Advocate

Back to School: Fostering Inclusive Communication and Deaf Awareness

As the summer season draws to a close, the anticipation of a new school year fills the air. While the back-to-school checklist typically revolves around backpacks, notebooks, and pencils, it’s equally crucial to consider the diverse communication needs of students and raise awareness about deafness within our school communities. Every child deserves an education that …

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Open Captions: Making Movies Inclusive

Last week, I posted a message accompanied by a video, asking a seemingly simple yet crucial question: \”Where and when are open captions available at the movies?\” This inquiry shed light on a relatively rare and often overlooked aspect of the movie-going experience, and it\’s high time we addressed it. Open captions, or lack thereof, have a significant impact on the inclusivity of cinemas, and the emergence of cup holder caption devices poses an intriguing dilemma that deserves our attention.

Exclusionary Practices at Conferences: A Call for Full Access and Authentic Inclusion

This disparity in access perpetuates an exclusionary environment, where minority individuals, including those who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and disabled, are tokenized, left to feel like an afterthought rather than equal participants. As an advocate for inclusivity, I firmly believe that conferences should strive to provide comprehensive support, breaking down barriers to participation for everyone.

Artistic Ice Cream Social with S5WAVES and Community Support

Last Saturday, S5WAVES – a local Kingston grassroots organization I founded reached a new milestone as we hosted our highly anticipated third Awesome Ice Cream Social. This year\’s event was not only a delightful gathering but also an artistic showcase and a heartwarming display of community support. From the talents of four artists displaying their artwork to the captivating performances of two Kingston Circus Art performers and two Deaf storytellers, the Ice Cream Social became a resounding success that left us captivated and filled with gratitude.

Meat and Bread

I want to talk about after the conference when my husband and I explored Vancouver downtown. We decided to have lunch, discovered a unique simple business name display and was intrigued by their menu. Meat & Bread on Robson street. We were looking forward to a sandwich which sold out with the people before us. A nice man named Colin appeared and started signing to the best of his ability. Explaining what was available.

Translating Music in Sign Language

Have you been following all the news on Justina Miles? Everyone is stunned by her performance as I am to Rihanna\’s songs. The first Black female SuperBowl halftime ASL performer did amazing and garnered lots of media attention that she deserves.

Like all languages, American Sign Language (ASL) is a means of communication but also a means of art expression. Music is inclusive and it is meant for everyone to enjoy. Yes, we do enjoy music! There is absolutely no reason to deprive Deaf people from experiencing a good time. We are always pushing for access. Three different roles play this out to give us, the Deaf community, an experience.

Read more about the differences of ASL interpreter, ASL performer and ASL artists.

2022 Message

Hello, I am wrapping up the year 2022 this week for a much needed two week tech free holiday to spend time with cherished family and friends.

Funny how it seemed only yesterday that I retreated to reflect on the year 2021. I treasure this time of the year because it gives me a rare opportunity to conduct an inventory of my motivations and values; my relationship with my family, friends, and colleagues; and, my work. But, it is also a time to assess my learning curve and to identify areas of improvement. I cherish the moment because it is the time of the year when I get to compose my year-end review of the year, not just a catalogue of the chronology of my activities, but also my heart and my business soul.

Access at the theatre

You never know what’s going to happen until you ask.
Few weeks back I wanted to treat my husband to a comedy for his birthday and saw that the Kingston Grand Theatre was having a show that looked intriguing. One problem, I wanted to be able to enjoy the show too! I emailed the theatre to ask if interpreters can be provided knowing how short notice it was.

Tinnitus are Normal but Annoying

Tinnitus… This annoying noise or ringing in our ears is a widespread condition people live with.

Provincial Discrimination

Sharing why Ontario government should not close the provincial and demonstration schools.