It was with great joy on Saturday to hear Dr. Richard K. Pimentel speak at a conference in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act.
What a powerful speaker that truly spoke from the heart. So much has happened in the last 20 years and so much more work is needed as we embark on issues related to the Internet and other technological advances that have occurred since the ADA was passed on July 26, 1990. We need to rise and face the daily challenges for all with diverse disabilities. We need to train our young people to stand up and dream those dreams they have in their hearts.
Dr. Pimentel shared numerous true stories and experiences he has had along the way over the last 40 years. Hearts throbbed and tears gently streamed down the cheeks of those in the audience. The empathy was there and you felt it.
The veterans was another topic. He shared key elements about the Iran and Afghanistan War and how it is affecting our military service personnel. The attention these men and women need upon return home. The need to reach out and help them. Wars sometimes affect humans in different ways and we have to prepare ourselves to address those issues and provide help immediately.
A highlight of the session was education and training employers on all aspects of hiring those with disabilities. Through my own experiences with different employers this needs utmost attention. I have always felt strong that employers need to look past my own hearing loss and look at the qualifications I had to do the job. A job I was successful in accomplishing for years but it was struggle. People would say to me, "You speak so well I forget you have a hearing loss." That's the down side but it is also the up side. Hearing loss is so invisible and transparent sometimes. How do we educate others...stay tune.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Count your blessings
Yes, you read the title correctly! The Deaf Community and those with some type of hearing loss should count their blessings. Technology in today's world has made communication much easier and more selections available.
It is awesome! We have Sorenson VRS, Z4, Purple 3, Blackberry, email, text messaging, CapTel, TTY, iPhone, AT&T, Verizon and more. We can select the right communication mode for our own personal needs. What more can we ask? Take time to appreciate that we are more independent than ever in our mobile society.
We do have a long road ahead in many other situations and I will talk about that next time.
It is awesome! We have Sorenson VRS, Z4, Purple 3, Blackberry, email, text messaging, CapTel, TTY, iPhone, AT&T, Verizon and more. We can select the right communication mode for our own personal needs. What more can we ask? Take time to appreciate that we are more independent than ever in our mobile society.
We do have a long road ahead in many other situations and I will talk about that next time.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Return from NAD Convention
What an inspiration!
Wow! Technology has paved many new paths and accessibility for the Deaf and HOH as well as the general hearing population. Once the TTY/TDD dominated our communication channel but now that is changing rapidly before our very own eyes.
Learned about the various tools and trends one can utilized to advocate for the Deaf and HOH people. The latest cases the DOJ have resolved. Learned what is ethical and professional for interpreters when using Facebook, Twitter, and others. How about VRS Etiquette. There was information on Social Security. Did you know there are job openings for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Secret Service and other federal agencies? Found out the key concerns among most Deaf and HOH today are issues that are being addressed in H.R. 3101 and S. 3304. Yes, we need the same rights to attend movie theaters as hearing people but with closed captioned. Other chief concerns was Internet captioning, TV captioning, accommodations in hospitals and doctors offices.
Please stay tune for specifics.
Wow! Technology has paved many new paths and accessibility for the Deaf and HOH as well as the general hearing population. Once the TTY/TDD dominated our communication channel but now that is changing rapidly before our very own eyes.
Learned about the various tools and trends one can utilized to advocate for the Deaf and HOH people. The latest cases the DOJ have resolved. Learned what is ethical and professional for interpreters when using Facebook, Twitter, and others. How about VRS Etiquette. There was information on Social Security. Did you know there are job openings for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Secret Service and other federal agencies? Found out the key concerns among most Deaf and HOH today are issues that are being addressed in H.R. 3101 and S. 3304. Yes, we need the same rights to attend movie theaters as hearing people but with closed captioned. Other chief concerns was Internet captioning, TV captioning, accommodations in hospitals and doctors offices.
Please stay tune for specifics.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Hearing loss?
Yes, I have a hearing loss. Please don't leave my blog because I have a hearing loss. Hold your horses! There is much more to me than that. Now I have your attention. Let's look beyond that diverse ability. I am like anyone else. I am married...I am a mother...I have worked full time...I get involved in the community...I volunteer my time...I enjoy immensely the Bible Study groups...I stand up for myself...I like sports...I like a good laugh...I love children...I enjoy doing crafts...I like driving cross country...I love meeting other people, and I can go on and on. I am no different than anyone else. I am ME! Be proud of who you are.
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