Veterans' Day: Honoring the Special Troops

Veterans’ Day is a special day. This day serves as a way to help remind us of the veterans, men and women, who served in the military: U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. These people served in the wars with courage and determination. Today, the Americans would like to thank them for their sacrifices, contribution and dedication for serving in the wars for the United States of America; everyday, we think of these people as people who give us inspiration and encouragement from their dedicating to the war efforts overseas. Finally, we the Deaf individuals, would like to thank and honor these people for serving in the military in the past and present on this very important day!

Toronja-

Don’t Forget to Vote Today!

One of the most important things you can do in American politics is to vote! So, please remember to vote today! When you vote, you make your voice heard! As Deaf individuals, we should go out there and put out our votes. When we do this, we let the powerful leaders know that we are the important American citizens who care about voting in this political process. We are definitely the involved, informed and independent citizens. So, let's go out there and show who we are and vote for the representatives. Vote today on this Election Day!
Toronja-

The White House’s Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security- Part Two

The second day of The White House’s Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security (TWHP) was even more AMAZING! The Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, who served as the Chief Negotiator of the New START Treaty with the Russian Federation, spoke to us about how we could become more involved in advocating for policies that would help to increase more nuclear security in our nation. In another instance, the summit has also helped me to understand that I could use nuclear diplomacy to urge other voters and lawmakers to make nuclear security a priority issue in America.

At the closing ceremony, I received my Certificate of Accomplishment for completing the 2010 Women’s leadership in Nuclear Security training, and have been officially announced as the new TWHP 2010 alumna; even one of the TWHP staff asked if I would ever run for office someday, and I enthusiastically replied “yes” and, the crowd cheered on for me! Overall, the summit has been helpful as it has prepared me for running for an elected office or for working in the nuclear security law field as a Deaf attorney in a few more years. I want to sincerely thank all TWHP staff for making this informative event possible for me!

Toronja-

The White House Project's START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security- Part One

I am PROUD to inform you that I have been accepted to attend The White House Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security (TWHP) in Washington, D.C. for two days from Monday, October 18th to Tuesday, October 19th. My purpose for attending this two-day intensive summit is because I wanted to learn about the urgency of the issue of nuclear security from high-level women experts such as the former United States CIA operations Officer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and the Missile Defense Policy and the Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security at TWHP.

After attending the Monday’s programming event, it has just reinforced to me even more stronger of how important it is to demonstrate my leadership potential through effectively advocating for nuclear security policies in the national security and foreign policy organizations and think tanks. As a Deaf person, I find it so important to demonstrate my leadership potential to other powerful people, letting them know that I also feel that it is important to make critical decisions on complex issues surrounding nuclear disarmament in America and overseas. Today would also be a VERY interesting day so please stay tuned in for MORE of The White House Project’s START Now Summit news here!

Toronja-

9/11: A Day of Service and Remembrance

Nine years ago, nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy. And, numerous of Americans have risked their lives through saving other Americans in this same tragedy. Today, the Americans can reflect on these fallen brave men and women and also reflect on these fallen ones' families and friends who still greatly grieve about them during this tough economy. This day also gives the politicians and leaders on the Capitol Hill a time to consider the importance of strengthening the National Security laws and policies in order to protect this country against any other adversarial challenges from not only the Islamic countries but from other foreign countries as well.

I'd like to kindly mention that the 9/11 event has illustrated the heroism and selflessness of so many of these fellow Americans in the wake of this tragedy. After seeing the politicians and leaders try to solve the 9/11 situation a few years ago, they have GREATLY inspired me to get into a major in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy in college. As I was pursuing this degree in college in 2005, I wanted to show the Americans that a Deaf person could, indeed, show a GREAT concern for protecting this nation from any unwanted political and social challenges as well. Besides that, several defense and security initiatives in America continue to be used in order to prevent this country from having any other tragic issues in a few years from now. But, the critical need for strengthening these defense and security initiatives has become important as well.

May God Bless those Americans who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.Will you be honoring these fallen ones on this September 11th National Day of Service? I definitely will be!

Toronja-

Let Nothing Stop You and Make a Bigger Difference!

A few months ago, I was awarded to be chosen as one of the Kessler Disabilities Scholarship Recipients. As a recipient, I was expected to fulfill the Kessler Disabilities Scholarship Sponsor’s requirement which was to successfully complete The Washington Center program (TWC). In the past semester, I have not only successfully completed TWC program, but I have also fulfilled my other highly educational and professional expectations. I have, ultimately, embraced ALL available political opportunities which have existed in TWC and beyond (in the nation’s capital); mainly, because in the past, I told myself that I would make the biggest difference I can for this world. For example, before I arrived here, I wanted to, primarily, make the biggest impacts to the National Security community AND, secondarily, to the international community as well.

Throughout my time here, I have been so eager to learn about the various issues related to the National Security field, because, I was really so curious about seeing how different departmental officers and non-profit organizational leaders worked together to handle with the several foreign policy matters in the legal, diplomacy, and military institutions. I also wanted to give the important leaders from these departmental offices and non-profit organizations a GREATER understanding of who I was, individually, representing on behalf of the Deaf community. And, I eventually realized that from participating in both The Washington Center’s Law and Criminal Justice community and The Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard” community, making a contribution to these communities was strongly important.

So I learned SO MUCH from participating in these communities and, I am sure others interns and leaders have learned from me about my unique identifiable characters—race and disability. My experience here was truly so indisciplinarily diversified, varying from my participating in the Public Policy Dialogue meeting for a Senator on Capitol Hill to the Intern Summit panel meeting with the State Department Foreign Service Officers at the State Department and to The Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard” luncheon meeting with Truman Fellows and Scholars at the John Hopkins University.

After attending these meetings, I was really grateful and deeply pleased to have achieved MANY THINGS on my own. The contributions which I have made here have, indeed, turned out very POSTIVELY; and, which have also convinced other young people to follow in the same direction most INFLUENTIALLY. And, there’s no question about it—that, the National Security field will, ultimately, become an exciting and intellectually stimulating field which other young people may explore into. Besides attending the TWC programs and Truman programs, I have witnessed The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and The Disabled American Veterans Convention of 2010, headlined across the front pages of The Washington Post because it was something that have, indeed, insinuately, contributed to National Security community in a seemly small way, emphasizing the importance of valuing the disability community’s contribution to the National Security community.

As a person of disability, I now STRONGLY believe that I can contribute to the National Security Community. And, being a Deaf, African-American woman, I would like to give you my wisdom: Always keep on marching forward in the right direction, always let nothing stop you from, politically, ACHIEVING anything coming in your direction; and, keep reaching for the bigger sky because nothing is ever IMPOSSIBLE!

Toronja-

The Supreme Court Law and the National Security Law

SKY'S the limit, I can FLY and I can RULE the WORLD. I wanted to tell you about my recent tour visit to the Supreme Court last Monday, and, how that tour visit has impacted me to think about the National Security Law. When I participated in the TWC sponsored tour to the Supreme Court, I had the opportunity to sit down in the real courtroom where the tour lecturer told us that it was the similar room where the Supreme Court Justices have organized the hearings; and, regulated and enacted laws in that courtroom.

In the real courtroom, I glanced at the representing symbols which indicated their past significations of each legal process which takes place in founding the Supreme Court. And, I heard about its history through the tour lecturer. Although, I was sitting down in the real courtroom and listening to the lecture at the same time, I still had the opportunity to reflect on how to relate the Supreme Court Law with the National Security Law.

By reflecting, first, as a Deaf-African American woman, I wanted to inform you that I believed that I could actually fly in working in the field of National Security Law. Every since I was a young child, I always knew that in the very air I breathed that having educational goals in the areas of international politics, security and law “was the only way out”. By having these educational goals, it was juxtaposed to the pulse of political advancement in this world. By working in the field of National Security Law, it will enable me to do something that is very natural to me and perhaps, something that I am much more capable of doing well in.

By staying informed and educated, I read about the international politics in the newspapers, I never fail to remember how important it is for me, as a Deaf, African-American woman, and as a person with special talents, skills, and knowledgeable thinking processes to speak out about counterterrorism and counterinsurgency issues; and, to conquer the existing powers in order to lead the nation. And, yet not only because of my disability but, rather as, an American citizen that has a strong inclination to speak about the nation’s defense security issues in United States of America. Although, the white majority views of a disability person leading the nation can seem a positive thing, but it still has NOT changed their thoughts, so, I STILL continue to use my diplomatic efforts to change these views of how these people view a Deaf African-American woman with high ambitious goals to LEAD A NATION.

In case you are wondering why I am discussing about this, they are because of my unlimited enthusiasm, intensive wealth of experience, and intellectual abilities and insights; and, I always thought it was important to be WORLDLY-WISE about how these opportunities were unreachable beyond my comfort zones. To have these opportunities to conquer and confront these existing power institutions were deeply important to me. Growing up, I always wanted to “escape” from my own comfort zones and to conquer these opportunities which have existed in the hands of the white majority who took control of everything from us for many centuries since slaverly times.

So, in reaching for opportunities which have existed beyond my comfort zone, I was able to attend the U.S. Supreme Court tour with a SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER and the tour lecturer have explained to me about the history of the establishment of the Supreme Court and how the past Justices have helped to establish this court; and to establish the American law and order in this country. When I speculate about how these past Justices have establish law and order in U.S., I immediately speculate about the idea of joining among the ranks with this nation’s top defense lawyers to strengthen the National Security Law and to make recommendations for improving the areas of homeland security issues. Nevertheless to say, the National Security Law is STILL in a continuing judicious process, generally, because these lawyers need to inquire into the reformation of rules and laws for making our homeland more safer.

After the 9/11 tragedy has occurred in the U.S., the need for reforming laws for the purpose of defending our homeland has, ultimately, became an important matter of discussion. From what I know from my own experience in debating about the defense security issues relating to counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and the weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is that the U.S. has always strongly emphasized on the importance of using diplomatic negotiations with U.S. Embassies in South Asia and the Middle East regional countries on reducing terrorism activities and eliminating nuclear weapons; but, at this particularly point, America may always need to create a more stronger defense policy--- and, this will happen only if we apply the National Security Law to it, then, our defense policy can be STRONGLY enforced.

Because, I know that when the issue of terrorism is debated, the concept of terrorism is, therefore, something that is both a monstrosity act and a reign of terror to all of us. Hence, dealing with terrorism could be a waste of time; most people should really cooperate with the international laws and the rule of laws; and they shall always find other means of securing powers which are juxtaposed to using legal powers. For example, I secure my own powers with the idea of setting my own goals on obtaining my law degree and on working in the field of National Security Law. By completing these accomplishments, I can really impact the people living in South Korea and Middle East, that the very aim that is up in the air, is the power of using law as a weapon to influence powerful people and to change their perspectives about certain political and legal issues.

Think of this way: using law is juxtaposed to using a weapon. Through using it to change past centuries of negative perceptions which the white majority has always viewed the disability persons as weak, incapable, intelligible, or as persons whom are unable to deal with issues flying above the radar range of intelligence and security areas could be changed. Because of these revulsions, I went on a very serious missionary effort to earn a bachelor degree in international relations in 2008, and to pursue a master degree in international security and to establish a goal to obtain a law degree, so that I could challenge these views; not only I wanted to challenge these views but, I also wanted to eliminate the peoples' discriminating views of Deaf people, as certainly, incapable of having the powerful tools of weapons---the power of leadership, English language and international insights--- specific tools which leaders must have in order to conquer any powerful institutions.

These powers do not, solely, focus on the language and leadership but with my military ambitions and powers; and with my future goal of getting into National Security Law; this field is, perhaps, rather fascinating and intellectual stimulating; and it is, frankly honestly, much more powerful than anything existing out there in the world. But, once we hit law school, all we are really learning about are tort, criminal law and intellectual property law; but, after the third or fourth year of law school, learning about National Security Law will be undoubtedly explored, enhanced and strengthened. Taking National Security Law courses will cultivate our minds for statecraft and lawcrafts, and for ruling the world of law.

National Security law defeats any type of law fields every day; the news stories we pick up in the newspapers, the think tank discussions and departmental meetings we participate in--- make this specific law field, entirely, fascinating and captivating to work for. For example, last Thursday, I attended the Intern Summit meeting at the State Department and learned about the various fields which the State Department experts work for. One expert has earned her JD degree and has focused on dealing with U.S. via North Korea’s nuclear policy. And, I asked this person a sincere question of what are the ways have she used her legal skills, solely, in her work to deal with U.S. via North Korea’s nuclear policy. She replied that she has used her legal skills to create argumentative cases AND to form legal decisions in U.S. via North Korea nuclear policy cases. Immediately, I thought this position was an EXCELLENT one where an individual could contribute his/her legal skills in solving U.S. via North Korea nuclear proliferation policy issues.

Not only do I want to use my legal skills in solving defense security issue such as the one above, but I want to use it in dealing with military issues. Attending the Truman’s National Security Project’s Intern Springboard lecture series was, perhaps, the most AMAZING educational experience I have ever had, and, not only have I learned about military strategies, and security forces issues, ---but, I have learned about how national security can impact political groups, philosophical thinkers, and peoples’ communication methods. When I participate in the meeting, and through participating in TWC tour events, I become more and more concerned with the larger world and the larger issues that are happening beyond my own typical surrounding; and, I become more and more qualified to share about my experience with you because of my unique learning opportunities have been sought here on the CAPITOL HILL this summer.

Since my work is cut out for me, it has reinforced me even stronger how important it really is to educate myself about the larger issues of terrorism and, to understand how terrorism can be solved through the law --- National Security Law, to be more specific. Terrorism is all around us TODAY; unless we practice National Security Law, we may, then, even see military budget cuts more, safeguard the military troops more, and build diplomatic relations with countries more. In dealing with the war on terrorism, I never forget how important it is to value diversity in National Security Law community - Should I, as a person of disability, help U.S. lawyers establish legal dialogues with other foreign lawyers in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea? Or would it be best that I, as a person of color, help other lawyers deal with U.S. via North Korea's nuclear policy?

But, the bottom line is that, I am PROUD to be a Deaf African-American woman. My ambitions and powers will, forever, be as sharp and cloudlessly to people, enabling them to change their own perspectives. And, because I believe my experience will, primarily, help these people to view the different issues in different lights. The tour visit to the Supreme Court and the leadership program with the Truman National Security Project program have, indeed, helped me to realize my unlimited potential abilities and to know how I can use these abilities to impact others in the future.

Be the change you want to see in the world,
Toronja-

Deafness, Patriotism and Core Values

As a patriotic, I wanted to soften my overwhelming power through communicating with the public about core values and disability issues. After attending the Truman’s Intern Security Springboard’s first luncheon meeting last week, I had the moment to think about the core values that are part of the National Security community, although, they are not related to disability issues, I still wanted to “compare” the core values with the core values which the Deaf community has. Learning about these values help to make a person a strong patriotic leader in the United States of America. I will explain about these core values later in this blog entry. But, first, please allow me to explain about this message that is related to one of the core values. The Truman’s project program supports a persuasive security message based on America’s history, and this message emphasizes one of the core values in one idea.

The message is ---“we want America to be secure and powerful. To achieve this [goal], we increase our friends and isolate our enemies. We built stability by spreading opportunity”--- After hearing this message, I realized that to make America powerful, we need to strongly embrace this core value---keeping America secure and powerful; I strongly believe in this value. In order to honor this core value of keeping America secure and powerful, we need to interact with the right persons who share this core value. Sometimes, I think that to interact with the right persons who share my values is a great way to remind each other of how important it is to honor this value. Suppose, a Deaf community has the same values as mine, I may even trust them to conjure up policies because they share my values. So, this is what happens in the political campaign process, you get the right persons to campaign for a specific political cause which supports this core value--- keeping America secure and powerful, and then we can keep our country safe.

Are you wondering what core values does a Deaf community embraces? The Deaf community has core values of loyalty and honor. In our Deaf community, we have leaders serving for many Deaf-owned and operated non-profit organizations. These Deaf leaders share these core values of embracing loyalty and honor in serving for their organizations in America. What is interesting is that these values are the same values that the U.S. Military embraces, too. These values are what you live or die on. Moreover, the Deaf community embraces other values such as duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, personal courage. And, these values are also the same values that the official U.S. Army embraces as well. Additionally, the U.S. Military’s Honor Code is almost similar to the “honor code” that a Deaf community embraces, also. When each individual in the Deaf community abides his or her “honor code”, this individual live accordingly to this “honor code” as he or she serves as an "ambassador” for the Deaf community worldwide since, America is, increasingly, merging in this interdependent world where the issues of security and prosperity are being tied to other countries. With this in mind, the Deaf ambassadors should, therefore, be encouraged to fully embrace these values in order to make America more secure and powerful, because when we do fulfill this “obligation”, we will, then, become a valuable asset and an exemplary example to the international community as a whole, protecting our country against potential threats.

Despite the obstacles we face as Deaf persons living in a world of hatreds, prejudices, discriminations, it has become increasingly important that we redefine our Deaf identifies and reexamine these values, especially, in this time where defense and security issues are occurring in war-torn nations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Deaf ambassadors should be, greatly, encouraged to set a perfect example for this international community. When we show others that we embrace our core values and demonstrate our leadership abilities, we, then, impact the world. For instance, if I act as diplomatic, righteous and civilized individual, I can encourage other people to develop open transparency and diplomatic negotiation in globalization because these tools are necessary and important. Additionally, we the Deaf community, however, embraces the concept of patriotism. When we are being loyal to our country and fostering positive and supportive attitude toward this country, especially in periods of national turmoil such as a war, we help to keep America secure and powerful.

We the Deaf are overwhelming supportive towards our own country because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This specific Act gives us the right to receive reasonable disability accommodations such as interpreting services. With this law being established, we can have access to ALL communication facilities and participation opportunities in the congressional hearings, election voting processes, and national security think tanks, and, educational and professional opportunities. Although, we embrace the concept of patriotism, we still always strive to keep our culture, traditions, languages (American Sign Language) together even when the America’s political and social influences have already impacted us. Since the American people have defined us, we refuse to let the hearing population of people with heavily social and political influences to convince us more into losing our values or to recede us further into political stigmatization. By embracing our values and sticking to them, we then, can set a perfect example for the people in Iraq and Afghanistan countries that the very intention which lies in our mission is to confront these existing power institutions in U.S. and overseas.

Best,
Toronja-

“A National Security Scholar”

I have attended The Presidential Leadership Series’ Private Sector Philanthropy and the Community Engagement program, and the Law and Criminal Justice’s Monday Programming’s Capitol Tour the past weeks. All of these events were intellectually stimulating. But, in one of these programs, a Special Agent from the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) has presented an intense and an exciting lecture. He spoke of his experience in federal law enforcement which I have found very interesting! Thinking broadly about the U.S. Congress, Philanthropic organizations, and especially the FBI/DoJ services have been one of the most important things in my life. And, it has been crucial to me to learn about these programs which seem far removed, yet are important in all our lives.

But, having that opportunity to learn broadly about the international security issues is a step closer to getting professional experiences and networking skills in Washington, DC. This week, I will be attending the Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard", a leadership development program for interns located in the Washington areas. Coming from varied of careers, this program has interns to come together to share their sense of competitiveness of knowledge in national security issues and, to gain an understanding of the national security issues and of the strong progressive national security thoughts. (Since this opportunity perfectly suits me, I will develop a more tougher scholastic discipline and a stronger aptitude for national security affairs.) Additionally, I will receive a “career boost” on my resume helping me in my post-graduation job search after obtaining my JD/PH.D degrees.

With the high competition for securing National Security positions in Washington, DC, it has become increasingly important to me that pursuing a graduate degree in international security would be helpful and necessary in the national security field. And, I believe that if you were a Deaf-African American, you had to be “three-times as good” to surpass the norm majority in this field. So, I always have been far above average, allowing myself the best shot at competing with a higher educational level for this particularly field.

As person of disability, I was told to go beyond what was expected of me, always hand in work that was above average, and always rise to the top. At TWC, I will definitely have this opportunity--- to show the U.S. policymakers that a Deaf person can rise to the top and to become an integral part of the national security agenda dealing with a broad spectrum of scenarios--- the military contingencies and military strategy and logistics, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, and the conventional war, weapons of mass destruction and of space and missile systems.

In addition to my Bachelor Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in International Security and taking a TWC class in "Managing the American Intelligence System" so, these educational opportunities would help me to gain an understanding of the major theories in the study of national security issues.

In all, my overall experience here will indeed prepare me for a career which matches my strong interests, and to use my experiences and knowledge to give back to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in America.

Warm wishes,

- Toronja

My Entry into the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC)

Dear Fellow Americans,

It is so wonderful to return to the Deaf Perspective! As a Deaf Perspective contributor, my blog's purpose is to give both the deaf and hearing community a unique perspective on my Washington DC internship experience this summer. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to partake in the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars program (TWC). Since, I have a flair for blogging and would like to share my experience throughout my time in Washington, D.C with other deaf and hard of hearing individuals, I feel that I have an equal obligation to give this opportunity a try. My intent has always been to focus on my exciting and interesting internship experience, my academic involvement, and my seminar participation all in Washington, DC. It has always been my goal to create a comprehensive portrait of myself- a Deaf African-American woman who has developed a strong and a serious interest in the field of National Security/Law. Since, I have witnessed firsthand of some of the nation’s darkest and brightest moments since 9/11, I can effectively deliever a powerful and divided opinion on each issue. At the pinnacle, I can also provide you my scholastic perspective of how I view the issues facing in the field of National Security along with the current political process in the Obama’s Presidency. As an individual, I always have a zealous effort to educate, inspire and motivate other deaf and hard of hearing children and youth to excel in the same way tremendously. My rock-solid foundation of positive influence underlies my every step I have taken, including my entry into TWC program, which is just a couple miles away from the nation’s Capitol. This summer, I will participate in the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars’ Law and Criminal Justice program, in which I will become closely acquainted with the people, places, and policies unique to the nation's capitol and get involved in the programming events such as the U.S. Supreme Court and the Pentagon, as well as workshops, and panel discussions.

As a Deaf African-African woman, I will make a tremendously impact on the important people in which I meet such as the diplomats, senior officials, military officials and congressmen on the Capitol Hill. To these important people, I stand out from among the rest of the other interns as well. Additionally, I will also have an academic class entitled Managing the American Intelligence Community. In this class, I will learn about the growth of the American intelligence apparatus and the effect of politics on intelligence. I hope that my overall internship program would enable me to think on my feet, and to explain complex subjects clearly and simply. But, I already know that I would be very passionate with my academic research on the National Security issues. Whatever, I decide, I will undoubtedly delve into it with the same enthusiasm and drive with which I have approached everything else. And, Deaf people “can do anything but hear”--- so, I am confident that I will accomplish a lot in this internship experience. I hope that by making this internship experience a rich and rewarding one, I may become that individual of American achievement.


Best,
Toronja W.

Support HR 3101 on April 15

Greetings After Hiatus - The Next Step

Greetings!

I'm sure you've all been wondering where I have been?

Well, I've been busy... In addition to school and work, here's what I've been up to.

Summer 2009: Internship with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and American Association of People with Disabilities. Also attended New Latino Movement's events for Sonia Sotomayor.

Fall 2009: I spoke at AAPD's luncheon in support of their internship program and also at Georgetown University. Applications and applications for jobs. Wrote a bi-weekly political commentary column for the university newsletter The Buff and Blue.

Spring 2010: Became a new member of AT&T's Advisory Panel on Access and Aging. Applied for more jobs and internships. I also spoke at FCC's broadband conference on disability access as a panelist. Modeled for Betsey Johnson (Quite a story about that).

After a hiatus from this blog, I'm glad to announce a merger of "The Deaf Perspective" with DYUSA's website. The new blog will be called "Our Perspective" and cover local issues as well as national issues in political participation and deaf youth issues. As you know, I've always been a strong supporter of vlogs. Unfortunately, at the moment it seems difficult for me to post up vlogs and photos on the new blog. Keep on checking back for when I post up new entries in both English and ASL!

Best of wishes to you all and keep on getting involved!

It's 2010!

- Leah