Not recieving the next available appt due to lack of accomodations available:

Well its been a while since I've been on here. Today, on my mind is, the struggles that we face trying to obtain interpreters.

Usually we face obstacles in obtaining them, and recently we faced one, where one was forced upon us, blocking us from having instant access as a hearing person would have. Heres what happened:

One day, I walked into an office and requested an appt, and it was 2 weeks away...I requested an appt as soon as possible:
they say "Im sorry but we can't give you the next available appoiintment, you will have to wait 2 weeks so we can secure you an interpreter".
Me: "I am willing to forgo an interreter, I want the next available appointment". Them: "I am sorry, we cannot obligue you, as the law says we must provide you with an interpreter".
Me: "yes, when I request one, and when appointments are made in advance. However, I am in need and I have the same right as any person to have the next available appt and waive my right for an interpreter at this specific appointment".....

So annoying. Then, more recently, I went in to make an appt for my sister at her doctors because they were not answering the phone. I requested the next available appointment which was "tmw morning".....but they disagreed and said they need 2 weeks notice to provide an interpreter.
Me: "She is sick, she doesn't need to wait 2 weeks, she is willing to waive the right to an interpreter for this certain appointment".
Them: "Im sorry but deaf folks have been forcing us to follow the ADA Law, so we are required to provide an itnerpter"
Me: "Yes, you are, upon request. We are not requesting an interpreter--we would like one but we know its probably impossible to get an intepreter at this late of a notice, but she is sick and needs to be seen".....

Talk about the frusterations! If I culd only educate everyone! I am only one person. We can only educate one at a time, one by one. Even when workshops are given, they do not comply. Sometimes you just can't win. But educating little by little, eventually we will win.

Oklahoma is one of those who is very behind.
I lived in Oregon for a year and a half and did not have this struggle.
Our pastor and his wife moved here from New York City, and they said they too did not face this struggle.

Heres to educating OKLAHOMA!

Deafness--with Family and Friends

My eyes are my ears. With my eyes, I "hear" the world. The other nite, I visited old friends--those I grew up with--when i could hear. Before my hearing was totally lost. Back in the time, when hearingaids were useful. Then, my hearing gradually declined, and I drifted apart, allowing my hearingloss to come between me, my family and my friends. Even tho I made new ones that I culd talk to more, I missed my friendships of young.

This past month, I got to renew these friendships. Staying int ouch is a great thing. I stopped for a quick visit with my grandma--who I struggle so hard to understand--I don't get to visit with her when my family gets together--they're all busy talking, and I cannot hear.

So last Friday, I visited for 45 mins. Alot of it was "lost", hard to follow, but still enjoyable--even though awkward. This is what I mean by drifting apart and allowing it to come between us. Then....I made a stop---to my childhood best friends house--I was nervous. I knew I wouldn't be rejected---but its soo hard to have a conversation continuously when no sign language is present.But I love her, and I missed her, and I wanted to make an effort to stay in touch, for my family and my childhood best freinds mean the world to me. So I stopped by. Somehow, we managed. 30 mins, a few repeats, but all went well :) Then...in the next town over, I stopped by her sisters, my other equally best childhood friend. Her sister---culd fingerspell and knew a few words in sign---so we visited for 2 hours!

I've learned cherish what we have. Hearingloss shldn't get in the way of family and friends. I've missed alot of time with my family, because I'm really shy, and I don't speak up, because of my hearingloss. I am trying to learn to live without regrets. Missed opportunities--we learn from them.

I don't regret being deaf. I recently learned my mom didn't want me to get the cochlear implant. She was told I would lose what I already had. So she made a wise decision. I am greatful. I love being deaf--I have no complaints. It doesn't matter that I miss out on wonderful sounds---like my childs voice--I miss it--I didn't get to hear his voice become deeper as he changes into a teenager.....like family conversations---but thats life, and we learn to deal with it, and we become positive about other things.
Thats my outlook on life, and I'm sticking to it. Make the best of what you have. The glass is half full-not half empty! :)

NAD Letter to Netflix Re: Wizard of Oz

(This is not my blog, I am posting for you to read--this is NAD's letter to Netflix on their refusal to caption the wizard of oz. Way to go NAD!)
Renee'

Letter:
NAD Calls Out Netflix on CaptionsOn September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf requested that Netflix provide a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” movie that Netflix made available online, for free, for everyone on October 3, 2009. Netflix disregarded the NAD request along with thousands of letters, emails, comments, and tweets urging Netflix to caption the movie. Today, the NAD expressed its dismay at the lack of any response from Netflix and its failure to make this 70th anniversary celebration of “The Wizard of Oz” accessible to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing viewers.

Here is what the NAD said:-------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, October 5, 2009
Catherine FisherDirector, CommunicationsNetflix,
Inc.cafisher@netflix.com

Ms. Fisher –

On September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) wrote to you in response to Netflix’s announcement that “The Wizard of Oz” would be freely available to everyone on October 3rd, the 70th anniversary of this classic film. We requested that Netflix enable people to choose to view a captioned version of this classic film by placing a "CC" icon on your webpage linked to the captioned version. We urged Netflix to take advantage of this unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible entertainment to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans.

See http://www.nad.org/node/442. In addition to the NAD, Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin and many other people appealed to Netflix to caption “The Wizard of Oz.” The process of captioning “The Wizard of Oz” is technically possible and relatively simple to achieve. The television version and the DVD version of the film have already been captioned. Captions can be programmed into the Microsoft Silverlight application that Netflix uses for its Watch Instantly feature. Captions have been included in videos, programming, and movies made available for viewing online. See, for example, http://www.hulu.com.

We received no response from Netflix. Our request for a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” on October 3rd was not honored. Unlike the characters in “The Wizard of Oz,” Netflix looks like it is still searching for its brain, heart, and courage. We view Netflix’s lack of response and lack of captioning for “The Wizard of Oz” as a blatant statement by Netflix that 36 million deaf and hard of hearing people are second class citizens. This is the message that our community received from Netflix.

Netflix must commit to a policy and timetable to provide captions for its online movie service to ensure equal access to this service by Netflix account holders who are deaf or hard of hearing. Such a policy is a not only a good business practice, it's the right thing to do. In addition, we ask Netflix to meet with NAD representatives, and the courtesy of a response to this invitation.

Rosaline CrawfordDirector, Law and Advocacy CenterNational Association of the Deaf8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910 Advocates need to continue to request captioning on Netflix Watch Instantly movies by sending messages to Netflix by Twitter via the Netflix twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/netflix or @netflix and http://www.twitter.com/netflixhelps or @netflixhelps, via the Netflix Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/netflix, by posting comments on the Netflix blog at http://blog.netflix.com/, and contacting:Catherine FisherDirector, CommunicationsNetflix, Inc.cafisher@netflix.com408-540-3847 Netflix Customer Service1-866-716-0414Source: http://www.nad.org/news/2009/10/nad-calls-out-netflix-captionsNetflix: Wizard of Oz - 70th Anniversaryhttp://www.netflix.com/wizardofozYahoo Tech:http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/57543/deaf-association-to-netflix-why-no-captions-during-free-online-showing-of-oz/HackingNetflix.com:http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/10/netflixs-wizard-of-oz-showing-upsets-national-association-of-the-deaf.html

Miss. Deaf USA

Today I saw something new in Deaf America. This is what I will call the deaf in America--Deaf America. Because I can. So news today in Deaf America, is that there is Miss. Deaf USA---a new pageant to be hosted in Las Vegas Nevada in 2010.

I ofc am wondering what NAD thinks of this? Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing? We have Miss. Deaf America---hosted by the state pageants in each state, then you win the title Miss. Deaf America when all the states gather. But this is where it stops. There is no interational pageant.

The Miss. Deaf USA will be international. No state pageants to determine Miss. USA? Instead any girl/woman that fits the criteria can run? Then go to international?

I haven't decided yet what my thoughts are. I think its good in some ways. A nice chance to have an internatinal pageant. Except, who do they represent? If its not affilated with NAD, can they still represent all of us who are state members or national members? How does this work?

So I have alot to learn, as I reserach on this and gateher thoughts and opinions.
This will include bathing suit competition--since they said it on their site www.missdeafusa.com NAD does not have this. Thank goodness, because as a former Miss. Deaf Oklahoma, I don't think I would've been comfortable prancing around in my bathing suit.

But, to me it sounds like Miss. Deaf USA is almost equivelent to Miss. USA so this can be a good thing right?

So here I am, curiuos to find out what the thoughts of others, that are not affiliated.
More details later.

CODA--& Abababa!!!

Okay--more news on the deaf world in Oklahoma! Deaf Awareness week is getting in full swing everywhere! Ofc, I'm from itty bitty town Sulphur--so nothing going on here.
I am gonna try to kick my DAW week off with Celebration Service at BattleCreek in Tulsa on Wednesday then drive to the city afterwards and crash for the nite---then get up and head to the State Fair of Oklahoma for Thursdays DAW events!

Ofc I gotta leave early cuz my litle one has a ballgame that nite--but thats okay! :)

And0000I gotta announce today,that our ticket sales are a go! Alan Abarbanell-(known as Abababa)-A one man CODA comedian--is giving a show in OKC on Dec 4th! I'm excited! This will be my 3rd time to see him--and its always a laugh a minute!

CODA- Child of Deaf Adult --okay heres some links--if you odn't know Abababa--you gotta check him out! www.abababatour.com/ and heres a link for a preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNRPdEQNMKM -

So if you live in Oklahoma--or nearby Dallas--come and see him!

Also coming up is a Abababa CODA Cruise! I'm excited! I am hoping to be able to go. This shld be fun!

New Blogspot--

I have created a new blogspot. I want to seperate my deaf blogs from my random daily life blogs, so i will get this in order. The new blogspot is posted as www.puresapphire.blogspot.com i think this will help alot so people following information about deafness--will not have to read "personal life" stuff. :) So I'll keep this one for deafnes and switch over to the other blogspot for my own life or thoughts, or randomness or whatever. Feel free to follow!

Relay Interpreting

As a formerly hard of hearing person--I liked the use of TTY's, as I could type my own words and not depend on the interpreter interpreting for me. Or better yet, the voice carry overs. (VCO) Where I could use my own voice, and still read what the interpreter was saying. They do still exist---mine just quit working. :( Or in the latest few years-the online relay options were terrific! (which are now pretty much exinct)

VideoPhones are the latest "new" thing over the past 4-5 years. Like wine, they get better with age. New features are always coming out. They're faster, more convient than the old way of typing.

They also have that VCO feature, so I need to give that a try. I think I'll be much happier--though I hate voicing for myself--because I cannot hear myself. VCO--All for the simple reason of: I want my words to be spoken the exact same way I sign it.

It amazes me how the interpreters can change a simple english sign or even sentence around by rephraseing it to mean the same thing, in an entirely different sentence. I do not get this. I sign exact english or ASL in english order--and they still manage to rephrase it. What--did ya'll take "rephrase" class or something??

I only RECENTLY let me emphasize RECENTLY started using Video Phones for my personal phone calls when they took the typing ability away from us. Why? Because of the above problems. The interpreters have improved TREMENDOUSLY yes--since the requirement levels have went up. Its "satisfactory" for the most part. I still perfer my own words though.

In the beginning when I gave Video Phones a try alot of things like this happened:
Me: "Dad, my I think my oil is still dripping. Its low again"
Interpeter: (who knows that the heck she said here)
Dad: "What? it cant be running out renee. it might be just leaking a little bit, im sure it still has oil in it"....(bec he had just worked on it a week or so before)

my dads reply tells me the interpreter was WAY OFF! I tell dad that I'll just call him on the slow relay (which is what we called the tty or online relay)

Another example:
Me: "Tell pawpaw i will be there in about an hour"
son: "Grandma? Who's grandma? momma, when you will be here?"
(Didnt I just already say this?...and....grandma?!)
Me: Brandon-Tell PAWPAW , Me-Momma, will arrive in one hour.
(I rephrased to see if the interpreter would catch that simple signing word for word)
Son: "momma, meme is not here"

Can I scream now please????. So theres a wasted few mintues. So I have to CALL my dad on the cellphone, and HOPE he picked up and hears my voice when I say "dad I'll be there in an hour"......

So today, things seem to be better. They seem to be getting it right---just not in the sentences I want. Okay let me also say--it works great for some. Especially for those ASL deafies. I dont' know many who share my frusterations. Mostly its just the hard of hearing or exact english deaf individuals that share the same frusterations as I do.

VCO will solve this. I'm gonna give it a try. I just truly dislike voicing for myself. I find myself occasionally stumbling over words. Happes when you've been deaf for almost 10 years.
And yes, I have perfect (well almost perfect) speech. One doesn't lose their speech overnight--if u were to become deaf tomorrow--you would still have your speech. Thats me. But if I don't use it--yes, I'll lose it. (well at least that almost perfect sounding speech anyway)
Thats it for this blog.

Still learning! :)

I am still learning to blog, so bear with me, and check back here often :)
This is a place where I will share my thoughts, mostly on deafness, deaf culture, my way of life, etc. These are mine and mine alone. Others may not share my opinions. But we are free to express them how we want. I will try my best to not misguide. :)

Cochlear Implants

Tonight, I had a conversation with a friend about...Cochlear Implants. Once upon a time, this is something I truly wanted for myself. Cochlear is not widely embraced by the deaf community. But before you all (deafies) start getting mad at me, or pointing fingers-- this is not something I want now.

One would have to put themselves in my shoes to understand my former desires. If a hearing parent with a deaf BABY were to come to me now. I have no clue truly how I would reply. But I would be honest about how I wanted one when I was a teen. and how I do not want one now and I'm glad I never recieved one. I see, know and understand the pros and cons of cochlear implants and I understand why latened deaf adults want them. We shldnt criticize. Many deaf haven't gotten to experience our way of life.

I wasnt always deaf. I was born hearing...my views through the years have changed as I have grown and gained knowledge. When I was 16--I begged my parents for a cochlear. I wanted one so bad. I was seriously afraid of becoming deaf--even though I was attending a deaf school.
Not that there was anyting wrong with being deaf--i loved my school, and I loved my friends! But--I relied sooo much on my hearing.

You see, At the age of 5- I had to wear hearing aids, because my hearing was slowly going away. When I say slow--I mean extremely gradual. When I was 16, I was wearing ONE hearing aid in my left ear. I could still talk on the phone, and undersatnd a conversation over the phone. I could hear birds singing, Ic ould hear my mom hollar at me from the next room over, I could sort of follow a conversation if too many people were not talking at once, AND if I knew what the topic of the conversation was.

I cried everytime my hearing got worse and worse. How would I be able to live life without being able to hear? But u know? Its not so bad at all!

I became Miss. Deaf Oklahoma in 1993. I attended college. I had jobs. I have and continue to live a full life. Today, I am happy that my parents couldn't afford the cochlear in the 80s. I'm a very good eligibility for cochlear to be sucessful if i were to accept it now. But you know? I am just fine without it.

I consider myself an asset to the deaf community. With or without a cochlear.
But let me say this. EVEN if i were to get a cochlear--the deaf community would still be a part of my life. I wouldnt get a cochlear--so I could be "hearing" again. I wouldnt be getting it to leave the deaf world and become a "hearing person". No. Just to hear sounds again, and hear my sons voice again. But thats okay no worries because its not gonna happen :)

As a deaf person without cochlear, I consider myself sucessful. A full time mom, an advocate, a deaf interpreter, a QAST Evaluator for the State of Oklahoma, and much much more.

Just for any moms out there reading this--theres nothing wrong with the deaf way of life. :) Even if ur considering cochlear for your child-let them be a part of the deaf community in some way. This could turn out to be a positive experience, for you, and for your child.
With much love. :) I'll always be in full SUPPORT of ASL. But if a hearing parent wants to give their child a cochlea implant--we can't stop them---we can embrace their decision--and encourage them to support ASL and be a part of the deaf community somehow.

Your thoughts and opinions are welcome :)

Deaf Jury

http://stoloff-law.com/blog/ this was something I enjoyed reading so I thought I would share. This is from @matthewatlaw and I found this on twitter. Just something that made me realize that--there are judges or attnys out there that do not want deaf to serve jury duty.
Things that we don't think about on a daily basis. Because we are more worried abt obtaining interpreter services for doctor appointments, and other things.
This attny is all for advocating for the deaf. I applaud him! Happy reading!

Deaf/Dumb/Mute (argh!)

I have been learning twitter lately. Sometimes I'm surprised at the things I read, and sometimes--I'm not. A hot topic though, surprised me, that even though I know people still label deaf as mute and dumb, I was kind of astonished to see that there are way more than a handful of people who still do that. I dont know if these people are just ingorant or what?

There are more than a handful of deaf who are sucessful, smart, brilliant even. Even there are deaf who's english is almost absolutely perfect. A well known lady is Marlee Matlin. She is in no way deaf nor dumb. And she's definitly not mute. Mute refers to someone who doesnt' have a voice. Have you ever heard a deaf person yell? Golly gee! I am deaf, and even I sometimes have to cover my ears! Mute--they are not!

There are hearing people who are mute. We do not sterotype them as "hearing mute". I mean..??? What kind of sense would that even make?

Little by little, our deaf world is growing in educating the hearing community. We still have a ton of educaing to do to be where we want to be. Some states are further along. I'm in Oklahoma--when I lived in Oregon-I didn't even have to ask let alone beg for an interpreter for any type of appointments. They also didn't force them on us if we declined.
In Oklahoma, as well as other states, these struggles continue. But thats for another blog.

My blog tonight was mainly on deaf/mute/dumb. *gulp*... Like there arent' any hearing/mute or hearing/dumb out there. I mean, its not really nice, but just because our communities are much smaller than those of the hearing people in numbers--doesnt' give anyone a right to stereotype us--or even label us of any sort. But, I suppose that will continue.

Just for anyone reading this, who has been guided to my blog tonight--leave a note. Do you think I'm deaf or dumb? Or even mute for that matter? Hmm, if ONLY you could hear my voice. Your jaw would drop. I wasn't always deaf. I could hear--onceupon a long time ago. One doesnt lose their voice overnight--nor to they lose their speech overnite either. If you were to become deaf tomorrow--you would still be able to talk. But either way--I will never be mute--unless something happens to my voice box. :-D

Just had to say...

Deafness

I cant speak for everyone...But I can speak for myself. These are only my thoughts, my opinons expressed.


"Theres alot of foot stomping around my house", is an understandment! Its how we get eachothers attention, or we wave our arms. As a deaf person, I feel vibrations. Sometimes that can be annoying. when you have a houseful of kids who are running everywhere. U tend to ignore those footstomps.

I recently moved into a house with a den that has a concrete floor. Oh let me tell you how I love it! I cant even begin to describe the quietness! Quietness I haven't had in ages! Isn't that an ironic word for someone who is deaf? Quietness?

If someone wants my attention, they have to COME IN THE ROOM. No more footstompin, cuz I'm not gonna feel it. If they're in the room with me, we'll theyre just gonna have to kick or wave their arms! Or flash a light even.

Its so peaceful. So quiet. Just me, the tv, or my computer, my dog. I love having two living rooms too.

You'd think as a deaf person, that I would have total silence all the time, but its not the case. Our eyes are our ears. All that movement, constant watching, chaos, even being around ppl, we need our quietness sometimes. It doesn't mean I dont have noise in my head. It just means I have peace and quiet. Just like you.

I love being deaf. But sometimes....just sometimes...I miss sounds.
Thats for another blog. :)

Allergies

Went to pick up the kids from school today. Came home to discover my wonderful dad mowing my yard. How geat is that? I smile, actually, a goofy grin, knowing I have the most amazing dad--unbuckle my nephew, help him out of the carseat and head to the back of the house so that we do not come in contact with grass or flying debris.

It has been so beautiful lately, so amazingly cool, so I have opted to have my windows up for the past week. The allergies have been at an all time high out there, but have in all honesty, not been that bad. *GULP*--thats a whole nother story when you got your windows up and you have a mega huge yard that your awesome dad is mowing with his riding lawnmower that throws grass and debris everywhere. Those little specks of dirt and grass make their way into the screen and into your house. UGH! The laundry room window was up too, so now I have grass, dust, dirt, everywhere! Including on the clean clothes. Run as I might, and close all the windows---I think I was just a tad bit too late.

Dad came in as I was dusting. "Oops, did I make a mess"? He asks. Ofc, I just smile and tell him it is more than ok.

Now I can only hope that the house airs out, and the sinus' don't kick in! I don't want my house to think it now lives out doors so time to spurt out allergens! :-D Happy Bloggin! I'm a newbie here, and my first blog ever!