Saturday, June 30, 2012

NAD Secy Candidate K. Poston Answers AFA Qs

  Audism Free America (AFA) contacted the NAD board candidates with questions - see this link
http://audismfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/afas-question-to-nad-pres-vp-and-sect.html
Kirsten Poston's answers are below.

AFA thanks Ms. Poston for her prompt and thorough responses.

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Please share how you envision AFA and NAD working together in the future
My vision of the Audism Free America and NAD working together in the near future are
as follows:
•    Maximize the use of Social Media to capture a wide audience (host venue
available for inquiries, ideas, concerns, or complaints)
•    Improve Referral service- share information and resources
•    Propose expending the network of deaf media bloggers, reporters, and
columnists at Capitol Hill and across America to increase awareness
•    Propose that AFA and NAD will partner together with others in our community to
address common issues through an memorandum of understanding MOU
•    Set up time for NAD and AFA to collaborate on the mission, respectively

Please give us 3 examples of how you have worked to end Audism in America
•    Established interpreter program
•    Educated government leaders on how to make deaf-friendly environment
•    Implemented strategies to break down communication barriers
•    Facilitated employment meditation/lawsuits
•    Wrote policies that removed barriers to communications for the deaf
•    Member of several organizations (DHHIG, NAD, MDAD, FEDs, NBDA)
•    Part of increasing hiring for disabilities for Federal government workforce

Please identify specifically how can you lead in a way that NAD will improve its
image in taking a strong stand in upholding the rights of Deaf citizens to ASL in
the face of mounting oral only forces
•    Host Venue through Social Media as part of Board of Director’s decision-making
• VLOG
•    Educate empowerment with resources
•    Conference topics focused on strategies for overcoming communication barriers
•    Youth training for future
•    Network with professional colleagues both inside and outside NAD doing the
work to build the bridges in our community

Please explain how the NAD election process can be changed to include direct
voting by its membership
I cannot answer this question because this is something that would have to be
decided by the NAD Delegates. They have to be willing to want to change the
system. Its not a decision that anyone can make individually.

NAD Pres. Candidate C. Wagner Answers AFA Qs

 Audism Free America (AFA) contacted the NAD board candidates with questions - see this link
http://audismfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/afas-question-to-nad-pres-vp-and-sect.html
Chris Wagner's answers are below.

AFA thanks Mr. Wagner for his prompt and thorough responses.

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Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to AFA's questions.  Below are my responses.

Regards,

Chris Wagner

1.     Please give us 3 examples of how you have worked to end audism in America

I worked with NAD Board members to request that dictionary companies include audism among their dictionary words, both online and offline (hard copy). The letter that was sent out can be found on the NAD website. We are making progress, and ending audism requires a community effort, by everyone. I have also worked to combat audism in its various forms through individual and collective efforts – through training and presentation efforts, through contacts with advocates and leaders, and through my work with organizations. As President, I am committed to continuing these efforts, by working with the board, headquarters staff, volunteers, members, as well as organizations like AFA and others having the same goals of ending audism and audistic practices.

2. Please identify specifically how can you lead in a way that NAD will improve its image in taking a strong stand in upholding the rights of Deaf citizens to ASL in the face of mounting oral only forces

The NAD, since 1880, has cherished ASL and remains committed to preserving ASL as our linguistic right. In 2008, the NAD Board reaffirmed that acquisition and usage of ASL as a language from birth is a human right – and that deaf and hard of hearing infants should be given the opportunity to acquire and develop proficiency in ASL as early as possible.

As President, I both cherish ASL and want to see it continue to be championed as our language as well as preserved. I am committed to investing needed resources to increase awareness and education about the importance of ASL in our Deaf community as well as within society at large.  Nothing should diminish the focus of NAD on ASL as a core value – ASL is the heart of our community, tied to representation of our own interests and needs in our own natural language.  We must find ways to promote ASL acquisition and usage across the nation – this includes working closely with ASLTA, AFA and others– so that we can see more widespread acceptance of and respect for ASL as the language of the American Deaf community.

3. Please share how you envision AFA and NAD working together in the future

As President, I want to see the NAD strengthen its collaboration with organizations, including AFA to expand awareness and education to eliminate audism and promote ASL as our civil, human and linguistic right. This includes our efforts to see U.S. Senate ratify the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), in line with other countries across the globe

4. Please explain how the NAD election process can be changes to include direct voting by its membership

I envision that members and interested persons would work closely with their organizations to push for a major reform of NAD’s governance structure, by changing the NAD Bylaws. This way we can come up with a more participatory system where all members – individuals, State Associations, Affiliate Organizations, and other groups can be more involved in and vote as part of the priority-setting process at every biennial NAD conference, including positions on the NAD Board of Directors and its committees.

NAD Secy Candidate Sean Gerlis Answers AFA Qs

 Audism Free America (AFA) contacted the NAD board candidates with questions - see this link
http://audismfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/afas-question-to-nad-pres-vp-and-sect.html
Sean Gerlis's answers are below.

AFA thanks Mr. Gerlis for his prompt and thorough responses.



http://youtu.be/rM7w7gQLuZs

Thursday, June 28, 2012

NAD Pres. Candidate S.A. Farinha Answers AFA Qs


Audism Free America (AFA) contacted the NAD board candidates with questions - see this link
http://audismfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/afas-question-to-nad-pres-vp-and-sect.html

Sheri Ann Farinha's answers are below.

AFA thanks Ms. Farinha for her prompt and thorough responses.

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June 27, 2012

Dear Audism Free America:
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your four questions.  In my humble opinion, those questions should be the prerequisite of any candidate applying for office of the National Association of the Deaf.  Although the majority of the work is may be done by the NAD Headquarters staff, the President and board also advocate to ensure that certain goals are met, and serve as living examples of the NAD’s mission.
1.Please give us 3 examples of how you have worked to end audism in America.
Only 3 examples? Smile.
I have always been an activist and supporter of social justice for all.  I moderated the first workshop on racism that also included discussion on audism at the 48th NAD Conference in Palm Springs in 2006.  Since that time, I have conducted numerous workshops, trainings and online group discussions on diversity issues discussing racism and audism (for example in Sacramento with NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Deaf People of Color Conference in Oregon).  
The AB2072 bill in California last year was a prime example of audism!  When we led the effort to defeat AB2072, we included Deaf representatives and allies from diverse organizations. As a result, our legislators heard from quite a number of Deaf people.  Our mantra was the term that is being used for the 2012 NAD Conference…”nothing about us without us.” It became our rallying cry throughout the halls of California legislature. We showed legislators that we are a people to be reckoned with. We succeeded in somewhat hijacking and modifying the bill with our amendments.  When the Senators voted on AB2072, some commented on the Floor that, “I learned so much from Deaf people. The next time we have a bill about Deaf people, we should talk with them.” That was unprecedented. AB2072 was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger using a rationale which incorporated our talking points. 
Now we have a new advocacy coalition, “Stakeholders for ASL & English (CAL-SAE)”, which I co-chair. We write letters protesting any misinformation about ASL and Deaf people. Check out: www.yestoasl.com.  CAL-SAE has set up a Media WatchDog to alert our community when there are inflammatory misinformation about Deaf people and ASL. Word goes out to communities throughout the State of California to send letters. I use social media to ask those outside the State to also do likewise.  Last year we met to discuss our legislative priorities, and one of the top ones was to combat EHDI and to advocate for legislation requiring bilingual language acquisition benchmarks during early identification and intervention programs.  
When we were pushing for the word -- audism -- to be defined in the dictionary, I was among those who sent in letters.  
2. Please identify specifically how can you lead in a way that NAD will improve its image in taking a strong stand in upholding the rights of Deaf citizens to ASL in the face of mounting oral only forces.
First of all, I believe, “Together, We Can, and We Will.” My colleagues in California will tell you that I make things happen. The oral-only force is rearing its ugly head everywhere now. Now, what would I do to help the NAD to take a stronger stand? 
I would begin with lobbying the federal offices on education and legislators for substantial changes to the federal structure of EHDI (Early Hearing Detection & Intervention). With proper framing, we should be able to convince the higher-ups to move EHDI to Department of Education under OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs) instead of the Center of Disease Control. We have dismal educational outcomes for our Deaf students because they either lack or have impoverished language skills. For us to fix “Deaf education,” we MUST get to the root of the issue. The issue is the language acquisition that often gets delayed in families with Deaf children.
We all talk about the irony of how ASL is good for hearing babies, but ASL is withheld from Deaf babies and their families. I propose we take ACTION by proposing either legislative or judicial action or both!
Now, we should also have a concurrent strategy tackling policy adjustments to IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Some of the adjustments should include inserting language benchmarks and appropriate language and development outcomes for both IFSPs and IEPs. Currently, when a family wants to receive ASL services, they have to fight tooth and nail. It is incredulous that Deaf students may not get tested for language development till they are in second grade.  We know it is then too late! 
Finally, we need to lobby to get Congress to pass the United Nations Convention on Human Rights for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which supports linguistic human rights, i.e. natural sign language for Deaf people and professionals who are proficient in our language. 
With these legislative mandates in place, it would be easier to convince the medical and service fields as well as families that it is OK to be Deaf!  
I believe that we should collaborate with other organizations to gather educational tools and data supporting our position on bilingual education, the importance of early language acquisition, and positive self-images.  We must have a healthy discourse and an on-going dialogue about the dismal results of oral-only “options.”
We need to show them the benefits of ASL and English bilingualism. The more we emphasize the bilingual approach, the “oral-only” method of communication will become less attractive.   The more we insist on supporting LANGUAGES: ASL and English, the more educated the public will be about the derogatory phrase of “communication options.” Supporting bilingualism -- ASL and English -- we can show it is indeed a win-win situation for the Deaf child and the parents. 
Much more education and training regarding audism is needed. Enlightened people can become allies to eradicate audism and all “isms” This should be the ultimate goal. When we share the same resources, we become all powerful together.
We must become more visible showing the benefits of ASL in newspapers, magazine articles, TV commercials, etc.  Where is the PR showing our side of the story against all those PR blitz about spoken language tools like Cochlear Implants in children.  We need our own PR blitz showing Deaf children using ASL and especially the advantages of ASL for ease in communications and educational achievement.  We should do a better job of celebrating ASL, Deaf Culture and Community. 
One of my goals as President is to see a Political Action Committee (PAC) formed for legislative advocacy and PR blitzes to achieve our commitment to “protect, promote, and preserve our linguistic and human rights.”
“Yes we can, and we will!
3. Please share how you envision AFA and NAD working together in the future.
Both organizations have similar goals to protect and preserve our linguistic rights.  NAD has participated in rallies hosted by AFA. I believe AFA has supported NAD in many of its goals as well.  When AFA and NAD may differ perhaps, is in tactics used to call for attention on some of the important issues, we need to keep our channels of communications open and our primary mutual goals in clear sight.  
Many people continue to misunderstand “audism.” We need an intensive campaign to educate both the Deaf and hearing masses the injustice of audism.  I am open to new ideas!
More importantly, when key issues surface that are blatant examples of audism, and/or any of the “isms,” I hope to see NAD and AFA jointly file complaints, and ask other organizations to join, too.
I think it is really important to mention that we are now at a point in our lives where there are other parts about us that may also be dealing with oppression and discrimination. More than ever, our community recognizes Deaf plus being a woman, or Deaf plus being Black, or Deaf plus being gay, or Deaf plus being something.  It is no longer just “Deaf.” It is now Deaf plus other human characteristics.  We are Deaf/Deaf-blind/Deaf-autistic/Deaf/multi-disabilities who are also women, black, Latina, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and so forth – in short, we are a cross section of all humanity.    Deaf people have been marginalized and discriminated against since the beginning of time, and while the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities,  section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other laws have done much to pave the way to improve our access and a mechanism to file complaints when discrimination happens, there still remain prejudices and attitudinal barriers that we need to see removed. 
The whole point about this issue is to raise awareness and open up a dialogue to help us all come to a better understanding of why DIVERSITY is an important word in our vocabulary, and why the different parts of our Deaf Community feel strongly about the other “side” of their lives which may be dealing with oppression.  NAD and AFA can collaborate on greater awareness, empathy, educational materials, media and action to foster healthy and constructive self-perceptions. 
4. Please explain how the NAD election process can be changes to include direct voting by its membership.To change the voting process requires a new motion to change the bylaws at the conference.  Due to the fact that the deadline has passed to submit changes to the bylaws last May, it means that any motions from the floor passed at this upcoming conference, will be in effect the following two years.
I support new ideas seeking to redo the election process to be more transparent and open to allow all members to vote. It is definitely an incentive to become a member and thus to have a voice in the process. 
It will be important to first examine the feasibility, and determine how this can work.  The new board can and should work with NAD Headquarters on this goal. My campaign has sparked a huge wave of positive interest in Deaf Democracy, and I hope to see more people engage in discussions on how to make the elections a participatory process while also having delegates at the NAD conference.  
AFA’s quote: “Let Freedom Roll” ~ absolutely. Freedom starts with us. We must be the individuals we wish to see within the organization we love and are duty-bound to protect forever.
Thanks for all YOU are doing to make this world a better place for Deaf people everywhere.  Again, thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts.  Feel free to contact me again if you have more questions. 

My best,
~Sheri
Sheri A. Farinha
Candidate for President 2012
National Association of the Deaf
Twitter: @NADVOTESheri

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

NAD Region 1 Candidate A. Sonnenstrahl Answers AFA Qs

Audism Free America (AFA) contacted the NAD board candidates with questions - see this link
http://audismfreeamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/afas-question-to-nad-pres-vp-and-sect.html

Alfred Sonnenstrahl's answers are below.

AFA thanks Mr. Sonnenstrahl for his prompt and thorough responses.

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Sent as PDF on June 27, 2012 from  Alfred Sonnenstrahl - Region One Representative candidate for NAD Board


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Sunday, June 24, 2012

AFA's question to NAD Pres, VP, and Sect Candidates

Audism Free America (AFA) has sent the candidates running for various positions for the National Association of the Deaf  (NAD) board the following email.  When we receive replies, we will share them here.  Delegates will be voting on July 6th, 2012 during the NAD convention in Louisville, Kentucky.  To learn more about the candidates and find links to their campaign website, twitter, etc go to: http://www.nad.org/louisville/official-candidates-questions-and-answers

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Greetings Candidates for the NAD President, Vice President, Secretary, and Regional Rep. Positions:

Audism Free America (AFA) is a grassroots network of Deaf activists in the US, which advocates for Deaf American rights, cultural resurgence, and seeks primarily to challenge the ideological foundations of audism in America.

We would like to know your answers to each of the questions below so that we can share it with the greater public and can be aware of your position and stand on audism in the US of A.  We thank you in advance for your time and attention to these questions. 

Four questions for each of the NAD Board candidates:


1. Please give us 3 examples of how you have worked to end audism in America

2. Please identify specifically how can you lead in a way that NAD will improve its image in taking a strong stand in upholding the rights of Deaf citizens to ASL in the face of mounting oral only forces


3. Please share how you envision AFA and NAD working together in the future

4. Please explain how the NAD election process can be changesd to include direct voting by its membership

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 

Let Freedom Roll,

Ruthie Jordan, Patti Durr, and Karen Christie on behalf of AFA