NADmag Fall 2019 | Volume 19, Issue 2
A Publication of the National Association of the Deaf NADmag | Fall 2019
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ABOUT THE ©2019, is published by the NAD (USA), and is sent as a national membership benefit. For membership information, contact Member/Donor Relations at nad.info@nad.org or complete the contact form at: www.nad.org/contactus. Subscriptions: Libraries, schools, and similar institutions may subscribe to NADmag. For more information, complete the contact form at www.nad. org/contactus. Requests for Permission: Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission. Complete the contact form at www.nad. org/contactus or email nad.info@nad.org. Advertise in NADmag: For more information, go to www.nad.org/ advertise or email nad.info@nad.org. Publication of an advertisement in the NADmag does not imply NAD endorsement of a product or service. The NADmag is not responsible for advertisement contents. The National Association of the Deaf and the NADmag do not endorse or recommend any article, product, service, opinion, advice, statement, or other information or content expressed by third party authors. The views and opinions of such third party authors who have submitted articles to the NADmag belong to them and do not reflect the views of the National Association of the Deaf. ABOUT THE NAD The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more. For more information, visit www.nad.org. ABOUT DESCRIBED & CAPTIONED MEDIA PROGRAM Described and Captioned Media Program 1447 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307 800.237.6213 / 800.237.6819 TTY 800.538.5636 F info@dcmp.org / www.dcmp.org The DCMP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the NAD.
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF
8630 Fenton Street, Ste. 820, Silver Spring MD 20910 301.587.1788 / 301.587.1789 TTY nad.info@nad.org / CFC Number: 10356 MISSION STATEMENT
To preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. CONTACT / LEARN MORE
To contact the Board of Directors, complete the contact form at nad.org/contactus. For information about the Board, visit nad.org/board.
THE BOARD President Melissa Draganac-Hawk Vice President Richard McCowin Secretary Jenny Buechner
Region I Liz Hill Steve Lovi Region II Linsay Darnall, Jr. Kevin Ryan
Treasurer Michelle Cline
Region III Steve Hamerdinger Holly Ketchum
Appointed Members Alicia Lane-Outlaw Benro Ogunyipe
Region IV Amy Gomme Martin Price
EDITORIAL TEAM Publisher NAD Editor in Chief Lizzie Sorkin Editor Anita Farb Advertising / Sales Donna Morris Desktop Publishing Jill O’Leske, Graphic Designer impactdesign.biz
Guests Kim Bianco Majeri Graham Forsey Tar Gillman Chanel Gleicher Bonheyo Amy Gomme Steve Hamerdinger Liz Hill Lisa M Rose Kevin Ryan Alana Smith Soleil “Ewok” Wheeler Jackie Williams Jimmy Wilson IV
RECURRING
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From the President // Melissa Draganac-Hawk From the CEO // Howard A. Rosenblum School Spotlight
// The Minnesota State
Academies for the Deaf and the Blind
Deaf Culture Today // Soleil “Ewok” Wheeler Donor List In Memoriam
FEATURES Why Join the NAD Board? Amy Gomme, Steve Hamerdinger, Liz Hill and Kevin Ryan
How to: Celebrate National Deaf Youth Day Chanel Gleicher Bonheyo
Why You Should Apply to NAD Youth Leadership Camp
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Alana Smith and Jackie Williams
Preparing for Our Golden Years Kim Bianco Majeri
Why be a Delegate for #NAD2020? Graham Forsey, DC (Region I) Tar Gillman, Texas (Region III) Lisa M Rose, Florida (Region III) Jimmy Wilson IV, Arizona (Region IV)
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Staff from the NAD and the Starbucks Signing Store volunteer at the Kendall Demonstration School for the Deaf, October 2018.
Recruiting Volunteers for Organizations BY MELISSA DRAGANAC-HAWK Volunteerism is the lifeblood for many non-profit organizations including those that serve deaf and hard of hearing individuals. This also applies to State Associations and Organizational Affiliates of the National Association of the Deaf. In the past decade, there has been a marked decrease in the number of volunteers across the whole spectrum of organizations and many continue operations today because of a small group of dedicated volunteers – and in some instances, just one volunteer.
• Mentorship. Organizations could have its current pool of volunteers provide mentorship opportunities to prospective volunteers. The expertise being offered could include advocacy, project planning and management, organizational operations, and networking. This has the added benefit of allowing for a transition of knowledge to the younger generation without requiring many hours of participation in general meetings and other “maintenance” activities.
Organizations must be able to attract volunteers to continue their mission. There are techniques that can be employed to increase the attractiveness of the organization to volunteers. A few of these options include:
• Personal Benefit. Prospective volunteers could be asked to engage in activities and support services that make it possible for them to see, create, and obtain personal benefit from service to the
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FROM THE PRESIDENT organization. For example, a parent in a young family would probably be drawn to activities that provide benefits for her own children and, as a result, would be more enthusiastic about volunteering for those activities. • Limited Commitment. Prospective volunteers may be more open to offering their time and services when the level of commitment is limited. Instead of expecting volunteers to become fully invested in the organization and its activities on a long-term basis or for many hours at a time, the volunteer can be asked to work on a specific project with a well-defined timeline. A good example of this approach is nutrition programs where volunteers come in during Thanksgiving and serve meals to low income people for three or four hours without any additional expectations. These strategies allow for organizations to introduce their mission and functions to new volunteers, serving as a “hook” to create the next generation of members and supporters. Many of the current activities could be transitioned to online services and support (through Zoom or other video conferencing systems) instead of requiring volunteers to come into an office or specific location. This use of technology can create a way to be more welcoming for new volunteers from the community and offer these volunteers ways to engage in meaningful support services that benefit the organization.
#NLTC2019 volunteers wearing our NAD volunteer aprons!
The NAD Board meets with the Arkansas Association of the Deaf, October 2019.
NADly yours, Melissa Draganac-Hawk
Melissa Draganac-Hawk has been on the NAD Board of Directors since 2008 and now serves as President for 2018-2020.
Melissa rallies up the crowd at the Disability Pride Parade in Philadelphia, June 2019. 6
FROM THE CEO
Howard waits for a question asked by a community member at #NLTC2019, October 2019.
Engaging for equality BY HOWARD A. ROSENBLUM Deaf and hard of hearing people will not be equal unless we engage. Otherwise, nothing will change. How do we engage? In the past, when people wanted to discuss issues and strategize on solutions, they gathered at social clubs, restaurants, homes, and conferences. Now, people get together less often. Instead, many people are on their smartphones scrolling through the latest postings on various social media platforms. This change in technology and society does not mean that we cannot engage anymore, it only means that we need to change how we engage. It is critically important for us to be engaged and involved especially through volunteering, advocating, and voting. Each of these acts is important to fostering a civil rights movement within our community as we strive towards equality.
Every cause and nonprofit organization depends on dedicated and committed volunteers to sustain it. Volunteering can come in many ways such as: serving on boards, contributing your expertise or time on committees, helping with fundraisers, assisting at conferences, providing support on projects, or contributing your skills or expertise. There are many deaf-run organizations that depend on support from volunteers; this is where you come in because the only way the NAD and these organizations can do the work we do, we must rely on your help. Ask your state association if they’re looking for volunteers, reach out to the local DV/SA agency to see if there’s an event coming up that you can volunteer at, or sign up to volunteer at a deaf school’s dance party.
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FROM THE CEO
Howard observes as Holly, NAD Board Region III Representative, shares an update during the Board meeting, October 2019.
Beyond volunteering, it is important that all of us engage in advocating for our rights. We must take a stand each time any of us experience an act of discrimination or oppression – whether it is a rejection of providing interpreter services, a failure to provide captioning, a refusal to consider us for a job, a denial of services, or otherwise treating us as second-class citizens. It is exhausting and frustrating when such discriminatory experiences happen to us on an almost daily basis, but if we accept them without protest then it will remain the norm. Only when we advocate for ourselves and for others will we make progress changing the system for the better. We need to work together to figure out how to address discriminatory incidents through not only the courts or administrative systems, but also through letters, calls, and social media. There are many ways to advocate and push for change – we cannot afford to limit ourselves. We must show up. The most powerful act of engagement is voting. Many people often think, “Does it really matter if I vote? My one vote can’t be big enough to make an impact.” However, as recent elections have shown 8
in many places, the winners often win by very small margins. Each vote counts. However, it is important to recognize that for too long, many deaf and hard of hearing people have not voted for various reasons including the lack of accessibility to the candidates and their campaigns, the lack of education to our community about the importance of voting, and the lack of an accessible resource for us to find out information on voting rights. But there are 48 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the country! Imagine if each and every one of us voted -we could make a powerful influence on the elections. Explore nad.org/asl-voter-hotline to get started. We want equality, and the only way is to engage is to volunteer, advocate and vote. Let’s change the system by engaging!
Howard A. Rosenblum, Esq. has served as the NAD Chief Executive Officer since 2011.
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SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
What does Deaf ecosystem mean to you? THE MINNESOTA STATE ACADEMIES FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND
We are visual people, so we must have ASL and teach each other. Technology also helps our ecosystem. NATHAN SCHWARTZ 4th Grade
Education and accessibility are important to our ecosystem.
JAVANNA JOHNSON 8th Grade
Deaf culture. We need to make sure our ecosystem lasts by teaching hearing people about Deaf people and ASL.
To me, Deaf ecosystem means Deaf culture. We all depend on and support each other. BENNY DOW Sophomore
NELLIE CADDY 4th Grade
In our Deaf ecosystem, we are friends and help each other. We need to support parents and deaf children.
Our Deaf ecosystem is the foundation of ASL. We can’t have ASL without Deaf people. DALINA SCHWARTZ Sophomore
GIVENSON THIMJON 4th Grade
A big part of the Deaf ecosystem is communication. We need accessible communication, and we can support each other.
Language is the key to our Deaf ecosystem. We also need Deaf education. Without these two, our ecosystem wouldn’t exist. CATHERINE GOMEZSALVADOR Senior
DANTON HILL 6th Grade
Our Deaf schools keep the ecosystem alive. AUSTIN JOHNSON 7th Grade
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DEAF CULTURE TODAY
Ewok joins the FaZe Clan.
AN INTERVIEW WITH SOLEIL “EWOK” WHEELER Tell us about yourself!
I am 14 years old, in the 8th grade, and attend the Indiana School for the Deaf. I love playing Fortnite, and I represent the FaZe Clan. Other than Fortnite, what else do you do for fun?
Some games aren’t that deaf-friendly, which is why I mainly play Fortnite. Fortnite has sound visualization that really helps me to be situationally aware, allowing me to become a better player.
I love drawing, playing sports like volleyball and basketball, and watching football.
What do you want to see happen in the gaming industry?
What platform do you use when playing Fortnite?
More deaf-friendly games and features.
I use a PC with a keyboard and mouse. What made you start playing Fortnite?
I thought it was cool; my brother played on XBOX, so I joined him. It took me to another dimension! What was your reaction when you found you that you were selected to play with Kurt Benkert?
I was so HONORED. Not in a million years would I have thought I’d play with an NFL player! We still keep in touch! Was the tournament as you expected?
It went well! Everything can’t be perfect. I knew I just needed to be prepared and ready to overcome challenges to get the results I wanted. 12
Tell us what you think about the gaming industry, is it deaf-friendly?
We are grateful that you made a donation to the NAD Youth Programs! Why did you choose the NAD Youth Programs?
I did that to support the Deaf community. I want to see more successful deaf kids and adults represented. It is important that we support each other. I am proud of my identity as a Deaf person.
Soleil “Ewok” Wheeler hails from Indiana and represents the FaZe Clan.
Ewok playing duos with 100T Elevate.
Ewok stands in Times Square on the night of the FaZe Clan’s announcement, ready to represent the FaZe Clan.
Ewok met Kurt Benkert in Los Angeles for the first time after months of playing together competitively in Fortnite. NADmag | Fall 2019
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FEATURE
Why Join the NAD Board? BY AMY GOMME, STEVE HAMERDINGER, LIZ HILL, AND KEVIN RYAN
Picture yourself at a baseball field watching your favorite team play and not being able to understand what is being said over the speakers about the player who just struck out. You sigh in frustration when you see the coach come out of the dug out with his hands waving frantically at the referee. You see your neighboring fans “booing” the referee with their hands. You’re unable to have the same full fan experience as your hearing peers. You realize you’re not enjoying the game at the fullest capacity. This is the constant experience of many deaf people, not just at baseball games, but also throughout life. We’re frustrated when there’s no closed captions on planes when we watch movies, when there’s no interpreters for emergency announcements, when there’s VRIs provided instead of in-person interpreters at hospitals, and when we’re trying to excel at interviews with potential employers. Do you wish you could make a change? Do you want to be part of a group that could start a revolution? Are you interested in being part of a decision that could be the beginning ripple that becomes a wave of change? This is why we joined the NAD board. 14
While change may not come quickly, it is still important for each of us within the deaf community to step up. While change might not come quickly, it is still important for each of us within the deaf community to step up and say something. Prior to joining the NAD, many of us first got involved with our local state associations or nonprofit organizations. We invested in these groups by being an active member. Such experiences taught us various tools and skills which eventually allowed us to take our next step – to be active as NAD members. As NAD members, we were able to contribute towards a national cause that was for all of us. From there, we decided to run for a position on the NAD Board.
WHY JOIN THE NAD BOARD?
The NAD needs YOU, Deaf community members from all walks of life, to consider being active in the NAD and also joining the NAD Board. The NAD needs YOU, Deaf community members from all walks of life, to consider being active in the NAD and also joining the NAD Board. We need members from every part of the country with every possible viewpoint. The deaf community needs to think about the future and how the NAD Board can take a part in that. What impacts us now has an impact on future generations. If there’s an issue in one place, chances are other people are experiencing the same issue in all parts of the country. The NAD Board can address it on a national level. If you think the NAD doesn’t need your input, think again. If you are the kind of person who thinks out of the box, the kind of person who has innovative ideas, then you are who we need on the NAD Board! As a NAD Board member, you can be the person who helps to makes sure that a baseball game is accessible, that a parent will not struggle to get full accessibility when their first child is born, that a deaf adult shall not have a hard time obtaining much needed resources about long term care for their
parents, that a certain policy protects our rights, that deaf education is made a priority for all deaf youth – that People of Color, LGBTQIA, DeafBlind people, seniors, and youth are included in discussions on all issues. Together, we can fight against the injustice of unemployment and underemployment of deaf and hard of hearing people, language deprivation, VRI barriers, and more. That is why we need you involved with the NAD and also serving on the NAD Board. We need for you to tell us what is or is not accessible to you. These issues impact us on the local level, on the state level, on the national level. Innovative, creative, and invested people who are ready to volunteer their time are needed to join the NAD Board. Together, we can make everything ABOUT US, WITH US, FOR US. Let’s make this a home run for the NAD, the deaf community and everything that it stands for.
Amy Gomme is the Region IV Board Representative.
Liz Hill is the Region I Board Representative.
Steve Hamerdinger Steve is the Region III Board Representative.
Kevin Ryan is the Region II Board Representative.
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FEATURE
A Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) student is doing a mock interview, March 2019.
HOW TO: CELEBRATE NATIONAL DEAF YOUTH DAY BY CHANEL GLEICHER BONHEYO
National Deaf Youth Day, established in 2015 and celebrated every year on March 6, was developed to recognize and bring together deaf and hard of hearing youth from schools for the deaf, mainstream programs, and colleges and universities. National Deaf Youth Day serves two purposes: 1) to celebrate the unique identity of deaf and hard of hearing people and their accomplishments and 2) to promote the idea that deaf and hard of hearing youth can do anything.
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The date of March 6 was chosen for its proximity to Deaf History Month, which is held each year from March 13th through April 15.
HOW TO: CELEBRATE NATIONAL DEAF YOUTH DAY
The NAD staff and some students from the Maryland School for the Deaf are all smiles after spending the National Deaf Youth Day together, March 2018!
We have over three million young deaf and hard of hearing people in America! Far too many are not given equal opportunities for personal or social development as well as meaningful career preparation. By celebrating National Deaf Youth Day, we recognize the need to promote the maximum potential of our deaf and hard of hearing youth to support their future goals and endeavors. YOU can join the movement and celebrate the National Deaf Youth Day with us! We encourage state associations, organizations, and schools to host an event, a program, or an activity on March 6th. Not sure where to start? Consider this as your guide! • The easy part is your date is set! (Note: if March 6th does not work for you, activities or programs can be hosted on other dates or with other events.) • Set up a meeting with your state association, organization and/or school. If you are a current student of a school, meet with your school administrators. With the school’s support, explore local organizations and clubs that are interested
to co-host this with you! Working with several partners will help build a stronger committee. One partner may have the location while the other partner may have a staff who can develop your flyer. • Brainstorm ideas on how you want to celebrate the special day! Do you want to host an event, a program, or an activity? Do you want something on-site or on social media only? Hosting a special event Here are some examples: • Host a fundraiser to sponsor one or two students to attend the NAD Conference as Jr. NAD Pages. • Celebrate by having a community-wide cookout at a park. • Invite state associations’ officers to visit a school or programs for the deaf or invite a presenter to give a workshop. • Schools can attend their state association or organizations’ meeting. NADmag | Fall 2019
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HOW TO: CELEBRATE NATIONAL DEAF YOUTH DAY
Howard A. Rosenblum and a Maryland School for the Deaf student creates a story book together at the Maryland School for the Deaf, March 2018.
Doing special events on social media You can celebrate the day as an individual or as a group! As an individual: • Post a favorite deaf or hard of hearing role model using the hashtag #DeafRoleModel. • Post a photo using the hashtag #iSupportDeaf Youth. • Use the hashtag #NationalDeaf YouthDay for any comment or picture that reflects deaf and hard of hearing youth.
The NAD and Starbucks work together to improve the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School’s yard, October 2019.
You can choose how to celebrate National Deaf Youth Day. In the past, the National Association of the Deaf has celebrated the special day by visiting and volunteering at a deaf school, organizing a video campaign to fundraise for Youth Leadership Camp and collaborated with several schools to arrange a mock interview day with local corporations and organizations.
Chanel Gleicher Bonheyo is the Director of the NAD Youth Programs.
As a group: • You can start a social media campaign using the hashtags: #DeafRoleModel, #iSupportDeaf Youth, and #NationalDeaf YouthDay. • Members of your group can post reasons why you support deaf youth from March 1-6 or for the entire month of March!
For additional information: the National Deaf Youth Day toolkit is available online! You will find an extensive list of ideas at nad.org/youth/national-deaf-youth-day. If you are hosting National Deaf Youth Day, let us know!
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FEATURE
YLC traditional group photo, August 2019.
Why You Should Apply to NAD Youth Leadership Camp BY ALANA SMITH AND JACKIE WILLIAMS
We attended the 50th anniversary Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) session, July 17 – August 17, 2019. Jackie was a YLC leader and Alana, a former leader, was a YLC builder. We hope you learn from our experience and see why YOU should apply to the NAD Youth Leadership Camp next summer, either as a leader or a builder! At YLC, we call our campers “leaders” and our staff members “builders.” All leaders arrive at camp ready to lead and grow and the builders work to guide the leaders in becoming builders.
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From a leader’s perspective I heard about YLC from one of my friends who went to YLC 2018. On the first day of school, my friend was wearing the famous YLC sweatshirt and had the biggest smile on his face. Before that, I never thought about YLC at all. Several months later, one of my teachers asked to see me in private. My teacher told me about YLC and how amazing it was. She told
me that I was an impressive leader and that I would be a great fit for the camp. The staff at my school supported me to go because of my leadership skills they saw at school. They told me positive things and encouraged me to go. Because of the positive comments from the staff and their encouragement, I realized I should go to YLC.
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY TO NAD YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
As a builder, we don’t just supervise the kids. We teach them. We build them into great leaders. We teach them valuable life lessons. We guide them to find their true selves. On the first day of YLC, I felt homesick and not confident. I was not used to the new environment, new people, and being involved with activities and people. I felt like I was a wilting flower inside. As the days went on, the leaders and builders noticed that I was being apathetic and lacked leadership when it came to activities and socializing. In order for me to break out of my comfort zone, they gave me challenges and tasks -- I did not want to disappoint my fellow leaders and builders. I decided to participate in the assigned activities and tasks. When the end of YLC was approaching, I decided I no longer wanted to be a wilting flower, but to be a flower that blooms. I wanted to be friendly and be more of a leader. I was given the opportunity to improve and thanks to YLC, I found my light. After YLC, my light continued to shine bright.
I thank the builders who encouraged me throughout the month. A month after YLC, I realized I needed to be a leader, even after YLC ended. Whether it’s to do a task or help people see the beauty in themselves, I realized I needed to be involved more. I want to encourage everyone to go to YLC. It doesn’t matter if you are nervous, awkward, or shy – it does not matter. YLC will change your life. People there will have your back and support you. When you feel awkward, just tell them your story – people at YLC will not judge you. Instead, they become your family. Because of my experience, I decided that I want to go back to YLC and give back by volunteering or working there.
Alana is teaching drama class, July 2019.
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WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY TO NAD YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
From a builder’s perspective Youth Leadership Camp has always been a pure gem, the place where deaf high school kids from all over come and grow their leadership phenomenally. This past summer, I was a Builder for the first time. I hadn’t been here since I was a leader in 2014. As a high school kid from California School for the Deaf, Riverside, I had seen YLC alumni returning from YLC with a huge sense of growth in them. Those alumni became louder and truer to themselves, and it made me wonder about YLC and what it has to offer. After I went to YLC as a leader, I promised myself that I would return as a builder someday, and I did five years later. My experiences as a leader and as a builder are very similar, yet very different. I came back to YLC because I wanted to give back to the Deaf youth leaders, and I believe it is our duty to ensure our future is in good hands of our young Deaf leaders. After a full exhilarating, fleeting month at YLC, I didn’t just grow with the leaders, we flourished astonishingly together. YLC is often a second home for many, the place where we feel accepted and included for who we are. For many leaders and builders, YLC became family with a sense of belonging. As a builder, we don’t just supervise the kids. We teach them. We build them into great leaders. We teach them valuable life lessons. We guide them to find their true selves. Indeed, there will be some vulnerable moments, and those moments are most precious where all leaders and builders get to open themselves and see the truth inside of them.
For everyone out there, I strongly encourage you to apply YLC as a builder even if you never went as a leader. If you have a passion for leadership and are open to new things, you are already a builder! While you will feel physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged – you will also grow so much by conquering those challenges. It is never too late to apply to work at YLC! Will you join us next year, July 17 - August 11, 2020, at Camp Taloali, Stayton, Oregon?
YLC Builders at the beach, July 2019.
Alana Smith is a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant at the Rochester School for the Deaf.
Jackie Williams is a junior at the Georgia School for the Deaf.
Leader and Builder applications are now available at nad.org/youth/youth-leadership-camp. Apply and make your influence!
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FEATURE
Preparing for Our Golden Years BY KIM BIANCO MAJERI ON BEHALF OF THE NAD-DSA TASK FORCE ON AGING The number of Americans that are 65 years old or older is expected to nearly double from 52 million people in 2018 to 95 million in 2060. By 2030, people aged 65 or older will be 20% of the population. Life expectancy has increased from age 68 in 1950 to age 79 in 2017 and continues to increase. Currently, there are approximately 78 million people in the “Boomer” generation and 83 million people in the “Millennial” generation. With waves of people getting older and living longer, our thoughts often turn to issues facing our Deaf Seniors population. One of the greatest challenges facing Deaf people is access. Access to healthcare, access to facilities, access to communication and access to information. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) formed a Task Force on Aging workgroup as a result of a motion proposed at the 2018 NAD Conference that became one of the top priorities for the NAD to work on during 2018-2020. The task force is comprised of people from the NAD, DSA, Gallaudet University, Council de Manos, and Deaf Women United. NAD-DSA Task Force on Aging: Priorities The task force identified three priorities: a) update our online senior resources, b) develop three checklists, and c) update our lists of range of housing choices such as assisted living, nursing homes, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) apartments and so on.
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A. Online senior resources We have an online webpage dedicated to a list of resources for deaf senior citizens – it is currently being revamped: nad.org/seniors/senior-resources. This page will be an on-going project, with information updated as we receive it. B. Checklists After much discussion and research, the task force decided to develop three checklists to support the decision-making process in preparing for the future: 1. Personal – “All About Me,” helps deaf seniors gather all of the important information and documents and recommends keeping them in one place. Oftentimes people keep important documents in different locations and they do not write down where they put them. This checklist may also assist you in determining if you are missing any items, as you read through the list. 2. Access to Living Spaces – “Residential Facilities,” lists accessibility considerations to keep in mind when considering moving to a skilled care or assisted living facility, or in staying in your own home. It allows a person to evaluate whether that facility is an appropriate fit. 3. Caregivers – lists some of the expected duties and qualities of a caregiver. This checklist may be used to help determine if you or a loved one needs a caregiver and can assist in the interviewing process. The checklist also can serve as a guide to someone who may wish to become a caregiver. There is also information on training requirements for becoming caregivers in individual states.
PREPARING FOR OUR GOLDEN YEARS
The three checklists are available online in American Sign Language (ASL) via video clipsand can be downloaded as a PDF: nad.org/seniors/checklists. C. Housing Resources The task force developed a survey to gather information about Deaf seniors’ current residency, quality of life, decision-making about caregiving ( or senior facilities), and access to healthcare. We will use responses from the survey to update the housing resource list. If you or someone you know is 50 years old (and older), please take this survey at nad.org/seniors. NAD-DSA Task Force on Aging: Progress The task force co-hosted a forum with the National Association of State Agencies for the Deaf and hard of hearing (NASADHH) at the 2019 Deaf Seniors of America conference. At this forum, we learned there is a great need for more access to housing and healthcare, more information on caregiving, and more information on how to better prepare ourselves as we get older.
funded by the National Institutes of Health (Poorna Kushalnagar, Principal Investigator). These projects will focus on 1) health/quality of life among deaf individuals who care for persons with dementia/ Alzheimer’s Disease and 2) mid-to-older women’s health outcomes. As part of this agreement, NAD, with the task force, will be responsible for creating and disseminating ASL videos about caregiving and mid-to-older women’s health. NAD and DHCQoL/ Gallaudet will work together to lead the stakeholder group on improving resources and accessibility for deaf caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. All survey findings will be shared at the 2020 NAD Conference and the 2021 DSA Conference. The information and reports will be made available to you and your community. These may be used to develop plans to strengthen existing programs, apply for new grants, provide additional training, and to push legislators to support laws to ensure that needed services are available and accessible to Deaf Seniors.
The NAD, with the assistance of the task force, entered into an agreement to work with the Deaf Health Communication and Quality of Life Center (DHCQoL) at Gallaudet on two grant projects
Kim Bianco Majeri is the State Legislative Affairs Coordinator at the NAD.
FURTHER READING census.gov Search “The Baby Boom Cohort in the United States: 2012 to 2060.”
fool.com Search “9 Baby-Boomer Statistics That Will Blow You Away.”
pewsocialstrends.org Search “Millennial Life: How Young Adulthood Today Compares with Prior Generations.”
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FEATURE
Why be a Delegate for #NAD2020? Delegates vote on a motion at #NAD2018.
BY GRAHAM FORSEY, DC (REGION I), TAR GILLMAN, TEX AS (REGION III), LISA M ROSE, FLORIDA (REGION III), AND JIMMY WILSON IV, ARIZONA (REGION IV) We self-identify and stand out in many different ways; no one is like another. For most of us, one of our core identities is we’re Deaf. Some of us are able to join an organization that focuses on improving the lives of deaf people. A lot of us do want to be more involved but, we have our personal responsibilities and priorities to consider. While it’s true that we have our plates full – perhaps we don’t realize what the expectations are to be involved. One hundred and forty years ago, a wise group of people made a life-time commitment to civil rights advocacy. We know this group today as the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). We still face discrimination in our society, and we see many flaws and shortcomings that can be improved! There are many ways to do our part – every action goes a long way.
At the Biennial NAD Conference, we have an opportunity, as a delegate, to collaborate and develop ideas on how we can make deaf and hard of hearing people’s lives better in the United States. The Council of Representatives (COR) is a several-days long meeting that happens during the NAD Conference. Motions are discussed, priorities for the NAD are determined, and questions are raised for the NAD to respond to. The COR is our chance, as delegates, to focus the NAD’s efforts for the next two years. Some of us have made differences in our local neighborhood, county, state or even the entire country. Some have given up many hours of their time to gather and lead people together to achieve a goal. For others, ideas are just waiting to be acted on. The next Biennial NAD Conference in Chicago, NADmag | Fall 2019 NADmag | Fall 2019
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WHY BE A DELEGATE FOR #NAD2020?
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of The Lord of the Rings.
June 30 to July 5, 2020, represents the perfect chance to collaborate over several days, sharing our experiences and ideas in one room.
4. W hen the NAD releases the priorities motions before the conference, review all priority motions with your members for their perspectives.
It is an honor to be asked to be a delegate from your state to the Council of Representatives (COR) at the Biennial NAD Conference.
5. Do your research on each issue with the budget, training, impact, length of time and solution that the NAD and/or stakeholders accomplish;
Here’s what you need to know:
6. P ay attention to the agenda and don’t miss important key discussions. If you have a question, you can ask when appropriate.
1. Delegates need to register with the NAD. Your organization will receive details from the NAD on how to do so. 2. A sk previous delegates from your organization what their experience was. 3. Make sure you study the delegates’ manual that you will receive from the NAD before the conference, so you arrive in Chicago prepared.
Delegates vote on a motion at #NAD2016.
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7. Get to know who else is in your region during the caucus in case you need support votes on an issue that concerns you and your state. Learn what their strategies are so that you can apply them at home. 8. I t’s recommended that you share daily updates with your organization, however each organization varies in what they expect out of their delegates.
WHY BE A DELEGATE FOR #NAD2020?
Graham Forsey originally moved to the U.S. from Canada in 2010 to study at RIT. With his experience in many organizations and roles over the years, he was elected President of the DC Association of the Deaf in May 2019.
Delegate Tar Gillman shares a comment during the Council of Representatives at #NAD2018.
9. Delegates represent the organization’s issues, not their own. Consider what your organization’s issues are and tie that in with the NAD’s priorities. Keep in mind that your organization selected you to be their delegate, this means they trust you to carry out their position on issues. No matter where you are or your role in this country, you have the power to change our future. Join us at #NAD2020!
Tar Gillman is a Native Michigander. He is now residing in Texas. Tar has been serving in nonprofit organizations and is currently the Vice President of the Texas Association of the Deaf.
Lisa M Rose was the President of the Florida Association of the Deaf.
James Wilson, IV lives in Tucson, Arizona and is embracing his desert roots after graduating from Gallaudet University in May 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Communication Studies. James is currently a cremationist at a funeral home. He has recently completed a season as head coach at Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind’s High School Girls’ Volleyball team. James currently serves as President of the Arizona Association of the Deaf, Inc.
Delegates should share their activities with the public, check out the Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD) to get an idea:
Day 1 txad.org/post/national-association-of-the-deaf-nad-2018-conference
Day 2 txad.org/post/nad-2018-conference-day-2
Day 3 txad.org/post/nad-2018-conference-day-3
Day 4 txad.org/post/nad-2018-conference-day-4
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DONOR LIST The list below recognizes donations made by individuals and organizations to the NAD from January 2019 – June 2019. Donors are listed under the designated fund. If a fund is not designated, donors are listed under the general fund. Individual donors are recognized by their level of giving. Organizational donors are recognized by their member type. Individuals and organizations who are not members are listed as friends of the NAD. There is a Donor Key on the right for individual giving levels and organization member status. Roman numerals following Benefactors (B) identify cumulative donation amounts in $1,000 increments.
Annual Fund Campaign – General Ron Agostini, FON Michael Ahimsa, C Megan Akiva, FON Anonymous, FON Patty Answer, C Thomas and Dianne Armato, BI Rena Jo Arnold, S Karen Atwood, A Luce Aubry, S Cindy Aylward, FON Jill Barber, FON Marco Barrueta, FON David Beckerman, FON Joshua Beckman, BX Natalie Beckman, P Suzann Bedrosian, Bl Michelle Begendik, C Xochitl Bernal, FON Julie Berner, A Sara Bianco, P Vanessa Bishop, A Zachery Bonheyo, A Amelia Bowdell, FON Jeffrey Bravin, Bl Philip and Judith Bravin, BXVII David Brown, FON Sandra Buchholz, BI Sandra Bycenski, FON Jordan Cadena, A David Call, P Shelton Cartwright Jr., S D. Lamar Cason, BI Mirtha Castellano, FON Kelli Cauller, FON
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William and Michelle Cline, Bl Carol Cordova, FON Cathy Dao, FON Melanie Deleon, A Debbie DiPaolo, A Valerie Dively, P Tom and Laurie Dowling, BV Melissa Draganac-Hawk, BXVII Lakia Dreggs, A Ruth Dubin, P Sammie Elser, Bl Elizabeth Fazzolari, S Linda Fecteau, FON Melchior Fernandez, A Paul Filiatreault, S Kevin Foster, FON Angela Franklin, A David Geeslin, A Hillary Geoly, FON Jane Golightly, BIII George Nathan Gomme, S Harvey and Astrid Goodstein, BXXVII Larry and Holly Gorecki, FON Patrick Graybill, Bll Star Grieser, S Chandler Guptill, FON Stephen Hamerdinger, BllI Vicky Hamrick, FON Denise Hanlon, BV Tom and Kathryn Harbison, BII Robin Hart, A Julia Hecht, C Stephen Hlibok, BV Hollis Hoffnung, BI Thomas Holcomb, BII Karen Holte, BIV
DONOR KEY B = Benefactor ($1,000 and up) P = Patron ($500-$999) S = Sustaining Member ($250-$499) C = Contributing Member ($100-$249) A = Advancing Member (up to $99) SA = State Association Affiliate FON = Friends of the NAD OA = Organizational Affiliate
Susan Howell, S Ashley Huynh, FON Lorna Irwin, Blll Rae Johnson, BIV Vilas Johnson, BIX Samuel Jones, Bl Travianna Jones, FON Dorothy Kelsay, Bl Holly Ketchum, BV Theodore Kietzman, FON Stephanie Kimura, FON Paula Klein, FON Eugene LaCosse, BII Kathryn Laughlin, S Milton and Joy Lee, BXX LaVerne Lee, C Irene Leigh, BV William Ludwig, Bll Betty Lynch, Blll Daniel and Joyce Lynch, BV Cynthia Lyons, FON Linda Lytle, Bl Michael Majerowski, P Frances McCarthy, BI Pat McCullough, P Raymond McDevitt, C Marge McHenry, S Stephen Melton, A David and Jill Menhart, FON Thomas Mentkowski, BI Jon Meredith, FON Lewis Merkin, Bl James Messineo, A Barbara Miller, S Robin Mills, P Ruth Moore, BI Joseph Mulcrone, BI Larry and Donna Neibch, FON Kathi Neuenschwander, A
Benro Ogunyipe, P Chris Ojeda, A Jana Owens, S Gloria Pagan, C James and Susan Pedersen, BXXXIII Klaudia Persson, FON Larry Puthoff, BII Lisa Ramsey, S Richard Ray, BI Heidi Reed, BI Laura Restrepo, A James and Joan Revell, BIII Sarah Rhoades, FON John Ricciardi, BII Tiffany Richardson, FON Hilda Richey, Bl Timothy Riker, S Janice Rimler, P Penelope Riser, FON Herbert and Roslyn Rosen, BXXXVI Allan and Judith Rosenblum, Blll Howard Rosenblum, BXVlll Byron Rowe, Bl Jeanine Roybal, A Steve and Bonnie Sandy, BIII Suzanne Sattergren, S Martha Saunders, Bll Andrew Saundry, FON Philip Scholly, BI Ben Schowe, A Patrick and Dorene Sell, BIV Geneva Shearburn, P David Sheneman, BI Pamela Siebert, BI John and Kim Silva, C Nancy Simonds, FON Christina Smith, FON
Janet Smith, P Deborah SonnenstrahBlumenson, BI James Stern, BIV Louis and Barbara Szabo, FON Stanley Telson, FON Holli Tempe, A LeRoy Terrio, Jr., BI Hartmut Teuber, BIII Angelia Thrash-Thomas, S Tricia Tighe, S Sarah Tisdale, A Scott Trachtenberg, FON Brenda Tress, C Betty Van Tighem, BXV Dan Veltri, C Katie Wages, FON Steph Walley, FON J. Sterling White, BXXXIV Pamela Wilkens, C Leandra Williams, P Samuel Williamson, BI Kirsten Wolf, FON Hal Wright, BII Allon Yomtov, S DiAndria Zeigler, A Xu Zhnag, FON Stephanie Zito, A Robert and Diana Zunino, BI Amazon Smile Donations, FON American Charities, FON Arizona Western College ASL Deaf & Deaf Allies Club, FON Communique Interpreting, Inc., FON FanGirl Shirts, FON Gallaudet University, OA IBM Corporation Employee Services, FON Network For Good/ Facebook Donations, FON NTID/RIT, OA OW Pep Rallies/Heritage ASL High School Club, FON PayPal Charitable Giving Fund, FON Route 66 Promotions, FON Sorenson Communications, LLC, OA S&T Bank Employee Services, FON Starcom, FON Target % Cybergrants, FON
United Technologies Charity Program, FON Women of the Moose Chapter 2042, FON Your Cause, FON
Nancy J. Bloch Leadership & Advocacy Scholarship Glenna Ashton, BVl LeWana Clark, BX Linda Eiche, FON Steve Lovi, BI Robert McMahon, BII John and Brenda Mitchiner, BIII Leonard Peacock, BVll Bobbie Beth Scoggins, BXVI Frank R. Turk Youth Leadership Scholarship Thomas and Shirley Desrosier, S Lori Johnson, A John Mathews, BI Leonard Peacock, BVII D. Wayne Walters, BII Annual Fund Campaign – Education Advocacy Douglas Blaase, FON Katherine DeWitt, C Alyssa Dookhi, C Floyd and Judith Gilliam, BVIII Amber Marchut, FON Freida Morrison, P Herbert and Roslyn Rosen, BXXXVl Christopher Sullivan, BIII Annual Fund Campaign – International Kasper Bergmann, FON Alyssa Dookhi, C
Annual Fund Campaign Law and Advocacy Rebekah Amaral, FON Janice Barlow, BIII Stephen Bird, FON Phyllis Bullon, A Shelton Cartwright Jr, S Julia Casaccia, A Marc Charmatz, BIII Renwick and Elizabeth Dayton, BII Melissa Foster, A Anna Gauthier, P Floyd and Judith Gilliam, BVIII Eileen Goran, P Charles and Marilyn Harbison, BI Lynn Hasting, BI Liz Hill, BI Samuel Jones, BI Karen Kunkler, S Mari Magler, S Bruce Makowski, BI Carla Mathers, BI Gwen McGlaun, A Jennifer McLean, S Sharon Nicarry, P Larry and Alice Obray, BIII Gary Rafiq, BIV Patrick and Dorene Sell, BIV Christopher Soukup, S Judith Stuber, A Valerie Sturm, P Steven Weigandt, BII Brenda Wharton, A Bruce and Barbara White, BIII Annual Fund Campaign – Youth Leadership John and Nancy Castle, Bl Alyssa Dookhi, C Wendy Ertefai, FON Jack and Rosalyn Gannon, BXI Cynthia Gould, C Sophia Hawley Steadman, FON George Herberger, BII Stephen Hlibok, BV Rosemarie Johnston, BIII Janice Knauth, C Adora Lehmann, BI
Christine Maldonado, A Gary Olsen, P Simmie Slay, BIII Judy Williams, C In Honor… Badler Al-Dookhi Alyssa Dookhi, C Mr. and Mrs. Frank Amann’s 50th Anniversary Geraldine Francini, BIII Jessica Belwood Katherine DeWitt, C Third Annual Andy Blackton Memorial Strength Challenge Brian Schwab, FON Alyssa Cossean Jonathan Miller, FON Karl and Marilyn Dahl’s 50th Wedding Anniversary Karl and Marilyn Dahl, FON DeafBlind Section Petra Anderson, FON Derrick Earl, A Angela Palmer, A Francis Remillard, FON Deaf Business Advocates Sandra Bycenski, FON Linda Eiche, FON Andy Foster, S Deaf Culture & History Section Rebekah Amardi, FON Steve Baldwin, S Alyssa Dookhi, C Andy Foster, S Joseph Hill, S Rebekah Maccaby, A Brendan Murphy, C Education Section Alyssa Dookhi, C Stephen Hlibok, BV
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DONOR LIST Craig Fogel and Beth Appelbaum/Sounds of the Silent Eleanor Koski, FON Dylan Fox Michael Saltzman, FON Alice and Ted Hagemeyer’s Birthdays Steve Baldwin, S
Patrick Ford John and Nancy Castle, BI
Cliff Siefreid David Brown, FON
Youth Section Andrew Allen, FON Alyssa Dookhi, C Sandra Flowers, FON Erin Macleod, FON Brendan Murphy, C Michael Saltzman, FON
Larry Forestal Geraldine Francini, BIII
William J. Stifter Alyce Stifter, BX
Mabel Giambaresi Daniel Gold, FON
Harold Talin Jennifer Caskey, FON
Kelly Gilligan Amcom Office Systems, FON
Ruth Vasquez Wendy Ertefai, FON Ethel and George Wheeler Karl and Marilyn Dahl, FON
Hurricane Relief Sprinzo Corporation, FON
In Memory…
Derald Guilbert Alice Guilbert, BIV
Interpreter Section Edgardo Garcia, A
Barry H. Ansin Valerie Gilbert, FON
Lily Hale Jay Pedersen, FON
Barbara Kannapell Rebekah Maccaby, A
Shelton H. Cartwright Sr. Shelton Cartwright Jr., S William and Louise Tharrington, FON
Stanley Honig David Beckerman, FON
Ashley Lanyi Sandra Flowers, FON Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender Section Star Grieser, S Joseph Hill, S Thomas Minch, A Missy Owoc, A Adella Shaw, A Kim Majera Christopher Sullivan, BIII Landon McGlaun Gwen McGlaun, A Carol Perry Amber Marchut, FON Senior Citizens Section Helene Armet, FON Jennifer Caskey, FON Kathy Lambert, FON Jerry Tuchman Valerie Sturm, P Grace Wilder Douglas Blaase, FON Linnea Wilhjelm Chandler Guptill, FON
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World Federation of the Deaf Kasper Bergmann, FON
Norman Finkelstein Peter and Elise Bedrossian, FON Raymond A. Flood Megan Akiva, FON Judith Appelbaum, FON Cindy Aylward, FON Xochitl Bernal, FON Dean and Bonnie Birchard, FON Kelli Cauller, FON Carol Cordova, FON Cathy Dao, FON Linda Eiche, FON Elward and Carol Engle, FON Donna Flood, FON Larry and Holly Gorecki, FON Stacey Hunt, FON Nancy Johnson, FON Stephanie Kimura, FON Cynthia Lyons, FON Tony and Susan Manly, FON GeorgeAnn Purnel, FON Penelope Riser, FON Tom and Pat Rose, FON Sharlene Siegel, FON David and Carol Stokes, FON Sheryl Vormittag, FON Steph Walley, FON Kirsten Wolf, FON Gilbert Wolf, FON Starcom, FON
Robert Hadesell Huffaker Helene Armet, FON Nancy Simonds, FON Sean M. Paper Petra Anderson, FON Jill Barber, FON Sandra Bycenski, FON Adelaide Cain, FON Jill Carter, FON Thomas and Carolyn DeWolfe, FON Janet Hukowicz, FON Kathy Lambert, FON Linda Murdock, FON Larry and Donna Neibch, FON Elaine Olive, FON Francis Remillard, FON James Evans Paul Ron Agostini, FON Dorothy Banning, FON Marco Barrueta, FON Jean Brand, FON Linda Fecteau, FON Hillary Geoly, FON Joel and Julie Halliwell, FON Theodore Kietzman, FON David and Jill Menhart, FON Christina Smith, FON William and Kathy Vaiciulis, FON Susan Welsch, FON
IN MEMORIAM Ramona Breshears, Contributing Member Kathleen Burt, Sustaining Member Norman Finkelstein, Friend of the NAD Evelyn Floerke, Benefactor IV Raymond Flood, Advancing Member Kelly Gilligan, Friend of the NAD Stanley Honig, Friend of the NAD Robert Hadsell Huffaker, Friend of the NAD Ruby Kleberg, Benefactor II Harlan Lane, Benefactor V Michael Michner, Benefactor I Mary Beth Miller, Patron Sean M. Paper, Friend of the NAD James Evans Paul, Friend of the NAD Elaine Shaffer, Benefactor IV Cliff Siefreid, Friend of the NAD Harold Talin, Friend of the NAD
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8630 Fenton Street, Ste. 820 Silver Spring, MD 20910
Visitors from South Korea stop by the NAD Headquarters, September 2019.
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