December 2009 Newsletter: vol.3, iss.3

Volume 3 Issue 3

December 2009 www.discoveringdeafworlds.org

DDW Now Officially a Non-Profit!

After three years of Much thanks revising strategic plans, to the wonderful projecting budgets, and people at Nixon Peabody, who have putting together an all-star provided their pro team, DDW is now an ofbono legal services ficial 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – just in time to DDW throughout this process. for the holidays!

They have been our Many of you have compass through asked us to let you know the seas of legal inwhen you can make a taxDDW directors Dave Justice (left) and Davin Searls receive formation and will exempt donation to DDW. long-anticipated, exciting news from the IRS. Well, today is the day! continue to offer Help DDW carry out its their counsel free of mission and make a difference. You can donate through charge. And of course, thanks to all of YOU for backour website at www.discoveringdeafworlds.org or mail ing us every step of the way as we continue to build our a check to Discovering Deaf Worlds, PO Box 10063, foundation. Because of your support, DDW has now entered a new realm of possibilities.

Rochester, NY 14610.

What is DDW? Discovering Deaf Worlds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit international deaf advocacy organization dedicated to empowering deaf and hard of hearing communities in developing countries. DDW strives to advance the capacity of local deaf communities around the globe to meet their social, educational and employment needs. For more information, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.org.

Did You Know...?

India is one of 26 countries that do not allow deaf people to obtain a driver’s license. However, after years of advocacy by the National Association of the Deaf in India, the Delhi High Court is now debating whether or not deaf people should be allowed the right to drive cars.

Source: http://igovernment.in/site/ Indias-deaf-may-get-licence-to-drive/ December 2009 1

Meet DDW's Newest Board Members Stacey Miller Originally from: Morristown, NJ Occupation: Founder and owner of Hat Stacey Miller Horizons, a company dedicated to advancing awareness and appreciation of diverse global communities by understanding the cultural significance of ethnic hats and headwear.

Relevant experience: International travel, knowledge of diverse cultures, marketing research and strategy.

Places traveled: Over 55 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, Central and South America.

I’m excited to work with DDW because... I’m inspired by the passion and professionalism of the DDW team. I support its mission of empowerment and share its vision of creating a more just world.

What do you hope to accomplish with DDW? I hope to help DDW achieve success in empowering deaf people and opening up educational and employment opportunities for them in developing countries.

Quote to live by: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

ects in India and am closely associated with projects in other countries as well.

Places traveled: Madan M. All over the U.S. and India, Vasishta , Ph.D. France, United Kingdom, and Germany.

I’m excited to work with DDW because...it is founded and managed by exciting and passionate people who can and will get me excited to do great things in the future.

What do you hope to accomplish with DDW? Making the Shuktara project a model for others to follow, establishing a model school for the deaf using the bilingual approach in deaf education, and making DDW the non-profit that other non-profits will look up to.

Quote to live by: “Make yourself so great that even God asks your advice.” – Allama Iqbal

Places traveled: Most of Europe and North America, India, China, Nigeria, Botswana, Ghana, South Africa, and Khadijat Rashid, Ph.D. more.

I’m excited to work with DDW because…I believe in its mission and its goal of empowering deaf and hard of hearing people in developing countries. I like the assumption and the inherent humility of working with people in these countries, rather than the typical attitude of “first world” people who often think they know everything and tell “those poor people” what they should want and how they should live their lives.

What do you hope to accomplish with DDW? I’d like to see true partnerships between DDW and other similar organizations, working together to achieve parity and equality for deaf people in various countries, Khadijat Rashid, Ph.D. however they define those terms.

Originally from: Nigeria Quote to live by: “Hitch your wagOccupation: Professor and chair of on to a star” – Ralph Waldo Emerthe Gallaudet University Business son, and “It takes a village to raise a Dept. child.” – African Proverb Relevant experience: I grew up in a developing country and after mov- Denise Thew, Ph.D. ing to the U.S., I earned a Ph.D. in Originally from: Vancouver, BC, Madan M. Vasishta, Ph.D. international relations with concen- Canada Originally from: Gagret, India trations in political economy and in- Occupation: Therapist at the Deaf Occupation: Professor at Gallaudet ternational development. I’ve done Wellness Center at University of University development work with people in Rochester Medical Center, PreRelevant experience: I have worked South Africa, Botswana, Ghana and ventative Cardiology Post Doctoral as a teacher from preschool to the Nigeria, and served on the board of fellow with the National Center on graduate level and as an administra- a development organization. I also Deaf Health Research (NCDHR) tor of schools for the deaf for over 35 teach for the International DevelopContinued on page 9 years. I am working on several proj- ment program at Gallaudet.

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Discovering Deaf Worlds

GRO and DDW: How We Collaborate

GRO and DDW recently came together to discuss our missions, goals and means for collaboration in the years ahead.

Without a doubt, the most well-known institution advocating for deaf people on an international level is the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). As a spokes-organization for the UN, the WFD lobbies extensively for human rights and publishes a multitude of information about deaf people around the world. According to a January 2009 WFD report (available at http://bit.ly/KGWis), as many as 90% of deaf people in developing countries lack access to education. This is an enormous concern that cannot be tackled alone. Fortunately, over the past few years, other non-profits such as Global Reach Out (GRO) and Discovering Deaf Worlds (DDW) have emerged with unique approaches to empower deaf people in developing countries.

GRO: Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Founded in 2005, GRO plants the seeds of future deaf leaders by pairing deaf Americans with their counterparts in developing countries. Over an one-week to three-week time period, peer-to-peer delegations advance leadership skills by collaborating to identify and formulate methods for addressing the pressing issues within their communities. All delegates are encouraged to take the initiative and continue advocating for their communities after the delegation has ended; simultaneously, GRO continues to provide resources and support from afar when needed. When the annual delegations

themselves are no longer necessary, then GRO’s ultimate goal has been accomplished.

In the past four years, GRO has established programs in Honduras, Guatemala, Thailand, India (Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata), and Kenya.

Delegates from all countries are often inspired to make a difference in deaf communities on both a national and international scale.

DDW: International Partnerships DDW, founded in 2006, partners with deaf advocacy organizations in developing countries to maximize the success of local resources. Rather than creating programs from scratch, DDW supports the efforts of existing organizations that better understand the culture, language, and needs of their community. DDW provides resources such as educational materials, training, and/or teacher stipends with a “behind the scenes” role, leaving the majority of hands-on work to local community members. DDW’s goal is to establish a new partnership program in select countries every two or three years, and run each program year-round for the long-term. In addition, DDW visits deaf communities in developing countries to research current issues and opportunities, create films, and establish an international network of deaf advocacy organizations.

Continued on page 4 December 2009 3

GRO & DDW Continued from page 3 How GRO and DDW Come Together This winter, American GRO delegates will visit Kolkata, India to implement a communication skills camp. Through DDW’s network in Kolkata, GRO will collaborate with Uddami, a non-profit organization focused on vocational training of deaf and other disadvantaged youth. Jointly, the two organizations will create a Deaf Sign Day Camp. The goal of this camp is to foster the development of communication skills among deaf children from various schools including Shuktara, a home for 20 deaf and disabled children without families. Furthermore, this delegation will pre-

pare the Shuktara youth for DDW’s upcoming STAR Initiative (see page 5), in which deaf Indian tutors will be hired to work and live with the Shuktara children 8-10 months each year. These tutors will advance the communication, vocational, and management skills of these youth with the ultimate goal of empowering them to run the homes autonomously.

The participation of children from Shuktara in the Deaf Sign Day Camp and the alliance between GRO and Uddami mark the first of many collaborative efforts between GRO and DDW. Although the hours are long and the work is all volunteer-based, both organizations are dedicated to, as Gandhi once said, being the change they wish to see in the world... and loving every minute of it!

For More information H Global Reach Out

H Uddami

www.uddami.org www.globalreachout.org H Shuktara H Discovering Deaf Worlds www.discoveringdeafworlds.org www.shuktarahome.org © 2009 Phillips Lytle LLP

discover: Phillips Lytle is proud to support Discovering Deaf Worlds.

Discovering all life has to offer can make a world of difference to some people.

a l b a n y b u f f a l o 1 4 0 0 f i r s t f e d e r a l

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C h a u t a u q u a G a r d e n C i t y p l a z a r o C h e s t e r , n y 1 4 6 1 4

n e w y o r k r o C h e s t e r w w w . p h i l l i p s l y t l e . C o m

Developing the STAR Initiative

Shuktara’s Sanjay (back left) and Tamina (front right) will participate in the STAR Initiative.

DDW has established its first partnership program with Shuktara, a home for 20 deaf and disabled children without families in Kolkata, India.

The STAR Initiative (Shuktara Teachers And Role-Models) is currently under development as we assemble a qualified team of linguists and international program developers to assist us in this effort. In collaboration with Shuktara, local deaf advocacy organizations, and worksites in Kolkata, DDW will provide training and educational materials for deaf Indian tutors to work with these children on language development and vocational skills.

The long-term goal is for the children to attain the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to run the Shuktara homes independently.

The STAR Initiative will be the model for DDW’s future partnerships in other developing countries. Therefore, it is important we lay a solid foundation and ensure sufficient funding for the long-term success of this program.

To learn more about Shuktara, visit www.shuktarahome.org, or to make a donation to the STAR Initiative, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.org.

Learn from the people Plan with the people Begin with what they have Build on what they know Of the best leaders

When the task is accomplished The people will remark, “We have done it ourselves.”

– Lao Tzu

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For more information, please contact ddwteam@discoveringdeafworlds.org

Make a donation of any amount and receive your own DVD copy of Discovering: Shuktara!

Special features:

A Thank You to Our Sponsors

-More Stories from Shuktara -Meet Pappu -Discovering Deaf Worlds: Journeys

Discovering: Shuktara was edited and produced by:

Donate at www.discoveringdeafworlds.org 6

Discovering Deaf Worlds

Ralph P. DeStephano

Hearty Laughter Raises Funds for DDW create flyers, book a venWhen’s the last time ue, hire interpreters, and you laughed so hard it felt put together an internalike you did 100 sit-ups tional potluck buffet with without breathing? On delicacies donated from Nov. 20, 15 brave particinine local restaurants. In pants entered a laughing fact, the event incurred contest as part of Boston zero dollars in expenses, Access Advocates for the which allowed the 80Deaf (BAAD) “Give to plus participants to raise Giving Back” fundraiser Christy Smith placed second in BAAD’s laughing over $1,100 for DDW. for Discovering Deaf contest to raise funds for DDW. It always amazes us Worlds. The goal was to when others have the be the last one standing, and still genuinely laughing, while an audience incentive to make things happen in celebration and breaks out with unusual props and improv theatrical support of DDW’s mission. Time and time again, we have seen how a few people can make a huge impact. shenanigans.

The laughing contest was part of an all night event Never doubt the power of an idea, a dollar, a moment that brought people together to watch Discovering: of your time, or the amazing things that can happen Shuktara and learn more about DDW’s STAR Initia- when like-minded people come together.

If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser, film tive program (see page 5).

Perhaps the most touching part of this evening was screening, or DDW presentation in your area, please that it was planned and operated by a group of 20 vol- contact us at ddwteam@discoveringdeafworlds.org. unteers in Boston who simply wanted to do something Thank you BAAD, for WOWing us with your success charitable for DDW. This group took the initiative to and generosity!

Shout -Outs!

Shout Shout-Outs!

-Outs!

Joe and Marcy Neale: Your incredible contribution will carry DDW’s STAR Initiative program into the next level of development. Thank you for your generosity.

Follow DDW on Twitter!

Our handle is @DDW_Team, or go to www.twitter.com/DDW_Team

Brenda Lester, Elizabeth Bjerke and Janet Dickinson: Thank you for keeping DDW events and meetings accessible by providing your interpreting services pro bono. We are grateful to have your support!

Shira Grabelsky and Lauren Searls: Your event planning, organization, and enthusiasm well exceeded our expectations! DDW is lucky to have dedicated friends like you.

Rita Straubhaar: You are making an impact on hundreds of students at a time with the public events you coordinate.

Thank you for including us in MCC’s recent Foreign Film Festival.

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Discovering Deaf Worlds

New Board Members Continued from page 2 and Chairperson for American Psychological Association (APA) Special Interest Section on Deafness (SISD).

Relevant experience: Living in every corner of North America has enabled me to build a strong network Denise Thew, of professionals and opportunities.

Ph.D. I have over 12 years of experience in the financial industry and over 10 years of experience in the field of psychology, teaching, and research.

Places traveled: Since I was a toddler, I have traveled to numerous places around Canada and the U.S. (including Hawaii) to enjoy the great outdoors. After spending 12 years in school and training, I plan to travel overseas sometime soon.

I’m excited to work with DDW because... I want to be one of the elements of a perfect storm – where young and passionate individuals who have reached this point through sweat equity, along with strong and outstanding leaders, work together to convert DDW’s mission into a reality.

What do you hope to accomplish with DDW? Using networking and fund raising efforts to achieve an adequate budget to support DDW in implementing several projects around the world.

Quote to live by: “Success comes to those who make it

happen not those who let it happen” –Unknown Bryan Hensel, MBA Originally from: Plattsburg, NY Occupation: Director of Development & Special Funding, National Technical Institute for Bryan Hensel, the Deaf MBA Relevant experience: More than seven years fundraising experience; a strong interest in and appreciation for Deaf culture.

Places traveled: The U.S., Canada, Jamaica, and St. Martin.

I’m excited to work with DDW because… I believe wholeheartedly in DDW’s mission, vision and activities. I look forward to serving an organization that is raising awareness of the abilities and potential of deaf and hard-ofhearing people around the globe.

What do you hope to accomplish with DDW? I hope to help DDW raise the funds needed to expand its programs and outreach efforts.

Quote to live by: “Don’t offer problems. Offer solutions.”

Happy holidays from Discovering Deaf Worlds!

The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.

– Samuel Johnson Newsletter services provided by T.S. Writing Services, LLC www.tswriting.com A Deaf-Owned Company

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