Allies Retreat 08

"More than anything, an Allies retreat is a chance for Deaf people, CODAs and Interpreters to understand each other in a new way. We begin our discussions acknowledging that we experience conflicts. We acknowledge that the field of interpreting is, above all, about working with people who are Deaf. We are committed to creating a space to listen and learn from what Deaf people want to tell us. And we are committed to recognizing that we must examine how we have responded to the needs of our diverse colleagues and consumers.

We believe that talking to each other can make a difference. We're committed to having challenging conversation in a supportive environment. We believe that by honoring each of our cultures, we can talk to each other more effectively. We believe that our difficulties often come from assumptions about what we know (and don't know). By practicing dialogue with each other, with the support of our peers at the retreat, we can transform the sometimes challenging experience of Deaf/CODA/hearing relationships." - Quote from Allies 08 information posted on YouTube.

For more information go to www.allies08.com

D-PAN interpretation of "Beautiful"


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Imagining a different path...

DPAN Interpretation of "Waiting for the World to Change"


I was at an "Allies" workshop for Deaf people, CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults) and hearing interpreters. The goal of the weekend was transformation and possibilities for walking a new path as an ally.

List of Facts about People that We all NEED to Know

Taken from Charity Navigator: Humanities
http://www.charitynavigator.org/

Did you know?

Shaken baby syndrome is responsible for about 1,500 infant deaths a year nationwide. Men are responsible for 80 percent of shaken baby syndrome cases.

The number of assaults against the homeless is rising. In 2005, 73 homeless people were assaulted nationwide and 13 died.

The U.S. Administration on Aging estimates that 1 out of 4 seniors in the U.S. has an inadequate diet.

One of every six children in America lives in poverty.

Veterans account for nearly one-third of all homeless men in America, even though the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says they comprise only 13 percent of adult males in the general population.

One in five children (10 to 17 years old) receive unwanted sexual solicitations online.

Alcohol abuse kills some 75,000 Americans each year and shortens the lives of these people by an average of 30 years.

64% percent of children ages 4-11 have cotinine in their blood (a marker of recent exposure to secondhand smoke).

There are about 542,000 foster care children in the United States; 126,000 of them are waiting to be adopted.

Of those people seeking emergency food relief, more than one-third (36%) had to choose between buying food or paying for housing.