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12/31/02
3rd
annual WMAD New Years Eve party-Three Rivers, MI
Since the beginning of hosting this event, attendance has doubled
every year. At first in cramped quarters of a residence to now reserving
motels with a large conference room. The motel concept seems to
play right for this event. This years through the door total of
160 means next years location will move to bigger quarters for an
anticipated larger crowd. This might have been one of the largest
Deaf parties in the Midwest. This years party goers came from as
far as the metro Detroit area, along with cities of Kalamazoo, Battle
Creek, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Northern Indiana. Some flew here
from other areas of the country for the holiday break and to visit
family. The majority of those attending all went to state residential
schools. Obviously, MSD (Michigan School f/t Deaf) took honors for
the top spot. Other states represented were Indiana, Wisconsin,
North Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi, Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Then 3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR... Afterwards, a group picture of
MSD graduates was requested and I was selected to be the photographer.
As I mounted a chair for the picture, a stream of cameras followed
to capture a still shot of tonight's gathering that could be remembered
and shared with others. This year finished in GRAND style and overall
will prove hard to match. OR was this the bringing in to another
year of action and excitement....Time will tell
12/28/02 Detroit Pistons
vs Minn.
Timberwolves basketball game-Auburn Hills, MI Purchased tickets
for a couple of Deaf youth and myself to watch a little NBA action
for a Saturday during their school break. The Minnesota team struggled
from the get go, but what a better way to show these guys, who play
for Indiana SD and Michigan SD basketball teams, what to expect
if they really want to "run the court"...
12/19/02 Michigan
School for the Deaf basketball- Flint, MI
Watched the Deaf boys blow-out a hearing team on their home court.
Will have to see how they fare against some stiff competition at
Central States Schools for the Deaf (CSSD) tournament in Columbus,Ohio
in January '03 .
12/10/02 Duppies
Nite- Goose Island Brewery- Chicago,IL
I have to make a Duppies nite appearance to catch up with the "movers
and shakers" of the Chicagoland area. It never fails to provide
fuel and energy for what is up and coming. Also, food for thought
on everything you can think ofwhether it be the arts, education,
employment, no matter. This crowd dishes it up. Here's where you
can just be a face in the crowd and absorb all kinds of news. I
call it a breath of fresh air. Tonight I met an IBM programmer from
Chicago (via California) and got a demonstration of the new T-mobile
Sidekick pager from a Buffalo, NY fella visiting the area. A chat
with one of the founders of Duppies Nite, Drucilla Ronchen, is always
in order and top on the list.
11/02/02 WMAD
Thanksgiving Dinner Mattawan, MI
mmmm mmm GOOD. Food, friends, family and the spirit of sharing.
All was here and completed a local Deaf community Thanksgiving.
10/04/02 anti-cochlear/parental
rights Rally & trial Grand Rapids, MI
Check my "ISSUES" link for this 9/28 WMAD Euchre tournament
Mattawan, MI I'm not much of a Euchre player but this is still the
place to be locally to catch up on the latest events and to see
old faces and maybe a few new ones. I took my mom to this tournament,
she's got the card playing bug from days' past and enjoys the night
out. I can usually find someone to sit and chat about with on local
news or maybe hit on a national topic. The Grand Rapids (GR) anti
cochlear/parental rights trial and rally is HOT right now for a
local and national event. A rarity. You canÕt sit on the fence with
the GR trial...You can read more about this in my "Issues"
link on the Grand Rapids case.
August 8-11 '02. Region III
RID conference "Putting The Pieces Together" Novi, Mich.
This was the first RID Region III Conference in Michigan. A
first for me as well. An opportunity to check out the latest news
in the terp field. After greeting a few familiar faces of the region,
I attended the workshops/tracks that interested me.
The first was the morning session of "YES ! You do have Legal
rights as an Interpreter" presented by Deaf attorney Howard
Rosenblum from Chicago. Howard is Chairperson of the Board of Midwest
Center on Law and the Deaf (MCLD) in Chicago, an agency protecting
the rights of the Deaf/HH in the midwest region. In this session,
Howard covered the state laws and ethics (RID/NAD), interpreter
definitions and confidentiality. He also covered federal laws. The
four titles of the ADA, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)
and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Howard gave various scenarios when an interpreter might be called
to testify in a matter and when confidentiality may be used to circumvent
any such testimony. He also mentioned that in America you can be
sued for anything so the risk of liability is everywhere. Also revealed
was reasonanble accommodations were to be provided if you are a
defendant/plaintiff, member of a jury or spectator to court proceedings.
To my surprise, Howard stated courts do NOT recognize the RID organization
or interpreters stating they they are RID "certified"
as a prerequisite to provide interpreting service for the courts.
What the courts do recognize, however, is effective communication.
ANY person, regardless of interpreter organization affiliation can
provide interpreter service. The Department of Justice definition
is "an interpreter who is able to interpret effectively, accurately,
and impartially both receptively and expressively, using any necessary
specialized vocabulary". No mention of the RID, NAD or other
organization is expressed or implied. He added that before courts
recognize interpreters, there may have to be some type of state/federal
licensure process to credential the profession. To me that sounded
like another 50 years....or more This workshop provided valuable
information you wonÕt get from fellow interpreters or the RID/NAD.
What effect does this have on RID interpreters that have a SC:L
? Stay tuned...
The luncheon after the morning session provided a time for recognition
of interpreters who have contributed in different ways to the profession
from the region, praise for state RID presidents who attended and
for persons responsible for planning and organizing for the conference.
A humorous "tongue in cheek" keynote address was delivered
by Ben Hall, RID president.
I followed this in attending another area of interest, the intermediate
to advanced installment of "Interpreting in Medical Settings"
presented by Marty Barnum and Linda Gill. This was not a setting
for casual interaction / discourse but a lesson of the REAL WORLD
of life and death , the beginning to end, what can happen, expect
the unexpected and as much as a 3 hour glimpse would allow into
this vast complex known as the science of "medicine" It
was wisely pointed out that a very helpful medical book with CD
was helpful to acquaint yourself with to get a basic understanding
of body parts and functions, where these parts are located and lastly
a creative approach to identify in ASL all of the componets of any
body part and / or function. A challenge to any seasoned doctor,
I mean, interpreter. Of course to analyze all body parts and functions
would require nothing less than a Doctor's degree.
Some very lively discussion was encouraged on personal situations
that were experienced or possible scenarios you might expect or
have encountered. How about this one: YouÕre familiar with a patientÕs
condition, have been servicing this individual and the Trachea tube
in the throat comes out and no one is around ? Do you put it back
in yourself or lose precious minutes in calling for hospital staff
to reinsert this lifesaving tube? Family contact of the patient?
Sexual activities during the "window of opportunity" after
a HIV test? Explain a positive and negative to mean that negative
means NO (good) and positive means YES (not good) for medical tests.
This shows how mentally exhaustive and challenging a hospital assignment
can be, as well as being prepared for anything that can arise in
a medical setting.
The next day brought me to check out "The New National Test-What
It Means For You!" presented by Ben Hall, RID President. After
summerizing the "traffic jam" location of where the idea
came about to establish a national test between the NAD and RID,
the head officials embarked on an official collaboration for a national
"certification" test to standardize and coordinate a "whoÕs
who" in the interpreting field. This idea came about amid strained
relationships amongst the two organizations.
Apparently this test maybe a partial answer to melding differences.
Interpreter certification is, and continues to be, an issue that
has far reaching and long lasting implications An update on where
the test is now followed. Cost, testing locations,testing format
(paper or computer) and the crucial componet of what is in the test
was shared. It is projected that the test will NOT have a transliterating
skill certification. Also, Because 60% of RID terps work in the
field of education currently, there would be a section to address
this area where no general educational testing format exists at
the time in either RID or NAD tests .
Current RID and NAD terps who hold certification will be "grandfathered"
in.
Funding is delaying the completetion of the national test. A start
up grant was initiated by the Arizona Commision for Deaf / HH along
with another agency, but current state budget constraints have halted
further funding. It appears that "pass the hat" is an
approach that may have to be taken to complete the test.
With current developments, the thought of mutual RID/NAD funding
seems to be a "long shot". (See
my "Issues" page on National
Certification) It was noted that this test would alleviate
the confusing "alphabet soup" (as Ben said) of letters
after an interpreters name regarding areas of skill. It was not
clear at what stage of completion the test is in, or a time frame
for its completion as funding continues to plague the process.
This test, when completed, would impact not only the interpreter
profession but also Deaf community in providing a more uniform expectation
to an interpreters level of general skill and perhaps to ensure
quality interpreter service. To that end....bring it on.
I closed the evening with "Video Interpreting Service-The Next
Wave of Communication Access" presented by Jimmy Beldon who
is Assistant Vice President of Community Interpreting at Community
Service for the Deaf (CSD) If you consider how text pagers pushed
communication to a new level for the Deaf, this could be next.
The marvels of technology have introduced us to Video Relay Service
(VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). The new concept of VRS
appears to be replacing TTY relay calls. VRI in replacing live interpreters.
Jimmy explained the difference, operation and access in these new
areas of service for the Deaf community. During questions fielded
from the audience, skepticism was apparent with the VRI service.
Concerns of VRI replacing live interpreters was an uneasy idea to
adjust to. With the existence of the VRI service, will live interpreting
be a thing of the past? Jimmy assured everyone that the VRI system
is not out to displace interpreters but that the need is so great
that it is intended to compliment live interpreter service. A win-win
for all involved.
With the recent advances in video technology ,i.e. Web cams, powerful
computers and high speed internet (DSL), changes are well underway.
How they affect the Deaf community, interpreters and the general
population remain to be seen. As we all know, technology pushes
buttons so fast that when youÕre finished reading whats been written
here, much of it will be obsolete. The good part of technology is
it does not discriminate and can be quite beneficial if used properly.
This conference was a good learning experience and thanks go out
to MIRID for hosting the conference and the presenters who shared
their experiences for all.
8/6 Michigan Department of Civil Rights hearing Grand Rapids,
MI
This case delved into the Title III of the ADA of providing reasonable
accommodations. In this situation, a Deaf woman requested ASL interpreter(s)
for a sky-diving jump from an sky-diving business. This case resulted
after doing a series of jumps previously with "volunteer"
interpreters. In the case request, the business denied her request
based on the costs of the interpreter(s). The arguments presented
were when does a business need to provide (PAY...) ASL interpreters.
Also addressed and remained to be resolved was if the cost of interpreter(s)
are a burden and how it affects a Business' overall operation. The
proprieter of a Sky Diving business felt that the cost of a skydive
jump was not enough to cover the costs of the interpreter(s). One
previous request involved a group jump of over 12 Deaf jumpers.
A "volunteer" interpreter provided service for the Deaf
for that jump. It was disclosed the proprieter still refused to
provide interpreters even though it was later revealed his business
grossed over $175,000 that year of operation with a skeleton staff
that included a secretary and part-time employees.The financial
records showed the business in the black. I'm unaware of the outcome
but this was a good legal illustration of how some business' view
the ADA, Deaf and interpreters.
12/31/02 DEAF
WAY II Washington D.C.
What BIG DEAF event is worth waiting for after 13 years ??? Deaf
Way II .
July 5-6 2002 wedding
Kalamazoo
Weddings are always a special moment in oneÕs lives and families.
The occasions are well planned and finess'ed to down to the colors
of the flowers on the tables. I was honored to do a friends sisters'
wedding complete with Scottish Kilts. Not for me, but for the brides
family.
(Jan-June
'02)
June 22-23,2002 NAD
interpreter test Peoria, IL
June 5 - Pig Roast -Michigan
School f/t Deaf- Flint, MI
June 1- RID interpreter written
test & computer term workshop presented by Jay (Indiana School f/t
Deaf) Bethel College Mishawaka,In
May 19 Detroit Tigers vs
Texas baseball game- Detroit, MI (DAD-secy lady)
May 4 - Euchre tournament-
Coloma, MI
April 23- Quota Club luncheon-
Dr. Stewart(MSU) - Kzoo cntry club-
April 19- "Singing Hands"-Goofy
Greats-MSD Cindy Blackman & Florida Parks-Wickliff Flint, MI
March 30 WMAD
Bowling tournament- Kalamazoo, MI
March 23 "World
of Whys"-Deaf Baliwick theater Chicago,IL
March 6 Chicago
Hearing Society- Chicago, IL Appraisal
March1-2 Festival of Cinema
for the Deaf (CIMI) Chicago,IL
February 23 WMAD
Euchre tournament Mattawan,MI
Here in Michigan, an event that draws the Deaf community to a night
out is CARDS. Right now its Euchre. My folks played a lot of "500"
in days past. Takes me back when I was a kid gettin' lost looking
for my parents in a crowded hall filled with the Deaf playin' cards.
It seemed like thousands of Deaf from all over. Back then I couldn't
see above the table, a bunch of table and human legs and later it
didn't matter. Being older, I stopped at tables of people who knew
me from tearing about as a youngster. Looking back, all us kids
(CODA and Deaf) had the time of our life. You could scream your
lungs out without being told to "BE QUIET". WeÕd run up
and down the stairs like no tomorrow. It was the safest place to
be. If anything bad happened, and rarely did, so many people would
take care of the situation. They were the eyes and we were the ears.
All was GREAT. Back then, I slept like a rock in the back seat going
home...
Feb 16 Valentines Dance Grand
Rapids, MI Ddodge
February 8th Duppies Nite
& Deaf Baliwick fundraiser @ Grizzly Lodge- Chicago,IL
January 25, 2002 Central
States Schools f/t Deaf Basketball tournament- MSD- Flint, MI Kovatch/Ind
2001
Dec 31 WMAD
New Years Eve party Oshtemo, MI
Dec 9 WMAD
members for New Years eve plan Texas Corners,MI
Dec 8 Michigan Deaf Association
Chritmas Dinner Kalamazoo,MI
Nov 17 WMAD
T-Giving Dinner Mattawan,MI
Nov 3 Central States Bowling
Association for the Deaf Addison/Schaumberg,IL
Oct 5 "Oedipus
Who..." Deaf Baliwick Chicago,IL
Sep 29 Michigan Deaf Association conference
Troy, MI|
June 5 Central
Athletic Association for the Deaf softball Highland, IN
Aug 3 WMAD
softball Portage, MI
July 28 WMAD
Summer social Schoolcraft,MI
July 21 Deaf,
Etc. Agency Picnic Grand Rapids, MI
July 5 Mid-Hudson
Interpreter Service Poughkeepsie, NY
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