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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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