Ripples of American Sign Language

Hello friends - sorry I have been away for so long. I have been busy studying Deaf History and Music at school, parenting teenagers, and tutoring ASL in the evenings. I know I should post more, but I often cannot think of anyting worthwhile to say...

So last Friday evening, I attended an open panel discussion for Cal-Ed (California Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) as part of their weekend long conference in San Ramon. Here is the blurb from my ASL Meetup Site:

Friday, March 7, 2008
8:30-10:00 PM- panel, "Deaf Education through the Deaf Community's Eyes"

Immediately following the CAL-ED conference's Friday night reception, there will be a "Deaf Education through the Deaf Community's Eyes" panel from 8:30 to 10:00 PM. This panel is OPEN to everybody, and does not require a CAL-ED conference registration. We encourage everybody to attend and participate in an ASL-English interpreted state-wide discussion on Deaf Education in California. The panel will be held at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA.

Famous and well-known people will be there including:

Moderator: Dr. Larry Fleischer, CSUN professor & Gallaudet University Board

Chriz Dally, leader

Sheri Farinha Mutti, CEO, NorCal

Dr. Maribel Garate, Gallaudet University professor

Mal Grossinger, Superintendent, CSD-Riverside

Dr. Don Grushkin, CSU Sacramento professor

Tara Holcomb, community leader & Deaf mother of a Deaf child

Tami Hossler, hearing mother of a successful Deaf daughter

Dr. Hank Klopping, Superintendent, CSD-Fremont

Ella Mae Lentz, community leader & author

Liann Osborne, DCARA Board member

It was like a "who's who" in the Deaf Community night. I think I got to visit with every former teacher and their spouse. I also had the opportunity to listen to many of the community members that I know by name, or know by reading their vlogs.

The passion and energy in the room was wonderful. There are so many people who genuinely care about the future of our deaf children - great things have to happen with this type of momentum.

After the panel discussion, many of us went over to play pool and continue visiting at a local pool hall. That was an eye opening experience which I will write about later since I am late for a meeting...