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.
People around the world are seeing a new generation of Deaf people achieve what is achievable, there are endless online platitudes splashed across social media, recognizing amazing Deaf people who are performers, writers, business owners, and more.
It has long been taboo to talk about the possibilities of and by Deaf people, some of that do linger today.
It’s world hearing day.
Have you ever seen Squid Game? Do you remember the dalgona cookie challenge? How each player had to patiently and methodically lick or prick their way against the countdown before they were eliminated for good? Can you imagine being trapped in a life-threatening situation forced to play a game that may determine whether they survive?
Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients often end up in situations like these, where they are trapped by necessity and circumstance. They show up to the emergency room or to their doctor’s office and are not provided the communication access they need so they can discuss their needs or decisions, often leading to miscommunication, misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
In the last few years we have learned so much of what has happened and is happening in our country. How it affects people livelihoods. We learn about Every Child Matters, Black Lives Matter. Gay Pride and more. We learn to do better not to repeat history and educate to end hatred, I hope.
A friend wrote me discussing the latest concern, “People really need to realize it is difficult to find a cis-gendered, heterosexual abled white male in our national history who isn’t problematic. Stop honoring them! They have been honoured! Focus on the people who have been erased or ignored!”
This is regarding the Royal Canadian Mint honouring Alexander Graham Bell not doing their homework. The researchers at the mint have an obligation to dig deeper and be curious about the people they clear for this honour. Google his name and controversy before declaring his worth.
Did you watch The Amazing Race Canada Tuesday evening???
Did you see biggest secret I kept since April, the race occurred at my old alumni Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (SJW) in Belleville, Ontario. The show used my ASL alphabet chart!!! I am so honoured to have my illustrations with my logo displayed on the amazing show.
has happened in one weekend that stirred me to write a blog. I have been processing all morning of what has happened in the last few days.
Hi. I’m Leah Riddell, artist of the card you just scanned from. I’m honoured and thrilled to be chosen to design for the Parks Accessibility Conference to teach you sign language. Their slogan is “Make Canada’s National Parks Accessible”. I completely agree! We CAN make this happen. A first step to inclusive communication when encountering visitors in the parks is understanding and communicating using some signs! Are you ready to learn?
Metro in Kingston, I have to praise one of the staff. Last night I lined up to pay for my groceries, the cashier cleaned the surface before I put my groceries down. I proceed to where I pay with my debit. I signed “1 BAG”, it’s universally obvious. She stocked my items in the bag,
The International Week of Deaf People has been celebrated during the last full week of September, Sept 20-26, 2021. Last week, we came together to recognize that deaf people have our own communities, our own cultures, our own languages, sign languages, which unite us all. This year’s theme for the International Week of Deaf People
It’s that time of the year to sign up for ASL classes with Leah, classes starts next week! ASL 1 Tuesdays at 7pmASL 2 Thursdays at 7pmASL 3 Tuesdays at 11amASL 4 Wednesdays at 11am Sign up here
