Signs of Hope International

Tonight, I got to hang out with my friend, Curry and we had discussion about the organization that he works for called Signs of Hope International which teaches Deaf children in Ghana, Africa since they don't have good deaf education program. I was very fascinated when Curry explained to me about how the deaf people live in Africa. I was very shocked that deaf people was allowed to obtain drivers license by the law only year ago! One thing that really disturb me greatly that the deaf person have the term, Mumu (?) added to their name just because they are deaf. The term means they are considered as next to the animal. It doesn't matter if the person is born deaf, became deaf, or had hearing loss later in their life. They still get that term added to their name. 

I heard about SOHI from my ASL teacher (You can see her in few pictures of volunteers that are found on the site) when I was senior in high school. At that time, I had no interest nor desire to go to Africa at all! But after I talked with Curry, it make me wanting to go to Africa just to help out. 

But it's not cheap. But people can help SOHI by donating money. So open up your wallet or checkbook! :-) 

5 years of university

I am graduating from Utah Valley University (the very same one that held Deaf Studies conference) next week. I was working on my Family Law take home exam when I started to think about the services I have gotten from that University. I have used cued speech transliteator, sign language interpreter, oral interpreter, CART, and type well in 5 years... 

Can you even imagine that?! 

I mostly used transliteator and interpreter. Usually, I prefer to use cued speech in education setting but sometime, transliteator option is not available to me due to various reasons. Same for interpreter. 

I have positive and negative experiences with both. Mostly are that they don't understand my cueing/signing because I am well known for sloppy cueing/signing. Sometime they would use wrong word while they voice for me (which they rarely voice for me since I speaks for myself) I like to shock them by using certain words that they would never expect me to use. The director like to place goody goody two shoes transliteator/interpreter with me because I usually corrupt people. *winks* I just push them out of their comfortable zone. They have to be challenged sometime. 

I would never forget the one interpreter, she would never swears or talk about things that are considered immoral for her. She also would praise her faith. (I have no problem with people discussing their faiths as long they have some respect and don't make it sound like it's the only true faith) I decided to have her voice and I peppered my comment with words that she would never never never say or sign in her whole life...

The result is that I never have her again...

Those was good experiences and memories for me. Now, I need to go and take care of my new and 4th tattoo. 

My response to "A Weeping ASL Deaf User."

After reading the post, "A Weeping ASL Deaf User" I was left with unpleasant feelings because of what the post contains also some comments. 

First of all, I have two implants myself. I am able to take advantage of all three worlds (oral, signing, & cueing) I identified myself as deaf and am proud to be deaf. I fully support all three communication methods. My wish is that ALL parents are or will be educated about ALL options that are available for them without any bias so, they can make decision that they believe that will benefit the child/children and be happy with their decision. 

I do understand why signing Deaf cherish their language and culture. ASL is here forever and nothing will change that.  It's same for the oral and cueing community. 

Since, cochlear implant is here too so it's good idea to take advantage of the technology that are available for us along with the communication methods that you chose for yourself or your child. But it's not necessary for everybody to get implants. 

I personally know deaf CEO, lawyers, doctor, and whatever. And I am in the process of becoming a lawyer (Still have years to go) Just because I have implants, it doesn't make me any better than those people who don't have one or two. 

Everybody can be successful.... 

Raggedy Andy

My mom and I went through her cedar chest today and I found Raggedy Andy doll. Wow! I forgot that I had it and I remember when I was young kid, I would play with it a lot. The story behind the doll was that my great-cousin Edna found out that my parents were planning to adopt a baby. She decided to make a doll to welcome the baby into the family. She gave it to me when I was brought home from the hospital. She made a great impact on my life because when I was diagnosed with deaf at 18 months old and my family didn't know what to do. They attempted to raise me orally like my great-aunt.  But it didn't work out due to my profound deafness. Edna didn't give up on me at all because she wants be part of the world. She's a very musical person; she plays organ, piano, and sing. I remember that every sunday about 1 to 2 hours before the church. She would have me come over so I could practice listening to songs and its tune/notes, singing, and how to lead the song. 

I owes a lot to her not just because of listening and speaking ability. It's because of how she would help me to develop self-esteem. She made sure that I know that I can do anything I want. I owe her a lot...

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Interesting fact about Edna, she was Mesa, Arizona's first telephone operator. She's in her late 90's and still plays organ, piano, and sing at the church! 

* I apologize for the quality of the vlog and I don't know how to make two vlogs into one.. I am still learning how to use MacBook.

iVP? Internet Videophone?

I got my MacBook less than 3 weeks ago and I discovered that iChat can be very handy! Now, I use it as videophone with my boyfriend and few friends who have MacBook or any Apple laptops. Bradley (my boyfriend) and I call it iVP just like iChat, iTune, and iPhoto. 

I heard that you can use HOVRS via iChat. I don't know if that's true or not. It would be wonderful and very helpful if anybody can use VRS service via iChat! I am trying to figure out if I can make that possible.

What do you all think about the term iVP?

The deaf people and music

I was looking through youtube.com when I stumbled across the awesome music video. Even if I am not fan of Marilyn Manson (I am more of Madonna type) But how the person interpret this song is very amazing! 

While I was watching the clip, it brought back some good memories of when I was younger. I would watch MTV while they feature many good music videos instead of garbage they show those days...  I remember watching various rock/pop/rap stars' music videos with my older sister... Some doesn't perform anymore, some continue to play now. Back in late 80's to early 90's, I didn't have captioning because I was encouraged to use my hearing to understand the world of sounds. Also, my parents pushed me to appreciate the music which I still do. 

I am aware of how some deaf people doesn't depends on their hearing to appreciate music. I have some friends who are deaf and they L-O-V-E music but they use vibrations. It's interesting to me but ear-shattering at the same time for me. They would play music at very high volume with heavy bass. Many times, I either have to turn my implants down very low or turn them off with them. 

I am always at the club every weekend dancing to music. I use both senses of hearing and feeling to enjoy the music. 

In reality, you doesn't need to be able to hear to enjoy the music...