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.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, September 14, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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. :)
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 :)
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 :)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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!
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...
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...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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. :)
"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. :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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!
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!
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