Adversity - a perspective from a deaf/hh person.

Here's my video blog discussing "adversity" and what it means to me. A chance for the Deaf community to see my side of my communication preference. This video is also a message of support to deaf and hard of hearing people, everybody. And a message of hope to parents of deaf/hh children as well that in life, anything is possible.



Transcript for the signing part:

What is adversity?

It is not the same thing as overcoming oppression. It's about overcoming obstacles in life successfully. Here I produced a video blog about 3 years ago in the desert landscape of New Mexico to discuss adversity. My vlog was a message of support to the deaf and hard of hearing community, and parents of deaf or hard of hearing children. A message of choice, support, and respecting those who choose to communicate differently. A message about respect. Mocking those who choose to face adversity in a different way lack imagination. Reserve your judgement while you watch my 6 minute video. The video is subtitled. And there is no signing involved. I hope you enjoy my vlog.

Facebook "Deafhood? No thanks" membership soars!

The new Facebook "Deafhood? No thanks" group has rapidly grown over the last few weeks, especially over the last 7 days. People are delighted to see new members join this group. Yet some are calling this new group a controversal one. But it shouldn't be controversal at all when members simply go by the concept of respecting everybody no matter what a person's background or communication preferences. There is no need to surreptiously attack hearing parents for their decision to implant their deaf child. There is no need to surreptiously attack parents on their decision on how best to proceed with the educational and communication aspect for their deaf/hh child. Yet we see this happen on a daily basis.

My recent blog, "F*ck You, Deaf Community!" highlighted a discussion forum frequented by hearing parents of deaf/hh children. They voiced their frustrations and disgusts and recount stories of someone from the Deaf community who attacked them for their decisions on how to raise their deaf/hh child, or the fact their child has a cochlear implant. This isn't nowhere near what "deafhood" is supposed to be like but all about hate.

"Deafhood" leaders, as far as I can tell, never made the effort to condemn those people for their actions of hate. What I saw on Jamerica's video blog and how some of the leaders of "deafhood" responded to one fervent follower of "deafhood" simply begs the whole agenda and effort behind this so-called "deafhood" movement by leaders, including some of their close followers. I see more red flags than honest efforts to accept people for who and what they are, and mend fences along the way.


This Facebook group began on May 18, 2010 and as of today it has reached 297 members so far. It has averaged about 23 new members each day while on some days they have seen jumps of 50 or 60 new members in one day. These new members simply do not want anything to do with "deafhood" and with the current leaders of "deafhood." Many agree that the best approach would be a more neutral-positive approach than to attack, label, villify, and go after people who may simply disagree or have a different way of doing things. This "Deafhood? No thanks" Facebook group simply do not desire to be a part of such selfish acts and dishonesty.

Part II Mike's ASL Vlog to the Deaf Community

Yesterday I produced my first vlog, a video message to the Deaf community in ASL. It was also my first vlog for DVTV as well. Not a particular clean first vlog but at least I've gotten my first video message out to the Deaf community which is a start. Below is my 2nd part of my vlog. It's a better video and it's more prepared without the pauses. Below the video is a loose transcript of what I followed with some deviation but it captures mostly what I said.



Transcript:

This is part 2 of my vlog.

I didn't have time to finish up my thoughts. My first video. Need to stop fiddling with my face! Oh well.

Ok.

In my 2nd vlog I wanted to talk about technology.

I believe it is becoming a great communication equalizer for deaf and hard of hearing. And it's amazing how far we have come.

Remember technology was like 20 years ago? No internet! No cell phones. No smart phones that are connected to the internet. No video phone. NO internet like today. We had some email and discussion forums but that was about it.

NOw, what will communication technology be like 20 years from now? 3d real time communication in ASL? What about cell phones or smart phones that are connected to the internet? What will they be like 5, 10 or 20 years from now? Technology is moving so fast. On YouTube it now has automatic captioning. Although not perfect but it is a step in the right direction. Who would've thought two years ago that YouTube would come up with automatic captioning?

Yes. Technology is moving fast. I'm sure with videos we see on DVTV will soon become crystal clear and not so grainy. It's just a matter of time. What do you think of communication technology today? Has it helped your job? Your life? Anything? could you live without your today? Remember, you didn't have one 10 years ago and you lived fine without it! And, now, today, can't live without it. Strange how technology has helped us realize the importance of it for communication purposes.

What do you think?

So long.

Kokonut Pundit's ASL video message to deaf community

Here it is folks. My signed message to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Something to help dispel some myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings. Basically it's time to start with my signing and video-taping. I've been thinking about this for a few months now and I suppose there is no better time than now to bring out this video for you fans (and not so friendly fans) of Kokonut Pundit. I plan to do a 2nd video later on tonight since this first video I didn't have time to finish the rest of what I wanted to say and still have some thoughts left over. At any rate, here's my first video to help squelch some rumors and more.

Mike Sign Message to Deaf Community Part 1

Deaf Weekly Explodes!

Here's a partial screen capture from Deaf Weekly May 26, 2010 newsletter highlighting its most-read story in the last issue. I did not expect to see my blog piece highlighted in the Deaf Weekly newsletter. I suppose it was the title that got people's attention. This was also the case in Deafread's Top 10 Blogs over the last 30 days where my blog generated alot of initial interest, curiousity, and perhaps certain assumptions what my blog title may have suggested. But this is not about the number of hits. This is about getting people's attention to the fact that the hearing community along with parents of deaf/hh children sometime do have a different perspective and feelings about the Deaf community. Especially among the few who may have a habit of making the Deaf community look bad. Something to ponder when it comes to people with different perspectives on life in general and the people they meet along the way.

Oh, before I go, take a look on the left side of my blog. You can see a picture of me with a YouTube logo that contains a link to my new Kokonut Pundit YouTube channel. Check it out if you're curious. Not much there yet but feel free to look around. It's still quite new.

UPDATE: Something to add here. Check out my first Kokonut Pundit's ASL video message to deaf community.

I hope you will enjoy my video. It's not much.

Very Special People Hate Crime

This whole hate crime thing is getting a bit out of hand here. Some are trying to make some money off it and get recognition for it by twisting certain words that do not reflect reality accurately. What's more, people are now tacking qualifiers to the words "hate crime" just because they think they really are "special people" and that they deserve the world's sympathy. What's even worse is for obnoxious people to attack other people by calling their opinions or disagreements as a "hate speech" and even go so far as to call it as a "hate crime." Very special people they are indeed. Amazingly tone deaf to this whole thing when it is just a simple opinion and nothing more. No crime was committed. Yet some people have the uncanny ability to take someone's strong but valid opinion and immediately call it a "hate crime." They go about assuming things about a perons's opinion but won't contact the person to ask for clarifications first, which would've saved a lot of headaches in the first place instead of getting all huffy about it. But calling a bunch of truly special people as "retards" or "tards" is not a nice thing to say, either. It is not their fault if they are placed in a special school so they can learn how to become independent. I'm sure these very special people still deserve some modicum of respect from each of us. Yet, I have been accused on a few ocassions when other special people called my blogs or opinions as a "hate speech." But my blogs were never about hate but making a point based on my perspective and experience. Sometimes the ball drops even further when the truly special people come out of the woodwork and call my opinions or comments as a "hate crime." Boggles the mind.

Well, isn't that special?

A response to DeafASLVlogs

I wrote a response to deafaslvlogs.wordpress.com under her blogpiece about me on May 24, 2010. It has been two days and my comment is still "Awaiting Moderation." I am putting down my response here just in case if this blogger doesn't allow my response to go through. She may be busy, sure. Or then again she could have other reasons or ulterior motives for not allowing my comment to show up on her blog. Although I've heard stories that she would refuse some people's responses to get posted on her blog. Not sure if that's wholly true or not. But just in case here is a copy of the screen grab. Below is what I wrote.

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.

Will ASLDeafVlogs let my comment come through or not? The same question is asked of The Deaf Sherlock, will he allow my comments to come through as well? Are they busy or are they both purposely ignoring my comment? I hope it is not the latter. If so, then that would be a petty thing to do.

In my blogging, I have no interest in using my blog to make personal attacks against people in any of the deaf and hard of hearing communities. My disagreement is with "deafhood." And how it is used to pervert it's own ideology by mixing identity politics with Deaf culture in the attempt to get everybody to follow it. That will simply not work, especially when people use it as an agenda setting goal using intimidation tactics, guilt trips, or other perverted means of using hyperbole such as lecturing about "deaf hate crime" in the attempt to win sympathies and put "deafhood" up on a pedestal. Yet by doing so presents its own irony.

Of course when a crime is committed against a deaf person and the reason for the attack is because of the person's deafness then that is wrong. There are people who do act on their hate against people by physically attacking them because of their deafness, and that is totally wrong. And they should be prosecuted and jailed. Any kind of crime against a deaf person for the reason of his/her deafness should be met with some kind of a prosecution. But to disagree about "deafhood," or disagree with a Deaf person over a topic or for someone to not accept "deafhood" is NOT a "deaf hate crime." It doesn't even come close. It gets even more ridiculous whenever Deaf people accuse other deaf/hh people and call it a "crime" for having an opinion. Or call it a "Deaf hate speech." All in all, having a disagreement over an issue or topic is called having an opinion. It's not a crime. It's not about hate. It's about having an opinion. Be smart. Learn the difference.

A response to The Deaf Sherlock

Yesterday The Deaf Sherlock blogger made some comments about me and assumed some things about myself, my views, and what my opinions are regarding "deafhood." I'm not in the business to use my blog to personally attack people but to present my views, opinions, experiences, discoveries and life in general. Below is my response I left in The Deaf Sherlock's comment box yesterday which still hasn't been approved at this moment. Regardless of whether he approves it or not I'll put what I wrote in here in my blog. Note: Below I put in "Kokonut Pundit" and "The Deaf Sherlock" just to show who made the comment.

======================================
The Deaf Sherlock - "1st, get rid of your anger."
Kokonut Pundit - No anger whatsoever. There are certain things I disagree and even find silly. Do not mistake that for anger.

The Deaf Sherlock - "2nd, don't take it out on the deaf community."
Kokonut Pundit - Not taking it out on the deaf community. I have Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing friends that either wear hearing aids, cochlear implants or none at all. Again, I do not "take it out on the deaf community." I have certain disagreements over certain issues. Please, understand the differences there.

The Deaf Sherlock - "Because the more you piss off your readers and followers, the more you will find out that nobody is going to read you ever again."
Kokonut Pundit - Many do share my opinions and understand where I'm coming from. I am not alone in this and that's readily obvious. Many also do misunderstand on what I'm writing about and thus have their own anger misplaced. People continue to read my blogs as I mix and match, whether its advocacy or playing the devil's advocate. For your sake and sanity it'd be best to take my blogs with a grain of salt instead.

The Deaf Sherlock - "3rd, apologize and do post it."
Kokonut Pundit - Apologize for what? For having an opinion?? My blog is not just for Deaf people but for Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, hearing, CI users, late-deafened, hearing people, parents of deaf/hh kids, etc. What is there for me to apologize? Perhaps it is your anger that's misplaced here?

The Deaf Sherlock - "4th. get counseling."
Kokonut Pundit - Just because you do not like what I write (do you actually read carefully what I write and the points I'm making?). No one is forcing you to read my blog. You have a choice. Don't read it. Simple.

That's it in a nutshell. I hope that each and every blogger is able to attain their full potential in the quest for bloggerdom. We need people like you and everybody else to help disseminate ideas, suggestions, and points of views.

One suggestion though. Instead of complaining on your blog, how about asking questions in an email to me if you need clarifications. Perhaps with greater clarification you'd understand where I'm going with my blogs.

Lastly, I sincerely hope you post this as a show of maturity here.

Good day, sir.

=======================================

Will he post my response? And have an honest discussion?

We'll see.

I also made a response to DeafASLVlogs as well. But my comment is, too, "awaiting moderation." I've made a screen capture of that and will wait whether she will approve it or not and see if she has the maturity to allow my comment go through. If not, I will post what I wrote either later today or tomorrow and provide you a screen capture as proof.

Communication Technology - the ultimate aphrodisiac for Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing people

The one thing I can safely say that everybody can agree on is that communication technology is probably the ultimate aphrodiasic for Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing people. The kind of technology that gives us the ability to communicate with anyone, including hearing people. And vice versa, too. Gone would be the identity of who's exactly behind that cell phone you're talking with. Perhaps there would be no distinction on what cultural group a person would be identified with. No distiction whether if one is deaf or not simply because there is no communication barrier to begin? Would that be possible someday within our lifetime? With the way communication technology has been progressing I'd say very much so. And I think many of us deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing, CODA, parents of deaf/hh children, late deafened people and even the deaf and blind are certainly hopeful at this prospect. Meanwhile with the communication technology we have today, it has transformed many of us in how we continue to interact with the deaf, Deaf, deaf/blind and hearing communities. This will bound to improve over time. There's no doubt in that.

We're not yet at the tipping point but technology is certainly paving the way on voice recognition to text such as YouTube, text to speech, and even ASL or sign language recognition to voice or text. I believe we'll see one technology wave after another over the next 10 to 20 years regarding communication access and improved interaction between people with hearing loss and hearing people. Things will be done much more automatically and without the need of a 3rd party to intervene if one chooses so.

We are slowly becoming a highly interactive and connected world. Communication barriers are slowly coming down in many areas. The tipping point for the deaf and hard of hearing community is yet to come but its coming. The day will come that no matter who you communicate with using your preferred mode of communication it will be understood by anyone, deaf or hearing. Don't believe that? Try and remember what it was like exactly 10 years ago and compare to what you have today. Imagine what it might be like 10 years from now. And with communication technology today, it has the ability to help preserve, enhance, and even promote Deaf culture such as ASL. Imagine that!

Ask this question yourself. How many communication technology companies do you know of that were run by deaf/hh people ten years ago? What about today? What do you think it'll be like 10 or 20 years from now? What kind of communication technology devices will you have on you that will enable you to communicate with others in face to face situations more readily and easily? What about wirelessly like smart phones? On demand remote captioning? On demand remote ASL interpreter? Communication devices that will enable deaf and blind become even more independent than ever before? And so on? Maybe a futuristic iPad that would enhance Deaf people communication experiences through it's own version of the video phone? The possibilities are endless when you have technology on your side.

This is a roller coaster ride and we've just begun. In twenty years from now you'll look back and say, "Wow! What a ride!" And what was that ride like since 1990, twenty years ago? That was the kiddie ride. Next, it's the quadruple loop with a 200 foot drop roller coaster ride. Hang on! And, oh, bring your vomit bag, too.

The new army of "Deafhood? No Thanks"

Here they come, marching, marching to the sound and feel of the glorious drumbeats from a 100 foot tall drum as they yell across the landscape in unison while throwing their fists and waving hands into the air.

Rahhhh!

Rahhhhhhhhhh!

Rahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

They march toward the distant horizon of the rising sun while the ground trembles beneath the thundering feet. Locked in arms are the young and old who wear cochlear implants, hearing aids, or none at all. They are the hard of hearing people, hearing people, deaf people, Deaf people, CODA people, late deafened people, and parents of deaf and hard of hearing children. Their backgrounds are varied and rich by those who grew up signing, speaking or listening. They went to mainstreamed schools, deaf schools and regular public schools. They are all walks of life. You cannot pin them down. Do not judge them for what they do or say. Do not define them in order to satisfy your own selfish agenda and to make a buck or two. They are who they are. Do not doubt them.

Want to join a Facebook group called "Deafhood? No Thanks," or DNT. Then go here and join and be free from the pressure, the ridicules, the attacks, and the name callings simply because you disagree or have a different outlook on life. And get away from the microscope of people who label you or the attempt to categorize you with such absurdity as being part of a Deaf hate group. Or worse be called a Deaf hate criminal simply because you have a different philosophical point of view. DNT people are one. They are all. They are part of the larger open society where interactions with everybody else are free, fluid and unrestricted without fear.

This new open society group started but a few days ago has now grown to over 115 members. They include hearing, deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf people. If you want to join, please do. But do not join in the attempt to spam or cause trouble. You will get kicked out. We do not want trouble makers but people who understand where we stand and have no desire to be associated with "deafhood." Enough with the continuing labeling.

Enough!

UPDATE: A special video message to you Kokonut Pundit readers by Eh? What? Huh?

Google Posts Deafhood Warning on Search Site

I couldn't help but note the irony of this warning about a particular "Deafhood" website. Almost prophetic if you ask me. Clicking on the link to a particular discourse "may harm your computer." Isn't that a riot? This came about in a Google search where I put the word "deafhood" in and it gave me a list of links. One of them was the "deafhood discourses." We didn't need to have Google tell us on how harmful it may be for us....er, our computers if we click on it.

Also, be sure to check out, "Deafhood? No thanks." More of a good reason to click on "Deafhood? No thanks," lik than the link what Google is warning you of.

Deafhood? No Thanks.

A highly secretive group was recently discovered in Facebook a few days ago. I was dumbfounded that this group even existed. This select group is so secret that their password was never discovered until now. I was fortunate to come across this password given to me in an email by a mysterious person who claimed to have cracked the password code. The secret password can now be finally revealed to the world. The password is, "Deafhood? No Thanks."

Once inside I discovered that all new members who pledge themselves to become contributing members for an open society must undergo a rigorous initiation rite. Once a sacred pledge has been made they were all quickly introduced to the Grand Shoobeelabpterodactylrex Poobah through a video phone. After a quick introduction new pledges began their initiation rite by standing in front of a video phone screen and repeatedly say, "Deaf Power is No More!" over and over until the Grand Shoobeelabpterodactylrex Poobah is satisfied with the eerie incancation. He then ask the new pledges to repeat the words, "One Communication Option is No More!" over and over until the Grand Shoobeelabpterodactylrex Poobah is once again satisfied with their incantation. The next and last initiation rite was the most shocking of all. By holding their hands together and forming a circle the pledges, using their voice, scream at the top of their lungs while mysteriously shouting in tongues, "Ulaubooooo, scoobie doooooo, fuggamatich sammywich with mayo hamncheese." If the Grand Shoobeelabpterodactylrex Poobah finds the holy incantation mumbo jumbo acceptable he would smile and say, "Welcome, you are now free! You are no longer in the stone age." And then each of the pledges would get a golden certificate that says:

For people who do not subscribe to deafhood's ridiculous closed society philosophy and movement such as 'deaf power' movement and 'one communication option' approach.

For people who favor open society approaches such as equality for all deaf people regardless of their backgrounds, communication methods and technology options. Welcome brothers and sisters!

Yes, I'm telling you, this new Facebook organization does exist! Honest injun!

Yabba dabba dooo!

Are you a UbiDuo user? Want a chance to win $1000?

From the sComm email blast sent to me recently on the chance to win $1,000 for UbiDuo users. Read below and learn how you can win a cool $1,000. Contest ends June 20, 2010!


UbiDuo Star Contest - Winner will Receive $1,000

sComm is looking for a UbiDuo Star to be featured on the home page of the new sComm website. The contest begins today and will end on June 20th and the winner will be awarded $1,000. sComm will judge all the videos & pictures then will announce and award the winner on June 23rd.

The winner has to create one video and five pictures capturing 2 people using the UbiDuo to communicate with each other. A story must be included with the five pictures. The best story wins. For the one video and five pictures you take, the pictures have to include yourself and another person communicating on the UbiDuo. Don’t take any pictures of you alone on the UbiDuo without the other person communicating with you.

If the winner cannot accept the award because they are with an agency or entity, we will make a donation to their favorite charity.

Remember the UbiDuo Star contest begins now. The deadline to submit your video and pictures is June 20, 2010. Mail the video and pictures on a CD dated before or on June 20th to sComm at the following address at

sComm
6238 Hadley Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
Attention: UbiDuo Star Contest

If you have any questions about the UbiDuo Star contest, you can email me at jason@scomm.com. I look forward to receiving your video and pictures before or on the 20th of June.

All videos and pictures will be the property of sComm

If you are a deaf or hard of hearing person and want to have the power that Mary Ann, or other UbiDuo users have: the ability to converse face to face with anyone, you can! Learn more about the UbiDuo by contacting the sales team at sales@scomm.com today! Learn more about the UbiDuo by visiting www.scomm.com.

Communicate freely,
Jason Curry
CEO

Hypocrisy in Six Flags' Deaf Awareness Day?

Is it truly a "deaf and hard of hearing awareness" day when the facts tell otherwise that the majority of the more than 30 million people with hearing loss in the United States do not know or use sign language? It's nice that Six Flags at Magic Mountain is able to provide sign language interpreters but there are no real time captioning or other services for deaf and hard of hearing people who do not know sign language. At best, this "deaf and hard of hearing" awareness day looks to be more one sided and not a real "melting pot" of deaf and hard of hearing people of various communication preferences. At worst, it's a continued discriminatory practice. If Six Flags is serious about raising deaf/hh awareness by inviting people with hearing loss to come to their amusement park then they need to be aware of the fact that the majority of people with hearing loss (from mild to profound) do not know sign language and that alternative communication options must be realized.

Read below the email responses I got today. I hope Six Flags will take to heart to add captioning to all of there shows in conjuction with ASL interpreters during once their year Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Day.

UPDATE V: Obviously there will be some people who don't really care if deaf/hh non-signers happen to attend the Six Flags D/HH Awareness Day and do not get their communication access need met for just one measely day. What they are really saying is "It's not my problem."

But consider this. This isn't about ADA but about recognizing the potential in drumming up more business and positive exposure. This is not an awareness day if it's only about deaf/hh who know and communicate only in sign language. Awareness day about deaf and hard of hearing people includes deaf/hh people who use and depend on other means of communication and where they get their information on a day to day basis. In otherwords, don't be selfish and ignorant at the same time. If non-signers were to be truly felt welcomed at Six Flags where they took the effort to provide open captioning alongside with sign language interpreters, then what better place for non-signers to see a lot of signers in one place and hopefully get them interested in sign language? It' simply becomes a win-win scenario. What Six Flags is doing is a Win-Lose scenario because they haven't captured the non-signers as part of their business plan. For all intent and purposes the awareness they are raising is simply a "Deaf Culture Awareness Day" and not "Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Day."

UPDATE IV: Just sent an email to NAD about this one.

UPDATE III: I've also sent emails to HLAA and AGBELL about this as well letting them know about the upcoming D/HH awareness day at Six Flags. And I will probably find a few more emails to send to such as NAD.

UPDATE II: A second reponse from William Shandling of Six Flags Magic Mountain after I read and replied to his first email to me.

Mike,

I will be summiting your original Web Comment as a “suggestion” in our Guest Service system, so our Park Management sees your recommendation.

Thank you again for contacting our park.

William

Thank you for the quick response.

Will Six Flags consider this option in the very near future for those who would enjoy Six Flags' stage shows in a captioning format? The "Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Day" is a day about people with hearing loss and their communication needs. By just providing only interpreters you only address those who know sign language which does not raise awareness about the majority of deaf and hard of hearing communication need from those born with hearing loss to those who acquire deafness later in life. Consider that 1 out of 10 people one will have a hearing loss of some kind, 1 out 100 people one will likely have a hearing loss in the severe to profound range. And 1 out of 300 people you may likely come across a culturally deaf person who knows sign language. By presenting a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Day you may have accidentally encouraged deaf and hard of hearing people who don't know sign language to come to this event without realizing that Six Flags has not provided any means of communication support for them, especially for popular shows where voice is used.

I hope Six Flags will consider this seriously in the near future since not only this makes good marketing sense (e.g. open captioning) it makes good sense for every day use at Six Flags because 1 in 10 of your customers that come through the gates will likely have a hearing loss of some kind. Something for Six Flags to think about.

Again, thank you for the quick reply.

Mike McConnell

UPDATE: I received a reponse from Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Mike,

Thank you for contacting Six Flags Magic Mountain, and for inquiring about services being offered on our Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Day. American Sign Language Interpreters will be on hand at the stage shows. Six Flags Magic Mountain will be unable to provide captioning services for those who do not sign.

Have a Six Flags day.

William
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Guest Relations

The upcoming Six Flags Magic Mountain's Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Day on Saturday, June 5, 2010, I am wondering if you will have captioning services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing who do not know sign language? The majority of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States do not know sign language or have very little exposure to be competent in understanding it among the 30 million people with hearing loss.

Thank you for your time.

Mike

F*ck you, Deaf Community!

Here's an interesting thread that has the title "**** you, Deaf 'Community' " from a hearing father about her four year old deaf daughter. This is an opportunity to read the viewpoints of mostly hearing people on their perceptions and understanding about the Deaf community and its culture, Gallaudet University, schoolings, ASL, sign language, oral/aural approaches, cochlear implant, and education when it comes to deaf and hard of hearing children and their parents. Granted, the views presented in that thread may not be representative of the hearing group as a whole but it certainly does give us some additional insights on their views of the whole Deafness thing in a more or less honest fashion.

Having said that, this is something to think about when it comes to communication choices in light of the upcoming California AB 2072 bill. Candy has a good bead on this as well. The AB 20727 bill states that:

Parents of all newborns and infants diagnosed with a hearing loss shall also be provided written or electronic information on American Sign Language (ASL), Total Communication, Cued Speech, and Listening and Spoken Language communication options for children with hearing loss, including, but not limited to, information about deaf and hard-of-hearing organizations, agencies and early intervention centers, and educational programs.

No conspiracy theory.

No mystery to this bill.

Just a straight up requirement that parents be given information for a wide selection of communication and educational choices be made available to them after the discovery of their newborn or infant with a hearing loss.

The irony is this. There are certain groups of Deaf people who seem to be undergoing an effort to derail this bill. And instead promote that ASL must be the first option for any parents of a deaf or hard of hearing child. Thusly leaving out any real choices for parents to decide. Nevermind the fact that this bill would make a requirement that these parents be given the necessary information so they could make a proper and informed decision on communication and educational options. An option that could involve one communication method or more.

Back to the "F*ck you" thread. This father explained in her first post on what he and his wife had to do based on information available at the time to help her deaf daughter.

We gave our daughter cochlear implants when she was an infant. We made this long and difficult decision based on the research that was available to us, based on the educational resources available in our area, based on the nature of her deafness, and, yes, based on our own biases and desires. She had her surgeries before she was old enough to make the choice for herself, because to wait so long means to give her hearing long after her developing brain can make the best use of it. It is a well-known and long-researched phenomenon that pre-lingual implantation leads to vastly improved speech and hearing skills. But you call it child abuse. You call it cosmetic surgery on an infant, and more than once you called me a monster for it. It is not child abuse, to make complicated decisions about your kids without their input - it's called parenting. Nor is it cosmetic to give my kid a developmental boost. So: f*ck you for heaping accusations of pre-lingual cosmetic surgery child abuse on me.

Our family is learning ASL, and have been since we learned our daughter was profoundly deaf. We will use sign as a second language, indefinitely. My wife is in school to become an interpreter. Nor do we believe in a purely oralist tradition; we acknowledge the importance of communication between deaf people without assistance. We get it, ok? We're committed. But because we gave our daughter cochlear implants, you automatically believe that we're out to destroy ASL, to destroy Deaf culture. You never listen to our reasoning, because what do we know? We're motivated by a desire to mingle in both worlds, and yet we're constantly scoffed at by the Deafies on principle. So: f*** you for your pernicious false dichotomies.

This AB 2072 bill will help alleviate the uncertainty for parents of a deaf/hh child in making an informed decision for the first time. But for groups to purposely derail this bill for the sake of demanding that ASL be given first priority and requirement for parents to follow are certainly not about parental choice but about control. Doing that could very well certainly earn the Deaf community many more "f**** you's" from hearing parents of deaf and hard of hearing children.

Give the parents the opportunity to make an informed decision for their deaf/hh child. Give them the respect and understanding they deserve. And understand that whatever informed decision they make, they still deserve our respect and support. It doesn't matter if you don't like their informed decision, they deserve our respect. Walking all over them and taking away their choices aren't the answer.

The timeline predictions on the cure for hearing loss

In a recent news about stem cells that were made grow into ear hair cells in mouse got me thinking on the scientists/researchers attempt to predict when a cure or treatment for hearing loss in humans would take place. Ever since the discovery of birds' ability to regrow and restore their own hearing loss in 1986 researchers have used the terms "decades away" on when an application for hearing loss restoration may take place. In this recent news it was quoted that a possible cure could be at least a decade away noting that people who already benefit from hearing aids would be the most likely targeted group. But lets go back in time on how these predictions changed over time.

In 2004 it was predicted that an application for hearing loss rather than a cure could be at least twenty years away by Dr. Rubel. In another article in 2004 Dr. Rivolta said a cure could be possible in 10 to 15 years away. In 2009 in the Department of Otolaryngology University of Miami Ear Institute's newsletter quoted believing they could be 10 years away from a cure at the earliest possible timeline. But most seem to concur that a cure or a very applicable treatment for hearing loss would be seen within their (the scientists') lifetime.

Often times these revelations on stem cells discoveries on hearing loss are made in jumps rather than something that unfolds smoothly over time. Once discoveries or breakthroughs are published in scientific journals researchers from all over the world pour over the data and details and apply the discovered knowledge to theirs. And thus increasing the likelihood of another jump in evolutionary discovery on the path for the cure or restoration of hearing loss in humans. The revelation in this latest news out of California was about the fact that when the bundles of lab grown ear hair cells were mechanically stimulated or moved mimicking how sound moves ear hair cells, the cells were able to generate electrical currents that resemble those produced by young hair cells. It was not simply growing ear hair cells but seeing that the electro-mechanical qualities and properties in a lab grown ear hair cells worked.

It'd be wise to take the word "cure" loosely and see it from a restorative/treatment point of view in the very near future. But then again, with scientists and researchers from all over the world working on the cure for hearing loss, a cure could be very well within our grasp a lot more sooner rather than later.

Avdism

I decided to write the word "avdism" from now on after seeing the Holism blog on the subject. The "v" letter replaces the "u" letter. The original word has been abused too much using it as a weapon of choice much like the word "racism" was used in order to play the race card when there were none to be had in the first place. This not only proves damaging but does nothing to help the situation. "Avdism" has increasingly become an insidious word lately. I'd much rather focus on the inequalities and discriminations rather than become enamored over a single word or two hoping it'd be recognized and placed in a dictionary. I'll also include "avdist" into my own personal "dictionary" seeing that I'm the inventer of those words.

Our old house in New Mexico

In a few weeks it'll be one year since the day we finally moved out of New Mexico and go back to our roots in the state of Washington. I went through some photos of our house when we got it all cleaned up and ready to put it up on the real estate market. I was able to sell my house 6 months later. The house we lived in for several years was a nice, solid brick house where I planted the roses, trees, and built a 8 x 8 shed for the back yard during my time there. It was a 4 bedroom house with a very ample two-car garage. A roomy house in the great desert southwest of Alamogordo, New Mexico. I hope you enjoy my pictures.



The house before we moved in. The subdivision was still growing back then in late 2002 against the backdrop of the Sacramento Mountains whose elevation goes up to over 9,000 feet. That is where my outdoor "office" is located.


A Mexican Alder tree. Very popular tree in Alamogordo. It finally took root in 2007 after languishing a bit and grew rapidly in 1 1/2 year.


Several colored rose bushes. Very pretty in the front of my house.


Roomy two car garage. Cleaned out my garage for this photo. Don't let this picture fool you. It is deceptively roomy.


My privvy room here. Decided to build a magazine holder that's flush into the wall.


Backyard looking into back of house.


Lovely jet tub.


Backyard looking south. Two trees, apricot and peaches. And a grape vine bush near the corner of brick fence.


Patio. Spent a lot of time there doing the BBQ thing and relaxing when the days are not as hot.


Backyard looking north. There's the 8 x 8 shed I built myself. Sturdy stuff.


My shed. I enjoyed my time building this. Took me 3 or 4 weekends to get it done. Problem was that it was during the height of the summer heat. I was working outdoors with temperature around 100 degrees. Oh, yes, I do build things. My garage was my workshop.


Living room area with gas fireplace with new carpets.


Kitchen and dinning room.


Kitchen area.


Living room.


Leaving for Washington! Near the end of May of 2009 we set out for week long adventure driving to Washington with two cars, two cats, three kids and my wonderful wife.

Our next adventure? Looking for a house to buy in Washington.

"Not 'terp' enough" - when interpreters discriminate and demean lower ranking learners

This is something I hadn't considered or even thought it existed but apparently it does according to one person detailing the encounters at a sign language interpreter conference. It's when some ASL/sign language interpreters look down upon those not at their level of skill saying how they are not deserving to receive CEU points. Sort of like the old "you're not Deaf enough" kind of thing in an off skewed way.

My daughter needs to keep up her skills as a terp so she went to a convention. I took the opportunity and went with. Looked forward to having a good time and did and learned a lot.

Met people there from top scale terps to students to be. Some retained their professional persona at all times, others were kick-back and T shirted. My daughter forced me into a sports jacket, slacks and tie. Some signers made me dizzy and others were so unskilled they did not know the difference between "late" and "later." Bought a couple of DVD's on ASL.

Many arrived as early as possible, stayed as long as they could to get as much as possible, and darted to the next conference room. Those typically were dressed more relaxed. Those who dressed professionally tended to arrive on time and leave shortly after they received confirmation they had attended the class.

Confirmation consisted of a small bar code pasted next to the class you had attended during that time frame. Everyone ran up after class and got one and so did I.

A significant number made it plain, they were there for the bar code. They arrived at the last possible moment and left as soon as they got one. A couple even made it clear in the foyer they were taking the classes easiest for themselves. Seen as there was no test and you got a bar code whether you challenged yourself or not I found this particularly odd.

It was from this group the complaints came.

The argument was, "We are here to get CEU's so we can maintain our standing as terps and maintain our payscale." Or, "We are here so we can upgrade our payscale and charge more for our services." Continuing with, "Students should not be allowed bar codes even to show they attended these classes -- because we have put in our time, students have not, and it is how we earn our money."

I felt this was pretty petty as students cannot get CEU's whether they have the bar code or not. All it can do for them is show they attended. And that is all they have to show they did.

When I pointed out I wanted my little bar code too even though I am not a "terp in training" I was given the info that I was just a visitor and didn't even belong there in the first place.

I went ahead and got my bar codes any way. All told the trip, hotel, and convention fees cost me over $1,500. I felt I deserved something to show I had been in attendance.

And it is nice to know there is one more place in the world I do not belong.

Here I thought I'd used them all up already.

CEU stands for Continuing Education Units or learning points in case you're wondering. But note the bolded portion in the above. That convention was open to anyone and no prerequisite was required for attendance or to get the coveted CEU points for attending one. That convention is by no means cheap and comes with a hefty price tag just to attend one.

Aside from the convention points of view, I could imagine that there are some snotty ASL interpreters out there with the attitude that they won't associate with those who are "not at their level" when it comes to ASL skill level. And that they wouldn't dare associate themselves with. I wonder if it is a common attitude in the world of certified ASL/Sign Language interpreters? And they have nothing to do anything or anyone as long as they get their money? Is it really that bad out there? Does this "not 'terp' enough" exist at all? Have some them become so corrupted with their $35, $50, $70, $100 dollars an hour fees?

This brings up another question. Do the high fees set the stage to discourage people from hiring expensive interpreters? One unknown person made this comment in a blog "Anonymous Deaf Law Student":

You can argue that requiring professionals to pay for interpreters will not lead to discrimination because of an oath all you want, but the fact is it will. I am a practicing attorney. Our office just handled its first deaf bankruptcy and now we are being charged with the interpreter’s bill. I can tell you, it will be the last deaf anything we do. I’m not saying we want to discriminate, I’m saying that we are running a business here and we are not seeing the profits we want from this last client. Not only was the case overall more difficult because of the communication problem, but now it is costing us extra in fees. So, we have a hundred different reasons not to take someone’s case, and now we have one more.

All the more reason to hope that technology in itself will one day help alleviate this problematic case of getting billed too much for interpreting services. We already saw what happened with the whole VRS mess. Greed has a way of doing that. Though it'd be great to have real time sign language recognition avatar-like interpeter that recognizes voice and sign language. That might be a awhile but with technology comes with creative solutions. It is a fact that private businesses are there to make money, not go out of business. Technology is the key to help level the playing field so that everybody benefits.

Newly revamped UbiDuo Website

If you're curious go and check out sComm's newly revamped UbiDuo website. Lots of new features, information, videos and news to check out. If you refresh the main page you'll see a different picture each time with people using the UbiDuo.

The wholly deaf-owned and run company has certainly grown ever since they opened their doors in 2006 to begin selling their award winning patented UbiDuo communication device to the public. Ever since that day the company has grown to 15 employees in lock step with the growing demand for the UbiDuo communication device. This is a company to watch out as they continue to build upon their successes with the mission to be the premier provider of innovative technology solutions that shatter communication barriers and empower people with the freedom to communication with anyone, anywhere and at any time.

Go and check it out!