• 26th Deaf Annual Tea
• Deaf Culture Festival - 26th Anniversary - September 30, 2017
• Sign Tree Camp 2017
• University of Southern Maine's American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Training Program
• Interview with Sitara Sheikh and Christy Callahan

26th Deaf Annual Tea

The Commission for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened celebrated our 26th Annual Deaf Culture Tea Awards on September 21, 2017.  The event took place at the State House, Hall of Flags, in Augusta.  The event began with opening remarks from the Division’s Director, Terry Morrell.  Terry welcomed approximately 100 people to the Tea.  John Butera, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor, also welcomed the audience.  

Every September we celebrate Deaf Culture and recognize those who have made significant contributions to Maine’s Deaf Community.  Over the years, we have honored numerous individuals and organizations for their contribution; this year we have added six more people to those already honored. 

Delicious refreshments were provided by Richard Desjardins, operator of the Cross Café, located at the Cross State Office Building.  The Cross Café is part of the Business Enterprise Program of the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), Bureau of Rehabilitation Services.

We were thrilled to have Michelle Ames as our keynote speaker.  Her message of leadership was delightful and inspiring!  We would like to share a few lines from her speech.

“On Maine’s state flag is the word ‘Dirigo’ which means ‘I lead’.  Each one of you is a leader in different ways.  Each one of you creates a community.  Each one of you has the ability to contribute.  We all have a journey and together we learn and grow from each other.  Some people are more obvious than others, some are more behind the scenes or some are a mixture of both.

My parents believed in education and they sent me 300 miles away to Governor Baxter School for the Deaf.  They wanted me to have access to American Sign Language and education.  I was able to grow and learn more about my strengths and limitations.  We all make mistakes throughout our journey - but that is what makes us unique.”

It was also a great compliment to be in the news, WABI from Bangor joined in the fun!

http://www.wabi.tv/content/news/Awards-Ceremony-Kicks-Off-Deaf-Culture-Week-446573053.html

Award Recipients

Ginny Hewes - Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award

This award is given to a person or organization that advocates for the needs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in Maine. Ginny Hewes was known as the “I Love You” (in ASL) Lady of Saco.  Mother to a Deaf daughter, Ginny became a tireless advocate for not just her own daughter, but for all Deaf children.  As a result of her personal advocacy, the Deaf Services Coordinator position was established at the (then) Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, which has in turn resulted in specialty signing group homes, culturally competent case management services, linguistically competent mental health counseling services, and the largest source of employment for culturally Deaf signing adults in Maine, social work.  Her reach has extended far beyond the needs of her own daughter, beyond even Deaf children, to make and positive impact on all Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened Mainers.

Carrie J. Pierce advocates for the Deaf community, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults, in all aspects of her life.  She is not afraid to voice her opinion and is always willing to share her expertise.  Her advocating skills have been successful at two hospitals, a movie theatre, in the legislature and at interpreting agencies.  Currently she is providing advocacy for people with hearing loss within the university system.

Carrie lives in Belfast and attended Gallaudet University where she earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Deaf Education.  Carrie is a Teacher of the Deaf and has been teaching and tutoring since 1999.  Carrie also has been teaching American Sign Language since 2003.

Outstanding Citizenship Award

This award is given to a person who is a leader in the Deaf community.

Debra Reynolds was nominated and chosen due to her tireless work in the community.  She has been involved with the Maine Association of the Deaf, Deaf Women of Maine, Chair of the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened, and other countless organizations and activities.  She has the patience and dedication to support our community.  She also taught American Sign Language, interpreted for many individuals, and empowered individuals with an intellectual disability and who are Deaf.  She is currently working at Ascentria who supports Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with an intellectual disability.  She is a proud mother of three daughters and three grandchildren.  

Citizenship Youth Award

This award is given to a student who is a leader in school and the Deaf community.

Kailey Ouellette was nominated for her involvement as president of Jr. National Association of the Deaf where she helped host the conference last year at Governor Baxter School for the Deaf on Mackworth Island.  Kailey also supports and manages the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf basketball team and participates in the Academic Bowl with her dedication of learning.

Kailey Ouellette graduated from Portland High School last June through the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf program.  Kailey grew up in the Bangor area and had previously attended the Deaf program at Bangor High School.  She was a dedicated student and participated in the Jr. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in Bangor.

When Kailey transferred to Portland, she was in the middle of her junior year, a very challenging time to change schools.  She jumped into her classes at Portland High School and into activities with the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. 

She is bright, friendly and motivated to achieve success. 

Promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and Deaf People Award

This award is given to a person who worked to improve Maine’s Deaf community through leadership by promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture or Deaf People.

John Post is currently teaching American Sign Language (ASL) at Central Maine Community College and the University of New England.  He also has taught ASL through Adult Education programs.  He encourages his students to attend Deaf related events so they will be exposed to Deaf culture and ASL.  John will use his humor and patience with his students and make them feel comfortable in using ASL.  He is also involved with Maine Association of the Deaf (MeAD) and Maine Recreation Association of the Deaf (MRAD), such as TimberFest, by supporting and helping promote ASL and volunteerism.  

Special Commendation Award

This award is given to an individual or agency whose activities in and with the Deaf community deserves recognition.

Dawna Thorpe has contributed a lot of her time to the Deaf community, especially with Deaf Women of Maine, Maine Recreational Association of the Deaf (MRAD) at Timberfest, and teaching American Sign Language.  She has been committed to fundraising, fun activities and being involved with Deaf organizations as well as encouraging hearing people to learn American Sign Language and Deaf culture.  She is thoughtful of people and believes every person should have an opportunity to serve.  She was skilled in fundraising for different programs.  This year, she was the Mistress of Ceremonies at Maine Deaf Timberfest’s Saturday entertainment.  She is very organized, makes sure people are having fun, and loves to make them laugh.

Clifton F. Rodgers Award

This award is given to a person who deserves recognition for outstanding service in a professional or voluntary capacity to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in Maine.

This award is named for Clifton F. Rodgers a resident of Maine all his life.  He attended the Maine School for the Deaf and lived in Belfast for over 30 years with his wife Dorothy.  Cliff was a member of the Advisory Council and also worked for the Division of Deafness.  Quotes that describe him were; " He made an indelible impression on everyone he came in contact with, for his style always created goodwill and warm feelings"; "His knowledge of Maine and its Deaf Culture were immense"; and " He passed through this world making it a better place".

This award is presented to an individual who has worked in or with Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened individuals for many years.  It is like a "lifetime achievement award". 

Bonnie M. Snow was recognized for her work in the Deaf community for many years.  She once had the Telecommunications Equipment Program in her home.  She has served on many boards and committees throughout the years.  She has served on the board of Maine Association of the Deaf as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, the most times as Secretary and Treasurer.  She is Secretary of Maine Deaf Senior Citizens.  She has been married to James Snow for 52 years and has three grown sons and four grandchildren. 

Bonnie has been and continues to be committed to serving the Deaf community.  She worked at St. Joseph’s College in Standish in the Continuing Education/Computer Department for over 30 years and retired in December 2015. 

Deaf Culture Tea Awards to Date

http://www.maine.gov/rehab/advisory_councils/dod/minutes/index.shtml

Deaf Culture Festival - 26th Anniversary - September 30, 2017

The 26th Annual Deaf Culture Festival took place on Mackworth Island in Falmouth, Maine, September 30, 2017, from 9 AM to 4 PM.  It was very well attended with over 20 vendors and over 100 visitors throughout the day.  Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.  Some of the festivities included: face painting, comical skit done by Sammy Hargis, a delightful game of Family Feud, delicious lunch choices from the Maine Association of the Deaf, Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Athletic Club and the Maine Deaf Senior Citizens and numerous talented vendors and serving agencies.  The University of Southern Maine assessed several interpreting students on their ability to provide support service provider services to several Deaf-Blind visitors.

Sign Tree Camp 2017

On October 2-5, 2017, a group of campers came to Sign Tree Camp, a unique retreat at Pine Tree Camp, to participate in fun camp activities, supported by staff and volunteers who speak American Sign Language and other forms of gestural communication for adults who are deaf with an intellectual disability. 

Sign Tree Camp offers a fun, communication-accessible camp experience in a barrier-free environment.  Campers enjoy the opportunity to interact with peers, staff and volunteers in an environment where they are accepted and supported.  The group enjoyed boating, fishing, crafts, volleyball and many other fun activities.  Most of all, they enjoyed some time hanging out with friends, old and new.

University of Southern Maine's American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Training Program

The University of Southern Maine's American Sign Language Interpreting Training Program has students who may be available for community events.  Please read about the various levels and avenues that these students may be utilized.

The Practicum Course that happens each Spring is the final component of the student's training to become an interpreter. We seek practicum placements for various levels - there are three levels.  The observing practicum student needs to watch interpreters at work, the level one and two practicum students are typically placed with a certified interpreting team for formal situations with sensitive content such as college courses, adult continuing education, etc.  There are instances where two practicum students can be sent to do a family event like a birthday party or a tour of a farm as long there is a Deaf adult who will provide feedback on their performance.  To get more information or put in requests email Kegl@maine.edu. 

In the Not Yet Ready (NYR) course, ASL students are doing pre-practicum exposure in collaboration with Deaf consumers—typically with someone who is approved to do so via an orientation by Dr. Judy Shepard-Kegl, to use NYR students.  There are forms that need to be utilized to document feedback and progress notes with understanding that these are ASL students who have most likely not taken any interpreting courses yet.

Also, there are students who spend extra time attending trainings outside of the classroom to be a Support Service Provider for Deaf Blind related requests.  They must meet a number of hours and undergo safety training as well as background checks prior to placement.  Please email kegl@maine.edu for information or to send requests.

In the Summer, we do not have any students available to do any of the above unless you put in requests to us ahead of time and we can try to find students who are interested in the opportunity.

All placements are vetted by the University of Southern Maine's American Sign Language Interpreting Training Program and are not selected directly by the student interpreter.  Deaf individuals using Not Yet Ready interpreters must meet with Judy Shepard-Kegl for an orientation in person or over the videophone before they can access these services.  NYR students cannot interpret in situations where a professional interpreter is legally required: e.g., medical appointments, legal appointments, job interviews, etc.  NYR students typically interpret fun assignments with low risk and with the consumer understanding that these are limited interpreters who are doing their best, but could fall short of their expectations.  Practicum students are more experienced.  Practicum II students are typically licensed by the State of Maine. 

Interview with Sitara Sheikh and Christy Callahan

Enjoy an interview with Sitara Sheikh, the out-going Vice-Chair of the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) and Christy Callahan, current member and the in-coming Vice-Chair of the CDHHLD.

Could you share with us what your family life was like as a child?

Sitara: I have one older sister.  I was always curious.  My parents set up high expectations for me.  I participated in different activities such as horse-back riding, ballet, and piano lessons.  They would advocate for me at school and encouraged me to be confident in what I do.

Christy: I have one younger sister and I was the only Deaf member of my family until my own children were born.  Growing up I was always watching what everyone was doing, saying, and their body language.  I did not want to miss out on anything.  My mother immediately learned ASL when she found out I was Deaf at 3 years old and always supported me by being there and making sure I had what I needed.  She made sure I knew that I could do anything anyone could do, never made me feel like Deafness was a disability.  I was always outside with my sister and cousins growing up!

What mode of communication did you use as a child?

Sitara: We used American Sign Language and Signed English.  We all learned sign language when I was about 4 years old.  I went to a school for the deaf at that age.

Christy: We used Signed English to communicate when I was a child.  Then the older I became, I ended up teaching my family ASL.

What is your family life like now?

Sitara: My parents live in Michigan and my sister in North Carolina.  I recently was introduced to my cousins and second cousins of both families which was great.  My Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities are my family.

Christy: My mom lives in Maine, my sister lives in Arizona.  I have two bright and beautiful children, a 16-year old daughter who is hard of hearing and my 9-year old son who is Deaf. 

Have you always lived in Maine?

Sitara: I have lived in Maine for 7 years.  Prior to living in Maine, I lived in Canada, Tennessee, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, and Kenya, Africa.

Christy: I've lived in Maine and Massachusetts, primarily Maine.  I've lived in Cape Cod, and Marion, MA and grew up in Norway, ME.

What kind of work have you done?

Sitara: I used to be a teacher, case manager, supervisor, and job developer with different organizations/programs.

Christy: I am a special education teacher, worked at Montessori schools, a barista and had various odd jobs while in college. 

As a Deaf professional, what would be your proudest accomplishments?

Sitara: To empower individuals to find and maintain employment.

Christy: Seeing kids smile with that sense of "I got it!" or "I did it!" at school every day! 

Where do you work?

Sitara: I work at Maine Vocational Rehabilitation.

Christy: I work at Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH) with the elementary students at East End Community School.

What population do you work with?

Sitara: I work with mostly Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who are students in high school and adults.

Christy: Deaf/hard-of-hearing kindergarten through 8th-grade students.

What are some of your successes?

Sitara: Working with individuals to find jobs, seeing transition students achieve their goals, sky-diving, travelling to new places, and contributing to the Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities.

Christy: Having two amazing children, hiking mountains, rock climbing, flying a plane, teaching children, working with a great team at MECDHH, and working with the CDHHLD.

How long have you been the Vice-Chair of the CDHHLD?

Sitara: About 5 years.

What is your highlighted moment as the Vice-Chair of CDHHLD?

Sitara: To be a part of the Maine Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities and trying to encourage change in different levels of systems.

What made you decide to be Vice-Chair of the CDHHLD?

Christy: I want to continue to be involved with the Deaf/hard-of-hearing and late-deafened communities proactively, hear their needs and provide them with a connection to the State of Maine, their resources, information and with the goal to resolve our community’s issues.

What message do you want to spread to others about the CDHHLD?

Sitara: Our goal is to share resources, information, and issues that focuses on the Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities.  We are interested in encouraging changes that will impact the well-being of these communities.

Christy: My message is the same as Sitara.  We want the Deaf/hard-of-hearing communities to know we are here to help and as Helen Keller says "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."  We have a great team on the CDHHLD!

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