Finally! Convicted VRS fraud felon Larry Berke is in jail

Larry Berke is in the federal BOP database (composite image)

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — According to a federal inmate registry, Larry Berke is actually in jail. Mr. Berke’s tiresome dodging game with the justice department appears over. I won’t repeat the delaying tactics he used to stay out of jail after his conviction very early this year, but you can follow the story in my previous articles on Larry Berke here: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/?s=Larry+Berke

Federal prison inmate database indicating Berke’s inclusion: http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&FirstName=Larry&Middle=&LastName=Berke&Race=W&Sex=M&Age=&x=82&y=16

You can get a couple hours worth of VRS (video relay service) fraud reading in these articles: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/?s=vrs+fraud

VRS Justice’s blog has a nice wrap up of what transpired at Mr. Berke’s last sentencing hearing with the judge. Links to court documents can be found there as well: L Berke Final Update | VRS Justice.

For those of you new to this topic, Mr. Berke is one of about 2 dozen deaf people who defrauded the federal government of upwards of $25 million dollars, possibly even more, by diverting funds earmarked to help deaf people use the telephone and pocketing it for themselves.

While sentencing of some of the minor VRS fraud players are set to occur in the next few week, the next major players — Bridget Bonheyo and Jerome Bonheyo — sentencing is apparently still set for Dec 17.

Larry Berke is in the federal BOP database (composite image)

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Bridget Bonheyo, jail, jerome bonheyo, Larry Berke, prison, video relay, VRS, VRS fraud

Courtney O’Donnell: In Transit — “Austin Unbound” documentary

Austin Richey, Eliza Greenwood

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — The filmed-in-Portland transgender documentary Austin Unbound premiered last November at Portland’s Hollywood theater. the film documents trans man Austin Richey’s choice to undergo sex reassignment surgery (SRS) — in this case upper surgery. Austin now identifies as a straight male. he is also deaf, giving the film the status of encompassing two different cultures.

[I wrote this for "Just Out". The entire article can be read on their website: http://www.justout.com/columns/voices/in-transit/in-transit-austin-unbound ]

Since its premiere, Austin Unbound has been a hit on the film festival and college lecture circuit. Both Austin and the filmmaker, Eliza Greenwood, were able to attend a number of these showings. I recently caught up with Eliza and fired off these questions:

Courtney O’Donnell: In your role as a doc filmmaker, what things did you learn about trans people that you hadn’t known prior to starting the project?

Eliza Greenwood: Before I met Austin I came from a place of judgment, assuming that people should own and accept the bodies they were born with. You see, body image and ownership of my gender and sexuality had come so easily to me. Austin’s insistence that he is a straight male totally challenged my beliefs, but it resonated with me. I was inspired to ask if we could make this documentary because I wanted others to be able to meet him, too.

CO’D: Are there aspects of trans people (or being trans) that ought to be more widely known about in the LGBTQ community?

EG: The community should be aware that there is an inclination in the media to tell surgery stories about trans people, and that leads to harmful assumptions that, “all people who are trans want surgery.” I admit Austin Unbound is a “surgery” film.

CO’D: Did you face any resistance from the LGB or T communities in trying to get the film made?

EG: Our community really embraced this project as many people already knew and were inspired by Austin’s story. We were pleased to realize that the LGBT community had more sources for grants and private donors than our deaf community offered. We were awarded grants from the Pride Foundation, the Equity Foundation, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to help get the film made, for example.

CO’D: Did the filmmaking-friendly, LGBT-friendly town of Portland work to your advantage?

EG: Portland not only has a strong LGBTQ culture, but also a thriving film community. I’ve found both to be helpful and engaging.

Eliza tells me that on October 18 there will be another screening of Austin Unbound at Portland’s Clinton Street Theatre (2522 SE Clinton). It will be a fundraiser to help provide SRS for a community member.

It has been a long journey for Austin Unbound. The years spent in post-production are now paying off handsomely for the filmmakers. My congrats to them. As for Austin, he continues to live in Portland, still the quite cool guy we met in the film.

austinunbound.org

via In Transit: Austin Unbound.

Austin Richey, Eliza Greenwood

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Lexie Cannes (the movie), Media, Positive PR, Transgender, Transsexual, Trans, austin richey, austin unbound, documentary, eliza greenwood, sex reassignment surgery

Courtney O’Donnell: Major Ruckus Erupts After Gallaudet University Chief Diversity Officer Signs Anti-Gay-Marriage Petition

Angela McCaskill (Photo: salus.edu)

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — (I wrote this for The Huffington Post.) According to a report on Planet DeafQueer, Gallaudet University’s Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Angela McCaskill signed a petition following an anti-gay-marriage sermon at her church. Of course, one immediately wonders whether McCaskill was throughly vetted. If her religious views clouded her rational thinking, then clearly she’s not the right person for the position she holds.

(You can also read the article at the Huff Post site here: Courtney O’Donnell: Major Ruckus Erupts After Angela McCaskill, Gallaudet University Chief Diversity Officer, Signs Anti-Gay-Marriage Petition. )

Gallaudet University is a federally funded college in Washington, D.C., that exists primarily to educate deaf students. The university’s president, T. Alan Hurwitz, has put McCaskill on administrative leave. Hurwitz said that differing views on whether or not her actions were appropriate for a Chief Diversity Officer would result in an appointment of an interim CDO while he considers the appropriate next steps for McCaskill. Pending their investigation, the university isn’t commenting further on the matter. McCaskill has not responded to media inquiries.

The petition in question was a proposal to reverse the state of Maryland’s same-sex marriage law. Voters in that state will decide next month the fate of this law, which allows same-sex marriage.

While the campaign to keep the state law enacted has argued for the reinstatement of McCaskill, a division is growing in the deaf community. Some are arguing that Hurwitz should have had a “dialogue” with the community, while others praised the quick administrative action.

In the space of eight hours, several hundred comments were posted on a mainstream news site, and of course, there’s been a frenzy on social media.

But for all the finger pointing, claims of oppression, calls for protest and, yes, the pulling of the race card, we only have to remember the point I brought up earlier: A chief diversity officer has to be a rational thinker. A CDO’s job is to bring fairness and equality to an arena where fairness and equality rarely exists. One must have that impeccable quality that transcends those of other college administrators. If McCaskill can be swayed by a sermon at her church and agree to oppress a rather large population of the United States, then she doesn’t have what it takes to be a CDO.

via Courtney O’Donnell: Major Ruckus Erupts After Angela McCaskill, Gallaudet University Chief Diversity Officer, Signs Anti-Gay-Marriage Petition.

Gallaudet University’s Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Angela McCaskill (Photo: salus.edu)

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Angela McCaskill, chief diversity officer, gallaudet university, maryland lgbt marriage, same sex marriage

[UPDATE] Gallaudet University honorary degree nomination suggestions: Frances M. Parsons

“Peggie” Parson takes a question during a lecture (Photo: vad.org)

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — I’m not so sure I buy the whole honorary degree thing, BUT, if we are going hand them out, we ought to make sure recipients don’t go around actually using the title “Dr.” Chiropractors don’t do heart surgeries for a reason, likewise, a honorary degree doesn’t give one a mandate to enact policy.

That said, I nominate two highly esteemed individuals more than worthy of this honor. These people faced the wrath of the deaf community during their heyday at Gallaudet yet their achievements exceeded many of those who were awarded honorary degrees in the past 20 years. Despite the oppression of their voices by many at Gallaudet and in the deaf community, many of the things they advocated a couple decades  ago came to be realized in this new century.

UPDATE, 10-9-12: I’ve been informed that Larry Stewart is ineligible for a honorary degree because the rules state recipients must be alive at the time of nomination.

1) Dr. Larry G. Stewart, (posthumously) professor of clinical psychology at Gallaudet  and outspoken advocate of education and rehabilitation rights for deaf children. Stewart graduated from Gallaudet, then embarked on a career that took him to numerous highly regarded institutions of the deaf, including California School for the Deaf, and Texas School for the Deaf as it’s superintendent before coming to Gallaudet. Stewart died of cancer at age 55.

2) Prof. Frances M. Parsons, a retired Gallaudet professor of Art History. Her pioneering travels around the world spreading the value of sign language and bringing the Gallaudet name to places where either oral methods had taken hold, or there was no education of the deaf at all, started Gallaudet’s international draw of deaf students. Not only has she visited more schools for the deaf around the world than anyone else, she was the first deaf woman to travel across China solo, during the height of the Communist era, all the while visiting deaf schools along the way. She was also a Peace Corps volunteer. Two of her  most well-known books are “I Didn’t Hear the Dragon Roar” (about her China adventure) and “I Knew Elizabeth Peet: Queen of Gallaudet”.

What about this oppression they faced, you asked? Both Stewart and Parsons were vocal supporters of the importance of English in a deaf child’s education during a period when many considered English secondary to the importance of American Sign language (ASL). To sum up the tense atmosphere at the time: During the funeral of Dr. Larry Stewart (who died from cancer), in the early 1990s, a Gallaudet professor turned to Parsons (who also had cancer) and said: “hurry you die next.” Parsons, of course, is still alive, now some 20 years later. Both Stewart and Parsons were then frequently subject to verbal harassment and even physical abuse for their beliefs.

Over time, of course, ASL activists have had to yield some ground to other methods and emerging technologies — a ASL-only Deaf utopia solving all the problems of deaf education has now revealed itself to be an illusion — or as Dr. Larry Stewart put it back then: “A snow job!” For their foresight in the face of adversity, Stewart and Parsons both deserve this honor.

So, how about it? Hmm?

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This is the Press Release from Gallaudet:

Gallaudet University calls for honorary degree nominations for Commencement 2014

Gallaudet University is currently collecting honorary degree nominations to be awarded at its 145th Commencement in May 2014, a special year in Gallaudet’s history as the university celebrates its 150th anniversary. With these awards, the University seeks to recognize deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals for exemplary service to the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Nomination procedures and a nomination form are available at http://www.gallaudet.edu/Academic_Affairs/Honorary_Degrees.html. The deadline for submission of nominations and supporting documentation is Friday, November 30, 2012. For more information, please contact the Office of the Provost at (202) 250-2411 or email provost@gallaudet.edu.

Gallaudet University calls for honorary degree nominations for Commencement 2014 – Gallaudet University.

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A wowie factoid: A.G. Bell received an honorary degree from Gallaudet!

“Peggie” Parsons holding three of her books (Photo: vad.org)

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, frances m parsons, gallaudet, honorary degree, larry g stewart

Bonheyo federal VRS fraud case: GUILTY!

Both Bonheyos plead guilty to fraud in a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — Bridget and Jerome Bonheyo both have reached a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department to plead guilty for their part in a scheme to defraud the federal government. They’ve each pleaded guilty to one charge of wire fraud. All other charges dropped.

The Bonheyos have now owned up to participating in a video relay service (VRS) scheme in order to pocket money for themselves. By falsely billing the FCC for services they never provided, they were able to tap into a federal fund that was set aside to provide telephone access for all deaf and hard of hearing Americans.

This widespread VRS fraud scheme has resulted in more than two dozen indictments so far — some of whom have already been sent to prison. Reports vary, but the ballpark amount taken by all parties together now seems to be $25 million dollars. We may never know the exact amount. Sadly, some of the most prominent names in the deaf community have either been found guilty, plead guilty and/or are already in prison.

Sentencing for both Bonheyos is scheduled to occur this December. Some of the ringleaders received upwards of 9 years in prison, others received suspended sentences and/or “house arrest.” Some of the ringleaders were required to payback upwards of tens of millions of dollars.

What kind of sentence will the Bonheyos get? My guess is that it’ll be in the middle of the pack somewhere.

Stay tuned.

Source: Case #3:11-cr-00861-JAP-1 (See condensed copy of plea agreement document below.)

A nod to: vrsjustice & clercjr

My earlier articles on the Bonheyo fraud case:

http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/two-people-indicted-in-another-vrs-video-relay-service-for-deaf-people-federal-fraud-case/

http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/fraudulent-deaf-video-relay-providers-viable-bonheyo-bonheyo-a-quick-look-back-when-the-story-first-broke/

http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/deaf-video-relay-vrs-fraud-defendents-jerome-bridget-bonheyo-hire-private-attorney/

Can’t get enough VRS fraud? Enter “vrs fraud” in my search box!

Both Bonheyos plead guilty to fraud in a plea agreement with the U.S. Justice Department

Condensed version of Bridget Bonheyo’s plea agreement document

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Bridget Bonheyo, court, fcc, fraud, guilty, jerome bonheyo, video relay, VRS fraud

The latest on restructuring at Gallaudet University: new memo from the Provost

Provost Stephen F. Weiner

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — A new memo from Stephen F. Weiner, a Provost at Gallaudet University, addressed to the staff and faculty, is making its way around the internet and I’d thought it post it here in its entirety. It was supposedly released in recent days.

So, what’s going on you’re asking? In short, Gallaudet, a university catering to the deaf, funded by federal taxpayers, is facing a crisis on at least two major fronts, a third one has been averted for the time being. A new administration is trying to reverse these conditions and return Gallaudet to a viable (!) option for educating the deaf.

Indeed, Gallaudet has lost is dominance in deaf education. Legislation enacted in the last few decades has pretty much required all colleges to accommodate deaf and disabled students, thus cutting the steady flow of students experienced during its halcyon days.  Its undergrad enrollment has been dipping far under 1,000 students in recent years, yet the staffing and faculty levels remained at a level that would impress many state universities. Gallaudet also faced academic shortcoming, including probation by governing bodies. For whatever reason, the college is notorious for graduating English-illiterate students. The drop-out rate is among the worst in the nation and ironically enough, its former president, I. King Jordan, ended up being the highest-paid federal retiree.

However, a new administration is in place and cost cutting was quickly implemented — several round of layoffs so far. They’re also in the midst of major restructuring, apparently, in many areas of the university. A number of laid off Gallaudet employees returning to their home towns (unable to find work in the Washington DC area) is a testament to the downsizing at all levels of the university.

This brings up to this memo — an apparent update on the restructuring now underway. A look at it shows plans for the consolidation of departments and other moves, including the closing of at least one entire department.  There is also the creation of some new departments, including the hiring of 3 new Deans.

I’ll leave the interpretation of the material in the memo up to those with a better insight than I.

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Memorandum

To: Staff and Faculty in the Division of Academic Affirs

From: Stephen F. Weiner, Provost

Subject:  Implementation Process

Greetings! I hope you have enjoyed your summer and are as enthusiastic as I am about the upcoming 2012-2013 academic year. A lot of work has been happening over the last few months with respect to the Restructuring of Academic Affairs (RAA), and I am happy today to be able to provide you with a progress report. Specifically, I will share with you:

1. a summary of the work process of the RAA Implementation Team.
2. a summary of the changes and steps to complete the restructuring process.
3. a timeline for these changes and steps.
4. a list of additional items of importance to the restructuring process.

Summary of the Work Process of the RAA Implementation Team

In April 2012, I announced that I was forming a team to guide me in the implementation process by which the decisions for restructuring the Division of Academic Affairs would occur. The RAA Implementation Team (RAA-IT) consisted of:

• Jane Dillehay, chair
• Barbara Gerner de Garcia, graduate faculty/department chair representative
• Raymond Merritt, undergraduate faculty representative
• Audrey Foster, staff representative
• Simon Guteng, staff representative
• Jerri Lyn Dorminy, administrative representative

In addition, Kendra Smith and Reed Gershwind represented the Provost’s Office by serving as ex officio members of the team, providing support as necessary on personnel, policy, and budget issues.

The RAA-IT worked from May through August to gather information from departments and units affected by the restructuring, develop a list of guiding principles for the process of restructuring, identify areas in the plan needing further attention, create a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and suggest the steps necessary to carry out the implementation. In addition, I asked the RAA-IT to look at specific programs and make recommendations to me about their assigned location within the Academic Affairs structure. These programs were the Center for Continuing Studies and Summer Programs, International Student Services, World Deaf Leadership, and ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services.

On August 10, the RAA-IT presented me with their final report. In the following section, I summarize the main points of their report. But first, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the members of the RAA-IT for their hard work and diligence throughout the summer months. They have produced a report that provides me with important guidance as we near completion of the restructuring of Academic Affairs. I am especially thankful that the RAA-IT was able to meet with representatives from affected departments and units within Academic Affairs, recording their concerns, and brainstorming with them about ways to anticipate, and hopefully avoid, potential “bumps” in the restructuring process. I also want to extend my appreciation to those faculty and staff who took the time to meet with the RAA-IT representatives, sharing important information and honest feedback with them.

Changes and Steps for Completion of the Restructuring Process

Due to the length of the RAA-IT final report, it is not feasible for me to explain it in its entirety in this memorandum. Instead, I will highlight the key elements here. Comprehensive supporting information has been on a Google Site created expressly for this purpose. At the end of this memorandum, I provide instructions for accessing the Academic Affairs Restructuring site on Google.

1. The RAA-IT recommended eight guiding principles to follow as we continue through the restructuring process. I concur with all eight. You can read these principles on the Academic Affairs Restructuring site.
2. The remaining restructuring work will be accomplished in two final phases: Phases 5 and 6 (you may refer to my memo of September 26, 2011, for an explanation of the first four phases), as follows:Phase 5
   Per the December 2011 report of the Committee on the Restructuring of the Division of Academic Affairs and subsequent changes based on my review of the RAA recommendations, the following departments are re-aligned and have been working together over the summer in preparation for the beginning of the 2012 fall semester:

a. The departments of Art, Communication Studies, Theatre, and the Dance Company are merged into one department. Members of this new department will work together to decide on a permanent name. In the interim, it will be referred to as “Department of Arts and Communication Studies.”

b. The departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math are merged into one department. The members of that department have elected to name the new department the “Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.”

c. The departments of History, Philosophy, Religion, and Sociology are merged into one department. Members of this new department will work together to decide on a permanent name. For now, it will be referred to as the “Department of History, Philosophy, Religion, and Sociology.”

d. The undergraduate government program and faculty are merged with the new master’s degree program in Public Affairs (MPA), becoming the “Department of Public Affairs”.

e. The Department of Educational Foundations and Research is merged with the Department of Education. The name “Department of Education” will be used for the new department until the faculty and staff have had an opportunity to make a final choice on naming it.

f. Family and Child Studies is merged with the Department of Social Work.

g. The Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures has a new name, “Department of World Languages and Cultures,” and will house the undergraduate International Studies degree program.

In addition, the following realignments are happening effective immediately:

a. The English Language Institute moves into the Department of World Languages and Cultures

b. The Professional Studies ASL classes (ASL-PST) are housed within the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.

c. GSR will remain a program, but all GSR faculty are being assigned back into their home departments for the purpose of PeopleSoft tracking.

d. Responsibility for GSR 102 is moved to the Department of English; GSR 103 is moved to the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies; and GSR 104 is moved to the Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

e. ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services moves under the Dean of GSPP.

f. Three new centers are being created and physically located in the Tutoring Center in SAC under the logistical oversight of Ms. Thelma Schroeder. The respective academic departments will be responsible for all academic aspects of each center’s work, including determining methods for instruction/tutoring, qualifications for tutors, etc.

i. ASL Center – Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
ii. Writing Center – Department of English
iii. Math Center – Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences

Phase 6
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAST) and the Graduate School and Professional Programs (GSPP) will be closed, and replaced by the opening of three new major units within the Division of Academic Affairs: College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); School of Education, Business, and Human Services (SEBHS); and Research, Graduate School, Continuing Studies, and International Programs. Three new dean positions are being created to oversee these new units. The following organizational actions will be taken at the start of Phase 6:

a. All academic departments within CLAST will relocate to CAS, with the exception of the Department of Social Work, which will move to SEBHS.

b. All academic departments within GSPP will relocate to SEBHS, with the exception of the Department of Linguistics, which will move to CAS.

c. In accordance with PPTF and per the May 2011 decision of the Board of Trustees, the Department of Administration and Supervision will close.

d. Information Technology moves from the Department of Business to the Department of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

e. The Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies initiates long-range plans for separation into two entities.

Organizational charts reflecting the new structures in Phases 5 and 6 are posted at the Academic Affairs Restructuring site on Google. See below for instructions on accessing this site.

The Timeline for Phases 5 and 6

Phase 5 is expected to occur from August 16, 2012, to May 15, 2013. The mergers and realignments outlined above are happening immediately. In addition, the CLAST and GSPP deans are reviewing the immediate needs of the new structure for possible reassignment of support staff. Most of the remaining preparation for transition to Phase 6 will happen across the 2012-2013 academic year. The following is a list of additional tasks that will occur in Phase 5:

1. New budgets reflecting the restructuring and the PPTF decisions will be in place on October 1, 2012.
2. The CLAST and GSPP deans will work with departments to: finalize new department names; complete transfer and signature authority paperwork; submit curriculum and catalog changes to CUE/CGE (e.g., new department mission statements, course prefixes, and course numbers); update department websites.
3. The CLAST and GSPP deans, in consultation with the Faculty Welfare Committee, will work with the Tenure and Promotion Committee to establish criteria for conducting faculty evaluations scheduled to happen during the transition.
4. The Office of the Provost will conduct an audit of personnel resource allocation in Academic Affairs, including support staff assignments and faculty release time.
5. The University Faculty Senate will review the composition of Standing Committees to ensure that the new structure is reflected in the spring 2013 elections.
6. In preparation for Phase 6, three search committees have been created to screen and interview applicants this fall for the new dean positions. The committees are comprised of faculty, staff, and students. I will be sharing more with you soon about this national search process.

Phase 6 will be May 15, 2013, to May 15, 2014. I expect the preparation that is put into place during Phase 5 will come to fruition in Phase 6. This will be a time of adjustment as the new structure is fully implemented in CAS, SEBHS, and Research/Graduate School.

Additional Important Items from the RAA-IT Report

As part of my charge to the RAA-IT, I asked them to review several remaining areas of restructuring about which I had deferred decision last spring. I also met with many of the affected faculty and staff in these areas to solicit their input. Here is where we stand to date:

Location of Regional and National Outreach (RNO) and the Gallaudet University Regional Centers: The RAA-IT agreed with the report of the Committee on the Restructuring of the Division of Academic Affairs, saying that all outreach, including RNO and the Gallaudet University Regional Centers (GURCs) should be centralized under the new Associate Provost/Dean, Research, Graduate School, Continuing Studies, and International Programs. I respectfully disagree with this recommendation and have made the decision to keep Regional and National Outreach reporting directly to me. The reason for this is because RNO is a central, and key, liaison between and among many constituencies, including the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center; undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs; and schools, groups, and individuals outside of Gallaudet desiring to collaborate in some way with entities on campus. The director of RNO is also responsible for overseeing the many contracts associated with the provision of outreach services. The functions within RNO will be carried out more efficiently without additional layers of oversight.

Placement of International Student Services (ISS), Global Education, and Other International Support Programs: One of my goals for the restructuring of the Division of Academic Affairs is to reduce redundancy of services and programs. International support services and programs is one category that I requested the RAA-IT consider. RAA-IT recommended that ISS and Global Education move to the new Associate Provost/Dean, Research, Graduate School, Continuing Studies, and International Programs to be housed with the Fulbright, Study Abroad, and Visiting Scholars programs. I agree with this recommendation and plan to have this occur in Phase 6. To reduce the disruption of changing leaderships, both units will continue to report to the Dean of CLAST during Phase 5. As to the larger issue of how international student support and programs are managed, the RAA-IT has also recommended that the World Deaf Leadership program be moved from the Office of the President to the Associate Provost/Dean, Research, Graduate School, Continuing Studies, and International Programs. I agree with this recommendation. However, first I would like my office to work in cooperation with the President’s Office to review all such services and programs within the University with the goal of improving the ease with which students can identify and access the appropriate resources. I expect this review to commence soon and the findings be presented to the AAMT for consideration later this fall.

Future Plans for the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies: In my memorandum of April 2, 2012, I explained to you that I did not believe the previous restructuring recommendations for the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies fit the long-range vision of the Division of Academic Affairs. In light of this, I met with the faculty of the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies to discuss my desire to separate ASL and Deaf Studies into two academic departments that would act as pillars for the very foundation that makes Gallaudet University a unique educational institution. The Department faculty convened a retreat earlier this summer and proposed that this separation happen in five years, giving them time to resolve issues of personnel, shared curriculum, and shared resources that have to date been deeply entwined. While I respect the rationale behind their request, I believe that the five-year timeframe is too long. A two- to three-year timeframe is sufficient for this change. As such, by early in Phase 6, I expect the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies to develop a timeline of transition targets and a plan for meeting this timeline.

Summer Programs: Summer Programs serves a variety of audiences, and includes the offering of credit and non-credit courses and programs. It is housed under the Center for Continuing Studies and Outreach, a unit currently within the Graduate School and Professional Programs. Summer courses and programs are revenue-dependent. The RAA-IT recommends: (a) the establishment of a task force to study the feasibility of adding summer as a third academic semester for undergraduate and graduate matriculated courses and programs to follow year round policies and procedures instead of the current special summer session for undergraduate and graduate programs; and (b) that all the remaining summer courses and programs should continue to operate under CCS for best efficiency. Because of the complexity of this issue, the RAA-IT also recommended that the new deans participate in the task force. I accept this recommendation and have included it in the plans for Phase 6.

Adult Degree Program (ADP): In its current status, the Adult Degree Program is primarily an advising program with the curriculum housed in academic departments. The RAA-IT recommended that ADP be moved to Academic Advising, which can handle the advising and logistics of the program. I am delaying my decision on this pending review of recently released information from the U.S. Department of Education on state certifications.

Improved Communication from the Office of the Provost: During their interviews with key personnel, the RAA-IT members noted that there continues to be concerns about the timeliness, frequency, and consistency of communication within the Division of Academic Affairs. I am saddened to learn this, but recognize that this is an area for improvement. I am working with members of my office to create a vehicle for conveying news and information to the faculty and staff within Academic Affairs in a more effective and timely way. This is one of my priorities for the upcoming semester.

Thank you for your time in reading this lengthy communication and for your continued patience during the final phases of this restructuring process. This document, as well as new organizational charts and a restructuring timeline for Phases 5 and 6, can be found on the Google Site that has been set up for this purpose. To access the site, click on this link: https://sites.google.com/a/gallaudet.edu/aa-restructuring-implementation/ (You must first be signed into your Gallaudet email account).

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Current job openings at Gallaudet: http://jobs.gallaudet.edu/?select=View+All

Related news: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/ex-prez-of-a-small-college-gallaudet-u-for-the-deaf-is-highest-paid-federal-retiree/

Provost Stephen F. Weiner

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, gallaudet, I King Jordan, Implementation Process, provost, restructuring, Restructuring of Academic Affairs, Stephen F. Weiner

Courtney O’Donnell: Prominent Deaf Civil Rights Organization Thumbs Its Nose at LGBT People a Second Time

The surprise thumbing of the nose at us by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) during their national conference last month amounts to yet another slap in the face for LGBT people. This time, however, we’ve learned three crucial lessons that can be used to reverse these conditions.

(I wrote this for The Huffington Post. You can read this entire story their site: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-odonnell/national-association-of-the-deaf-dennis-daugaard_b_1749798.html )

Earlier this year I wrote on The Huffington Post about the NAD’s announcement that an anti-LGBT-rights governor would speak at their national conference. During the ensuing uproar on social media, the governor, Dennis Daugaard, of South Dakota, notified the NAD that he wouldn’t be able to attend the conference after all. As a result, the NAD never had to make a final decision on whether or not to pull the invitation. The governor, of course, likely made a purely political decision not to attend because, as a sitting governor, there was no upside for him. So a victory for us? As it turned out, our end-zone celebration was a bit premature.

Catching LGBT advocates by surprise, delegates at the following NAD conference moved to extend another invitation to Gov. Daugaard to speak at the next conference. The second surprise: This motion passed unanimously! Any progress made in educating the NAD on LGBT-equality needs amounted only to an elaborate illusion of our own making. The supposed support for gay marriage by the NAD revealed itself to be a ruse to distract us. When it comes to action, the NAD have shown that they’re going in a different direction.

Lesson 1: Being reactive is not enough. While the response from the LGBT community was sufficient to pressure the governor into cancelling his trip, we’ve made no actual progress within the NAD. The NAD remains a solid, archaic block of concrete when it comes to all things LGBT. Not one single delegate gave consideration to LGBT people during the vote on the Daugaard re-invitation. Not one. We’ve got to be proactive and get inside the NAD ourselves.

Lesson 2: Ad hominem comments must end. Personal attacks, whether amongst ourselves or directed at those whose views we oppose, weakens our cause. Stick to the argument, claim, policy, or line of discussion. Only what is being said matters. Is the statement correct? Is it false? Either agree with the statement, make a counterpoint, or debunk it. Diverting the discussion to who made the statement and firing away at them will not translate into equality gains. Many people do not wish to be part of an equality movement while their own comrades are spewing verbal garbage for any reason.

Lesson 3: LGBT equality gains cannot come if deaf “authorities” participate in equality discussions for their own personal gains or agendas. Just because one is a well-known blogger or a Ph.D. student does not give one authority to highjack discussions in order to resolve personal matters or out LGBT participants. Nor do one’s Ph.D. studies trump efforts to make LGBT-equality progress. Hindering LGBT people from participating amounts to selfishness, as any setback that follows is shared by everyone.

Our showdown with the NAD indicates that we have neither the numbers nor the active support from within the deaf LGBT community or among our allies to have family squabbles.

So here we are, facing a critical decision. Either we come together and crack the NAD once and for all, or we allow the NAD to continue to bully us around as we fire loose cannons, hitting ourselves and our allies as often as we hit our target.

via Courtney O’Donnell: Prominent Deaf Civil Rights Organization Thumbs Its Nose at LGBT People a Second Time.

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Discrimination, Equality, Civil Rights, Judicial, Courts, Transgender, Transsexual, Trans, NAD Gov. Dennis Daugaard, NAD LGBT, National Association Of The Deaf

Courtney O’Donnell: Federal Judge Slams Netflix’s Motion to Dismiss Closed Captioning Case

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — [I wrote this for The Huffington Post.] U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Ponsor last month blocked Netflix’s attempt to circumvent the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to avoid providing closed captioning on programming streamed on the internet.

[You can also read this article at the HuffPost site here: Courtney O'Donnell: Federal Judge Slams Netflix's Motion to Dismiss Closed Captioning Case.]

Last year the National Association of the Deaf sued Netflix for dodging their responsibility under the ADA to provide equal access for deaf and hard of hearing Americans.

Netflix is arguing that streaming programming via the Internet is not covered by the ADA because websites (for instance, Netflix’s) are not “physical locations.” However, according to a document provided by the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund:

Judge Ponsor denied the motion, stating that it would be “irrational to conclude” that: “places of public accommodation are limited to actual physical structures… In a society in which business is increasingly conducted online, excluding businesses that sell services through the Internet from the ADA would run afoul of the purposes of the ADA and would severely frustrate Congress’s intent that individuals with disabilities fully enjoy the goods, services, privileges and advantages, available indiscriminately to other members of the general public.”

Judge Ponsor also stated it is clear that Congress intended for the ADA to adapt to technical changes. The Internet did not exists as it does today when the ADA was enacted.

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund’s Directing Attorney, Arlene Mayerson:

“By recognizing that web-sites are covered by the ADA, the court has ensured that the ADA stays relevant as much of our society moves from Main Street to the Internet. Netflix’s argument that the neighborhood video store is covered by the ADA, but it, with its over 20 million subscribers, is not, was soundly rejected by the Court.”

Following Judge Ponsor’s refusual to dismiss the case,insiders are now expecting the case to go to mediation rather than to trial.

The vast majority of programming viewed over the internet is not closed captioned at this time and the Netflix case ruling is a major step towards reversing these conditions as this is the first court to hold that the ADA also applies to website-only businesses.

For more information on this case:

District Court of Massachusetts, Disability Civil Rights Case, National Association of the Deaf, et al. v. Netflix, Case No. 3:11-cv-30168, http://www.dredf.org/captioning, call the toll-free number 1-800-348-4232 (V), or email Shane Feldman at netflixlawsuit@nad.org or Charlotte Lanvers at clanvers@dredf.org.

via Courtney O’Donnell: Federal Judge Slams Netflix’s Motion to Dismiss Closed Captioning Case.

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Lexie Cannes (the movie), 3:11-Cv-30168, Closed Captioning, Disability Rights Education And Defense Fund, Entertainment News, Judge Michael A. Ponsor, Nad, National Association Of The Deaf, netflix, Streaming, Subtitles

Deaf community extremists become unglued over “isms”

You’ve a brain. Decide for yourself.

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — Not on board the deaf community’s “ism” bandwagon? Don’t worry, most of us aren’t either, and you’re not missing anything too important. For all the ranting and rambling over “isms”, deaf people DO have legal recourse against discrimination. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is an attorney’s weapon of choice and the Social Security Administration’s definition of deafness being among the most debilitating of disabilities is a pretty hefty safety net for D/deaf Americans when it comes to equality, jobs, benefits and one’s general well-being.

A small fraction in the Deaf academic community believes there is an organized conspiracy among hearing people to oppress the deaf — hence the invention of the word “audist” a while back. Then, as now, not all in deaf academia believe that to be true — esteemed Gallaudet educator of the deaf Donald F. Moores summed it up best not too long after the word was first coined: “I don’t believe there is an audist establishment, but there are audist individuals.”

Dr. Moores is spot-on as there are individuals, for whatever reason, are bent on oppressing some deaf people — no amount of public awareness can stop some of them, however, after the fact, they can be dealt with using the court system armed with the weapons mentioned earlier.

But an organized conspiracy among hearing people to oppress the deaf? I don’t think so. Unfortunately, the extreme fraction precludes this topic from ever reaching the table for discussion. Individuals questioning Deaf “isms” tenets, whether in public, or on social media and blogs are subject to ridicule and ad hominem attacks. Some prevent the topic from being considered a matter of discussion through the use of rhetoric and academic terminology nonsense to distract and confuse people.

Hell, yes, it’s easy to get on board a bandwagon fighting against supposed oppressors of the deaf, but once aboard, you become part of a choir, blind to the world except for the view expressed by a bandleader. And sometimes, the bandleader is as blind as you are.

We’re all blessed with the ability to do critical thinking. Make up your own mind about these things.

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, audism, audist, deaf studies

Nat’l Association of the Deaf, Gallaudet University face lawsuits

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — On the heels of a major ruckus following a decision to invite an anti-LGBT speaker to their national conference, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is being threatened with a lawsuit for alleged mishandling of internal affairs.

This is from a document distributed through a reputable deaf academics listserv:

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the [NAD] Board: In regard to the actions taken by some NAD Board Members named herein, we are filing complaint and notice of intent to sue. The NAD Board, over a course of almost 20 years has actively oppressed, suppressed, and discriminated against the Library Friends Section of the NAD and the Deaf Community at large. . . .

Written by: Alec C. McFarlane, NAD/LFS Member and LFS Delegate Alec.McFarlane@gmail.com April 20, 2012 Distributed June 14, 2012. Approved by: Alice L. Hagemeyer, NAD Member and LFS ChairAlbert Berke, NAD/LFS Member and Past NAD Board Member”

I’ve posted the entire .pdf in the comments section below.

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In other deaf-related news, Dr. Jeffery Gauer, a former professor at Gallaudet University has filed a lawsuit  against the university for, among other things, “destroying his professional reputation.”

He has a website that details the issues:

“Gallaudet Exposed — How Gallaudet University Encourages Prejudice, Cruelty, Discrimination, and Incompetence http://gallaudetexposed.com/

Federal court case number: UNITED STATES DISTRICT AND BANKRUPTCY COURTS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — CIVIL ACTION NO. 120778JDB

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My previous article on the NAD anti-LGBT speaker: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/anti-lgbt-rights-governor-to-speak-at-prominent-deaf-civil-rights-groups-national-conference/

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, Alec C. McFarlane, Alice L. Hagemeyer, gallaudet, Gallaudet Exposed, Jeffery Gauer, lawsuit, Nad, National Association Of The Deaf

[UPDATE] Anti-LGBT Rights Governor to Speak at Prominent Deaf Civil Rights Group’s National Conference

Governor Dennis Daugaard of S.D. (Photo – USA Today)

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — [UPDATE: The governor announced that he will not be able to speak at the conference.]

The following is an article I wrote for The Huffington Post. If you wish, you can read the article directly on their site: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-odonnell/antilgbt-rights-governor-_b_1551679.html

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I’m having a hard time figuring out the logic behind the decision making here. In the first place, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has existed since 1880, filling a dire need to ensure deaf people were afforded the same equal rights as hearing people. Indeed, the oppression of deaf people is a shameful chapter in America’s history and the NAD was at the forefront all this time fighting for equality and access for all deaf people.

It was a rather stunning surprise when I discovered the NAD scheduled South Dakota’s Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard as one of the primary speakers at its national conference being held this summer. It is no surprise to anyone that Gov. Daugaard opposes gay marriage and has stated that no individual groups should be given special privileges. Gov. Daugaard is allowed his views and since he was duly elected by the people of South Dakota, I’m not going to second guess their decision. But it is fairly clear that Daugaard’s view doesn’t belong at the NAD conference.

So why was he invited? It’s because he can sign. He comes from a deaf family. Although for reasons that make no sense to me, many in the deaf community hold (adult) hearing children of deaf parents in high regard — enough so, they’ll seeming toss aside their understanding of the meaning of the word “equality.”

In social media, the large deaf LGBT community is in an uproar. A website used by the community to follow the matter had previously collapsed under the traffic load, but I did manage to get a working link to another site which includes a decent summary of their position:

Why should NAD members care about Daugaard’s position on same sex marriage? Because the NAD’s invitation and response leaves us with some damning messages. Daugaard voted for the constitutional amendment in 2006 that defined marriage in South Dakota as being between one man and one woman. In other words, he supports legal discrimination against a minority group. This is a denial of equal access to citizenship and its privileges.

I must caution some in this group who are attempting to tie Gov. Daugaard to the closing of the school for the deaf in that state. That was an economic matter and he was not even governor at the time. Rumors of this type can backfire. Then there are a few who hurt their own causes by excluding non-deaf people from access to the information supporting their own claims.

At this moment the NAD is seemingly trying to appease the opposition to Daugaard by addition of a LGBT luncheon to the conference and the announcement of a new LGBT equality policy.

My feeling is the NAD is misjudging the strength of the overall LGBT movement in America. They should cut their losses and heed the call to replace Daugaard. There are plenty of prominent people in America that can sign; some are even LGBT advocates.

Governor Dennis Daugaard of S.D. (Photo – USA Today)

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, american sign language, ASL, deaf, equality, Gov. Daugaard, Governor Dennis Daugaard, lgbt, Nad, NAD Conference, National Association Of The Deaf

[UPDATE] clercjr – VRS Fraud ARCHIVES

clerc jr

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — [UPDATE: clercjr aka Dan Foster dies. See below.] Sadly, clercjr, a trustworthy tracker of all federal cases of VRS fraud has decided to end his blog due to health reasons.

This comprehensive tracking by clercjr clearly was time consuming to do and he has suggested that people save what they need in the event that his blog disappears from the net.  I have decided to archive many of his posts in on this page for future reference.

Please note that I may report on some new developments in newer posts, but I am not going to update anything on this page. This page is accurate as of clercjr’s last update on May 9, 2012. Any new developments since that date will NOT be reported on this page.

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UPDATE — June 11, 2012: From clercjr’s website:

Dan Foster (clercjr) has passed away

Dan never liked discussing medical matters in public so he isn’t about to start now, but passed away due to long illness with serious complications towards the end. That’s all he has authorized me to release.

Dan says it’s been a pleasure writing for you and also knowing various people including his family, long-time friends, and associates, all of which he appreciates.”

Robert Hansen
Longtime trusted friend of Dan’s and a former work colleague

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[The following is an edited version of clercjr's last post.]

VRS case: Blog Closing

9 05 2012

Well, dear reader, the time has come to think about closing at least the VRS part of this blog due to poor health. Still in hospital but out of the ICU and no longer spitting or vomiting pure blood. Body is failing and doctors thinks I might have weeks to a few months remaining.

Guess we’ll see, eh? A most interesting experience even if nasty. I will try my best to answer questions as long as I have internet access, time, and energy. This blog may disappear from DeafRead’s feed aggregation if or when I request it.

I doubt I can cover the July 10th sentencing so keep an eye on iDeafNews, other bloggers elsewhere, or perhaps guest bloggers here.

. . .

Back to the VRS cases: I left various documents, case numbers, NJ court pacer website link and info on how to set up a PACER account. So if interested, follow other good sources or PACER. Grab anything you want to keep since I’m not sure if or when the website would disappear. For now, probably only personal non-VRS posts will continue for a bit.

It has been my pleasure in writing to serve and educate you as well as answer public and private questions or comments to the best of my ability. Keep the fire to learn ongoing!

Regards,

–clercjr, site owner and moderator, aka Daniel S. Foster (clercjr@clercjr.com)

Source: http://clercjr.wordpress.com/

Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, archives, clerc jr, dan foster, Daniel S. Foster, deaf, john yeh, viable, video relay, VRS, VRS fraud

Deaf video relay fraud felon Larry Berke dodging jail term

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — A federal judge granted convicted felon Larry Berke a THIRD delay in beginning his 2-year prison term. Does Mr. Berke understand that federal prison is not a country club and one doesn’t schedule a visit at their convenience? Mr. Berke, you’ve harmed and weaken the federal video relay program for deaf people — something that affects ALL deaf people and their allies. You and your cohorts have also given the deaf business community a collective black eye — something that will take years to recover from.

I’m believing that this is all a game to you – manipulate the system and see what you can get for yourself. You did this with the FCC and diverted millions of federal dollars into your pocket. And now you’re doing it again with sob stories to avoid prison. Everybody has sob stories, but if you do the crime, you have to do the time — forfeiting any right to pity or sympathy. You’ve a debt to society to pay. And many of us are waiting for it to get paid.

Below I’ve included a condensed court document that Berke used to secure the third delay. My responses are in italics.

Mr. Berke, if you’re reading this, the deaf business community can’t start to heal until you begin your sentence. After your term is served, you can perhaps begin to redeem yourself. But right now, all you’re doing is is avoiding personal responsibility — something some in the deaf community are known to do and you’re a glowing example.

My previous post on the Larry Berke matter: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/larry-berke-lisa-goetz-and-other-convicted-vrs-fraud-thugs-head-to-jail-or-house-arrest/

More on the Berke federal fraud case: http://clercjr.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/vrs-case-larry-berkes-prison-reporting-date-change/

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, 3:09-cr-00857-JAP, fraud, jail, Larry Berke, prison, video relay, VRS fraud

Larry Berke, Lisa Goetz and other convicted VRS fraud thugs head to jail or house arrest

Larry Berke sent to prison, Lisa Goetz and Donald Tropp sentenced to house arrest for defrauding the federal government.

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — A number of people were sentenced in the past few months following their conviction of involvement in a widespread scheme to defraud the federal government. Deaf video relay businesses owned and run by deaf and hearing people deliberately over billed the FCC for relay calls they did not make or made fraudulently.

The FCC set aside money for video relay services (VRS) to provide video interpreting services for deaf callers needing to phone hearing people. These thugs tapped into that loosely regulated pot of taxpayer money and drained it of upwards of $50 million dollars. As a result of this greed, the VRS program is perhaps jeopardized. The final fallout from this has yet to occur.

At this point, half of the 25-odd people involved have been sentenced with others still awaiting court sentencing decisions and/or trials. It is also possible more people will be charged at a later date.

In a previous post, I reported that the likely Father of the VRS fraud scheme, John Yeh, was sent away for 9 plus years and was required to payback $20 million of the amount he stole. His brother Joseph got about 4 years and was also given a $20 million dollar tab.

This time around the top dog is Larry Berke. He was sentenced to 2 years in prison, 3 years probation and $2.5 million repay. Berke’s apparent new wife, Lisa Goetz, 5 years probation with one year of house arrest and $2.5 repay. Donald Tropp also got 5 years probation with one year of house arrest and $2.5 million repay.

Kim E. Hawkins, Jessica Bacallao, and Wanda Hutchinson all received a similar sentence as Tropp. Nathan Zfati, Tamara Frankel, and David Simmons all received varying degrees of lessor sentences. All charges against Kathleen Valle were dropped.

Blogger ClercJr keeps pretty up-to-date on this matter and has a nifty who’s who in all things VRS fraud here: http://clercjr.wordpress.com/

In related news, it has been reported that a marriage license was applied for by Larry Berke and Lisa J Goetz in Yavapai County (AZ) Superior Court in December, 2011. Other evidence suggest a wedding has occurred since that time.

Source: http://cvbugle.com/m/Articles.aspx?ArticleID=32872

iDeafNews is also covering the VRS fraud story: http://ideafnews.com/2012/03/21/vrs-fraud-court-news-update-3-21-12-with-text-and-video/

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My previous posts on VRS fraud:

Jessica Bacallao http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/vrs-fraud-felon-jessica-bacallao-using-her-parents-deafness-to-escape-jail-term/

Bonheyo: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/deaf-video-relay-vrs-fraud-defendents-jerome-bridget-bonheyo-hire-private-attorney/

http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/two-people-indicted-in-another-vrs-video-relay-service-for-deaf-people-federal-fraud-case/

Overview: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/fraudulent-deaf-video-relay-providers-viable-bonheyo-bonheyo-a-quick-look-back-when-the-story-first-broke/

John Yeh: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/transcript-from-deaf-services-viable-ceo-john-yeh-fraud-conviction-sentencing/

http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/deaf-patron-of-the-arts-and-esteemed-community-leader-sentenced-to-nearly-a-decade-in-jail/

Larry Berke sent to prison, Lisa Goetz and Donald Tropp sentenced to house arrest for defrauding the federal government.

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, ASL, conviction, deaf, Donald Tropp, Jessica Bacallao, john yeh, Kim E. Hawkins, Larry Berke, lisa goetz, sentencing, video relay, VRS fraud, Wanda Hutchinson

The Deaf community’s final meltdown? (Deaf babies, sign language (ASL), cochlear implants and deaf education)

Bell and Clerc, they're both long dead! Lets move on!

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT – While the war on deaf education – Oralism vs. Sign Language (ASL) – is as old as, well, the telephone, the bickering continues. New technology – Cochlear Implants (CIs) seems to favor oral methods, yet the CI is used by the signing deaf too. Although words such as “genocide” and “culture” is thrown around, both parties still exist.

In recent years however, support for signing in deaf education has seen erosion — not necessarily as a result of Alexander Graham Bell’s superior oral firepower or the Cochlear Implant’s tendency to render sign language interpreters obsolete, but rather, the realization of the actual cost to society to fund a community dependent on sign language, and more importantly, the lack of evidence showing the hundreds of millions of dollars spent yearly on deaf education (residential deaf schools and Gallaudet University) is one iota better than not spending the money at all (mainstreaming all the kids instead).

Then there is the cloud of greed hanging over the signing deaf community as a result of multiple convictions of top deaf community leaders for defrauding the federal government (perhaps totalling over $100 million when all is said and done). The icing on the cake here is the Gallaudet Board of Trustees awarding the college’s retiring president the status of being the highest paid retired federal employee.

The following is a discussion from a deaf education usergroup that I found particularly worth sharing because it offers insight into minds of many in the deaf community AND is one of the rare “discussions” that isn’t akin to preaching to a choir — rational thinking enters this discussion, hence its usefulness in sharing here:

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Only one party of this discussion has “technically” given approval for their name to be used so I will refer to the other parties as “Person A” and “Person B”.

From a discussion titled:  “Re-examining the Influence of Auditory-Oral Education Movement on the Deaf Community in Politically Turbulent Times”

Person A [a professor at Gallaudet University]: Why this obsession with creating troops of robobabies [deaf kids who have the Cochlear Implant] when many of them, like oralists before them, will still gravitate to sign language anyway?

Joseph Pietro Riolo: I am not going to suppress your freedom of expression.  But, the freedom of expression is not without consequence.

Calling the babies with cochlear implant as “robobabies” is not really a nice way of labeling them.  Some of them will grow up and become very involved in the deaf community.  Some of them will become advocates.  Some of them will work in Gallaudet University, RIT[Rochester Inst of Technology]/NTID, CSUN[Calif. State Univ. Northridge], deaf schools and deaf programs.  Maybe, one of them would be your boss.  Maybe, one of them could become a president of Gallaudet University. Maybe, one of them could be a student in your class.  Just imagine when they happen to meet you and later on, learn that you called them as robobabies when they were babies. I truly hope that they will hold no grudge against you and be very forgivable but they may think twice when they think of you.

Enough preaching from pulpit.

FDA lowered the approved age for cochlear implant to two years old in 1990, 18 months old in 1998 and one year old in 2000.  Right now in this year of 2012, those who received cochlear implant when they were two years old during 1990-1998 cannot be older than 24 years old.  Those who received cochlear implant when they were 18 months old during 1998-2000 cannot be older than 15 and half years old.  Those who received cochlear implant when they were one year old since 2000 cannot be older than 13 years old.  What this means is that the deaf college students with cochlear implant that we see at the colleges received cochlear implant no earlier than when they were two years old. Those who received cochlear implant when they were one year old have not reached colleges yet. 

I absolutely have no idea how many of them will gravitate, as you put it, to sign language.  I came across a comment saying that these children who received cochlear implant at one year old are the new wave that is going to affect everything from Gallaudet University down to programs and services for deaf babies.  The new wave will not hit Gallaudet University, RIT/NTID and CSUN until around 2017 (or maybe 2016).

Person A:  Perhaps we shud ask the GAO and the DOE to do a joint study of the costs beginning with costs of implants, speech and hearing therapy costs, training parents, counseling them etc vs costs of raising a deaf child in a signing environment.

Riolo: I don’t mind the study.  But, I have the fear about it.

What if – I have to emphasize the key word “if” – the study really show that educating a deaf child in a signing environment costs more than educating a deaf child with bilateral cochlear implants in an oral environment. If – again, the key word “if” – it really happens, I cannot imagine how destructive this study will be for the parents who choose to raise their deaf children without cochlear implant and for the deaf schools and programs that offer
signing environment.

My fear is not completely unfounded.  In my state, there are several private schools that are approved by the state of Pennsylvania to receive funding for the deaf students. [privacy contents deleted] The following information comes from the directory file whose link is available at:

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/special_education/7465/approved_private_schools_and_chartered_schools_for_the_deaf_and_the_blind/596327

Davidson School (Elwyn)
$51,706.20 – not including 1 to 1 aide service
$107,709.80 (residential) – not including 1 to 1 aide service

DePaul School for Hearing and Speech
$44,033.00

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (PSD)
$52,200.00

Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf
(for deaf with serious emotional disturbance)
$67,349.00
$130,957.00 (7-day residential)

Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD)
$63,794.00
$100,882.00 (5-day residential)

I know for sure that PSD and WPSD use signing environment and that DePaul school uses auditory-oral environment.  I don’t know about two other schools.

Using DePaul’s cost as the base, PSD’s cost per student is 1.19 times DePaul’s cost.  WPSD’s cost per day student is 1.45 times DePaul’s cost.  From this information alone without any context and qualifications, it is not hard to predict that the cost of raising a day deaf student in an auditory-oral environment will be lower than a signing environment.

We should be careful in calling for the study on the costs.  As the saying goes, be careful for what you wish.

Regardless of which way the study will go, we cannot use the cost as the rationale for justifying one approach over other approach. We need to use a different framework or paradigm.  We need to appeal to the moral, religious and/or ethical values.  We need to use these values to justify any approach, leaving the decision right in the hands of parents.  If parents do not want their deaf children to have cochlear implant and want to raise them
in signing environment, the educational programs have the moral and ethical duties to support these parents’ decision.  Likewise, if parents truly want their deaf children to receive bilateral cochlear implants and want to raise them in auditory-oral environment, the educational programs have the moral and ethical duties to support these parents’ decision  Likewise for any decisions between these two ends of the spectrum.  The cost should not be used to favor one or some approaches over other approaches.

Person B [Unidentified]: We need to display research showing their statements [the superiority of Cochlear Implants over sign language] are false and support with research like below definitely pointing to the fact that those with CI are not doing any better than Deaf Children without CIs. Here is one such example:

“Dr. Marc Marschark wrote this: “…. Certainly, kids with implants are doing better on average than kids without implants, but they still generally perform behind hearing peers. …” [Quoted from http://www.rit.edu/ntid/educatingdeafchildren/?p=683 ]

Riolo: The key words in the quotation are “on average”, meaning that there are some kids with CI doing worse than kids without CI and some kids with CI doing better than kids without CI.  When hearing parents read the above quotation by going to that website and then, read what you wrote, they will ask themselves who is telling the truth.  What will they do?  One of the possible ways that they will do is to examine your credibility and Dr. Marschark’s credibility and decide who to trust.

From reading your post, it is obvious that you have your own ideology.  There is nothing wrong with it.  There is no crime in having an ideology.  But, what you seem to overlook or won’t admit is the hard, real fact that the auditory-oral education really works for some deaf children. This fact alone is enough to grab the attention of the hearing parents.  It will be extremely hard but not impossible to redirect their attention to ASL or any sign language or signing system.

Joseph Pietro Riolo

Public domain notice: I put all of my expressions in this
post in the public domain.
______

Note: If the usergroup this discussion came from wants me to add their name to this article, I will be happy to do so.

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Previous post on excessive retirement package for Gallaudet’s ex-prez: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/ex-prez-of-a-small-college-gallaudet-u-for-the-deaf-is-highest-paid-federal-retiree/

Post on video relay fraud: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/two-people-indicted-in-another-vrs-video-relay-service-for-deaf-people-federal-fraud-case/

Old battle: Alexander Graham Bell vs Laurent Clerc. New battle: Cochlear Implants vs Social Security dependency. Either the Deaf community leads the way in getting Deaf people to become less dependent on Social Security or Cochlear Implants will do the job for them. The ball is in the deaf community's court.

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Filed under: Disabilities, Hearing Impaired, Deaf, ASL, American Sign Language, Deaf Education, alexander graham bell, ASL, Auditory-Oral Education Movement, board of trustees, cochlear implants, deaf community, deaf school, gallaudet, genocide, I King Jordan, Joseph Pietro Riolo, laurent clerc deaf education oralism, Marc Marschark, robobabies, sign language, social security