We will be taking the holidays off blogging to spend time with the families.
To keep you entertained, here is my favorite you-tube video of a Christmas carol.
May your days be merry and bright...
See you in the new year!
Visit our amazon store
Tuesday
Thursday
New Tip of the week
Develop Sense memory
Sense memory is that wonderful sensation of your body knowing what to do without you having to think about it. Remember when you first learned to ride a bicycle, or roller skate. Before there was success, there was this tricky little thing called "balance.' Your body had to learn how to shift your weight minutely to keep you from falling to one side or the other. In the same way, the muscles of your hands can learn patterns and actions that can reduce the amount of time you put into thinking about the interpreting process.
Consider how much easier it is now to spell your own name than the day your first learned to fingerspell. With practice, you are spelling it because it is your name, not because of each letter identified with the spelling. In the same way, we can practice words to spell, or commonly signed phrases so our multi-tasking brain can trust the hands to handle certain things. Just remember, this is not permission to interpret on auto-pilot. Just train yourself to trust what you know how to do.
Sense memory is that wonderful sensation of your body knowing what to do without you having to think about it. Remember when you first learned to ride a bicycle, or roller skate. Before there was success, there was this tricky little thing called "balance.' Your body had to learn how to shift your weight minutely to keep you from falling to one side or the other. In the same way, the muscles of your hands can learn patterns and actions that can reduce the amount of time you put into thinking about the interpreting process.
Consider how much easier it is now to spell your own name than the day your first learned to fingerspell. With practice, you are spelling it because it is your name, not because of each letter identified with the spelling. In the same way, we can practice words to spell, or commonly signed phrases so our multi-tasking brain can trust the hands to handle certain things. Just remember, this is not permission to interpret on auto-pilot. Just train yourself to trust what you know how to do.
New Tip of the week
Test yourself
Video tape yourself interpreting an unfamiliar piece. Put the tape away and listen/ watch the source material until you can make an outline of the major points (introduction, 3 main points, conclusion) and some pertinent details. Ask a colleague for assistance if you are unsure you got it all. Wait three weeks. Now, watch the interpretation while checking off the major points and details from your notes. Did you get 90%? If not, consider what was missed. Were they major details or minor? Did you struggle with pronouns? These are the areas to focus on while practicing over the next months.
Anyone who tells you they got 100% is fibbing. We do have two languages involved and exact duplication is virtually impossible due to culturally-bound information. Transliteration may get closer, but even there minor details are likely to be changed or dropped.
Video tape yourself interpreting an unfamiliar piece. Put the tape away and listen/ watch the source material until you can make an outline of the major points (introduction, 3 main points, conclusion) and some pertinent details. Ask a colleague for assistance if you are unsure you got it all. Wait three weeks. Now, watch the interpretation while checking off the major points and details from your notes. Did you get 90%? If not, consider what was missed. Were they major details or minor? Did you struggle with pronouns? These are the areas to focus on while practicing over the next months.
Anyone who tells you they got 100% is fibbing. We do have two languages involved and exact duplication is virtually impossible due to culturally-bound information. Transliteration may get closer, but even there minor details are likely to be changed or dropped.
New Tip of the week
Use video resources wisely
Remember all those tapes of proficient ASL signers you have access to? Use them in more than one fashion. Perhaps the first time, leave the sound off and see how well you understand the discourse. Sometime in the future, practice your voicing technique, comparing yourself to the voice interpreter if one is available on the tape. Again, at a later date, try changing the register of your voicing style. Pretend you are interpreting for a business meeting, then try again as if explaining the same material to a second grader. Finally, use that proficient signer as a model to improve your own signing style and grammatical structures. Mimic the signs and facial grammars until they become a tool you can use without thinking.
Remember all those tapes of proficient ASL signers you have access to? Use them in more than one fashion. Perhaps the first time, leave the sound off and see how well you understand the discourse. Sometime in the future, practice your voicing technique, comparing yourself to the voice interpreter if one is available on the tape. Again, at a later date, try changing the register of your voicing style. Pretend you are interpreting for a business meeting, then try again as if explaining the same material to a second grader. Finally, use that proficient signer as a model to improve your own signing style and grammatical structures. Mimic the signs and facial grammars until they become a tool you can use without thinking.
Friday
Another tip...
Become familiar with your own process.
The truth of the matter is, 90 percent of interpreting takes place in the brain, not on the hands or out the mouth. And none of us can get inside your head as well as you can. Learn what works for you, what helps your clients to understand you better.
What can you do to make your nerves subside? How can you learn to trust you more?
Take advice when offered, but only keep what works for you. Become your own diagnostician. It may put me out of business, but the profession will be the better for it.
The truth of the matter is, 90 percent of interpreting takes place in the brain, not on the hands or out the mouth. And none of us can get inside your head as well as you can. Learn what works for you, what helps your clients to understand you better.
What can you do to make your nerves subside? How can you learn to trust you more?
Take advice when offered, but only keep what works for you. Become your own diagnostician. It may put me out of business, but the profession will be the better for it.
Public Speaking
As interpreters we tend to focus much of our attention on improving our signing skills. Just as often we need to attend to our ability to speak effectively. A theater class can teach one to project clearly, analyze a text and modulate one's voice to match mood and manner. A speech class can also help one analyze a text but adds the skills of persuasion, exposition and improvisation to one's bag of tricks.
Interpreter's need an expansive vocabulary and a clear understanding of register in order to make their English production match the source text. Theater and speech classes are a good way to start. Continue by joining Toastmasters or a neighborhood theater company to further hone the skills. Besides, it might be fun!
Interpreter's need an expansive vocabulary and a clear understanding of register in order to make their English production match the source text. Theater and speech classes are a good way to start. Continue by joining Toastmasters or a neighborhood theater company to further hone the skills. Besides, it might be fun!
Thursday
Cold Weather Tips
Clearly cold weather is soon upon us. We all know the warning:
Keep your hands as warm as possible.
Here are some suggestions for doing so.
1. Wear mittens (best because each finger warms the one next to it)
2. Wear warm gloves (i.e. those with fur or cashmere lining)
3. Purchase hand warmers (i.e. some are chemically activated and designed for hunters)
4. Warm your hands by holding a hot cup of water or other beverage.
5. Hold your hands under warm running water.
6. Dip your hands in a warm wax machine, if available.
7. Warm-up by performing some gentle exercises.
Keep your hands as warm as possible.
Here are some suggestions for doing so.
1. Wear mittens (best because each finger warms the one next to it)
2. Wear warm gloves (i.e. those with fur or cashmere lining)
3. Purchase hand warmers (i.e. some are chemically activated and designed for hunters)
4. Warm your hands by holding a hot cup of water or other beverage.
5. Hold your hands under warm running water.
6. Dip your hands in a warm wax machine, if available.
7. Warm-up by performing some gentle exercises.
Friday
Tip of the week 4
Students are always asking me how to improve receptive fingerspelling skills. My favorite?
Play "Wheel of Fortune" as often as possible.
Knowing the topic, the approximate number of letters and a few of those letters is often all we catch the first time around a word is fingerspelled. This program helps develop closure skills which will prove useful in filling in the gaps while reading fingerspelling.
Besides, it is still fun to watch after all these years.
Play "Wheel of Fortune" as often as possible.
Knowing the topic, the approximate number of letters and a few of those letters is often all we catch the first time around a word is fingerspelled. This program helps develop closure skills which will prove useful in filling in the gaps while reading fingerspelling.
Besides, it is still fun to watch after all these years.
Tip of the week
Access some current events every day.
Read a newspaper, surf the web, follow network news or the Headline News Network. Being familiar with who, and what is in the news provides invaluable schema for personal interaction in various settings. Once I worked with a woman who did not read the paper or watch television for religious reasons. She was stunned to enter an assignment and learn for the first time of the horror that as the Columbine shootings. We need to be prepared for any topic at any time and the only way to do that is to stay caught up and read-read-read!
Read a newspaper, surf the web, follow network news or the Headline News Network. Being familiar with who, and what is in the news provides invaluable schema for personal interaction in various settings. Once I worked with a woman who did not read the paper or watch television for religious reasons. She was stunned to enter an assignment and learn for the first time of the horror that as the Columbine shootings. We need to be prepared for any topic at any time and the only way to do that is to stay caught up and read-read-read!
Monday
Tips and Tricks 2
Tip:
Sign to yourself in a mirror.
Once your body gets used to doing the movements required of ASL, non-native users will develop bad habits. Anything from brushing hair out of the face to thrusting your hand forward forcibly when fingerspelling, if it distracts you in the mirror, it probably distracts your clients. By the way, I've done both of those examples smile. Everyone develops bad habits. The goal is to find them and change them.
Sign to yourself in a mirror.
Once your body gets used to doing the movements required of ASL, non-native users will develop bad habits. Anything from brushing hair out of the face to thrusting your hand forward forcibly when fingerspelling, if it distracts you in the mirror, it probably distracts your clients. By the way, I've done both of those examples smile. Everyone develops bad habits. The goal is to find them and change them.
Thursday
Idioms Thursday
I don't know when I started doing Idioms on Thursday, but whenever I do blogs, Thursday seems the day.
So here we are.
One of my favorite idioms of all time is "batting a thousand: To have a perfect record, good or bad. From baseball scoring system, 1.000 being a perfect batting average."
In my family it usually is meant disparagingly...like "When it comes to driving tests, John is batting a thousand."
And here is how I would sign that sentence, if you are interested.
See you Monday with another tip or trick!
PS: some people are having trouble getting the file to open in internet explorer. It is an mp4, so quicktime should open it. If ie doesn't have the plug in try Firefox. It works great there.
So here we are.
One of my favorite idioms of all time is "batting a thousand: To have a perfect record, good or bad. From baseball scoring system, 1.000 being a perfect batting average."
In my family it usually is meant disparagingly...like "When it comes to driving tests, John is batting a thousand."
And here is how I would sign that sentence, if you are interested.
See you Monday with another tip or trick!
PS: some people are having trouble getting the file to open in internet explorer. It is an mp4, so quicktime should open it. If ie doesn't have the plug in try Firefox. It works great there.
Monday
Tips and Tricks revisited
Some of you may remember an on line blog we kept several years ago which we converted into a cd called Tips and Tricks.
We have decided to update it.
The goal is to re-introduce some books we thought were valuable, some ideas for suggestions to keep you in the business and an English idiom with its translation to add to your "bag of tricks." Tips will be posted on Monday, and idioms on Thursday.
We hope you enjoy these updates as much as we do.
The first Tip:
Fingerspell road signs and billboards.
Just as riding a bicycle required one's body to become accustomed to balance, a non-native's hand must become accustomed to the movements from one letter to another in a wide variety of patterns. Please remember to drive safely: only fingerspell at stop signs and lights or while another is driving.
We have decided to update it.
The goal is to re-introduce some books we thought were valuable, some ideas for suggestions to keep you in the business and an English idiom with its translation to add to your "bag of tricks." Tips will be posted on Monday, and idioms on Thursday.
We hope you enjoy these updates as much as we do.
The first Tip:
Fingerspell road signs and billboards.
Just as riding a bicycle required one's body to become accustomed to balance, a non-native's hand must become accustomed to the movements from one letter to another in a wide variety of patterns. Please remember to drive safely: only fingerspell at stop signs and lights or while another is driving.
Tuesday
Deaf In the News
Extreme Makeover: Home edition is going to help the Oregon School for the Deaf build their Halloween Fundraiser called the Nightmare Factory.
The Seabeck Conference Center, in Seabeck Washington, is hosting an annual Deaf-Blind Retreat and expects participants from all over the World, including Japan and Holland.
The University of Washington is developing ASL friendly software to reduce the band width needed to video chat over mobile phones.
The Seabeck Conference Center, in Seabeck Washington, is hosting an annual Deaf-Blind Retreat and expects participants from all over the World, including Japan and Holland.
The University of Washington is developing ASL friendly software to reduce the band width needed to video chat over mobile phones.
Sign Language Message from Space
Tracy Caldwell Dyson recorded a signed message from space.The accompanying article states that ASL is the "fourth most commonly used language in the United States." Regretfully, Astronaut Dyson uses acombination of ASL phrases and English grammar.
However her message to the Deaf childred she recorded it for is priceless and one many in our community support: Deaf people can do anything but hear.
To learn more about the space station on which Astronaut Caldwell is serving, go to http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
However her message to the Deaf childred she recorded it for is priceless and one many in our community support: Deaf people can do anything but hear.
To learn more about the space station on which Astronaut Caldwell is serving, go to http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
Monday
I Love this book!
This is the story of a child with deaf grandparents, raised at the Lexington School for the Deaf where her parents lived and worked on site. She has unique insights as one of those "neither culture" people - raised in a deaf friendly environment but born hearing. She relates stories of becoming an interpreter, the frustrations of dating a Deaf man, and shares stories not her own as she follows the lives of two students from the school.
I hope you learn as much as I did about what I call the "tweener" culture of the 70's and beyond.
I hope you learn as much as I did about what I call the "tweener" culture of the 70's and beyond.
Tuesday
Baby Sign Language
It is back in the news. A friend who lives in Philadelphia sent me this link to a local story about using signs to communicate with young children.
In 30 plus years of working with people who sign, I have only met one who felt that teaching her child to sign was a detriment. Most have told me they found using some sort of gesture or sign in addition to pointing reduced the frustration of parent and child. Not scientific, just the stories I have heard.
If you want to get started, try the book below - it comes in paperback or kindle formats.
In 30 plus years of working with people who sign, I have only met one who felt that teaching her child to sign was a detriment. Most have told me they found using some sort of gesture or sign in addition to pointing reduced the frustration of parent and child. Not scientific, just the stories I have heard.
If you want to get started, try the book below - it comes in paperback or kindle formats.
Monday
An old friend!
I was wandering around the Amazon site and found this book - it is surprising to find it is now 26 years old! It was one of the first books I ever read of the Deaf experience.
If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. There is an entire generation of people whose mothers had German measles (including my own mother). Many of them were born Deaf. It is worth reading about their experiences before the ADA was passed.
If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. There is an entire generation of people whose mothers had German measles (including my own mother). Many of them were born Deaf. It is worth reading about their experiences before the ADA was passed.
Wednesday
ASL Literature site
Every so often I get the opportunity to teach a class on music or literature. This summer was one of them.
In our ASL classes we talk about the 5 parameters of ASL. While it is true that changing just one parameter will change the meaning of the sign, the most common parameter used to rhyme seems to be hand shape.
In my research to update my materials I found a lovely site. It is a special ASL edition of an online magazine called "Slope". The home site looks as if it may not be updated very often, but as long as this archive is available, I recommend it. This site asserts that hand shapes are the heart and soul of ASL poetry.
Do be sure to click on the index of poets and editors - there are some real treasures.
In our ASL classes we talk about the 5 parameters of ASL. While it is true that changing just one parameter will change the meaning of the sign, the most common parameter used to rhyme seems to be hand shape.
In my research to update my materials I found a lovely site. It is a special ASL edition of an online magazine called "Slope". The home site looks as if it may not be updated very often, but as long as this archive is available, I recommend it. This site asserts that hand shapes are the heart and soul of ASL poetry.
Do be sure to click on the index of poets and editors - there are some real treasures.
Thursday
More about Disneyland Interpreters
There is a neat video along with this article from the Orange County Register. and an interview with a Disneyland employee who finally understood the Jungle Cruise.
While I would prefer that they ask the Deaf community for name signs, at least the one describing Mickey Mouse that Disney claims to have thought up is fairly standard.
While I would prefer that they ask the Deaf community for name signs, at least the one describing Mickey Mouse that Disney claims to have thought up is fairly standard.
Tuesday
Musical Interpretation Class
Tonight begins my Musical Interpretation class at Tulsa Community College (I have 2 spots left if you wanna play!)
This is a 8 day class (twice a week for 4 weeks) put together to explore the work and fun that goes into interpreting music in such a way as to incorporate ASL poetic features. The hope is by the end of the class every participant will have a translation of the National Anthem and a song of their own choosing. The "Final" is to perform (singly or as a group) a song of your choosing.
It is one of my favorite classes to teach, as a workshop or a course. I hope I get to share it with you for many summers to come.
This is a 8 day class (twice a week for 4 weeks) put together to explore the work and fun that goes into interpreting music in such a way as to incorporate ASL poetic features. The hope is by the end of the class every participant will have a translation of the National Anthem and a song of their own choosing. The "Final" is to perform (singly or as a group) a song of your choosing.
It is one of my favorite classes to teach, as a workshop or a course. I hope I get to share it with you for many summers to come.
The world changes again
I remember when TTY's became desk top models. I remember when relay began. I remember when sidekicks were introduced. I remember when VRS began.
All of them changed the world for my deaf friends. With each innovation, the "silent disability" became less isolating. No longer did they have to drive over to see if someone was home. No longer did they have to wait for special events to meet up with old friends. No longer did they have to live in isolation of a hearing-world job - they could at least complain about their bosses like the rest of us.
Now iphone 4 claims in real time to have video chat without any glitches. If this is true?
The world just changed again. For the better.
All of them changed the world for my deaf friends. With each innovation, the "silent disability" became less isolating. No longer did they have to drive over to see if someone was home. No longer did they have to wait for special events to meet up with old friends. No longer did they have to live in isolation of a hearing-world job - they could at least complain about their bosses like the rest of us.
Now iphone 4 claims in real time to have video chat without any glitches. If this is true?
The world just changed again. For the better.
Monday
Miss Hawaii's Outstanding Teen
Lena Merrill, a 14 year old student at Hawaii's school for the Deaf and Blind, won the state competition for Miss Outstanding Teen. She will compete in august against the other state winners in the Miss Outstanding Teen portion of the Miss America pageant.
Years ago I knew a woman who had petitioned to participate and was denied because she could not do an interview without an interpreter. It is nice to see some changes in the pageant - even if Miss Merrill was still required to learn a dance routine to open her competition.
More of the story here
Years ago I knew a woman who had petitioned to participate and was denied because she could not do an interview without an interpreter. It is nice to see some changes in the pageant - even if Miss Merrill was still required to learn a dance routine to open her competition.
More of the story here
Wednesday
Deaf in the News.
Around the US and Around the world:
A Colorado nonprofit is partnering with an Afghan organization to build a school in Kabul for deaf children
Mexican Deaf lured into peddling in New York, create their own second chances.
Irritating as it is in this day and age for a woman to be labeled "Deaf-Mute" it is tragic that 6 years later, no one knows what happened to Porschette Charslyn Evans.
And in Sports news:
A Detroit area High School wins the Division 4 championship in part due to strong pitching by Brandon Holsworth
Matt Hamill won the Ultimate Fighter 11 finale despite being poked in the eye and breaking a hand mid fight.
A Colorado nonprofit is partnering with an Afghan organization to build a school in Kabul for deaf children
Mexican Deaf lured into peddling in New York, create their own second chances.
Irritating as it is in this day and age for a woman to be labeled "Deaf-Mute" it is tragic that 6 years later, no one knows what happened to Porschette Charslyn Evans.
And in Sports news:
A Detroit area High School wins the Division 4 championship in part due to strong pitching by Brandon Holsworth
Matt Hamill won the Ultimate Fighter 11 finale despite being poked in the eye and breaking a hand mid fight.
Thursday
Sign Language Interpreting at Disneyland Resort!
Traditionally one had to call ahead to arrange for shows to be interpreted. Now, two days a week each park has interpreters scheduled without prior notice.
Check out the details at the Disney official blog
Check out the details at the Disney official blog
Wednesday
Gallaudet: the Film
As you may have noted if you wandered by our site, we are in the process of rebuilding. My business partner just graduated from college - and so life has been a little busy. But we hope to relaunch in the fall with a cool new site (www.accentoninterpreting.com)
I also hope by then to have a more reliable way to post these blogs - here or elsewhere - and get them disseminated.
In the meantime, here is a beautiful film about Gallaudet by Gallaudet.
Enjoy it.
I did.
I also hope by then to have a more reliable way to post these blogs - here or elsewhere - and get them disseminated.
In the meantime, here is a beautiful film about Gallaudet by Gallaudet.
Enjoy it.
I did.
Monday
More Deaf News
- California State Government sued for lack of accommodation.
- Deaf Student Pursues Dream of Becoming a Doctor.
- More than 70 people who are deaf, hearing impaired or who work with the deaf gathered in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo to discuss the need for more comprehensive services for deaf and hearing-impaired Western New Yorkers.
- Finally: check out the Deaf Def rapper in Detroit.
- Deaf Student Pursues Dream of Becoming a Doctor.
- More than 70 people who are deaf, hearing impaired or who work with the deaf gathered in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo to discuss the need for more comprehensive services for deaf and hearing-impaired Western New Yorkers.
- Finally: check out the Deaf Def rapper in Detroit.
Thursday
FCC rates for Relay calls proposed
On April 30, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission released a public notice regarding rates for telecommunication relay services.
It states, in part, that carriers break down into three tiers:
"Tier I includes monthly minutes up to 50,000; Tier II includes monthly minutes between 50,001 and 500,000; and Tier III includes monthly minutes above 500,000."
They then state the formula by which they come to the following conclusion:
"This calculation results in rates of $5.7754 for Tier I, $6.0318 for Tier II, and $3.8963 for Tier III."
These rates seem to be per minute of use.
So, it seems to me, the assumption is that big companies can absorb more costs - and therefore should be punished for their success.
This could be disastrous for the Deaf community. Large video relay services may have to cut back or cut out service entirely.
This same document had a process for making comments.
Please feel free to do so.
It states, in part, that carriers break down into three tiers:
"Tier I includes monthly minutes up to 50,000; Tier II includes monthly minutes between 50,001 and 500,000; and Tier III includes monthly minutes above 500,000."
They then state the formula by which they come to the following conclusion:
"This calculation results in rates of $5.7754 for Tier I, $6.0318 for Tier II, and $3.8963 for Tier III."
These rates seem to be per minute of use.
So, it seems to me, the assumption is that big companies can absorb more costs - and therefore should be punished for their success.
This could be disastrous for the Deaf community. Large video relay services may have to cut back or cut out service entirely.
This same document had a process for making comments.
Please feel free to do so.
Wednesday
"My Deaf Family"
Marlee Matlin believes the English speaking world is ready for a reality show starring a Deaf family.
The networks seem to disagree. After lots of reports that several networks were interested, none gave the premise the go ahead as a show.
Apparently the networks believe we are more interested in families who swap wives than a family who is culturally and linguistically different from main street USA, yet struggling with the same American issues we all face.
I disagree. I think Marlee has tapped into something we all need: a way to recognize ourselves in our differences.
Stop by her you-tube channel and see the pilot. If you agree, won't you write a letter to a studio and and tell them so? I don't know which one Marlee would prefer, but she has always had a great relationship with NBC (Home to The West Wing and Reasonable Doubts), so I would like to start there.
Or click her twitter link at the top of the page and ask her which she would prefer.
As she says, "Let's make some noise!"
The networks seem to disagree. After lots of reports that several networks were interested, none gave the premise the go ahead as a show.
Apparently the networks believe we are more interested in families who swap wives than a family who is culturally and linguistically different from main street USA, yet struggling with the same American issues we all face.
I disagree. I think Marlee has tapped into something we all need: a way to recognize ourselves in our differences.
Stop by her you-tube channel and see the pilot. If you agree, won't you write a letter to a studio and and tell them so? I don't know which one Marlee would prefer, but she has always had a great relationship with NBC (Home to The West Wing and Reasonable Doubts), so I would like to start there.
Or click her twitter link at the top of the page and ask her which she would prefer.
As she says, "Let's make some noise!"
Thursday
refusal of service
20 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities act and doctors are still refusing to provide qualified interpreters?
An emergency interpreter costs on average $65 an hour with a two hour minimum in Texas. One cannot be obtained, used, and dismissed within those 2 hours to at least me sure a person understand his illness and treatment? No one suggests paying an agency interpreter all day - but a hospital cannot afford 2 hours?
Especially since the courts have determined that a $400,000 practice cannot claim undue hardship.
Surely there is a way to be sure the patient understands and is able to obey the doctor's instructions without relying on reading, a skill many deaf have at only a fourth grade reading level.
How many more people have to die?
An emergency interpreter costs on average $65 an hour with a two hour minimum in Texas. One cannot be obtained, used, and dismissed within those 2 hours to at least me sure a person understand his illness and treatment? No one suggests paying an agency interpreter all day - but a hospital cannot afford 2 hours?
Especially since the courts have determined that a $400,000 practice cannot claim undue hardship.
Surely there is a way to be sure the patient understands and is able to obey the doctor's instructions without relying on reading, a skill many deaf have at only a fourth grade reading level.
How many more people have to die?
Monday
Deaf Sports in the news
The US Deaf Sports Federation and Deaf Nation are conducting the first ever USA Deaf Tennis Open: July 15 to 19, 2010 at Las Vegas Hilton Tennis Center and Lorenzi Park Tennis Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
The next Winter Deaflympics are being held in Slovakia, February 18-26, 2011. Sports include: Alpine Skiing; Cross Country Skiing; Curling; Ice Hockey; Snowboard.
And Vancouver, who recently hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will also host the Deaflympics, in February, 2015.
The next Winter Deaflympics are being held in Slovakia, February 18-26, 2011. Sports include: Alpine Skiing; Cross Country Skiing; Curling; Ice Hockey; Snowboard.
And Vancouver, who recently hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will also host the Deaflympics, in February, 2015.
More Deaf News
I know I said I would get back to Repetitive Motion Injury- but there is lots of stuff going on!
First of all, The Catholic Church has been accused of repeatedly looking the other way while priests abused deaf children. There are stories in Italy and the United States.
A Philadelphia agency that provides services to the Deaf and hard of Hearing has lost most of its staff and its interim executive director. This leaves many going without assistance they have had for over 14 years.
New Kids on the Block star Joey McIntyre has released to the press that his second son was born deaf in December of last year. Right now hearing aids are helping the family to adjust.
And finally, a piece of fun news: The Oregon Shakespeare festival is providing open captions during 11 shows. It may help that Howie Sego is starring as the Ghost of Hamlet's father.
So if the news will let me - next week we will get back to identifying the warning signals of repetitive motion injury.
First of all, The Catholic Church has been accused of repeatedly looking the other way while priests abused deaf children. There are stories in Italy and the United States.
A Philadelphia agency that provides services to the Deaf and hard of Hearing has lost most of its staff and its interim executive director. This leaves many going without assistance they have had for over 14 years.
New Kids on the Block star Joey McIntyre has released to the press that his second son was born deaf in December of last year. Right now hearing aids are helping the family to adjust.
And finally, a piece of fun news: The Oregon Shakespeare festival is providing open captions during 11 shows. It may help that Howie Sego is starring as the Ghost of Hamlet's father.
So if the news will let me - next week we will get back to identifying the warning signals of repetitive motion injury.
Catching Up
So now that I have enjoyed my Spring Break, let us see what is happening in the Deaf world.
The Scranton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are celebrating Dr Seuss.
In case you missed it, You-Tube has started auto-captioning. Some things are rather amusing still, but it is a start.
Ebay has been sued for discrimination against Deaf users because they require a telephone number to verify status.
Hawai'i School for the Deaf gets a makeover.
And the University of Cincinnati is holding a health fair to be sure Deaf individuals get accurate information regarding health care.
The Scranton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are celebrating Dr Seuss.
In case you missed it, You-Tube has started auto-captioning. Some things are rather amusing still, but it is a start.
Ebay has been sued for discrimination against Deaf users because they require a telephone number to verify status.
Hawai'i School for the Deaf gets a makeover.
And the University of Cincinnati is holding a health fair to be sure Deaf individuals get accurate information regarding health care.
Saturday
You tube adding captions!
Up until now only those who added captions prior to posting their videos were able to have their products accessible to the Deaf. With new speech recognition technology, you tube will try to automatically caption every video.
It could prove entertaining. For example, rumor has it that Ella Morton from Rocketboom said "Hi, I'm Ella Morton" and the captioning said "Hi I'm abortion" - but I can't get any captions to load sigh. Anyway, it is a great idea. I hope it works!
It could prove entertaining. For example, rumor has it that Ella Morton from Rocketboom said "Hi, I'm Ella Morton" and the captioning said "Hi I'm abortion" - but I can't get any captions to load sigh. Anyway, it is a great idea. I hope it works!
Monday
"Signercises" and Overuse - 1984
Back when I first began this profession, we were losing people left and right to over use syndrome. Now they call it repetitive motion injuries (I think). So the interpreter coordinators at California State University Northridge talked to therapists and doctors about what advice we interpreters might take to avoid making things worse.
Over the next few weeks I will share exercises and pain scales and all the stuff we learned back then. Some of it may be common knowledge now, but it was cutting edge when I joined the profession. And sometimes it is nice to look back and see how far we have come (or not.)
Today's tidbit: If you feel any discomfort, even if it goes away when you stop interpreting, DO NOT SHAKE OUT YOUR WRISTS. This can cause additional damage to any irritated tendons. Warm your hands up well, but do not shake them.
Next time: A scale on which to grade your pain.
Over the next few weeks I will share exercises and pain scales and all the stuff we learned back then. Some of it may be common knowledge now, but it was cutting edge when I joined the profession. And sometimes it is nice to look back and see how far we have come (or not.)
Today's tidbit: If you feel any discomfort, even if it goes away when you stop interpreting, DO NOT SHAKE OUT YOUR WRISTS. This can cause additional damage to any irritated tendons. Warm your hands up well, but do not shake them.
Next time: A scale on which to grade your pain.
Tuesday
Deaf News : "See What I'm Saying"
See What I'm Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary" is opening at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles March 18, 2010.
A unique look at Deaf entertainment, this documentary focuses on the wide diversity of Deaf Culture. It includes an all Deaf rock band, a Deaf comic, and a teacher from Julliard who lost his home due to a misunderstanding.
Here's the trailer, available on You-tube:
You can also follow them on twitter or Facebook - links available at their website:
www.seewhatimsayingmovie.com
A unique look at Deaf entertainment, this documentary focuses on the wide diversity of Deaf Culture. It includes an all Deaf rock band, a Deaf comic, and a teacher from Julliard who lost his home due to a misunderstanding.
Here's the trailer, available on You-tube:
You can also follow them on twitter or Facebook - links available at their website:
www.seewhatimsayingmovie.com
Thursday
Monday
Deaf News Roundup
Just a few tidbits I found over the internet...
Check out "Visual Sound" - a student designed phone that converts sound to text and back again. Looks very futuristic.
Christian Markovic is the founder of Fuzzy Wuzzy designs. Deaf at 2 and blind by @0, he still managed to graduate from the Savannah (Georgia)College of Art and Design. That's stick-to-it-iveness.
The New Mexico School for the Deaf limited their opponents to 6 points through the first three quarters of a lady roadrunner basketball game.
Internationally:
British football is becoming more supportive of Deaf players, including offering British sign language classes at various clubs.
The Deaf Welcome foundation is coordinating efforts for Haitians to communicate with loved ones. They are providing various language interpreters including American Sign Language. See www.deafwelcome.org to donate or for more information.
Check out "Visual Sound" - a student designed phone that converts sound to text and back again. Looks very futuristic.
Christian Markovic is the founder of Fuzzy Wuzzy designs. Deaf at 2 and blind by @0, he still managed to graduate from the Savannah (Georgia)College of Art and Design. That's stick-to-it-iveness.
The New Mexico School for the Deaf limited their opponents to 6 points through the first three quarters of a lady roadrunner basketball game.
Internationally:
British football is becoming more supportive of Deaf players, including offering British sign language classes at various clubs.
The Deaf Welcome foundation is coordinating efforts for Haitians to communicate with loved ones. They are providing various language interpreters including American Sign Language. See www.deafwelcome.org to donate or for more information.
Wednesday
Flashbacks
16 years ago I was sleeping on my parents’ patio in a tent after the Northridge earthquake decimated my apartment.
I have plenty of stories about the people who helped: FEMA who helped me pay for an apartment and replaced my computer, that allowed me to first get online; my seven angels from Barstow -army personnel who managed to save heirlooms and personal effects from my red-tagged building; the national guard who protected those red-tagged buildings from thieves who had no qualms about entering a ravaged building to steal what they could from us; the red cross who brought water and ensure to my bed-ridden mother -just days after she was released from the hospital for heart surgery.
Today, the people of Haiti have it worse than I. Los Angeles had prepared for a “big one” and so our infra structure almost held and relatively few died.
Would you like to help Haiti in their time of need?
Text “Haiti” to 90999. They will confirm with you that you wish to contribute 10 dollars, added to your phone bill, to the red cross.
It is easy, almost painless and you are doing more than you realize.
You are not just providing water and food and medication and blankets.
You provide hope that someday it will all get better.
(crossposted to my personal blog)
I have plenty of stories about the people who helped: FEMA who helped me pay for an apartment and replaced my computer, that allowed me to first get online; my seven angels from Barstow -army personnel who managed to save heirlooms and personal effects from my red-tagged building; the national guard who protected those red-tagged buildings from thieves who had no qualms about entering a ravaged building to steal what they could from us; the red cross who brought water and ensure to my bed-ridden mother -just days after she was released from the hospital for heart surgery.
Today, the people of Haiti have it worse than I. Los Angeles had prepared for a “big one” and so our infra structure almost held and relatively few died.
Would you like to help Haiti in their time of need?
Text “Haiti” to 90999. They will confirm with you that you wish to contribute 10 dollars, added to your phone bill, to the red cross.
It is easy, almost painless and you are doing more than you realize.
You are not just providing water and food and medication and blankets.
You provide hope that someday it will all get better.
(crossposted to my personal blog)
Tuesday
Happy New year!
At the turn of the year I always know to look eagerly in my mail box for an announcement - this year is no different:
Supporting Deaf People conference - Dates: 3-6th February, 2010.
Themes for this conference are:
* Interpreting in specialist settings
* Interpreters, fallout and vicarious trauma
* Effective interpreting, politeness, face and culture
I hope you will join me. $108 and some time in front of a computer and you can earn up to 2.0 RID ceu's in professional development
Supporting Deaf People conference - Dates: 3-6th February, 2010.
Themes for this conference are:
* Interpreting in specialist settings
* Interpreters, fallout and vicarious trauma
* Effective interpreting, politeness, face and culture
I hope you will join me. $108 and some time in front of a computer and you can earn up to 2.0 RID ceu's in professional development
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