Workshop Abstracts & Presenter Bios | National Association of the Deaf

Concurrent Breakout Session I
Friday September 16, 2011
9:00-10:30 AM

Deaf Leadership in the 21st Century
Kelby Brick, Vice President of Regulatory & Strategic Policy at Purple Communications, Inc.

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, the 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.

Presenter bio:

As Vice President, Kelby Brick leads Purple’s regulatory and strategic policy working to remove communication barriers for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Prior to joining Purple, Kelby was Director of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center where he successfully mobilized the NAD in establishing precedents and landmark decisions in litigation, legislative and regulatory areas. Kelby co-authored the renowned book, Legal Rights: the Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People. He also serves as a Board Member of the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Collaboration
Richard McCowin

Collaboration is a process where two or more parties work together to achieve a goal. Participants will learn about the key characters of collaborative leadership, how two or more parties get involved increasing a common goal, and who will be collaborators. McCowin will discuss a few case studies about collaboration and leadership styles.

Presenter bio:

Richard McCowin is currently NAD Region II board representative. He is employed at the United States Postal Service as a clerk in Omaha Nebraska and at Metro Community College as American Sign Language instructor. McCowin is a graduate of the Nebraska School for the Deaf (now closed) and Gallaudet University. He was the president of Nebraska Association of the Deaf, vice president of National Black Deaf Advocates and the Midwest Athletic Association of the Deaf.

ASL + EHDI = A SHIELD
Beth Benedict

The Early Hearing, Detection and Intervention (EHDI), within the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) system identifies deaf and hard of hearing babies provides families with information. But too often the expertise of people who know the best, deaf and hard of hearing people themselves, are not included or valued. Research has proven the importance of deaf adults as language and role models for families for a child's successful language development. This workshop presents a history, an update of the system, programs, and the need to include deaf and hard of hearing adults. Ideas and strategies will be shared, and Benedict will describe how you can make a difference in young deaf and hard of hearing children’s lives in your hometown.

Presenter bios:

Beth S. Benedict, Ph.D., is a Professor at the Department of Communication Studies at Gallaudet University. She is Vice Chair of the Joint Committee of Infant Hearing and past President of the American Society for Deaf Children. Benedict has done numerous presentations at national and international conferences, schools and organizations, in addition to articles and chapters related to, family involvement, early childhood education, advocacy, early communication and partnerships between deaf and hearing professionals.

Deaf Leadership: Leading in a Challenging and Dominant World
Darlene Zangara

Much is written about leadership. Leadership has as many different meanings as there are leaders. Traditional leadership literature describes leadership as a process; leaders depict leaderly traits; involves influence; occurs between a leader and follower; and works towards accomplishing a goal.

As deaf leaders, we borrow many of these same ideas to lead effectively both within the both deaf and hearing worlds. However, deaf leaders are faced with many unique leadership challenges in today’s communities and workplace. These workshops will provide an overview of a research study that uncovered unique qualities among deaf leaders, cultural issues that influence their leadership efforts, positioning strategies and how deaf leaders sustain their voice.

The first workshop will be designed for working professionals who seek to maximize their leadership skills in their workplace.

The second workshop is designed for community leaders who work with their state associations and other community work. This workshop will provide a perspective for community leadership.

Presenter bio:

Darlene Goncz Zangara, PhD, LPC, is currently the CSD Senior Vice President for National Centers of Excellence (Human Services). She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Deaf Education, with a minor in Art Education from Bowling Green State University, Master of Arts in Counseling for the Deaf from Gallaudet University and PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Darlene is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio. She has extensive experience in Leadership, System Advocacy, Human Services, Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services, Prevention, Resiliency Enhancement, Mental Health Interpreting, Non Profit Organization Management, Change Initiatives, Board Development, Program Development, Training, and Consultation. Aside from her work, Darlene provides workshops and presentations nationally and internationally. She served and volunteered on many advisory committees. She served on the National Association of the Deaf Fulton-3; Financial and Development committees from 2003-2006 and served as the RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf) Mediator. She also served as the National President of Deaf Women United from 2001 to 2005. Darlene was born and raised in Ohio to a deaf family. She currently resides in Brandon, South Dakota with her husband, Mark, and two teenage sons.

Concurrent Breakout Session II: Friday September 16, 2011, 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Diversifying Your Organization
Melissa Draganac-Hawk & Kirsten Poston

Oh, he is too young.

We have too many women in the organization.

This dancing event is perfect for blacks.

These quotes are familiar and quite common. They are often uttered without thinking and without regard to sensitivity towards minority groups. The workshop increases awareness of minorities and recognizes certain experiences that may be oppressive. The session also provides training to reduce assumptions and misunderstanding across cultures. Participants are given an opportunity to discuss and develop non-traditional strategies to incorporate diversity within organizations.

Presenter bios:

Melissa Draganac-Hawk (Pennsylvania), a first-generation American of deaf immigrant Peruvian parents, received a master’s degree in Linguistics and two bachelor’s degrees in production/performance and American Sign Language from Gallaudet University. Currently she is adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Involved in the deaf community, Melissa is president of the National Council of Hispano Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is a consultant to the Tri-State Latino Deaf Association, and is executive director of Deaf Women United. Melissa has been involved with the NAD throughout her life in various capacities. As a youth, she participated in the Junior NAD and the Youth Leadership Camp, and as an adult she directed the Miss Deaf America Finals in 2002 and 2008. She has been an NAD member since 1988, focusing on issues affecting youth and diversity because of the difference NAD has made in her life and the lives of others. In her free time, she enjoys being with her husband, Sam, and son, Etzio.

Kirsten Poston (Maryland) is a native of Philadelphia, PA. She majored in social work at the Rochester Institute of Technology and later attended Gallaudet University, where she received a bachelor's degree in communications arts. She currently works in Washington, DC, for the U.S. Department of Transportation as a Disability Policy Analyst. Kirsten has been actively involved in the coordination of many educational and outreach activities aimed towards the deaf and disability communities. She co-chaired and coordinated the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG) 2008 Employment and Technology Forum and currently serves as a board member at large of the DHHIG; previously she was that organization’s vice executive director. She is a member of the National Black Deaf Advocates and an associate member of the D.C. Chapter of the National Alliance of Black Interpreters, Inc. She also is the president of an employee organization that supports deaf employees at the U.S. Department of Transportation, DEAF/DOT. Kirsten remains committed to the principles of leadership empowerment, and is a lifelong advocate of the deaf community. She and her husband live in Maryland with their three daughters and one son.

How To Build The Best Bylaws
Michael Berger & Christopher Woodfill

Come and learn about building the best bylaws with clarity and about the structure of bylaws and policy & procedure guidelines. Berger and Woodfill will describe the difference between bylaws and policy & procedure guidelines for State Associations of the Deaf and the elements that must be included in both important documents. They will review and discuss on various state associations’ bylaws and how to build the best bylaws before and during conferences.

Presenter bios:

Michael K. Berger graduated from the Rochester Institute of the Technology through the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. He works at the Ink Well, in the printing industry. He served in various positions with Illinois Association of the Deaf (IAD) and is a member of Illinois Association of the Deaf. He is an active member of the NAD Board of Directors. His passion is to encourage deaf and hard of hearing people to join NAD and focus on the areas of advocacy, leadership training, and education.

Christopher Woodfill is a High School Social Studies teacher at Wisconsin School for the Deaf and Vice-President and chair of legislative and bylaw committees of Wisconsin Association of the Deaf. He is also a Board member of American Association of the Deaf-Blind, chair of its policy committee, and a member of its bylaws and five years strategic plan committees. Woodfill served as Board member and past president of Wisconsin School for the Deaf Foundation. He graduated with Bachelor in History and Spanish from Gallaudet University; Master in Latin American Studies from the George Washington University; and Master in Deaf Education from McDaniel College. Woodfill has extensive knowledge about bylaws, guidelines, strategic plans, governance and policy/procedure (P/P) among other organizational-related knowledge.

Indiana School Board Crisis: Lessons Learned

Marvin Miller and Kim Bianco-Majeri

The fight for equality and freedom from severe oppression of oralism has brought the battlefield's front lines back into the heart of our community: state schools. Indiana School for the Deaf was invaded by three appointees with ties to HearIndiana, a chapter of Alexander Graham Bell Association last May after months (if not years) of concerted lobbying efforts by HearIndiana.

Naomi Horton, executive director of HearIndiana, boldly states: “Today less than 20 percent of all families choose traditional American Sign Language.” She said, “the remaining 80 percent want their children to enjoy the full range of sounds and to be able to listen and speak...at the end of the day, this entire conversation is about right-sizing the budget for deaf education in Indiana." She concludes that, "no one wants to take the ASL option away; we simply want to see that parents who choose listening and spoken language instruction (over placement at the Indiana School for the Deaf) have equal access to a free and appropriate public education.”

Right-sizing the budget for ISD is an euphemism for "taking the state dollars away from currently allocated programs of bilingual education and putting it towards to exclusive listening and spoken languages" which expressly forbids ASL and any contact with the Deaf community and our culture.

What do we do now?

Presenter bios:

Kim Bianco Majeri, mom to two Deaf girls, worked up the corporate ladder to the lofty status of a stay at home mom. Her time is devoted to volunteering for various organizations. Currently Kim is the president of the Indiana School for the Deaf PTCO (Parent Teacher Counselor Organization) entering her 2nd year. She has previously worked in sales, directed an interpreter referral service, and was a social worker. She is currently working on completing her MBA with an emphasis on nonprofit management.

Marvin Miller has always believed that the Deaf community has a lot to offer the world. He wants to build the world’s first bilingual signing town. His work to build this town continues behind the scenes to this day. Marvin launched several monthly newspapers of, for and by the Deaf and signing community including: The Deaf Michigander, DeafNation (www.deafnation.com) and SignNews (www.signews.org). Marvin has worked in media, video relay service, and consulting. Marvin is President of Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD). Marvin lives in Fishers, Indiana, with his four Deaf children. His children attend Indiana School for the Deaf.

How to Empower Ourselves in the Workplace: Confronting and Resolving Injustice
Lorraine Flores

Who’s responsibility is it to speak up when a person makes “racist” comments and how to create solutions for these and other situations? If you are not able to speak up yourself, check with nearby allies to see if someone can speak up for you. What is the ally’s role? If these options are not available, what is the next step? If you do not take action, the problem will continue, or perhaps become worse. We need to involve and educated people who make racist comments to be better people. We have hundreds of Deaf students of color who depend on us and look up to us as role models and for whom we need to set good examples.

Presenter bio:

Lorraine Flores obtained her B.S. from Gallaudet University and her M.A. from McDaniel College (formerly known as Western Maryland College). She has been teaching ASL classes for almost 20 years to various students including Deaf new signers and Hearing students, from Early Childhood Education to College age. She continues teaching K-12 at the California School for the Deaf (CSDF). Lorraine serves on the Diversity Committee at CSDF and at the same time, mentors for ASL and English Bilingual Professional Development (AEBPD) under the Center of ASL and English Bilingual Resource at Gallaudet University. She grew up in Corpus Christi, South Texas and has strong roots as a Texan-Mexican.

Concurrent Breakout Session III: Friday September 16, 2011,4:30 - 6:00 PM

Friendraising & Fundraising!
Julie Rems-Smario & Chris Wagner

This exciting workshop will empower participants to become phenomenal fundraisers for their state associations and other nonprofit organizations! With their extensive history in nonprofit management, Chris Wagner and Julie Rems Smario will share their tips and knowledge on how to raise lots of money for good causes. Mr. Wagner has spent years in nonprofit management in the State of Florida and has raised significant funds as an executive director for nonprofit organizations, as the President of the Florida Association of the Deaf, and as a Trustee for the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. He will explain the concept of “friendraising” as a way to increase your fundraising power. Ms. Rems Smario has also spent years in nonprofit management, most notably as the Executive Director of Deaf Hope, Inc. She is a high-energy professional who will engage participants in a high-powered session of fundraising!

Presenter bios:

After volunteering her time as Media Chair for "No to AB 2072", Julie Rems-Smario decided return to the education field to preserve, protect and promote American Sign Language for all children. Effective, August 2011, Julie works at the Outreach office at California School for the Deaf As the founding executive director of DeafHope, Julie Rems-Smario passionately advocates with Deaf survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Deaf since birth, Julie started her career in 1990 with Five Arces-Deaf Program, working with at-risk families on child abuse prevention. After graduating from California State University, Northridge with an MA in Deaf Education, Julie worked at the California School for the Deaf at Fremont. After receiving her MS in Counseling, she was hired as a counselor at Ohlone College Deaf Center in Fremont. In 1998, Julie joined the first national training held by Abused Deaf Women Advocacy Services which inspired her to change her career. Her work at DeafHope has been recognized with several awards such as CNN Heroes and E-Women Network Interntional Humanitarian Award. She resides in Pleasanton, California with her Deaf spouse and three children.

Chris Wagner (Florida), currently Sr. Vice President of Business Operations for The Z(tm), received a bachelor's degree from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY. Prior to assuming his current role, Chris served as a consultant and as executive director of non-profit agencies in Florida. He has served on numerous boards, including the Florida Association of the Deaf, Inc. (FAD) and the Governor's Americans with Disabilities Act Working Group (ADAWG). Currently he serves on the board of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind and the NTID Foundation Board. Chris is a recipient of several awards for his outstanding leadership and advocacy on both state and national levels. He is involved with the NAD because he “strongly feels that in order to achieve our goals as a community, we must contribute our skills and knowledge as a volunteer. The NAD has given me the opportunity to give back to the community." In the little free time he has, he enjoys traveling and spending quiet time with his family and close friends, and escaping to his summer retreat in North Carolina.

Deaf Leadership: Leading in a Challenging and Dominant World
Darlene Zangara

The first workshop will be designed for working professionals who seek to maximize their leadership skills in their workplace.

The second workshop is designed for community leaders who work with their state associations and other community work. This workshop will provide a perspective for community leadership.

Presenter bio:

Doing the Math to Save Residential Schools for the Deaf
Hank Klopping

Deaf Culture and the Deaf Way of life are under attack. Throughout history, Deaf Culture has been passed down from generation to generation by residential/center school for the Deaf. These schools have played a key role in preserving Deaf Culture and without them there is danger to the entire Deaf Community. With the advent of PL 94-142 many of these schools have suffered - some have even closed. The future educational status of Deaf inpiduals is challenged. Now with the economy being factored in, every legislature is looking at ways to save money and a recent article in the New York Times by Lisa Snell (which was sent in letter form to every California legislator) attacks the cost of educating Deaf children in the California Schools for the Deaf - and by extension, every residential school for the Deaf in the nation.

This workshop focuses on doing the math to show the true educational cost of providing each Deaf child and education - whether it be in a residential school for in a local school district. The dollar cost of educating a Deaf child is examined form the standpoint of the actual dollars spent as well as what the true educational cost is to a Deaf child who does not get a truly appropriate education as required by federal and state laws. The workshop then focuses on how the Deaf community can take a leadership role in saving appropriate education for each and every Deaf child. The role of the NAD and other state and local Deaf organizations is examined. Strategies on how to approach this problem with legislators, governors, school boards, department of education, financial decision makers, etc. will be presented and discussed. The role of the NAD in preparing future leaders of the Deaf to advocate for appropriate education will result in each participant understanding what their role is and how they can achieve the success needed to ensure that future generations of Deaf children get the education they are entitled to while at the same time preserving Deaf Culture and the Deaf Way of Life.

Presenter bio:

Dr. Henry Klopping is the recently retired Superintendent of the California School for the Deaf that he headed for 36 years. Under his leadership, the school flourished and became one of the premiere schools for the Deaf in the United States. The Bilingual/Bicultural environment at the school has resulted in the school becoming a model school and the success of the school is being replicated throughout the United States. Key to the success of the approach is the high percentage of Deaf individuals who teach and who lead various programs at the school. About seventy-five percent of the professional staff are Deaf. Upon his retirement, Dr. Klopping became Vice-President of Large Accounts for Purple Communication where he is busy supporting the Purple Communication philosophy of supporting full communication access for Deaf individuals and giving back to the Deaf community through a variety of efforts such as providing leadership training for the National Association of the Deaf.

CEO of Life, Inc
Stephen Hlibok

Regardless of where you are in your life, professional and personal development tips will always continue to be vital to your success. Continually developing your professional skills is critical to maintaining your marketability in career as well as personal life. As for your career, it’s important to acknowledge that business is always a constant state of change, so it’s critical to have a direction and be flexible. Committing to the continual nurturing of your career can help you maintain course even in the stormiest of economic times.

But don’t rely on your current position or employer alone to provide ongoing enhancement. To grow professionally and achieve success -- as you define it -- you must set objectives and build an action plan. Fortunately, today’s business environment provides many opportunities to keep your career in forward motion -- if you know how to seize them. For personal development, it’s critical to be in control of your destiny as it will affect your professional side of your life too. Hlibok will share to-the-point tips and thoughts of how to maintain your balance while continuing to grow professionally.

Presenter bios:

Stephen Hlibok from Clarksville, MD, has been with Merrill Lynch since 1987 as a certified financial manager and Vice-President of Wealth Management. He received a B.A. in Business Administration from Gallaudet University and a M.B.A. in Vocational Rehabilitation from New York University, Stephen specializes in assisting individuals and families select strategies and solutions in order to realize their long-term financial goals. His work and leadership in bridging wealth management and the deaf community has been spotlighted in the national media, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Fortune, Business Week, NBC’s Sunday Today and ABC’s World News Tonight.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and mountain climbing, Stephen is also active in numerous non-profit organizations, including the National Association of the Deaf, the World Federation of the Deaf, the Maryland Association of the Deaf and the Deaf Professional Network, which he founded.

Concurrent Breakout Session I: Saturday, September 17, 2011, 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Making Your Case: An Online Course in Self-Advocacy
Trudy Suggs and Cuong Nguyen on behalf of the Commission Serving Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans

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 and in person. Through real-life experiences and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to best optimize the online course for their self-advocacy 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.

Presenter bios:

Trudy Suggs of T.S. Writing Services partnered with MCDHH and Zenmation to serve as editor and narrator for Making Your Case. She has a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University and a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Chicago. Her community involvement is extensive, including serving as secretary of the National Association of the Deaf, vice president and president of the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens, and on numerous boards. In 2008, she received the Gallaudet University Alumni Association's Outstanding Young Alumnus award and the NAD CEO Award. She also was a 2009 National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award recipient.

Cuong Nguyen escaped from South Vietnam and came to America in 1975. He holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Rochester Institute of Technology, and was appointed to a two-year at-large seat for MCDHH in 2005. He shared testimony in the state legislature to help pass a bill that had updated language for providing interpreters for caucuses on shorter notice, and he became a DFL delegate in 2005. He also successfully filed complaints against two hospitals to improve interpreter provision procedures and equal communication access. Cuong was the MADC President Award recipient in 2011.

Managing Organization Finances
Michael Michner

This presentation will assist every person who serves on the board of a nonprofit organization to understand how to make sure the organization is financially healthy. Topics covered will include critical areas of financial management, the basic systems and practices of nonprofit organizations, applying for and maintaining tax-exempt status, and what you need to know about filing federal tax forms (the 990 series). Each person who attends will understand how to prepare and read a financial statement that shows the assets and liabilities of the organization, as well as a fiscal year budget.

Presenter bios:

Michael A. Michner (California) has more than 20 years of nonprofit accounting experience and as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in private practice, he currently controls the accounting departments for Public Counsel, California Women's Law Center, Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Deaf West Theatre and numerous other small organizations and businesses. He attended California State University at Northridge (CSUN), where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration: accounting theory and practice.

Be An Advocate: Getting to Know Your Legislators
Sheri Farinha

This training will focus on empowering individuals to mobilize for legislative action. Examples of past state and national legislation activities, brief overview of the legislative process, and with the primary focus on legislative advocacy getting to know your legislators by building relationships, as well as collaborate with your state’s community of allies; and how to get your message across when meeting with your legislators, with interactive role play.

Presenter bio:

Sheri A. Farinha, CEO, NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Sheri is nationally well-known as a strong Civil Rights Leader and Advocate, who just this year (April 2011) received an award from ADARA in recognition of her contributions related to legislative activities that benefit Deaf, late-Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deaf-Blind Individuals. Ms. Farinha’s expertise also includes trainings on leadership, legislative systematic changes, and management in the nonprofit sector. Over the last 28 years she has served on many boards and committees. Presently Sheri is Co-Chair of California Stakeholders for ASL & English along with Marla Hatrak, is the CEO of NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Vice Chair, California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf & Hard of Hearing; Chair, TDI’s National E911 Stakeholder Council; Member of FCC’s Emergency Access Advisory Committee; and Board Secretary, National Association of the Deaf.

Deaf Entrepreneurs: A Mosaic
Scot Atkins

Very little academic research has been done on the topic of Deaf people owning their own businesses. Most of past scholarly research has been anecdotal, at best. The number of Deaf people owning a business has increased exponentially over the years, making this a worthy subject for exploration. Especially in today’s 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.

A historical overview of Deaf Entrepreneurship will be provided. The presenter completed his doctoral dissertation on the topic of “The Lived Experiences of Deaf Entrepreneurs/Business Owners” from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota. Insights from the research will be presented. The presenter is currently involved in several other research initiatives in the area of Deaf Entrepreneurship at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf/Rochester Institute of Technology and will be sharing some preliminary data from that work. Finally, information on “best practices” on establishing a business will be shared with conference participants, with the goal of providing information to encourage more Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to pursue their dreams.

Presenter bios:

W. Scot Atkins, Ed.D has over 19 years of experience in human resources, organizational development and training. Currently, Atkins is a faculty member at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) at NTID. Dr. Atkins recently earned his doctorate degree from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and his dissertation topic was, “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Deaf Entrepreneurs/Business Owners”. Currently, Atkins is working on several research initiatives regarding Deaf Entrepreneurship. Atkins was previously the director of organizational development and HR for Interpretek. For ten years prior to that, Atkins was senior vice president of human resources for Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). Atkins earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Concurrent Breakout Session II: Saturday, September 17, 2011, 10:15 - 11:45 AM

Building Youth Connections
Allie Rice

Youth involvement builds the leadership and communication skills of young people. Creating effective youth involvement, however, is a challenging process; one that demands commitment and flexibility on the part of both organizations and young people themselves. The presence of youth in all events and activities serves as a reminder of the issues which bring the community members together.

Recruiting youth requires a year-round effort involving a variety of techniques. This workshop focuses on assisting organizations with recruiting and engaging youth in various capacities such as social media and other forms of public relations. The effective practice includes outreach strategies, potential challenges, and ways to assess your organization’s readiness to recruit youth. This main goal addresses the importance of providing youth with opportunities for full participation in decisions that affect their lives.

Presenter bio:

Allie Rice, a returned Peace Corps volunteer and a staunch deaf educatoion advocate, is very involved with deaf youth in various countries such as Japan, India, and Kenya. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in professional and technical communications from Rochester Institute of Technology in May 2002. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya from 2006 to 2008, she focused on improving the quality of education and resources for underprivileged deaf children, young adults, and parents. Prior to and after her volunteer service overseas, she worked with Anthropologie, a high volume clothing store, as a sales specialist and department manager. Currently, she works as the NAD Youth Programs Coordinator, overseeing four national youth programs. A Los Angeles, California native, she has always been fascinated by unique places, different cultures, and foreign sign languages. In addition, she is fluent in Kenyan Sign Language and enjoys reading, writing short stories, cooking, going to a local farmers’ market, and traveling.

Exploring Strategies to Lead Change through State Associations and Nonprofit Organizations
Roberta "Bobbi" Cordano

Cordano will lead a workshop discussion to explore questions and strategies for advocating for change at the state level. She brings her experience and perspective as a former Assistant Attorney General at the Minnesota Attorney General, a political campaign manager for a state legislator, and as a Vice President of Programs for a major local Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota. The goal of the session will be for participants to develop ideas and strategies to effectively use the platform of state associations and nonprofit organization to initiate change to improve the lives of our community and generate awareness of key legal and nonprofit regulatory issues.

Presenter Bio:

Roberta “Bobbi” Cordano, J.D., is the Vice President of Programs for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, a nonprofit health and human services organization that has served the greater Saint Paul, Minnesota, area since 1906. Ms. Cordano has served in leadership roles in multiple sectors, including as the interim President of the Center for Healthcare Innovation at Allina Health System, as President of Park Nicollet Institute, and as an Assistant Dean of the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Prior to that she was the University’s Director of Disability Services. Before her University experience, she spent ten years as a prosecutor at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. As an Assistant Attorney General, she also served as a member of the Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Court Interpreters from 1994-2004, which worked to increase access to the courts for Deaf and hard of hearing people and non-English speaking people. Cordano grew up in a Deaf family and is a native speaker of American Sign Language. She graduated with honors in Sociology from Beloit College in 1986 and received her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1990.

Child First: CEASD's Do or Die Campaign
Dr. Ronald Stern

The passage of Public Law 94-142/Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975 was a landmark for children with disabilities. In 1990, this federal law was renamed and today it is known as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Fundamental to this legislation in 1975 was the important principle that each child’s unique strengths and needs would drive placement decision to, ultimately, provide educational opportunities equal to their non-disabled peers and prepare them for employment and independent living. However, things have evolved since then. This child-first mindset has increasingly given way to today’s “one size fits all” approach such as the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and full inclusion, which continues to have adversarial ramifications for the quality education of deaf/hard of hearing children. On behalf of today and tomorrow’s children, CEASD is calling for a return to the child first approach. Considering the low incidence nature of our field and the complexity of changing federal law and regulations, Dr. Stern will discuss the make or break Child First campaign along with important sociopolitical themes for the community to bring upon critical reform.

Presenter bio:

Ronald Stern, the current Superintendent of the New Mexico School for the Deaf and President of CEASD, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in New York City. After earning his BA in Sociology at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., he migrated to California for his Masters degree in Education of the Deaf from the California State University at Northridge. Since then, he has been a classroom teacher, principal, and Director of Instruction mostly at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont spanning 25 years. In 2000, he moved to the Land of Enchantment to become the NMSD Superintendent. In 2008, he earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico. Hedy (his wife) and Ron are parents of three children who are 4th generation deaf on the paternal side of his family.

Say It Right! Effective Communication Skills in Advocacy
Trudy Suggs

People often experience frustration when trying to utilize written and communication skills in advocacy, especially when sending e-mails and letters and holding meetings with legislators and other key players. Given the many protocols in place for such communications, it is difficult to determine the best course of action, the most appropriate approach and effective strategies. Say It Right! incorporates hands-on activities and practical tips for strategies and solutions that lead to greater advocacy results and effective communications with legislators. Participants will leave this workshop prepared with tools, resources and strategies for enhancing written and communication skills to use particularly in advocacy.

Presenter bio:

Trudy Suggs of T.S. Writing Services has a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University and a master’s degree from University of Illinois-Chicago. Her community involvement is extensive, including serving as secretary of the National Association of the Deaf, vice president and president of the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens, and on numerous boards. In 2008, she received the Gallaudet University Alumni Association's Outstanding Young Alumnus award and the NAD CEO Award. She also was a 2009 National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award recipient.

Concurrent Breakout Session III: Saturday, September 17, 2011, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Domestic and International Disability Policy: Present and Future
Jeff Rosen

A comprehensive and concise overview of the disability-related initiatives of the Obama Administration will be presented with an emphasis on those issues which particularly impact deaf and hard of hearing people. President Obama signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities ("CRPD") in July 2009. Its provisions which address the human rights of deaf people will be discussed as well as the next steps in the US and internationally. Rosen will discuss the challenges and opportunities in domestic and international policy issues involving deaf people and engage in a dialogue about where we may be headed and the potential advocacy strategies.

Presenter bio:

Jeff Rosen is a third generation deaf person active in the disability movement as a civil and human rights attorney. He is the General Counsel for ZVRS (www.zvrs.com). Previously he was the General Counsel and Director of Policy for the National Council on Disability, an independent advisory body to the President and Congress. One of his fondest accomplishments as an advocate was to help carry out the Deaf President Now protest, which served as one catalyst for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Websites, Vlogs, Tweets & Facebook = Organization Marketing?
Jenny Buechner

Does the use of website, vlogs, Twitter and Facebook equate to organizational marketing? Sure! Marketing options are limitless with the modern use of website, blogs, vlogs and social media, which can also seem quite overwhelming. Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming at all. It can be FUN!

It’s been proven that the use of website promotion and social media has boosted visibility for organizations and businesses. People everywhere rely on the Internet to stay in the loop on what’s happening around them. Learn how to become a part of the modern-day Internet culture with your organization and see positive results! If you’re already on the Internet and using social media, this workshop will also benefit you!

Join the fun! Learn about the latest tools, tricks and how to develop a short and long term marketing strategy for your organization. When you leave this workshop, you’ll be eager to get on the computer and start tweeting away!

Presenter bio:

Jenny Buechner graduated at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in 1998 and from Gallaudet University in 2002. She currently works in marketing at Hamilton Relay. Her experience includes developing strategies, ideas and content for website, video promotion and social media. Jenny is the president of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, a member of various local organizations as well as the NAD.

4201 School Crisis: The True Story & What's Next?
Sean Gerlis & Alexis Kashar

This workshop will provide participants with the full story and insights into the political and legislative process involving deaf schools that occurred in New York State in the spring of 2011. Eight deaf schools are designated as 4201 schools under New York law. The Governor proposed a budget that would have fundamentally changed how these 4201 schools were funded, and in the process would have threatened them financially. Many people connected to these 4201 schools -- staff, board members, current students and their families, and alumna -- came together along with community representatives and activists to oppose the Governor's proposed budget. Alexis Kashar serves as President of the Board of Trustees for the New York School for the Deaf (Fanwood) and became involved as an advocate for the school in this battle. Sean Gerlis is a graduate of Fanwood and a long-time member of the New York deaf community which established the 4201 coalition. With many others, Ms. Kashar and Mr. Gerlis were instrumental in a mass advocacy effort that resulted in a change to the budget. The battle to preserve 4201 schools is not over, and this workshop will cover what was accomplished and what remains to be resolved.

Presenter bios:

Alexis Kashar received her B.A. in Finance in 1989 and J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992. Upon receiving her law degree, Kashar practiced civil rights and special education law in private practice at Newman.Aaronson.Vanaman in Los Angeles, California. She represented hundreds of children with special needs in their quest to obtain a free and appropriate public education. Kashar also provided representation in many civil rights cases involving communication access for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Kashar relocated to New York in 2004 and is currently involved with several community boards and activities including the New York School for the Deaf where she is the president of the board of trustees. She also chairs the public policy committee for the National Association for the Deaf.

Sean Gerlis (New York) grew up outside New York City and attended the New York School for the Deaf, known as “Fanwood”. He attended Gallaudet University and then transferred to Rochester Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in information technology. Sean has a lifelong passion for advocacy and community service. Currently he serves as president of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Kaleidoscope, which coordinates Deaf Awareness Week in New York City, and as president of the Kappa Phi Theta Alumni Association, also serves on the board of National Association of Deaf as Regional Representative for Region I. Dedicated to the field of information technology and access, Sean currently works as director of National Operations at Snap!VRS. Sean lives outside New York City with his wife Rebecca and sons Asher and Rowan, who are three his biggest supporters in his passion for deaf rights advocacy.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Entrepreneurship Style
Robert I. Harris

Harris shares how it is important to take risks and not being afraid to fail, necessary ingredients for success in entrepreneurship. He will share stories from his life where his risk taking resulted in failure, but also how his collective experiences from each failure ultimately led to his success as an entrepreneur. Harris will describe how a combination of role models, educational opportunities, networking, and elimination of communication barriers provided the fertile ground that made it possible for him to break through the “glass ceiling.”

Harris has a wealth of experience, as a grant writer, as a limited partner in real estate investments, as an investor with a new start-up company to manufacture a portable, multi-purpose telecommunication device for deaf people, and finally as an entrepreneur in establishing a mail order company to sell ttys, signalers, and alarm clocks to deaf people.

Presenter bios:

Robert Harris is the owner of Harris Communications, a national one-stop supplier of assistive and assistive listening devices and sign language/deaf culture materials. The company was founded in 1982 and currently has 28 employees. He received his bachelor degree in psychology from Lake Forest College in 1970 and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from New York University in 1976. Last year, he founded another company: RIH Company to establish a new website for deaf and hard of hearing people to browse and purchase a wide variety of hand-held devices, such as smartphones, cellphones, and pagers via www.deafpagerstore.com.

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