National Association of the Deaf

Additional Areas of Interest

Nothing Diverse About Us, Without Us
Donalda Ammons, Glenn Anderson, Elvia Gulliermo, Leah Katz Hernandez, Thuan Nguyen, Benro Ogunyipe and Judy Stout
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 3:45 to 5:15 PM
Room: KICC 207
Track: Additional Areas of Interest
Type: Panel

Diversity is about making sure all of us are included; and every one of us must participate.  Diversity isn't just about color. Its about embracing people for their skills and contributions, whether they are rich or poor, or whether their skin color is darkest or lightest. It is about the full spectrum of the human race. We are a clustered community and yet we discriminate within our own kind in ways we don't realize.  People who prefer not to speak and people who prefer to speak. People who wear and do not wear hearing aids or cochlear implants.  People who acquired a college education and those that worked after high school or those who never worked. People who have or do not have money. People of privilege or disadvantages. People from multitudes of social, religious, sexual orientation, and racial backgrounds. There is much that makes each of us different, and yet we are all in the Deaf/deaf community. Come and learn to have a straightforward discussion about our community. Learn how to embrace diversity in its truest form through patience and understanding, and break out of the vicious cycle of all -isms.

Mental Health Services for Deaf People in 2012
Karen Millsap, Michelle Niehaus
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 207
Track: Additional Areas of Interest
Type: Presentation

Many people have difficulty finding quality mental health services. This difficulty is compounded for deaf and hard of hearing people. There is a critical shortage of mental health professionals who are fluent in American Sign Language and/or are familiar with the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Even if there is a mental health professional willing to provide an interpreter, there is also a critical shortage of qualified interpreters familiar with the issues, concepts, terms, and therapies involved in the mental health setting. This workshop will touch on all of these challenges for deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking quality mental health services with effective communication. In addition, this workshop will highlight the status of programs and services around the country that focus on the specific and specialized needs of deaf and hard of hearing needing mental health services.  Time will also be spent discussing the importance of Deaf community involvement in influencing decision-makers in mental health programs so that program design and implementation is culturally affirmative and linguistically accessible. Kentucky initiatives to address these needs will be featured.

FEMA - Disability Integration and Coordination in Emergency Management
Michael Houston
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 208
Track: Additional Areas of Interest
Type: Presentation

As the Federal Agency charged with coordinating emergency preparedness and disaster response, recovery, and mitigation efforts in support of States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is leading efforts to ensure that all people with disabilities and other members of the whole community are integrated into all aspects of emergency management. Our Regional Disability Integration Specialist will discuss his work to address the access and functional needs of the community and our National Disability Integration Communications Specialist will discuss the national efforts towards disability inclusive emergency management underway across the country. 

Remember the "US" in Usher Syndrome
René Pellerin
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 211
Type: Presentation
Track: Additional Areas of Interest

Many people with Usher Syndrome grew up as Deaf and continue to be of Deaf heart. This workshop will look at the Usher Syndrome experience and the dynamics within the Deaf community to ensure access for Deaf peers as they lose their vision. Vignettes from life experiences, vision loss simulation activities, and inclusion efforts that have worked in the Vermont Deaf community will be shared.

Uterine Cancer:  A Conversation with Nancy and Nathie
Nancy Bloch and Nathie Marbury
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 10:30 AM to Noon
Room: KICC 207
Track: Additional Areas of Interest
Type: Presentation 

All women are at risk for uterine cancer, and the risk increases with age – this cancer is usually detected in women who are going through, or have gone through menopause. Learn about uterine cancer, causes and risk factors, early detection and diagnosis, tests and treatment, and working with your doctor. Nancy and Nathie will share their individual experiences with uterine cancer, how they deal with frequently asked questions, and the various ways deaf women can seek information and support. This workshop includes handouts and is open to all interested persons, men included!

Whose Voice Is It?
Darlene Goncz Zangara
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 211
Track: Additional Areas of Interest
Type: Presentation

Voice is the vehicle in communicating cultural identity, recognition and justice. Reclaiming or sustaining one’s voice is to stand up for what one believes in, or to preserve one’s identity and place in society. The Deaf individual is expected to proceed through deliberate actions to produce favorable outcomes that will be persuasive, with the aim of embracing the voice of the Deaf community. The Deaf individual’s voice or meaningful goals will need to be effectively interpreted into mainstream American society’s language and paradigms. This requires the deaf individual to reconstruct the meanings and mediate the facts and historical stories through his/her cultural lens into a language that mainstream American society is accustomed to hearing and experiencing.

Conflicts Between Interpreters and Consumers: When You’ve Tried Everything
David Bowell, Matthew O’Hara, Pamela Whitney
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 8:30 to 10:00 AM
Room: KICC 208
Track: Additional Areas of Interest
Type: Panel

This session is designed to provide information about ethical complaints against interpreters who are members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).  The presenters are trained mediators, with experience in conflict resolution, who have worked within the RID mediation program for 12+ years.  Additionally, the goal of this session is to address steps interpreters and consumers may want to consider before filing an ethics complaint against an interpreter.
 

ASL: Arts and Academics

Preview of New Curriculum for Deaf Interpreter Education
Lillian Garcia Peterkin and Jimmy Beldon
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 207
Track: ASL: Arts and Academics
Type: Presentation

If you are teaching ASL in an interpreting program and want to jumpstart the progress for your current and potential deaf student(s), come to this session! The primary approach of workshop will be an interactive presentation on a curriculum package designed specifically for Deaf persons as interpreters, the rationale for a curriculum for Deaf persons’ interpreter education as Deaf interpreters, how the curriculum was based on the specialized competencies of Deaf Interpreters, and to discuss the curriculum’s approach and modules. During this session, program video clips, outline and format, assessment forms, student interviews and teaching techniques will be shared. 

Blockbuster: Cinematic ASL
Windell "Wink" Smith Jr.
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 10:30 AM to Noon
Room: KICC 211
Track: ASL: Arts and Academics
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

Have you ever seen an ASL story performance and thought, "That's like watching a movie!"? Television and film use certain conventions (often referred to as the "grammar") when recording and editing audiovisual media. ASL literature has been found to use the same types of conventions by ASL "writers." Deaf, students, and interpreters alike should be able to incorporate these into their work. Cinematic techniques and formulas are already used by the Deaf community. If someone wants to create captivating “blockbuster” ASL literature or wants to create stunning visual presentations to keep their audience motivated this is the workshop for you! 

Language Use in Research and Academic Settings
Jessica Cuculick, Denise Kavin and Susan Lane-Outlaw
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 207
Track: ASL: Arts and Academics
Type: Presentation

This workshop will focus on how we discuss deaf and hard of hearing individuals in research and academic settings. The discussion will be placed in the context of how we refer to various minority and majority groups. The presenters will also reference and discuss theories as they apply to this topic. Participants will be asked to reflect on their experiences and observations and think about how positive changes in language use can be made.

Deaf Education

Taking Leadership in Early Language Access
Terrylene Sacchetti, Jaclyn Vincent and Marla Hatrak
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Presentation

Take leadership in providing early language access, awareness, and support towards familIes with deaf infants in your state. Participants will learn briefly about systemic structure of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, its Newborn Hearing Screening management and the lobbying of bills in this hearization framework. Participants then are empowered with tangible plan and action steps to establish the Early Language Access Network. This State to State network support creates one consistent national agenda which leads to possible healthy solution that has realistic and effective impact on school readiness among the deaf infants and toddlers.

10 Best Practices for Deaf Schools
Janet Dickinson and Alexis Kashar
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Presentation

What are the "best practices" in Deaf schools? "Best practices" are considered leading edge or exceptional models for others to follow. In this interactive presentation, you will discover ten proven strategies to boost the overall success of your school. In a generation when Deaf schools are facing a plethora of challenges, we can still create dynamic and sustaining schools. Take the pulse of your own school with the “best practices checklist”.

Saving Deaf Culture and Saving Schools for the Deaf
Dr. Henry Klopping
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Presentation

Deaf Schools are under attack. Indiana is the most recent example. We must save them because they contribute to the preservation of Deaf Culture. This presentation will involve discussing the economics of educating Deaf children in a school for the deaf versus the mainstream. Not only does one have to consider the financial costs of educating a deaf child, the whole child must be considered. Included in this presentation is a discussion of preserving Deaf Culture and how schools for the deaf are natural reservoirs to promote and enhance Deaf Culture.

American Sign Language Assessment Instrument
Rachel Benedict
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4, 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

There are no measures of ASL available for schools and programs serving Deaf children. Boston University’s Center on the Study of Communication and the Deaf (CSCD), under the direction of Dr. Hoffmeister, received funding to develop a measure of normative information of ASL knowledge by age in Deaf children. The overview will present the purpose, the structure of the test, its subtasks, and the administration of the American Sign Language Assessment Instrument (ASLAI). All those involved with training educators of the Deaf should be aware of the variation in the ASL knowledge of Deaf children and its relationship to academic success.

Current State of Affairs-School Boards and Schools for the Deaf
Philip W. Bravin, Alexis Kashar, Chris Wagner and Sonny Wasilowski
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Panel

A panel of deaf members and officers who sit on various school boards will sit on this panel. Current issues such as communication issues, literacy issues and budget issues will be covered and addressed. A question and answer period will take place during the last part of the workshop. 

EHDI: Where Hearing People Make Decisions About Deaf Babies
Leala Holcomb and Beth S. Benedict
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Panel

As the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention is a coalition of organizations that is almost exclusively made up by hearing people and professionals such as audiologists, they are driving the policy of early intervention for Deaf babies without the inclusion of the Deaf community or professionals. Deaf people and allies must work together to respond to this social injustice from all angles and corners, inside and outside of the EHDI system. Ideas and strategies from panelists who are actively involved with the politics of EHDI using different forms of activism will be shared on how you can make a difference in young Deaf/hard of hearing children’s lives.

Early Intervention NEEDS Your Involvement
Beth S. Benedict and Leala Holcomb
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Presentation

The purpose of the Early Hearing, Detection and Intervention (EHDI), within the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) system is to identify deaf/hh babies and to provide families with information. But too often the expertise of people who know the best, deaf/hard of hearing people themselves, are not included or valued. Research shows the importance of deaf adults as language and role models for families. This workshop presents a history, an update of the system, programs and the need to include deaf/hard of hearing adults. Ideas and strategies from panelists will be shared on how you can make a difference in young deaf/hard of hearing children’s lives in your hometown.

The  Good, The Bad, The Ugly, and Everything in Between about AB2072 and HB1367
Marla Hatrak and Kim Bianco Majeri
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Deaf Education
Type: Presentation

Get an inside scoop about how both bills got the deaf community united and organized. We will talk about the game, how persistent legislative opposition changed the bill and lessons learned during the whirlwind of political activism. We also will offer pointers for future political strategies and the importance of the statewide coalition that was formed to continue future legislative actions.

Deaf Leadership in the 21st Century
Kelby Brick
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 3:45 to 5:15 PM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy/Deaf Education
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

NAD President Dr. James L. Smith (MN), issued a call in 1904 for the preservation of sign language. The challenges that faced Dr. Smith in the 20th century are vastly different from the challenges that face deaf leaders in the 21st century. However, basic essence of fighting for language and human rights and the rights of the deaf to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains the same. Brick will discuss the evolving challenges and how deaf leaders today can unite to advance our collective civil rights.

How to Understand Policy Development Theories and Leverage It for Success
Fred Weiner and David Bahar
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 209
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy/Deaf Education
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

This workshop will focus on several theories of the public policy development process as espoused by renowned public policy expert Paul Sabatier. Given the multifaceted nature of government systems in the United States, it is critical that advocates understand how to best work within the system and to identify target of opportunities to affect positive change. By better understanding various policy development models, they will be better able to conduct a situational analysis and determine the best course of action to take.

Economic Empowerment and Employment

Know Your Employment Rights and Responsibilities
Benro Ogunyipe, MPA
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

This presentation explores employment rights for deaf and hard of hearing people under the provisions of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended. The presenter will explain your employment rights as a deaf or hard of hearing individual during the application, interview and hiring process, and in the workplace. In addition, the presenter will demonstrate "how to" file a charge of discrimination complaint, if you believe you were discriminated against on the basis of your disability as a deaf or hard of hearing applicant or employee. Examples of discriminatory scenarios and recent discrimination lawsuits and settlements will be discussed.

Getting to YES: Attaining professional and personal success
Khadijat Rashid, Ph.D.
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

Too often our lives are limited by our inability to get jobs, financial security or other economic goals we set for ourselves. This problem may be due to attitudinal issues (ours or other people’s) or to societal or communication barriers that Deaf people have always faced. What are some of the tools and techniques we can utilize to overcome the barriers in our way? This workshop will be interactive and audience participation is expected and welcomed.

Obtaining Employment in the Federal Government
Nick Pezzarossi
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

Are you interested in seeking employment with the Federal government? Are you feeling frustrated with the process to get an interview? What does A Schedule A letter do for you? A Human Resource Specialist from the Federal government will explain what it takes to get a job with the Federal government.

Employment Panel – Corporate Best Practices Including Accessibility and Accommodations
Seth Bravin (IBM), Luke Faxon-St.Georges (ESPN), Scott Van Nice (P&G), Nathan Kester (Google) & Angie Officer (Sprint)
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Panel

A diverse workforce in a company allows for a broader view of the world and the ability to identify issues that really matter. Unique perspectives enable creative approaches and innovative solutions for employees, customers and community. A panel of deaf and hard of hearing employees from Fortune 500 companies will discuss corporate best practices including accessibility and accommodations from the deaf and hard of hearing employees' perspective.

Deaf Entrepreneurship: A Snapshot
Scot Atkins
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

Very little academic research has been done on Deaf people who own their own businesses. The number of Deaf people owning a business has increased exponentially over the years, making this a worthy subject for exploration. In todayʼs economy, entrepreneurship, or the process of establishing and maintaining a business, has become a viable career option for many deaf and hard of hearing individuals as they pursue their lifelong dreams. Insights from different research projects into the area of Deaf Entrepreneurship will be offered and there will be a discussion on “best practices” in establishing a business venture.

Online Advertising and Marketing: A Powerful Tool
Corey Axelrod
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

While the Internet has enabled businesses and organizations to reach out to prospective customers, marketers are slow to understand the significance and potential of online advertising and marketing. This form of promotion enables marketers to gain a competitive edge, delivering specific marketing messages to attract customers.The presenter will discuss best practices for placement and execution of online advertising to maximize return on investment. He will also share best practices for the development and creation of online advertisements, as well as discuss optimal methodologies for monitoring and measuring results generated from advertising and marketing efforts.

Deafness Among Physicians and Trainees: A National Survey
Christopher Moreland and Alok Doshi
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 3:45 to 5:15 PM
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

Not enough information exists about deaf and hard of hearing physicians. Our survey of medical students, residents, and physicians focused on specific accommodations, career satisfaction, sense of institutional support, and recommending medicine as a career. For physicians, accommodation satisfaction was positively associated with career satisfaction and medicine as a career. Physicians and trainees appear satisfied with multi-modal accommodations from employers and educational institutions. Physicians and trainees appear interested in serving deaf patients thus creating implications for the community. Finally, we will show how we can apply this survey to deaf professionals in other careers.

Deafness as a Competitive Advantage in Business
Alok Doshi, MBA, Seth Bravin, Christopher Moreland, and Ryan Maliszewski
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 210
Track: Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

Deafness is a competitive advantage in the business world as well as other sectors. Why competitive advantage? The answer: “visual/design thinking”. Design thinking is innate to the deaf community and we are seeing a seismic shift. More people are entering the “non-traditional” fields i.e. acting, medicine, entrepreneurship, and management despite their “disability”.

Deaf Professionals do not see our deafness as a disadvantage but rather a strength allowing us to think differently, get around obstacles, and introduce new concepts to the world. This shift will lead to a more powerful transformation of the deaf community – market power.

Empathy + Social Media = A Stronger Community!
Smitha Hanumantha
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 210
Track:  Economic Empowerment and Employment
Type: Presentation

Why aren’t there many collaborative efforts in the deaf community? Being collaborative means to be ‘understanding’ of each other, or empathetic. With the rise of technology and social media, where is the limit in how much we say? Is it harmful or truthful? Social media IS free speech. People are allowed to express their thoughts. Maybe it’s time we conform our thoughts to an empathetic approach to one another. This doesn’t mean that our thoughts are not welcome, instead, we adjust our perspectives to practice empathy. 

Equal Access Through Technology

Video Quality and Interoperability across Videophones Today and in the Future
Christian Vogler and Norman Williams
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 207
Track: Equal Access Through Technology
Type: Presentation

Access to high-quality video calls should not be rocket science. But at present, getting the best quality can be an exercise in frustration for many users. Sometimes two videophones do not even connect to each other – they are not interoperable. We explore how and why video call problems happen and what can be done to improve video quality. We also explore the big changes that are coming to video calls in the near future. More and more people use mainstream video functionality, and this opens up new and exciting opportunities for interoperable video calls

Reports from the FCC on the Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)
Greg Hlibok
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 207
Track: Equal Access Through Technology
Type: Presentation

Since President Obama signed one of the most important pieces of legislation for deaf and hard of hearing people on October 8, 2010, the Commission had been busy implementing CVAA. The Commission issued several Orders under the CVAA in order to ensure full access to Internet-based communication and video technologies. The presentation will provide details of the new rules designed to ensure access such as closed captioning requirements for previously-televised content delivered using Internet protocol. 

Latest from the FCC on VRS Reform
Greg Hlibok
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 207
Track: Equal Access Through Technology
Type: Presentation

The presentation will cover the latest developments from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on reforming the Video Relay Service (VRS) program in order to improve the structure and efficiency of the program so that VRS can be offered as a functionally equivalent service for the deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act and Captioning for Video Programming
Andrew Kirkpatrick, Giovanni Galvez and Ken Harrenstein
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM 
Room: KICC 207
Track: Equal Access Through Technology
Type: Panel

Accessibility for video is a major topic for 2012 as a result of the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations in response to the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). This panel describe swhat to expect for Internet-delivered video and new tools to help captioning developers. This session will also share information about real time captioning for webinars. Participants will view multiple cutting-edge demonstrations of captioning for the web, including demonstrations of prototype interfaces with greater end-user caption display appearance control options.

Our Mobile Communications – Today and Tomorrow
Mike Ellis, Christian Vogler, David Bahar, Matthew Gerst and Claude Stout
Date: Wednesday, July 4 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 208
Track: Equal Access Through Technology
Type: Panel

A panel of experts and advocates will discuss mobile communications products available today that are used by deaf and hard of hearing people and what kind of products we can expect to see in the future. There will be discussions about challenges deaf and hard of hearing people are facing today in mobile communications (i.e. interoperability of video conferencing services) as well as what problems we may experience in the future (i.e. data caps).

Google+ Hangouts: Video and Deaf+Hearing Community
Naomi Black and Nathan Kester
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 10:30 AM to Noon
Room: KICC 211
Track: Equal Access Through Technology
Type: Presentation

Accessible video and social media tools can help break down barriers and build real connections between strangers. We'll explore how video can expand social media for deaf and hearing communities, look at ways that deaf people are using Google+ and YouTube, and present some new features that are relevant to sign language use. 

Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy

Healthcare Settings: Effective Communication is a Right, Not a Privilege
Jody Gill
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM 
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type: Presentation

Although access to healthcare has improved over the years, particularly with the support of the ADA, deaf and hard of hearing people are still facing challenges in actively participating in their own healthcare. “Effective communication” is not guaranteed just because a sign language interpreter or other aids and services are provided. Additionally, all too often, the communication needs of non-signing deaf and hard of hearing patients are not addressed and appropriate services are not provided. Ideal patient-centered care cannot be delivered if the medical professionals and the patient/family cannot communicate with each other.

This presentation will share information about the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people to effective communication, what those services may include and how to ask for what they need. There will be time for discussion, sharing of experiences, and to ask questions.

Deaf Self-Advocacy - Perceptions, Abilities and Tools - Effective Practices and Curriculum
Lillian Garcia Peterkin
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 3:45 to 5:15 PM
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type: Presentation

A long-time, yet relevant topic among Deaf community leaders is how to effectively advocate for communication access, in particular for interpreter services. Over the past five years, the National Interpreter Education Center (NCIEC) Deaf Advocacy Training Workteam (DAT) has been developing a specialized curriculum devoted to Deaf self-advocacy. This workshop shares the “lessons learned” from the initiative, including the Deaf Community’s perception and beliefs around Deaf self-advocacy as obtained through surveys, focus groups and expert deaf leader input, and introduces the new Deaf Self-Advocacy Curriculum. 

Empowering Survivors, Empowering the Community
Tara Holcomb and Stacy Gainok
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type: Presentation

Advocates from DeafHope and DeafSafe will present on domestic and sexual violence in the Deaf community and how to support Deaf survivors while working towards a safe community for all. All information will be presented with a survivor-centered framework, drawing upon the experiences and needs of Deaf survivors. We will touch on the following topics:

1) The unique dynamics of DV/SV in Deaf community and the value of balancing power in relationships with survivors;

2) Understanding how the community can re-victimize survivors; and 

3) Best practices/approaches to eradicate domestic and sexual violence through empowering survivors and community accountability.

Improving Systems in Your State: Knock on State Commission’s Door
Steven A. Florio, M.S., Sherri Collins, Ernest E. Garrett III, Lisa H. Kornberg, Heidi L. Reed, Cliff Moers, and Virginia Moore
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type:  Panel
RID CEU: .15

Six directors of State Agencies serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, will share their insights as to how their agencies carry out their statutes. The audience will learn about the state government’s roles in addressing deaf and hard of hearing needs. The audience will gain understanding of the system and how they can work through the system to respond to their needs. The audience also will learn that state laws vary from state to state on common issues and how they can work with the state agencies to find remedies more effectively. 

Deaf in Prisons: Results, Reasons and Responses
Shannon Reese and Dr. Aviva Twersky Glasner, Ph.D.
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

Many children with disabilities, including deaf or hard of hearing, were abused, neglected or not raised in a culturally affirmative, therapeutically supportive environment before moving on to the real world. Often, this, in turn, leads to their placement in jails due to maladaptive behaviors. While incarcerated, they are denied equal treatment. Lack of education on how to treat deaf and hard of hearing inmates’ disability and mental illnesses is one of the barriers. Problems arise between the criminal justice system and the accused criminals, like not being able to communicate clearly to professionals. 

Making Your Case: An Online Course in Self-Advocacy
Trudy Suggs
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM 
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type: Presentation

Making Your Case, a free online course available in American Sign Language, offers strategies and tips from ordinary people who did extraordinary things to change laws. Case studies and stories about successful advocacy will be shared both via video clips and presentation. Through real-life experiences and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to best optimize the online course for self-advocacy and legislative needs. This workshop is ideal for participants who have programs needing funding, a law to be passed or strengthened, or a personal situation requiring self-advocacy.

A National Dialogue about Emergency Preparedness in the Deaf Community: A Paradigm Shift in Policy and Regulations
Jim Brune and Donna Dahrouge
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 208
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy
Type: Panel

Recent disasters including 9/11, Katrina/Rita hurricanes, and the 2007 California wildfires have had not only a devastating effect on communities, but have also created communication access inequalities for Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and Deaf-Blind individuals. This presentation seeks to present findings and solicit feedback on recommendations developed by a joint academic-community partnership with a board of Deaf community experts on emergency preparedness and response. The board was convened to address the need for all levels of government to ensure effective communication during emergency preparedness and response for Deaf communities through the implementation, and continual monitoring of policies and regulations.

Deaf Leadership in the 21st Century
Kelby Brick
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 3:45 to 5:15 PM
Room: KICC 209
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy/Deaf Education
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

NAD President Dr. James L. Smith (MN), issued a call in 1904 for the preservation of sign language. The challenges that faced Dr. Smith in the 20th century are vastly different from the challenges that face deaf leaders in the 21st century. However, basic essence of fighting for language and human rights and the rights of the deaf to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains the same. Brick will discuss the evolving challenges and how deaf leaders today can unite to advance our collective civil rights.

How to Understand Policy Development Theories and Leverage It for Success
Fred Weiner and David Bahar
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 10:30 to Noon
Room: KICC 209
Track: Grassroots and Legislative Advocacy/Deaf Education
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

This workshop will focus on several theories of the public policy development process as espoused by renowned public policy expert Paul Sabatier. Given the multifaceted nature of government systems in the United States, it is critical that advocates understand how to best work within the system and to identify target of opportunities to affect positive change. By better understanding various policy development models, they will be better able to conduct a situational analysis and determine the best course of action to take.

International Issues

Deaf Youth Advocacy in America and on the International Level
Leah Katz-Herdandez, Jenny Nilsson, Leala Holcomb, Justin Jackerson, and Megan Malzkuhn
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 211
Track: International Issues
Type: Panel

This panel will enable you to learn more about two deaf youth advocacy organizations and what they are doing to advance the causes of all deaf people in both America and the world. Information on the World Federation of Deaf Youth Section system, structure, and issues will be shared. In addition, Deaf Youth USA Board Members will share their experiences serving on Deaf Youth USA National Board and Local Chapter Committees and how it has shaped their understanding of nonprofit teamwork, social issues, and advocacy for all deaf people in United States.  

The Role of Deaf Americans in the Global Deaf Community
Peggy Prosser, Sarah Houge, Davin Searls, Joseph Murray, Khadijat Rashid, Dan Brubaker, and Barbara Earth
Date/Time: Friday, July 6 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 211
Track: International Issues
Type: Panel

Deaf people in less developed countries around the world often live in difficult circumstances and face a lack of human rights. Many Deaf people and government sectors of different nations look to the U.S. for examples of leadership and in development of public policies and disability laws. Many Deaf professionals and volunteers from the U.S. with backgrounds in international development, leadership training, education, social work and et. al have worked with Deaf communities overseas to improve these conditions. This panel will discuss important issues in Deaf international development across various countries and our role when visiting or working abroad and in less developed countries. 

Discovering Deaf Leadership in Developing Countries
Davin Searls and David Justice
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 8:30 to 10 AM
Room: KICC 211
Track: International Issues
Type: Presentation
RID CEU: .15

Over 200 million Deaf people in developing countries have no access to education, and are often misrepresented by those who don’t understand the Deaf experience. This presentation will focus on five years of research identifying the challenges and successes of local Deaf leaders in Nepal, Kenya, Cambodia and many other developing countries. In addition, the presenters will share their collaborative approach to building local capacity by providing organizational development training directly in sign language. When Deaf leaders are more effective, they can create societies where Deaf people are afforded human rights and equal access to education and employment. 

What is the World Federation of the Deaf?

Colin Allen, WFD President and the WFD Board
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 4 - 1:45 to 3:15 PM
Room: KICC 211
Track: International Issues
Type: Panel

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) supports over 70 million deaf people globally and has a membership of 133 National Associations of the Deaf. The vision of WFD is the full achievement of human rights for Deaf people worldwide. This workshop will give an introduction to the aims, work and achievements of WFD with and on behalf of the global Deaf Community.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen
Date/Time: Thursday, July 5 - 3:45 to 5:15
Room: KICC 211
Track: International Issues
Type: Presentation

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) came into force as international law in May, 2008 and has been ratified by 112 countries to date (12 April 2012). This workshop will explore the relevance of the UNCRPD to deaf people and Deaf Communities around the world. It will give an overview of the specific articles which are relevant to deaf people, the use of sign language and the importance of promoting identity development. The workshop will inspire participants to work towards the ratification of the UNCRPD by countries such as the USA which have not yet ratified it.