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Fundraiser in Seattle!

5/28/2014

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BRUNCH FUNDRAISING
Brunch: Gluten Free Pancakes, southwest scrambled eggs, sausage/bacon, fruit salad, and coffee/hot tea

Location: Rachel Simon’s house at 4834 South Brandon Street Seattle, WA 98118

 Cost: 20.00 each person and 5.00 for SSP (Cash and Personal Check accepted 
–Make payable to FACUNDO ELEMENT)

When: Saturday, June 14th

Time: 9:30am until 12:00pm

Why fundraising: Please visitWWW.DEAFBLINDPOWER.COM. All donations contribute to DeafBlind Power. Thank you for your support!

RVSP: Wednesday, June 11th – If you are interested to buying a ticket, please contact Nancy Sommer at nsommer62@gmail.com.


If you need a SSP/Ride, please email Nancy before JUNE 7TH.


If you can’t attend, you are very welcome to donate money to DeafBlind Power.

Please contact Roger at rapoulin68@yahoo.com and Nancy if you have any questions or concerns.




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ASL Update from Recent meeting

5/21/2014

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Video Footage Description: 2:26 video showing two individuals signing to camera. Background is a dark blue wall. On the left is Jelica Nuccio. She is wearing a dark suit jacket that is buttoned up. On the right is Stephanie Johnson. The is wearing a cream colored long sleeved top and dangly earrings. They are using Pro-Tactile techniques in the video.  Link: http://youtu.be/WunHHGRvkLM

Transcript:

Jelica: Hi! My name is Jelica Nuccio, name sign Y handshape moving from upper left shoulder to lower left hip.  I want to share my deep appreciation for those who have made donations to the DeafBlind Coalition, please continue to donate – we still need funds! Thumbs up! So now, we (points at herself and Stephanie) did travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with Mark Snyderman (Rehabilitation Services Administration). I’d like to invite Stephanie to share her views of the meeting.

Stephanie: My name is Stephanie Johnson, I’m DeafBlind and I also represent my organization, Take a Stand (sign: take up, go ahead).  I felt today’s meeting was, hmmm, O-K. It wasn’t perfect. I feel we did ingite, start something. Understand, folks, that there were two people in the meeting on their side. One was a blind woman and I really felt she was attentive, empathic and hope she will apply some pressure to Mark. Mark, on the other hand, seemed a bit detached, not quite completely present, somewhat disorganized. I feel Jelica will probably have more to share—what did you think of the meeting?

Jelica: We requested interpreters for two hours; they were not provided. I don’t fully understand where the ball was dropped. Anyway, as you might imagine, this gave us some insight into the lack of organization within that office. Finally after scrambling for an hour, a staff interpreter was brought into the meeting- just that one interpreter for three individuals (one Deaf, two DeafBlind).  Most of the meeting focused on accountability within Rehabilitation Services Administration. We wanted Mark to be more aware of the need to do his job efficiently. Mark tentatively agreed—he said—he would follow up with HKNC (and by the way I am making a eye-roll face), but he said he would ask them for a progress report. Additionally, he is going to collect more feedback from more DeafBlind people. And then he plans to do a site visit at HKNC in the Fall of 2014. That’s his word. Again, please continue to share your stories. We need more. Thank you!

(turns to Stephanie- want to add anything?)

Stephanie: It’s all good. I’m looking forward to what may come.

Jelica: Thumb up!  

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Meeting with RSA 5/19/2014

5/19/2014

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Email from Jelica Nuccio, DeafBlind Coalition Leadership to Mark Snyderman, Rehabilitation Services Administration:

Dear Mr. Snyderman,

I appreciate your willingness to meet with us today, it feels like a door was opened.

Before I go further, I would like to reiterate that we were disappointed that no interpreters were available during the first hour of our scheduled meeting.  We feel that a lot of money ($1,450.00) was put into this trip specifically for our meeting and you agreed to look into the possibly of helping alleviate some of those costs. Though we appreciate your bringing in a staff interpreter from your building for the second hour, she was not qualified or prepared to interpret for that meeting and as a result there may have been some miscommunications. Please allow this summary to serve as an opportunity for both of us to clarify points.

To recap, we discussed:

·      You acknowledged that you received the 22-page document we sent you awhile back and noted that you checked in with Joe McNaulty and Tom Edwards.

·      You noted that you were not able to monitor HKNC as closely as you would like to in part because your office is understaffed and you were unable to go to HKNC for a visit. You also shared that you could not share further information with us about what you have done to follow up on concerns related to HKNC because you work for a federal office.

·      You noted that RSA had some concerns about the search process for the Executive Director position and encouraged HKNC administration to ensure that there was DeafBlind representation on the committee.

·      We were able to discuss ways that HKNC does not provide equal and optimal services to ALL DeafBlind individuals and that there is a significant group of underprivileged DeafBlind individuals who are neither receiving adequate services nor equipped to advocate for themselves and give feedback about their experiences. You recognized that there may be some things that are being overlooked and invited us to share potential questions framed in specific way to assist you and others in your office with the investigation process.

·      You discussed doing a site visit and suggested that you would like to plan for a visit in Fall 2014. We expressed concern about your waiting this long in part because of concerns about the multiple ongoing problems with the Executive Director Search Process. You again stated that you felt it would be better to wait until the new person is hired but added that you would be willing to “gather information” now in the meantime. We did not agree on this point but acknowledged that you would be waiting until “late summer or early Fall.”

·      We expressed concern that having sighted and/or hearing federal workers go into HKNC to conduct an investigation/visit would not be as beneficial without a group of DeafBlind individuals included who can share information that would otherwise be overlooked by hearing/sighted individuals. You agreed to follow up and see if this could be a part of the process (third party).

·      We asked whether you would be able to influence HKNC (the executive director search process). You initially said no, but then conceded that your office does have the ability to withhold (temporary) funds and that this is something you would prefer not to do. You then explained that HKNC funding is a line item budgeted thing (money goes directly to HKSB, who then allocates the funds to HKNC) and it is written in as an act of congress.

·      We discussed concerns about HKNC not having competition or there being funding for alternative options. This means DeafBlind people do not have enough choices for services.

·      We asked that you also send us a list of options for how we can best support you in taking steps to resolve concerns about HKNC and you agreed to this.

·      You also mentioned it would be helpful to learn stories from people who have been at HKNC. We noted that the lack of follow up from his office has not inspired trust among community members and this may be creating barriers to them sending their stories in.

We look forward to learning more about what information you receive after you are able to get a progress report from HKNC and any plans you have in place to do a site visit. Please keep us posted as to whether or not you are able to make arrangements for a third party of DeafBlind individuals to participate in the site visit process.

Since we were unable to meet for the full, agreed-upon period with complete access, I would like for us to discuss a possible follow up meeting.

Thank you again for your time today-

Respectfully,

Jelica

Meeting in attendance: Jelica Nuccio (DeafBlind Coalition), Stephanie Johnson (Take a Stand Organization), Alison Aubrecht (Facundo Element) Rayni Plaster (DeafBlind Interpreter)

Mark Snyderman (Rehabilitation Services Administration), Deanna (?), Megan Stegemiller (staff interpreter brought in last minute)

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Coco's Video (Transcript)

5/12/2014

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Footage Description: 18-minute video of Christine (Coco) Roschaert signing vlog style.  She is wearing a dark top and dark-framed glasses. The background is a dark curtain-like fabric. Video link: http://youtu.be/HZzpq4CbTo4

Note: Coco mentions upcoming vlogs from Justin and Allyson; those videos will be posted in the coming weeks.

Begin transcript:

“Hello everyone!  This vlog is being signed in American Sign Language.  My name is Christine Roschaert, also known as Coco.  I’m an international advocate and motivational speaker and travel the world imparting awareness of deafblind issues. 

Previously, I made a vlog discussing several issues connected with the Helen Keller National Center (HKNC): the Executive Director search process and issues that current and former students have had with the center.  This can be viewed on my website at www.youtube.com/tactiletheworld In this vlog, I elaborate on the issues that students have had at HKNC in Long Island, NY: oppression, substandard education/training, personality conflicts with staff and administration and an Executive Director search process that has not been transparent.  These are serious allegations and I feel it’s my role as an advocate to expose them.  I’d like to now update you on several things:

1)   A new website: www.deafblindpower.com What a great name!  This website was established by Jelica Nuccio, an advocate and trainer based in Seattle, WA, who is deafblind herself, along with Facundo Element (FE), a Deaf advocacy organization.  This site will keep you updated on information about the ED search process and our need for transparency in this process.  HKNC is overseen by the Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) board of directors and they need to be made aware of the student’s issues with HKNC.  To this effect, the website includes a number of comments/letters made by the students themselves, allies and organizations in support of these goals.  In addition, there is an intensive timeline that includes all the actions taken to date and it’s quite a lot of information! 

2)   Two deafblind people have already applied for the ED position.  We noticed that on two different websites, the posted requirements for this position were in conflict: one states a MA degree while the other states a BA degree.  We’re confused how this came about.  These two applicants waited a long time before being contacted by the search committee for interviews.  They were told they would hear within two weeks after the interview as to any follow-up.  It’s now been 5 weeks and they still haven’t gotten a response.  The search committee consists of Tom Edwards, the CEO of HKSB; several board members of HKSB; and 3 deafblind folk: Mussie Gebre, Dr. Jeff Bohrman and Bryen Yunashko.  We feel that since there’s been no public announcement of the process to date, transparency is an issue and has created concern and distrust.  We know one of the applicants is Sue Ruzenski, formerly the Assistant Director to Joe McNulty (now retired), who is the current Interim Executive Director.    In many of the letters written by students, the blame for the cause of disillusionment rests solely with Joe McNulty and Sue Rusenski.  The buzz in the deafblind community feels Sue will be offered the ED position.  We’re seriously concerned about this.  More and more, I see the parallels to the Gallaudet University Presidential search process.   I was involved in the DPN protest back in 2006.  A brief recap: I. King Jordan, long time president of Gallaudet announced his retirement.  The buzz was that he would be involved in the search process, which raised some red flags.  It was felt he needed to be neutral in this process.  A number of candidates applied and eventually winnowed down to 3 finalists: Ron Stern, Superintendent of the New Mexico School for the Deaf, Stephen Weiner, professor at Gallaudet and Jane Fernandes, Provost (second in command to the President) at Gallaudet from 1999-2006.  Staff and students were dissatisfied with Jane Fernandes’ performance over that time.  The search process included public forums in which the candidates imparted their vision for Gallaudet and responded to questions and concerns from staff and students.  Comments were gathered and sent to the search committee.  Overwhelmingly, the support was there for Ron Stern and Stephen Weiner, but not for Jane Fernandes, yet she was selected.  This led to the protests as it was felt the search process wasn’t transparent enough.  Support for the protests came not only from Gallaudet staff and students but also from the Deaf community worldwide, which was amazing to see!  This went on for months, was exhausting and a waste of time because Jane Fernandes refused to step down.  Eventually she did and the community celebrated.  This could not have happened without community accountability, something we need to see happen now with this situation at HKNC.  We cannot leave this to deafblind students at HKNC.  We need the support of the deafblind community in the USA and internationally, the Deaf community and Deaf and deafblind organizations.

Please go to the website set up by Jelica Nuccio and Facundo Element, www.deafblindpower.com and read up on all the issues.  Familiarize yourself with them.  Add your comments from your perspective as a current or former student or visitor to HKNC.  Your support is crucial!  This can come from individuals or organizations, Deaf, Deafblind, and hearing.  You can also send financial support for this cause.  On May 19th, Jelica Nuccio will be meeting with a representative from the US Department of Education, Mark Snyderman.  This is an amazing opportunity! Funds will be needed to cover the cost of airfare, lodging, interpreters and SSP’s.  Jelica can’t be expected to cover this out of pocket.  Please donate! 

We are thrilled beyond measure that media is taking note of this cause.  Go to www.ideafnews.com and see their recent expose on this issue.  You can find it in the archives section: April 24, 2014.  The HKNC section starts at 7:10 in the broadcast.  We are hoping for more media to bring light to this situation. 

More vlogs are being made.  Justin Gaines, a former student at HKNC has made one about his experiences.  Allyson Snow, another former student (and current client) has made a poignant vlog of her experience.   Also read Nancy Sommer’s powerful letter on www.deafblindpower.com listed her oppression at being a student at HKNC. 

Why isn’t HKNC encouraging Deafblind people to achieve their highest potential?  Why is this oppression still going on?  We need community support here!  This is the only way to prevent HKNC from continuing to oppress Deafblind people; from keeping the Deafblind community from it’s full potential, from crashing the glass ceiling!  It’s time to stop this pattern!  Let’s keep ourselves up to date on this issue.  I’m doing my part as an international advocate here.  I’m not an US citizen, yet the international Deafblind community contacts me for details on this issue.  I’ve been to HKNC and experienced this oppression firsthand.  (I should make a vlog of that experience.)  We need community accountability and social justice for all.  Please do your part!  Use social media (Facebook), make vlogs, and get the word out there!  This will cause HKSB and HKNC to rethink their approach and make the right decision.  Otherwise we might need to do more.  Do take care of yourselves.  As Martin Luther King stated,  “I have a dream.  I have a dream for a better world. “ Equality, support and love for Deafblind people everywhere.  This particular situation at HKNC really does apply to the Deafblind worldwide.  In my travels, I see Deafblind people oppressed everywhere.  If we succeed in this situation, we become a shining example worldwide.  This can be the model to inspire those worldwide to fight for what is right!  Tactile love to everyone!”


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Three Updates!

5/9/2014

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1. Meeting with Mark Snyderman (RSA) confirmed on May 19th in washington, D.C. Funds still being raised to help cover travel costs and SSP/Interpreter costs. 

2. After requesting copies of evaluation done at HKNC and being stonewalled for over a year, we finally got copies through FOIA. Over 100 pages, we are working on reviewing. 

3. Another link will be added to this website: "Community." Your comments, Letters, Video Transcripts, etc. will be posted there. Want to contribute? Send to DBCoalition@gmail.com 

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Meeting with Rehab Services Admin

5/1/2014

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We are waiting for a response from Mark Snyderman (Rehabilitative Services Administration Rep) about possibly meeting in person to discuss concerns about HKNC. Hope to have an update on that soon!

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FOIA Request

5/1/2014

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We have sent in a FOIA request for copies of documents related to HKNC. We were notified that it would cost $300.00. Please donate what you can to help us cover this cost! 

Thanks!

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    OTHER POSTS

    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014


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