« What Can We Do For Our Deaf Community?
20 Deaf Schools: Proposed Closings, Severe Budget Cuts, Some Not Severe »

We Are Deaf: One And Many

Ask not what your Deaf Community can do for you; Ask what you can do for your Deaf Community.

 
1979-1984 Filed and won a Department of Justice complaint against D.C. Traffic Court for their refusal to provide interpreters for Deaf defendants in the Traffic Court. A major victory in the pre ADA days.
 
Advocated for a Deaf patient in a hospital and a Deaf person in a nursing home, pre ADA days
  
83-84  Educated the hospital administrations on the importance of ASL interpreters. Two hospitals implemented interpreter policies,  pre ADA days
 
Vice President of a Deaf club
 
Taught hearing people sign language and mentored a novice Interpreter

84-85  Taught Deaf students how to advocate for themselves at a community college. Eventually reported systematic abuses of a special student service program which ended with the implementation for a new separate Deaf program
 
Evaluated the qualifications of ASL interpreters for the state.
 
86: One student advocacy for Gallaudet University students by tackling the failure of the cafeteria management to control the severe rodent infestation in the cafeteria.  After two formal citations for  excessive sanitary violations levied against the Gallaudet Cafeteria by the Health Department of DC,  Gallaudet hired a new company to operate the cafeteria. 
 
Participation in Deaf President Now.
 
Advocacy for Deaf survivors of rape and sexual assaults
 
Provided HIV/AIDS advocacy for the Deaf
 
Advocacy and activism with a grassroots political hearing organization, establishing and operating a independent yahoo group and helping with the preparation of a political rally

Invited to give a presentation for a CDC hearing. 

Advocated as a part of an online hearing group, including a stint as an AOL host.
 
97-04  Citizen Advisory Committee, Disability, for the city:  Advocated for disabled people and Deaf, ensured the compliance of ADA in the public and commercial buildings, resolved conflicts between the disabled citizens and the business owners due to inaccessibility, maintained scooters accessibility in certain stores, ensured no blockage of aisles, sidewalks,and entrances for wheelchair users in stores, reviewed the blueprints of commercial stores for ADA compliance, promoted accessibility of the city meetings for the Deaf, implemented tty access for the Deaf at the police station during power outages,  implemented ADA and cultural training for the local police officers, maintained the tty accessibility in the city hall, provided input for local and county emergency alerts to Deaf Community during disasters

Organized a group letter and phone campaign to the AOL Headquarters to protest its inaction regarding one person’s hate crimes against several individuals online
 
04-06  Gillespie vs Dimensional Health Corporation: Initiated and implemented a successful major lawsuit from seven Deaf citizens against a hospital for systemic violations of ADA with its Deaf consumers ending with four new interpretations of ADA currently being proposed to be implemented with the ADA this year.
 
Dept of Justice Decree: Consent Decree: Consent Decree: the United States of America v. DIMENSIONS HEALTH CORPORATION d/b/a Laurel Regional Hospital,

Unity for Gallaudet: participated, provided coverage and advocacy to the student protesters as a civil right activist and blogger.
 
Interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education: http://www.kctcs.edu/todaysnews/index.cfm?tn_date=2006-11-01#7271

Interview with DeafRead: http://www.videoserver.us/ftp/tayler/2006/gallyprotest/mishkazena_interview.mov

OSD, MSD, SMSD, NCSD: covered the protest over the firing of its superintendent,  students protesting for better academic and communication access,  or/and sought legal assistance for the student protesters. 
 
Daphne Wright Case: spread awareness about the questionability of a fair trial for the Deaf defendant. Interviews with the local newspaper and tv and online abc news

National ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2935914

Local News: KELOLAND.COM – Some Question Fairness In Wright Trial

http://www.keloland.com/videoarchive/index.cfm?VideoFile=040607wright

Fair trial unlikely, bloggers fear | argusleader.com | Argus Leader

DBC: A founding member of Deaf Bilingual Coalition, an educational and advocacy organization on bilingual communication for the Deaf babies and children.  Participated in its first educational rally in Arlington, VA
 
ASL Think Tank: A founder member of ASL Think Tank, an educational clearinghouse providing awareness of bilingual programs for Deaf babies and children.
 
Advocate for Deaf survivors of Domestic Violence and their families
 
ADA Advocate for Deaf patients in hospitals
 
Mentor to Parents of Deaf children

Mentor to Deaf Advocators
 
DeafRead Editor
 
Mishka Zena  Deaf advocacy, activism and sociopolitics blog with over one million hits
 
 
Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. – Barack Obama

.

A note: Some of you may be wondering why I also list my contributions to the Hearing Community.  Since I’m bicultural,  my community involves both Deaf and Hearing Communities.  MZ

.

 

We have so many unsung Deaf heroes among us. Thank you for sharing your contributions. You all inspire everybody, Deaf and Hearing.

Jules: Journey to Deaf Identity: Volunteering from Deaf hearts.

Brance: Ecnarb: We are Deaf: One & Many!

Ben: We are Deaf: One and Many!! | benvess.

Deb Ann: Waving With My Deaf Hands: We are Deaf: One & Many~

Jill and John: ……………………..ABC: We are Deaf: One and Many!

Kim Helping Hands « Face me, I read lips

Kim ASLMom2Mom: We are Deaf: Many & One

Barry Hocokan, the Center: We are Deaf: One and Many!

LaRonda http://www.earofmyheart.com/wordpress/2009/01/22/we-are-deaf-one-and-many-love/

LS Pah Mine: We are Deaf: One and many

Shannon and Star: We are Deaf – One and Many « In my world…

Misha Insane World of Misha » We are Deaf: One and Many!!

Cheryl http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39814/

Tar http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39816/

Joe http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39825/

Julie  Guest: We are Deaf, One and Many | benvess.

Jeannette We Are Deaf: One & Many « The Deaf Edge

Jon lenois.com » Blog Archive » We are Deaf: One and Many

GalaxyAngelz http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39835/

Amy http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39853/

Shawn http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39858/

Ellen http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39860/

DeafTeal http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39866/

Trudy trudysuggs.com » Blog Archive » Start 2009 with hope.

Kevin We Are Deaf; One And Many « Yoda’s Vlog

deafnet http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39870/

Frogtigger FrogTigger: We are deaf: one and many more!!

12JaVu http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39876/

ArdizzNYC http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39886/  

lchaim  http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39890/

Rita http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39900/

deafazgal http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39916/

CanuckSRY http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39919/

Susan  http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39903/

Geo http://www.seekgeo.com/?p=2785

Gary Deaf Anthology: Deaf Anthology # 166: “We are Deaf: One and Many!”

PeaceDove http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39929/

DeafFlower http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39932/

Grateful Sam http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39933/

Deafk http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39936/

Gary We are Deaf: One & Many «

NorthTrue http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39942/
 
Noah http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39954/
 
Joe  http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39962/
 
DeafBostonista1 http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39995/
 
Mel iammine: We Are Deaf: One and Many

Candy Let Us Begin : Ask What You Can Do…. « Candy

Cherie http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/40035/
 
CoolJP http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/40095/

JoeDeafPreacher http://www.deafvideo.tv/62247
 
For CODA
http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/39950/

You all made this project a big success.  Deaf Pundit and I planted an idea, but you nurtured it and grew it to be successful.  Thank you, Deaf Community. :)

I totally agree with Jules’ quote: “I don’t believe in leading one by the hand, doing things myself.  I believe that individuals can be successful by themselves once they learn how to help themselves and the families/friends around them” I share the same philosophy, too. MZ

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 at 12:53 pm and is filed under ADA, ASL, Civil Rights, Communication, Deaf Community, Gallaudet, Judicial System, Media, Police, TV. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

23 Responses to “We Are Deaf: One And Many”

  1. Stanelle Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    Will try to post what I’ve done for the Deaf community on my Xanga site as soon as I get the time. My husband has recently had a stroke and I’m not online that much anymore!!

  2. IamMine Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    :-O

    I’m signless… that’s damn impressive, pardon my language!

    *handswaving*
    :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

  3. We are Deaf: One and Many!! | benvess. Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    [...] MishkaZena’s Blog [...]

  4. Ben Vess Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm

    MZ,

    You are truly amazing! My role model!!! I think I’m gonna do more now!

    mwahs!!!!

  5. Ecnarb Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    MZ,

    Wow! Also you brought my attention to Unity for Gallaudet with other bloggers, which led me to create my own blog and vlog for Deafvideo.tv. Thank you for your unfailing love for the Deaf community. :)

  6. deb ann Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 5:58 pm

    You’re a very truly amazing lady! Thank you so much for all the emails by supporting and sharing websites for saving Deaf program last year.
    Way to go, MZ!

  7. deb ann Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 6:00 pm

    Love you! :)

  8. kim Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm

    WOW! I’m so impressed. Lately I’ve been thinking along the same lines. It’s one thing to complain, but quite another to actively involve oneself in solutions. This year I’ve made it my aim to make a difference in the world.

  9. Helping Hands « Face me, I read lips Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    [...] This is in response to MZ’s post, ‘We Are Deaf– One And Many’. [...]

  10. Jules Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 pm

    I have to say that I have always wanted to meet you, someone who have been a pillar of strength for the deaf community, even when you’re not there sometimes (due to health or other reasons). You’re there in spirit. Sometimes when I had thought I didn’t want to speak up in fear of how people would judge me, you had cheered me on. So I feel that you’re as well a cheerleader for bloggers/vloggers who sometimes need a bit of encouragement. :) THANK you and the other heroes, even if the contributions had been tiny or immense, you all are heroes in my view.

  11. Jill & JohnABC Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    Thank you Mishka Zena for this great idea and encouraging us to participate in this project. It’s been fun. We enjoyed watching all the other vlogs. Thank you for all you do for the deaf community. Bless you!

  12. Deafmom3 Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    WOW, it sure is wonderful to know you a bit better! Appreicate your time & effort in our deaf community.

  13. misha Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    Mishka Zena,

    I would like to express my gratitude for your idea on this project. It is really inspirational! It’s truly beautiful. Once again, thank you, Mishka!

    Hugs, Misha

  14. lenois.com » Blog Archive » We are Deaf: One and Many Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    [...] More info at Mishkazena’s website [...]

  15. Seek Geo Says:
    January 24th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    Hey Mishka Zena!

    Wow, I’m speechless of what you have done for our community, we are so fortunate to have you part of ours!!

    Your idea of this project was excellent so way to go. That is something we all need to look a lot of positives what we all have done for Deaf community even if little things.

    Thanks so much for your time and efforts to our community.

    *hugs*

    -SG

  16. A Deaf Pundit Says:
    January 24th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    *smiles* This has been truly inspiring for me to watch. We indeed are Deaf, one and many…

  17. Gary Brooks Says:
    January 24th, 2009 at 9:40 pm

    Dear MZ-

    I have one word to tell you… it’s a milestone!!!

    Thank God for you!!!!

    hugs
    Gary ;)

  18. FrogTigger Says:
    January 25th, 2009 at 10:50 am

    Hello Mishka, Thanks for bring up that tropic.. Wow I got inspired by deaf community and all vloggers and bloggers.. Now I see my name there on your list and I glad I am getting know to vloggers and bloggers who has talents!! Anyway, I will set up my vlog at blog about we are deaf: one and many same as dvtv. Nice to get know you!!! Nice meet you!!

    FrogTigger

  19. LChaim2007 Says:
    January 26th, 2009 at 2:19 am

    Thanks for bringing up this issue! Our willing may be example toward the deafies that we need them to be willing and motivation if they want to involve in the deaf community.

    Many thanks!

    LCHAIM

  20. MM Says:
    January 26th, 2009 at 4:37 am

    I think I am happy not to be included at this stage, because I have a different slant on this. I see ‘Deaf’ unity I don’t see a lot else yet, and that is the ultimate point of things, I am hoping that is Mishka’s too…. The bigger picture is the thing.

  21. SJB Says:
    February 5th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    I was wondering what about Eastern North Carolina School for the deaf ( ENCSD) or North Carolina School for the Deaf ( NCSD) in North Carolina will able to close in some days?

  22. John Says:
    February 6th, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    Thank you, it inspired me to ” Wake up and see the Hands”. I beleive now is my time to push harder in my community and support how hearing people here say “your kind”. “We are Deaf: One And Many

  23. Yodakevin Says:
    February 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    I would like to say THANK YOU for bringing this project up, it is still impressive to see what others have done. What you have done is amazing!! You did a lot and you deserve hug from me and everyone else :)

    HUGS-
    Kevin.

Leave a Reply

« Back to text comment