National Association of the Deaf

Submitted by Tayler Mayer on Thu, 07/08/2010 - 19:13 Blog:

• NAD Conference

Deaf Bilingual Coalition (DBC) feels that the term “intervention” is negative and implies that a “problem” is identified which needs to be fixed. Various minority organizations are led by the people themselves; for example, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) are led by black people only. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI), which NAD supported the passage into law, does not have any Deaf stakeholders, or members representing Deaf people in the group. EHDI is funded under the Center for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While several Deaf-centered presenters were turned down at the recent EHDI conference in Chicago, John Egbert, a founder of DBC, was accepted to present on “How to Navigate the Hearing World as an Oralist”. However, when he stood on stage, he presented on something different altogether: Deaf babies as whole beings. Egbert had the impression that if he applied to present about Deaf babies, his presentation would have been refused.

Deaf Bilingual Coalition has a plan of action which includes transferring EHDI’s administration to the Department of Education, adding Deaf stakeholders represented in EHDI, and ultimately, putting Deaf people into EHDI leadership positions to steer early detection efforts for Deaf children.

“Everyone needs to work harder than ever. DBC and NAD needs to work together”, said David Reynolds. Egbert proposes that NAD members request for a symposium to discuss what we can do. “It takes a team to win. NAD membership will grow and has the potential to make profound changes”.