You know, it seems today that we have more and more students becoming interpreters---yet, because of VRS--we are losing our interpreters in the deaf community.
Either way--I am greatful for my interpreters. A recent discussion "Should we thank our interpreters?" YES!
I had a few that said "no"---Their reasoning was "They get paid. Why should we say thank you-when they are doing their job and they get paid to do it".
I'll tell u exactly why--Because they dont HAVE to be an interpreter and deal with those who have an ugly attitude. For those that accept assignments, whether freelance or via an agency--they can see your name, and not have to accept the assignment. If you choose to be ugly, and ungreatful--guess what--you may have a difficult time finding someone that wants to interpret for you.
Another reason is this: These interpreters have families. They may have children. They don't have to be on call at 11pm or 2am when you need to go to the emergency room. Many of them also have full time 8-5 jobs--whether its interpreting or working elsewhere. This takes away from their time with their spouses and children. Are they required to be on call? No. They're not. Their calls are their choices. So---be thankful! :)
Its important for us to thank our interpreters. It also encourages them to continue learning, to continuing to find ways to better and improve. We show them that we appreciate them, and in turn, they will appreciate us, and they'll feel motivated to take assignments with your name on it. :)
They work hard to reach these goals. There are requirements of them--here in Oklahoma they have to hold QAST certifications---and they cost money to achieve them. Show your interpreter some love today! :)
I LOVE MY TERPS! Thank you guys so much for all you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Caption/TV/Movies/Theatres
Oooh had a bit of frusteration the other nite! The Bachelor was on. I don't usually watch it, but friends said I should! So, I go to ABC, and check it out---lo and behold of all nights--no captioning!
There was nothign else on to watch. Captioning doesn't always work. So we miss shows for a variety of reasons. No captioning, or its messed up....---those of you who can hear, shld be greatful for your ears!
I never go to the theatres---because aroudn ehre there is no open captioning. We have a rearview captioned place in the city---but I've heard its horrible.
However, just for the special 3D effects---I took my kiddo and nephew to see Avatar. They're hearing so they got to enjoy the full benefits of the movie.
I on the otherhand....I wear glasses, so that was a bit of a struggle with glasses upon glasses. ha!
But it was fun! I enjoyed the 3D effects, it made it worth sitting through the movie! Tho i cannot wait till it comes out on DVD so I can understand what actually went on! I am not one who is satisfied with just an "idea". I gotta have the whole 9 yards!
Have you ever thought abt what it would eb like for you to sit through a movie---with the sound off? My guess is the hearing folk probably wouldn't even bother with anything that they couldn't hear!---I feel the same way! The 3D was an exception. :)
Well---here is to MarleeMatlin and NAD with great sucess in getting all online movies/streams CAPTIONED! (NAD-National Association of the Deaf) (for you hearing readers out there--and Marlee Matlin--deaf actress--tony award for the movie Children of a Lesser God--and an all around wonderful lady from what I can see on twitter!)
Until next time my dears!
There was nothign else on to watch. Captioning doesn't always work. So we miss shows for a variety of reasons. No captioning, or its messed up....---those of you who can hear, shld be greatful for your ears!
I never go to the theatres---because aroudn ehre there is no open captioning. We have a rearview captioned place in the city---but I've heard its horrible.
However, just for the special 3D effects---I took my kiddo and nephew to see Avatar. They're hearing so they got to enjoy the full benefits of the movie.
I on the otherhand....I wear glasses, so that was a bit of a struggle with glasses upon glasses. ha!
But it was fun! I enjoyed the 3D effects, it made it worth sitting through the movie! Tho i cannot wait till it comes out on DVD so I can understand what actually went on! I am not one who is satisfied with just an "idea". I gotta have the whole 9 yards!
Have you ever thought abt what it would eb like for you to sit through a movie---with the sound off? My guess is the hearing folk probably wouldn't even bother with anything that they couldn't hear!---I feel the same way! The 3D was an exception. :)
Well---here is to MarleeMatlin and NAD with great sucess in getting all online movies/streams CAPTIONED! (NAD-National Association of the Deaf) (for you hearing readers out there--and Marlee Matlin--deaf actress--tony award for the movie Children of a Lesser God--and an all around wonderful lady from what I can see on twitter!)
Until next time my dears!
Friday, November 27, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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! :)
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! :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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
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
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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.
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.
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!
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