Interview request with AG Bell by DBC was denied!

This 3rd video clip is produced by my friend, Doonsky that he went to Deaf Bilingual Coalition (DBC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 27 to 30. Barb DiGi explained the types of questions she wanted to ask in a rejected interview with AG Bell.

(ASL VLOG and no transcript at this time)

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62 comments

  1. Ben Vess says:

    Well, I can’t say I blame AGBell for rejecting the interview with DBC. It seems to me that the entire DBC convention was one long rant against AGBell rather than explaining bilingualism and how to incorporate that in homes, schools, and all.

    What models do you have in place that would promote bilingualism? What does Nazis have to do with bilingualism? It doesn’t seem like DBC is extending a friendly hand to AGBell…

    Seriously, whenever there’s an AGBell convention, DBC is surely going to be there. They continue to rant against AGBell. Why can’t DBC have their own convention separate from AGBell and actually focus on bilingualism and how that should progress in the future for the deaf community?

    This whole thing just sounds too fishy for me. AGBell is not wrong to reject the request. There’s no need to walk in a lion’s den. I think if DBC changed their attitudes a bit, AGBell would be more open to dialogue.

    -Ben

  2. Richard Roehm says:

    What do you expect from them after DBC has made a confrontationalist first impression.

  3. DR Hocokan says:

    Ethics! Remember ethics? Anytime an interview happens it begins with couresty appointment procedure. Rejection of a last minute request should not be translated into ignorance. Requesting for an appointment in middle of their convention is sheer incompetence especially when it’s been rejected and translated into ignorance. This is an embarassing development. DBC is seen as the party that is quick to label others but very slow in labeling itself. Shameful practice. DBC’s leaders need to go and go now. Restore bilingualism’s dignity now before they damage it further.

  4. Deaf Spirit says:

    Being there at AG Bell convention doesn’t mean DBC rants! They are simply giving them the message that all Deaf children sign. English is not as oppressed as ASL which is why a lot of emphasis on ASL took place. DBC is for ASL as a first language which another reason why you see more emphasis on ASL for Deaf babies.

    Heck, you were not even there and you can’t possibly make this a conclusion. A lot of discussion took place in the workshop about bilingualism and people are learning about it. I believe in the future, more and more people who have a greater understanindg how biligualism work will become better advocates.

    There are contacts between DBC participants and AGBell parents where information can be shared and exchanged. For someone representing Deaf and HH section rejecting to meet a DBC representative tells me that they are not willing to be open minded and have a dialogue.

  5. MM says:

    It’s like I said on my blog, they just do not have the people to enter into dialog on either side. They need to tone it right down, then perhaps people will engage…. If someone comes in ranting at me, I’m just as likely to shut the door in their face too….

  6. RLM says:

    I have to view your vlog posting on Mac computer later in the evening.

    RLM

  7. Just Me says:

    There are many unexpected appointments that tend to occur in all conferences and all leaders know that they would have to be flexible to address issues with the media or any other organizations who want to talk with them. I don’t find anything embarrassing about this since it is very common to have last minute appointments. Barb DiGi politely requests to join in the interview but was rejected by a person who is just a representative of the DHHH section and there is no big deal about that.

    DR, I clearly see you have an agenda which is to get rid of the DBC leaders and this is a great example of crab theory. You out of all people ought to be ashamed for being a part of that. Instead of spending your energy on that, why don’t you just go ahead and set up your own bilingual organization and see if you can accomplish like the DBC! DBC rocks!

  8. Gary A. Fitts says:

    Good to see your vlog, trying to keep up with the issues, really don’t know when Ruthie will finsihed editing and post the actual interview with AGB President on Deafread on the Deaf Anthology, guess no time frame, hopefully soon.
    Smokey

  9. ben vess says:

    Just me,

    That is a good suggestion–I think maybe DR should take you up on that one. 🙂

    Ben

  10. DR Hocokan says:

    I watched Barb’s comments in the VLOG and found her comments interesting. She said she was forced to select few questions since AG Bell agreed to a 5 minutes interview with two other individuals. She said she picked a question relating to ASL because that is what we are about, ASL.

    Wow. What happened to Bilingual? This is deep video that got inside the true spirit of the crowd… the closer we take a look at the conference the more dents we see… and everywhere in the dents we see ASL rather than bilingual… omitting ASL’s strategic partner, that of English language.

    1) Barb’s first question was if AG Bell was aware of the fact that ASL helped children become better oralists. This is a tricky question on her part and won’t be appreciated by AG Bell. Remember the first impression blog written by Amy Cohen Efron? Bad question for first impression. Regardless, ASL does not help children become better oralists. ASL, first have to bridge deaf children to English language before they are able to develop proper oral skills because oralism is based on English language. As a researcher, Barb of all people, should have known this and asked a more appropriate question and include English language in the question, referring to bilingualism instead of ASL itself.

    2) Barb’s second question was why does AG Bell believe that sign language will reduce child’s ability to develop oral skills. Barb signed and asked ” do AG Bell think that ASL will cause deaf child’s oral skill to decline?

    A third tricky question from Barb. AG Bell will not appreciate this second impression question. Regardless it goes to show that Barb is so focused on ASL and oralism rather than staying focused on bilingualism, containing English language as an important strategic partner. Didn’t happen.

    Barb remained focused on oralism isssues as if it is the DBC’s main pet peeve. It is not AG Bell’s job to be the advocate of ASL. Their job is to stay focused on their mechanism. It is DBC’s job to focus on bilingualism. It is not DBC’s job to advocate oralism. It is the same thing as having AG bell asking DBC if they think that CI would discourage people from learning ASL as if it was DBC’s job to become an advocate of CI.

    4) Fourth question Barb wanted to ask AG Bell. Do you think ASL will lead children to better literacy skill?

    Once again, it is not AG Bell’s job to be an advocate of ASL therefore why ask what they think. They have their own mechanism and they are their own advocate just as it is with DBC, being its own advocate for bilingualism. It is not AG Bell’s job to know whether ASL promotes or negates literacy skill since they use a completely different approach / mechanism. It is DBC’s job to know these facts and educate accordingly instead of asking questions. DBC should educate the public on this matter before they challenge anybody’s with such question. Sheer incompetence on DBC’s part.

    4) Barb insulted AG Bell by saying she knew they would consume much of the 5 minutes talking about their role. Well, who is the host of the meeting and who is the interviewer? The host always have the floor and jurisdiction to control the climate. Don’t like it? Then don’t ask them to host us as interviewer. Inistead, let them ask to interview us. It is not happening and you wonder why. It is because DBC made the wrong First Impression and secondly, DBC’s message was confusing enough for them to know that they were not prepared with correct strategic plan. It is probably a blessing in disguise they did not challenge DBC to an interview. It would have been an embarassment.

    5) It was interesting to watch David in the vlog. He exercised some oral skill when he talked to somebody on his right side. What did he say there? What didn’t he want the rest of the crowd to know? Equal access? Probably a good thing Ella was not watching because it would have been an embarrasment to her and ASL Powerhouse, namely her Deafhood Foundation.

    6) Barb’s next question to AG Bell was if deaf people within AG Bell organization had any voice or voting power within the organization. I fail to see what it has to do with DBC’s mission, that of bilingualism for Deaf Children.

    7) Next question was comparision of congitive skill between bilingual child and sole-lingual child. Stupid question because AG Bell does not promote bilingual. They only teach oralism based on English language. It is not their job to promote bilingualism. It is DBC’s job.

    8) Next question was related to AG Bell’s opinion regarding recognization of law or some sort from 1921. It is an indication of obession on DBC’s part, thinking about the distant past, neglecting the present. I am not quite sure what this question would accomplish since 1921 is a long time ago under different group people’s watch. Look at Germany. They once hosted Nazis but they no longer do. Germany people are beautiful people and part of our larger circle, that of human beings.

    9) Last question… finally a sensible question! Will AG Bell consider participating in a summit with DBC and NAD? However based on all the bashings that is going on how do DBC expect to enter into healthy dialogue with AG Bell? DBC engineered its own pitfalls and failures from the beginning with hope that AG Bell will decline the opportunity so thatDBC is able to say, SEE They REJECTED! Evidently DBC is its own enemy, from within and they don’t realize it.

    Lastly, watch David’s comments in the end. He called AG Bell a Square Head. And he is part of DBC’s core group. Out of all people he should have known better. What makes him think AG Bell is going to agree to a summit and a language that promote such degradatory comments? Thanks for the video. It is a shameful evidence to be touting among ourselves.

    I videotaped this VLOG for my record because I know they will scurry around to delete it as soon as they read my comments here in this blog. I also copied and pasted my comment and will post it else where if this one gets blocked or deleted. Thank you Doonsky for bringing this video to our attention.

  11. ben vess says:

    WOW! That’s a very powerful analysis, DR.

    However, I have a funny feeling they might not even bother answering your points, you know. They used to talk to me when I was agreeing with them and now they refuse to acknowledge my existence except when other bloggers/vloggers badmouth me.

    *shrugs* none of this (bleep) surprises me at all.

  12. DR Hocokan says:

    Same here… not expecting them to respond. In fact two DBC Core member offered to embrace me in my morning email and have asked the rest to embrace me. I thanked these two for coming forward and I am still waiting for full explanation and apology from the rest of them. When and if they finally decide to explain themselves and offer a sincere apology for what they did to me I will embrace them but I will still clean house. Believe me. I hope they are reading this because they better believe it.

  13. anonymous says:

    Dr. Hocokan,

    You not there. You stop backstab Deaf… you good skill Deaf against Deaf. Grassroots love Barb why because she work hard and respect us all. You no respect for DBC, so you lie lie lie lie lie. You lousy work- you can’t get 700 Deaf community together- only can succeed with 7 anti-Deaf bloggers.

    DBC ROCKS DBC ROCKS DBC ROCKS!

  14. ben vess says:

    Anonymous,

    You must be the Einstein of microdriles, simply intellectually stunning.

    Really, keep it up!

  15. ChrisH says:

    “I’m calling for Ella’s resignation. We all should demand the same. Deafhood movement needs to go with her departure because DBC is about something else. She has the morale responsibility to restore DBC back to us and allow us to promote bilingualism for deaf babies without being trampled by Deafhood issues and Ella’s financial interest in Deafhood movement.” DBC: Restrategize Counterattack On AGB -Deaf Tea Time

    Dr Hocokan has to treat her cruely

  16. Barb DiGi says:

    Please allow me address my reasons why I am asking these questions. Historically, English has been a dominant language of our country and it is not a language of oppression like ASL is. The reason why I focused on ASL first because it is DBC’s mission ” promote the basic human right of all Deaf infants and young children to have access to language and cognitive development through American Sign Language.” Since ASL is a fully accessible language for ALL Deaf babies, this should be used first, because babies are not ready to develop auditory skills and speech skills until age 18 months or so. It is much more beneficial for them to be exposed to ASL from birth on. Then, by the time babies are ready to speak and listen, they will have a lot more chances to develop better spoken language skills.

    You said that my first question was that ASL helped children become better oralists. Actually it was not what I said. I said that ASL made it easier to teach speech. Now please don’t go around twisting my words. For the reference that supports this statement,

    ASL and Spoken English: http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/products/perspectives/nov-dec97/asl.html

    “Using American Sign Language can facilitate the development of skills in spoken English for deaf and hard of hearing children.”

    “In my experience, the opposite is true. The current trend to educate deaf children bilingually—with the use of American Sign Language—has opened new possibilities for developing spoken English. By appreciating the cultural identity of deaf children and using their natural linguistic strengths, a speech-language therapist can foster a communicative process that leads to the development of spoken and written English. In fact, the experience of many speech-language therapists in such environments has been that when deaf children develop a solid language base in American Sign Language, teaching spoken communication is easier.”

    “The current trend to educate deaf children bilingually—with the use of American Sign Language—has opened new possibilities for developing spoken English.”

    “Linda Acredolo received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study verbal language development in signing babies versus non-signing babies. The results of the study, published in 2000, surprised the critics, because baby signers had more advanced verbal skills than the non-signing infants. There have been many other studies and the results are always the same. Infants who learn to sign develop their communication skills at an advanced rate.”

    I want to point out that you are contrasting my statement once again. No where in my questions and in this vlog did I ever say anything about Oralism but speech which are two completely different things. I was focusing on whether if they think that signs impede speech and English development. I wanted to know what did they think about this so that I can better understand where they stand about the relationship between ASL and speech/English literacy. Again, orlaism was not my focus as you can see that I was focusing on speech, ASL and written English and they are related to bilingual issues anyway. DBC is doing its job by questioning about these methods and how they are viewed by AG Bell but unfortunately I was not able to get their input. Let me emphasize you that I have never talked about CI in this vlog nor did I ever say that CI would discourage people from learning ASL. Please do not distort my message!

    I wanted to ask them if ASL will lead children to better English literacy skills. You know it is dangerous to be an advocate of something based on emotions rather than facts and it is time for them to acknowledge these facts. For parents who are desperate to have their Deaf children to listen and talk go to AG Bell to get the answers and too often they are not getting the complete picture. This has to stop right now! It is time to ask them these questions and discuss out in the open.

    Found at http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/ciec/documents/CumminsASL-Eng_000.pdf:

    “Prinz and Strong reported the following findings:

    The overall results of the second-year phase of the study indicated that ASL skill
    is significantly correlated with English literacy. Furthermore, children with deaf
    mothers outperformed children with hearing mothers in both ASL and English
    reading and writing, a finding that replicated earlier studies showing parental
    status a good predictor of linguistic and academic success—especially during the
    early years. “(1998, p. 53)

    “Prinz and Strong also reported evidence that the differences in English literacy between
    children of Deaf mothers and children of hearing mothers could be attributed to the
    differences in ASL proficiency between these two groups. When ASL level was held
    constant, differences in English literacy performance disappeared for the high and
    medium ASL groups, while differences remained among the low ASL group. ”

    DBC recognizes this research statement and they are out to reach parents to give them more support on providing resources. DBC empowered Deaf people to allow them to be more involved in building bridges with parents that will facilitate their ASL skills. Through state chapters, DBC is also focused on setting up mentoring, parent partnership and Shared Reading Project made much more available to the parents.

    Of course, we all know that AG Bell does not advocate ASL but it won’t hurt to ask to have them to share their views on ASL. DBC was asked many time about our views on CI so why not they share their views on ASL?

    If you haven’t noticed, they have been spreading misconceptions and myths about ASL to the parents and it is DBC’s job to inquire about their propaganda. Someone needs to challenge them and to change the negativity about ASL. Let me emphasize once again that it fits to the purpose statement: “The main purpose of the Deaf Bilingual Coalition is to emphasize the importance of the social, emotional, linguistic, and cognitive aspects of ASL pertaining to early visual language acquisition for all deaf infants and young children. The secondary purpose is to make the general public aware of the prevalence of misconceptions and misinformation that devalues ASL.”

    Funny, AGBell was the one who made the wrong impression to the Deaf signing community since it was founded. DBC’s message has always been loud and clear that is evident in the mission and purpose statements. DBC has nothing to hide and is ready to face AGBell in an interview. There are no cover-ups or a need to make a plan since these questions (there are a lot more not shared) are straight from the heart. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.

    The reason for this question thrown in was because we were told that AG Bell would be more willing to answer questions that allow them to explain about their roles and function in the organization. It also will help us understand more about how AG Bell works and how the Deaf members involved have a say in this.

    You said: “Next question was comparison of cognitive (your typos corrected for clarification) skill between bilingual child and sole-lingual child. Stupid question because AG Bell does not promote bilingual.”

    It is a straight-to-the-point question which includes research findings that supports the fact that bilingual children exceeds in cognitive skills than monolingual children. AG Bell’s job may not necessarily promote bilingualism but they should not hide these facts from the parents.

    The question relating to AG Bell’s involvement in Eugenics was asked because I find that by talking with several G Bell members, they don’t acknowledge about it. How can one be a member of AGBell if the founder supports Eugenics? The name AG Bell still carries on today and for what it symbolizes this organization reflects historical actions.

    By the way, there is no need to have your comments deleted because DBC has nothing to hide.

  17. Barb DiGi says:

    I also mean the video deleted.

  18. Diane says:

    Yikes … Patty interviewed Jay Wyant!! Her v/blog is coming up soon! How interesting!

  19. Diane says:

    Oops … AGB president!

  20. Jon Savage says:

    [riffly_video]245236E44D4211DD8A89D6ACAA01D9A4[/riffly_video]

  21. Ben Vess says:

    Apparently DBC has not been looking at AGBell’s website and making false accusations if you look at this link http://www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?p=Communication_Options

    you will very well see that AGB offers ASL and bilingualism as part of their options.

    So the whole DBC rallies and protests were uncalled for and rendered moot. I agree with another commenter up above ChrisH. It is time for DBC leaders to resign. The whole lot of them. They have misled the deaf community really badly here.

    We as the deaf community should be demanding from Barb, Ella, David, John and couple others for accountability. Apparently they did not do their research. AGB DOES OFFER ASL AS PART OF THEIR OPTIONS.

    Yeah, I agree. DBC can either redraft their mission and stop targeting AGB and we the community have the very right to be outraged that the leaders misled us into believing that AGBell did not advocate ASL.

    I’m ashamed of them, the whole lot, to be honest. Pure stupidity on your behalf, the DBC.

  22. DR Hocokan says:

    Barb, you’re being really cute here. Maybe it is because you really believe we’re stupid. You said you never mentioned oral but sppeech instead. Really cute. Where else did you think the speech come from? The ear? The eye? Surely not. It’s coming out of the mouth, thus categorized as oral, as in oralism. Regardless I will thank you for your comment here because it basically validates conflicting and confusing messages we’re hearing from DBC. The more DBC say the more they sound seem to be shedding confusing messages. You see, that is what you get when you promote linear approach. Linear approach will always generate linear responses as it is evident every where. For a change, try circular approach and you will see why it’s an ideal. I’ve said my piece and will rest my case.

  23. Deaf Spirit says:

    Ben, you are anything that is worse than stupidity because you are so quickly to accuse DBC for not doing their research. Didn’t you know that Barb DiGi vlogged about how AG Bell is being a hypocrite by including bilingual approach in the website? You need not to be too haste to jump to conclusions and people like you makes me feel ashamed!

    http://deafprogressivism.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-could-it-be-unbiased-as-claimed-by.html

    DBC led hundeds of people feeling empowered and ready to revamp their energy to improve the system for the future of Deaf babies. Why are you trying to take this away?

  24. Floridagirl says:

    Dr Hocokan, you jump the gun to make your statement when I can see you clearly don’t understand the situatition.

    It seems like you are trying to hijack DBC by getting rid of the core members.

    Seriously, if you are going back to DBC to help restore it, I will resign. Your misbehavior make me that uncomfortable.

  25. Diane says:

    Long live DBC …. Happy 11 months old! Just watched the vlog again at Deafvideo.tv Jay Wyant, the AGB president interviewed by Patty … He got me very confused.. I think he is confused too. He does signs but but …. Why is he president of AGB. I don’t mean to take personal here. *scratch my head*

  26. Benno says:

    Ben:

    I think you’re going too far this time. There is no reason for resignment of DBC leaders since I believe they did their researchs. Surely AGB lists ASL as one of their communication options but I think this is just to fool people to believe that this organization really supports ASL. Like I stated in the blog of Patti Durr, AG Bell focuses mostly on hearing and speech, and its professionals, as I often hear from people, often recommended parents not to use signs.

    Do you realize that AG Bell often rejected or complained that any ASL clips or ads are shown? Remember Sprint ad? If ABG were to care about ASL, it wouldn’t have complained.

    It is you that need to do more researchs.

  27. DR Hocokan says:

    Deaf Spirit… we’re not taking anything away from you or DBC. It was them that took DBC away from true bilingualists. Deafhood kidnapped our movement and we want to restore it.

  28. deafchipmunk says:

    Hi Jon,

    Well done and thanks for expressing your view on positive and successful DBC. I was there and I really enjoyed it very much. I look forward to a many more of it in the VERY NEAR future. We all can work and learn and grow together.

    Deafchip

  29. Deaf Spirit says:

    DR, nonsense! These members involved came from a different background (growing up oral, auditory, ASL, etc.) and most of them carry masters degrees relating to Deaf education and some of them specializes bilingualism in their jobs. They are not even denying that Deafhood is separated from DBC though and it is nothing wrong about that. Let DBC go through a process with participants who are experiencing Deafhood as their mission will be stronger in the future. More power to the supporters of DBC!

  30. DR Hocokan says:

    Floridagirl… I will not respond to your linear comment. I will only say that DBC should be restored to its original message without reference to oralism and CI. Barb mentioned oralism / speech numerous times in this video and touted ASL as the superior language of bilingual, dismissing English language as its strategic partner. While it may attract deaf people it is not the message for hearing parents who obviously value English language equal or more than ASL. Itis DBC’s duty to connect to hearing parents who ultimately decide the fate of 95% of deaf children.

  31. Barb DiGi says:

    Barry, you are distorting my message once again. I pointed out earlier in my longer response on this vlog the reasons why ASL needs to be advocated as a first language. I never said that ASL is superior over English. Please re-read what I said earlier because I am finding myself repeating over and over with you. I am getting the feeling that you are not getting the point.

    Once again, there is a huge difference between oralism and speech and in my presentation, I focused on how ASL is made easier to teach speech nothing more and nothing less. I also focused on how ASL is related to higher literacy skills. These are the issues relating to bilingualism and if you don’t think so, then what would you call it?

    Barry, I am done discussing with you since you are not taking the circular approach and for you to belittle Floridagirl about her “linear” comment tells me that you are attempting to manipulate the floor and not validating her feelings/opinions.

  32. Barb DiGi says:

    One more thing, you calling me cute is a sign of a sexist pig who does not take a woman’s view seriously. I am so done with you as I have no interest to be submissive to your thoughts. You having a circular approach is not even evident to me at all.

  33. Shelley says:

    Barb,

    You said it all, and I feel that you have clearly justified your choice in questions, and the premise you have explained.

    Dr. Hocokan, in order for true bilingualism to occur, the other people have to respect ASL as a language. There is no need to defend English as it is ALREADY THE language of power in this country.

    In order to get to the point of bilingualism, we need to educate people about ASL itself and all it entails, What’s more: language is inextricably connected to CULTURE. You deplore Deafhood. Fine. That is YOUR take. MY take is that in order for a person to acquire a given language, that person MUST understand and experience the culture that comes with it.

    You decry the direction that DBC is taking. Take that energy and form YOUR own organization instead of tearing down what progress an infant organization has made with your personal agenda and vendetta againse one of the leaders. Yes, it does look like a vendetta the way you are going about it however much you deny it.
    Let me give a condensed Canadian history of bilingualism.

    In order to get into the true spirit of bilingualism, first, the language of the minority must get respect from the majority. Look at Canada. The only way the Francophones were able to get French taught in schools beyond grade 2 was to get government support. They got it in the form of one Pierre Elliot Trudeau, who as Prime Minister of Canada, passed a law recognizing French as the other official language of Canada, along with English. THAT was the start of bilingualism.

    Attitudes towards French language took a LONG time to change. Even today there are Anglophones who still DON’T respect French, despite its status. The Quebecois HAD to educate us Anglophones about the importance of French, Quebecois culture and bilingualism. It took 35 plus years to do so.

    We need to take that direction.. EDUCATE parents and public about ASL., and how ASL in a bilingual relationship with English would only enhance children’s literacy skills.

    There is no call to make this personal, Dr. Hocokan. Please examine your comments and see how offensive they can be, especially when it involves labelling others and putting them down, and implying both overtly and subtly how your way of thinking is better than others.

    If you care about Deaf babies getting ASL as well as English, but disagree with DBC’s direction, I strongly recommend that you set up your own organization rather than try to tear down what has been accomplished in only 11 months.
    (Think Civil Rights… MLK, Malcolm X, Nation of Islam, Black Panthers… all had different ideologies (softliners to hardliners) and methods, but their basic goal was the same: end segregation, and Black Empowerment)

    Respectfully,
    Shelley

  34. deafcdeafchipmunkhipmunk says:

    Barb,
    I want to let you know that your comments are valid. It is very unfortunate that yours were misinterpreted by others. I am very concerned about that. We have to stand strong and fight for what we believe in for the best interest of Deaf babies and children and their families.

    Shel,
    You expressed it all beautifully. I am so glad you have made well taken points. Keep up with good work! Will chat with you very soon. We need to let the world know that DBC did, does and will do great job!

    Deafchip

  35. Anonymous says:

    I read Dr Hocokan’s blog. One of his last paragraph sounds sort of “hypocrisy”. I sure hope Dr Hocoken will realize his mistakes. Dr. Hocokan SHOULD apologize everyone if he wanted to treat everyone as human being and respectfully?

    “I am sharing these things with you because I BELIEVE in human beings. I look at each one of us as human beings first and we all should. Feel free and contribute productive comments here and share your insights. Positive comments means you are much closer to the center than you thought or perhaps you are already in the center. Negative comments are welcomed because you are also part of the circle. Negativity will eventually dissolve as soon as you steer yourself towards the center. Those who continue to produce negative comments will mean only one thing…. not in the center yet. Keep trying and you’ll eventually find your way to the center. It’s okay if you don’t want to try. Your corner is yours to keep and your journey will be long and difficult but it is by choice. That’s the beauty of it.”

  36. David K says:

    I think that the media looked at DBC as a bad reputation because DBC was against AGB instead of broadcast thier goals for deaf babies to learn ASL instead of bashing against AG Bell. I think that’s what media turned them down. Of course Deaf child of hearing parents have the right to learn more about ASL instead of focus just only oral method.

  37. sarah says:

    Dr. Hocokon/Barry,
    Your method of cyber stalking and bashing DBC is unhealthy and not normal. I would recommend that others that read your comments be made aware that you are an angry man with a one goal in mind and that is to hurt anyone and everyone in your way in order to feel vindicated. If like you claim, DBC dismissed you, then I appauld them for seeing the real you before you did more damage to the future of Deaf babies’ right to ASL. You need to stop this childish behavior once and for all. You long drawn bashing comments are winding circles around you. Enough is enough.

  38. Diane says:

    Hands waving for Barb DiGi Dr. Barry is not a happy camper here. DBC — hang in there. It is only 11 months old!

  39. DR Hocokan says:

    One question for Barb. When is verbal speech not categorized oral?

    Cute is not sexism remark. The term, Cute applies to every imaginable living things. It does not only apply to female. Remember, words are like mirror, a reflection of self.

    I have no problem with apologizing for anything I may have said that offended any of you. I apologize to everybody that was offended. That is more than any of you can say for yourself.

    And again, Barb in the video bashed against oralism and CI, which went against what I was told by DBC’s entire core members when they sayd they would not discuss oralism and CI but to stay focused on ASL / Bilingualism for Deaf Babies. See the conflicting / confusing messages? I do. See the First Impression? I do. It is the wrong impression we want to shed for the public’s eye.

    Watch the video again and you will see the hatred in Barb’s comments as well as body language. There is a more productive way to approach AG Bell than the way she approached it. Seeing DE’s leadership role at the end of the video calling AG Bell a square head is why AG Bell has refused to stoop low to our level. Summit? Won’t happen until DBC learns to use different approaches.

    As for the rest of you who quoted me in my blog known as Hocokan, the Center, you find the comfort to comment about my blog here but not in my blog. This says a lot about some of you who only comment where you felt safe, as in a corner of a square pen, that of linear approach. Expand your horizon because it will serve you well. Seek your center. Peace be with those who are truly lost and confused. Best Wishes.

  40. DR Hocokan says:

    Sarah,

    Cyber stalking? Does that make you and everybody cyber stakers too? To blog is to stalk? That was rather interesting.

  41. DR Hocokan says:

    David, You are right. The media viewed DBC under negative light and it did not have to happen the way it did. If they listened they would have broadcasted their oals for deaf babies to learn AL, based on its own merits. Didn’t happen. Why? Was it because Deafhood did not think that it had merits so they had to pick on somebody else, AG Bell for instance? This is something to think about. I, for one always thought that the merit in itself was enough for us to broadcast our simple goals without having to take somebody down, AG Bell for instance.

  42. DR Hocokan says:

    And Sarah… DBC did not dismiss me. I resigned due to lack for integrity on their part. Read my previous comments and get your facts together.

  43. DR Hocokan says:

    Anonymous, the things I shared in Hocokan, the Center blog applies to everybody including you. It is not something for you to measure me or others with. That is linear approach. It is for each of us to measure ourselves with and help ourselves accordingly. This is the circular approach. You obviously missed that part.

  44. DR Hocokan says:

    Diane… it is not a camping league whereas happiness has to be defined and sensed. It is an advocate league whereas we put our personal issues aside and define the goals for the best interest of deaf babies. Camper? I ain’t even camping here yet. Whose tent are you getting your hands into? Surely was not mine.

  45. DR Hocokan says:

    Hey everybody… for the last time… BARB may have tried to redefine what she meant in that video but she can not change what she actually said on that stage. It is good that she is capable of redefining and clarifying what she meant, for all of us to read but she can not take away what was said on the video, which was communicated to the public. When I viewed the video I tried to understand general public’s view, not just deaf people’s view. That is the point Barb missed.

  46. annonymous says:

    Let’s cut the chase here…my son is a model of bi-lingual and he has advanced his language and speech level ahead of his actual age. He was born deaf and we use ASL as a first language. We’re both deaf and we use ASL and we speak fluently, too. Our ASL skills does enable to expedite his speech skills after his Ci implant at the age of 2. Bi-lingual produce results!
    Growing up oralism myself have faced many obstacles oppose to my son’s experience have been very difficult one. After high school, I learned deaf culture and learned ASL. I noticed by understanding ASL does improve my speech and socialization.
    That’s the thing from the past…Ci technology has improved after the year 2004 which guarantees a hearing level below 30 db. Most implanted babies/infant up to age of 18 months will produce hearing speaking level. Bi-lingual is required on all babies even hearing babies, too. But, DBC has shown up a very late start since inception of CI Technology. Sign language isn’t needed for babies with Ci.
    12000 babies have been detected annually and 8000 plus babies have been implanted annually at present time. Demographically in 20 years from now, Deaf Culture will began to feel depleted culture to the end of Deaf Culture cycle. 100 years from now, there will be the fewest deaf living person in America. That’s the fact.
    DBC and NAD should have expressed this issue 20 years ago….why NOW? It’s too late to change it.
    Truthfully, the big picture is the ending of our deaf culture is what we need to cherish our moments on each day. That’s the best we could do. More and more deaf institutions are closing and phrasing out. Gally holds 1500 students and fewer enrollments on each year. That’s the answer!!!

  47. White Ghost says:

    Barb —

    Help us and me to understand the word, “Coalition” What does the word, “Coalition” mean? For what I saw the powerpoint per MishkaZena’s blog on the Deafhood. It made me very uncomfortable. It was very painful for me to see this.

    I have seen many hearing parents including my parents (I was baby) to feel pain when they receive the news about the deaf babies. I am sure that they will *NOT* understand the powerpoint on Deafhood. It is SO new to them.

    I don’t understand why there were *no* diverse and conversational presenters. There were *no* CI and hearing with ASL presenters at the DBC. Only six deaf with *NO* CI presenters were there.

    Fix the diversity. Deafhood must go.

  48. DR Hocokan says:

    White Ghost,

    I’ll tell you why. Ella, the leader of Deafhood Foundation wanted ALL DEAF keynote speakers. How do Iknow? I proposed Dr. Freeman King of Utah State University because there was no other greater Bi-Bi advocate that was a hearing person. I wanted to show that DBC had support from both deaf and hearing people. But it didn’t happen because Ella and her Deafhood movement did not want any hearing person for presenter. You are right. They lacked diversity except for one core group member who is a hearing mom of a deaf daughter. That was about it. If it were not for Deafhood I know we would have more balanced support to show support from everybody including hearing people and it would have made all the difference. That is why Deafhood has to go. They can exist as I do not have any interest in stopping them from promoting Deafhood but not at the expense of bilingualism and deaf children. This is what I’ve been saying all along the time but there are radical views that wanted Deafhood to stay and dominate DBC. These people are more interested in recruiting supports from deaf people than hearing parents who ultimately decide the fate of 95% deaf children. They have their mind set on 5% of deaf children, probablybecause it is easier, quicker and glorious but the real challenge is to aim for the 95% deaf children and connect with hearing parents. Deafhood is more interested in making hearing people look bad in order to liberate and validate themselves. Not going to work. It will backfire and spell the end of deaf culture and language as it did for Native Americans who communicate via Englihs almost exclusively these days. Wisdom tells me that the same could happen to us if we continue to reject the majority.

    I know we will be called old crab theorists because they are defenseless when it comes down to the truth. But we should not worry about being vocal or outspoken on these issues. We care about ASL and our culture and we care about ALL deaf children therefore we must help them understand how to preserve the language and culture and help them find their centers. We obviously have a long journey ahead of us but it has to be done.

  49. Ben Vess says:

    Barb,

    As a leader, you do not have the priviledge to “ignore” your audience when you get frustrated. We are allowed to dissent and ask you “leaders” to answer yourselves. Especially when you represent us all.

    I’m going to do a vlog.

    You pseudo-leaders fascists now have a whole community to answer to. You don’t speak on our behalf.

    -Ben

  50. DR Hocokan says:

    Right Ben. Since Barb and Ella and the rest of DBC dared to wear bilingualsim umbrella, claiming to represent you and me, we have the right to ask questions and challenge them to act and perform like true leaders of all people, not just limited to Deafhood. I do not subscribe to Deafhood theory but yet I’m a true bilingual individual. ASL is my first language and English is my second language but I respect both languages equally and give it equal footings and air time. It is not appropriate for Barb to ventilate her anger towards oralists and AG Bell in name of bilingual or deaf children. Even worse, it is highly unethical for DE to sign outloud in public and call AG Bell ‘square heads’ especially when DBC claim him to be one of their leaders. DE, you need to apologize to AG Bell and everybody for misrepresenting us. This is an embarrassment and we have the right to tell them to think and act like true leaders. I know they will never understand because they are self-appointed leaders. True leaders do not work for themselves and they do not want to be leaders but are elected by the people to lead. Those that do not want to lead but are elected to lead are unselfish people who work for people, not himself or herself.

    DBC did not elect any of their leaders. They just pooled up and selected themselves as leaders. I know because when I was involved with DBC I saw no due process. They did not have any by-laws or recorded minutes. They are not even a legal entity. That is why they behave this way… due to lack for accountability.