I am very active in OWS in NYC, and would like to know what can OWS do to be more accommodating of the Deaf Community.
For a Starter, having a designated place for Deaf members to sit, and have an interpreter sign for them what the Mic Checks are saying would certainly be helpful. Having Deaf awareness, for example in usage of language (we hear the phrases like "Obama was tone deaf to their needs" which is insensitive to Deaf Community).
When I was in jail, and I told some strangers that I was Deaf, they asked me what my name was, and then did a Mic Check, to tell all 120 people in the cell who I am, and that if the police called me, they should notify me and assist me in communicating with the police. They care and are supportive, but most likely not aware of what the Deaf community is concerned about and needs.
I have a cochlear implant, but my battery died and I wasn't allowed access to my confiscated property. I was in Jail for 15 hours.
I recognize in many respects that I am not a "true member" of the Deaf community, but I certainly would like to help out and understand what OWS can do to be more inclusive.
For a Starter, having a designated place for Deaf members to sit, and have an interpreter sign for them what the Mic Checks are saying would certainly be helpful. Having Deaf awareness, for example in usage of language (we hear the phrases like "Obama was tone deaf to their needs" which is insensitive to Deaf Community).
When I was in jail, and I told some strangers that I was Deaf, they asked me what my name was, and then did a Mic Check, to tell all 120 people in the cell who I am, and that if the police called me, they should notify me and assist me in communicating with the police. They care and are supportive, but most likely not aware of what the Deaf community is concerned about and needs.
I have a cochlear implant, but my battery died and I wasn't allowed access to my confiscated property. I was in Jail for 15 hours.
I recognize in many respects that I am not a "true member" of the Deaf community, but I certainly would like to help out and understand what OWS can do to be more inclusive.