bow-wow-wow tells the story of a dog who helped a boy. Jordon Marchant-Winsor lost his father when he was 18-months-old and he stopped speaking.
August 3, 2006
Interviewing People with Disabilities
I remember writing an article years ago, but can’t recall where or for whom. It was about interviewing people with disabilities from a job perspective. This article from Poynter on interviewing people with disabilities from a reporter’s perspective triggered the memory. This fine article shows how to do a story on someone who has a disability without sounding like a pity party.
The article quotes Joseph P. Shapiro, a reporter for NPR who said that “disability issues are rich territory for unusually rewarding stories. Why? Because disability issues are interesting and often complex. Because most coverage is cliched, leaving plenty of room for thoughtful stories that stand out. Because good reporting can change the way people think.” This quote comes from Reporting on Disability: Approaches and Issues, a style guide. Where is it? I couldn’t find it.
I love that last line. That’s what I try to do with this blog. Here are resources for interviewing people with disabilities from different perspectives:
July 25, 2006
Virtual Reality Teaches Math to Deaf
Purdue’s Envision Center for Data Perceptualizatoin reports its computer graphics students have created a virtual world using high-tech cameras and “cybergloves” that can translate body and hand motions into digital images to help teach math to deaf students. This technology lets a user interact with virtual characters. [Link: Kotaku
July 24, 2006
Gallaudet President Update
A press release indicates that “The Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University is meeting this Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, 2006 for a two-day session which will include at least one closed-door meeting.”
As Wonderland’s Alice said, “Curiouser and curiouser.”
July 19, 2006
Pro Football Player and Brother Plan Camp
Carolina Panthers quarterback Stefan LeFors, a CODA (child of deaf adults), and brother, who is deaf, Eric LeFors are planning a football camp for the deaf at Camp Lakodia in South Dakota.
July 17, 2006
Vote for Deaf Race Car Driver
Mike McConnell has been keeping up with Greg Gunderson, a race car driver who happens to be deaf. Gunderson is up for an upcoming TV reality show called “Racin’ for a Living.” If Gunderson gets enough votes, he’ll become the first deaf driver to compuete in the show. Voting ends on July 31.
I even overlooked a driver from Texas just to vote for Gunderson. It looks like you can vote more than once as the thank you for voting page says, “To Vote again, return to the home page HERE. If you hit the back button, your next vote might not count.”
P.S. If you’re reading this through a feed — the feed stopped updating on June 30. I’ve fixed the problem. I’m also working to remove the Yahoo Ads. Apologies.
July 6, 2006
Braille Mobile Phone
About time something like the Samsung’s Braille mobile phone hit the market. Kudos to Samsung. By the way, Wired lists Samsung as the #3 company in its Wired 40 list.
Also came across Assistive Media site that contains over 800 audio recordings. I’ve added this resource to the Audio Training Resources list.
This is the third time I’ve updated this entry as I keep coming across related information today. HumanWare announces a PDA for people who are blind and visually-impaired.
June 30, 2006
Donate Old Hearing Aids
From DeafNetwork:
What is HARP? HARP stands for the Hearing Aid Recycling Program. It is a program based in Dallas that collects used hearing aids and distributes them to deaf and hard-of-hearing people that cannot afford to buy hearing aids.
How are the hearing aids distributed? The hearing aids go to the Callier Center at the University of Texas at Dallas. The Callier Center then distributes the hearing aids to people who demonstrate a significant financial need.
Are the donations tax deductible? Yes. All hearing aid donations to HARP are tax deductible under the Callier Center’s 501(c)(3) status.
How can I donate my used hearing aids? The best way to donate is through the mail. Donations through the mail can come from anywhere in the United States. After contacting HARP, you will receive an envelope in the mail with a case to put the hearing aids in along with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope. Simply put the hearing aids in the case, put the case in the envelope, and drop the envelope in the mail.
Who should I contact to donate my hearing aids? E-mail Laurie at harp @ utdallas.edu or call her at 214-905-3055 to donate!
June 21, 2006
DVD CC Labeling Class Settlement Notice
From TDI by way of Deaf Network:
ATTENTION: IF YOU ARE DEAF OR HAVE HEARING LOSS AND HAVE PURCHASED, RENTED, OR OTHERWISE OBTAINED A DVD OR OTHER HOME VIDEO PRODUCT, OR IF YOU HAVE OBTAINED SUCH A PRODUCT FOR USE WITH CAPTIONING OR CLOSED CAPTIONING, PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY, YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY THIS PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. THIS NOTICE IS PROVIDED BY COURT ORDER.
Continue reading "DVD CC Labeling Class Settlement Notice" »
June 5, 2006
Hybrid Hearing Aid
New Hearing Aid Is ‘Hybrid’ makes no sense. I don’t see how this is different from a regular cochlear implant. One thing, though — I don’t think there is a big difference in how things sound through a hearing aid and a cochlear implant.
May 30, 2006
Deaf and Black Working to Get to PGA Tour
Black and deaf, golfer chases his dream is a nice story. I remember reading that Tiger Woods had many challenges in becoming a pro golfer simply because he was black. This guy is not only black, but also deaf. I hope he doesn’t encounter barriers, but who knows? We’re rooting for him.
May 26, 2006
Deaf Spelling Bee
May 18, 2006
Pro Hockey Team Supports Charities
I was pleased to read about my favorite hockey team, Dallas Stars, donated to Dallas Hearing Foundation and other charities. The team has a foundation known as the Dallas Star Foundation that awards grants to local children’s charities in support of a variety of needs. “The grants focus on a myriad of worthy causes such as heath services for disadvantaged youth, educational and social issues, family suppers, and crisis intervention,” said Dallas Stars Manager of Community Relations Claire Kinzy. The team awards grants twice a year.
The Dallas Hearing Foundation received a $9,200 grant to help the organization continue providing hearing aids to children not eligible for cochlear implants. “The DHF clearly supports and is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the children which it serves through providing medical services. In addition to aiding children, the DHF has a well defined and established plan of action for use of the funds, including directly providing children with hearing aids and other tangible services,” Kinzy added.
Stars are not only champs on the ice, but also in spirit.
May 16, 2006
Deaf Ballplayer in Hawaii Fights to Play
This is unbelievable. Deaf Ballplayer on Kauai Fights for Right to Play. I thought we came a long way from such events. For goodness sakes, it’s been over 20 years since I was 11 (And I started playing not long after Title IX in 1972, so you’d think I’d have more resistance then than today.) and there was no question as to whether or not I should play.
But there is one difference between the Kauai boy and me: he used an interpreter (his own dad!). No matter — it doesn’t affect the game to have an interpreter.
May 11, 2006
Gallaudet Board of Trustuees Chief Steps Down
Gallaudet Board Chief Steps Down (may need free registration. Here’s a source from the school) stating stress and “numerous aggressive threats.” The article also reports that Fernandes has no plans to step down like the original candidate selected prior to I. King Jordan’ selection. The students protested. The candidate stepped down. Jordan became president.
I’m all for the students speaking out against something they don’t like. However, I’m questioning the validity of this protest as it sounds like they’d protest anyone selected and find a reason to do it. One resource indicated they protested because they were no minority candidates. Well, last I checked, being a woman was considered a minority.
I read Fernandes’ bio and she has a most impressive background in deaf education. Let’s Move on is right on and I think it tells the real story that the rest of us are missing.
Update: Please read the comments. Finally got insight! Even I think Gallaudet’s board made a big mistake now.
May 10, 2006
Third of Deaf People without Jobs
While working for the federal government, I remember discovering that of all disabilities and differences (other than mental retardation), deaf employees had the lowest average salary. So I’m not surprised to read that Third of deaf people without work.
Like Helen Keller said, “Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.” I believe it to be true even with my ability to talk and lipread. When I attended conference calls, I felt cut off from those on the other side of the line and had to rely on those in the room with me.
May 9, 2006
Gallaudet Students Continue Protest
Read an article in The Dallas Morning News that the latest reason the students don’t like the president-elect is because she’s not “deaf enough.” She knows the perfect deaf person is one who is born of deaf parents, marries a deaf person, and has deaf children. Wow, lots of pressure on genetics.
The president-elect is married to a Gallaudet professor who is hearing and has hearing children. Obviously, her husband knows sign language, and she can’t help it if her kids aren’t deaf.
The first reports indicated the students didn’t like her demeanor. That has more merit, I think. What are the chances you’re going to find someone qualified for the president position that comes close to the “perfect deaf person?” The president-elect is a current employee with the university, so students are familiar with her.
So far, the administration doesn’t look like it’s going to back down and neither are the students. We watch and we wait.
May 5, 2006
Wheel Chair for $44
I read about the $44 wheel chair in Reader’s Digest some time ago. The fact the guy made an effort to invent something much needed and make it affordable amazes me. Wish we could do something like that for hearing aids. Maybe it’s possible, but I’m no engineer.
With the popularity of American Inventor, perhaps the company will have a second edition and we’ll see more inventions along these line. There was a guy who had a flosser for those who can’t use the regular flosser. He didn’t make it to the final 12, but I’m betting companies are noticing those who don’t make the finals and calling them up. I hope so.
Speaking of the show, the final four inventions are:
- baby car seat
- bike with site on the handles for a second rider
- football receiver tool
- Word Ace, an educational (shh…) game
I think the bike should’ve never made it this far. I hated that the toilet seat filter people had to go up against the baby car seat. The baby car seat looks amazing and I hope they pull it off. I’m interested in Word Ace as I love games, but for $50?
Seeing people lose their jobs or going bankrupt during the show was terrible. I hope that those who didn’t make it to the final four got noticed and perhaps, saw some benefit come from the show. Haven’t spent much time trying to find out what happened to them, especially Jodie (Headliner).
May 4, 2006
Gallaudet Students Not Happy with New President Selection
Students are not happy with the new president selected to replace I. King Jordon who is retiring. The committee selected a deaf person and female, but students protest because they believe Provost Jane K. Fernandes didn’t pay attention to their wants and needs.
They also say the selection process was racist because none of the top three candidates was black. No winning with this group. This time the committee picked a deaf person AND female. Before Jordan became president, the students protested the president selection because the first choice wasn’t deaf.
It’s great they’re speaking up and being heard, but this racist thing is a little too much. Who knows how many applied. Maybe none of the black candidates was deaf. I don’t know enough to comment.
More on the story from The Washington Post, but it requires free registration.
April 17, 2006
Deaf Dogs Need Homes DESPERATELY
Three of Cathy’s deaf dogs still need homes…and maybe a 4th. They are in Georgia. Transportation can be arranged. We only have till next weekend to save them. Even if you’re not in the market for a dog, you might know someone who is. The three deaf ones that need help are:
Felix, 3-yr-old Aussie/JRT mix, FEMALE (applications FAILED 2 TIMES) http://www.deafdogs.org/adoption/profile.php?dogname=felix&id=20
Mitzi, 4-yr-old ACD http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=4054187&adTarget
Hennessey, 4-yr-old mastiff/pit mix http://www.deafdogs.org/adoption/profile.php?dogname=hennessy&id=102
And there looks like there is a problem with Spaz’s adoption. Spaz, 3-year-old pit mix http://www.deafdogs.org/adoption/profile.php?dogname=spaz&id=23
Any and all ideas, offers or thoughts are welcome.
H E L P. Please.
Otherwise, next week (4/24), they go to a shelter. And will almost certainly be PTS. If interested, please contact Cathy at catsaye@tmail.com or Catrock5@yahoo.com
Contract to Build Interface for PDAs to Implants
Univity of Texas at Dallas Professor awarded a $1.3 million contract to build an interface that allows PDAs to send sounds to those who wear cochlear implants. It could potentially replace speech processors with PDAs creating more affordable and accessible technology.
April 12, 2006
Meet Tom, Dick and Harry
rediff.com: Say hello to Tom, Dick and Harry is a film with three characters: one deaf, one blind, and one mute. They live together and fall for the same girl. They also work in the restaurant / bar together with the girl who owns it. This Indian movie should be a fun one. I hope it comes t o the U.S. At least on video.
April 10, 2006
Falling Tree Kills Deaf Tourist
Freak accident… awful. Falling Tree Kills Deaf Italian Tourist. That’s one advantage of having an implant — even if you can’t hear what’s said, you can’t miss screaming. Anything louder than usual catches my attention.
March 29, 2006
New Disabilities Determination Process for SS
Social Security Administration’s Disability Service Improvement has announced that the final rule establishing a new disability determination process is on public display at the Office of the Federal Register. This is for those who receive or need to receive supplemental security income (SSI).
Mary Chatel (Mary.Chatel at ssa.gov), Executive Director of Disability Service Improvement, is available to discuss this.
March 23, 2006
Operation Lifesaver Educates Deaf Community
Tara Rose McAvoy didn’t have to die. She wasn’t even ON the railroad tracks, but near them. Obviously she and many others didn’t know that walking a a couple of feet away from the track could be dangerous. Gerri Hall, president of Operation Lifesaver said, “Many people do not realize there is at least a 3-foot overhang of a train on both sides of the tracks.”
Because McAvoy couldn’t hear the train’s horn, she didn’t know a train was coming and that she was in harm’s way. Operation Lifesaver sent out a press release stating they’re working to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing people about walking near the tracks.
The organization has 3,000 certified presenters in the U.S. and Canada who give free safety presentations to community groups and organizations. Let’s hope McAvoy’s death means saving many lives as people learn about the dangers of walking alongside the train tracks.
March 21, 2006
Preventing Hearing Loss
Wired article on preventing hearing loss talks about music, headphones, and speakers and how they affect hearing. The second page of the article provides tips for preventing hearing loss. A lawnmower is 85 - 90 dB. Here’s a list of sounds and how loud they are.
Dangerous Decibles is working to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss. It has an interactive Virtual Exhibit that’s worth checking.
March 20, 2006
Winter Olympics Bobsledder's Son Receives Implant
Olympian Vonetta Flowers Deaf Son Hears Cheers after receiving a rare auditory brain-stem transplant in Italy, a surgery that’s not approved in the United States. Flowers gave birth to twins who arrived prematurely. The daughter has normal hearing while the son has bilateral atresia (underdeveloped outer ears).
A cochlear implant doesn’t help people with a damaged cochlea or auditory nerve. So the option of simulating the brainstem with the auditory brain-stem transplant works for some people who fall in this group and Jorden was one of them.
March 17, 2006
Deaf Candidate Runs for Mayor
A Danville, Kentucky, resident wrote a letter to the editor in support of a deaf candidate for mayor. Couldn’t find more info on the Web other than short excerpts essentially saying the same thing.
March 15, 2006
Media Notices Captions Lacking Online
Thanks to Codeman38 for pointing out these articles from MSNBC regarding the lack of captions or transcripts on online videos. It’s a fast-growing frustration especially with video in iPods, PDAs, and another portable players. I can’t download TV shows and enjoy them like most of the public.
Subtitles: Deaf to the Problem
iPod screens too small for captions? Please. I’ve used a PDA since 1995 and have had no problem reading the smaller text that appeared in many apps when I reviewed PDA software.
March 14, 2006
Miss Deaf Texas Killed by Train
Bad news: Miss Deaf Texas Struck and Killed By Train in Austin. Apparently she was walking alongside of the tracks where she was close enough to get hit. Hearts and prayers go out to her family.
More articles on Miss Deaf Texas and one from CNN.
Updated on March 15, 2006
“DPHH Austin wants to make announcement that DeafCities.com just launched Tara Mcavoy Memorial Website where you can find information, news, photos, guestbook and other such. You can see it live at:
“Tara Mcavoy Memorial Trust Fund information is available on the web site.
“Any photos you want to add, please send to deafcities@deafcities.com and they will add it for you. If you have poems or anything, please go to the guestbook and write them. Within 60-90 days, we will hand over the website to Tara’s family for their memorial.
“As you know, our special event on April 8, 2006, we were suppose to have a surprise guestspeaker, this was for Tara Mcavoy that we are to donate money to support for Miss Deaf America, but with this tragic death, we feel deep hurt and sad, please give prayers for Tara and we will never forget her. We will contiune to donate the money to Miss Deaf Texas to compete for Miss Deaf America and to Tara Mcavoy Memorial Trust Fund.
“Please give them your support, they will be fully appericated.”
Thank you.
Regards,
DPHH Austin
Updated on March 14, 2006
From Deafnetwork: IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE!
“We are saddened to announce the death of our Miss Deaf Texas 2005-2007, Tara Rose McAvoy. She was killed on Monday, March 13th in Austin, Texas. Her friends and family will sorely miss Tara. Tara will always leave behind a legacy that will always be remembered. She represented Texas with dignity and pride and that will never be forgotten. Tara will always hold a special place in our hearts. Tara will be honored at the Miss Deaf America Pageant this summer in Palm Desert, California during the final night of the pageant. We want to express our deepest sympathy to Taras family during this time of loss.
March 12, 2006
Doctors Learn Sign Language
Doctors training in sign language isn’t an ordinary sign language course, but one that focuses on medical terms. This could be something we’ll see more of in the future… sign language tailored to specific professions — at least the critical ones like medicine. The article explains that more than one-third of hard of hearing patients didn’t understand their conditions because of communication barriers.
I never leave the doctor’s office without being clear on what came of the visit. When it was more important, I usually bring Paul or Mom with me. Sounds childish, but health is important and we don’t want to misunderstand when it comes to that.
March 3, 2006
Deaf Skydivers
I admire the Deaf Skydivers folks simply because I’m afraid to do such a thing! Paul would like to try it, but I’ll stay firmly grounded, thankyouverymuch. Guess you wouldn’t call me a daredevil. Scariest thing I did was rappel down a mountain and it was not that steep.
I love indoor rock climbing, though. That I do. No bungee, parachuting, or anything along those lines for me. That’s why I’d never try out for Amazing Race. I’d freak out on too many of the events. Besides, those long car trips would not work out well.
February 27, 2006
Read Captions Across America
From Deafnetwork:
“On March 2, the Captioned Media Program (CMP) is launching a nationwide Read Captions Across America (RCAA) event as a part of the National Education Association’s (NEA) ‘Read Across America.’ RCAA is the first national reading event that puts emphasis on the importance of captioned media as a reading tool for children with or without a hearing loss. Federal law mandates the captioning of television programming, but no law requires the captioning of educational media (DVD, video, CD-ROM, etc.). The goal of the CMP is to encourage teachers and librarians to think about the benefits of captioning for everyone!
“By participating in or passing the word on about Read Captions Across America, you are helping to break new ground in improving literacy and generating interest in reading in your state or region. Furthermore, you are doing so with the support of both the CMP and the NEA. With your participation, the CMP hopes that Read Captions Across America will make the NEA’s ‘Read Across America’ event an even greater success than ever before! To learn more about this event and the CMP, click on the following links:”
Visit our Read Captions Across America edition of the CMP Client E-Zine
More Read Captions Across America (RCAA) Links:
Captioned Media Program (CMP):
Article: “Read Captions Across America!” [pdf file]
Article: “Reading Captions Wakes Up the Brain Cells!” [pdf file]
February 23, 2006
Four Cochlear Implant Family
Four family members from one family received cochlear implants during the same week in 2004. Can’t believe they did that because some people don’t recover well from the surgery (me).
The parents had their surgeries one week apart, but it took me over a week to recover from the side effects. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting story and interview. Not the first time a family has undergone cochlear implants together. I know there was a husband and wife that also went through it.
February 22, 2006
Deaf Bloggers Talking Case
Deaf bloggers have “been using the Internet to keep track of developments in the case and dispel stereotypes about deaf people.” The case involves the murder of Darlene VanderGiesen, a deaf woman in Sioux Falls, where the suspect is another deaf person. Whoa. According to the article and the bloggers who are quoted, people believe that deaf people don’t have the capability to kill someone.
Well, obviously murdering is wrong… no matter who you are. I’d like for all of us not to have the ability to murder, but deaf people can certainly do it just like anyone else of any race, age, or gender. What a topic to debate.
Bloggers mentioned: Kokonut Pundits, Jamie Berke of About.com, and Ricky Taylor.
February 17, 2006
Restaurants Hires Deaf Workers
What do you do when you get sick of the politics in the hotel business?Open your own restaurant. What makes this one different is that it proactively hires people who are deaf to work there. One of its owners is deaf.
February 9, 2006
New Cochlear Implant
New Cochlear Implant using ribbon technology from University of Michigan might help improve hearing for profound deaf people and make the surgery less invasive.
Here’s another article on the University of Michigan research.
February 8, 2006
Lawsuit Filed against Target for Inaccessible Site
A student