The Power of Communication

Discovering Deaf Worlds has widened our spectrum. Yesterday we had the honor of meeting Hiura Shunsuke, an amazing young man who has a passion for inspiring everyone around him to live a happy life. In a time where negativity and violence take over the news, Shun offers a message of hope and “dai-jyou-bu” (no worries).

Although Shun is unable to speak many words and has severe limited body mobility from his wheelchair, he has found a unique and creative way to express himself. One day he asked his mother to tape a paintbrush to his middle finger and hold a small canvas on his lap. Through the art of Japanese calligraphy, Shun wrote the Japanese characters for “family” which brought tears to his mother’s eyes. Communication doors had opened. Since that day one year ago, Shun has published two books, a CD, and often does public street performances of his calligraphy. His message is powerful and his energy in person enhances his words even more: “Smile and keep looking forward. Don’t let your challenges keep you from smiling!”

While creating his artwork, Shun communicates with his mother through eye movements and simple sounds. He expresses where he wants the canvass moved or if he needs a break to rest his hand, and never hesitates to just pause with a smile to show his gratitude.

The afternoon was an impressive whirlwind of language facilitation for all of us. Shun communicated to his mother, who spoke Japanese to Koko who translated in English to Dave, who interpreted in ASL to Christy. The local Kochi television station and newspaper were there as well to help us all spread a positive message of what can be done through the power of communication. Shun’s next dream is to travel the world to spread his message.

Many thanks to everyone who made that inspiring day so wonderful.

Gallaudet Connects

Gallaudet University is truly well known around the world. It’s worldwide reputation is equivalent to the universities that US presidents attend, like Yale, Oxford or Harvard.

Students and alumni should have pride in attending Gallaudet University. It helps in the long run. Whether you are traveling the world or just applying for a job, the name Gallaudet gets your foot in the door. For example, the principal at Ikuno Deaf School in Osaka allowed us to visit because I went to Gallaudet.

Another unique aspect of Gallaudet is the strong social network. I met up with Emilio (who also graduated from Gallaudet) in an apartment in Japan. We truly are leaders in the world. I have met many deaf people from New Zealand, Australia and Japan who dream of attending Gallaudet University. Gallaudet has given us courage, education, pride and ambition to make a difference in the deaf world.

Thank you Gallaudet!

Arigato Sakai Deaf School!

When was the last time you jumped rope? Does your mom observe your classroom in elementary school? Do you know how to greet someone in Japan?

The day after we arrive in Osaka, we were honored with the opportunity to visit the Sakai Deaf School. Before visiting the school, our friend Miro helped arrange communication accessibility.

Japanese Sign Language
American Sign Language
New Zealand Sign Language
International System Language
Spoken Japanese
Spoken English
Cued Speech

...were all the languages used throughout the day for us to understand each other. And during our presentation, we communicated through two deaf interpreters in international system language.

We were given a tour by the Principal and Vice Principal, and impressed with how visual their education system is. In the elementary school classes, chairs were pushed aside for more interactive activities. Mothers often sit in on classes to observe and apply what the kids learn at school to their home life as well.

We were offered rice cakes in the preschool and jumped rope at lunchtime with the Jr High kids. The students were in awe of our blue eyes and wavy hair and asked us questions like, Do Americans have a gun at home? Have you met Paris Hilton? Do you like Dragonball? and Who will you vote for in the next presidential election?

After a nine hour visit, we left knowing that we made a difference in each others lives. More adventures lie ahead as we continue our journey through Japan.

Help us make contact in Japan!

We are nearing the end of our time in Australia and starting to prepare for Japan. So far we have done a pretty darn good job communicating in New Zealand and Australian sign. But from this point on, we will no longer have English as a default language. We are researching on line for schools and organizations to visit, and recognizing we will most likely need to work through multiple interpreters (JSL-spoken Japanese-spoken English-ASL).

Do you know anyone connected to the deaf community in Japan? Someone who works for a Deaf school, organization, or business? Someone who can help us translate from English to written Japanese?

Please send us an email if you have any contacts, resources or input for us as we travel throughout Japan. We will be there from Jan 17th - Feb 26th.

info@discoveringdeafworlds.com

Opening Day for Australia Deaf Games

After two weeks of working on wildlife and rainforest sanctuaries with the WWOOF program throughout the holidays, we have arrived at the Gold Coast. Queensland is known as the "sunshine" state, but is currently being bombarded with much needed heavy rains and the forecast doesn't look to change. The weather was no deterrent, however, for the 1200+ people who gathered at tonight's opening ceremony to honor the 700 athletes that will compete in this weeks games.

All five Australian states as well as New Zealand will challenge each other in Track n Field Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Darts, Eight Ball, Golf, Lawn Bowling, Netball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, and Tenpin Bowling. The games are a long standing tradition since the late 1800s when New South Wales and Queensland first went head to head in a game of cricket.

After signing the Australian National Anthem, Aboriginals of Australia shared a visual storytelling performance set to drums. Local Maoris from New Zealand also performed the infamous and intimidating "haka" war dance. A team of 6-8 interpreters and CART captionists made tonight's event accessible to all hearing and deaf people. Throughout the week, social events such as a deaf joke comedy competition, signing karaoke, and a debate on hot topics in the deaf community will be held. We are pumped to be here this week for the games, and also have the opportunity to meet and interview many leaders in the Australian deaf community.

For more information, visit http://www.austdeafgames.org.au