Clerc Scar - Latest Comments

Re: Crazy For You

JennVal — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:43:02 -0000

:D Cute! I love this.

Re: CS 36.3: Haptic Communication

Pam pinkall — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 08:25:54 -0000

I love this poem.

Re: CS 21.5: The Deaf-Blind Triplets

Jackiespangler74 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:13:27 -0000

Trust me, if you want your child to know what a tree is then take them outside, let them feel a tree (leaves and all), sign "tree", let them feel it again and with repetition, they will get it! I know it is a slow process, but it is a process they must go through (as I am sure you know). My heart goes out to you and your family. Children are smart, deafblind or not. Your child probably has you "pegged" on what they can get away with already and will use that to their advantage. I am sure you know this. I never felt sorry for the trips and they could not get away with that behavior (well, I did. Just not in front of them). I believe that if you don't treat them "special" that they can reach a potential that no one ever expected. I do not mean to say that there are not going to be the moments when you know your child has met their limits, but don't let them know they have limits. The more limits we put on kids, the more limits they know. They will not know the difference. We build them up and the more we expect, the more they can do. I do not mean to sound like a drill sargeant, because I a passionate, I just do not think you should teach your child what they are limited on. They can go beyond that. It just takes patience on your part. Forgive me. I do not mean to be so harsh. I know that you know what is best for your child. I have no room to comment. I just wanted to share about my experience. I do not mean to overstep my boundaries. Take care. Jackie

Re: CS 21.5: The Deaf-Blind Triplets

Jackiespangler74 — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:34:48 -0000

I will always say that I was blessed by being apart of, not just the trips lives, but the oldest daughter's as well. As far as I have seen, there is nothing wrong with their cognitive ability. I just prayed to God and asked him to show me how to teach them. I am a massage therapist and learned to do massage blindfold. We had to rely on more than our sight. Everything is about touch. I would let them feel my hands as I make a sippy cup or run bath water. I would sign what it was. I was tired of Zoe signing "cup now"...I thought, "you are going to learn it for yourself"...The greatest blessing I have experienced was in a moment of sleep (half awake), a noise startled me and in a flash (with my eyes closed) I saw everything going on around me. It was like the vibration went through my body and for a second I wonder if that is how the girls navigate. It was the only time I have ever experienced it, but I have heard about blind children using vibrations to "see". I just let them feel toys, food, or whatever...even if it was getting them dressed and sign "clothes". When it was time for bed I would sign "bedtime". I want them to learn everything they can. I never meant for Zoe to potty on the potty, I just wanted her to go through the motions so she would be comfortable with it. She was! It just takes consistancy. Deafblind children are so smart because they rely on more inate abilities than others. They are more "Intune" than others. We just have to give them a road, they will walk on it. I was blessed to be apart of a world that is not my own. I will always take that with me. The Hookers have 3 on their hands, not just one. Remember that. For everytime you have to do one thing for your child they have to do it for 3. Best of luck to you.

Re: CS 21.5: The Deaf-Blind Triplets

John — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:58:10 -0000

As a parent of a deafblind 5 year old, I guess I can comment on this subject. My daughter is ONLY deafblind, meaning there are no other disabilities. She appears to be fine otherwise, and has her cognitive abilities. She is totally blind (no optic nerves), and has a moderate hearing loss in one ear, while the other ear never formed (no hearing). She is NOT a candidate for a cochlear implant.
We (and her school) have been working on ASL but there are a few problems that come along, that many of us overlook.
#1. you can't teach her ASL for tree, unless she understands what a tree is. Even Helen keller said that the water pump moment, was when she understood things...she was able to understand that water, spelled into her hand, and water being pumped "physically" over her hands, was and is the same thing. It opened her communication world.
#2. Helen Kellers family was wealthy...they could afford to have Anne Sullivan work and live w/ them. If all deafblind children could have an intervener with them all day long, all year long, communication would open up a lot quicker for them.
Its a very difficult world for the deafblind child. They are neither deaf, nor blind, but deafblind. and believe me, it is a different "beast".
kind regards,
john

Re: CS 21: Feedback Friday

Marian Bartlett — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:57:56 -0000

Thank you Mike for sharing this. I have seen a couple of articles and TV specials on the Dunn girls. It just about brought tears to my eyes to learn that Zoe and Emma have reached kindergarten language skills. What terrific parents and amazing girls.

Re: CS 35.7: Sorenson Canada

Spencer — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:42:24 -0000

Give me a break. Canadians asked Sorenson for their help. Sorenson is not under any obligation to help Canada, but they were willing to go there and help the Deaf community educate their government about why VRS is important and needed. Sorenson is doing a good thing here.

Re: CS 33.5: Olives

Kathy — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:09:20 -0000

I love this too Carrie Lou. But I realized after having two actors do this on stage in a conference show. It did not go over well. I have to remember my audience. They were more of slapstick comedy audience than true art audience.

Re: CS 34.1: Chasing Vistas 31

SC — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 06:38:03 -0000

Easy reading....helps create a picture in one's mind of the various landmarks visited plus a bit of information as well, with a personal spin!!

Re: Dept. of Justice Indicts Clerc Scar

maenglish14 — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:11:15 -0000

Too funny!

Re: Dept. of Justice Indicts Clerc Scar

CynWeitzel — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:18:32 -0000

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Cyn

Re: CS 29.6: For a Deaf Son

clercscar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:24:50 -0000

Obituary:

TRANCHIN, THOMAS SHY "Tommy" Born September 8, 1988. Died December 9, 2003. Deeply loved son of Laurie and Rob and brother Matthew. Also survived by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brown of Westwood, Mass., aunts and uncles Bebe and Nick Nixon, Heather and Kitt Sawitsky, Mimi and Michael Simpson, and Heather and Tennant Tranchin; cousins Sam and Clementine Nixon, Aaron and Luke Sawitsky, Frank and Hunter Simpson, and Isabet Tranchin. He is also survived by his loving and devoted sign language interpreter and friend Debbie White, his itinerant teacher David Fahnle, and numerous classroom teachers, administrators and friends. Tommy was a freshman at Highland Park High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. He was a talented visual artist and musician who loved television, the movies and playing his drums. Tommy loved going fast. He loved the ocean, big waves, motorcycles, four-wheelers and his dogs: Kodak, Fuji and Blink. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a smile that would melt any heart. Tommy had a great sense of humor, was a skillful mimic, and insisted on his own sense of style. His innate intelligence and fearless expression of whatever was on his mind were part of his unique personality. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

In 1994, Tommy appeared in a national PBS documentary, For a Deaf Son, and his experience moved thousands of parents across the United States to learn more about deaf and hard of hearing children. As he grew older, Tommy continued to participate in conferences and seminars for students and parents. He leaves a far-reaching legacy of compassion and understanding for those in the world who are in any way different.

A memorial service celebrating Tommys life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 4015 Normandy Avenue at Preston Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deaf Action Center, 3115 Crestview Drive, Dallas, TX, 75235, The John Tracy Clinic, 806 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, or the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf, P.O. Box 1494 Aspen, CO, 81612.

Published in the Dallas Morning News on 12/11/2003.

Re: CS 29.6: For a Deaf Son

Dianrez — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:36:25 -0000

The link stops at Dec. 2004 and gives no more information. Do you know of another link to that section?

Re: CS 28.3: Second to None

Neil DuPaul — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:59:07 -0000

"While each situation is certainly unique, you can count on our tutors to take a multi-purpose approach to all of their assignments. If there is an acute, current need, the tutor will address those needs immediately"

I guess they don't classify deafness as an acute, current need.

And they apparently classify deafness as a field of study rather than what it really is.

Re: CS 28.3: Second to None

InsaneMisha — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:28:48 -0000

Wow....that is unbelievable! I'm stunned how could they treat Deaf like low functioning people who couldn't learn anything except the leisure things. I'm truly disgusted how they treat you like second class citizen.

Re: CS 28.3: Second to None

Dianrez — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:47:24 -0000

This is astounding. Not only are they seem to be a small organization, they are small-minded. And possibly afraid of being hit by ADA and IDEA legislation and as a result being forced to restructure in order to include deaf students.

This could be an incentive to teachers of the deaf to form their own tutoring service and become available to the thousands of d/Deaf students who are being dropped through the cracks.

Re: CS 27.6: Great Expectations

Geta — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:18:12 -0000

This seems to rely on sweeping generalizations of "native" and the rest. I often get dismissive comments about the Deaf community from natives when we are talking one to one-away from the other "water signers" as you say. Natives have also actively rejected or make comments such as taking one look at a person and go: "obvious mainstreamed" complete with the dismissing hand brush-off. Thin skin, or thick skin.. that makes an impression. I've seen many counter-examples of your claim.

It also rests on the NATIVES to help the reconciliation. Laying all the "blame" on non natives is being will fully blind and will not help anything.

Re: CS 27.6: Great Expectations

Dianrez — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:31:57 -0000

It should also be noted that only a few people are the ones that cause newcomers to leave a whole community. Ten people might be accepting and friendly, but if there are two that make them feel unwelcome, these may be taken as representing the other eight and thus "exit stage left."
Maybe not if it happens just one time, but as we all know, 80 percent of the problems in society are caused by 20 percent of the people. We just have to teach our newcomers about this rule and not to be swayed by the often-more-vocal 20 percent.

Re: CS 21.5: The Deaf-Blind Triplets

Jackie — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:08:51 -0000

You are severely mistaken about the trips abilities. I'm sure you have a gift, and with the parents consent, you can be a blessing, but I don't think you realize they are in good hands. It is very hard to trust a random person on the internet anyway. I am very protective so I can't imagine what their parents would be like. I also come to the defense. I know what they are capable of and they are smart. I do not know what people expect of a deafblind child, but me...a lot! They delivered. I never felt sorry for them. It was an uphill battle because there were many players and we were always working toward the same thing, but some how we may not have been on the same page. The goal was always the same. I commend the Hookers because I know them and know how involved they are. The life they live is cosumed with the care and education with these girls. They also manage to parent another child without special needs. God knew that no one could handle this job and that's why they have it. Trust that God knows what he is doing.

Re: CS 21.5: The Deaf-Blind Triplets

Jackie — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:08:00 -0000

As the ex girlfriend of the deafblind trips bio father, I can say that he did not throw in the towel. He was very much apart of their lives. He paid child support and health insurance and took the kids on a regular basis. I can not comment on his participation now, I have not been in his life for more than two years. I do get upset at the Idea that he left his kids because I know who he was and that would be hard to imagine. It would break my heart. Knowing all of the negative comments on the internet, I would understand if he would have walked away. It was unwarranted. I can see how that could get to someone. As far as the Hookers are concerned, I do not believe I have ever heard them say the trips bio dad left Liz alone with the kids. Have you ever thought that might be a way to boost ratings? The Hookers are doing a great job with the girls and I hope people like you don't belive everything you read or see. Yes, most of that is true except for a few details that can emotonally cripple someone if they were constanly bombarded with it. I pray that God be with the Hookers and nothing but the truth will be revealed. Please visit notbysightfund.org and deafblindchildrensfund.org. I hope I got the websites right. if not I am sure you can find them online. Please give to a great cause and help the Hookers out. I am behind the all the way. I just want people to know that the bio dad did not just walk away when and leave Liz alone with the girls.

Re: CS 21.5: The Deaf-Blind Triplets

Jackie — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:39:37 -0000

I am the ex girlfriend of the deafblind trips bio dad. I wanted to speak out and tell you that the Hookers have sought out every resource they could, learned sign language, and are active with the girls education. I have one on one knowledge of the girls daily lives and myself have spent time teaching the girls sign. The girls are smart and will learn at their own pace. The oldest daughter is wonderful! She has a beautiful heart and she has been through a lot. I hope you know those kids are loved and not neglected. That is a fact. I never knew two people who spent more time working hands on with their kids. I hope that what you have read is old news. Do you know the pace of learning for a deafblind child? They may be delayed, but I know them and they are the smartest kids I know. I have been blessed to know all four kids. When Zoe was 4 or 5 I showed her how to make her own sippy cup. It was a struggle because she fought me the whole way. I was not going to let her expect things to show up just because she wanted it (her mom told me that). She started to find me and walk to the kitchen to make it herself. It is a lot of work. It is on going and God knows what he is doing. Trust that those girls are taken care of.

Re: CS 26.6: De Moruis Nil Nisi Bonum

adreamer — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:51:33 -0000

Thanks so much for posting this. I studied Bell extensively in grad school and have read his "Memoirs Upon the Formation of a Deaf Variety of the Human race". It gave some real insight into his perspective. It is fascinating to get a glimpse of George Veditz' perspective. You have to give Mr. Veditz some credit for praising a man who had done so much harm to Deaf people. It's an interesting way to write... kind of like a kiss before a Slap!

Re: CS 20.3: Lexicalized: 2010

OCODA terp — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:57:02 -0000

Love it....deafies showing language is alive and changing! Hooray for ASL

Re: CS 25.5: From One Inventor to Another

Adrean Clark — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:04:28 -0000

Bell's mother was deaf, as was his wife. :)

Re: CS 20.3: Lexicalized: 2010

E. Lynn Jacobowitz — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:27:31 -0000

Hi Erica,
I agree with MJ. Numbers cannot be lexicalized. Accountants, mathematicians, interpreters, teachers, and relevant employers will have a field day if one number is missing. I stick with what the consensus (including hearing people, CNN reporters, Deaf and hearing community members) agree - 20-10, it is. Thanks.
May the ASL-English Bilingual Force Be With You!
Best always,
Lynn