Do you know what’s frustrating? I spent years and years studying government. Canadian government. I went to political events, met with parliament members for provincial and federal. I’ve spoken with our Prime Minister several times, even interpreting for him once. I’ve sat in the War Room listening to a discussion on the Indian Act […]
Read more "Frustrating about being a Deaf Leader"Of course I’ve stated my view earlier on mainstreaming from my own perspective. However I do need to write a follow up to mainstreaming after my comments reading the failings of the Provincial School Board. This would be presented based on conclusions from my experiences. The Province of Ontario is interested in trying […]
Read more "Mainstreaming, is it possible?"The Special Services Schools that provide a central location for the Deaf to be educated have gotten a year’s reprise and the Deaf community isn’t happy. They want the schools to remain open without having to worry about it closing. The Ministry’s approach is outdated and extremely destructive toward the Provincial School Board and its […]
Read more "Problems with the Provincial School Board of Ontario"This question along with other questions like; Hearing aids should work right? Cochlear implants cure you right? you lipread right? so you lost a little hearing, but if I’m loud enough that’s okay? They’re… a little annoying to answer, but I try anyways. Hearing aids depend on a few things. They depend on the user’s […]
Read more "Why aren’t these aids good enough for the classroom?"My frustrations with being Deaf If you’ve read my previous writings, you’d know I’m a strong advocate of proper Deaf Education and Sign Language. I’m not against learning how to speak, but I emphasis it is draining and difficult. Without proper support, it will fail. Without strong advocacy from the parents and the parents […]
Read more "Frustrated with being Deaf"People have asked me to share my thoughts, being a successful mainstreamer. I’m fairly certain I’m one of those examples being referred to as why Deaf people should be mainstreamed. Sure, let’s talk about my experience with the integration process. I’ve discussed it here and there, but let’s be more specific. Before I was mainstreamed, […]
Read more "Mainstreaming, my personal experience"In government circles, they are looking at the failure of so many Deaf students to meet the benchmark of provincial education for Ontario. Somehow, the idea of mainstreaming these students gained traction and the Government started to look at closing the smaller Deaf schools to encourage mainstreaming students but leaving the school in Milton open. […]
Read more "Do we stay open or do we go?"We do not need a Deaf Superintendant right now. Before I get attacked for this, read me out. The Deaf community needs leaders willing to listen, regardless of if they’re Deaf or not. We need Deaf leaders with education worth the paper they’re written on. It doesn’t matter if they were born Deaf […]
Read more "What the Deaf needs in Ontario"People have asked me why I oppose student notetakers and strongly advocate professionals. Usually their comment is along the lines of “But what’s the difference? The student is in the same class, right?” Well that’s a valid question, until you understand something called auditory memory. This is something Deaf people do not have. Deaf […]
Read more "Notetakers student vs professional"In the legal sense of the term ‘Disability’ Deafness is indeed a disability, but when we look at the social definition behind the word ‘Disability’ we find a word that implies Deaf people are limited in a negative way. Deaf people are far from limited in abilities. Hearing loss simply changes our way of life. […]
Read more "What sets Deafness apart from other Disabilities?"