Have you ever wanted to join DDW on an international adventure? Or take a trip of your own to connect with deaf people and signers around the world? Well, here is your chance to get out there and join our cause!

DDW has partnered with socially conscious travel company GoPhilanthropic to offer innovative travel opportunities that combine culture, adventure, accessibility, and a way to contribute to international deaf communities.

As part of our DDW: Journeys program, you can zip-line through the treetop canopy of a Costa Rican jungle, visit a colorful floating boat market amidst the city canals of Bangkok Thailand, and explore the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. At the same time, you will meet with deaf leaders along the way, learn about the issues they face, and participate in local efforts working towards solutions.

All trips will be fully accessible to deaf and hearing travelers with guides fluent in English, American Sign Language, and the local sign language of each country (Thai, Khmer/Cambodian, and LESCO-Costa Rican Sign Language).

DDW: Journeys is currently offering trips to:

Costa Rica
Travel Dates: July 22, 2010 – July 31, 2010
Registration Deadline: June 5, 2010

Thailand/Cambodia
Travel Dates: October 2, 2010 – October 13, 2010
Registration Deadline: August 7, 2010

Travel groups will range from 8 – 15 participants. Please visit the following webpage for itineraries, prices, and registration forms: www.gophilanthropic.com/you/deaftravel.php

Come travel with DDW and engage in deaf communities around the world- Hope to see you out there with us soon!


~ The DDW Team

For more information about DDW: Journeys, contact: ddwjourneys@discoveringdeafworlds.org

Hamill - The Movie Casting Anouncement

HAMILL THE MOVIE is looking for a young deaf student who can play the role of Young Matt Hamill. Please read the casting description below.

[YOUNG MATT HAMILL] DEAF / Male / 8 - 12 / Caucasian. Matt Hamill is the hero of this film, which is based on the real UFC fighter, Matt Hamill (www.matthamill.com).

As a child, Matt had a very difficult time fitting in with his all hearing classmates at school. As hard as he tried to get along with the other children, they would make fun of him. When his grandfather, Stanley, introduces him to wrestling, he finally finds an activity where he fits in and excels...LEAD. (MUST BE DEAF, BUT NO ACTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED)

All parents who think their son fits the requirement, please email the producer ASAP (deadline Sept 1st) a brief description of your son and a current picture.
eben@matthamillthemovie.com

Compensation: approx $268 a day / approx 4 days of shooting. Also, meals, copy and credit.

Requirements: Somewhat flexible schedule, good attitude and preferably local (Rochester or the surrounding area).

Dates: Shooting days would be sometime between Sept 14 – Oct 2. 






Discovering: Shuktara Release Party Fundraiser on July 22nd!

WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
WHAT: Discovering: Shuktara Release Party Fundraiser
WHERE: Rochester, NY, USA
COST: $25/person
DETAILS: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at SPoT Coffee
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at The Little Theater

We are just one week away from our Discovering: Shuktara Release Party Fundraiser! Advance tickets are now on sale at www.discoveringdeafworlds.com.


For the past nine months we have diligently worked with Closed Loop Films to capture the essence of Shuktara, an inspirational home to 18 former street children in Kolkata, India who are deaf or have cerebral palsy. We are happy to announce that our documentary is now complete and ready to share with you all!

Please join us for this exciting event to celebrate and support the continued efforts of Discovering Deaf Worlds and Shuktara. There are only 300 seats available, with less than 100 seats left, so please don't wait until the last minute. Order your tickets right away!

In addition, those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet Shuktara’s founder, David Earp and longtime supporter, Alison Saracena who are flying from Kolkata, India to Rochester, NY for this momentous occasion! A panel discussion with David and Alison will occur after the screening of Discovering: Shuktara.

DVDs of Discovering: Shuktara, complete with special features that reveal more about the people who work and live at Shuktara, will also be available for sale at the event.

To view a trailer of the film, learn more about sponsorship opportunities, or order tickets, please visit:
www.discoveringdeafworlds.com/DsicoveringShuktaraTickets.html

We hope to see you there!

Yours,

Christy Smith, David Justice and Davin Searls
The Discovering Deaf Worlds Team

Discovering Deaf Worlds is dedicated to empowering and advocating for deaf and hard of hearing communities around the world. We believe everyone deserves accessibility to language, education, and community. If you would like to learn more or make a donation, please visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.com.

NEW ZEALAND SIGN LANGUAGE WEEK

New Zealand Sign Language Week (NZSL) will run from 4 – 10 May 2009. The week promotes New Zealand Sign Language as an official language as well as raise awareness about the Deaf community.

NZSL Week is organised by Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand (formerly Deaf Association of NZ), a not-for-profit organisation, which works with government and other organisations to provide information and resources on life for Deaf New Zealanders, Deaf culture and New Zealand Sign Language. Deaf Aotearoa also represents New Zealand Deaf internationally through the World Federation of the Deaf.


Throughout NZSL there will be a range of activities, including:

· school-based educational activities (NZSL Tool Kit)
· Taster sign language classes in all areas (employment, community, etc)
· Regional/national business awards ‘NZSL in Action Award’
· And lots of promotions (billboard, website, posters, etc)

We also have cool website – have a look at www.nzsign.co.nz

Thank you for supporting Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand!

Help Expand DDW's International Network

Happy Spring from Discovering Deaf Worlds!

Everyday, we receive e-mails from individuals and organizations searching to connect with deaf communities in other countries: backpackers looking for an international host or friend, school administrations seeking advice on deaf education, non-profit organizations and humanitarians establishing themselves in a new country, and so on.

Part of DDW's mission is to serve as a bridge between deaf communities and their advocates; putting the right people in touch. While we have our roots established in 8 different countries, we are always looking for more connections. Now we'd like to turn it over to you-


Have you traveled recently and connected with a deaf community? Do you have any stories, research, or pictures to share? Do you know any deaf/hard of hearing people, CODAs, or interpreters from other countries?


Please take a moment to share your experiences with us. Your connections will help Discovering Deaf Worlds expand our international network of deaf schools, associations, and organizations.

Feel free to e-mail us or post your response on this blog.

Enjoy the warm weather!

Namaste,

Christy Smith, David Justice, and Davin Searls
The Discovering Deaf Worlds Team

Discovering Deaf Worlds is dedicated to empowering and advocating for deaf and hard of hearing communities around the world. We believe everyone deserves accessibility to language, education, and community. If you would like to learn more or make a donation, please visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.com

View the Discovering: Shuktara trailer!