Discovering Deaf Worlds July 2014 Newsletter, vol. 7, issue 4

July 2014 Volume 7, IsSue 4

Discovering Deaf Worlds and Philippine Federation of the Deaf MEMBERS participated in a Financial Management training, led by cpa Sally Atkins (center, in purple shirt), in manila.

www.discoveringdeafworlds.org

Board Members President Harold Mowl, Jr., Ph.D. Vice President James DeCaro, Ph.D. Treasurer Bryan Hensel Secretary Stacey Miller Donalda Ammons, Ph.D. Carol-lee Aquiline Mencie Hairston Marty Hiller Khadijat Rashid, Ph.D. Michael Schwartz, Ph.D. Denise Thew, Ph.D. Madan Vasishta, Ph.D. Staff Executive Director Davin Searls International Programs Director and Co-Founder David Justice

Newsletter Services T.S. Writing Services www.tswriting.com

About DDW

Discovering Deaf Worlds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the selfdetermination of signing Deaf communities through local capacity building in developing countries.

DDW recognizes that all people, regardless of their social or economic background, possess the capacity to succeed, and deserve equal access to education, the workplace, and the benefits that society has to offer. For more information, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.org.

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Bernard Bragg Retires from DDW Board of Directors On April 19, Bernard Bragg completed his three-year term with the DDW Board of Directors. Bernard has been a tremendous support to DDW since its earliest days when DDW was still assessing its direction. As an active board member, Bernard helped steer DDW down its current path to provide capacity building and organizational development training in partnership with Deaf associations in developing countries.

An accomplished actor, director, playwright, lecturer, and published author, Bernard has trekked around the globe for 50 years, beginning in 1956 when he was invited to study with Marcel Marceau.

In the 1960s, he played an instrumental role in the formative years of the National Theatre of the Deaf as a leading actor, administrator, and sign master. Among his many national and international awards, Bernard was awarded an honorary doctorate from Gallaudet University in recognition of his extraordinary service to deaf people of the world in theatre, education and communication. He also received a special lifetime achievement award from the World Federation of the Deaf for his global leadership in theatre arts. More about Bernard can be seen at www.bernardbragg.com.

Please join us in thanking Bernard for his service, encouragement, generosity, and guidance over the past several years. While we will miss his service as a board member, we are grateful for his ongoing support as DDW continues to grow. Thank you for all that you do Bernard!

Shout-Outs

Shilpa Hanumantha, Scot Atkins, Shane Feldman, Sally Atkins, and Mencie Hairston: Thank you for your tremendous contributions to DDW and the PFD through your service as program specialists. We are off to a great start thanks to you all!

Marianne G. Quebral: Your fund development presentation during the EXPAND program blew us away! Thank you for sharing your time, talent, and wisdom with our delegation.

Normita and George Villaruz: It is a true honor to have your support and guidance to improve financial management practices for both the PFD and DDW. Thank you.

Jennifer Cilip, Baby Ruth Evelina C. Reyes, Sheena Stuart: Your service has been extremely valuable to the USAID-funded EXPAND Program and we’re so grateful to have you on board.

Raja and Poorna: Special thanks to you for your hospitality to our visiting Board members. You’ve been such great friends to so many of us at DDW over the years!

Cultivating Inspiration Within Empowering Filipinos with Knowledge to Overcome Oppression

By Shane Feldman “Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.”

- John Adams The Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD) Sustainability Sub-Committee (SSC), currently partnering with DDW, is comprised of an outstanding, brilliant, and committed group of Filipinos from a variety of backgrounds and islands. I had the good fortune to meet the group in May 2013 at the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) office, where I serve as the RID executive director. During the visit, which was part of the Department of State EMPOWER program, PFDSSC members met the RID staff and learned about our programs and services, including our advocacy, certification, ethics, and professional development.

DDW Executive Director Davin Searls invited me to visit the Philippines to provide organizational development training focused on strategic planning through the USAID-funded EXPAND Program. With this training, PFD could then build capacity to support its ambitious mission. Understanding that we were two white American men visiting another country to provide training, our first task was to openly discuss our inherent biases with PFD, and include them in the training plans. Per DDW’s approach to international development, we worked as equal partners, ensuring that we respected Filipino cultural norms and followed PFD’s lead in how to modify new information to fit their needs.

The PFD-SSC members were truly seeds that simply needed water (in this case, information) to initiate their growth. Without doubt, PFD will become a transformative organization that leads and develops programs to advance the linguistic and human rights of Deaf Filipinos.

PFD-SSC taught us that the American Deaf community could learn much from the Filipino Deaf community. For example, I learned how to become a

Shane Feldman and EXPAND project coordinator yvette apurado-B. pose in their “deaf pride” t-shirts. better trainer. Several key concepts were instilled in me, such as the awesome power of providing examples and analogies to help illustrate complex, abstract concepts. Furthermore, drawing visual depictions of concepts is an underrated tool: When we abandoned the comfortable confines of the refrigerated classrooms at De La Salle College for the open-air comfort of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Quezon City, we utilized visual imagery via a whiteboard to successfully demonstrate the connection between a mission, vision, and strategic plan.

Throughout the training, it was clear that the PFDSSC took ownership of Filipino Sign Language (FSL).

For instance, unique sign names have been created for organization or government agency acronyms. On the second day of training, after recognizing several names as difficult to follow, PFD-SSC halted dialogue and reached a consensus on sign names for USAID, the Department of State, and PFD-SSC before proceeding.

The PFD-SSC also took every feasible step to ensure that all individuals were fully engaged regardless of skills and abilities. When written communication was a challenge, the PFD-SSC members immediately organized into groups to translate information into FSL. The strategic planning training challenged PFDSSC to explore fundamental questions such as why they exist, who they serve, and their purpose. This profound dialogue reinforced the importance of a new mission and vision, set for vote at the PFD general assembly next year in Mindanao. The group was led through a preliminary SWOT analysis of PFD, a goal-setting process for their four-year strategic plan, assessment of PFD’s purposes and roles, creation of accountable systems for the board and committees, July 2014

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Program Specialist Shane Feldman leads a discussion on organizational accountability systems. and a look into the intricacies of effective association bylaws. At the end of the training, PFD-SSC designed a basic strategic plan framework, created an organizational chart, and hosted a mock strategic planning workshop in preparation for training community leaders.

Among the most insightful discoveries was the moment I realized that PFD’s most significant challenges included access to information and access to each other. Through DDW, PFD has gained this access; however, the true value of the program was bringing together remarkable individuals who were led through a guided dialogue to make critical decisions for the association. The training led us all to recognize that the PFD board had to meet in person in order to

move the association forward. Organizations in the United States take for granted what Filipinos struggle to attain: regular face-to-face meetings, especially when board members are spread across more than 7,000 islands and must communicate with constituents within their provinces.

While the entire experience of meeting Deaf Filipinos, visiting Manila, and the capacity-building training were memorable, none left as lasting of an impact as the personal stories and dreams the participants shared. Of utmost importance was DDW’s unwavering commitment to upholding the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) policy on “Work Done

by Member Organisations in Developing Countries” and adopting Edgar Schein’s “Process Consultation” model. DDW has set the bar as a model association for others to emulate in their pursuit of empowering Deaf people in developing countries.

Our training session overlapped with a Deaf leadership summit, “Inspire Change, Be Extraordinary,” at the De La Salle College at Saint Benilde. The summit was led by the vivacious Mackie Calbay, who galvanized the full house of students and Deaf community members by facilitating a series of inspiring and uplifting presentations given by PFD and its leaders.

WFD President Colin Allen provided two presentations, sharing his personal story and focusing on

On April 2, 2014 Discovering Deaf Worlds became an International Member of the World Federation of the Deaf. DDW is the first nongovernmental organization to attain such membership.

Thanks for believing in us, WFD! We look forward to future collaborations that pave the way for a brighter and more accessible world for Deaf people worldwide!

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the rights of Deaf people as bananaques from worldwide. Allen destreet vendors to scribed the importance of sisig. I am eternally advocating for the United grateful that on the Nations Convention on last day, the group the Rights of Persons with found a balut (boiled Disabilities (CRPD), which fertilized duck egg) cements a national govstreet vendor so I ernment’s commitment to could end the jourdefending and promoting ney with a true Filithe native sign languages pino food test. of the country’s Deaf citiI want to thank The PFD team conducted an exercise focused zens. Both DDW and PFD the PFD-SSC, De La on identifying pfd’s organizational values. incorporate CRPD prinSalle College of St. ciples into their work.

Benilde, the beauThe event presented a tiful community great opportunity to meet aspiring Filipino students members I met, and most importantly my outstandand leaders. PFD President Rey A. Lee was adorned in ing travel buddy and cultural/linguistic mediator, Dafull Philippine formal attire while graciously perform- vin Searls, for teaching me about the important work ing his duties. that Deaf Filipinos do. My respect and admiration for While my visit predominantly focused on the train- DDW grew by leaps and bounds throughout the ening, PFD-SSC also shared many sites, culture, and tra- tire program. ditions during our free time. Manila’s cultural tapestry This experience has inspired me to re-commit myis rich, weaving Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, and other self to furthering the rights of Deaf people worldwide cultures in a bustling city. The staple Filipino food of so we can, together, take steps toward incremental, seafood in adobo was simply delicious, although they but steady gains. As Deaf people, our common expeeschewed any semblance of spicy (which the Deaf Fili- rience of oppression of our rights is the tie that binds pinos often reminded me was too much for them to us. The proliferation of knowledge is the antidote to handle). On the first day of training, I asked the Filipi- oppression. nos to allow me to try everything possible within the More information can be found at www.discoveringshort time I was there and they threw all sorts of fruits from mangosteens to durian as well as delicacies such deafworlds.org/programs/usaid-expand-program. !

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DDW’S 4th annual benefit last april raised over $31,000.

DDW Breaks All-Time Fundraising Goal at 4th Annual Benefit!

Over 450 people purchased tickets for DDW’s 4th Annual Benefit on April 18, making this event DDW’s most successful fundraiser ever. Over $31,000 was raised, which DDW will utilize to supplement the capacity-building program with the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, also funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

This program has a powerful impact in a country where the majority of Deaf people are currently unemployed, and more than 60% do not have access to education.

DDW President Harold Mowl, Ph.D., delivered DDW’s 2013 Patron of the Year Award to Michael J. Rizzolo, Interpretek President and CEO, whose outstanding support has allowed DDW’s programs to excel and provide opportunities for the local community to engage in DDW’s work. New York State Senator Ted O’Brien also delivered a heartfelt testament to the exceptional services provided by both Interpretek and DDW. Entertainment was provided by Rochesterbased and internationally renowned reggae ballet company FuturPointe Dance, while guests mingled and enjoyed a selection of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from Mario’s Restaurant.

Continued on next page

An Update:

USAID Phase III Begins in Fall 2014

Howard Rosenblum (top center) met with PFD in May 2013 during a Tour of NAD.

heather harker visited the philippines with ddw and pfd in november 2013.

DDW is gearing up for Phase III of the USAIDfunded EXPAND program, taking place this October. As the third of five capacity-building training phases with the Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD), this segment of the program will focus on organizational governance and disability law. DDW is honored to have National Association of the Deaf (NAD) CEO Howard Rosenblum and Third Sector New England Director of Programs Heather Harker, who is also the incoming chair of the Gallaudet University Board of Directors, join as program specialists for this phase.

Both Howard and Heather have worked with our partners at PFD through DDW’s EMPOWER program, a cross-cultural capacity building exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs from September 2012 to May 2014. Howard hosted 10 Filipino delegates and a Filipino interpreter on a visit to NAD to learn about its infrastructure, legalities, and advocacy efforts. The Filipino participants reference this as one of the main high-

lights of their three-week stay in the United States.

Heather joined DDW’s team on a three-week trip to the Philippines last fall (see December 2013 issue), where her organizational development and process consultation expertise added exceptional value to DDW’s collaborations with PFD and PFD’s member and affiliate organizations. Everyone at DDW and PFD is thrilled to work with both Howard and Heather once again!

During Phase III of the EXPAND program, our training will focus on topics such as leadership succession, board development and management, conflict resolution, and application of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to current issues facing the Filipino Deaf community. The ultimate goal is to continue supporting PFD’s efforts to become a long-lasting sustainable Deaf advocacy organization with nation-wide impact throughout the Philippines.

Stay updated by visiting www.facebook.com/ DiscoveringDeafWorlds.

Continued from previous page Over $5,000 in door prizes and gift baskets were given away, with Rochester residents Vicki Liggeria and Carrie Fisher winning the “Best of Rochester” grand prize. In addition, DDW Interpreter Coordinator Kim Kelstone was given a certificate of appreciation for her exceptional service and commitment since DDW’s inception. World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) President Colin Allen stopped by to share a few words of support for DDW, which recently became the first international member of the WFD. This event was sponsored by RIT Center on Access Technology, Wegmans, Gallaudet University, University of Rochester American Sign Language Study Abroad Program, deafReview, New York Relay Service, RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Nixon Peabody LLP, AllOut Marketing, 480 Print LLC, and many more.

Searls and Mowl Receive NAD Awards at Conference Over 1,500 people attended the 52nd biennial National Association of the Deaf (NAD) conference in Atlanta earlier this month. The DDW President Harold Mowl (Left) conference celand Executive director Davin Searls ebrated NAD’s milestones over with their nad awards. the past two years, including a successful captioning lawsuit against Netflix and obtaining commercial driver licenses for over 100 deaf and hard of hearing truckers. Also celebrated was the 50th anniversary of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), which hosted its Region II conference during the NAD conference.

A variety of workshops were presented, from bi

lingualism to economics to mental health to social justice. Once again, a popular event was the College Bowl, narrowly won by the RIT/NTID team. This year’s conference also featured the first ever Youth Ambassador Program competition, which replaces the Miss Deaf America competition, allowing both female and male participants. The two Youth Ambassadors will work with the NAD to implement a strategic plan addressing a social issue within the Deaf community, as well represent the NAD at community events.

DDW president Harold Mowl, Ph.D., received theNAD’s Andrew J. Foster Teaching Excellence Award for his dedication to promoting and constantly elevating the quality of education for deaf and hard of hearing students. DDW executive director Davin Searls received the Randall McLelland Award, given to individuals who have provided inspirational and empowering work on behalf of our community. Congratulations, Harold and Davin!

DDW is a proud organizational affiliate of NAD. For more information, visit www.nad.org.

Special Thanks to Those Who Gave a Little Extra at DDW’s Fourth Annual Benefit!

Elizabeth Bjerke Chris Brucker Gerard & Judy Buckley Lee R. Cokely Don & Deb Culeton David Culeton Wendy Dannels Jim & Pat DeCaro Kathy Dollinger-Meyer & Gary Meyer Ken & Lynn Finton Ken Ford Michael & Barbara Green Matt Hacket

Heather Harker & Jackie Woodside Will Hayes Marty & Karen Hiller Mindy J. Hopper Mark & Heather Emerson Jeremy Alex Jones Aaron & Kim Kelstone Christine & Dan Kretchmer Raja & Poorna Kushalnagar Jason Listman Deborah Makowski Parinay Malik Jeff Mansfield

David Mayer & Connor J. O’Brien David McCloskey William Mills James Munro & Adrianna Smart Keri & Nick Ogrizovich Tom Rankin Julie Anne Schafer JMatt & Susan C. Searls Caleb Shulman Ruth & Jimmy Stern Tommie Sarchet Jim & Norma Tourangeau Madan Vasishta

Creative Correspondence Centre, Inc.

Occam Capital Management, LLC Sorenson Communications, Inc.

Sign Language Connection, Inc.

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DDW 2014 Annual Board Meeting:

Onward

and Upward!

DDW is fortunate to have an eclectic group of board members from across the country, and it has been our tradition to host an all-day meeting after our annual benefit. On April 19, DDW board members and staff met to discuss goals for 2014-2015, as well as initial plans for developing the 2015-2018 strategic plan.

DDW has been afforded great opportunities, through the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency DDW board members and staff meet at for International Development (USthe recent annual board meeting, held last April.

AID) to carry out DDW’s mission of advancing the self-determination of signing Deaf communities through local capacity-building in developing countries. Grant opportunities like this allow DDW to further its commitment in the Philippines and other countries for additional collaborations.

Thanks go to DDW friends, family, colleagues, sponsors, and mentors who have helped lay the foundation for DDW. DDW would not be what it is today without your help. DDW’s annual report will be available online soon. Stay tuned for more information!

To learn more about DDW’s Board of Directors, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/about/whoweare/ board. !

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DDW Water Bottles - $20 Order yours today!

By Check to Discovering Deaf Worlds, PO Box 10063, Rochester NY 14610 Online at www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/donation

T R O A P N 3 OF THE YEAR 1 0 2 S ’ W DD

!