LEED Pune...
Every Sunday we have something new to look at.
New ideas crop up from basic conversations and we build on these.
LEED Pune has been involved in some good empowerment on a very small scale and we will share this with you soon.
In the meantime friends keep wishing us luck and supporting us with your "likes" on facebook.
It makes us happy to see so many people "liking" our LEED Pune page on facebook.
We started off with just family and friends liking us and now the numbers are growing. This encourages all of us to do more and do better.
Until next time - Cheers
Atsy from LEED Pune
Monday, April 25, 2011
Brain Storming
Used a lot in the professional world. Lets Brain storm and get things sorted.
Deaf have no clue what this really means. They have never used this term before and neither have they been told of this.
On 17th April 2011, LEED Pune had a discussion on Brain-storming.
-what it means
-what happens in a brain-storming session
-how effective it turns out to be
- the fun element in such sessions
The concept was taken up immediately and we had a short Brain storming session.
so now we have a skeleton of a skit script in place
we have a draft of the videos we are going to work on
Effective and fun, Brain Storming was the Mantra at LEED Pune on the 17th of April 2011.. :-)
Atsy...
Deaf have no clue what this really means. They have never used this term before and neither have they been told of this.
On 17th April 2011, LEED Pune had a discussion on Brain-storming.
-what it means
-what happens in a brain-storming session
-how effective it turns out to be
- the fun element in such sessions
The concept was taken up immediately and we had a short Brain storming session.
so now we have a skeleton of a skit script in place
we have a draft of the videos we are going to work on
Effective and fun, Brain Storming was the Mantra at LEED Pune on the 17th of April 2011.. :-)
Atsy...
Change
Leed Pune is working hard in educating society towards Deafness. We have been part of various small and not so small workshops, conferences and gatherings only to talk about building bridges.
Sometimes we have to be part of long discussions clearing myths surrounding use of sign language for Deaf kids and adults.
Sometimes, we just face huge road blocks as people build walls around them and dont want to see the real world.
At times unexpectantly we are surprised by a simple comment by someone we didnt reach out to yet.
We have been encouraging parents and hearing siblings of the Deaf to try learning sign language to communicate easily with their Deaf kids.
Just the other day a parent who has attended just one session of LEED Pune activities thought aloud that parents must learn sign language. Its so much easier for both - the deaf and the parents to interact.
This was a surprise and an achievement for us at LEED Pune. From every session that we have if we have even one parent changing his views towards sign language and opening up to accept it, it will eventually bring about a huge change.
So we at LEED Pune believe Change is good and we are the change that we want to bring about..
Atsy
Sometimes we have to be part of long discussions clearing myths surrounding use of sign language for Deaf kids and adults.
Sometimes, we just face huge road blocks as people build walls around them and dont want to see the real world.
At times unexpectantly we are surprised by a simple comment by someone we didnt reach out to yet.
We have been encouraging parents and hearing siblings of the Deaf to try learning sign language to communicate easily with their Deaf kids.
Just the other day a parent who has attended just one session of LEED Pune activities thought aloud that parents must learn sign language. Its so much easier for both - the deaf and the parents to interact.
This was a surprise and an achievement for us at LEED Pune. From every session that we have if we have even one parent changing his views towards sign language and opening up to accept it, it will eventually bring about a huge change.
So we at LEED Pune believe Change is good and we are the change that we want to bring about..
Atsy
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
My Silent World
My Silent World
My world is a silent world
But I see and understand.
You speak aloud
I hear not a sound
You get fed up & frown.
Speak with your hands,
Move them gently and clearly
Watch me understand your words.
I see and hear with my eyes
I hear all that the ear denies
I speak with my hands & fingers
I will unweave my dreams, share my ambitions & confide my fears.
So speak to me and see me smile
Speak to me in the language of SIGNS.
Atiya Hajee
12 Nov 2002
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Audism
Today 3rd April 2011 at LEED Pune we discussed topics related to Racism, Casteism, Sexism and Audism.
I would thank Yuva Association of the Deaf Mumbai [YAD] as I got a fair idea of this topic during one of my sessions with members of YAD.
Most of us would know what "Racism, Casteism, Sexism and Audism mean, but these are new concepts for the Deaf in Pune. With various examples to understand the concept we had a long discussion.
Audism- I am not too sure if many even in the hearing world are aware of this.
Using Sign Language is a natural means of communication for the Deaf. As a kid a deaf child is not taught to sign but he on his own creates his own signs and expresses his needs to his mother and his family.
Once in school he is stopped from using his hands to convey his thoughts, or express his views. He is forced to speak, which is not very good with. This ban on using sign language to communicate and express himself is Audism.
We believe in Freedom of Expression, freedom of speech and all. But we sometimes very strongly and at times very cruelly restrict the Deaf from expressing themselves.
I have heard stories and witnessed harsh treatment towards the Deaf restricting them to use sign language. They are beaten on their hands, at times their hands are tied behind their backs, they are punished as well. This does not remain in the schools alone but extends to the home as well. It is unfortunate that the deaf have had these experiences for many years, and continue to do so.
Many believe that if a Deaf child is encouraged to use sign language he will forget to speak. This is very untrue. Complete education of any child is not limited to the vocabulary he picks up, but is measured from what he understands from the environment, his peers and his school life. Unfortumately for the Deaf, their education is measured by the vocabulary he manages to speak.
It is irrelevant if the words he reproduces are correct, audible, pronounced correctly. What is considered that he has tried to say a word.
A deaf child loses out on many years of language development and lands up not knowing how to read and write basic sentences in any language.
Wish things would change.
Atsy
I would thank Yuva Association of the Deaf Mumbai [YAD] as I got a fair idea of this topic during one of my sessions with members of YAD.
Most of us would know what "Racism, Casteism, Sexism and Audism mean, but these are new concepts for the Deaf in Pune. With various examples to understand the concept we had a long discussion.
Audism- I am not too sure if many even in the hearing world are aware of this.
Using Sign Language is a natural means of communication for the Deaf. As a kid a deaf child is not taught to sign but he on his own creates his own signs and expresses his needs to his mother and his family.
Once in school he is stopped from using his hands to convey his thoughts, or express his views. He is forced to speak, which is not very good with. This ban on using sign language to communicate and express himself is Audism.
We believe in Freedom of Expression, freedom of speech and all. But we sometimes very strongly and at times very cruelly restrict the Deaf from expressing themselves.
I have heard stories and witnessed harsh treatment towards the Deaf restricting them to use sign language. They are beaten on their hands, at times their hands are tied behind their backs, they are punished as well. This does not remain in the schools alone but extends to the home as well. It is unfortunate that the deaf have had these experiences for many years, and continue to do so.
Many believe that if a Deaf child is encouraged to use sign language he will forget to speak. This is very untrue. Complete education of any child is not limited to the vocabulary he picks up, but is measured from what he understands from the environment, his peers and his school life. Unfortumately for the Deaf, their education is measured by the vocabulary he manages to speak.
It is irrelevant if the words he reproduces are correct, audible, pronounced correctly. What is considered that he has tried to say a word.
A deaf child loses out on many years of language development and lands up not knowing how to read and write basic sentences in any language.
Wish things would change.
Atsy
A New Day, a New Discussion
I was lucky to be part of the Orissa Association of the Deaf 32 Foundation Day Celebration on 26th 27th March2011. For the first time in Orissa an association instead of the regular fun activities to organize a Conference on Indian Sign Language and Deaf Youth Developments.
This indeed is a great step towards Deaf Youth Empowerment.
Today at LEED Pune, I shared my experience at the Orissa Association of the Deaf Conference .
It is good to see that Deaf Youth across the country although slowly are moving ahead and standing up to learn and teach each other.
There were lectures by Deaf individuals from Mumbai, Delhi, Kerela, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Kolkata. The beauty of the sessions was the Signers , I wont use the term "Speakers" had prepared their own presentations, repeated if someone from the audience looked lost and supported each other when they were bogged down with numerous questions.
Its wonderful to see a change where the Deaf are now coming out of their shell ready to face challenges and move ahead supporting their Deaf brothers and sisters along with them.
CHEERS to DEAFHOOD. :-)
Atsy..
This indeed is a great step towards Deaf Youth Empowerment.
Today at LEED Pune, I shared my experience at the Orissa Association of the Deaf Conference .
It is good to see that Deaf Youth across the country although slowly are moving ahead and standing up to learn and teach each other.
There were lectures by Deaf individuals from Mumbai, Delhi, Kerela, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Kolkata. The beauty of the sessions was the Signers , I wont use the term "Speakers" had prepared their own presentations, repeated if someone from the audience looked lost and supported each other when they were bogged down with numerous questions.
Its wonderful to see a change where the Deaf are now coming out of their shell ready to face challenges and move ahead supporting their Deaf brothers and sisters along with them.
CHEERS to DEAFHOOD. :-)
Atsy..
Friday, April 1, 2011
DEAF not Dumb!!
A lot is being done within the Deaf community to empower the Deaf Youth. This will eventually bring about a positive change within the Deaf Community in India.
Targeting the Deaf youth with topics like Deaf Empowerment, Deaf Human Rights, Access to information, Right to Education has helped in creating a curiosity in the minds of the Deaf youth to look at the world differently. They are keen to learn more.
I have been part of various workshops , seminars and conferences of the Deaf, as a sign language interpreter & also delivering lectures. Quite often hearing people who may be the chief guests, or the organizers of such gatherings out of respect towards the Deaf community address the Deaf as " DEAF & DUMB / DEAF MUTE".
After a lot of reading across the internet have learnt the following .
It is about time that we in India too respect the thoughts of the Deaf and stop labeling them with various names like Deaf & Dumb, Deaf Mute, Hearing Handicapped, Hearing Impaired.
The Deaf are proud to be called Deaf because being Deaf is being part of a rich and varied culture - The Deaf Culture, having a wonderful Deaf History with many great historical moments and the use of sign language for communication.
India is proud of its rich heritage, its culture and its various languages. We stand up against disrespect for anyone. However we have never given the same respect to the Deaf community till date. We call them by names that are offensive to them and we are of the opinion that we have the right to call them by that name.
Let us change now and treat everyone , even the Deaf with respect. Lets ask them what they want and what is the rationale behind it. Lets respect the opinion of the Deaf community who is as intelligent as any of us and has the Right to Express themselves. Lets Change....
Cheers..
Atsy..
Targeting the Deaf youth with topics like Deaf Empowerment, Deaf Human Rights, Access to information, Right to Education has helped in creating a curiosity in the minds of the Deaf youth to look at the world differently. They are keen to learn more.
I have been part of various workshops , seminars and conferences of the Deaf, as a sign language interpreter & also delivering lectures. Quite often hearing people who may be the chief guests, or the organizers of such gatherings out of respect towards the Deaf community address the Deaf as " DEAF & DUMB / DEAF MUTE".
After a lot of reading across the internet have learnt the following .
- how people label themselves is a personal decision as its an identification of themselves.
- Deaf people prefer being called Deaf only
- people with minimal hearing loss prefer to call themselves Hard of Hearing.
- other labels like Deaf & Dumb, Deaf Mute, Hearing handicapped, Hearing Impaired are offensive to the Deaf.
- Deaf and Dumb - The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, pronounced the deaf as “deaf and dumb,” because he felt that deaf people were incapable of being taught, of learning, and of reasoned thinking. To his way of thinking, if a person could not use his/her voice in the same way as hearing people, then there was no way that this person could develop cognitive abilities. (Source: Deaf Heritage, by Jack Gannon, 1980).
- Later on Dumb meant to be silent. This again is untrue as the Deaf are definitely not silent and use sign language, lip read, use vocalizations for communication. Now Dumb has a newer meaning - being stupid / unintelligent. Deaf are not stupid in any way and we need to realize it and accept this.
- DEAF MUTE - Mute also means without a voice. This we have already seen is an untrue fact as the Deaf do have functioning vocal chords and they have a voice when they laugh, cry, yell to call each other or yell in pain.
- Hearing Impaired - Once this term was used as it seemed politically correct . However as times have changed "Impaired" as a term is considered with a negativity to it. It focuses on the inability to perform something. It implies that something is not as it should be and ought to be fixed if possible. To be fair, this is probably not what people intended to convey by the term “hearing impaired.”
It is about time that we in India too respect the thoughts of the Deaf and stop labeling them with various names like Deaf & Dumb, Deaf Mute, Hearing Handicapped, Hearing Impaired.
The Deaf are proud to be called Deaf because being Deaf is being part of a rich and varied culture - The Deaf Culture, having a wonderful Deaf History with many great historical moments and the use of sign language for communication.
India is proud of its rich heritage, its culture and its various languages. We stand up against disrespect for anyone. However we have never given the same respect to the Deaf community till date. We call them by names that are offensive to them and we are of the opinion that we have the right to call them by that name.
Let us change now and treat everyone , even the Deaf with respect. Lets ask them what they want and what is the rationale behind it. Lets respect the opinion of the Deaf community who is as intelligent as any of us and has the Right to Express themselves. Lets Change....
Cheers..
Atsy..
Let Me...
Let me see a Better World;
Let me hear a better world.
Coz I can do just as You.
But let me know
All that's happening around
in the tone I understand best.
Let me hear with my eyes
&
Talk with my hands;
For my ears fail me.
Give me a chance to express myself
Then
Amongst the Best I CAN Stand!
Sign to me
Sign with me
&
Together we can swim
the Deep blue Sea !
29th sept2003
Atiya
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)