Originally Posted by deafbajagal

I've contacted politicans many times over issues at my deaf school. For example, when I was a student I moved to a deaf school and learned that there were no air conditioners in the dorms - all of the dorms were like hot ovens. I couldn't believe that the state did not provide AC for the kids! So I talked with my mother...and we started making calls (my mom interpreted for me since I wasn't sure how to use a TTY at that time) to every state rep (including on the local levels) and senators. I learned how to draw up a petition (since I wasn't a taxpayer, my mother had to officially do it but I did the work) and then we collected thouands of signatures. And then I personally handed the petition to the governor of that state (although he normally doesn't handle petitions, but I didn't care and I knew that would make a big difference). The reps (especially the local ones that have deaf students from their towns) were outraged and shocked. The governor had no idea that we didn't have ACs in the dorms. He told me it might take a while because they will have to find the money. My request? While they are looking for the budget - to turn off ALL ACs at the school, including the administrators and offices. They did! Result? The administrators suddenly became motivated to push for the money to come in. They were "hot!" (literally hot and mad hot). The deaf school now has ACs . And I became personal good friends with that governor and many state reps and senators.