A video: Learn about the Truth! Face your fear!

Here's an awesome video teaser with some great but somber-like music in the background about the truth in a world where deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people struggle to communicate between each other on a daily basis. What is this top secret video about? What truth will come out in February 2011?

Watch, wait and find out. You ain't seen nothing yet.....!

Buff and Blue on the missing Wirick article

I received an email response not too long ago where I inquired into the missing Buff and Blue article on Wirick. It was an interesting email whose answer brings up bigger questions. I feel it's important for people to know what was in this email sent to me from someone on the inside.

Unfortunately, we had to take the article down recently due to personal concerns for safety. However, we will be meeting with several administrators about this article when second semester begins and then make a final decision about whether to remove that article permanently or to post it back up.


I apologize for the inconvenience!

Shouldn't the author of that article ought to have thought of that first before publishing it?  I responded back inquiring further about this so-called "safety" concerns and the reply was this.

Unfortunately, I'm not in the position to say who, but any concern of safety is always important, so the article is no longer public until further notice.

Now, I'm thinking with a question mark over my head over this so-called "concerns for safety." Safety concern for whom? The author who wrote it? The names of the people that were discussed in that article? And  what's interesting is that this article will be discussed among "several administrators"? Sounds serious if the BnB is meeting with "several administrators" just to decide over an article that the BnB wrote.  I'm wondering if this "safety" concern is more of a ruse and has more to do with preventing a potential lawsuit down the road? Who knows? Gallaudet University's spring semester began on January 18. It has been almost two weeks. Perhaps we'll here about this decision soon enough? And if they decide not to put the article back upon, will we know about it?

What do you think?

It has been about month and half since the article was removed from the public eye although I still have a copy of that article for those who request it.  You can still see bits and pieces of the article here.

Making threats to DVTV

I happened to take a quick peek at DVTV to see what's up and came across KissASL's vlog about canceling a dance contest due to getting several emails threatening to "damage DVTV" if she goes ahead with the contest of hers. This is example of bullying in action. Whoever sent those emails is a friggin' moron and a coward who think the answer is to issue threats to the person and to ruin or damage DVTV just because he or she doesn't agree with what she's doing. I hope whoever sent those emails get caught for sending threatening materials to her and against DVTV. It doesn't matter who or what the issue is, it is simply inexcusable to write such an email letter to anybody on the matter of disagreements by making threats. This is almost just as bad for a deaf person to wish the death of a deaf father's baby son in the hope that he falls on the baby killing the infant (yes, this actually happened). Whatever. Such threats or wishes of harm or damage are inexcusable. Such actions are for the limp, weak minded people who can't handle such a simple concept like agreeing to disagree. Making threats over a dance contest on DVTV? We definitely have morons in our midst who have the inability to think constructively.

DeafASLvlogs - profile on courage

Back in May 25, 2010 I made a little blog note stating that I left a comment at DeafASLvlogs in response to her blog about me. I made a screen capture of my comment while it was in "awaiting moderation" mode and figured she was out and too busy to check in to approve comments. Guess what, and maybe I shouldn't be surprised, my comment never went through.  Is this a case of being a coward for not allowing my comment to go through? Or was it somehow tossed into the spam box or got deleted accidentally?  Or perhaps the simple answer is that she didn't want it to go through even though was nothing wrong in what I wrote. Maybe the dog ate her homework?  Aside from any possible accidental deletion I don't see any real justification on not to let my comments through. But it's rather quite curious that my comment didn't go through.

Below is my screen capture of what I wrote.

In case if you cannot read the screen capture then read below on what I wrote on May 24, 2010 @ 12:03 PM.

This is not a so simple world with simple solutions. Each person is unique on how we deal with our hearing loss. Each parents' situation is unique when it comes to their deaf/hh child on communication access. Hearing loss is about people with all kinds of hearing loss from mild to profound. Each person has certain communications needs, wants and preferences. Some don't care for identity politics while others are immersed in them. Some preferred to be called hearing imparied, deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf or simply say "I have a hearing loss." If some are hoping that sensorineural hearing loss would be reversed in 10 or 20 years for now and would like to see their own hearing loss restored as well, good for them. Who am I to tell them they shouldn't do that? Who am I to tell parents they shouldn't do that for their deaf/hh baby? Who am I to tell parents that their communication options ought to be more restrictive or limited for their deaf/hh child? Who am I to tell people whether if they feel whole or partial?


"Deafhood" as I see it is an ideology that mixes identity politics of its own brand, namely Deaf culture, rather than simply on a shared or common interest because mostly I see people that are constantly fixated on the "don't fix me" meme and connect that with "deafhood" and apply that to everybody else. No thanks.


The one single thing that is common in all of us is that we all have hearing loss from mild to profound. How our we deal with our hearing loss and communication barriers vary from one person to the next. So, that's the second common interest we all have. Everything else just de-evolve from there breaking up into various factions. Which is why I say, "Deafhood? No thanks." Accept that. Move on.


As for "deficient human beings," your analysis is wrong. I see potential in each and every human being regardless if a person is blind, deaf, partially paralyzed or has other certain limiting conditions but certainly does not limit their spirit and creativity. What I don't do is limit their choices. If one hopes that he or she will see again or have improved vision with the help of medical technology, I wish him or her luck. If one hopes that he or she will be able to hear fully once again, I wish him or her luck. If one hopes that a cure for spinal paralysis will happen soon on the horizon so that he or she can walk, I say good luck to that person and hope for the best. If a person chooses not to then I say, great, that is a personal choice. It is not my position to try and limit people dreams or hopes on their own journey, whatever that might be. It's not for me to say or define. Neither should you. It is not my position to limit parents' informed decision on how to raise their deaf/hh child. Rather I like to give them the opportunity to expand beyond what's possible by whatever means it would require to make for them see and experience positive success.


I hope that each of us succeed in our own ways that's positive and rewarding that each of us can only appreciate. Hopefully, others will appreciate it as well. Deaf identity politics is just ugly business. I have the right to define who I am, and not from you or anybody else have that right.

Too bad my comments never went through. Riding a motorcyle is courageous braving the danger and elements of the outdoors but does not have the cojones to let my comment through? How ironic. Granted, it's old and I meant to follow it up a month later after I submitted my comment.

Better late than never, I suppose.

Solitude in hiking

High Rock Lookout. You can see the tiny white cabin on top of center peak.

High Rock Lookout cabin (summer, 2009) with Mt. Rainier behind it.

When hiking alone as a deaf or hard of hearing person solitude can either be a peaceful place or a frightening one, depending on how you relate to being in the outdoors while alone, and unable to hear should that happen. It may seem frightening to some people on not being able to hear. But for me to hear with my hearing aid gives me that added dimension to my own version of what solitude is all about. And the opportunity to hear the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees and grasses, a babbling creek, roar of a waterfall, or birds chirping in the distance. And if I'm lucky hear the rattle of a rattle snake if I don't get too close (yes, I did see one and took a picture of it from 6 feet away, that's another story for another time).

I find it very peaceful, relaxing and whenever I hike to a spot high up on a mountain peak or on a ridge line area where I can see the vast distances spread out across before me. And witness the awesomeness of nature and her beauty. I grew up hiking, backpacking and camping as a kid and continue to do so as an adult.  I know what beauty is about. Nowadays, I get more of my hiking done that is work-related, getting paid to hike in the back parts of the forest as I go and get the needed survey data for my analysis. And the only way to get where I need to go is to hike.

At other times I hike when there is an opportunity to go when good weather comes my way such as hiking up to Gotchen Creek Meadows on the flank of Mt. Adams or hike up to High Rock Lookout where I hiked once before when I was a young boy at 8 years old did I actually remember that place on a hike with my mother and father, and my sister and brother that day.  Solitude is about revisiting your past as well. And I certainly enjoyed my 2 hour solitude there by myself.

I get my solitude "high" at these high places absorbing in the beauty and fresh air knowing that only a few people actually took the time to visit these altitude challenging trails. In fact, I met up with 4 older people on my trek to High Rock Lookout where one couple was from New Zealand and the other from Olympia, Washington. I had a nice chat with the people from New Zealand, especially the nice lady who had a quaint but soft New Zealand accent to her voice. I asked her to please speak up because I told her I have a hearing loss. After our brief 10 minute conversation on High Rock Lookout I asked two ladies to wave at me so I can take a picture of them as they departed on their way down the trail. One waving at me is from New Zealand.

One particular hike I fondly remember is a hike to a 10,600 ft ridge line peak that is part of the Sierra Blanca (12,003 ft) mountain ridge line in New Mexico. My hike was work-related and it was a 4.5 mile round trip hike starting at the end of a road in Bear Canyon as I hiked along Bear Canyon Creek trail inside the subwatershed.

(copy and paste Latitude and Longitude for Google Earth)
33 25' 05.20" N
105 49' 30.65" W

My hike began at 8080 ft on a 2.5 mile trail to a 10,640 foot ridge line peak where I stopped there for lunch.

(copy and paste Latitude and Longitude for Google Earth)
33 25' 05.20" N
105 49' 30.65" W

The place was an open grassy peak where to the west it drops off with trees downslope. The stop was breath-taking with a grandeur view of the Tularosa Basin valley below me where the Chihuahuan Desert is. I could see White Sands to the southwest of me to the Valley of Fire lava field almost directly to the west. And mountain chain on the opposite side of the Tularosa Basin valley could be seen. After an hour of absorbing in the beauty and fresh air, my lunch break was over. I hiked back down piggy-backing a ridge line back to my truck, a 2 mile hike where I had to bush whack my way through in some parts with downed trees. I wasn't on a trail but above the trail where I was earlier along Bear Canyon Creek. It was an awesome hike. I just wished I had brought my camera that day.

Another hike I took was the Dog Canyon hike in the desert of New Mexico near Alamogordo. My hike started at the 4400 ft elevation up to 4900 ft elevation where I did my taping for my "Adversity" vlog for hearing parents of deaf and hard of hearing children that speaking isn't something to be ashamed about. That hike was a relatively short one yet it was steep with with an elevation gain of about 500 ft, though the trail was well built and easy to hike on with some crudely made steps that were built in.  The weather was quite warm that day being that I was in the Chihuahuan desert and all that. The view certainly looked different being almost 50 miles further south from a hike I did up to a 10,600 foot ridge line peak.

(copy and paste Latitude and Longitude for Google Earth)
32 44'53.19"N
105 54'35.90"W

Solitude means different things to different people. As a person with hearing loss my solitude is about nature and the environment where I get the opportunity to enjoy the high altitude views. It's about the smell, the sound, the view and even the effort to get where you want to be will experiencing solitude be more refreshing than ever. The crunching steps of my boots on the trail. The swiping of a few handfuls of huckleberries to quench my taste buds.  A car trip cannot replace that same feeling of solitude, nor will it get you that same feeling of reward the effort it took you to a place few people hike to. The spirituality is different when you are one with nature, hiking a trail while you mull over your thoughts, alone. I have a lot of hiking ahead of me and lot places to visit in Washington and Oregon, especially next on my radar is my "super-secret" swimming hole near Tygh Valley, Oregon that I went often went as a kid with my folks who grew up nearby in Dufur, Oregon. There is solitude in hiking. When will you take yours?

A Poll: Should Mike stop blogging on Kokonut Pundit?

Note: If you're going to vote "Yes!!" at least have the cojones to explain why instead of being an anonymous coward.

I've been blogging a long time and enjoyed every minute of my blogging. I know I've contributed my generous share to the deaf and hard of hearing communities, and even the Deaf community with my invaluable contributions on a variety of important subjects and issues. Opinions do matter here whether you like it or not. I'm not shy about what I write here and ask the hard questions at times when others do not dare touch it. I speak with my mind, literally so, on occasion. And I'm sure my actions produced some shocking results to those whose own sensibilities are, well, rather sensitive and not used to the idea of seeing deaf/hh people talking and not sign. Really, it's all about diversity if people haven't gotten a clue yet.

As a matter of my own curiosity, should I continue with my blogging on my Kokonut Pundit blog? Why or why not? If you answered this poll please write down why you selected "yes" or "no." Don't be shy.

Have a great day!

Deaf Sneetches?

Here's a subtitled video "The Sneetches".

If you know the story about The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss then you'd already know about the story on tolerance and acceptance rather than to think one way is the better way. It's the senselessness of prejudice, discrimination and vanity. In other words, don't act all "snooty" or "snotty." I grew up reading all of the books by Dr. Suess. I suppose you guys have done that as well. But eating green eggs and ham are hazardous to your health. Chomping down a plate full of  green, moldy food isn't a smart thing to do.



And so, this led me to realize that even some Deaf, deaf, hh and hearing people aren't immune from being a "Sneetch" because "The Sneetches" story is about the human condition and frailty in us all regardless of hearing status or cultural affiliation. Elitism is an apt description, too. I even see a bit of "Zax" in them refusing to budge in some instances as well.

The Zax are characters from the Dr. Seuss books. They are stubborn and arguable and have messy hair and hairy bodies. They live in the Prairie of Prax. Varieties of Zax include a north-going Zax and a south going Zax. Due to their stubbornness, they refuse to go in any direction other than their assigned directions. If a south-going Zax encounters a north-going Zax, they cannot solve their issue and the world progresses without them, such as a highway being built over them.

But here's my view I've had for years now. I accept people regardless of their mode of communication. I understand the roles and decisions parents must face for their children with hearing loss with the hope they make informed decisions. I don't  go around calling parents "monsters" or "child abusers" for the hard decisions they had to make.  I don't go around and call people "Deficit Thinkers" just because of a difference of opinion or accuse them using the a-wordism, either. I believe babies, deaf, hard of hearing or hearing, knowing how to sign would be advantageous for them when it comes to communicating. And I also understand the fact that early intervention is key as well when it comes to auditory training and speech skills. I believe that communication access is essential to anyone with a hearing loss be it mild or profound and there are a variety of mode of communication and methods available for all of us, especially in a world where communication access technology is growing by the leaps and bounds.  But to call people as "sneetches" or "snooty" or "snotty" is at risk for using terminological exactitude in a world of constant labeling.  I don't act "snooty" if somebody prefers to use his or her voice and accuse the guy using the a-wordism. Nor would I act that way if a person prefers to sign, either.  But a Sneetch would say your signing isn't a "language" but my signing is a bonafide language signing while using English word order with his nose in the air.  Are you sure you're not a "Sneetch"? Really, it wouldn't matter how one signs or whether it must pass the language muster as long as people are able to understand each other, right? Wouldn't that make me "Sneetchless"?

Like I said before, isn't diversity great?

And now, go and take a vote in my poll whether I should continue blogging or not.

$10,000 grant from Staples to help deaf/hh kids on early communication skills

The Staples Foundation for Learning (known for their Staples stores) was generous in giving a $10,000 grant to Lake Drive Foundation, a non-profit organization, to help with the early intervention for deaf/hh kids from birth to age three.

The Lake Drive Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports programs for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, has received a $10,000 grant from Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL), a private foundation created by Staples, Inc. Funding from SFFL be used to support The Sound Start Program to give infants and toddlers with hearing loss the critical help they need from birth to age three to develop their communication skills during the optimal time for auditory learning.

Sound Start operates under the auspices of The Lake Drive Programs in Mountain Lakes, which offers New Jersey's most comprehensive continuum of educational opportunities for children with hearing loss from birth through high school graduation. The Lake Drive Programs provide services for more than 300 students who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information about The Lake Drive Foundation visit www.lakedrivefoundation.org.

And here's an article about the latest study using a 50 month long longitudinal data that support the effectiveness of auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The study matched children who were deaf or hard of hearing and using listening and spoken language with a control group of children who had typical hearing. Dornan and her team proceeded to conduct bench mark assessments for receptive, expressive, and total language, receptive vocabulary, and speech, and re-assessed at the 9-, 21-, 38- and 50-month mark. Over the last 12 months of the study, the team also assessed for reading and mathematics skills as well as self-esteem.

Results indicate that at the 50-month mark there were no significant differences between the children who are deaf or hard of hearing and the children with typical hearing. Speech perception improved significantly with moderate to high levels at the 50-month mark. Although the group was identified at a mean age of 22.29 months, much later than the current recommended age of 6 months, their language and speech attainments have been the same as the matched control (hearing) group. Reading, mathematics and self-esteem outcomes were also comparable for both groups over the last 12 months of the study period.


Dornan stated, “This study has provided a research model, utilizing a control group matched for language age, which could also be replicated across different languages, cultures, and countries and with different education approaches.” The researchers concluded that auditory-verbal therapy was effective for this group of children with hearing loss.

In short, AVT works.

John Tracy Clinic giant billboard in West Los Angeles

Here's a billboard spotted in West Los Angeles as part of the Public Service Announcement helped put up by generous friends in the outdoor media industry.

Here's a story on how children can learn to speak.  With the help of cochlear implant and JTC Catherine develop her speaking skill quickly. So, yes, children at JTC are speaking clearly. Watching the video there is one clip with a girl who respond in English to a question asked in Spanish. Another one shows a clip of a boy with a British accent whose parents are from Britain. At the John Tracy Clinic the requirement is that parents be involved with their children in their development of speech and listening skills. A skill that starts very early and last a lifetime.

Transparency and honesty in a non-profit organization

Here's something I found a bit odd and just noticed this discrepancy after I checked the DH Foundation 2010 donors page. On the main page on Deafhood Foundation page you will see a thermometer bar graph where it looks like its about 2/3 the way to $50,000 (between $10,000 to $50,000). In other words, they're saying they've collected about $35,000 to date since 2010 when the organization first started. If this is accurate then congratulations! Great! However, I am questioning whether their thermometer donation bar graph is accurate on amount shown.

Allow me to elaborate here.

Let's assume that each donor donated the maximum amount in each of the donated category amount. Adding up all of the donors in 2010 would turn out to be $18,137 on maximum amount of money donated in each donation category ($1 - $99, $100 - $499, $500 - $999, and $1000 - $2,499 with none donated higher than $2,500) while at a minimum it would be $4,242 in total. The amount donated for 2010 would fall between $4,242 to $18,137. Unfortunately, their donors page do not state specifically the total amount donated in 2010.

I took the liberty of screen capturing the main page with the thermometer donation bar graph on January 25, 2011 and added separation notches between $10,000 to $50,000 in $10,000 equal increments. 

From what it looks like the amount donated to date (January 25, 2011) is about $35,000 since starting last year (see their 1 year anniversary announcement) when they officially became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in their first tax year of 2010.

If the thermometer donation bar graph is accurate assuming they used equal increments of $10,000 between $10,000 and $50,000 then that means from January 1 - 25, 2011 they appeared to have collected an additional $17,000 to $31,000 if you take into consideration last year's donation amount between minimum to maximum amount donated ($35,000 - $18,137 = around $17,000, and $35,000 - $4,242 = around $31,000).  I sincerely hope that thermometer bar graph is correct. Did the DH Foundation collect between an additional $17,000 to $31,000 on donated money over the last 25 days in 2011? Yes, I'm questioning the validity of that amount.  Is the graph accurate on total donated amount since 2010 at around $35,000, currently shown?

Yes or no?

Just as I have questioned DBC's website (NOT a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) about their hit counter showing 2.4 million hits (currently it is at 2.6 million hits four months later) making it look like people are flocking to it in large numbers, I feel it's appropriate to ask about the accuracy of that thermometer bar graph.

For any 501(c) non-profit organizations transparency and honesty are expected from them. This organization made that clear on their status seen at the bottom of their website:

The Deafhood Foundation is a non-profit community foundation incorporated in the state of California with 501(c)3 tax exempt status. Tax identification number 26-2603125.

Transparency and honesty.

ADDENDUM: In December of 2010 they were able to raise over $12,000. But that is not shown in the 2010 tax year Donors page .

ADDENDUM II:  Here's a PDF file of Deafhood Foundation's 2009 tax year return where it shows a $6,400 worth of contribution(s) for 2009 tax year. You can access any non-profit 501(c)3 organization's tax filings through Guidestar and you can get information on the organization's business and taxes.

Stem cells to repair hearing loss in nine years from now

A bold prediction has come in. In nine years prediction of stem cell procedures will become available to help regrow or repair hair cells in the ear to help people regain their loss of hearing isn't too far off.

Regeneration of hearing abilities and teeth – Deafness is a result of malfunctioning or damaged cochlear and vestibular hair cells that are found within our inner ears. It might be possible to repair or re-grow these hair cells through inducing stem cells with proper stimulation. Although it is a success with mice already, human beings might have to wait till the year 2020 to actually benefit from this method.

In only 9 years from now, imagine that folks. And then begin the procedures for babies born with a hearing loss by reversing it. Then cochlear implantation will no longer be a controversal proceed because it would become outdated and old in favor of a new medical procedure that'd be more effective.

Only time will tell.

The Discombobulated ASL Body

Broken ASL? Perfect ASL? SEE, SE, and PSE are not (modes of) communication by David? Perfect ASL?

Calling PSE or English order signing as ASL where Patti said that "ASL has even made it into outerspace" by a female astronaut signing inside a space ship to mother Earth?

But the astronaut is signing in Signed English (SE) but not in ASL according to Dianrez and Boutcher.

Yet SE, according to, um, experts say it's not a language, so it cannot be ASL though it falls under the same category as PSE and SEE as signing in English word order.

But not surprisingly we have a poll result of over 75% of the participants saying that the female astronaut signs mostly in some form of English word order whether it's PSE, SE, or SEE and not strictly in ASL.

Don admits to signing in PSE (or at least he acknowledged he signs heavily in signed English word order) and not strictly in ASL although as professor he "teaches" ASL. But he hasn't accepted the challenge to strictly sign in ASL in a video demonstration? 

Right now it seems to me that most signers regularly use English word order in their signing as part of their visual language of communication rather than strictly in ASL. Perhaps those who took the survey poll might be confused as thinking their signing is in ASL but in reality uses more English word order (e.g. PSE, SE, SEE) than they care to admit and perhaps their signing actually fall under the category as either SE, SEE or even PSE? Perhaps like David or Don, for example?

People seriously need to make up their minds instead of making things up along the way in the effort to tout ASL as the all encompassing signing umbrella by those who sign in SE, PSE or even SEE just so they can put a few more notches on their ASL bedpost and call those signing as "ASL." All of sudden it appears we're seeing these incestuous relationships happening among many culturally deaf people in their exhaustive efforts to label just about any signing, part and parcel, as "ASL."

Here's a clue.

Just don't call any English word order signing as "ASL" if you're adamant of calling them as "not a language." Just call it sign language instead. Now, when you sign ask yourself, "Am I really signing strictly in ASL or am I just fooling myself here calling it as ASL?"

Folks, can you say, "discombobulated"?

Understand diversity, a response to deaf Jeff.

Mike and a hearing co-worker hiking at 10,900 feet near Sierra Blanca (12,003 ft).

You know, I don't read every single gosh durned blogs that has ever been written by a deaf or hard of hearing person but when I do come across one that has been addressed to me I may respond depending on the context and questions asked. This time it's the desert man "Deaf Jeffrey" out of Terlingua, Texas in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert. He wrote in his blog last year in June 2010 about me and a few others that seems so.......wrong. But is it presumptuous of him to think that just because one writes a blog mentioning my name would I somehow, magically so, through osmosis respond automatically?  Although some six months later I came across his Terlinguan blog today and decided to respond to his three questions and his off-kilter assumptions about me. I don't think I ever read his blog before so how am I suppose to know he wrote a blog about me and targeting others like Candy, Barry, Russell, Joshua, and Rachel?

Allow me to answer his three questions succinctly as possible.

1. Have you experienced someone acting superior to you or discriminating you because you couldn’t hear perfectly or speak effectively?  Sure, I've experienced discrimination. My hearing ain't exactly perfect ya know? I'm not even perfectly deaf, either.

2. Have you acquired more knowledge and experience about hearing loss than the average hearing person? Certainly. Haven't you been reading my blogs?

3. Have you experienced what it is like with life without a speaking voice or a hearing aid (including C.I.’s) on a daily basis? Sure, whenever I take off my hearing aid to go to bed, shower, or swim in a nice swimming hole.  Oh wait, you mean....?

Now, before I go further. Jeff makes this supposition had I either responded "yes" or "no" to his questions I would either be deemed as an "avdist," a "propagandist" for the hearing collective, or some guy who think he might, kinda, understand what's going on even though I've repeatedly said over the years that it'd be good for kids with hearing loss to learn signing whether it's SEE, PSE or ASL. My advocacy has always been this. Give the parents the opportunity to be informed so they can make an informed decision regarding their child with a hearing loss.  If they decide to go with SEE and cochlear implant, so be it. Or go with SEE and hearing aid, so be it.  We need to support their decisions. Shouldn't you? Perhaps not, if you're really selfish. Maybe I'm wrong here. If it's hearing aid and AVT, support their decision on that, too. If it's ASL and hearing aid, then support their decision even though the signing would more likely be PSE or SE and not really ASL per se in the strictest sense if you have parents who are hearing in the first place. So, no need to call it "ASL" when it's not really that and carve an extra notch on the "ASL bedpost." But as long as parents make an informed decision that best fit their child with a hearing loss then I have no problem. After all, it's they who hold the trump card. Meaning it is they who make the final decision. Not exactly stupid or pointless about that but simply the facts here.

By the way, exactly what are some of the several things I've (or others) said and done towards certain people that I should "take back" as you have said in your blog? Might want to clarify that further for one thing, Jeffrey. There's an implication here you're attempting to allude to. Might want to find the courage and spill that one out.

Oh, wait a min....that "courage" thing. That one is discussed at the end of my blog. So, just continue on with the reading.

Incredibly so, Jeffrey believes that what I do works well for me I've said it would work just as well for every other child with a hearing loss. Where have I said that? My blogs or words never even come close to what Jeff has said. Do you know for a fact that people with hearing loss range from mild to profound? Is this some kind of envy at work here or what? I can't help but say that when I see comments like this coming from Jeffrey:

Just because you’re doing what is “normal and right” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing what is good for everyone. Besides, you’re not normal and you never will be, so get over it and move along with the rest of us.

Touchy, aren't we, Jeffey? "Not normal"? I am not "normal"?  Perhaps I'm just more than "normal" instead? "Super normal"? Not exactly Superman here but I'm simply a guy with a hearing loss who do things well and enjoys them.  And all that wouldn't have been possible without my mother's help, my hero, early on in my life. Of course, I shan't forget that technology played a huge role in my development, too. I suppose you could blame her for her stupid, stupid early intervention and development efforts that did me no good, eh? Perhaps sue the Zenith company, the maker of my first body worn hearing aid, for allowing me the early access to sound?

Mon dieu!

And exactly what is this "move along with the rest of us" are you speaking of? My goal isn't to forget the rest of the 29.2 million people with hearing loss out of 30 million people in the United States. Is that what you mean? Sorry, the Deaf community isn't that big in the first place nor justified or reason enough to ignore the rest of the 29.2 million people.  If you're going to say "us" might as well include absolutely everybody in mind with hearing loss across all levels regardless of their preferred mode of communication.  Right? I play to a different drum here. Get used to that idea, Jeffrey.

But what a great line from Dr. Seuss Jeff managed to steal from but Sneetches we're not.

What I want to point out to these people is that what they do, whether knowingly or not, is not cool. It’s not cool to walk around all snooty and snotty like those sneetches who had bellies with stars did upon those who had none upon thars.

Not exactly snooty or snotty, either. But I'll give you 5 stars for imagination though.

Next on my item. Which place is better? Terlingua, TX or Alamogordo, NM?

Ever had the chance to hike up a mountain at over 11,500 feet where on one side of the mountain you can see the lush green landscape expanse that spreads out below you while on the other side you can see the great expanse of the valley desert below? Something like the Tularosa Basin as seen from 11,500 feet near Sierra Blanca (12,003 ft)? I certainly did in 2008 as seen in the picture of me hiking around at 10,900 feet high with a fellow co-worker. Hiking around or near Sierra Blanca was a regular occurrence for me while working in the Sacramento Mountains and White Mountain (Sierra Blanca) of New Mexico. I worked  on the Jicarillo Mountain north of Sierra Blanca all the way down to the mountains near Carlsbad close to the Texas border to the south. A chance to experience the lush alpine meadows to the dry gully washes and scorching landscape dotted with a variety of cacti and other desert plants.

Near Sierra Blanca looking southwest to White Sands in the distance

I lived for seven years in Alamogordo, New Mexico. A town that lies at 4300 feet adjacent to the Sacramento Mountains. A town that is located on the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert. You can see a bunch of desert pictures here which is exactly like that of Terlingua, Texas where Deaf Jeff lives. Not much difference, desert and plant-wise except where I lived I had the best of both worlds with the expanse hot desert of the Tularosa Basin valley that lie at 4300 feet to a place 11,500 feet high near Sierra Blanca summit (12,003 feet) near Ruidoso, New Mexico. High altitude hiking gave me the chance to experience the high alpine rush of the cool air during those arduous summer hikes of mine. Terlingua is better? That's a matter of opinion.





If Jeff reads my blog then hurray! If he never comes around to it, then so be it. I'm not going to preface this blog with an ending note on the matter of "courage" if he doesn't respond. Pretty silly to even try and bring that one up not even knowing whether my blog will be read or not.

This is all about adversity and how we live it, challenge it, and even overcome it. Courage isn't about answering questions. Courage is about what you make of in life and the things you're good at instead of hiding it. Social guilt isn't going to work here.

Enjoy your Chihuahuan Desert, deaf Jeff. Although where I lived for seven years in New Mexico is just that much better with more landscape diversity to enjoy from the scenic Chihuahuan Desert environment to the lush alpine meadows at 11,500 feet high . Wouldn't you say that diversity is a great thing to have? Rather than a bland desert with a few dry hills?

Part 3 of 4 - best and worst comments of 2010

Here's part 3 of 4 on the best and worst comments of 2010.  Start at the beginning here in July and read it. It almost reads like a story and funny how it seems to connect in some places. And be sure to click on some of the links at the very end in "Links to this post" that were automatically posted there as a result of my adding my own links in this blog. Have phun.

Part 1 of 4 go here.
Part 2 of 4 go here.

July 2010

I bet he pissed in his pants when you met him first at NAD in California. Ha! What would I give to see that moment.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/07/persona-non-grata.html

This guy's brain is definitely fried.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/07/deaf-bilingual-coalitions.html

This whole Milan fixation is getting really, really old.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/07/enemies-of-choices.html

This post has been removed by the author.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/07/puzzling-irony.html

I dare you post this comment
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/07/limp-handshake.html

I dare them to show up at the IRS/Deaf conference and make hay in her prescence.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/07/politically-incestuous-relationship.html


Aug 2010

GAHHHH!! HULK NO LIKE PUNY YELLOW-BELLIED HUMANS! HULK BASH! GAARRRRHHHHHHH---HHHAAAAARRRGHHHHHHH!!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/08/incredible-hulk-character-equals.html

I'm sorry your intelligence and vision are too limited to see the big picture and contemplate alternate possibilities.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/08/incredible-hulk-character-equals.html

I'm trying so hard not to laugh, but I have to agree with the Holism about the monopoly money.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/08/incredible-hulk-character-equals.html

I'm glad I wasn't raised using ASL.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-are-risks-for-asl-option-in-ab2072.html

No Bigfoot sighting yet?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/08/hike-to-gotchen-creek-meadows-on-mt.html

September 2010

I get so sick of this antagonism in the Deaf blogosphere. Why not focus on the REAL issues?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/erroneous-and-dishonest-blogging-by-cam.html

Usually, I'd hear occassional yowling.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deaf-lies-videos-and-squeaky-beds.html

I knew some deaf students are several years behind on the maturity level as I've had it with a handful of deaf classmates in the mainstreamed program.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/immaturity-of-some-deaf-people.html

Fish heads fish heads,
Roly poly fish heads,
Fish heads fish heads,
Eat them up yum.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/fried-brain-and-yummy-desserts.html

That almost looks like a Dr. Seuss book title.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/fried-brain-and-yummy-desserts.html

Her - I don't consider "deaf." She never grew up deaf and has no clue what it is like. So, so she really doesn't have any say in all this.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deafhood-religion-like.html

I’m glad that I didn’t end up being like them. I would kill myself if I’m like them.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deafhood-religion-like.html

But if they continue to do what they have been doing, bashing any communication mode that isn't ASL, I seriously doubt they would raise that much funding during my lifetime. Unfortunately, I think we'd all see flying pigs first.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deafhood-religion-like.html

I am sticking up for Kim... she learned ASL, expressed her thoughts as a late deafened person, etc. I DON'T support any belittling just because one is not deaf enough.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deafhood-religion-like.html

No ONE can FORCE their values upon you. The informed choice is YOURS.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deafhood-religion-like.html

I live in an area with a large number of core DHers. Anonymous I shall always be until something changes for the better. does that make me a coward?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/anonymous-comments-no-longer-allowed.html

Being Deaf isn't a religion, so belief in Deafhood or Paddy Ladd or even Deaf culture shouldn't be a requirement.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deaf-person-says-no-such-thing-as-deaf.html

She's not expressing her opinion on speaking vs signs, she is actually telling people, NO! you must not support oralism! You must HATE it!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/you-have-to-be-hard-of-hearing-to.html

She says basically speaking is fine, but oralism is bad. That being the case, how do deaf people learn to speak without oralism?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/you-have-to-be-hard-of-hearing-to.html

Through HLAA and ALDA, I am part of a growing, thriving, powerful mostly oral deaf community...
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/you-have-to-be-hard-of-hearing-to.html

The majority of deaf people signing ASL will never master English. It is indeed a last resort language.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deaf-culture-yes-blind-culture-no.html

There's no deaf cuisine, there is no deaf costume, there is no deaf religion, there is no deaf furniture, so who are we to say there is a deaf culture?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deaf-culture-yes-blind-culture-no.html

As Patty who is blind/visually impaired once said, they are at the bottom of the totem pole in the Deaf community.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deaf-culture-yes-blind-culture-no.html

Perhaps you have a personal angst against me and that is making you blind to what I write?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/deaf-culture-yes-blind-culture-no.html

We really had some good laughs, didn't we? Oh, so that's how it all began...
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/go-nad-turn-head-and-cough.html

It is very unfortunate that few people have resorted to ad hominem attacks to criticize you personally.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/when-deaf-community-sucks.html

I do see a bit of Socrates in you. Socrates was famous for questioning everything that really annoyed some people during his time.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/when-deaf-community-sucks.html

And no, I don't think you're out to destroy the deaf community. Haven't seen anyone deaf or hard of hearing who tries to do that.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/when-deaf-community-sucks.html

He's the one who has made our deaf blog world so negitive. He's one that has attacked everyone around him because of his POWER ego.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/when-deaf-community-sucks.html

That dude ain't no hero in -MY- book.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-is-deaf-hero.html

Ain't nothing more to say about Paotie. Paotie is Paotie.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/paotie-complex-response.html

We're heading toward an idiocratic society, thanks to these people not making efforts to improve themselves intellectually.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/paotie-complex-response.html

Gawrrrshhhh, so some of us got dropped on our heads as babies a couple of times? 
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/paotie-complex-response.html

My curious mind leads me to wonder why folks read blogs that they have no interest, but yet their comments are those of "reactoraholics" word is copyrighted by this commentor, please send check or cash for literary license use of the word.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/09/paotie-complex-response.html

Google ranking on rape at universities

Just as I was hoping it'd turn out the way I expected to when it comes to Google search results on rape and universities when I blogged on a very serious issue of rape on campus by supplying some facts and numbers last week. Now, when you Google the words"Gallaudet University" and "rape" will you find my recent blog on forcible sex or rape at Gallaudet University as #2 on the list of search results while a blog piece I did in 2006 came up as #1. So, hopefully my recent research will help those come to a realization on just how many students' lives have been affected by that crime. And start asking serious questions for a change.

It's a bit sickening whenever one puts the value of rape victims at a much lower priority in the effort to protect Gallaudet University at all cost.  I'd say that these things need to be exposed often and hopefully somebody or the administration will find a way to address this very problematic situation that has been going on for years. And by doing so would make Gallaudet University a better and safer university for that matter. If people can't see that then certainly something is wrong with them. Heartless would be the word. Shame on them for protesting against raising awareness of this serious forcible sex crimes or rape against students at Gallaudet University.  Loyalty is certainly misplaced. Think of the victims for a change instead of your own selfishness.

Barb Digi and Professionalism

Barb Digi publicly resigned from the DBC in a YouTube notification to viewers a few days ago after only a few years in the organization. Despite the numerous controversies regarding the organization she made a point about pursuing an area with greater professionalism in her video if you read the transcript at the end. I agree. Professionalism is key to maintaining and keeping one's own integrity. I've noticed that she has tried to keep Deaf politics out of the way and focus on exemplifying on the positive on how signing can help babies, deaf or hearing, to communicate more effectively with parents.



The simplest approach is to show the positive side of signing (not necessarily "ASL" but signing in general) to parents of deaf and hard of hearing children and leave it at that. I produced a video showing an example of how a simple YouTube of my 1 year old hearing daughter signing at her 1st birthday celebration can carry more weight on delivering a simple message...communication can be understood between a one year old baby and adults.  That simple video message alone carries more weight than for highly visible members connected to an organization to go on a rampage, attacking people and other organizations because their views do not agree with that of DBC.  Once you employ yourself in an organization, what you do or say reflects on the organization's standard of professionalism. Once you abuse that then that organization loses its integrity because of the strong association with an organization and presents a very negative image of that organization. Leaders of any organizations must have a goal in mind on ensuring absolute professionalism. Once you lose that professionalism then any message or goal in an organization would lost or damaged.

Parents simply need to be informed and with that information they can make an informed decision. The parents still hold the trump card because they are the ones who make that crucial decision whether going for a cochlear implant or a hearing, using cued speech, SEE, ASL, SE, PSE, SimCom, or oral-auditory approaches. Even the decision to employ the help from John Tracy Clinic, AGBell or NAD. The key understanding here is that it is ultimately the parents' decision for their deaf or hh child on what they feel is best. The decision does not rest with the DBC. Not Gallaudet University. Not NAD. Not AGBell. Not John Tracy Clinic. They do not own babies with hearing loss. All they can do is provide the necessary information so parents can make an informed decision. Politics will simply turn parents off. That's what professionalism is all about. Informing parents and not let politics get in the way by harassing people for their decision or opinions on other mode of communication or educational approaches that people think are good.  By publicly going after people for having a different opinion or approach would push any message about signing for babies out of the window. I think Barb Digi understands that. So does Amy E. Cohen.

And with that, I sincerely wish Barb Digi all the luck and successes in her professionalism goal and new opportunities in helping parents understand the value of signing for all babies. Politics is not the answer. A simple positive message is the answer. Step into that mud puddle of politics, then you risk tainting your own professionalism and an organization's  own standard.

Good luck, Barb. I mean it.

When deaf people blame Palin and others for massacre shooting

I'm hesitant to discuss politics in this blog but this latest round on the lack of common sense by a few deaf people is enough for me to shake my head at those who continue to blame the recent and horrible massacre in Tucson, Arizona on Sarah Palin, the Tea Party, Reagan, the full moon or anything else remotely related to her brand of politics and beliefs.  This was a horrible and sad event where the murderer managed to kill several people and injured scores of people.  Even now we are not even sure exactly what his motives were for the shooting and yet lately there were a few deaf people in FB, YouTube, and in blogs who audaciously (and foolishly) went around blaming anything remotely related to Sarah Palin in terms of politics and ideals. Not a good time to go totally unhinged with blind rage. In fact, it's never a good time to go unhinged at all. Makes you look even nuttier doing that.

Common sense needs to prevail here rather than succumbing to knee jerk emotional responses that do not make any one iota sense. Watching unhinged people isn't a pretty thing to witness.

Here we have a psychotic and mentally unstable shooter who is a registered independent. Not a Democrat. Not even a Republican. The guy appeared not to have any interest in classes while in college and had many outbursts whose demeanor and actions scared the crap out of one professor. There's no evidence that Loughner was influenced by Palin in any way. Rather it seems to boil down that he was simply mentally unstable according to a New York forensic psychologist by pointing out that his actions were possibly a sign of schizophrenia.

"My prediction is that as more information comes out, we're going to find out this young man truly has serious mental issues going on," said Michael Nuccitelli, a New York forensic psychologist who has conducted about 100 mental-health evaluations in criminal and civil cases. "He's got his own agenda, his own rationale, his own perceptions for why he did what he did."

This is a monster who smiled when his mugshot was taken.

He has several favorite books like Mein Kampf, Communist Manifesto, and a hodgepodge list of other books.

Yet with all of the OMG! hand-wringing, self-flailing utter nonsense over Palin’s “targeted districts” map is simply quite silly since such a target symbol used on that map is a concept that has been used in political fundraising for decades. Even Markos Moulitsas, founder of Daily Kos, even puts a bullseye on Giffords, too. But even that bulls-eye page "mysteriously" disappeared. Kind of like Palin, too? How about going after Moulitas, too? The massive criticism of Sarah Palin is misguided and completely baseless.

Time to calm down, folks. Looking for something that isn't there like the tooth fairy. Even Barbara Walters knows that.

And if you look at the history of past assassinations and assassination attempts on political or public figures in the U.S. the killer's reason usually don't match up well with the main issues that a public figure has stood. Something to think about.

Now, imagine if Sarah Palin said a few years ago even though she is pro-gun:

“If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun...”

There would've been howls of protest saying she attempted to incite or suggest violence. But, fortunately, she never said that. Nor would she approve of saying that.

But that remark? It came from Obama.

Would it be fair to attribute the killing (God forbid) of a Republican public figure by a lone, mentally undisturbed, deranged shooter to Obama's gun quote as causing the shooter to act?  It'd be pretty stupid, would it not? Kind of like that map, right?

At least Sarah Palin hates violence and war, and would rather see love and friendship all around. So, that's good to hear. And I'm sure you love to eat halibut, too. Sarah loves it, too, by killing it to make dinner out of it later on. How cool is that? Watch when they gut the fish and pulls out a still beating heart. Biology 101!

So, please, don't go unhinged by babbling nonsense. Step back, take a breath, and wait, and let cooler heads prevail. Let's wait and see exactly what the motives were for the shooting.

But now is the time for continual prayers and thoughts for the families of the victims.

And now back to my regularly scheduled programming.

Fraternity/Sorority - is it for you?

I came across an opinion piece that was written 10 years ago about fraternities and sororites at Gallaudet University. It's an opinion that I've come to agree with and it nearly mirrors exactly how I feel. I don't know who this deaf person is (assuming he is deaf or hh) but the person wrote an excellent opinion piece. The article below is not mine but it's something worth reading. Would joining a fraternity or sorority at Gallaudet Univesity highly over-rated. Or not? That depends on your perspective.

It has become very clear to me that traditions and standards are not necessarily upheld between distant chapters of fraternities around the country. The feeling of camaraderie between the 'brothers' does not necessarily cross chapter boundaries. Each fraternity chapter has to be viewed on its own as a separate entity, because the Greek letters don't carry the tradition they are purported to.

Anyone who has been in the cafeteria lately can attest to the fact that Gallaudet University is heavily clique-oriented. There's girl tables, there's guy tables, there's frat tables, etc. etc. Can you spell junior high? I knew you could. Any student at Gallaudet can point out where "the Kappa Gamma table" is without hesitation. Similarly, the theatre and music people have their little region. You get the point.

What groups of people on campus are more directly responsible for perpetuating the clique mentality than the 'social clubs?' At a school of less than 1500 people, where knowing everyone isn't a difficult task, allegiance to a particular social club only serves to divide up the campus into distinct cliques with surprising homogeneity. I think that this sort of behavior only hinders diversity and bolsters a stagnant social atmosphere.

People who are opposed to the Greek system often site that joining a fraternity forfeits, to some degree, individuality. I disagree with this to some extent. I could join a frat tomorrow and be no less weird. But, joining a fraternity does label you as 'one of them' just as my good standings in school labels me. As much as I hate generalizations and stereotypes, people do tend to choose a fraternity based on the similarity of the members to themselves. I'm a literature freak who doesn't drink - what fraternity do you think I would join? I know that members of the Greek community on campus are very quick to dispel generalizations concerning any Greek organization, but I want one of these people to look me in the eye and honestly tell me that when I say 'The Dork Frat' nothing comes to mind. Seriously, how many people on campus don't know what I'm talking about when I say 'The Frat for Overdeveloped Drunk Jocks?'

Of course the fact that these generalizations exist does not mean that they are valid, right? Not necessarily, but at least to a large extent they are. Each and every Greek organization on campus carries with it an image that is applied to each of its members and it is that image that the rest of the world associates with the organization name. As individualistic as the members of a given fraternity may be, the organization as a whole still carries that image. The fraternities at Gallaudet each have their distinctive images, and you don't need me to tell you what they are.

There's not necessarily anything wrong with the inherent homogeneity of our fraternities and sororities. If it weren't for some semblance of common interest, it would be difficult to attract new members. All I'm saying is that the choices for fraternities at Gallaudet are pretty slim, and none of them possess an image that I would want to be associated with.

In fact, all four Gallaudet fraternities possess and uphold a stereotypical image of one form or another that I would be ashamed of. But, then again, when I look around at the student body and the Greek organizations in particular, I'm glad for the differences that separate me from them. In short, the reason I didn't join a fraternity is that I'm too proud of my independence, self-reliance, and individuality. As much as I hear people arguing the contrary, joining a Greek organization does constitute a forfeiture of independence to some degree. Allowing myself to be placed under the fraternal label would only bring me one step closer to being like them - and for me that's a step in the wrong direction.

Aside from the whole image problem, none of the typical reasons for joining fraternities are appealing to me either. The whole networking thing, to me, is annoying, As much as it may be true that a prospective employer might hire me over someone else because we're fraternity brothers, I find the possibility revolting. If I get hired, I want it to be for my skills, not because someone I've never met was in a social club with the same letters as me. I think any employee that uses this to their advantage is short on talent and any employer that does so has their priorities all screwed up.

Another reason people join fraternities is for the feeling of family; to have brothers there with you to share in your experiences and troubles. Well, I've already got all the close friends I need, and I'm certainly not going to pay dues to have those friends handed to me in a big group. I'd rather pick and choose for myself. Also, I never want anyone to feel obligated to be friendly with me. There's an element of false friendship or respect that goes along with signing in to a family. There's not a fraternity chapter I've ever seen, certainly not one on this campus, that doesn't contain some people that I truly have no respect for at all, and I'm not going to be pressured into false tolerance. I'll despise whom I choose, thanks.

The last real reason that leads some people to join fraternities is the social aspect. On a larger campus, maybe this would hold more weight, but at Gallaudet it's sort of a moot point. Certainly for me, anyway, considering that I don't drink and my idea of a good party doesn't involve passing out on the lawn. When was the last fraternity social event at Gallaudet that didn't center around the keg? Why would I want to join a fraternity?

RELAX! This is diversity!

I've always recognized the diversity within the deaf and hard of hearing community and that no matter what their mode of communication is no one is belittled for their choices. None. Whether it's preferring to sign in SEE, SE, PSE, MCE, Rochester Method, speaking and listening (oral-auditory), cued speech, or even ASL. It is also about people who prefer their hearing aids, cochlear implants or none at all. And with diversity it is also about recognizing people's varying experiences and skills that shape their opinions and understanding in life with their hearing loss.

My experiences and skills do not invalidate other deaf and hard of hearing people's experiences and skill. But we do have opinions on a variety of issues and subjects. And we should simply respect people choices on how they wish to communicate as long as access to communication is there. Just as I provide captioning in all of my speaking videos with the goal of including captioning to all of my future signing videos or vlogs.

Isn't diversity a wonderful thing?



The quote "RELAX! This is diversity!" came from Bgmaron8. Check it out. And he's exactly right.

Poll: Is this Astronaut signing in SEE, PSE or ASL?

I suppose you remembered last year when a female astronaut became the first astronaut in space to sign back to Earth in a signed video message to the people of Earth? Review this video and tell me what you think is her mode of communication is like.  Watch the video of her signing and then take a poll at the bottom on what you think her mode of communication is when it comes to signing.



If you're not sure on which mode of communication she may be using then click on one of the links below.

What is SEE?

What is PSE?

What is ASL?

What is SE, SimCom, and Total Communication? 

Gallaudet University ranked #5 on number of forcible sex or rape reported on campus?

Update: See updated rape figures for 2010 year here in a new blog piece. 

I crunched some numbers on the number of forcible sex or rape that occurred in 292 colleges and universities, including Gallaudet University, that have enrollment figures between 1,000 and 2,000.  I selected private nonprofit colleges and universities that have 4-year or higher academic offerings. Data gathered are on forcible sex offenses or rape that were reported in 2007, 2008 and 2009.  I selected data reported only on main campuses (and not satellite campuses) that have student residential facilities or dormitories. The reported data for each college and university can be found in The Campus Safety and Security Analysis from the US Dept of Education (go to main page to get the required data)

Gallaudet University enrollment is 1488 according to the The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis from the US Dept of Education. For my data analyses I selected universities and colleges with enrollment numbers between 1,000 and 1,499, and another data set on enrollment numbers between 1,500 and 1,999 students. The most current data from 2007, 2008 and 2009 were used to determine the total number of reported forcible sex or rape in the effort to establish a ranking. 

For a complete Excel spreadsheet on the 292 colleges and universities on the number of reported forcible sex for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 please go here to download the spreadsheet I created.

I have found that the combined number of reported forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 showed that Gallaudet University is ranked 5th based on the total number of reported forcible sex or rape cases when compared to 291 other colleges and universities. Most of the crimes occurred in dormitories. Not surprising. In 2007 Gallaudet University reported 6 forcible sex or rape,  2008 with 4 cases and 2009 with six reported cases for a total of 16 reported cases of forcible or sex on campus with 14 of them occurred in dormitories over three years.

When compared to 15 other colleges and universities that have a combined total of at least 10 reported cases of forcible sex or rape, Gallaudet University ranks 5th on the combined number of reported forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009.

There were 153 (out of 292) universities and colleges that reported no forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Below are the order of ranking on the total number of reported forcible sex or rape cases for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 combined along with enrollment size (in 2009) seen in parentheses:

1 - Walla Walla University (1808) - 60 (note: this has been corrected due to numerical error in database. Walla Walla University had 0 reported forcible sex reported in year 2008).
2 - Warren Wilson College (1028) - 42
3 - Randolph-Macon College (1246) - 31
4 - Amherst College (1744) - 20
4 - Anna Maria College (1589) - 20
4 - Swarthmore College (1525) - 20
5 - Gallaudet University (1488) - 16
6 - Albion College (1738) - 15
7 - Knox College (1407) - 14
8 - Ohio Wesleyan University (1893) - 13
8 - Oklahoma Baptist University (1764) - 13
9 - Wartburg College (1800) - 12
10 - Virginia Wesleyan College (1336) - 11
11 - Colby-Sawyer College (1122) - 10
11 - Lawrence University (1483) - 10
11 - Notre Dame College (1872)- 10

Previous data for year 2006 came up with 5 reported cases of forcible sex or rape at Gallaudet University. The link shown does not provide any data for 2005.

What's disturbing is that only the number of forcible sex is required

On March 26, 2006 I did a blog on the number of forcible sex or rape for year 1991-1992, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Several years ago Gallaudet University instituted a new policy mandating dry dorms on campus. But even with dry dorms the number of rapes and sexual assaults on campus continues to go up when you compare official reports of 1 rape for the 1991-1992 year and fast forward to 1999 and beyond. For the year 1999 Gallaudet University officially reported 2 instances of forcible sex offenses or rapes. Even with the mandated dry dorms over the last several years official reports on forcible sex offenses or rapes did not stay low. In fact, it had gotten worse in most years since. In 2000 (3 forcible sex offenses or rapes), 2001 (5 rapes), 2002 (3 rapes), 2003 (7 rapes), and in 2004 with an official report required by federal law that 2 forcible sex offenses or rapes took place on the campus of Gallaudet University.

In summary based on what I have gathered:

2009 - 6
2008 - 4
2007 - 6
2006 - 5
2005 - n/a
2004 - 2
2003 - 7
2002 - 3
2001 - 5
2000 - 3
1999 - 2
1991/1992 - 1
 
Despite with one dry dorm (Ballard) and a strict alcohol policy of no public consumption on campus (including no drinking in the hallways and lounge rooms in dormitories) the number of reported forcible sex or rape did not go down. The trend continues to go up albeit slowly over the last several years .

In 1993 Gallaudet University, as reported in People magazine "Silent Screams," put together a task force on coming up with a comprehensive policy on sexual assault according to Dwight Benedict who was at the time Director of Student Life.

"We truly believe we've done our very best," counters Benedict. "We put together a task force on sexual assault just last year."  Organized in July, the task force is still in the process of coming up with a comprehensive policy on sexual assault for the next group of incoming freshmen. It is required by federal law.

Done "our very best" as quoted in 1994?

Fast forward to 2011 Dwight Benedict is now the Dean of Student Affairs and the heavy question today is why the majority of colleges and universities similar to Gallaudet University in enrollment size have done better with ZERO reported forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009? And yet Gallaudet University managed to rank 5th based on my analysis for year 2007, 2008 and 2009. What happened? Why the number of reported cases forcible sex or rape have stayed high?

And to make matters worse, rape is considered to be a form of bullying as well when physical/sexual assault is concerned by creating a hostile environment for the victim. How many students who were victims of forcible sex or rape who reported the crime decided to leave Gallaudet University? How many students who were victims never reported the crime decided to leave Gallaudet University?

Forcible sex or rape is reported on Gallaudet University's Annual Crime and Fire Safety Reports website for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 but it's not so easy to find it once you land on the main Gallaudet University website. And there are no long term data that are easily accessible on older forcible sex or rape crime information.

What we are seeing on the number of reported cases on forcible sex or rape is inexcusable when compared to the rest of the 291 colleges and universities of similar size with campus dormitories that have zero number of reported cases of forcible sex or rape.  This is a serious problem for Gallaudet University and  need to be addressed more seriously. Would any parents want to send their son or daughter to school knowing the number of forcible sex or rape that have happened over the years and seeing that it has not gone down but up?

But here's a question worth looking into about the possibility that the number of forcible sex or rape might be even higher because when someone scream for help inside a dormitory, no one can hear the scream for help. Or that the campus climate might instill certain fear and/or stigma preventing victims from reporting the crime. Something that's similar to forcible sex or rape that have gone in residential schools.   Considering those possibilities the actual number of unreported forcible sex or rape crimes might actually be higher than what's being reported currently. Food for thought. Yet this is still a serious issue that has not gone away. It has somewhat gotten worse.

Exactly what are Dwight Benedict, who is the Dean of Student Affairs, and other Gallaudet University administrators doing to address this ongoing and increasing problem of forcible sex or rape crimes on campus?

And a final caveat about on reported offenses as seen in The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis page where I have gotten my numbers:

The crime statistics found on this website represent alleged criminal offenses reported to campus security authorities and/or local law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the data collected do not necessarily reflect prosecutions or convictions for crimes. Because some statistics are provided by non-police authorities, the data are not directly comparable to data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting System which only collects statistics from police authorities.

I still reserve the right and to caution readers that not all data are completely or necessarily 100% accurate. This is the best available information that I've come across.

ADDENDUM: Here's sobering historical look of how many students did report their rapes back in the early 1990s. Click on this link and read what victims at Gallaudet University had to say.

Has the problem actually gotten worst now at Gallaudet University? Let's see a better, much improved campus environment and security, and that students are better informed about rape on campus. No one should suffer and be a victim of rape.

Do Not Watch This Video

Click on YouTube for more information. You'll see.

A Poll: Do you sign mostly in PSE, SEE or ASL?

Note: Poll is not a scientific survey.

ASL, PSE or SEE on the rise?

Let's ask ourselves honestly here. People are saying that ASL is on the rise. Sure, but to what extent compared to PSE or even SEE? Which ones of the signing format would be on the rise in a much bigger way? In short, which ones are the popular signing format used the most? Before I continue let's watch a video of an astronaut signing in space last year.



Now, is that astronaut signing in a SEE, PSE fashion or completely in ASL? (note: you will have to go to the original YouTube page to see the closed captioned part by clicking on the YouTube screen here).

Next, let's watch Gnarly Dorkette's video she made 2 years ago of her signing explaining CDI's role and requirement when it comes to English understanding and competency, PSE, SEE, and ASL.



Now, is her signing done in an ASL, PSE or SEE format?(note, click on the YouTube video to see her transcript of her signing).

Next, let's watch a video of a person demonstrating the four different ways of signing the same Billy Goat story using SEE, Signed English, PSE and ASL so you can see the evolving differences where it goes from following in English word order and grammar to a completely different grammar structure in ASL.



Now, having seen all the videos, which I hope you sincerely did watch and review them all, what would you consider the astronaut's signed input be like? And ask yourself if her signing accurately portrays how most signers tend to sign in. And, if so, then wouldn't her signing format be the one that's on the rise and be deserved special recognition?

If you call the astronaut's mode of signing as PSE then you cannot call the astronaut's signing as "ASL," right? But if you call her signing as "ASL" then it goes against conventional wisdom according to the Billy Gruff story signing examples because her signing was done in English word order and grammar.

So, which ones is it that's on the rise when it comes to signing?

Have fun.