Southeastern Virginia Society for the Deaf
Good afternoon, everyone!
I am sorry that I could not be here with you all on this wonderful and historic day in the life of our Deaf community. However, my spirit is here with you and for the cause behind today's rally -- protesting and working to eliminate all forms of discrimination that we have experienced as Deaf persons. Today is yet another step that we take on the road towards equality for all Deaf folks as we demand the right to have American Sign Language recognized as our native or primary language. Our signs are our voice! It is time for Deaf individuals such as you all here today to fight back against centuries - old prejudice and ignorance of those who would deny our rightful access to our language.
Congratulations to you all for being here today and especially to Star Glynis Grieser who had the foresight, willingness, strength and belief to organize this historic rally. No longer shall we wait for others to lead the way ....Star and others like her shall now lead the way!
Cheers,
Lisa J. Berke, Charlottesville area
Former Director of ASL/Deaf culture lecture series at the University of Virginia
Former VAD Board of Directors member
Former Technology Assistance Program Coordinator, VDDHH
Robert Frost once wrote, "I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep". Yes, we Deaf have miles to go afore true equality is ours. I am almost as old as the hills and have seen the amazing progress made in the lives of we Deaf people; Education, employment, TTY's (please no TDDS) close captioning, blackberries and sidekicks, interpreters, etc. and the future looks even more promising!
But a caveat, warning --- we cannot, must not, REST ON OUR LAURELS! It is our responsibility to see continued progress, our responsibility alone! Yes, it IS a good time to be Deaf, but will it always be?? I am reminded of Lord Alfred Tennyson, who closed one poem with the words, "We are one heroic temper of great hearts, strong in will, to seek, to strive, to find, TO FIGHT AND NOT TO YIELD".
Love,
Joe Kopas
Gallaudet Alumnus
Teacher of the Deaf, The Learning Center, Framingham Massachusetts
Dear Everyone,
Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this very special day - it is one that I will never forget. I have been a part of many rally's but I must say that today's took the cake.... it was so well organized and so well attended! You should be very, very proud! I learned so much today - all of the speakers were just perfect! I am so grateful to be a friend of people who are Deaf and Hard of hearing - the 3 of you (Star, Jennifer, Shannon) have taught me so much about how to be a human and I admire you all for your unique gifts that you offer to the world.
In solidarity and with love,
Roxie Hoven
