Boycotting of AG Bell!
I was just told today from a reputable source that a quite few parents who have CI children have resigned from AG Bell or will not renew their membership, because of the organization’s letter to Pepsi. I applaud those parents for taking a stand against intolerance.
This should serve as an example for all of us. If an organization expresses intolerance like AG Bell did, be prepared to deal with the consequences such as members withdrawing from your organization, and the community boycotting you and your donors.
Jay Krieger in his vlog listed the donors of AG Bell and I applaud him for taking the initiative for doing that. It’s about time we do this appropriately such as investigations and such. If you want to make a loud statement, pun intended, stop being consumers of AG Bell donors and tell them why you are no longer their consumers.
Or you can politely discuss with those donors on why they donated money with AG Bell and request civilly that they stop donating money to an organization that practices intolerance.
It is important for us to remain civil and polite in this process. Remember, people quit AG Bell because they were not. So, let’s take our money elsewhere and invest in companies that are tolerant and care about us and do it with class and dignity!
And by the way, Seek Geo can help you switch pager service providers! 
UPDATE: NAD HAS RESPONDED TO AGBELL. http://blogs.nad.org/president/?p=14
54 Comments
Comments are closed.
Misha said,
February 6, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Woohoo! Glad those parents of CI children are leaving AGBell organization! Hope there will be more to follow them out.
So awesome! We won’t give up until AGBell accepts ASL as part of Deaf education.
A real subtle plug about Geo!
Misha
seekgeo said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Right on!!
I wonder about many of these donors if they really understand what kind of organization Ag Bell is. I heard sometime it happens where they donated to group(s) assuming it’s a good organization but once they learn more about it, they realized how big of a mistake they did.
It could happen some of these donors thinking it is good organization for us but it was misinformation.
So, I wonder if we should contact these donors to explain if they are aware of what kind Ag Bell is?
Just my two cents.
Yay for these members who resigned!
-SG
deafchipmunk said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Excellent!
That is the way it should be. Be civil, be proactive and be positive!
Deafchip
IamMine said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:05 pm
hahah
yeah I loved the little plug!!!
seekgeo said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
OMG.. I didn’t see that little plug, damn these new glasses of mine!!! HA HA — love ya!
-SG
J.J. Puorro said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I am stuck on my T-Mobile committment for a few more months…but after that I’ll look for something new…
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:09 pm
DeafChip, yup!
*grins* Love you too, SG!
And yes, contacting the donors is a good idea. I would explain to the donors why they are losing my business and use examples like AG Bell’s letter to Pepsi.
Don’t use things that happened over twenty years ago. Use recent examples, and stay calm and factual.
That’s my suggestion.
Mishka Zena » Blog Archive » Hit AGBell Hard Where It Hurts said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:39 pm
[...] Deaf Pundit’s post urging Boycotting of AGBell: Boycotting of AG Bell! « The Deaf Edge [...]
Jean Boutcher said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Agreed! We should consult donors.
Also:
Because of the shock from Jay Krieger’s investigation on ABG’s list of donors,
the alumni must — in advance — ask Gallaudet University what GU would do with their cash contributions? We would twist
GU’s arm — “Promise not to give a cent to
AGB!”
ASL Risen said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Yikes!! Starting snow here in St. Louis!!! Soon I’ll be out sweep the snow off my car!
Yeah right on Jean Boutcher!!! Hope that NTID Alumni will do the same thing, too!!!
DT said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:51 pm
As much as I agree with your sentiment, I am, at the same time, wondering what possible motive(s), Gallaudet, NTID, GoAmerica have for donating. I hope we hear their side soon…..
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Yeah. It’s definitely a good question, and I hope we find out. We’ll have to talk to Gallaudet, NTID and GoAmerica to get that answer.
Jean Boutcher said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Pepsico is a MIRACLE WORKER.
I cannot resist saying that.
Bear hugs to Pepsico!
Mishkazena said,
February 6, 2008 at 4:56 pm
You read my mind, Deaf Pundit! I just published my post, supporting your position and urging others to boycott the AGB sponsors.
Jean Boutcher said,
February 6, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Deaf Pundit:
Is there a way us to find a quickie way
to write down the email addresses or the
physical addresses of sponsors. I would
write and tell them that I would no longer
buy any product from them as long as they
support AGB financially.
The sooner the better.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Jean,
I have two tests tomorrow that I SHOULD be studying for.. LOL. I suggest googling the companies then post the addresses on here.
Jenny said,
February 6, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Can ANYONE post the list of sponsors? Not everyone can watch vlogs, and Krieger’s list is nowhere to be found in print form (not counting PDF). My pager, which is my main form of ‘Net access, does not allow vlog viewing, nor does it allow me to read PDFs. Thanks.
Lena said,
February 6, 2008 at 5:57 pm
So, does this mean that deaf people will no longer support NTID or Gallaudet, since they both always have a booth at AGBell’s conferences? If you do, you are only hurting yourselves. People with ALL different beliefs and thoughts about the Deaf community go to the conference. It gives oral high school students a chance to learn about the Deaf community, what schools like NTID or Gallaudet might offer them, and if they might actually feel comfortable in the signing Deaf community. By threatening Gallaudet and NTID, you just hurt these students.
And while you’re sending hugs and kisses to Pepsi, why isn’t anyone asking them why they couldn’t be bothered to caption their commercials during the SuperBowl? What kind of respect is that? I think it shows that they enjoyed all the free publicity they got from the ad, but weren’t willing to really put forth a few bucks to caption ads that they spent literally millions of dollars on. I think they’re probably all laughing up their sleeves at how naive the Deaf community is, willing to be grateful for a few crumbs.
seekgeo said,
February 6, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Jenny,
Sure you betcha! I will try my best to copy/paste on here:
VOLTA VOICES • JULY/AUGUST 2006 • 2005 ANNUAL REPORT 43
Cingular Wireless
DataMark
David J. Davis
Demeter Software
Lois and Richard England
Lilian Flores-Beltran
Linda and Walter Franck
C. Mac Gibson, Jr.
Betsy and Bruce Goldstein
Jewish Communal Fund
Jollay Family Foundation, Inc.
Irene W. Leigh
Kenneth Levinson
Mrs. Seena Levy
National Court Reporters
Foundation
Michael A. Novak and Lee Ann
Rotz
Seton Hall University
Kathy and Marty Sussman
Steven L. Vonderfecht
Tim Wierzbicki
Karen and Robert Youdelman
■Supporters $500 – $999
Audio Enhancement
Auditory Learning
Baton Rouge Speech and
Hearing Foundation
Cars 4 Charities
Costal Mortage
Andi and Steve Epstein
Etta L. Fisher
GoAmerica Communications
■President’s Circle $10,000 and above
Advanced Bionics Corporation
Lisa and Jeffery Bowen
Kenny Cheng
Cochlear Americas
Dextra Baldwin McGonagle
Foundation, Inc.
J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott
Foundation
NRLCA Auxiliary
Oberkotter Foundation
The Wasily Family Foundation
■Benefactors $5,000 – $9,999
Nan Ellen D. East
Gallaudet University
Goldstein, Ackerhalt & Pletcher,
LLP
Helen Beebe Speech &
Hearing Center
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus
Foundation
Rochester Institute of
Technology/National
Technical Institute for the
Deaf
The Samuel M. Levy Family
Foundation
■Patrons $1,000 – $4,999
Frank and Kathleen Adams
Kevin and Heather Andrews
Harrison T. Bubb
Capitol Solutions, Government
Relations Consultants, LLC
Teresa H. Caraway
The Charles Delmar Foundation
Linda Chester and Kenneth
Rind
Donald Goldberg and Sharon
Sandridge
Beverly and Stuart Halpert
Maria and K. Todd Houston
International Center for Hearing
and Speech Research/R.I.T.
Inez and Allen Janger
Janet S. Kahn
Tom and Mary Lucchesi
Mile High United Way
George H. Nofer
PHE, Incorporated
Phonak
Steve Rech
Joseph Rosenstein
Michael Tecklenburg
Richard M. Treckelo
Susie Trotochaud and Scott Dorfman
Deanne and Robert Uschold
Elizabeth W. Williams
Jane Wilson
■Champions $250 – $499
Corinne Abbott
Joni Alberg
Nada Alsaigh
Christine Anthony and Jeremy
LeBoy
Nancy and Sidney Arfa
John F. Dietel and Kathleen
O’Neill
Ann and Dennis Filloon
Ralph F. Guertin
Marc Hirschfield
Gayla Hutsell
Wendy A. Keitel
Ilena and Robert Lea
Stuart Lernowitz
Madison River Management
June and Eddie McBride
Med-El
Oshima Family
Barbara and Robert Palter
Melanie and Steve Parton
David H. Peirez
Christina and Ross Perigoe
Phonic Ear
Reit Management & Research,
LLC
Elizabeth P. Sloan
Gwendolyn Sommer
John F. Stanton
Virginia and Robert Stern
Mary R. Sylvester
Julius Trump
Beth Wolfe
Yale Club of Washington 44
2005 ANNUAL REPORT• VOLTA VOICES • JULY/AUGUST 2006
Mark Henning
Berte Hirschfield
Michele Hoffman
Sharon M. Hunter
Linda Hyde
Gail Issac
Laura Kaufman
Anne F. Kearney
Barbara Krawczewski
Robyn Lamm
LeGan, Inc.
Christopher Lehfeldt
Julie Lynk
Shelley Maish
Manley Family
Kenneth Margulies
James Marsters
Peggy McClellan
Tessa McDermott
Donald I. McGee
Anne McNally
Richard Mead
Mark Mindlin
John R. Mooney
Elizabeth S. Morrissey
J. M. Myers
Caryl Myers
Robert Nejat
Yvonne Petersen
Richard C. Prokesch
Christopher Rathbauer
Mark Reiner
Stephen Rexrode
Jessica Ripper
Justine Roberts
Lisa Rockett
Jim Rodgers
Bruce A. Rosenfield
Erika Rosenzweig
Jean Saks
■Associates $100 – $249
Anonymous (1)
America’s Charities
Mary and Vince Bartholomew
Lynne Blennerhassett
Bolesta Center, Inc.
Tamala S. Bradham
Janet and Richard Bruce
Valerie and William Buckley
Penelope and Robert Caleffe
Danette Chaffin
Children’s Health Center
Edie and Christopher Churchill
Janet Cluck
Cynthia R. Dahlin
Dare Dream Do
Kim Davis
R. Neil Dickman
Benjamin Dubin
Yolanda Duffin
P. Kelley Dunne
D. L. Ensor
Marian and Jack Ernst
Jeff Ertle
Warren Estabrooks
Ann and Charles Flynn
Christine J. Forsthoefel
Beth C. Gibson
Donald Glaeser
Beverly and Jay Gold
Laura A. Gold
Roger Gold
Brian Gold
Karen Goldammer
Nancy Gould
Judith S. Gravel
Robin Gutterman
Craig Hartley
Jon E. Heisler
Janet S. Scheeline
Stella Sharp
Edward H. Shartar
Linda Shaughnessy
Gloria Shenefield
Lisa M. Sheppard
Gary Sherman
Richard L. Sigal
David K. Smith
Mary Snyder
Sarah and Paul Sommer
St. Marcellus KC
Charles Steedman
Mark L. Stern
Molly Tate
Scott Telesz
Total Family Footcare, Inc.
Joanne Travers
John R. Wyant
Mariellen Zabel
■Friends $50 – $99
Anonymous (2)
Douglas Allen
Allstate Giving Campaign
Robin D. Bailey
Richard E. Barsan
Marion Battreall
Matthew Blaskovich
Ronna Bogart Rosenberg
Arthur Boothroyd
Antonia Brancia Maxon
Lauren Brennan
Anitta Burg
Kathleen M. Carey
Beverly Casinelli
Citigroup Matching Gifts/
Volunteer Incentive
Programs
Jason Cohen
Jodi R. Collins
Combined Federal Campaign
of the National Capital Area
Constellation Energy Group
Employee Fund
Alice F. Cooper
Sherrie Coyner
Paull Craig
James D. Davis
Audrey Dew
Remmel T. Dickinson
Frank J. Dox, Jr.
Diane Durston
J. Farnsworth
Michelle Finkel
Carol Flexer
Ann M. Forsberg
Richard L. Freeman
Dorothea French
Joan Frost
Clare Glaser
Sherry Gottsleben
Astrida Greco
Barry Griebler
Edwin S. Grosvenor
Anne Hamilton
Jess Harris
Justin M. Haux
Heiner Obstetrics and
Gynecology
Connie Heintzman
Patricia Holder
An and David Hu
Hunt Reporting Company
The Indiana Association of
United Ways
Daniel Johnston
Sue Jubinville
Pat Kager
Andy Kahn
Janice M. Kavounas
Patrick J. Keany
Stephen Kwechin
Jean Sanchez
Lisa R. Schauf
Charles and Hilda Shallbetter
Gary and Laurie Shapiro
Jan Shearer
Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Sitzman
Scott Smiley
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Snuggs
Matoka Snuggs
Ruth Sorrell
Indiana State Employees’
Community Campaign
Charlotte and Allen Statland
Martin Steiner
Leslie S. Stone
Patrick and JoAnne Stone
Christen Stotts
Bernadette F. Sullivan
Gregory Swager
Callan Swenson and Jennifer
Barger
Dawn Throenle
Mark Udden
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Unger
Susan and Harvey Vanhoven
Harold J. Vonderfecht
Cara and James Voth
Brooke and Michael Wahrer
Jeanie Walter Teare
Feng Wang
Sara and Jesse M. Webber
Steven Weigandt
Wendy Will
Mrs. Thais Williams
Josephine F. Wilson
Jan C. Zeller
Paul R. Lagace
Adam Lazarchak
Jonathan Leigh
Star Leonard-Fleckman
Teresa P. Lonn
Yaju Loomis
Arthur Lowell
Patricia Lucey
Susan M. Lyon
Paige Madriago
Frank Martines
Nicholas Maslaney
Ninan Mathew
Richard McAnany
Catherine McEnroe
Lawrence Meli
Mike Menchen
Al Menchen
Kevin J. Miller
Richard T. Miyamoto
Bruce Monblatt
Edgar Montellano
Bert Mosley
Elizabeth Mosley
Doris Motto
Donna Otwell
Gretchen M. Paige
Donald B. Paterson
Alice Patton
Linda M. Peshek
Christine Petrik
Kathy Plump
Susan A. Pollack
Lenore G. Popick
Lynn Porter
Blake Putney
Elmer Raffai, M.D.
Mark Reeve
■Circle Alliance Partners
Founding Partners
Advanced
Bionics
Corporation
Cochlear
Americas
■In-kind
Atlanta Speech School
EWA Travel
Fannon Fine Printing
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
For anyone who can view PDF: http://www.agbell.org/uploads/About%20AG%20Bell/Who%20We%20Are/2005%20Annual%20Report.pdf
-SG
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Lena, as for NTID and Gallaudet, we need to talk to them and ask for an explanation. We have the right to do that, as stakeholders.
I agree with you about Pepsi and the captioning situation, but this is about AG Bell’s letter to Pepsi. If AG Bell is reacting so pettily to a commercial, then it is very revealing of their stance on American Sign Language.
DT said,
February 6, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Yeah, it’s puzzling why Pepsi didn’t CC their other commercials….I say puzzling because they (Pepsi) footed the bill to have the game itself CCed.
Jon said,
February 6, 2008 at 6:51 pm
AGB = Anti Gratified Bilingual! (not Alexandar Graham Bell)!
anna s said,
February 6, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Like I said I sought AGB for advice re an IEP issue in the past about my CI kid. They were quick to help and I was grateful for their assistance.
But things have changed . . .
The letter to PepsiCo was unnecessary and petty.
I have always believed that AGBell was an organization that served families, educators, and medical professionals who seeked their resources and disregarded Deaf people’s claims that it is NOT at all supportive of choices and that it is “against” ASL. I was wrong. The Deaf people were right.
Maybe it is Ms. Youdleman (spelling?) and A.T. Graha’s dumb mistake in sending the letter and they got reprimanded by their board. I surely hope so! Because some of us would like both organizations DBC and AGBell to respect each other and to support C H O I C E S and that one way may work for onechild and may not for another child.
4 more months til my T-Mobile contract expires and I am switching to Sprint!
Lena said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Deaf Pundit,
I’m glad you agree on the captioning issue. I just don’t understand why people are so happy about Pepsi’s one small commercial that didn’t even appear in prime-time when they didn’t caption the rest of their commercials.
It is very smart on NTID’s and Gallaudet’s part to make donations to AGBell. This sponsorship comes at the time of their conference. It lets both NTID and Gallaudet be visible at their conferences. This is a GOOD thing for deaf people. Gallaudet and NTID send their best and brightest to these conferences to represent their schools and sit in the booths. They show that you can have oral skills and still go be comfortable with ASL and in the Deaf community. This is a good thing. I would not be surprised if there were students who had never thought about Gallaudet or NTID before who got their first exposure to them at an AGBell Conference.
I think it is very easy to mock AGBell for the letter they sent, and I’m sure they’re kicking themselves now for doing something stupid. But as someone who uses ASL, I enjoy going to the conferences, and I always learn about new stuff. There are MANY people who go to the conferences who also sign, and believe me, nobody looks down on them. It is very easy to criticize when you’ve never seen what actually goes on. (I’m not talking about you — I mean Deaf people in general.)
I am tired of people making blanket statements about AGBell without doing the background research. Do they promote ASL? No, they don’t, but they don’t forbid or ban it either. That’s just ridiculous. Are they biased? Of course they are. They promote their particular philosophy, and they are very very skilled at it (usually). Their focus is on families with young deaf children. They provide their materials for free, and not just in the US.
I don’t approve of everything they do, but then I don’t like everything NAD does, either.
I think if we really want to make a difference, we need to stop bashing, and start working on making positive changes. Start fund-raising. Start offering free classes to parents to learn sign language. How many times have Deaf people berated parents to learn sign language, but haven’t told them how, or offered to help? Start developing well-written and well-researched materials and start distributing them to hospitals, audiologists, etc. Honestly, I don’t think any groups will take organizations like DBC seriously because their letters come across as angry and filled with grammatical errors and unsubstantiated statements.
Make things happen in a positive way, not by bashing others. Only then will parents of deaf babies start taking us seriously, and start listening to what we say.
Jenny said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:04 pm
THANKS, SeekGeo!!! I’ll be contacting corporations that I do business with!
One question for everyone; I don’t see T-Mobile on this list. Did I miss something?
Lena said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Anna S., Do you think that AGBell would no longer provide you with IEP help quickly and professionally? Yes, the letter was stupid. But I’m sure that all of the help you got from them is still there, and they’re still going to continue to help and encourage many families with deaf children.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Lena,
With all due respect, AG Bell does discriminate and perpetrates myths about ASL and the Deaf Community.
See over on Mishkazena’s blog where there is a litany of commenters with personal experiences of being rejected by AG Bell for using ASL. It may not be YOUR experience, but it is the experience for many others.
I agree, we need to make things happen in a positive way without bashing. By contacting donors and showing them this letter then saying, “If you support this, then I’m no longer your customer”, we are taking action without bashing. We are taking a stand against intolerance.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Jenny, T-Mobile is *under* GoAmerica. That’s my understanding.
ChrisH said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Anna S, I am glad to hear from what you said. I want to say, I am very sorry that I made fun of your son who played limit sports.
please let us move on.
Lena said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Deaf Pundit,
When did these people have negative experiences? 20 years ago? Just as oral education that people experienced 20 or 30 years ago is nothing like what it is today because of CIs and better hearing aids, AGBell is not the same either.
Writing letters is one thing, but how is it actually helping any deaf families with deaf kids? That’s what I mean when the discussion needs to go beyond the whining and complaining and getting on to something positive and productive.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Lena,
No, it wasn’t twenty years ago. If you check out MZ’s blog, you will see it is continuing all the way up to the present time. AG Bell has very clearly frowned upon its members who use ASL.
I think this is productive. I think by exposing AG Bell’s discriminatory practices and spreading lies about American Sign Language, we are doing something positive.
The discrimination and lies need to stop. Period.
Raining in the Northwest said,
February 6, 2008 at 8:29 pm
No Tmobile is not under GoAmerica–Tmobile is under Deutsche Telekom, a German company.
But regardless, why continue with Tmobile when they’ve never hired a deaf or hard of hearing individual to market the Sidekicks?
Look at Sprint and all they’re doing to relate to the Deaf community and their love of ASL!
Go Sprint!
BF
anna s said,
February 6, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Lena,
No, I do not think AGBell would cease from providing top quality service whenever I need it. But the statement saying that people who sign ASL are socially isolated. OUCH! My parents. My grandparents. My CI child. We all love ASL. My son speaks good and uses ASL whenever he wants to. AGBell succeeded in insulting me and my family where it hurts the most, the heart. My family isnt at all isolated. They have busy social lives to a point where they sometimes need to chill out.
Karen Youdleman and Alexander T. Graham have committed an unspeakable “crime” aganist deaf people. am thinking about writing just them a letter about how they have hurt my feelings.
ChrisH,
You sweet. Thanks. No biggie. Want a wrestling match with my son? Ha ha.
Terri Watts said,
February 6, 2008 at 8:38 pm
AGbell have their own title.. (Letter)
“Deaf and Hard of Hearing” Should change that..
Anti-Deaf and Hard of Hearing reason AgBAD hate Deaf.. want wipe them all Deaf Community.. Rest of all you guys will not allow AgBAD do that. Let’s march’em and speak it out!
Piece of icing on the top cake your speech statement goes make sense.. Tell all companies “stop donate to AGBELL” proof look horrible letter what AgBAD have done terrible..
why not!
DeafRush said,
February 6, 2008 at 9:33 pm
We need to check AGBad event calendar and go to protest there.
http://www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?p=Calendar_of_Events
Misha said,
February 6, 2008 at 9:33 pm
OMG, Lena….
OMG! You’re soo blind to the fact there are plenty of former AGBell students who had the series of bad experiences. If I can try to remember which blog that has several comments under that blog, there was one sad and shocking episode that AGBell former student had to suffer under his or her speech therapist at McDonald’s to order food WITHOUT using pen and paper or gestures. That speech therapist would keep him or her try again and again and again. He or she felt so humilated when the people in McDonald’s stared. That happened during lunch hour!!!! For chrissake, wake up and smell rose or coffee. (take your pick).
Even though I wasn’t AGBell student but was a student at oral deaf school, you really have no idea nor clue how difficult all former oral students had to suffer at the hands of the staff at my oral school. I’m planning on my vlog some of those horrible stories. But sorry, don’t expect the captions because I don’t plan on it. If you don’t like it, too friggin’ bad. Tough Luck.
I’m sorry, Jeanette, that I’m so upset and riled up for the first time. But from Lena’s comment has me seeing RED! I’m sorry again.
Misha
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 6, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Misha, that’s okay. I encourage you to vlog those stories, but I also think you should either provide captions or transcripts. A lot of hearing parents read/watch our sites. They deserve to know the history of bigotry and discrimination.
That history has led up to the events today, and while the bigotry and discrimination may not be as obvious today, it still exists. So I hope you reconsider, and provide a transcript or caption your vlog.
Misha said,
February 6, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Er, ah….captions? Um, unfortunately, I don’t know how to put up the captions. I may ask Seek Geo to help me out if possible.
Now I’m calm. I agree, Jeanette, they should be aware of any former oral students’ humilated experiences at their schools.
Thanks.
Misha
Frank Robitaille said,
February 6, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Soon or later, society will be on Deaf people’s side after learn of AGB’s false hope
Jean Boutcher said,
February 6, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Deaf Pundit, I like to echo your last line in #31:
It would attract hearing people’s attention as well as embarrass the AGBell. Look at the deaf actors who CAN READ and act every word of Shakespeare, Moliére, Greek tragedies and act at the USA’s most famous Kennedy Performance Arts. Look at the National Theatre of the Deaf where actors can read plays and act around the world — from England to Spain to Italy to Russia to Japan to Australia. Deaf people can do it.
AGB cannot stand seeing a “Can Do It” lapel on signing Deaf people’s lapels.
Li-Li's Mom said,
February 7, 2008 at 7:39 am
I believe IamMine had a great idea when she described a committee needed to draft up a document to articulate why people might be taking actions. I’m not convinced that leaving AGBell is the most effective approach, but I respect why some people are doing that.
You may want to think very carefully about boycotting all of these organizations that give to deaf organizations: companies like I think that Sorenson and Sprint Relay and the others give to both NAD and AGBell and fund many deaf-related services and events. Boycotting them could be like biting the hand that feeds us.
But whatever the action, if we want to make an impact, we need to document some real situations of discrimination and anti-ASL actions or statements made by the current AG Bell administration if we are going to articulate what needs to change. And that has to be recent (within 5 years, because sadly, we can’t change history) and specific to AGBell (not situations at schools who used a methodology the organization supported 20 years ago, a cruel speech therapist, or a cold shoulder that some random oral person gave to an ASL user at a conference).
The letter from the Board President and Exec Director of AGBell is one strong piece of evidence of anti-ASL sentiment and action, and that may be all there is, but if there is more that we can point to (memos, letters, speeches, other documents, regulations, etc.), that you know of, please let me know.
I think that just repeating that AG Bell discriminates without saying why could be considered libel. But you can say this sort of thing if it’s currently true and you can prove it.
But first, DP, study!
IamMine said,
February 7, 2008 at 8:03 am
I’m glad you liked my idea on MZ’s blog, Li-Li’s Mom! I agree with the points you made and we do need to continue on gathering information, documents, and discussing on this and taking proper actions!
It’s just an idea, but I think it would make much more of an impact if we had organized this to make it more effective. We could also agree on guidelines to make things even smoother!
I’d like to see further discussion on this – if anyone is interested!
Yes, DP, stuuddddyyy!!!
I want to see you on the PRESIDENT’S LIST!!
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 7, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I’m for a committee. But I think it’s going to be extremely difficult to get evidence. Notice that AG Bell has removed the Pepsi letter from their website, yet has not posted any retraction.
That’s a cover-up. And that should tell you something about the organization’s code of ethics.
Bears Fan said,
February 7, 2008 at 2:46 pm
DP, you finish study for 2 test already??? BEST OF LUCK on 2 big tests!!!! Geeez, you made me worry about 2 tests!!! Warm hugs, Shawn
IamMine said,
February 7, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Yes….but we have a copy of that letter.
Li-Li’s Mom even got a response from AGBell, but still not admitting what they did.
They just said: “hank you for taking the time to send us your comments regarding AG Bell’s communication to the Pepsi Corporation about its recent Super Bowl commercial, “Bob’s House.” All comments received are appreciated as AG Bell encourages an open dialogue and the sharing of different perspectives on issues facing the deaf community.
Please look for a summary of feedback and comments in the next issue of AG Bell’s electronic newsletter, AG Bell Update.”
Okay. Whatever that is, I’m sure we’ll have a peek of that.
I just thought of something else.
Through Deaf Eyes documentary?
Where AGBell’s vice president (?) admitted that there were “oralist failures” but claimed the technology has gotten better to solve the “failure” problems.
I am not sure if he was referring to “20 years ago” or something.
I’m just thinking aloud here…
But yes, it would be difficult to get evidence.
This Pepsi response is a definitely slip up on how they feel about ASL.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 7, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I’m done with the tests today. Thanks, Shawn.
IamMine, yup… MZ blogged about the AG Bell letter. Like I said over there, it ain’t a retraction.
I’m open to suggestions, but we do need to send a strong message that we’re not going to tolerate intolerance.
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 7, 2008 at 5:41 pm
NAD just sent a letter to AG Bell.
http://blogs.nad.org/president/?p=14
IamMine said,
February 7, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Yeah!
I made that #45 comment before I saw MZ’s post. Oh well.
But good for NAD!!!
“We show you respect, AGBell… where’s ours?”
ASL Risen said,
February 12, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Wow Iam Mine!! Thanks for your info from AgBAD’s response letter!!
Good lawd, whew Im so glad that you are done with your tests!! Hope you passed them with BIG A plus!!! (crossing my finger!)
So umm, wondering if you will be able to have to accept my personal email today? I just want to respect your time because I know that you are too busy lady!!! Smile! hugs, S
A Deaf Pundit said,
February 12, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Sure. You can email me anytime. See the about page … you can type in your msg and it’ll send me an email.
ASL Risen said,
February 12, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Thanks so much for your quick response! I’ll do that! Big hugs!!!
ASL Risen said,
February 12, 2008 at 1:44 pm
finish sent!
ASL Risen said,
February 12, 2008 at 1:53 pm
oh geez my bad!! sorry my poor english language on my first email. I already sent 2nd email to clarify my mistake poor english language. Thanks so much for all of your patience time reading my 2 email.. Hope you will enjoy your COLD weather today! Pls do stay WARM!! hugs, Shawn
Joey said,
July 11, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I’m not sure why everyone is bashing AG Bell. They’re right about pushing for oral education and for supportive technologies like sound field systems, FM, etc. ASL is like speaking Welsh or Celtic – quaint but of little use in the real world. The reality is for kids born today there will be no “deaf” community for them in 50 years: being orally educated is the only practical way. ASL bigots hate to hear this but it’s a fact.
Joey
I will continue giving to AG Bell.