The Deaf Perspective

The Korean Legal Studies and The Nuclear Nonproliferation Law

2011-05-25T03:24:00.000-07:00

As a Deaf African-American woman, I feel that my background would make a major impact in the worlds of law because my insights would provide the legal people with a positive message that individuals with intellectual disabilities are in fact capable, are serious and would like to be part of the high security environment. I developed an interest in Asian law during my past study abroad opportunity with the International Scholar Laureate Program on Diplomacy and International Relations (ISLP) in China. The ISLP has really convinced me that despite the rapid economic change, demand for legal knowledge, and for networking contact with Asian legal scholars, it was, indeed, important to examine more about the China's legal world, Japan's legal world and especially the Korea's legal world but, also in some other part of the middle east as well.

For now, I would like to narrow down my area of focus in South Korea, perhaps, in my other blogs, I would discuss about what I would like to do in other countries. So, it remains immensely important to me that I expand my interest in learning about the Republic of Korea's current laws, national security laws, laws in the global economy, and laws for addressing the North Korea's current nuclear capacity issues at law school. After I enter law school the first year, I hope to apply for an opportunity to study abroad for a semester at the Yonsei Law School, a summer academic law program located in the capitol city of Seoul, since many legal internships in Seoul are focusing on nuclear proliferation law and are almost exclusively available through the Korean government ministries--Justice and Defense or at international minded law firms. While at Yonsei Law and at an internship, I hope to conduct work on strengthening the Korea's national security law- a specialized legal field for dealing with the broad spectrum of domestic and international scenarios within the legal context: regional wars, military contingencies, foreign defense, counter proliferation, and the technologies of space and missile systems.

As I anticipate for law school, I hope to also further my knowledge of the Korean language (Hangul) in preparation for exchanging information with the Korean ambassadors, military officials, legal attorneys and intelligence analysts in the U.S. Embassy South Korea, Korean supreme and constitutional courts, Korean government ministries and, Korean National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea or in the Office of Korean Affairs at the State Department in the U.S. In a few more years, I could become a Deaf, African-American woman who has both Korean and American legal educational experiences, bringing about diplomatic changes from solving nuclear security issues in both international security environment and inter-Korean relations.

Veterans' Day: Honoring the Special Troops

2010-11-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-19T03:37:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-24T21:03:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

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”

2010-06-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-05-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings After Hiatus - The Next Step

2010-03-23T05:19:00.001-07:00

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

South Korea Association of the Deaf - Amazing Video!

2009-09-27T21:12:00.001-07:00

* The video is captioned*

Thank you, Hee-Kyung Cho "Choy" of South Korea for sharing this with us! Deaf South Koreans are inspirational to all of us worldwide!

This video was supposed to be posted up in June but due to my internship and other things that kept me busy, I was not able to upload it until recently. I hope you all enjoy it. We all must keep the values of being an involved citizen in our countries, no matter if we are deaf or hearing.

As Justin Dart would say, You have the power! Lead on!

- Leah

President Obama's Health Care Address Will Be Live-Captioned Online

2009-09-09T15:02:00.001-07:00

Score one for accessibility in New Media world! Tonight's major "make-or-break" speech will be captioned.

Watch the Live Captioned Webcast of the President’s Health Care Address to Congress at

http://ncamftp.wgbh.org/bcb/presidentspeaks.html

Be sure to watch it and rate it. What do you think?? Debate health care as interested and involved participants that we all are.

I'm extremely pleased to see that steps are being taken to ensure greater accessibility in a modern age when we are becoming increasingly dependent on New Media. As with all changes, there are pros and cons to the hyper-connected world of blogging, twittering, vlogging, live-feeds, RSS, and all that. But if there is going to be change, we better make sure it's at least accessible.

Will you watching the address tonight? I will be!

- Leah

Follow Leah at Twitter for fast updates!

2009-09-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'll be twittering at "leahkh" and I will be providing fast updates over there for the announcement of the finalists for Gallaudet's next President. Feel free to add me.

I'd like to also mention that the current President Roberto Davila will be greatly missed and his leadership was monumental for Gallaudet University. He pulled us out of a very dark period and into the bright future with successful MSCHE re-accreditation, raising academic standards, and increasing enrollment. No words of thanks may ever do his dedication to Gallaudet University justice.

Thank you, President Davila. Your presence will be irreplaceable.

- Leah

The Deaf Perspective Returns for Another Year!

2009-09-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Wow, the summer has passed already?? In case you were wondering where I had gone, I was at the Capitol Hill nearly all summer. I had an internship with the House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's (D-MD) office, participating in the AAPD's internship program. It was a truly wonderful experience. I'd like to thank my internship sponsor, Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, for helping make this exceptional opportunity possible. I'd also like to thank Andy Imparato at AAPD, Mrs. Yoshiko Dart, and Rayna Aylward at MEAF. I have some surprises coming up for you this fall, some big projects. Keep tuned in to The Deaf Perspective!

You know what I have always stood for - for community activism, participation in the political process, and being a strong stakeholder wherever you are in America and worldwide. Each individual is ultimately an ambassador for the deaf community to the world. We can and should not continue to be delegated to the image of deaf people being dependent, weak, and unable to participate. That is a myth and I strive to shatter that every single day!

I'm returning with a bang - guess where I am right now? At Gallaudet University's GUKCC auditorium, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the finalists for Gallaudet University's next President!

Gallaudet University is such a strong, proud, and determined beacon in the world for deaf education. I wish the University the best and Gallaudet University will always remain my home at heart.

- Leah

International Deaf Perspective: South Korea

2009-07-03T10:51:00.001-07:00

Interview with Hee-Kyung Cho "Choy" of South Korea and Board Member of World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section about the push for deaf rights in South Korea.

Military Eligibity, Disability, and Social Programs

2009-07-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Before I begin this post, I apologize sincerely for opening up such a can of worms. I am not sure about what kind of role SSDI plays in the life of people with disabilities outside the deaf community but I will write based on my knowledge of the issue within the deaf community.

What propelled me to think about this issue critically and through the lens of disability rights was my chat with a LC (Legislative Counsel) from outside my office this week. We were talking about my internship experience and how educational it is for me. I said that I had originally entered the office with only two areas of policy interest but now I had broadened to three more areas of policy interest. I mentioned Foreign Affairs as one of the new policy interests and we talked about the difference between Defense and Foreign Affairs. I said that I'm not interested in Defense or military issues because I truthfully don't know very much about the area. Since I'm deaf, I'm not eligible for military service and neither are many in the deaf community so the subject has become rather distant to me. After we finished talking, I walked into the elevator and started thinking about military eligibility and the disability community.

There are some knowledge that you gain from in the classrooms, the books, and the media. And then there are some knowledge that you gain from mere interaction, from social contact, and from cultural sensibilities. It is hard to trace back the original source when your information comes from this second set of knowledge because it's like “you've always known that.”

Growing up, I always knew that the deaf were not allowed to serve in the military and the same is probably true of other disabilities. The only mention of disability in conjunction with military is mostly of disabled veterans. Later on, when I went off to college and many of my friends also did – many people I knew flocked to the SSDI office. The broad-swinging justification for these kind of programs being available to the deaf was because of 2 things: A) Difficulty getting jobs as a deaf person and B) Ineligible for military enlistment.

I can definitely vouch for the A reason. I remember all too well when as a 16-year-old I tried to get a summer job and was continually denied applications at places espousing “HIRING NOW!” signs. Even today, many deaf people get jobs through tips in the community. As a deaf person it's hard to just “walk in and apply for a job.” And the military enlistment is true as well. When you enlist in the military, you get benefits. And we the deaf don't get a chance at that. So the Social Security programs are there to “fill in the gap” of in-equal opportunities.

However, the problem that these kind of programs creates for the deaf community is that it creates a sort of financial pacifier. Rather than suing the workplaces that deny employment and opening up the job market to be more deaf-friendly, deaf people know that there's the SSDI option.

Do we really want to be in this kind of situation? The answer is a flat NO. There are plenty of deaf people I know who have stated that they WANT to serve in the military and WOULD if they were not ineligible. There are no reasons why deaf people can't serve at home bases and contribute their assets in other areas of service else than combat. Regarding employment, I happen to know of a person who was late deafened in his 20s and he lost his job as a waiter along with his hearing. We do go out and look for jobs but more often than not, doors are closed.

Traditionally, deaf people have responded to such job discrimination by creating conclaves where they employ each other. Over 100 years ago, when deaf people were denied insurance – they all got together and established the first deaf insurance company in 1901. We have places of employment where it is more deaf friendly such as education, telecommunications, and certain businesses. Our culture is all about reaching out and helping each other out. But it's time to reach outward rather than inward and push for change.

I've always espoused social programs as important and necessary but at the same time, the job market needs to be opened up enough that social programs are the “safety net” not the “first resort.” The more people are on financial pacifiers, more tax money are being spent by the government rather than more tax money being paid towards the government.

More opportunities need to be created for accessibility in the job market and the military. Here is an interesting reading on deaf people serving in the Israeli military. Remember, the change most often begins at the top – at the government – and that's where we need to “pack” (taking a page out of FDR's book) ourselves in for professional careers.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD

Commentary on Sign Language and Accessibility

2009-03-24T23:52:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to proclaim that I have not reneged on my promises of “transcript coming!” on some vlogs. Transcripts are UP and posted for some vlogs that I updated in hurry without translation. You may go back to them and check out the English words. I work hard to transcribe my vlogs but due to my being in school full time, being active in extracurricular, working a job, and volunteering in spare time... the sad truth is that sometimes time doesn’t permit me to do that for every single vlog. Those are the times when I ask for volunteers to help out. There are still videos left that need to be transcribed.

As I repeatedly emphasized, two-way accessibility is extremely important. If we want to get accessibility in the world, we must open ourselves up to the world as well.

We the deaf consider ourselves a linguistic minority with our sign language. More than anything, our life experience, culture, and barriers are all bound inexorably to language rather than our hearing status. A deaf child who does not have access to proper language acquisition ultimately will not have access to better education and life opportunities. True, I’ll say frankly that I was born profoundly D-E-A-F but I’ll also be the first to tell you that if not for sign language and bilingualism – I would be reduced to something that society would want to “fix.” With the light of sign language, the deaf and the disabled have a formidable weapon against the ideas of eugenics, of a “perfect human race” that isn’t necessary and best left behind with Hitler’s demise.

This blog originally began because I wanted to update my family and friends on what I was doing at Democratic National Convention. Even though I’m proud that many members of my extended family know sign language, some of them do not know sign language. Should they be left out of the loop and be reduced to the same level of frustration looking at my moving hands as deaf people looking at hearing people speak with their soundless lips? No. Because I know far too well the frustration of the lack of accessibility on the internet, I refused to let any one fall victim to this impediment on my own little niche in the internet. No one deserves to be left out.

Quid pro quo. The loose translation for the Latin expression is “you give me something, I give you something.” We give the world accessibility to our community, our language, and our unique perspective. In return, everybody understands more why accessibility is so important for everybody.

From the political perspective: Enough is enough. It’s time for the deaf community to stop being insular and think broadly in making an impact in the world through voting, volunteering, and connecting to our elected leaders. It’s time for the rest of the world to realize that the deaf community has powerful and untapped potential for major grassroots impact. To the politicians- Eleven million. Don’t be ignorant. Win our vote.

And I’d like to give a heartfelt BIG Thank-You to volunteers Victoria Calaman for transcribing the International vlogs and to Raychelle Harris’ interpreting class for transcribing the rest of the vlogs.

VLOGS with transcripts

http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/08/important-deafcampaign2008-status-on.html

http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/11/leah-katz-hernandez-in-back-room.html

http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2008/11/turnout-at-election-watch-party.html

http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2009/03/international-deaf-perspective-spain.html

http://deafcampaign2008.blogspot.com/2009/02/international-deaf-perspective-denmark.html

International Deaf Perspective: Austria

2009-03-08T03:27:00.001-07:00

I have a conversation with Florian Gravogl of Austria. It is about the interesting subject of elected officials who are deaf. The Austrian parliament has recently passed a measure requiring a deaf parliament member!

International Deaf Perspective: Spain

2009-03-01T18:28:00.001-08:00

I have a conversation with World Federation for the Deaf Youth Section board member Roberto Sanchez about deaf organizations in Spain.

TRANSCRIPT:

Leah: (to audience) Hello. We are here in SOVA Wine and Espresso bar for this fundraising event to support Global Reach Out (GRO) so their delegates can go to other counties and help them out. Now, I introduce Roberto Suarez. I have questions for him.

Leah: (to Roberto) What is your position?

Roberto: I am a board member of World Federation of Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS). You already told my name. My name sign is (‘D’ move up and down by the nose). I am from Spain.

Leah: Spain, oh. Welcome to America. I am happy to have you here.

Roberto: Thank you.

Leah: Spain associations, what do they lobby the government for? What do they do?

Roberto: The most important event was in 2007 when the government recognized Spanish Sign Language as a language. This was a huge step in the history. In the past two years, the law has been polishing. For examples, there must be bilingual in education, captions must be 100% accessible.

Leah: Good.

Roberto: And interpreter services must be provided. The goal is to remove barriers.

Leah. Good. Good. I am happy about that. Spain is a big country. How many Deaf associations are there?

Roberto: We have three structures. The associations that represent Spain have 17 federation members. In each federation association regions, there are smaller associations. There are 130 associations. So, in total of all associations in Spain, there are around 150 associations.

Leah: Wow. That is many. Do deaf people get involved in politics or not?

Roberto: Well, the society has changed a lot. It is very different than in the past. Nowadays, deaf lives are more accessible and have more choices. So being involved in associations isn’t as important. The numbers of member are down because deaf lives have more accessibility. In the old days, when barriers weren’t broken, associations were the only places for information. Now deaf people can get news anywhere so their focus in associations are less.

Leah: Yes. Good. Okay, last question – you are from Spain and you see America voted for Obama. What do you think?

Roberto: My personal opinion, I think this is positive.
Leah: Positive?

Roberto: Yes, positive because this is liberal, democracy, sorry I don’t know the word in English. Just like Spain, it means that the opinions of people are important and valued, opposed to governments’ opinions. Plus, because Obama is black, it means that his heart is big. He can understand and relate with people and help serving them for the better.

Leah: Good. Interesting perspective. Thank you.

Leah: (to audience) It is interesting to see different international deaf perspectives on politics.

Leah: (to Roberto) Thank you for sharing your perspective.

Roberto: Likewise. Thank you.

Leah: (to audience) Thank you.

The Political Involvement of Deaf Chinese: The People's Republic of China

2009-02-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody!

Please allow myself to welcome YOU again. My name is Toronja Williams and last month, I posted my blog entries explaining about my experiences at the University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC) in Washington, DC. Currently, I am making the Deaf Perspective on International Politics a main focus in this blog segment, today.

It becomes critical that I cover about the political involvement of Deaf Chinese of the People's Republic of China as a more specific focus in this Deaf Perspective blog segment on International Politics. As a former scholar in the International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP) Delegation on Diplomacy & International Relations in China in spring 2007, I visited cities in China such as Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. During my 15 days of duration there, I learned about the International Politics and China's role and impact in global affairs in several workshops and lectures sponsored by the Chinese colleges and universities and government programs. Thus, after attending these programs, they were all beneficial, informative and interesting to me.

One afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. At this workshop, I asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yang Jiechi questions about the Deaf participations in the political process in the country. He explained to me that, since the Deaf Chinese were unable to gain quality education and to secure qualified jobs, they were, therefore, unable to participate in the political process of convincing the government officials to change and to enact the laws. Most importantly, the Deaf Chinese did not have the right necessary amount of political information they needed in order to be part of the political process in their own country.
Many Deaf Chinese individuals were not aware about the importance of becoming more assertive and more proactive in forming and making political decisions in forums, schools, and governments as well.

In such a situation similar to this, they, most likely, became inactive in political process in other places such as the United Nations. Therefore, the Deaf Chinese were indeed suffering from inequality and inability to gain access to political information. I remember at one point, the internet did not have any political information accessible for internet users. This example showed how the government controlled the amount of political information that citizens could receive.

We need to come together as Deaf, Hearing, Americans and Chinese-Americans to exchange information about showing the Deaf Chinese the importance of becoming more politically involved in the political process in their countries. I look forward to share more of the general perspectives of the Deaf Chinese in China in the next coming days and to provide you with valuable information about the importance of helping the Deaf Chinese to seek and to gain political information in order for them to have a successful political turnout which would come from their political involvements. Finally, I leave enough space for everyone to opine here. Your voices, thoughts and opinions count!

Stay healthy and come back again!

Toronja-

International Deaf Perspective: Venezuela

2009-02-23T07:13:00.001-08:00

International Deaf Perspective: Denmark

2009-02-22T23:46:00.001-08:00

A vlog conversation with the Vice President of World Federation for the Deaf Lars Knudsen. I ask him about his country's political system, the governmental friendliness towards deaf people and accessibility, and his opinion on American political system.

TRANSCRIPT:

Leah: (to audience) Hello, I am here to continue the series of International Deaf Perspective on politics. Now I’m interviewing him.

Leah: (to Lars) What is your name? Where are you from? What is your position in World Federation of Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS)?

Lars: My name is Lars. I am from Denmark. I am the vice president of WFDYS.

Leah: Good. That is nice. Welcome to America.

Lars: Thank you.

Leah: I am curious what is the political system in your country like?

Lars: In Denmark, there are around 15 parties, but there are two main parties. One is Socialism and another is Liberal. There are many smaller parties that give support to the two main parties.

Leah: That is interesting. Does the government support Deaf people? How much of support? What are the goals? What are the main parties’ perspectives on Deaf people?

Lars: Denmark is one of the most high-tax paying countries.

Leah: How much is the tax?

Lars: About 50%.

Leah: Wow!

Lars: Yes. So, with that much of money support, we have accessibilities for free. Because the money does support people including deaf, we have free interpreter services and other accessibilities in general. It is good.

Leah: So, the government pays all those, right?

Lars: Yes.

Leah: Does the government provide all accessibilities?

Lars: Yes.

Leah: Wow, that is good. What are the main parties’ opinions/perspectives on deaf people?

Lars: Yes. Socialism party gives more focus and support than Liberal party does.

Leah: Interesting. That is good. Now, I’m curious, since you are here in America, visiting, what do you think of the difference between American politics and Danish politics? What is your opinion?

Lars: I see American politics have strong media and more people are involved. Danish politics are much smaller, but in last few years, we have followed American political system more.

Leah: Good. Thank you for the different perspective.

Lars: Thank you.

Leah: (to audience) I want to say that it is interesting that Lars mentioned media and people can involve, can – no I mean, people are interested involving in America, but are the deaf people getting involved? I encourage more deaf people getting involved. We need more. Thank you.

International Deaf Perspective: Venezuela

2009-02-21T23:22:00.001-08:00

I have a conversation with the President of World Federation for the Deaf Youth Section. We talk about lobbying for deaf rights, meeting Hugo Chavez, and working in United Nations. Fascinating!

I need help with transcripting this vlog. If you volunteer, please leave a comment or email me at beltempo@gmail.com. Thank you!

EDIT 1: Video comments over at http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/41527/!!

EDIT 2: Video isn't working for some reason. I have re-posted the same vlog in a new blog entry. View my blog in its entirety to see the vlog.

Kicking off the Deaf International Politics Series!

2009-02-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

Hello!

It has become the norm for this blog to go through "series" of special focus - I have taken you along on my journey of experiences in the political landscape from Democratic National Convention 2008 through the campaign season of Election 2008 all the way to Inauguration experience. It seems to me that doing series is a successful way for me to share experiences and perspectives with all of you, my readers. I shall not stop doing this.

Now, I'm proud to say that I will unveil new series for this blog beginning NOW about the international "deaf perspective" on politics.

I already expressed a desire to branch out more about the deaf perspective on politics in the international field. Globalism is increasingly part of undeniable reality and everything is intertwined, interconnected nowadays. I am positive that it will be eye-opening, educational, and benefical for us to look at the deaf perspective from international deaf on politics and I will seek out to bring that perspective to you.

Excellent way to begin all of this - I proudly proclaim to all of you that it is the first time that World Federation for the Deaf's Youth Section has come to Gallaudet University for the first time as an official delegation! We welcome them to America and I look forward to sharing with you their perspectives. The delegation consists of WFDYS' board members and has representatives from:

Venezuela
South Korea
Austria
Denmark
America
Spain

Look forward to vlogs in multi-languages (native language, native signed language, American Sign Language, and English) in upcoming week!

- Leah

Featured on Bob's Vlog!

2009-02-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

I am proud to let you know that I, along with the founder of Global Reach Out Alim Chandani, have been featured on Gallaudet University President Roberto Davila's talk-show style Vlog to the Gallaudet community and beyond, "Bob's Vlog"

Here is the letter our President Davila sent out below.

February 3, 2009

Dear Campus Community:

Gallaudet is proud to be located in the nation’s capital. The proximity to arts and cultural events is a great benefit to Gallaudet students. They especially have opportunities to get involved in the political process that are not available for students in other parts of the country.

On this week's "Bob's Vlog" I have a conversation with Leah Katz-Hernandez, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in government, and Alim Chandani, a doctoral student in the Department of Administration and Supervision.

Leah and Alim are two examples of students who got involved in the political process and participated in events surrounding the inauguration of President Barack Obama. I'm proud of both of them and the many other students who took advantage of the opportunities to be a part of such an historic moment in the nation's history.

I hope you enjoy this week's vlog.

Sincerely,

Robert R. Davila
President

If you wish to watch the Vlog or read the transcript, you may do so at the links below.

Watch the Vlog!

Read the transcript! (PDF)

I would like to add that I truly enjoyed the experience of doing this Vlog with President Davila. I have always looked up to him, especially considering his impressive background - being raised as a Spanish-speaking child from the barrio and rising through deafness and cultural barriers to become such an admirable role model regarding areas of education, advocacy, and public service. At the end of the vlog, you may see that I have asked him a question about his work under two former presidents' administrations at the Department of Education. I truly took the words to heart from his response. I hope you all will take it to the heart, too.

Bob Davila:

Excellent question. I am really proud and happy to tell you that I received those opportunities by doing exactly what you two are doing now while you are young and still here in school. You are volunteering. You are getting involved. You are developing strong interests in the political process. You are reaching out to other people, offering knowledge and expertise, and your support and assistance. I think that is what is involved in becoming a good community individual, and I did a lot of that.

I was really committed to service and to volunteerism, not only here in the U.S., but in other countries as well, especially in Latin America and in the Far East. That came to the attention of other people who recognized me for my work and my commitment to service and that opened the door to opportunities. I’m really proud of that experience and I think the two of you will do much better than I did because you have so many more opportunities to be involved. Now the community is really diverse and more accepting of people who are different. So I really look forward to hearing wonderful things about the two of you and there is nothing--like you said before, Leah--nothing is impossible anymore. I look forward to reading about the two of you and your famous careers. Thank you very much for coming to join us for “Bob’s Vlog” today.

EDIT: It looks like the Global Reach Out link above isn't working. Go to http://www.globalreachout.org/ for more information.

First 100 Days of the 44th President Barack Obama and International Deaf Community

2009-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Newly Readers,

First and foremost, I want to thank Leah Katz-Hernandez for allowing me to share my stories about the Inauguration days, here and, showing me the rope in the blogosphere world. What an exciting and an incredible learning experience it was for me! Basically, I am very excited to work with Leah as she is currently taking International Government classes, and will be sharing some of her academic perspectives in these blog/vlog segments.

So many of you are probably wondering why I call you newly readers. It is simply because, during the Inauguration days, I posted my blogs entries, you have read about my experiences of witnessing the historical Inauguration through my participation in the University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC) in Washington, DC, a few weeks ago. Today, I welcome you again to a new blog segment forum which I will discuss about the First 100 days of Obama Presidency and the importance of addressing International Disability Laws issues.

Let’s start with Obama’s First 100 Days of Presidency. This is an important time-span for a newly incoming President Obama who will be “graded” based on his presidential performance at strictly confronting the economic crisis and at aggressively pressing for his massive economic recovery plan during his administration. Since the economy will have an undue burden on his incoming administration, his first 100 days are important as he will have the opportunity to prove to us, Americans, that the rest of his term will be successful. “Obama wants to alleviate our struggles and advance our dreams so that we can prosper and grow as proud U.S. citizens living in American states.”

In dealing with our economy crisis, he has outlined several goals:

-Make the financial sectors work well with managing the retirement benefits for senior citizens and college loans for students in America.

-Create millions of jobs for Americans backed with retirement and pension fund packages.

-Bolster banks and corporations back into the financial systems by refinancing the American families, students and employees.

“Transferring from a transition from a chaotic world to a peaceful world is difficult and requires persons’ support and transferring from a transition from an ignorant world to a compassionate world requires people to understand the people with disabilities.’’

Moving forward with Obama during these transitions requires us to have focus, determination and assertiveness qualities in facing these difficult changes. In addressing these changes, I wanted to mention that our international disability laws are being ignored and being abandoned. It is through our international petition collecting and legislation making processes, and with speaking to United Nations Disability Convention Representatives about our rights for making American Sign Language (ASL) another primary language and making interpreting services accessibly and legally; only then, we can move forward in advancing ourselves in this today's fast-paced and ever-changing economic society. This will be discussed later in the next context.

Additionally, I would like to outline some goals that I wish to achieve in this blog. -Fundraising---to earn money to expand existing blog webpage into a multi-dimensional international webpage which would reach out to the international community for support in addressing the legal changes in international disability rights issues.

-Petition collecting—to convince the UN Disability Convention to make ASL as part of the foreign language in the UN missions and goal initiatives.

-Requesting accessibility--- to call for UN Disability Convention to provide interpreting services for employment opportunities, traveling opportunities for tourists, and studying abroad opportunities for students overseas.

-Conduct informative interviews---to reach out to prominent people with successful stories at press conferences and events related to the news and media, politics and international diplomacy and security.

We need the international Deaf community to be active in collecting petitions in order to call for actions in reenacting the international disability laws which protects the rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in having equal partnering access in work, study and travel opportunities worldwide. Receiving reasonable accommodation in the international Deaf community helps to strengthen the economy by pushing the government to reduce poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, and unemployment issues that so often prevail within the with the International Deaf communities. By requesting the UN Disability Convention to provide quality and reasonable services, we are able to live up to our responsibilities to shoulder and shoulder with the government in eliminating these unnecessary tax-dollars spending associated with the establishing of government provisions.

Without your support for this cause, we cannot make international traveling, working and studying more accessible and more enjoyable experiences for many of YOU---so, this is the website for all of us to start with. Please feel free to leave comments or share your thoughts with us.

As always may you continue to be with us for a more joyous first term of 2009 and best wishes!

Toronja-

The Deaf Perspective Tidbits

2009-01-29T16:37:00.000-08:00

I bring to you relevant blog postings or news stories showing the deaf perspective on politics.

The economic situation is hitting our deaf schools hard – Amy Cohen Efron outlines the grim situation in blog entry “Devasting Economy STRIKES Deaf Schools”
Venerable deaf muckraker reporter/blogger Mishka Zena does some research and gives us the news on possible deaf school closings, budget cuts, and more. In her commentary, she suggests that “This would be a good time for you all to flex your civic muscle and contact all your fellow alumni to urge them to contact the governor how important state schools are for Deaf Children. Numbers speak the loudest : the more people they hear from, the more they will reconsider about the budget cuts.”
Georgia schools Kathy Cox endured attack ads from Republicans blasting her for going on a game show while her schools were supposedly struggling. Then she won $1 million prize on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” game show and declared that she would give it all to schools for the deaf and blind. Three schools were supposed to be the recipients - Georgia Academy for the Blind, the Georgia School for the Deaf, and Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. However, her husband’s home building business pulled the couple in deep financial trouble and they filed for bankruptcy. Now, the prize-money-turned-charity-award is in jeopardy and might not be awarded to the schools.
This is actually pretty interesting. As a copy editor at the Buff and Blue this year, I remember practically every single article that passes through my hands (and eyes). One of the cover stories last fall semester was about how Gallaudet University could welcome new inductees in the deaf world – veterans who have been late-deafened due to military combat operations and other causes related to fighting in the recent Afghanistan and Iraq wars. This press release describes how Veterans With Hearing Loss are now Welcomed at RIT/NTID.
Sean Forbes is a young deaf man who has always loved music and made it his passion to create music videos for both deaf and hearing people. He is now featured on the CNN website under “People Who Rock.” Congratulations! I especially loved his music video “Waiting on the World to Change” – the deaf interpretation of John Mayer’s song. John Mayer originally sang this song with some implicit political statements against the Bush administration. However, with the deaf interpretation it was almost like an anthem for the deaf people to go out and bring more changes to the world.
Listen up, small businesses! If you make your business more accessible to the deaf, you might notice increased traffic and more money flowing in for your business – thanks to tax credits and general positive publicity as demonstrated in this article about a franchise that decided to bring in accessible ordering system for the deaf people at drive-in. Potential customers? This quote says it all: "In one month, we got 6,400 responses"
And… I saved the best for the last: President Barack Obama’s Inauguration Speech is captioned at HULU and Bill Creswell has it up at his blog. Watch and relive the historical moment again and again – with captions!

Thank you

2009-01-29T16:30:00.000-08:00

“Thank you!”

That’s a word I’ve been saying a lot in the past two days due to the public relations about my Local Grassroots Leadership award. I was already deeply honored by getting the award but having people come up to me from left and right to congratulate me as I was going through my day, finding emails from professors in nearly every department, and getting such kind comments and emails from the internet world – it hit me that I really credit my award to many others, not just myself.

I credit my personality and tough working ethic to my family – especially my parents, who have raised and seen me through the good and bad. Their unconditional love and support is really the reason why I have managed to get through busy schedules to contribute as much as I can. Also, this blog would not exist if not for my father’s casual, almost offhand suggestion that I take along a small white Flip video-camera to the Democratic National Convention to do vlogs. I never imagined how monumental that suggestion turned out to be. I am deeply grateful to my family for everything, from my DNA to their love to the fabulous home cooked meals whenever I visit the family.

I credit my post-secondary education and opportunities to Gallaudet University – especially the wonderful professors. Nowhere else will you find more outstanding faculty with diverse backgrounds who have different things to bring to the table that truly benefit the students. I’ve enjoyed deep conversations, moral mentoring, been inspired, been intensely simulated in classes, and received excellent opportunities in academic programs offered.

What is so wonderful about Gallaudet University? Often, people everywhere will say – “Because it’s the only liberal arts university for the deaf in the world”

There are too many reasons why Gallaudet University is a great place to be. For one, it’s located in Washington DC – the political center of happenings. The direct access to communication on campus cannot be beaten. Everybody understands the culture of deaf people here. The fabric of social networking and the people you’ll meet are without boundaries. The rich history is also something of deep pride to all of the Gallaudet University community.

President Barack Obama has a deep reverence for one of the greats – Abraham Lincoln. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln signed the charter for Gallaudet University? The aura of political greatness hangs over Gallaudet University. However, now is the perfect time for us to internalize the admiration we have for our icons and go out and be great ourselves. We are the ones we have been waiting for. It’s time for us to take on the responsibility of the world and go out to work hard to help make the world a better place for the next generation.

I remember President Robert Davila once said something along the lines of (I cannot find the source of the quote, but it never left my mind): “Before Gallaudet University, deaf people could not have access to higher education. After Gallaudet University, deaf people have gone on to be professors, administrators, doctors, lawyers, scientists, and more.”

I want to take this time to thank Gallaudet University for all the opportunities they have given me.

Leah Katz-Hernandez: The First 100 Days (And SNOW!!)

2009-01-28T14:11:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT:

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Hello, everybody. Welcome to the beautiful Capitol – on a snowy day. You can see the snow blanketing it all over... How nice! I remember when I was a little girl, there was a picture in my grandfather’s office of the Capitol thickly covered in snow. I always looked at it and admired how beautiful it looked, wondering when I would be in the picture itself. And now here I am!

Anyway, I want to explain more about Obama’s “First 100 Days.” What does that mean? The concept of the “first 100 days” started with FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt). You know, he was president during the times of Great Depression and World War II. He really was successful because in his first 100 days of his term, he made a lot of progress and he got 15 major bills passed and a lot of other projects finished. He really ran through it. The people looked at his progress and were impressed with how he was so productive, so effective. It helped him to have greater general confidence in his performance. That perception was important because it enabled him to accomplish more for the rest of his term(s). And so that was also applied to other presidents after FDR. Basically, the “first 100 days” means something like a “grading period” in which a president is being scrutinized for his job performance, how well he does, how much he gets accomplished, etc. If he does well, then that means that he will be more likely to receive greater support and positive public opinion and it’ll be easier for him to get things done for the rest of his term. If a president struggles during that time – like Jimmy Carter, he encountered problems and setbacks during his first 100 days – then it’ll cause further difficulties and problems for the president and make it harder for him to get things done in the administration. So that’s why the “first 100 days” is important. President Obama has gotten some things done lately, a lot of major stuff he’s trying to do now. So I want you to keep on watching. Keep your opinion broad. Watch closely and be critical. What do you think??? Be serious and think deeply about it... Because the “first 100 days” is truly one of the most important days of his entire administration. Thank you!

New Semester, New Purpose

2009-01-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hello My Readers!

I have been busy with the beginning of a new semester at Gallaudet University. I hope it will be a great semester for me, balancing school and my other passions (such as this blog). I am excited to have a schedule of classes that will focus entirely on my major Government and minor English. I will be taking two classes about International government and since that will be an area to explore for me, I hope to incorporate some information in this blog also.

So, what will be new this semester about my blog's content? My goals this semester are to:

Continue to do Vlogs and interviews in ASL with a variety of people examining the spectrum of politics.
Fundraise the money to renovate my blog so to make it even more accessible for new readers. I hope to include a section that will make it easier for deaf people to know how to register to vote, where to go for that, and how they may be involved with local politics.
Increase greater awareness of Deaf Youth USA and Global Reach Out organizations. I believe that both these organizations, recently formed, truly hold great potential for the young deaf community and can do a lot in terms of bringing us together for the common purpose of doing good.
Broaden the topics that I discuss in my blog to international issues. I will encourage discussion and understanding of foreign policy. Why? Because, like I said in this "The Deaf Community and Globalism" entry, the deaf community in one country care deeply for the welfare of deaf people in other countries.

I am proud to have been featured in Gallaudet's official blog "Inside Gallaudet" for the second time in a short period. The latest article talks about my "Local Grassroots Leadership" Award. You can see it here: Student Recognized as Grassroots Leader.

It's going to be an interesting period of time with the first 100 days of President Obama's administration. We will get to see how he performs with the heavy inheritance. In closing, I would like to say: Size matters. It's the size of your spirit that matters. Everything else is just an illusion.

Finally, I'd like to thank Toronja Willams greatly for her wonderful contribution to this blog recording the deaf perspective of such a historical event: the Inauguration!

Adieu and stay healthy!

- Leah

Toronja Williams' UPIC's Inaugural Ball

2009-01-23T01:30:00.001-08:00

The UPIC's Inaugural Gala in the

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

As part of the culmination of the University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC) event, I glamorously and memorably celebrated the inaugural night in the nation’s capital which was buzzed with excitement as the inauguration celebration came towards its end. Just a mile away from the Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum held a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball. In this beautiful and spacious ball, a number of former and current scholars were packed around the hall snapping pictures and exchanging laughters. At the back of the hall are a small live band, playing a variety of live music near the displayed fine and beautiful candle lighted dinner tables containing the delicious Hors d'œuvres and desserts. Everybody who was there had an awesome time, including me!

In wrapping up this blog segment, I would like to show my “token” of gratitude towards a few persons. First, I appreciate the UPIC for allowing me to experience this honorable and extraordinary historic moment which would become the crowning achievement in my education throughout my life. Second, I sincerely appreciate my family for giving me confidence and encouragement in participating in this event. Third, I thank my supportive staff and interpreters at UPIC for making this opportunity possible!! Last but not least, I want to thank everyone for reading my blog.

Thanks!!!

Farewell to UPIC!!!

UPIC's Event: The Presidential Inauguration at the National Mall

2009-01-23T00:41:00.000-08:00

The Presidential Inauguration moment has finally arrived!!! For the first time in HISTORY, the National Mall has opened for Obama’s presidential inauguration. After a week of being involved in the UPIC events, I waited to witness this historical moment take place in Washington, DC. At the National Mall, I witnessed firsthand a democratic action take place as the President-elect take the oath of office, a peaceful transition towards becoming the next 44th President of the United States!!! Following the oath of office, the newly President presented his inaugural address, setting out his visions and goals for America. Everything turned out to be so beautiful, so harmonious and so powerful!!!

Congratulations to Barack Obama, the 44TH President of United States of America!!!

Toronja Williams at the Newseum/National Press Club

2009-01-23T00:27:00.000-08:00

Before leaving for the Inaugual parade, I visited the National Press Club (NPC), which was a few blocks away from where the President-Elect would take the oath at the National Mall. In this beautiful place, I had an opportunity to take a preview of the inaugural moment from the hugh screen TVs which was held everywhere in the building. And, this signified that the NPC organization was in support of the media and news in politics.

Beautiful beautiful flags hung around the building which signified that the NPC organization valued the importance of globalization.
(Photo on the left: me standing inside the NPC building pointing to the sign)

(Photo on the left: me standing in the hallway of the NPC before leaving for the Inaugural address)

Toronja Williams' UPIC Keynote Adress: A Call to Action by Al Gore

2009-01-22T23:49:00.000-08:00

A Global Warming Danger
in Our
Technological and Environmental Society

Most of the industrialists claim that the average global temperature this year is equal to the average global temperature of last year. Global warming is therefore, not a serious problem. However, many environmentalists rank global warming as the most serious current threat to the world's environment, citing evidence that over the past 30 years, the global temperature has risen an average of two degrees.

Al Gore, a former Vice President of the United States of America and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, gave a keynote address at the University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC). Al Gore mentioned that global warming has been a matter of urgency and national security concern, thus, bringing the awareness of the danger with solutions for handling the climate change issue.

President Obama, although has not tapped Gore for his cabinet for any high level post in the administration, he continued to team up with Gore with the energy secretary and the Environmental Protection Agency administrators in occasion meetings to outline several energy goals as part of the $825 Billions massive “To Re-Power America” economic stimulus plan. “Global Warming is something that we must deal with now, not 10 or 20 years from now” urged Al Gore. He encouraged every American to conserve energy, thus, making America more cleaner and more efficient.

Toronja-

Toronja Williams' UPIC Panel Selection: Understanding Political Philosophy

2009-01-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

During a panel discussion, a political philosopher, Eugene Jarecki presented his interesting views on issues such as race, laws, and democracy to UPIC scholars. To read his philosophical essay entitled "An Ode to Tomorrow", please click on the blue colored front link. http://www.truthout.org/012009J. Enjoy!

Toronja-

Toronja Williams' UPIC Panel Selection: Digital Democracy: The Web's Impact and Politics

2009-01-22T22:34:00.000-08:00

Web Advertising: A New Breakthrough in Technology

The Digital Democracy: The Web's Impact and Politics workshop has fueled my inner passion and creativity in political advertising. Mike Krempasky, a founder of restate.com and a Political Director at American Target Advertisement taught UPIC scholars about volunteer internet activism and conservative grassroots activism through using technology. As a patron saint of the blogosphere nation, Mike Krempasky has strongly encouraged UPIC scholars to campaign through using the internet.

Although, many political candidates object to being made the target of advertising designed to cast them in an adverse light, but such advertising actually benefits its targets because most elections have been won by candidates who were the targets of that kind of advertising. Therefore, investigative blogosphere journalism, containing interviews, profiles and guest columns actually does bring benefits to the politicians. Similarly, as in Deaf culture, I know that most Deaf companies consider the use of technology as beneficial when they use video phones, blackberry phones, etc., for web advertisements.

Mr. Krempasky has also convinced us that technology advertisements were slightly better than the traditional advertisements for example, magazines, newspapers, new broadcasting segments, which most voters used to learn about their candidates, thusly, have increased the ballot votes. This workshop was entirely awesome, thus, giving me new ideas for using the vlog/blog, today.

Toronja-

Toronja Williams' UPIC Panel Selection: Headlines and Deadlines

2009-01-22T22:30:00.001-08:00

Toronja Williams' UPIC Panel Selection: All's Fair in Love, War and Politics

2009-01-22T22:03:00.000-08:00

LOVE, WAR & POLITICS

From attending a very interesting and a very important workshop hosted by two hard-core politicians, the youthful audience felt a wave of excitement from listening to these politicians. Politician, James Carville, a democratic strategist and CNN political contributor and politician, Mary Matalin, a commentator and former assistant to President George W. Bush, both have arrived to the University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC) to present their stories.

As in the historical politics of the Deaf People, we as Deaf individuals, are in conflict with ourselves when we identify ourselves as partly Deaf and partly Hard of Hearing, similarly, this couple is also at the opposite end of the political spectrum, James supported the Democratic Party whereas Mary supported the Republican Party (interesting twists, here!). Taking turns to speak at the podium, Mr. Carville and Ms. Matalin divulged about their two-party feuds in a co-authored book, All’s Fair; Love, war and Running for President, an olympic-winning book on the New York Bestseller List this year.

In the presentation, Mr. Carville and Ms. Matalin explained stories of trumping the individual differences in their relationships, for example, they were dating across different party ideological lines, such as their political views differ significantly from their own. The stunning details of their everyday pressures and of their everyday recounting moments of power plays; and of the clandestine maneuvers of Americans politicians and the near disasters and triumphs of presidential campaigns all have brought us on a “rollercoaster moment”, keeping us strappily tightened in our chairs throughout the show.

Toronja-

Exclusive Footage!!! People at the Windows

2009-01-20T17:44:00.001-08:00

This is where I finally saw Obama get sworn in... See the metal grate that I was standing on? The day was so freezing cold but that grate had hot air blowing upwards. So I stood on it and it was nice, kept me warm :-)

The metal grate also served another cool purpose. As the 21 salutes went off, it was so loud, everybody could feel it in their chests. But the metal grate I was standing on made the vibrations even more VIVID and LOUD. I could literally feel the booming in my bone marrow and outwards. It was a great moment when the 21 salutes went off and I was standing on the metal grate that clattered along with the booms :-)

Exclusive Footage!! At the Gates on Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T17:43:00.003-08:00

This is how close I was at getting in...

Was I disappointed I didn't get in? No. Just because I was right next to the Mall when Obama was inaugurated, it doesn't mean I wasn't part of the history. I was there. I was part of the masses of people. I met and made random friends. I saw Obama get sworn in live, after all (even if it was on TV).

For rest of my life, I will always see the Inauguration of Barack Obama on television replays. But for just ONE day, I was THERE. I'll be able to say: I was there... I saw the Capitol. I saw history and I was part of it. Nothing could satisfy me more than that.

Exclusive Footage: TRUE BIZ PACKED ON INAUGURATION DAY!!

2009-01-20T17:43:00.001-08:00

This shows the reason why I wasn't able to get into the Mall for Inauguration viewing. It was just simply too packed with so many people trying to get into there. I waited in the line for hours, got all the way up to the gate but it closed before I could get in.

This was taken on 1st and D street.

Dictionary: In deaf slang, "True Biz" or "True business" means something like... "Seriously!! I mean it! No bullshit!"

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Obama's Inauguration

2009-01-20T17:14:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT:

Leah Katz-Hernandez: I just saw Barack Obama’s Inauguration. I actually had a ticket with me to the Inauguration but it was so crowded and packed with people – it was really amazing. It was so bad that I happened upon my professor who had been waiting to get into the Mall area since 5:30 AM, yet she still couldn’t get in. As for me, I went to the place at 9 AM. I battled the crowds and made it all the way to the metal gates. I was right there, I was so close. But it closed. It was finished, I couldn’t enter. Undeterred, I looked around and saw people gathering near the large glass windows of a hotel. They had a television inside. I went up to the glass... It was just perfect, it was at the exact moment when Obama got up and held up his hand. I looked at him, transfixed. He spoke the oath. And the all of sudden, I could hear – feel – the boom, boom, and boom of the 21 salutes. It hit all of us. As we felt the vibrations of booms, the people just looked at each other... and we cheered, pure happiness was in the air, some people cried, and many did the victory fist-bump. I just stood there and looked around. I knew that it was truly official that Obama had become our President. I felt deeply inspired. I was watching the Inauguration through a window. The window reflected a man in my line of vision, and the television behind the window. I could see Obama in the TV past the window. And the reflection showed a man standing near me. The Capitol was behind him. I looked at it symbolically: The man was standing there with a little boy in front of him waving an American flag. The face of Obama on TV was melded through the reflection in the chest of that man standing near me, with the Capitol behind him. I could just so strongly see the symbolic significance of that image. It’s like Obama is really inside all of us. Everyone, all of us. What he represents – hope, the ability to prosper, and the values of American ideals. Those ideals truly are above all of us, what we all aspire to. I stood there, I thought to myself, today’s a special, historical day. But we should take a pause and reflect about what’s so deeply sacred to us: The American Dream. It’s now more real than ever. Now nothing is impossible. From now on, anything is possible. I just felt so deeply touched. I can’t really describe it in words. But at the same time – that image was perfect – Obama is inside all of us. We all are like Obama in our own ways. And that’s truly wonderful and dear... Thank you.

Leah Katz-Hernandez: The Inaugural Ball

2009-01-19T22:37:00.001-08:00

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Hello! I want to say, welcome to the Latino Inaugural Celebration. This event is one of the many different Inauguration celebrations/balls/gala/parties happening around the city of Washington DC in celebration of Barack Obama’s presidency. I’m standing here in a beautiful building, Organization of American States. Really, this building is just gorgeous! It’s extremely beautiful, old, historical, and just grand! Very fancy building... Take a look around, look at the many flags up there!

(Camera pans around the hallway)

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Come on. Let’s enter the gala and see what it looks like around here... That’s what an Inaugural Ball looks like.

(Camera pans around the ballroom)

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Grassroots Leadership Award

2009-01-19T22:32:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT:

(Video begins with panning of beautiful courtyard greenery)

Leah: Hello, hello!! See, I’m wearing a pretty dress... Why am I wearing a pretty dress? Because I’m at the Latino Inaugural Celebration at the Organization of American States. This is considered something like the United Nations of (United States of) America and all the other nations of the South America and all that. So we’re celebrating the Latino involvement with America’s historical election of Barack Obama. Why was I invited? Why did I get two tickets here? It’s because I was honored with an award... So, why did I get this award? It says “Local Grass Roots Leadership 2009” ... 2009, yeah. It’s basically because I worked hard to encourage the participation of all people – deaf, hearing, or whatever you call yourself – it doesn’t matter, the important thing is that you get involved with politics. And you VOTE. So I was encouraging all that and they decided to recognize me for that. I was so touched, inspired, and flattered! I want to say... why? Why did I get this award? Is it simply because of what I did? NO. It’s because of YOU. YOUR attention helped me reach greater prominence. It’s because I felt it was really important that all of you GET involved in the political process. Therefore, when I got recognized – they recognized all of you, too. Your connection, your desire to get involved all truly validated. So I really feel that this award is in honor of all of you. I want to truly thank all of you. I really look forward to more political participation with you!! It doesn’t matter if you’re deaf, hearing, or more labels... WE CAN!!!

The Crowds at Metro

2009-01-19T10:05:00.001-08:00

It's REALLY starting! A glimpse of how crowded the Metro was at Smithsonian station during the Lincoln Memorial's concert and Inaugural welcoming event.

Joel Garcia: What I Learned

2009-01-19T10:02:00.001-08:00

Summary:

Joel Garcia describes what he learned at The Washington Center's Presidential Academic Seminar. Truly a RICH experience! It is his second seminar and in this experience we have been learning about the relationship between the media and the presidency. We have been privy to exclusive and detailed information leading to greater understanding of how politics works. It's a very enjoyable experience!

Meghan Venturini: The Metro

2009-01-19T09:56:00.001-08:00

Summary:

Meghan Venturini, a 4th-year Government major at Gallaudet University, describes what the Metro will be like on Inauguration Day. There will be estimated 4 million people coming to Washington DC and the roads in and out of DC will be closed. So that makes for using the metro extremely crowded. Imagine what it will be like!

Travel safe!

Inaugural Tidbits

2009-01-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

I got to admit something. I usually assume that most of my readers know DeafRead and read my entries from there. Therefore, I automatically assume that I shouldn’t repeat the information from other deaf blogs that also mention political stuff, relevant issues, and talk about the Inauguration as well.

However, it has come to my attention that there is also a substantial amount of readership from outside the DeafRead.com mass. I believe that no readers, whether or not if they come from DeafRead.com or outside of DeafRead.com, should be left behind when it comes to deaf political consciousness.

Therefore, I will start linking to other blog entries that are relevant. This will show much of the world that the deaf community truly does have an unique and differing perspectives on the political process of America and beyond! For this entry, I’d like to focus on Inaugural tidbits!

I am also pleased to announce that for the second time in one school year, The Deaf Perspective is featured in the official Gallaudet University blog “Inside Gallaudet.” You can read the article about the Gallaudet delegation to The Washington Center’s Presidential Academic Seminar for Inauguration 2009 and my blog there.

The Deaf Perspective’s Inaugural Tidbits:

(Edit) Obama’s name-sign for the signing community is discussed in this vlog.
Illinois School for the Deaf saw the beginning of their beloved formed Senator’s historical campaign for the President. They were there for it all through the campaign, and now for the Inauguration – 32 of the Illinois School for the Deaf’s students will be going to Washington DC, staying at the world’s only liberal arts university for the deaf, and watching Barack Obama get sworn in as the 44th President of America! They are blogging about it daily, as well.
Everywhere, we see the inspirational mantra being repeated again and again on t-shirts, posters, buttons, hats, and more. “Martin Luther King JR: The Dreamer. Barack Obama: The Dream.” Now, this blogger has Martin Luther King JR’s original speech in closed captions.
NAD’s Advocacy Blog is the best blog to go to regarding information for Inauguration day and ADA issues. Here, they write about where the ADA accessible places are for Inauguration Day.
Not in Washington DC? Watching the Inauguration online via live stream is possible with closed captions. Courtesy of Jared Evans’ blog.
This article shows the deaf perspective – exclusively RIT/NTID – on the Inauguration, talking about the alumni who are involved.

Ok, I’m out for the night. More later! :-)

All Exclusive!!! The Lincoln Memorial Celebration

2009-01-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

The Inauguration Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial

At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, the memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. presented his I Have a Dream speech, the number of famous and most-sought stars and other prominent figures has kicked off the weekend’s inaugural festival, called the Obamapalooza. Our President-Elect Barack Obama welcomed thousands of beautiful Americans to the inauguration event. Before arriving to the memorial, in honor of celebrating his political successor, Abraham Lincoln, Obama mimicked the old 1861 tradition of this former President on a historical railroad journey from Philadelphia to Washington, DC.

(On TV: Millions of listeners recalled the President-Elect Barack Obama’s speech as one of the most memorial and powerful speeches in history.)

The HBO has exclusively televised We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at a free and open to public celebration concert at the Lincoln Memorial featuring some of the high-profiled names in the entertainment industry: Bono, Garth Brooks, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce Knowles, and Stevie Wonder all showed their striking all-star performances, thereby impacting the audience. Other Hollywood actresses and actors, Denzel Washington, Rosario Dawson and Ashley Judd showed their supports with inspiring and touching comments. People cheered, shouted, and roared, showing overwhelming supports and reconcilements which signified with this year’s political slogans, CHANGE and YES, WE CAN.

I have never seen so many major artists and talent persons come together to celebrate this huge historical moment. But, it was so incredible and amazing to witness it, Live!!! Did President-Elect present his famous speech? Yes! President-Elect Barack Obama moved people with his powerful speech about his visions of sending children to college with a college fund, settling the economic crisis and resolving the foreign conflicts across national broader. Together as men and woman, black and white, gay and straight, disability and non- disability, we all can come together to change the world and to make a difference. Leaving the Lincoln Memorial brought a feeling of empowerment and patriotism as I glanced at the persons snapping pictures and buying Obama materials. The concert was truly one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me. I wish I could wave a magic wand so that you all could be here!

(On TV: Beyonce Knowles amazingly performed to thousands of American fans.).

(Photo on the left: Standing in the center of the memorial, I realized that I was very passionate about this historical moment.)

Toronja-

Toronja introduces you to Colin Powell

2009-01-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.”

-Colin Powel

Welcome back Fellow Friends!

Powerful leaders often are considered the ones to make huge impacts on the American political system, thusly, convincing the government to adopt their goals and initiatives, however, this notion is false. The voices and actions of Americans are as equally powerful as the politicians in making an impact on the political system in our U.S. government.

Colin Powell, the first African-American appointed to the 65TH United States Secretary of State under the former President George W. Bush Administration, a four-star General, and the Joint Chief Staff in Washington, DC has appeared before thousands of UPIC scholars, today. Colin emphasized that our volunteerism and activism skills in our U.S. government are perhaps very important.

“Let’s focus on the part about having a vision. When your vision is realized by others, others will change the society with your idea” urged Colin. He also emphasized that American people shall poise a courageous attitude, trustworthy attitude and persistent attitude to overcome the odds in dealing with unexpected tasks. As our economy and financial markets struggle through unprecedented turmoil, Colin encouraged American people to come forward and serve the beautiful nation. “My experience is that in time of need the American people recognize that they have to do more than they might have done.” stressed Colin.

With his sharp wits and dynamic personae, and amazing courage, he urged leaders to build trust, to be the last to rest, and to have a coherent vision.

Toronja-

The Impact of Latino Political Training

2009-01-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

To begin this entry, I’d like to mention the National Association for the Deaf’s Youth Leadership Camp motto:

“Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I’ll remember. Involve me, I understand.”

Nothing could be truer for political participation. Yesterday was one of the best days of my whole life. I went to a Latino Political Training hosted by the National Council of La Raza. I had already mentioned about the types of political conferences, seminars, and the like in my Vlog “The New Media.” Going to the political training was a first for me, as I had attended seminars before but not training session. And the experience was so beneficial!

Through a series of presenters talking about fund raising, campaigning for public offices, organizational success, grassroots strategy, and even lobbying tips, so much resources was put into my mind that I could not contain it all and ended up taking over 15 pages of notes on my laptop!! I was bursting with so much ideas, bottled-up energy, ambition, and inspiration that I was ready to pop at the end of the day.

And I did – it just happened to be pure coincidence that I was slated to attend a Deaf Youth USA’s (DYUSA, for short) Inaugural Gala right after the political training ended at 5 pm. There, I talked incessantly about what I learned at the training and the amazing potential that DYUSA has for encouraging greater political participation, it being a youth organization for the deaf, full of bright and active young deaf people, and a grassroots organization at that, too. The reaction was positive and I was invited to the DYUSA board meeting the next day.

So today, I went to the DYUSA board meeting and implanted to them what I had learned from yesterday’s day at the National Council of La Raza. I gave them the resources. I transferred the power of knowledge. So, you see the direct impact that the political training of National Council of La Raza has had on the deaf community... not even 24 hours after-wards!!

I emphasized that it’s really vital to expand our mind-set and look for political allies with other communities. I view the Latino community as the perfect political ally for several reasons. One, our cultures are both separate, with separate languages, yet they are also unusually similar in many ways. The information I learned at the training was mostly for Latino community but it could all so easily apply to the deaf community as well. The Latino concerns are also similar to the deaf community - access to education, gaining a greater voice, and bilingualism. The Latino potential for a political ally is also something that I had already previously noted in this blog entry about Colorado Senator Ken Salazar (he is now working for Obama).

It’s always important for us in the deaf community to push and advocate for our issues and disability issues but when we expand our focus, we can really benefit from it. Here’s an excerpt from my training notes:

“It’s about actually working together. Where the power is. And how you use the power, too. All the minority groups think they’re divided. The answer is simple, work together. Roll up your sleeves and be creative.”

UPIC's Welcome Dinner and Opening Night Ceremony

2009-01-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

Good Evening!!!

I am at Washington, DC, ready to kick off the University Presidential Inauguration Conference (UPIC) event. To those of you home abroad whom are turning in to read my blog segment to find out what’s going on UPIC, let me welcome you, again! I’ve been here in the hotel since this early afternoon. So far, I’ve spent most of my time unpacking, I can tell you that the Marriott hotel is so beautiful and the staff is so helpful and so deaf-friendly, here.

On Saturday afternoon, I saw a few UPIC scholars milling around the lobby, but at around 5ish, I saw as many as 5,000 attendees arriving, the conference started rocking to its unique beat. Through meeting new UPIC scholars and reuniting old International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP), I began to feel more comfortable and more confident. Just as I thought about coming to this conference, I reminded myself that the experiences here are what I make of it. So, I make the most of my experiences here.

University Presidential Inaugural Conference’s Opening Night Ceremony

Many politicians regard youth voters as unimportant and unengaged voters, neither impacting the politics nor making a difference in mainstream. However, this notion is false. American youth do impact the politics, bringing the issues that affect the Americans in our today’s society to the forefront in our political system.

Mr. Russert, a recent Boston History and Communication major, became a News correspondent reporting for many of NBC’s outlets, including NBC Nightly News” Today, MSNBC and MSNB.COM. As the son of the late passing, NBC News journalist Tim Russert, Luke Russert lectured at several national political conventions, covering the general elections and, the issues of youth voting which has increased throughout the election this year. Standing near the podium, he advocated for CHANGE, addressing the issue related to youth political activism and patriotism. His uproariously funny stories of confession, apology and reconciliation of new young correspondents in the news industry interested the UPIC participants. His powerful speech, Making an Impact: The Youth Vote and Beyond has influenced us to become the next 21st century political game -changers for our communities.

Toronja-

Toronja Williams welcomes you to UPIC!!!

2009-01-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Road to the Presidential Inauguration 2009

****All Access ****

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Obama-

Your Excellencies and Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen!!! BIG hello! My name is Toronja Williams and I graduated from the College of New Jersey last may 2008 with a major in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy. One year ago, I opened a letter that I received from my postmaster and scoured over the message “You have been personally selected to attend the University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC) in Washington, DC, celebrating the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States". After six grueling months of prepping for my brain-sucking LSAT, I have been anticipating for taking part in this conference as a UPIC scholar. I am not mind reader but I predict that many of you beautiful persons are wondering what is UPIC? By no means, I will explain. UPIC is a one-week program which offers alumni of the International Scholar Laureate Program on Diplomacy and International Relations (ISLP) in China the opportunity to participate and to serve as a personal witness to one of the most historic and precedent-setting inaugural ceremonies in the history of our United State of America. Let me give a big shout out to ISLP scholars whom recognize me. Here is my BIG hello to YOU!!!

At the UPIC, I enroll in several workshops where distinguished leaders come to present their political views in across academia, business, politics and entertainment. The speakers’ topical debates and candid dialogues of issues will help me to understand of the presidential election and the nation’s democratic principles. Besides the workshops, we participate in the inaugural activities that take places the Capitol Hill such as the Presidential Inaugural address, inaugural parade and inaugural ball. This year’s conference is a huge one where we celebrate the Presidential Inauguration of our 44th First African-American President of the United States of America. Go Obama!!! At the conference, I will gain awareness about several of issues ranging from technology, global warming, and politics. I also will develop my personal growth through my interaction with the Washington’s prominent leaders through collaborating with them in several projects and networking tasks. Starting today through Wednesday, January 22nd, 2009, I will post my blog entries of my UPIC experiences here and hope that my stories shall find you feeling uplifted and inspired!!!

Toronja-

Barack Obama on the Inauguration

2009-01-16T19:24:00.001-08:00

Click for captions.

"Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve." - Martin Luther King Jr.

This YouTube channel will feature closed captions, so be sure to check on it often!

I would like to talk about service. Why am I doing this blog and why am I investing all this energy and passion in bringing the deaf perspective of the political process to the world?

It all started at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, August 2008, because I wanted to update what I was doing to family and friends. Blogging seemed much more easier than sending emails. However, it was not long before I realized the importance and potential of sharing my experiences and education with the rest of the world. In a world that is becoming more and more connected than ever before, I saw a golden opportunity to roll up my sleeves and get involved to encourage more deaf people to join in the political process.

Did I ever get paid for my services? No. I consider my blog to be a public resource and everything on this blog is for the world to view, learn, and use. I continue to operate this blog because I believe that I am not the only one out there who wants to make a difference. I believe that there are more of you out there just like me.

People need to truly realize the crucial importance of volunteering, doing community services, getting involved, and taking up passions/ambitions - because the more you invest in the world, the more it will invest back in you. You will be rewarded for your goodwill and you will be able to learn so much during the process of it all. The benefits are endless.

Last but not least - Barack Obama's campaign has signaled to the world that we are entering an new era for everybody. Barriers are being broken down. It's no longer time to stand on the sidelines and complain about the state of things. More than ever, people are empowered to rise up and act for what they believe is most important to them. And time has ended for deaf people to lay back and be passive, to not get involved with the community, and to not dedicate themselves to passions and service. It's time for us to step up to the plate and swing the bat in this new era.

To quote Gandhi - "You must be the change you want to see in the world."

EXCLUSIVE!! Mini-Interview at the China Embassy

2009-01-15T22:27:00.001-08:00

I was able to ask the China Embassy's Minister Counselor (Congressional Affairs) Zhang Ping about how people with disabilities are doing in China. No transcript because voice interpretation is provided and sign language is visible.

My question: How are people with disabilities doing in China? Is the government giving any assistance to the disabled in order to help them succeed? And, are there any laws in place to give them accessibility?

You can watch the Vlog to see the answer!

I would like to thank Zhang Ping and the China Embassy for being willing to participate in a Vlog with me and The Washington Center for giving me access.

Furthermore, I would like to mention that as I walked out of the China Embassy I stopped and picked up some pamphlets and brochures. I was very impressed that one of the brochures was entirely about the "Protection of the rights and interests of the handicapped."

Inside it, there was not only one but TWO sections devoted to the deaf people: the Shanghai Orient International Sign Language School and the Shanghai No 4 School for the Deaf. There was detailed information about the philosophy of advocating education, language, and rights for deaf people and their fellow country-men/women with disabilities in China.

I took photos to show you what I picked up at the China Embassy. It is of no exaggeration to say that I was extremely impressed by the presentation of information about the nation of China's support for the healthy development of its deaf citizens. I do hope most sincerely that many other nations will follow China's example. Here are the visual evidence:

The brochure "Protection of the rights and interests of the handicapped."

Shanghai Orient International Sign Language School

Shanghai No 4 School for the Deaf

The Deaf Community and Globalism

2009-01-15T19:24:00.001-08:00

Today we visited the Chinese Embassy and listened to the Ministry Counselor of Congressional Affairs Zhang Ping speak about the development and modernization of China over the years since Xiaoping Deng brought his transformative policies into action.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect because just last night, I had viewed the Chinese superstar Jackie Chan sign in a commercial for 2009 Deaflympics in Taipei. You can view the commercial below. Seeing Jackie Chan filled me with deep pride as a deaf person and I salute Jackie Chan for getting involved with such an important international event for the deaf. When sign language is given greater exposure, it increases higher awareness in the public about deaf people, our culture, our needs, and accessibility.

Today, the world is becoming increasingly connected through globalism. What is the deaf version of globalism?

Throughout thousands of years, humanity has always had deafness. It happens in every culture, every continent, and every country. And whenever deaf people travel, the experience of being deaf is an instant reason to bond and become friends. There is a special kind of warmth that members of the international deaf community extend to one another. Deaf communities in one country will always be concerned about the welfare of deaf people in other countries. That’s our kind of globalism. Being deaf transcends the boundaries of countries, cultures, and languages.

I know this blog is viewed by the international deaf community. I’ve gotten emails and comments from people in Australia, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Thailand, and more. The people I’m able to meet and connect with are so diverse. The range of readership I’m able to reach out to is huge and it’s simply because I am deaf. I view the world through a very unique set of lens. That’s why I consider the fact that I was born deaf truly a blessing. So many opportunities have come to me that I wouldn’t have if I was hearing. The only hard part is convincing the greater world that there is nothing wrong with being deaf.

Understanding the Libertarian Party's Disability Policy

2009-01-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

On Monday, the Gallaudet University group went on a site visit to the National Headquarters of the Libertarian Party. The purpose of the visit was to gain a greater understanding of the Libertarian Party’s political ideology in a setting in which we were able to interact with actual members of the Libertarian Party and ask them questions. Overall, I would say that the afternoon meeting turned out to be very interesting. Libertarian ideas deserve to be explained but this entry is going to be exclusively about their perspective and policy on disability issues.

First, a brief summary of the Libertarian Party. Its platform is based on the desire for more complete liberty-based governance system and strict reading of the Constitution (“It is not a living document”). From the pamphlet I picked up at the office: “Liberty means you can associate with others voluntarily, you can speak and publish freely, you can practice the religion of your choice (or none at all), keep what you earn, run your own business, and love and live as you please (so long as you don’t violate the rights of others).” Libertarians basically want less government because they wish to live more “freely” and not be constrained by laws and bureaucracy of the government. Libertarians are pro guns, don’t care about telling people who to marry, sometimes pro-choice, anti-tax, anti-regulations, and anti-public schools. Libertarians believe that as much as possible should be privatized, including schools and hospitals, so people may have more choice.

Okay, interesting enough. Now, what about their stance on disabilities? Keep in mind, all the information in this entry came from a site visit to the National Headquarters of Libertarian Party and we met and extensively questioned a member of the Libertarian Party.

Libertarians believe that all government buildings should be accessible because “the government serves all people.”

However, they explicitly do not support universal disability access – not in the broad terms of such laws like Americans With Disabilities Act. This means that, should they be privatized, schools are not required to provide interpreters and/or wheelchair access. Restaurants don’t have to serve blind, deaf, or people in wheelchairs and can deny them if they want to. Companies don’t have to hire people with disabilities and it will be completely fine with the Libertarian Party.

Why? What’s wrong with complete access?

The Libertarian Party believes that the government should NOT “force” everybody to give access to the disabilities. It’s simply up to them whether or not if they want to do that. It’s all about the freedom of choice. If a restaurant does not wish to have a wheelchair ramp, it will lose business compared with a restaurant that does have a wheelchair ramp. And it’s up to people to privately fund the interpreters for deaf people. Discriminating against people with disabilities would not be against the law in Libertarians’ eyes.

The entire Gallaudet University group and another group of hearing students in the program voiced strong disagreement with the Libertarian representative on this specific issue, arguing that if Libertarians are for strict reading of the Constitution – then “All men are created equal” should be taken literally and disability access is not only constitutional, it should be a major priority.

The debate went on for hours and it was a lively discussion full of differing perspectives. I’m glad that we were given the opportunity to meet with the Libertarian Party because I realized that – frankly – the Libertarian Party is naïve. They genuinely believe in the goodwill of humans and honestly do believe that people will give access to disabilities out of pure choice. They do not realize at all nor do they acknowledge the long history of oppression that people with disabilities have encountered and their struggle for basic civil rights. For the Gallaudet University group to go to the National Headquarters and discuss our point of view with members of the Libertarian Party, I believe it was an eye-opening experience for them and positive when you consider the greater exposure.

Day 3: CSPAN, the Congress, and Chamber of Commerce

2009-01-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

Today was really interesting! I’m exhausted at the moment, though, because I was on my feet for the most of the afternoon and evening, and lugging a seriously HEAVY bag around. I had tried to make use of my laptop during the seminar but it wasn’t really a successful idea because I found that for today’s events, taking notes on paper was simply more efficient for me. Oh well. I’ll try to pack lighter next time.

It was very entertaining to actually be part of the CSPAN audience in real-life. It was kind of surreal to acknowledge mentally that I am watching something that is going to be shown on TV in front of millions of people. Simply put, I was just glad for the interpreters. It’s important for deaf people to be visible and for the hearing world to see sign language so they may acknowledge the existence of deaf people and our language.

In the afternoon, we had a tour of Congress. The building itself is beautiful and so representative of American democracy, values, and governance it was a honor to step inside. However... Maybe it’s because I’m a local girl, having lived in the shadow of the Capitol for four years as a student at Gallaudet University. I wasn't that satisfied with the volume of information I heard from the docent at the Congress. I wanted to hear more advanced information about the Congress on the caliber of The Washington Center’s lectures. Listening to basic information about the building didn't satisfy me but seeing the breathtaking beauty of the Congress itself was more than enough! The best part of the tour was passing the entrance to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office.

We then had a reception at the United States Chamber of Commerce. We had an excellent speech about media by Bob Schieffer, who is a well known journalist at CBS and the moderator of the third presidential election debate between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. I enjoyed the speech very much; the food was tasty; but standing in Chamber of Commerce... It was kind of inevitable that my mind drifted off to Bill Richardson at times.

Walking to the Metro station to get home, I literally got so excited in front of the hotel that the Obama family is staying until they are moving in the White House permanently. My camera ran out of battery so I looked for a picture off the internet of the hotel itself, and found these two. The labor union AFL-CIO is giving the Obama kids a very warm welcome and I found their sign very – in deaf slang – “touchy” (as in, heartwarming, touching, special, aww) :-)

The Hay Adams Hotel, where the Obamas are staying at until they move in the White House.

The AFL-CIO's welcoming message to the Obama kids.

State of Emergency Declared for Inauguration Day

2009-01-13T19:07:00.000-08:00

BECAUSE... The deaf population is high in the DC/Metro area.

BECAUSE... I’m a local girl.

BECAUSE... the world’s only liberal arts university for the deaf is in DC.

BECAUSE... Gallaudet University has announced that due to transportation problems related to the Presidential Inauguration, it is letting students check in as early as Wednesday the 14th.

BECAUSE... All members of the DC community should be conscious whenever a state of emergency is declared, even if it's for funding reasons and massive crowds.

BECAUSE... of all these reasons, I found this press statement important enough to share with you. President Bush has declared a state of emergency for the Inauguration Day. Please READ the following carefully and pass it on to all local DC deaf residents.

The President today declared an emergency exists in the District of Columbia and ordered federal aid to supplement the District's response efforts in support of the 56th Presidential Inauguration. The declaration makes available funding and support for the purposes of ensuring the District of Columbia and the federal government are optimally prepared and postured to respond to the 56th Presidential Inauguration, beginning on January 17 through January 21.
The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide appropriate assistance for certain emergency protective measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act. FEMA will also be authorized and prepared to coordinate any necessary response efforts, should an emergency arise. Specifically, assistance is available to the District for emergency protective measures that are undertaken to save lives and protect public health and safety. Direct Federal assistance, at 100 percent federal funding will be provided during the period of January 17-21, 2009, and reimbursement of emergency protective measures (Category B), under the Public Assistance program, at 100 percent federal funding for work performed on January 20, 2009. FEMA will reimburse for eligible emergency protective measures performed on January 20, 2009, only if the District has expended on the Presidential Inauguration during the period of January 17-21, 2009, the $15 million appropriated to it for "Emergency Planning and Security Costs" by the Continuing Appropriations Resolution 2009, P.L. 110-329.
FEMA Administrator David Paulison named Donald L. Keldsen the federal coordinating officer for federal coordination operations in the District of Columbia.
The Presidential Inauguration has been designated as a National Security Special Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's role is to be prepared to respond to a natural disaster, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters.

Serge Okogo: Obama's Economic Stimulus Package

2009-01-12T20:35:00.001-08:00

Serge Okogo is a student at Gallaudet University from Gabon, Africa. He is one of the 8 Gallaudet University students attending the Presidential Academic Seminar for Inauguration 2009. Here, he asks both Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas about Obama's Economic Stimulus Package.

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Asking a Question About Bobby Kennedy

2009-01-12T20:02:00.001-08:00

No transcript because voice interpretation is provided and sign language is visible.

I asked Bob Beckel, a veteran of over 100 political campaigns, about his beginnings when he first got his start as a volunteer for Bobby Kennedy's presidential campaign. I got a very good and heartfelt reply in return.

My question: "You started your career in politics as a volunteer for Bobby Kennedy. How did it affect you as a young person when he was killed? Did it make you disillusioned or did it strengthen your resolve, regarding America's ability to 'come together'?"

From the Speaker Biographies:

Bob Beckel: Volunteered for Bobby Kennedy in 1968. Credited with bringing "Where's the Beef?" into widespread awareness as a political slogan. Was the National Campaign Manager for walter Mondale in 1984. In 1988, became a television commentator for ABC News. Work in media include: Democratic political analyst for CBS This Morning, guest host for Larry King Live, co-host of CNN's Crossfire Sunday, United States political analyst for ITN of Britain, and is right now a senior on-air political commentator for FOX News.

Cal Thomas: One of the most well respected conservative voices in the media. Has an USA today feature: Common Ground. His forappears weekly on FOX show "Fox News Watch." Was honored with a Cable Ace Award for Best Interview Program. His twice-weekly column appears in over 500 newspapers worldwide.

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Reporting From the Lincoln Memorial

2009-01-11T19:04:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Hello, I’m Leah Katz-Hernandez from Washington DC. We’re here at the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. I’m going to show you what we have seen in the first day of the Inauguration program. We have observed the preparations being undertaken in Washington DC to get ready for the Inauguration... for Obama! Here at the Lincoln Memorial, they are building a stage for music and singing. All the people in the Inaugural crowd will listen to music being played from here. Take a look.

The view from Abraham Lincoln's Memorial. You can't even see the steps at all.

Under the construction site at the Lincoln Memorial.

White tents being erected around the National Mall.

Shown above are the pictures of the current state in DC – full of building and busy preparing for Obama’s Inauguration in less than 10 days. Four million people will come to DC and that’s a lot of visitors to bear with. Here are some pre-Inaugural tidbits:

Over two thousand porta-potties have been installed around the DC.
Right now everything is “ugly” because things are still unfinished with the preparation. Look at the pictures to get more ideas. But for Inauguration, everything will be “pretty.”
Obama is familiarizing himself with DC. How many of you have gone to Ben’s Chili Bowl during your Gallaudet days? He stopped in there for lunch with DC’s mayor Fenty yesterday (Saturday). DCist has all the details.
Police force: Ten thousand extra security forces will be added to the ranks of DC police from the National Guard for the week of Inauguration and they will be working 12 hour shifts for the entire week.
It’s time to PARTY! More than 300 unofficial Inauguration events will be held in the city. That’s not even counting the official Inauguration events (such as state Inaugural Balls). And many of the bars will be open until 5 AM!
There have been so many "firsts" already... and will they ever stop coming?!?! For this Presidential Inauguration, it will be the first time a woman will lead inaugural national prayer service. Her name is Rev. Sharon Watkins.

CNN's Dana Bash Speaks

2009-01-11T18:54:00.001-08:00

A video of Dana Bash's appearance before us this morning. No transcript because sound is provided and sign language interpreter is visible.

CNN’s Dana Bash speaks to the student audience at The Washington Center’s seminar. It was lovely to hear her speak but I especially liked this part from the beginning. In this video, Dana Bash spoke to us about her college internship in 1993 when she was responsible for feeding news scripts into the teleprompter and massively screwed up. The anchor yelled at her and promised that her first day would also be her last day on the job.

However, that same anchor later became her mentor and Bash went on to a very successful career in political news coverage.

She became the Senior Congressional Correspondent for CNN in December 2008. Bash was a member of the “Best Political Team on Television” and covered candidates for Election 2008, the mid-term elections of 2006, the 2004 Presidential Election. She also reported on major stories for CNN such as Hurricane Katrina, the CIA leak investigation, and the capture of Saddam Hussein. She was also at the Capitol on September 11, 2001. (Source: The Washington Center's Speaker Biographies)

The moral of her story in this video?

Get up after you skin your knees and keep on going :-)

Introducing Toronja Willams

2009-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

I’m pleased to introduce Toronja Willams as the new guest blogger on this blog.

A brilliant deaf woman, she will blog about her experience with the Inauguration 2009 events and we all look forward to what she will share with us!

Graduating from College of New Jersey in May 2008, Toronja Willams received her degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy. She has traveled to China to study International politics and interned for the State Department one year ago. In the fall of 2007, Toronja was a participant in The Washington Center for one semester and interned for the State Department's Institute of International Education. She is interested in politics and international issues. Since March 2007, Toronja is a scholar with the University Presidential Inaugural Conference Program.

Toronja brings to us excellence in academic perspective of political events and I am proud to have her onboard!

- Leah

Some pictures from previous Presidential Academic Seminar at DNC

2009-01-09T11:44:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow I will be beginning my second Presidential Academic Seminar under esteemed The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. I thought, why not take a trip down memory lane with the first Presidential Academic Seminar at Democratic National Convention... Enjoy :-)

In front of the CNN Grill at Democratic National Convention 2008 in Denver.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and me

In front of political stars cardboard cut outs.

Me and Olivia Liang

Amy Speer and me

Jacob Leffler

Andrew Magill and me.

Hamad Alhamad and me.

The Regis University dorm room. It reminded me alot of Krug/Ballard West freshman dorm rooms!

Colorado sightseeing: Visiting the Red Rocks

CEO of DNC, Leah Daughtry speaking to us

The wonderful and beloved Gallaudet University Government department professors who made this happen! Dr. Frances Marquez and Mairin Veith.

LIVE DEAF CAMPAIGN COVERAGE returns for the Presidential Inauguration 2009!!

2009-01-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody!

First of all, may I ask your forgiveness for my extended break from b/vlogging since the Election Day. Heavy schooling and other projects came into picture. What was I doing, really, else than working on my academics (by the way, I made the Dean’s List at Gallaudet)? I was most intent on applying for and getting accepted into...

The Presidential Academic Seminar for Inauguration 2009.

Wait, isn’t that kind of the same program as the one I went to at Denver for Democratic National Convention 2008?

Yes, it’s organized by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, same as the DNC 08 program. The structure will be slightly similar, although the event is different (DNC... Inauguration). For a two week period, I will have lecture series in the morning with highly distinguished guest speakers. In the afternoon, discussions and classes will be held by the university faculty leader. For Gallaudet University’s delegation, there will be 10 deaf students attending the Inauguration program and the faculty leader is Dr. Frances Marquez of the Government Department.

At DNC 08, the greatest experience was the hands-on, eyes-seeing chance to actively participate with the volunteer program. I was able to see everything up close and truly apply what I had learned from the lecture series. This year, because of the “unprecedented demand” (as quoted by The Washington Center), there will be so many students attending the Inauguration program that The Washington Center cannot guarantee volunteer opportunities. But that won’t stop us from seeing, listening, and learning massive amounts over the next two weeks as the world counts down to Barack Obama’s presidency!

And it is with great honor that I am pleased to bring you live daily coverage of my experience, just as I did with DNC 08 and Election day... though bilingual posts in both ASL and English of course!

Long live democracy and see you tomorrow,

Leah Katz-Hernandez

(A little picture in honor of the soon-to-be First Family)

We're going to the White House!

Deaf Faces of the American Economy

2008-12-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today, I got the CNN Breaking News announcement in my inbox. It’s official. The recession is here. Like many other Americans, I wasn’t surprised because in a way we had already been operating under a self-imposed recession for a while now. Making it official was just a matter of formality to me and to millions of other Americans who are feeling the pinch, losing jobs, dealing with foreclosures.

I’m studying towards a Government major, not an Economy major. But I do recognize that politics and economy are inextricably linked together, as with the wellbeing of our nation. I’d like to write this entry to examine upon the deaf faces of American economy.

I’m not talking about the professors, the pundits, the professionals – though the deaf community is proud of quite a few accomplished and respected individuals in economy and business. I’m talking about the real faces, the ordinary American citizens and families, people in America who just happened to be deaf. And the economy is affecting us all.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/sep/11/deaf-group-planning-convention-out-170000/

A grassroots deaf organization, Deaf Seniors of America, suffered a major financial loss when their bank holding the organization’s money collapsed. Silver State Bank collapsed in early September and Deaf Seniors of America lost more than $170,000 out of more than $270,000 deposited in the bank. The upcoming convention will go ahead as planned but profits will not be made and a deaf community center that was planned to be built with the profits will not come into reality. The Nevada bank was the 11th bank to fail in 2008.

“The money belongs to the deaf community, in our minds. It doesn’t belong to us,” Cecilia Rosen, co-chairwoman of the local convention planning committee, said through a sign language interpreter.

When Bill Moran, the committee’s co-chairman, heard the news about the bank, he couldn’t sleep that night.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/18033655/index.html

When the Vardon family found out they had won an Extreme Home Makeover, they were overjoyed. The deaf parents, Larry and Judy Vardon have two sons and one of them is blind and autistic. With Ty Pennington and Marlee Matlin starring in the episode, it was a happy moment as the hearing son Stefan received scholarship from the Starkey Hearing Foundation and the house was renovated magnificently to ensure safety for the blind and autistic son Lance. Flash forward four years later, the Vardon family is one of the many families in America struggling with deep debts and they are now losing their beautiful home.

The Vardon family isn’t the first “Extreme Home Makeover” recipients to face foreclosures; other families on the show are also facing foreclosures in today’s mortgage crisis.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/11/smallbusiness/helping_deaf_callers_connect.fsb/index.htm

Small businesses are still in the market, for the deaf people at least. The above article refers to Jason and John Yeh, a father-son team who established the Viable video communications company, which has been extremely successful with two products released so far (VPAD and VPAD+) and a burgeoning company. They’re not the only deaf people in the business world. Deaf businesses have long persevered through adversity to succeed. One needs to only go to the local Deaf Expo to get a taste of how many deaf small businesses there are. However, the question remains – how many of the small businesses that are pride and joy, golden nuggets of the deaf community, will survive through the recession?

So is Viable ... viable? "I want them to succeed," says T. Alan Hurwitz, president of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, N.Y. But, given the competition, "it will be a challenge." Still, Viable's staff face challenges every day. And as far as the Yehs are concerned, their rivals are impaired by hearing.

In times of economical hardship, we must remember that the deaf world is both small and large and we’re a proud community. With the Thanksgiving over and the holidays nearing, it might be a modest and humble time for many. However, the season is also a giving season and I want all of you to keep in mind that generosity counts far more this year. Reach out, do good, and support each other through the recession.

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

For the Deaf Republicans... What to Do Now?

2008-11-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

So you’re a firebrand Republican, your heart filled with the color red, and you voted for McCain/Palin. Some of you, like quite few Republicans I personally know, crossed party lines and voted for Obama. But you’re not willing to let go of your Republican brand and political identity. That’s fine.

It’s important that you keep on calling yourself a Republican. No wait, make that a Deaf Republican.

It’s more important than you realize to be a Deaf Republican at this turning point in American politics. Why? Because things are changing and both political parties are at the point where they have to embrace change – either by choice or not by choice.

It’s prime time for you.

The most crucial thing for you to do as a Deaf Republican: Don’t give up. The worst thing you can do for yourself, your deaf community, and your political party at this moment is to give up your interest in politics or activism out of disappointment at the election results.

What’s more, it’s a rich opportunity for YOU the Deaf Republicans to enter the party. You can be part of the resurgence of the Republican Party and in return you will get the respect and ears of the Republican party. Our deaf issues needs to be heard and taken into serious consideration by both parties.

The reason why it’s so important for deaf people to get involved with both parties is because if deaf community chooses to become overly involved in “one party,” then the deaf community will lose allies with the another party.

Here's a good piece about how the GOP - "Grand Old Party" Republicans can "get back in the game."

http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/07/how-can-the-gop-get-back-in-the-game/

Be proactive, be strong and impressive, and get involved with your own party!

November 5th: Student from Chad Reacts

2008-11-06T16:39:00.001-08:00

I videotaped a variety of reactions around Gallaudet campus to Barack Obama's election on November 5th.

TRANSCRIPT:

Le Toudjida Allara: Hello, my name is Le Toudjida Allara and Im from Chad, Africa. Yesterday I watched at the meeting as the announcement was made about the president-elect. And who was it? Obama wins. Oh?? Wow! It's great. Really, I supported both... neutral. I watched both political parties' philosophies, their politics, and their strategies for the future. I think that both candidates had good strategies, yes, but I looked at Obama and he was such a good speaker and he had good plans on the economy, specifically. McCain had a good plan but his strategy on economy wasn't all that good. Obama, oh yeah, he was better and more clear on explaining himself. I really liked his philosophies, his economy plans, and I can see his influence on the people of the world, too. I hope that when Obama becomes president, he will do good. Yeah.

November 5th: Obama Supporter from Indiana

2008-11-06T16:17:00.003-08:00

I videotaped a variety of reactions around Gallaudet campus to Barack Obama's election on November 5th.

TRANSCRIPT:

Bradley Gantt: Hi, my name is Bradley Gantt. I’m from Indiana. Today... Obama is gonna be our president for the next four years. I’ll let you know – I’m very happy. The time has come. We need a change. Obama winning the presidency is amazing and it has made history. And not just because of his skin color – no – but because he will bring change to America, when we needed it the most due to the past eight years. So, rock on!

November 5th: McCain Supporter From Louisiana

2008-11-06T16:17:00.001-08:00

I videotaped a variety of reactions around Gallaudet campus to Barack Obama's election on November 5th.

TRANSCRIPT:

Dustin Cutrer: Hello, my name is Dustin Cutrer and I'm from Louisiana. I'm a second year Gallaudet University student and I support McCain. My feelings about the election... It happened. Many people voted and I'm satisfied with that. Obama has won. I accept that. The world is still alive. The sun still shines. I got up today in the morning and nothing happened, no big change. I look forward to what Obama will bring to America.

November 5th 2008: The Newspapers Are All Gone at Bison Shop

2008-11-06T16:16:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT

Nick: Hello, my name is Nick.

Norah: And my name is Norah.

Nick: We're here in the Bison Shop. Now, I'd like to explain about something amazing. Today is November 5th 2008, the day before the election.

Norah: No, after the election!

Nick: Oh, I meant AFTER the election! Haha, anyway who won the election? Obama is the President. And what happened??? Look at the newspapers

(Shot of empty newspaper stand)

Nick: It's all GONE! It was emptied in less than half a hour when this store first opened today. And still, so many people came here asking for newspapers. We have nothing left, nothing. I had to apologize. It's Obama! And it's all gone.

November 5th: The Scene at SLCC

2008-11-06T15:15:00.001-08:00

The crowds are gone.

The visual noise has declined.

The big television screen is blank and dark.

Yet... it's November 5th, 2008. History is here and change is in the air.

The Sorenson Language and Communication Center was mostly empty and quiet. Only thing that reminded us of the historic night spent here were the students setting up video cameras to record fellow students' reaction to last night. Everybody knows we're witnessing history as we move through the day.

This is How You Can Thank Me

2008-11-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today, I woke up knowing that it was a historical day.

November 5, 2008.

Still, time doesn't stop. Life goes on. I'm still just a college student. I've got classes to worry about, professors to please, and grades to make. I went to all of my morning classes and as soon as my final morning class ended at 11 AM today, I immediately hurried over to the university bookstore to grab a piece of newspaper. To my surprise, there were no newspaper. I know today was a historical day but I had still some faith that the stock would be enough to last for few hours in the morning. I was wrong.

I asked the workers at bookstore and they said that newspapers had run out in the first hour. Throughout the rest of the day, I checked SEVEN different locations and no November 5th 2008 newspapers were in sight.

I even paged my family in Maryland, asking them to get some newspapers - the reply from my mother was that she had gone to 711, CVS, and food stores and they were all OUT.

It's becoming increasingly clear that today's such a historical day that the newspapers have run out of stock rapidly. Therefore, I have a suggestion for you - my dear readers.

I've gotten many comments and emails thanking me for my blog work. They all mean a great deal to me and I want to say that it's out of sheer passion and pleasure that I maintain this blog for you, the hearing and deaf community. I truly do believe that the deaf rightly deserve to have a place at the table and be part of the conversation about politics in America... It's just a matter of getting there.

Now, there is one way you can express your gratitude to me. One way you can pay me back.

You can buy me a November 5th 2008 newspaper and send it to me.

:-) That's all I ask of you, my dear readers. Otherwise, keep on reading and being involved in American politics!!

ASL Soulja Dance for Obama

2008-11-05T17:24:00.003-08:00

A bunch of Obama supporters get together and spontaneously treat us to a Soulja dance tailored for an Obama cheer!

Obama Wins Election: Gallaudet Reacts Part 2

2008-11-05T17:24:00.001-08:00

gallaudet reacts to obama's win

Obama Wins Election: Gallaudet Reacts Part 1

2008-11-05T17:23:00.001-08:00

Gallaudet reacts, part 1

Spirits Still High Despite the Rain

2008-11-05T17:22:00.003-08:00

Volunteers still rock on even though we were standing outside for hours in rain. Democracy is a good feeling :-)

Jacob Leffler: How Many Left?

2008-11-05T17:22:00.001-08:00

Jacob Leffler speaks to the crowd, counting down how many McCain and Obama's got to win

Wow.

2008-11-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

What an eventful night in SLCC!

Just as the seconds were being counted down "New Years Eve"-style, the biggest TV screen on campus went dark suddenly. The room erupted into chaos and confusion and some people immediately went to smaller televisions in adjacent hallways and rooms. Then they ran out shouting OBAMA IS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT! ITS DONE!! over and over again.

There was still more disbelief, many people did not immediately cheer at the same time. Some people let a smile grow over their faces, some shouted, some cheered, and even more stampeded to the smaller televisions - abandoning the biggest TV screen on campus. SLCC may have been the place for our historical night, but the biggest TV screen on campus did not claim the prize for being the exact TV to report Barack Obama's presidency.

Many people huddled together, smiled, congratulated each other, and broke out into spontaneous high fives and hugs for strangers. Then we all went back to the biggest TV screen on campus for John McCain's speech, which was moving and very well done. The anticipation built up and up for Barack Obama's speech.

Then he walked onstage with his family. The deaf people in SLCC, on Gallaudet University campus, broke out into loud applause. Some of us supported John McCain, quite a number of us supported Barack Obama - but by the end of his moving speech, we were all reminded: We are all Americans. Our union can be perfected.

For the deaf community, we have greater hope now. All we need to do is move towards it, to have faith and work hard for the greater good.

Yes we can.

Yes we can.

Yes we can.

Megan Matovich: About the Deaf View

2008-11-04T19:28:00.001-08:00

Megan Matovich explains about the wonderful technology that brings us the four-way conversation live in Sorenson Language and Communication Center

The Deaf View

2008-11-04T18:46:00.001-08:00

A four-way conversation with the wonders of modern day video chat technology has brought us the Deaf View a Deaf twist on the TV talk show The View, in which four well known and respected ladies talk about issues with each other. In this version, we have four well known and respected members of the Gallaudet community chat with each other and discuss about political ramifications of tonight.

THE DEAF VIEW:

MJ Bienvenu

Fred Weiner

Ben Bahan

Emilio Insolera

Reactions

2008-11-04T18:44:00.001-08:00

reaction to the big tv

Professors Gene Mirus and Joseph Murray Speaks at SLCC

2008-11-04T18:40:00.001-08:00

Gallaudet University's own ASL/Deaf Studies professors speak to the students about the importance of tonight and the history of Gallaudet University students finding out about election results before there were TVs.

Explaining the Transcripts

2008-11-04T18:06:00.002-08:00

Transcripts will not be provided tonight, due to momentum and the attempt to bring you "LIVE" information. The majority of transcripts will be typed up after tonight. Be sure to check back soon!

However, I do remain consistent and unwavering in my support of the need to transcript/caption videos.

Transcripts are extremely time-consuming to type up, that is the reason why they're not up yet.

Turnout at Election Watch Party, Gallaudet University

2008-11-04T18:06:00.001-08:00

A Historic Night in a Historic Building!

TRANSCRIPT:

On my metro ride home after a long day working the Maryland polls, I was mulling over the upcoming event at Gallaudet. I was anxious to see how many people would gather and take interest in the Election Watch. The polls closed and the broadcast started at 7pm. Once arriving at Gallaudet I was amazed by the amount of people that showed up. The president-elect will be a big part of the next four years, so I was really inspired to see a large number of the Gallaudet community that showed up to watch and discuss the broadcast of this event.

Leah Katz-Hernandez: In the Back Room

2008-11-04T17:42:00.001-08:00

I explain about the hidden room next to the room next to the voting booths. There's plenty to feed the volunteers and it's a nice place to take a break.

TRANSCRIPT:

Hello. Right now we are in a small room that is hidden right next to the gymnasium where all the voting booths are set up. However, we cannot take you into there since video recordings taken place inside polling places are not permitted. As you can see there is a table filled with food that have been donated by the various people in the community or paid for by the county or paid by local campaigns for the volunteers helping out today which is greatly appreciated. There is also a T.V. in the break room stationed on the CNN channel so the volunteers can just sit back and relax and keep up to date with what is going on. So it’s pretty nice that we have all this here.

Leah Katz-Hernandez: IN the Polling Places

2008-11-04T16:45:00.001-08:00

Some advice about voting. I tell you what it's like in person. I'm a first time voter!

TRANSCRIPTS:

We began filming inside the polling center, but learned quickly that it is against the law to film inside the building due to voter intimidation. We decided to move the filming location outside of the building. As I said in the polling center, I recently voted! When I was voting, realized the sample ballots are very useful. This sample ballot contains detailed information regarding which platform best suits you and is a helpful guide when making decisions in the voting booth. The law allows you to bring that with you when voting. I encourage you, when you go and vote, find the sample ballot and bring it with you as you vote. When I arrived, I was lucky the line was not that long, and now look at the number of people lined up to vote.

Today is a good day to go outside and exercise your basic American voting rights!

REMINDER TO DEAFREAD READERS

2008-11-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Deafread's editors will NOT publish everything I write.

So I strongly encourage you to click on the "The Deaf Perspective" link on top of this blog so you may view all of my blog entries. Or just bookmark my blog and check back on it frequently. Some of the entries I've posted include really important information, such as advice on voting and Election day, but due to Deafread's strict standards on publication - whenever something is not related to deaf issues, it will not be published.

So this is a reminder to you to keep on checking my blog in its entirety. Thanks!

And of course...

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!!

Historical Turnout: Even the Birds Say V for Vote!!!

2008-11-04T10:02:00.001-08:00

Just a glimpse into America on Election Day 2008

Leah Katz-Hernandez: First Time Voters

2008-11-04T09:57:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT:

Leah Katz-Hernandez: One thing I'd like to talk about that's really special about this year the fact that there are a lot of young voters turning out. Voters voting for the first time. And people who haven't voted since but they're voting for the first time today. There's a lot of new voters being added to the rolls. A good example is my family my family has five people in it. Out of that number, three are first time voters. That's my brother, me, and my brother! :-)

Leah Katz-Hernandez: Booths at Polling Places

2008-11-04T09:55:00.001-08:00

TRANSCRIPT:

Hello! Here I am! This is Leah, reporting from where? The Clopper Mill Elementary School in Montgomery County, Maryland my home area. Now the voting lines are getting long. The booths and everything are over there in the building. The Democratic Partys booth is here, a little separate from the lines. The voters can walk over here if theyre interested in our stuff. But we dont bother them. Its all volunteer work here. What do we give them? We give them information, about the Democratic candidates. Such as this Those three are the Congressional district candidates. And down here, Obama and Biden. What is this piece of paper? Its called a SAMPLE BALLOT. Its purpose is to encourage you to vote for the Democratic Party by giving you a visual sample ballot of who to vote for. So that you may be clear on whom youre going to vote for, understand and go into the booth knowing exactly whos the right person to vote for not the wrong person! And also we have information about local ballot motions, that people dont support or encourage you to vote for. Heres an example of no support: Three Good Reasons to Vote NO on Question B Bad policy, cutting of finances/funding, and increasing class sizes in schools. This one talks about education, obviously. See this flyer? The apple reminds you of school, right? The information related to educational motions is printed here. Today is such a historical day! Judy Stout, who I work with, says that shes never seen such a huge line before especially out into the street! The lines used to not be so bad; sometimes, thered be no lines and people would just walk in and out. But, wow, lines out into the street! Never seen that before. Amazing. Its a historical day. I feel really inspired to be here. Thank you!

Judy Stout: Long Lines on Election Day!

2008-11-04T09:44:00.001-08:00

Judy Stout describes her role in local politics and talks about the extremely long lines due to massive turnout. This was taken at 7:45 AM today.

TRANSCRIPT:

Judy Stout: Hello, I’m Judy Stout. I’m precinct chair of here, 9-26th of District 39. I’ve been the chair for almost one year now. I was involved with voter registration last January. Oh, that was a cold day! I was there all day from 6 AM until 6 PM, when we had to stop. Today’s a really special day! I’ve never seen so many people, they’re lining up so long all the way to outside!! This is a historical moment – for both parties! The minority ticket is there. It’s amazing. It’s thrilling. And I’m also thrilled to have Leah Katz-Hernandez here with us today, helping out and working to pass out the fliers and information. She will videotape all this information, you’ll see them. And she’ll catch all the long lines on the video for you. Take a look!

Be Practical, Be Wise, Protect Your Rights on Election Day

2008-11-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

This is what Election Day will probably look like at the voting booths.

I want to be practical here and prepare all of you who are going to vote in person today. My personal advice, from what I've read in various publications and older people's words would be:

Do your research. Know who the candidates are for Senators and House Representatives. They are just as important as the President, sometimes even more important because they control the law-making.

Know what propositions are being brought up. For example, Prop. 8 is being brought up in California that has controversial support for and against it. It's important for you to know what to vote on so you may not make a mistake and vote for something that you do not support.

Bring a pen and paper. If you have NOT requested it in advance, forget the request for interpreters, I'm sorry to say. Unless you're lucky enough to bring along a friend who may interpret for you, CODA family members, or meet random people who can interpret for you. The reason is practical - Election day is going to be VERY CHAOTIC. Expect it.

Don't get frustrated at the long lines. Be prepared. Bring a book, homework, or whatever else you think may keep you occupied.

Let know your school or work place in advance. Laws currently allow only two hours of absence from work to vote but frankly, I'd say that casting your vote in this pivotal election is much, much more important than few hours of work/school. Communicate with your superiors. Work it out.

DON'T EVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, BE FOOLED!!! Check out this story about dirty tricks whose only purpose is to confuse or prevent voters from exercising their most basic American right. DO NOT BE A VICTIM! Report anything that looks fishy and be brazenly stubborn in your quest for the voting booth.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The stupidest one is the one who stays silent. It's better to ask questions and be careful rather than casting the wrong ballot or finding out later that your vote wasn't counted because of some mistake.

Last but not least: Talk to your peers, friends, and family. Encourage them to vote as well. If you know anybody who can vote and isn't voting, pester them to get their bodies over to the polling places! No vote should be uncast.

Bring your identification and/or voter registration.

Use your common sense. Vote.

November 4th

2008-11-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

It's here!!

After many months of speculation, excitement, and crazy events... It's finally here. The day of decision. It's time for America to go to the booths and choose their next President of United States. Not only that but also the Senators and House Representatives who will control the legislation for the next four years.

Aren't you proud to be finally here? To finally see this moment?

I sure am!

And I'm going to share it with you. Today my plans are to go vote in person at my local polling place. I won't be alone.... my family will be voting today, also. My mother, my father, and my two younger brothers. I will also volunteer my time with Judy Stout, who is District 39 precinct official in Montgomery County, Maryland. I'm going to see in person for the first time, up close to the polling, booths, and the whole shebang. And good news for all of you! I'm going to bring along my trusty video camera and digital camera so I may update my blog as soon as possible.

At 7 pm, the doors will open at the historic Sorenson Language and Communication Center building at Gallaudet University - so renowned for its unique Deaf-space architecture - for an all-night Election Watch Party. I'll be there, mingling with my college peers and anxiously watching the television as the polls close. I'll be bringing you the scene from there, too.

November 4th is here.

Let the blitz begin.

Latest Gallup Poll Says Minorities Likely to Factor in Final Results

2008-11-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

In this blog entry, I will talk about polling, especially the Gallup poll and its most recent findings about the minorities’ impact on Election this year. Then I will tie into what that means for us as a group of deaf voters in America.

Here's the LATEST Gallup Poll:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/111703/Final-Presidential-Estimate-Obama-55-McCain-44.aspx

The Gallup poll is well known in history for being one of the most stable, non-partisan, and thorough poll ever. The Gallup poll has decided that based on polling, Obama will win the election 55% to McCain’s 44%. I believe it is dependable poll because the Gallup poll is famous for being neutral, independent of any political affiliation. From the Wikipedia page on the Gallup poll:

To ensure his independence and objectivity, Dr. Gallup resolved that he would undertake no polling that was paid for or sponsored in any way by special interest groups such as the Republican and Democratic parties, a commitment that Gallup upholds to this day.

George Gallup gave birth to modern non-partisan polling in 1936 when he was able to correctly predict the year’s presidential election by asking a sample group of only 5,000 people with diverse backgrounds, economical status, and political opinions. Over the years, the Gallup poll has only been wrong twice – first time with the infamous Dewey victory prediction in 1948. You might remember the famous photo below of Harry Truman triumphantly holding up a newspaper that incorrectly stated a Dewey win in the presidential election. The second error in the Gallup poll’s history was in 1976 when the poll predicted a narrow victory by Gerard Ford; in reality, Jimmy Carter won by slim margin. Due to its reliability, the Gallup has been one of the most checked-upon and oft-referenced information on public opinion.

During the 2008 presidential election, the Gallup poll has maintained a daily poll by asking roughly 1,000 adults every day. The tracking poll is published every three days. Thus the poll is frequently updated and reliable in consideration of the changing public opinion.

What I’d like to emphasize about the Gallup poll’s most recent finding is not the predicting part but the fact that Gallup has found that minority groups will make a major difference in this election. Here’s an excerpt from the Gallup poll:

An Obama victory would also owe a great debt to overwhelming support from racial and ethnic minorities. McCain led among white voters, 51% to 44%, but Obama more than made up for that with an 83% to 13% advantage among non-whites, including a 97% to 1% advantage among blacks and a 73% to 24% lead among Hispanics.

According to Gallup's final pre-election polls, the last time a presidential candidate won without winning the white vote was Bill Clinton in 1992. That year George Bush narrowly beat Clinton by two points among white voters, 41% to 39%, with 20% supporting third party candidate Ross Perot. Prior to that, Gerald Ford in 1976 received 52% of the white vote to Jimmy Carter's 46%, but Carter won the election with 85% of the non-white vote.

The message that this poll sends is: a minority group’s strong vote can be pivotal in winning an election. Thus, if the deaf people were to assemble themselves to be a strongly defined group of voters – it IS enough to swing an election. Also, the more attention that minorities receive in elections, the better news it is for the deaf people because we are a minority in a hearing world. The more people pay attention to the “little people,” the more we are empowered. And in this election, through the Gallup finding, the minorities have proved their might in voting.

Bottom line: VOTE, even though you think “your vote doesn’t matter”… It DOES!

The next president is likely to be (Open Captioned)

2008-11-02T21:20:00.001-08:00

An open-captioned video by an average-looking hearing person. He talks about his prediction on who will win the Presidential Election 2008. This video was taken in March 20, 2008.

I decided to add this to my blog because it was interesting, open-captioned, and showed the relevant political opinions of the public. If more hearing people would caption their videos, more deaf people could benefit from it and join in the discussion. As opposed to "being left out of the conversation" as we often are with non-captioned, non-transcribed videos.

It is my hope that the internet will become more accessible with time and that the hearing people will be more open to personally captioning their videos.

However, we the deaf should be the ones who are setting the example. We can make the first step in captioning/transcribing our videos in ASL. The reason why I'm supportive of this is because hearing people out there ARE interested in hearing what you have to say. This applies in political interest and all other spectrum, such as entertainment or chatter, too. When you make yourself accessible, you are opening your world up to the world and enabling them to better understand you, your interests, and your stance on issues.

I'm compelled to talk about a Washington Post article that I was featured in few months ago about the internet and technology:

But as entertainment and communications tools increasingly take digital form, some people with disabilities feel left behind. Online videos are not required to have captions for those who can’t hear, for example, and ticker-style emergency messages are not narrated for those who can’t see.

The article talked about a bill, which at the time, was being introduced. The bill would have called for the internet and newer technology to be more accessible:

The bill, also sponsored by Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., calls for new rules for devices that display video programming. Federal law requires all TV sets with screens larger than 13 inches to display closed captions. Under the new legislation, all gadgets from MP3 music players to cell phones would be required to show captions.

Devices also would be obligated to provide video description services and read aloud emergency messages that scroll across the bottom of the screen. And they would have to be designed so that on-screen menus are usable by people with disabilities.

When you vote, you are making your voice heard and voting people into office who you believe will support your agenda. Nobody is overlooked when you cast your vote. When you vote into the office a Senator, make sure he or she will support bills that will improve your life. And bills such as this one may help remove the barriers to online captioning so that we may have more interesting videos to enjoy such as the guy above. Voting is one of the many ways you can help push the deaf/hard of hearing agenda.