Volume 2 Issue 1 August 2008 www.discoveringdeafworlds.com
What’s Next for Discovering Deaf Worlds? Friends, we are only one month away from completing an around-the-world journey that began nearly one year ago. With your help and support, we have been able to capture over 100 hours of video footage of thriving deaf clubs in New Zealand, brilliant student dancers in China, inspirational calligraphy artists in Japan, homes for children without families in India, empowering games in Australia, isolated villagers in the mountains of Nepal, thrifty street market vendors in Thailand, and hard working non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Cambodia. Without a doubt, DDW has been well received in every country. The international deaf communities of these countries have welcomed our efforts to research and document their unique cultures. We all share a vision to make a difference. We all strive to improve the standards, rights, and opportunities for deaf people. And we are all committed to strengthening the bonds that were made crossing borders this past year. “So what’s next for DDW?” is the question many people ask. “Is this the end of the line for your trav-
What is DDW? Dave Justice and Christy Smith are traveling the world to learn and share stories of empowerment, inspiration, and connection between international Deaf communities. Discovering Deaf Worlds (DDW) is an opportunity to give deaf people worldwide a voice. For more information, photos, video logs, and newsletter stories, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.com.
Dave and Christy filming at a school in India els?” Well, not exactly. Since we’ve only been to eight out of 200-plus countries in this world, we figure: “Let’s keep on truckin’!” We have seen the importance and direct impact of DDW’s outreach from one country to the next, and value the feedback we get following our travels. So, as we wrap up this first journey by returning to the United States in September, DDW will enter a new phase. And this is what we envision: 1. Future onward travels through South America, Africa, Europe and Asia to continue discovering deaf worlds. Many of the schools, organizations and NGOs we visited do not have easily accessible contact information. Online research is unsuccessful for schools without websites or with only non-English websites. We discovering such places only by visiting that country and diving into the local deaf communities. As DDW grows, we intend to continue traveling, as well as sponsor additional duos of deaf and hearing people to film, interview, and document their international experiences. 2. Create possibilities by becoming more deeply involved with select schools, organizations and WHAT’S NEXT?, continued on page 5 August 2008 1