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From: James.Womack@f14.n300.z1.fidonet.org (James Womack)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Deaf Activism
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Date: 12 Mar 91 05:27:50 GMT
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Index Number: 13883

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Part Three

The meeting with Dr. Griffing was a direct result of the fact that
Jim and I wanted to find out why we had not received the memo about
this meeting. We believe this information flow problem must be corr
ected as it is disruptive and encourages our meetings to be
disorganized gatherings with little or no sense of direction.

In any event, the lateness in which we did received the information
prevented us from gathering our complete membership together before
the Rodeo Break to agree upon the agenda we would present to you.

                              THE AGENDA

The first area of concern we will focus on is the status and
employment of hearing impaired employees at ASDB. We will not at this
time go into details on that issue as they are clearly stated in the
report.

The second focus is the communication skills of ASDB employees. This
is a school for the deaf and it is rather improper for employees to
not be able to communicate with deaf colleagues and peers
effectively. The specifics of this concern are also lis ted in the
report.

The third area we will go into is the demonstrated need for an
attitude adjustment that some of our staff require. This need is
shown by the fact that some of the hearing staff engage in
questionable responses and behaviors towards both deaf students and
deaf staff members. The specifics of this issue is also outlined in
the report.

In conclusion, the one thing HIPA believes is self-evident, is the
fact that the school is or should be a model for mainstream society.
The school by virtue of its existence and mission should be a
successful demonstration of how the deaf may be prep ared for and
participate as contributing and full equals in our society. In this
school, it should be a demonstrated proof today, not tomorrow, and
not be considered an on-going process, but rather, proof here and now
today that this is possible and happening. Otherwise, those looking
at the school from outside cannot help but think; if it cannot be or
is not happening in an agency serving the deaf for 86 years, when
will it happen? If it is not happening at a school for the deaf,
where will it happen? The last thing the school needs is to be seen
as a failure in its mission and the very goals it espouses.
Therefore, our meetings must result in concrete plans for
implementing changes. Changes to make the deaf fully participating
and equal p artners a reality. If we can't or won't do this, then
just what is a school for the deaf for? Why does it exist?

James Womack
ASDB/HIPA Representative

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