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Democrat & Chronicle: Local News
A job coach at Rochester School for the Deaf and a former contestant on Survivor: The Amazon are about to embark on a yearlong trip around the world to meet and document the stories of deaf people in eight countries.
David Justice and Christy Smith leave Rochester Oct. 17 for a fundraising event near Smith's former home in Denver, before heading to New Zealand on Oct. 23. Justice is hearing and trained as a sign language interpreter; Smith is deaf.
Other planned stops on their itinerary are in Australia, Japan, China (if they can get their visas), Thailand, Nepal, India and Kenya.
"Originally we had a list of about 25 countries," said Justice, who grew up in Parma. "Our goal is to spend time in each country, not to make it a shotgun trip. We have to develop relationships."
Their project, Discovering Deaf Worlds, was created last year. More than $26,000 of their $60,000 goal has been raised from friends and family to cover their travel, lodging, food, equipment and interpreting costs.
"We figure right now, we have enough to travel four to five months," Justice said. "We're hoping more support will come in that time."
Justice and Smith met in 2004, a year after Smith appeared on Survivor. Both worked in Colorado at the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf.
"We realized we have the same goals and dreams and we wanted to give it a shot," Smith said. "Here we are, a year and a half later."
Smith said she feels fortunate living in the United States, where the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed to create better access for the disabled. While problems with oppression still exist, Smith said, "we have a good life here overall. I want to find how other deaf people around the world grow and function."
She's heard horror stories, of deaf people in some countries not being able to get an education and not being allowed to drive.
"We're probably going to find those stories," Smith said. "But I'm trying to make it a positive, empowerment opportunity. I have to step out of my American perspective. I don't want to go in there and say this is how you should do things."
Justice said he's eager to see how deaf people in other countries use technology.
"In Japan, they have videophone technology on cell phones," he said.
The couple plans to post their experiences on their Web site and with a monthly newsletter.
Through the Web link, they've already heard from people suggesting they meet with numerous people in the countries they're visiting.
"I'm amazed at all the connections already," Justice said. He said one woman wrote to say her deaf sister in Bhutan was never able to get an education because there's not even a form of sign language used there.
"Our big overall goal is connection," he said. "The world is becoming a smaller place."
A main sponsor is Justice's grandfather, Ralph P. DiStefano Sr.
Rowe Photographic Video & Audio is helping sponsor their trip by donating equipment.
"David came to us looking for a camcorder," said John Jones, a manager at their Greece store, where a kickoff reception for their trip is planned for today.
"He started to explain what they were attempting to do. They were enthusiastic. Things came together, and it seemed like something worthy of our support."
After their trip, Justice and Smith plan to compile a high-definition DVD in hopes of touring schools in the United States to show students other cultures.
But that's just one plan.
"Neither of us know where we will end up," Justice said.
"I'm open to anything," Smith said. "This is definitely the start of whatever can come of it."
A job coach at Rochester School for the Deaf and a former contestant on Survivor: The Amazon are about to embark on a yearlong trip around the world to meet and document the stories of deaf people in eight countries.
David Justice and Christy Smith leave Rochester Oct. 17 for a fundraising event near Smith's former home in Denver, before heading to New Zealand on Oct. 23. Justice is hearing and trained as a sign language interpreter; Smith is deaf.
Other planned stops on their itinerary are in Australia, Japan, China (if they can get their visas), Thailand, Nepal, India and Kenya.
"Originally we had a list of about 25 countries," said Justice, who grew up in Parma. "Our goal is to spend time in each country, not to make it a shotgun trip. We have to develop relationships."
Their project, Discovering Deaf Worlds, was created last year. More than $26,000 of their $60,000 goal has been raised from friends and family to cover their travel, lodging, food, equipment and interpreting costs.
"We figure right now, we have enough to travel four to five months," Justice said. "We're hoping more support will come in that time."
Justice and Smith met in 2004, a year after Smith appeared on Survivor. Both worked in Colorado at the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf.
"We realized we have the same goals and dreams and we wanted to give it a shot," Smith said. "Here we are, a year and a half later."
Smith said she feels fortunate living in the United States, where the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed to create better access for the disabled. While problems with oppression still exist, Smith said, "we have a good life here overall. I want to find how other deaf people around the world grow and function."
She's heard horror stories, of deaf people in some countries not being able to get an education and not being allowed to drive.
"We're probably going to find those stories," Smith said. "But I'm trying to make it a positive, empowerment opportunity. I have to step out of my American perspective. I don't want to go in there and say this is how you should do things."
Justice said he's eager to see how deaf people in other countries use technology.
"In Japan, they have videophone technology on cell phones," he said.
The couple plans to post their experiences on their Web site and with a monthly newsletter.
Through the Web link, they've already heard from people suggesting they meet with numerous people in the countries they're visiting.
"I'm amazed at all the connections already," Justice said. He said one woman wrote to say her deaf sister in Bhutan was never able to get an education because there's not even a form of sign language used there.
"Our big overall goal is connection," he said. "The world is becoming a smaller place."
A main sponsor is Justice's grandfather, Ralph P. DiStefano Sr.
Rowe Photographic Video & Audio is helping sponsor their trip by donating equipment.
"David came to us looking for a camcorder," said John Jones, a manager at their Greece store, where a kickoff reception for their trip is planned for today.
"He started to explain what they were attempting to do. They were enthusiastic. Things came together, and it seemed like something worthy of our support."
After their trip, Justice and Smith plan to compile a high-definition DVD in hopes of touring schools in the United States to show students other cultures.
But that's just one plan.
"Neither of us know where we will end up," Justice said.
"I'm open to anything," Smith said. "This is definitely the start of whatever can come of it."