• 27th Deaf Annual Tea
• Award Recipients
• Deaf Culture Festival - 27th Anniversary
• Sign Tree Camp 2018
• Enjoy an interview with Lisette Belanger!
• Disability Rights Maine in Augusta has moved!
• How to Register for Emergency Alerts

27th Deaf Annual Tea

The Commission for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened celebrated our 27^th Annual Deaf Culture Tea Awards on September 20, 2018. 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 80 people to the Tea. Richard Freund, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor, also welcomed the audience. 

Pictured right to left: Richard Freund, Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor & Regan Thibodeau, interpreter

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.

It was also a great compliment to be in the news, WABI from Bangor joined in the fun!
https://www.wabi.tv/content/news/493881821.html

Elizabeth Seal, Keynote Speaker

We were thrilled to have Elizabeth Seal as our keynote speaker. Her message of Empowering Our People and Strengthening Our Communities was exceptional.  

A little about Liz: Elizabeth Seal earned a BS in Linguistics from the University of Southern Maine and is working towards her M. Ed in Special Education at the University of Maine. Liz is a certified Teacher of the Deaf, Deaf Mentor, and Deaf Guide at the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH), working with students in grades K-12 across the state. Liz and her husband, Josh, have three deaf children, ages 7, 4, and 1.  

We would like to share her speech.  

“Like 95% of all deaf and hard of hearing children, I was the only deaf child in my family. I grew up bilingual, but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I became immersed in the Deaf culture and met my Deaf husband, Josh, that I truly knew what it meant to be in a language-rich environment, being included in every conversation.

"Not too long after our son, Jayson, now 7, was born, we found out he was deaf. It came as a surprise to me, even though my husband had a deaf grandmother. When our daughter, Sephine, now 4, was born, she passed the deaf test, as did Jarrod, our third child, who just turned 1.

"Being a parent is already a tough job. You have to make decisions for your own children, even when they’re not old enough to talk/sign for themselves. Add a deaf child to the mix and there are more choices to make. We have three deaf children. Some of you may think, “Oh, but you’re Deaf, you already know what to do.” True, I already had knowledge of Deaf culture, American Sign Language, and Cued Speech. Most hearing parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children do not have this advantage. They need to learn another language or gather information to understand more about what it means to have a hearing loss. Most do not have first-hand experience with deaf children. Some have never even met a deaf person before.

"So, yes, I was ready to surround my child with language and culture right from the start. However, that did not mean I knew which choices to make for him. Really, a lot of parents, if not all, wish they had a Magic 8 ball or a fortune ball that could answer their questions about which choice is right for their child.

"To this date, I still do not have the answers. I have had different experiences with each one of my three children. No one child is the same as another. They are all unique; they each have their own journey. Just like anybody else, we make our choices based on our knowledge and experiences, through trial and error.

"I remember one evening, long ago, when Jayson was little, I attended a presentation by Karen Putz, who is involved with the National Hands & Voices organization on the topic of parenting. I connected with Karen instantly because she was a fellow deaf parent of (three) deaf and hard-of-hearing children. She gave a wonderful presentation and to this day, her analogy still sticks with me. I call it the “Macaroni and Cheese analogy.” In this analogy, Karen talks about the striking difference between the deaf child and the hearing child throughout the process of making macaroni and cheese. When asked if they would like macaroni & cheese, the hearing child is more patient because he can hear the parents in the kitchen through the entire process, knowing where they are in the process, while the deaf child expects the bowl instantly because he likely does not hear what is going on in the kitchen. The hearing child can hear the pots and pans rattling, the water running, the placing of the pot on the stove, the boiling of the water, the pouring of the dry macaroni, the steaming, the timer dinging, and maybe the cabinets/drawers opening/closing to get the dishes and utensils. This is where Karen points out the importance of including the child in the kitchen, throughout the entire process.

"After watching that presentation, I thought, “Yes! That’s exactly what I want!” I wanted my own children to be able to learn and experience as much as they could in their natural, language-rich environment. I also want the same for my students.

"I work at the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH). I first started working in the preschool program, then worked for the Early Childhood Family Services (ECFS), with children ages 0-5. I now work for the Public Schools Outreach (PSO) department, with students in K-12. My job is to visit various children who are deaf and hard of hearing mainstreamed in public schools across the state and work with them, either with academics or social/emotional. It is an enriching/inspiring position. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing children with a curiosity for their natural environments. Over the years, I get to watch language develop, as well as their identity, as these children grow as individuals.

"One year, when Jayson was in preschool, I remember one fellow parent telling me how she didn’t know how to explain Halloween, as well as other holidays, to her deaf child. Understandably, holidays are complicated to explain to children as they’d need to have a sense of time and they only come around once a year. Jumping at the opportunity to provide another deaf child with genuine experience, I invited her child to join our family for Halloween. Even though beforehand, we did try to explain the concept to help prepare her for what to expect, it did not get through to her until after we all went trick or treating. She now had the experience to put together with the vocabulary and concept explained to her. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Because we included her, this child now understands what “Halloween” means and now looks forward to the holiday every year.

"What is the easiest way to explain something to a child? Include him throughout the entire process. Allow them to ask questions and come up with their own conclusions based on their own experiences. Don’t be afraid to let them make mistakes. After all, we all learn from our own mistakes. They’re a part of our own individual journey.

"Involve them and these deaf and hard-of-hearing children will grow up to become individuals with a strong sense of identity and will bring their own set of diverse backgrounds, skills, and influences to our small, albeit wonderful, Deaf community. That’s what I see: a room full of diverse individuals all coming from various backgrounds with one thing in common, the same shared love for the community and I’m fortunate to have our family be involved in this wonderful community.”

Award Recipients

Ginny Hewes Award - Kristine Gale

Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award

Kristine Gile has worked diligently at Community Counseling Center (CCC)/Maine Behavioral Health (MBH), first as a therapist then as manager of the Deaf Services Program. Shepherding the program through the change from CCC to MBH and several personnel changes. She has started many support groups and family sign language classes to support the community – Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, CODAs, parents, and more. She has served on several committees, such as the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened and the Foundation for Maine’s Children to name a few. Kristine also contributed her time and energy to Deaf Awareness Week to promote celebration of our community. Her energy is inspirational as she supports the community.

Pictured: Kristine Gile, Ginny Hewes - Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community award recipient

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.

Outstanding Citizenship Award - Josh Sheedy

Josh Sheedy is an amazing Deaf young man, proving Deaf can do it all! He has amazing energy and is heavily involved in the Deaf community, MeAD and supporting people with Intelligent Disabilities. He is a very caring person who values our community! He simultaneously completed college at Southern Maine Community College, holding two jobs and an internship at Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services. He has shown dedication and motivation to succeed in school and work despite many challenges. He never gave up and is an inspiration to others. This award is given to a person who is a leader in the Deaf community. Pictured: Josh Sheedy, Outstanding Citizenship award recipient

Citizenship Youth Award - Emma Foster

Emma Foster is actively involved in the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH) School Board, Commission for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened and was accepted to a program at Rochester Information Technology (RIT) which is hard to get into. She is a leader. She is very involved in supporting her peers. She tries new things and promotes a positive attitude among her peers. Emma has a bright future! This award is given to a student who is a leader in school and the Deaf community. Pictured: Robin Foster, mom of Emma Foster, Citizenship Youth award recipient.

Promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and Deaf People Award - Samantha Bragg

Samantha Bragg teaches at USM. Many students give her positive praise. Sam also works at MECDHH. She set up corps that events for Deaf and hard-of-hearing ASL students at GBSD and outdoor events. 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. Pictured: Lisa Penney, mom of Samantha Bragg, Promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and Deaf People award recipient

Special Commendation Award - Aaron Nau

Aaron Nau has a great Can-Do attitude. He lives independently in the community with the support of loving family members. He works at Hannaford and is a dare-devil on the slopes! Aaron is very active with Maine Adaptive Sports and gathers a team around him wherever he goes. This award is given to an individual or agency whose activities in and with the Deaf community deserves recognition.

Pictured left to right: Terry Morrell, Director of the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Late Deafened and Aaron Nau, Special Commendation award recipient

Clifton F. Rodgers Award - Linda Follansbee 

Linda Follansbee is a woman who works tirelessly contributing to Maine’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. She was the Vice President and Treasurer of the Maine Association of the Deaf, Inc. for 4 years and is still involved with MeAD. She also received the Dominique J. Morin Award on Volunteerism from the Maine Association of the Deaf, Inc. Linda volunteers at several Deaf organizations, such as the Deaf Senior Citizens group organization, Governor Baxter School of the Deaf Museum, Maine Deaf Cultural Festival and the Maine Alumni Association where she was Vice President for 2 years and volunteer on the 135th Governor Baxter School of the Deaf Alumni celebration.

Pictured: Linda Follansbee, Clifton F. Rodgers award recipient

Linda grew up in Maine and is one of many supporters who strengthens our community with her friendly and welcoming demeanor. Linda was employed as a data processor for Blue Cross Blue Shield for 8 years and has been happily married since 1976.

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 "life time achievement award". It 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".

Deaf Culture Tea Awards to Date

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

Pictured left to right: Kristine Gile, Robin Foster, mom of Emma Foster, Linda Follansbee, Josh Sheedy, Lisa Penney, mom of Samantha Bragg

Deaf Culture Festival - 27th Anniversary

September 29, 2018

The 27th Annual Deaf Culture Festival took place on Mackworth Island in Falmouth, Maine, on September 29, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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, numerous talented vendors and agencies serving D/deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Picture: A poster for the Annual 27th Deaf Culture Festival, Mackworth Island, Falmouth, Maine, September 29, 2018, 9am-4pm

Pictures at the Deaf Culture Festival, Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on Mackworth Island. Courtesy of MJ Grant.

Sign Tree Camp 2018

On October 2-5, 2018, 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. Picture: Sign Tree Camp 2018

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.

Picture: Sign Tree Camp group photo 2018

Volunteerism, compassion, friendship, laughs, smiles, relationships, the list goes on and on. Enjoy the pictures.

All above pictures displayed are of campers, their friends, activities and visual schedules.

Enjoy an interview with Lisette Belanger!

Pictured: Lisette Belanger

I was born in Edmundston, New Brunswick (Canada) and my first language was French. My parents found out about my deafness when I was two years old. By the age of 6, the closest French-speaking school for the deaf was located in Montréal. Being the oldest of seven children, my parents felt education was important and that was where I went for the next 12 years! I went home every Christmas and summer. My communication with my family was purely lip-reading and I had a lot of speech training. We communicated well on a one-to-one basis but naturally I was left out at the dinner table. Trying to lip-read is like watching a ping pong game. When one person starts talking before the last person stops talking it’s difficult to locate the speaker.

Growing up in an oral school, I learned sign language from my peers between classes and during play times. I wanted to teach my sisters and brothers but my parents stopped me because the school had informed them not to encourage me to sign based on my "good" speech. Today my siblings’ fingerspell whenever I don’t understand something and vice versa. My family moved to Presque Isle when my father got a new job and I continued school in Montreal even though my family moved.

After graduating from high school, I wanted to go to Governor Baxter School for the Deaf to learn English; however, I didn’t qualify because I was already 18. Then three years later, through an acquaintance, my family and I found Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and they funded my education (learning English and ASL) at the American School for the Deaf and four years at Gallaudet University. Thanks to Ms. Carol Wanbaugh in the VR Presque Isle office.

After Gallaudet, I signed up and joined the Peace Corps to teach 3rd and 4th graders for two years in the Philippines. While there, I learned Tagalog and Pilipino sign language. My experience as a Peace Corps volunteer would take many pages to write about. It was an exceptional cultural journey! My proudest accomplishment was to know that three of my students graduated from Gallaudet University!

After the Peace Corps, I went back to Gallaudet University to obtain my Master’s degree in school counseling. I didn't anticipate to become a Vocational Counselor 10 years later!

Working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist gave me an opportunity to work with international students. Not only were they my proud accomplishment but I was honored when they said I helped them with transition, understanding American culture and lifestyle and getting and maintaining a job!

I lived in Maryland and became a proud mother of a 25-year old Deaf son with additional disabilities. It was interesting to find out how I became deaf, not from the forceps at birth as doctors and my parents used to believe, but when I first was told that Philippe was deaf, I didn't believe it. Once I consulted with a geneticist, I found out that I carried the deaf "dormant" gene and thus how Philippe was deaf from birth, it was hereditary. We are the only deaf in our large families on both parents' sides!

Now I’ve been retired for almost four years and moving to beautiful and friendly Maine was the best choice I made. I enjoy volunteering, I try not only to keep myself busy but to interact with interesting people. This was how I became interested in serving as a member of the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) for the past 2 years. Serving specifically as an advocate to various groups, such as planning for the future of Deaf senior citizens and improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. I also enjoy volunteering at Disability Rights Maine, Deaf Services doing small projects.

Disability Rights Maine in Augusta has moved!

Disability Rights Maine logo

Disability Rights Maine main office in Augusta has moved to 160 Capitol Street, Suite 4. Their phone numbers have remained the same.

160 Capitol Street, Suite 4, Augusta, ME 04330

• 800.452.1948 (V/TTY)
• 207.626.2774 (V/TTY)
• 207.621.1419 (FAX)
• advocate@drme.org

Deaf Services in Falmouth, 1 Mackworth Island, Bldg. C, Falmouth, ME 04105

• 800.639.3884 (V/TTY)
• 207.797.7656 (V/TTY)
• 207.766.7111 (VP)
• 207.797.9791 (FAX)
• deafservices@drme.org

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