DMH's Program Tonight Bombed!
Tonight's program, " An Open Community Forum: The Future of Mental Health Services for the Deaf/HH Presented by Stephanie Winslow, Director for Deaf and Multicultural Services
Missouri Department of Mental Health" was bombed. It did not produce anything new. It only is same old old stuff with some changes like window dressing.
Her presentations has set DMH back more than 30 years. Most of us are disappointed as there was nothing new. Most of us have spent years and time getting things the way the deaf community wants. Still DMH is thumbing its nose on us.
It was bold and clear from the start of presentation to the end that there was nothing constructive or capable for deaf community to benefit from DMH. It is still same thing such as "passing the buck" and trying to pacify us.
After inquiring about her background in mental health, she seems not qualified. She does not have the same credentials that Barry Critchfield and Steve Hamerdinger have. I did ask her to resign from the position as we reminded her that we were told that DMH would hire a deaf person and wait until after September 30th. They already hired her long before September 30th. This looks obvious from the actions by DMH. The DAC is a pacifier for them. They simply want to run the show and ignore our needs.
After reading many materials the past few months, I have come across this one - "Cultural Diversity Series: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Persons who are Deaf" dated May 2002 and prepared by Barry Critchfield. This report is a clear indication of what Missouri DMH should have been doing.
There is copy of it available at
http://www.nasmhpd.org/general_files/publications/ntac_pubs/reports/Deaf.PDF
What does this mean?
It is time to mount legal challenges with Missouri DMH on federal laws, including the ADA and ADAA, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Human Rights Act and various legal avenues. There is a big question of Missouri DMH's acceptance of medicaid from patients. In the contract with federal government in accepting federal funds from Medicaid, they have signed agreement to promise not to "discriminate".
Yet, Missouri DMH has been discriminating against deaf consumers of mental health for years and years. It is time to look into this kind of legal challenge.
We have found some deaf patients who are suffering from lack of support services. More deaf people are coming out of woodwork and we neeed them all to testify in court.
After many months, it is time for me to write a letter to DMH, Missouri Governor Nixon,and the State of Missouri including Senate and House of Representatives. The letter will be an intent to sue them all for lack of mental health services for the deaf. I will be contacting the lawyers referral list to see who is willing to represent the Deaf People of Missouri in legal challenges.
The case could be the Deaf People of Missouri vs Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Governor Nixon and the State of Missouri including Senate and House of Representatives.
It worked for New York, North Carolina, California, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and Minnesota. IF they can, we can!
Suffice to say, tonight's progam has bombed and it is a final straw that broke the camel's back!
Paul Kiel
A private citizen
April 2, 2009
Showing posts with label sign language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sign language. Show all posts
Friday, April 3, 2009
Monday, December 15, 2008
A LETTER TO REP. SARA LAMPE: SUICIDE: A LONELY JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE
SUICIDE: A LONELY JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE
Honorable Representative Sara Lampe:
(Editor's Note: Missouri State Representative - Sara Lampe is planning some kind of investigation into this matter.)
This is an appreciation note to let you know that I am pleased that you are taking the time to look into matters concerning the deaf consumers of mental health services. It is imperative that the Missouri Department of Mental Health follow what the deaf community is requesting.
The past few years, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) has been window dressing and playing shell game with us. Whenever we need services, we end up losing the sight of what is to be delivered to us. There is always someone passing the buck.
Not too long ago, the program was being set up by Steve Hamerdinger who had the right answers to the needs of deaf mental health needs. He is a well respected authority on mental health issues facing the deaf community. He is a brilliant fellow who have foreseen the needs of the deaf community and is able to provide solutions to the problems. He has successfully implemented the same model for Missouri in Alabama.
When it came to budget request of a couple million dollars to meet the needs of the Missouri Deaf community, the people at the top chose to shut down the program and kicked all the staff that were hired by Steve Hamgerdinger out. There were no management succession afterwards. There were no plans to provide outside programs or any follow ups. They simply threw us out on the streets.
Then came Barry Critchfield - he is an expert on deaf mental health. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in that field. The same for Steve Hamerdinger. Barry Critchfield did try to put together the same program he administered in South Carolina. It is also a successful program.
Tell me why did Missouri Department of Mental Health turn deaf ears on both well respected authorities on deaf mental health??? This raises a stink up to the heavens. DMH ought to be investigated.
They chose to play with the funds and only hired the interpreters to the tune of $539,000.00 as of the past year according to their admission at the conference on October 12, 2008. Most of deaf community were in shock when we found out the cost. We recommended that they re-budget the funds to hire 4 deaf mental health professionals at $40,000.00 each. It is only $160,000.00 total and with some benefits thrown in as much as $15 to 20 thousand. There is still some money left to use interpreting services.
They continue to drag their feet in this matter.
Unfortunately the interpreters cannot be true advocates of mental health system. They are "locked" in one role as communication facilitator. The RID Code of Ethics does not allow a certified interpreter to step out of its role in many situations.
This is where we, as deaf advocates, intervene in the interests of our Deaf community. We are not happy and not satisfied with the present status of the DMH. They continue to play games with us and continue hurting us more day by day. We have been without mental health services so long. Many of us are suffering. We are falling through cracks of the service delivery system.
We have constitutional rights to access the mental health services. I have a mental picture of Missouri Department of Mental Health sticking baby pacifers in deaf community's mouths. The current status of DMH does not provide any programs or services that help deaf consumers be self-sufficent. It is audism at work. Audism is where the hearing people make "illegal" decisions for the deaf consumers. This is not at par with the satisfication of the deaf consumers. The people in DMH and the community are not qualified to meet the needs of the deaf consumers.
The fact of matter is that the hearing people have no patience in dealing with deaf consumers. It is considered that there are 98 percent of hearing population having no patience with deaf people in communities. It is an educated guess at this point but it has been happening around the country.
You do need a deaf professional to handle deaf cases. You cannot have a hearing person to handle deaf cases. It is like hiring a man to handle abused women cases? It is like hiring a white person to handle african american cases. It can go on and on.
It is like according to late Gallaudet University President Dr. Merrill, he stated that you cannot hire Japanese teachers to teach English class. It will be chaos.
This is where and why we are requesting that DMH understand our position in having a right person to handle the case management.
I did report to the DMH Commissioners at the top that I was not satisfied with Keith Schafer and his administration including Heskett and Winslow. The chair of Commission wrote me a certified letter stating that he was happy with the current staffing. They just recently hired an interpreter to handle mental health cases. It is a BIG JOKE to us in the deaf community. This is like pulling us down further.
Let me state for the record - they are practicing discrimination loud and clear. They are in violation of Americans with Disabilities Act as well as human rights. I have brought this matter up with the legal profession and state agencies. Everyone's hands continue to be tied.....
Where can we go next?
We will need your attention to this matter of following up on the needs of deaf community.
Before I close, I want to express a bit about myself. I grew up being a suicidal person. I have tried to end my life numerous times as I have been victim of abuses. I have never received proper mental health services to help me stop going to the dark side. I have been to dark side numerous times where I was close to death. I have tried cutting my wrists. I have tried having noose around my neck. I have tried suffocating in plastic bag. I have taken pills to overdose. I have lived dangerously during 20s and 30s.
Since I am a self-starter and self-helper, I take the time to read materials and follow up with a few qualified professionals. I have learned to turn 180 degrees away from the disastrous path. I have learned to use coping skills from the last program. It was 20 years ago that I made that last attempt to commit suicide. So far so good I am doing and coping! I want to stay alive to continue to advocate for the rights of deaf consumers of mental health.
I am working on a documentary about deaf and suicide. I have seen few deaf committing suicide. I have helped one person from committing suicide while in college and failed to help another. He hung himself in the woods behind the college cafeteria. It burns in my mind for more than 30 years. The problems we have are only temporary. Tomorrow brings on new hopes and challenges. This is what the suicidal ones need to know. This is why I am working on "SUICIDE: A LONELY JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE"
This is where you can step in and help us set the program right on the track to meet the needs of deaf community! You may use my story for your journey in resolving the problems. We are humbly asking you to end the audism at the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Paul Kiel
a private citizen
St. Louis, Missouri
"Tough times never last, tough people do!"
December 15, 2008
Honorable Representative Sara Lampe:
(Editor's Note: Missouri State Representative - Sara Lampe is planning some kind of investigation into this matter.)
This is an appreciation note to let you know that I am pleased that you are taking the time to look into matters concerning the deaf consumers of mental health services. It is imperative that the Missouri Department of Mental Health follow what the deaf community is requesting.
The past few years, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) has been window dressing and playing shell game with us. Whenever we need services, we end up losing the sight of what is to be delivered to us. There is always someone passing the buck.
Not too long ago, the program was being set up by Steve Hamerdinger who had the right answers to the needs of deaf mental health needs. He is a well respected authority on mental health issues facing the deaf community. He is a brilliant fellow who have foreseen the needs of the deaf community and is able to provide solutions to the problems. He has successfully implemented the same model for Missouri in Alabama.
When it came to budget request of a couple million dollars to meet the needs of the Missouri Deaf community, the people at the top chose to shut down the program and kicked all the staff that were hired by Steve Hamgerdinger out. There were no management succession afterwards. There were no plans to provide outside programs or any follow ups. They simply threw us out on the streets.
Then came Barry Critchfield - he is an expert on deaf mental health. He is internationally recognized for his expertise in that field. The same for Steve Hamerdinger. Barry Critchfield did try to put together the same program he administered in South Carolina. It is also a successful program.
Tell me why did Missouri Department of Mental Health turn deaf ears on both well respected authorities on deaf mental health??? This raises a stink up to the heavens. DMH ought to be investigated.
They chose to play with the funds and only hired the interpreters to the tune of $539,000.00 as of the past year according to their admission at the conference on October 12, 2008. Most of deaf community were in shock when we found out the cost. We recommended that they re-budget the funds to hire 4 deaf mental health professionals at $40,000.00 each. It is only $160,000.00 total and with some benefits thrown in as much as $15 to 20 thousand. There is still some money left to use interpreting services.
They continue to drag their feet in this matter.
Unfortunately the interpreters cannot be true advocates of mental health system. They are "locked" in one role as communication facilitator. The RID Code of Ethics does not allow a certified interpreter to step out of its role in many situations.
This is where we, as deaf advocates, intervene in the interests of our Deaf community. We are not happy and not satisfied with the present status of the DMH. They continue to play games with us and continue hurting us more day by day. We have been without mental health services so long. Many of us are suffering. We are falling through cracks of the service delivery system.
We have constitutional rights to access the mental health services. I have a mental picture of Missouri Department of Mental Health sticking baby pacifers in deaf community's mouths. The current status of DMH does not provide any programs or services that help deaf consumers be self-sufficent. It is audism at work. Audism is where the hearing people make "illegal" decisions for the deaf consumers. This is not at par with the satisfication of the deaf consumers. The people in DMH and the community are not qualified to meet the needs of the deaf consumers.
The fact of matter is that the hearing people have no patience in dealing with deaf consumers. It is considered that there are 98 percent of hearing population having no patience with deaf people in communities. It is an educated guess at this point but it has been happening around the country.
You do need a deaf professional to handle deaf cases. You cannot have a hearing person to handle deaf cases. It is like hiring a man to handle abused women cases? It is like hiring a white person to handle african american cases. It can go on and on.
It is like according to late Gallaudet University President Dr. Merrill, he stated that you cannot hire Japanese teachers to teach English class. It will be chaos.
This is where and why we are requesting that DMH understand our position in having a right person to handle the case management.
I did report to the DMH Commissioners at the top that I was not satisfied with Keith Schafer and his administration including Heskett and Winslow. The chair of Commission wrote me a certified letter stating that he was happy with the current staffing. They just recently hired an interpreter to handle mental health cases. It is a BIG JOKE to us in the deaf community. This is like pulling us down further.
Let me state for the record - they are practicing discrimination loud and clear. They are in violation of Americans with Disabilities Act as well as human rights. I have brought this matter up with the legal profession and state agencies. Everyone's hands continue to be tied.....
Where can we go next?
We will need your attention to this matter of following up on the needs of deaf community.
Before I close, I want to express a bit about myself. I grew up being a suicidal person. I have tried to end my life numerous times as I have been victim of abuses. I have never received proper mental health services to help me stop going to the dark side. I have been to dark side numerous times where I was close to death. I have tried cutting my wrists. I have tried having noose around my neck. I have tried suffocating in plastic bag. I have taken pills to overdose. I have lived dangerously during 20s and 30s.
Since I am a self-starter and self-helper, I take the time to read materials and follow up with a few qualified professionals. I have learned to turn 180 degrees away from the disastrous path. I have learned to use coping skills from the last program. It was 20 years ago that I made that last attempt to commit suicide. So far so good I am doing and coping! I want to stay alive to continue to advocate for the rights of deaf consumers of mental health.
I am working on a documentary about deaf and suicide. I have seen few deaf committing suicide. I have helped one person from committing suicide while in college and failed to help another. He hung himself in the woods behind the college cafeteria. It burns in my mind for more than 30 years. The problems we have are only temporary. Tomorrow brings on new hopes and challenges. This is what the suicidal ones need to know. This is why I am working on "SUICIDE: A LONELY JOURNEY TO THE DARK SIDE"
This is where you can step in and help us set the program right on the track to meet the needs of deaf community! You may use my story for your journey in resolving the problems. We are humbly asking you to end the audism at the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Paul Kiel
a private citizen
St. Louis, Missouri
"Tough times never last, tough people do!"
December 15, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Jay Leno DOES NOT HAVE to apologize to St. Joseph Institute For the Deaf!
With the recent hoopla about St. Joseph's crying about Jay's joke, Jay was talking about deaf kids not hearing what he said.
He pointed out the unusual headlines and listings found in papers. There was a story about Barbershop singers going to schools. He joked about shrugging his shoulders and mouthing his words without sound.
Jay Leno does NOT have to apologize. He is a comedian and we can laugh it off. He does not have to worry about what happened.
The bottom line is St. Joseph has been spewing lies since 1934. It was founded as a sign language school in 1837. This is pure AUDISM at work!
I am glad that Jay said something to bring this front and center for us to know the truth behind the lies of St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf.
They had a principal who had been abusing deaf children for more than 50 years.
Jay Leno does NOT have to apologize. He is a comedian and we can laugh it off. He does not have to worry about what happened.
The bottom line is St. Joseph has been spewing lies since 1934. It was founded as a sign language school in 1837. This is pure AUDISM at work!
I am glad that Jay said something to bring this front and center for us to know the truth behind the lies of St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf.
They had a principal who had been abusing deaf children for more than 50 years.
This shows how much hypocrisy St. Joe's is. They swept it under the carpet and tried to hide the crime from the public.
Now the principal is dead and rotting in hell!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
DEAFIASL BRINGS WARNING FROM THE YEAR 2058
DEAFIASL BRINGS WARNING FROM THE YEAR 2058
A science-fiction video about DEAFIASL on a mission to warn the Deaf today.
DEAFIASL was on a mission through space and time from 2058. He brings a warning about audism and oppression still existing 50 years from now. Time for advocacy and action!
Updated 02/01/08
Note that DEAFIASL mentioned about today's Superbowl and Bob's House
Also note that DEAFIASL was using the pager from 2058
Thursday, January 17, 2008
HAVING DEAF CHILDREN HEAR IS A PIPE DREAM!
Whoo! Whoo! I am amused when hearing parents or professionals show their ignorance in deaf issues.
That’s trouble when they have horse blinders on!
They are the ones causing problems.
Knowledge is power!
What the CI users are trying to say are telling truth!
I have seen CI companies sweeping dirt under rugs…and same for one friend who tried to do her research. She contacted Gallaudet University to find out more….the University were unable to reply to her request. It was like snow job or cover up.
Like I said, money talks! It is the greed that engulfs the audists into more greed and more control over the useless technology. It is just plain expensive hearing aids.
It is plain snake oil! Same old practice from the old westerns!
They (audists/doctors/oral programs) are laughing their way to banks for pulling wool over poor parents.
Truth will prevail!
Shame on those liars in this scandal and conspiracy to hurt many poor deaf children!
Having deaf children hear is a pipe dream!
The only one who can perform miracles is the man upstairs! Not any medical profession or any of us!
Capsice?
Monday, January 14, 2008
HOT DIGGITY DAMN! YES, ORALISM HINDERS EDUCATION!
A vlog about his comments on Carl Schroeder's vlog on "ORALISM HINDERS EDUCATION!".
This script is for signing impaired.
Hot Diggity Damn! Yes, It is a fact that oralism hinders education!!! it has been that way since 1880. This is what and why AG Bell and his cronies developed a system to oppress deaf for years and years.
Many parents are fooled into believing that their children will succeed in life. There seem to be higher divorce rates among those parents of oral children. I grew up in oral programs and I have seen plenty. It is not a pretty picture. It is high time that everyone talk about what happened and stop the lies.
As for the recent vlog by Carl Schroeder - Kakula's Corner, I agree with him 100 percent. It is a fact that oralism hinders what the deaf need. It is a simple form of audism.
See the picture in black and white. That was 41 years ago this coming fall that Dr. Silverman asked me to come with him to a presentation at Laclede Gas Company downtown St. Louis. I was starting first year in public school. I was 15 at that time. You know I have been obedient at times to certain people.
But that day in Fall of 1967 was a turning point of starting to hate oralism. I was tired of being paraded around from one place to another at CID's whims. They wanted me to go and help them fundraise through the United Fund which is now the United Way.
That day was the day I started to protest and made demands. I told Dr. Silverman to stop using me and to stop calling my mom every Fall when they needed me. I had enough of giving them what they wanted. I was upset when Dr. Silverman wanted to demonstrate how oralism worked. I told Dr. Silverman that I did not want his grubby hands on my face anymore and I got tired of being in public limelight.
I had to face public humilitation at a junior high school. My friends teased me about the picture being in the newspaper. I ran home to cry and was suffering depression and humilitation. I wanted to be equal with my hearing friends, but that picture in newspaper changed my life forever. I did not need the teasing and ribbing about how the old man touched my face and the stuff.
I told my mother to stop accepting calls from CID. I went to extremes to tell Dr. Lane, the principal of CID. She told me that I was her favorite pet, yet she was the meanest woman as well as Miss Helen Woodward who slammed the ruler on my hands. Dr. Lane expected me to follow her high expectation of being a role model of oralism. I told her that I would prefer to learn sign language like my brother and other people did. She tried to coax me to stay on oralism side and I said something was not right.
More information and events that transpired after that terrible experience are in my book.
Now on the second picture in color, this was me talking to the newspaper reporter during the Moog protest. Mrs. Moog was fired from her job at CID and I was at CID to encourage CID to adopt ASL and follow the true method of deaf education that included total communication (as a compromise). I had seven people join me in public protest. I issued a press conference to tell the story.
Guess what? The meanest of all, Mrs. Tash (my former speech teacher) squashed my press conference and took the people off to get inside the building. Of course, I got very upset about how Mrs. Tash acted and I got even worse when other people walked off and continued to support the evil woman by the name of Mrs. Moog. She was the same lady I chewed her out years earlier when she looked down on the ILY stamp. The newspaper reporter did not print what I was trying to tell her. It was obvious she did NOT understand anything I said. The story in papers were biased. It is same game that hearing people play to protect themselves.
Now back to Carl Schroeder and others about oralism hindering education, it is a fact. I have seen scores of deaf friends suffer from lack of education. The teachers were too busy correcting our speech and making sure we do things their way. It reeks of audism at its best!
Those people from oral programs are listed in the hall of shame! Yes, the Hall of Shame!
Monday, January 7, 2008
THE ASL JESTER IS COMING TO YOUR TOWN!
** TIME FOR FUN! TIME FOR GOOD TIMES! TIME FOR LAUGHTER!
Hello!
The ASL JESTER is coming to your town!
If you are interested, let's demand it. Click on this link and register.
If you have problem with this message, feel free to e-mail to us at theasljester@aol.com
See you soon!
The ASL JESTER
For more info on The ASL JESTER, visit this link at http://www.deafimages.tv/asljester.html
January 08, 2008 : Visit Deaf Images at http://www.deafimages.tv
Friday, December 28, 2007
DEAF CULTURE 101 - TELL ME ABOUT IT?
Will you be interested in helping me making a video "DEAF CULTURE 101"? Tell me your story? Give me 5 minutes of your story about your experience growing up deaf and how you encounter hearing people at store. Anything where communicaiton is messed up due to misunderstanding.
Send your inquiries to info@deafimages.tv.
Thank you!
Paul Kiel
Deaf Images
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
GSLAD Launches Missouri Video Relay Service - MOVRS
GSLAD Launches Missouri Video Relay Service - MOVRS
We are ahead of the curve for Deaf and Hard of Hearing!
Contact:
Paul Kiel - info@gslad.org
Marketing Coordinator for MOVRS
St. Louis, Missouri, December 8, 2007 - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Missourians will enjoy an effective and simpler way to make phone calls with today's launch of MOVRS (Missouri Video Relay Service). GSLAD has entered into partnership with CSDVRS, LLC to implement MOVRS. This is a tremendous opportunity for GSLAD as they form an affiliate outreach partnership with CSDVRS, LLC.
MOVRS allows Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers using Sign Language to reach video interpreters using their videophone or webcam to communicate with any hearing person. The trained and qualified interpreters are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The VRS user can dial any number using videophone or webcam to connect to a live Video Interpreter. The Video Interpreter can facilitate communication between the sign language user and the hearing person.
MOVRS becomes a driving force in empowering deaf and hard of hearing Missourians to focus on increased awareness and accessibility.
“GSLAD is ahead of the curve by providing a community service in partnership with CSDVRS. We need to have a variety of choices to meet individual needs. CSDVRS is recognized as a leader in provision of services and this, is a good time for us to benefit from the new service,” said Jeffrey Willoughby, GSLAD President. “MOVRS is a useful communication tool. It enables Deaf and Hard of Hearing users to have functional equivalency.”
“GSLAD has a mission to provide a variety of opportunities to the deaf and hard of hearing community. MOVRS is a perfect addition to their mission,” said Tim Rarus, Vice President of Sales for CSDVRS. “In addition, CSDVRS is committed to working with an organization that is as passionate as GSLAD in accomplishing their mission of providing opportunities for their fellow Deaf and Hard of Hearing Missourians.”
** For widest possible distribution - logo of MOVRS is attached.
Monday, September 17, 2007
COUNTDOWN BEGINS AT SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!
September 17 , 2007 - COUNTDOWN BEGINS AT SHOW ME DEAF FILM FESTIVAL!
Here is this video that will detail on what's happening at SMDFF! Any questions? contact Paul at paul@deafimages.tv
Thank you! =)
Thursday, March 29, 2007
AG BELL iS INDEED PUBLIC ENEMY #1
AG BELL IS INDEED PUBLIC ENEMY #1After years of reviewing historical documents regarding Bell and his so-called projects, I do agree that he is public enemy #1 for all the corruption, abuses, lies, and manipulation. His mother and wife were deaf. He must have had unhappy relationships with them and his anger towards the deaf community in the 19th century.
He had the gall to go around telling the US Congress and other places trying to reduce the Deaf community. He was despised by a lot of Deaf leaders in his day. He formed a paper called, "Upon the Formation of a Deaf variety of the Human Race". It showed similar concept used by Adolf Hitler in killing over 6 million Jewish people as well as disabled and deaf people.
He was not even a true inventor of telephone. He "STOLE" it! So once a thief, always a thief!
This video will explain about it.
AG Bell Association needs to disband and stop spreading lies that Bell perpetuated.
More truth and more evidence point that oralism is a failure and does not help us at all!
=)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
DEAF ROCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL - A SMASHING SUCCESS!
DEAF ROCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL - A SMASHING SUCCESS!
I took this opportunity to come up to Rochester, NY to attend Deaf Rochester Film Festival. It is the second festival that they have hosted. I regretted to miss the first one. This second festival is a smashing success and deserves a 5-Star Rating!
You can look up at their website at DRFF
Friday night, March 23, 2007:
Reception at Rochester Contemporary at 137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
There was a feature showing of "HEAR AND NOW". It was produced by Irene Tayler Brodsky. She is the daughter of Paul and Sally Taylor of Rochester, NY. It was interesting film to watch. It seems a balanced view of what was going on and that Paul and Sally Taylor made decision to use cochlear implant. They have been deaf for as many as 65 years and decided to try it. The film showed trails and tribulations from start to finish. It is interesting film!
Paul Kiel and Sally Taylor at the reception
Saturday, March 24, 2007:
There were film showings all day and Wayne Betts, Jr. was the keynote speaker. He is with Mosdeux. He is co-founder with Chad W. Taylor of that company. For more info on that company, visit their website at Mosdeux
Wayne Betts Jr. making a presentation
There were other films to watch the rest of day. There were student films in the evening.
Scott Reekers, St. Louis, MO and student at Gallaudet University answering questions from the audience at RDFF.
He has been awarded 2nd Place in Student Film Awards for Gallaudet University Protest Category. HIs film was "ASL Artistry of the 2006 Protest".
CONGRATULATIONS TO SCOTT REEKERS!
There was reception in the evening and it was nice and enjoyable having it at Dyer Arts Center at NTID.
All showings and meetings were at Panara Theatre.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
There were more film showings. The filmmakers had panel discissions and there were awards and brunch. It marked the closing of the festival. It was a resounding success!
Filmmakers discussing and answering questions from the audience.
Jane Norman making a point about using "responsibility" among filmmakers, festival and supporters.
Festival attendees enjoying brunch
KUDOS TO DEAF ROCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL COMMITTEE FOR THEIR HARD WORK!
It was a pleasant experience for me. I have been to other festivals and i find this festival fetching a 5 Star rating for its hospitality, accomodations, food and festival.
=)
Sunday, March 4, 2007
"THROUGH DEAF EYES" DISCUSSED IN FULTON, MISSOURI
THROUGH DEAF EYES DOCUMENTARY DISCUSSION
Last Friday, March 2, 2007, The groups were at Missouri School for the Deaf to view a preview of upcoming "THROUGH DEAF EYES" a documentary. The first group were MSD students to view it and discuss about it.
Then the second group were adults and visitors to MSD. There were viewings of 50 minutes of 2 hour program. It showed portions of a full documentary. Barb Garrison, Superintendent of Missouri School for the Deaf and Tom Bastean, assistant Superintendent led the discussions.
Barb quoted in her posting on listserv that the documentary is a powerful film that inspires those of us who have experienced this history and is most important for those who want to know more about the deaf world.
The film was inspired by the exhibition, "History Through Deaf Eyes," curated by Jack R. Gannon of Gallaudet University. He is an alunus of Missouri School for the Deaf.
This documentary will air nationally on PBS on Wednesday, March 21 at 9 p.m. ET (check local listings).
More information about that documentary can be found at PBS website at http://www.pbs.org.
Barbara Garrison explains about her experiences in those days with her family including her deaf brother.
Paul Miller explains about his past experiences at school and community.
SPECIAL NOTE
This is Dick and Marthada Reed. They have been at MSD for so many years. They even retired about 20 years ago. They are doing fine and were at the presentation. I was fortunate to see them again. I remembered them when I came with my brother, Kenneth at MSD way back in 1964. They seem to be in fine health and active in community. It was good to see the Reeds!
=)
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: 1 of 3 MoDARA WORKSHOPS
Melissa Fears-Henley making a point while Kim Fears watches
SUPPORTING THE PROFESSIONAL WORKING WITH DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CLIENTELE (3 WORKSHOPS SESSION)
Session One: The Elephpant in the Room
It was a workshop presented by Melissa Fears-Henley and Kim Fears.
From the flyer "Professionals working with deaf and hard of hearing people are often aware of underlying tensions and expectations that dramatically affect the overt success of their work. These unspoken, semi-conscious understandings and expectations could be referred to as "The Elephant in the Room". Everyone knows it is there, but no one wants to bring it up. This workshop will attempt to bring these issues out in the open and define them, as well as give the professional useful tools to be able to address these dynamics when they are not positive. This will be accomplished through the following:
"Defining the Expert, Adversary and Support Model of professional/client relationship"
"Clarifying the strengths and weaknesses of each, as well as explaining how and why they develop"
"Provide techniques to be used from the onset to set up the professional/client relationships to the most positive way possible"
"Give suggestions to turn an existing, troubled relationship toward a more positive, overt relationship pattern"
This event is funded by Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Interpreters are provided by Lakes Country Resource Cener, DHH Employment Services.
Thanks to MoDARA for providing workshops and GSLAD for using their facility.
Next two workshops are:
Session Two: Collaboration and the Crab
Friday, April 6, 2007 - 9 to 11:30 a.m. GSLAD 2190 Creve Couer Mill Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63043
"Competitiveness and defensiveness often gets in the way of agencies and professionals working together to provide the best possible support to the deaf/hard of hearing client. This workshop will explore the reasons this exists, as well as exploring ways to overcome these patterns to be as effective as possible in the work we do.
Crab Theory, much more complex than many people realize, will be explored and its impact on the field discussed. Competition for funding sources makes concern about collaborating to provide service an important area for social services to explore. Possibilities for mutually beneficial collaborative relationships will be investigated, as well as outlines provided as to how to set these up.
Examples of collaborative relationships established by professionals serving other undervalued groups will be presented, in order to stimulate creative thinking and provoke similar connections in working with deaf and hard of hearing people. "
Session Three: How to Say What You See: Resistance, Friction, and Debriefing
Friday, June 1, 2007 - 9 to 11:30 a.m. GSLAD 2190 Creve Coeur Mill Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63043
"We have all had the experience of doing everything we know to do to support a client and yet something does not click and good support for the person does not occur. Reasons for these roadblocks and potential solutions will be explored:
What are common reasons for resistance to help from a professional, and what are reasons unique to the deaf and hard of hearing client?
How to determine if the friction between you and a client should be ignored, seen as positive, addressed, or means you should refer the client to someone else.
How do you address interaction problems between you and the client? This process, called debriefing, has the potentional to result in powerful positive changes. Understanding the process, and how to use it, can make a professional much more effective in his/her work.
What is the difference in debriefing and defusing, when and how do you use each one, and why?"
For more information on these workshops, contact Melissa Fears-Henley at info
Monday, February 26, 2007
THE OSCARS GALA was fun last night!
THE OSCARS GALA
The party was held last night at GSLAD Hall sponsored by RTR and GSLAD.
There were fun and games. We get to pick which groups such as director, screen, actors, actresses, music, animation, etc that may have won Oscar. We had fun predicting who won the Oscars. Everyone got prizes and gifts to take home. Vegetable trays and pizzas were served. Drinks were sold. We enjoyed the big screen as well as other televisions. The decorations were lovely at the hall. They even had red carpet from front door to the party room. Movie posters and decorations were everywhere. Indeed, it was a red carpet treatment. It is like being in Hollywood!
Was that Michael Moore? No, that's Paul. He has aspirations to win an Oscar! Be sure to watch for future videos at DEAF-IMAGES
BE SURE TO GO AGAIN NEXT YEAR! You can be sorry if you miss it! I had a good time!
=)
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