~ SHOW ME DEAF COMMUNITY ~ by Paul J Kiel

DMH is using smoke and mirrors to fool us!

2009-07-07T09:55:00.002-05:00

DMH is using smoke and mirrors to fool us!

Regarding DMH's recent announcements, I still see the same trick being used over and over. Smoke and Mirrors are being used. Tough to say that as it is obvious that DMH is still denying Deaf Missourians the real meat of services. Using other states is like passing the buck! Harry Truman would be upset to know that DMH is passing the bucks!

I have spoken less and less because nothing will change! With the current administration, it is like hitting the brick wall.

I can understand that the current director has her hands tied as it is her superiors controlling this baloney.

What she did was like pulling rabbit out of the hat! Pronto! It worked, but it is complete an illusion!

I am not EASILY fooled as I am suffering from the repeated baloney over and over!

You guys at DMH need to do something REAL and SERIOUS!

------------------

DMH is Missouri's Department of Mental Health.

HOW CAN YOU STAMP OUT AUDISM? A workshop on organizing for social change

2009-07-06T00:13:00.011-05:00

HOW CAN YOU STAMP OUT AUDISM?

A workshop on organizing for social change:

This helps understand the principles of human engineering in providing advocacy and activism.

This workshop will teach deaf community leaders and advocates of deaf programs how to better serve the communities in protecting the rights of the deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The workshop will cover these areas:

*Direct Action Organizing

We will learn the fundamentals of Direct Action Organizing. We can choose an issue, develop a strategy and design actions to improve the deaf community services in your area.

*Organizing Skills

We will learn about accountability sessions, building and joining coalitions, recruiting, and use the Media. We can develop leadership and community liasons. We can develop partnerships with Community Organization Boards, Religious Organizations, Local Unions, Labor Councils and Trade Councils. There is going to be an interesting subject on tactical investigations.

*Support for Organization

We can review plans for grassroot fundraising, set up administrative systems and provide supervision. We can discuss financial and legal matters affecting the organization. It provides leadership and guidance for future programs.

*Selected Resources

We can review the resources in the community to help to do social change in your community. The workshop will provide hints, practice and feedback to help you present with confidence and style. This is something to benefit for alleviating the problems affecting the Deaf community.

Workshop Schedule: One day workshop:

Direct Action Organizing (one hour)
Organizing Skills (one hour and a half)
Support for Organization (one hour and a half)
Selected Resources (one hour)

Fundraising Opportunity: Win/Win Situation

You can charge admissions and split the revenue with your club and my organization. There is contract that specifies my services and guidelines for the workshop presentation. The requirement is that 50 participants or more be available for the workshop. Be sure the meeting room has access to wireless internet services. Ethernet will be ok. I will need only a table and a chair to do powerpoint presentation about organizing for a social change. I will bring my laptop and you provide LCD. If you do not have LCD, there is additional fee for bringing my LCD. The workshop fees are negotiable.

The workshop is presented in American Sign Language and with the use of powerpoint.

Future Workshops effective between Fall 2009 and Winter 2012**

Chicago, Illinois - August 2009 - TBA
St. Paul, Minnesota - April 2010 - TBA
Los Angeles, California - November 2009 - TBA
San Francisco, California - November 2009 - TBA
Rochester, New York - March 2010 - TBA
Tampa, Florida - November 2009 - TBA
New Orleans, Louisiana - February 2010 - TBA
Birmingham, Alabama - February 2010 - TBA
Memphis, Tennessee - February 2010 - TBA
Westerville, Ohio - October 2009 - TBA
Cleveland, Ohio - October 2009 - TBA
Olathe, Kansas - April 2010 - TBA
Las Vegas, Nevada - July 2010 - TBA
Seattle, Washington - June 2010 - TBA
Portland, Oregon - June 2010 - TBA
Phoenix, Arizona - December 2009 - TBA
Austin, Texas - March 2010 - TBA

Other cities not listed will be announced soon. If you wish to have this workshop in your city, please e-mail to myfavaslworld@aol.com with contact information and the location of a deaf community center, deaf school in your state or a hotel that the deaf enjoy for the workshop.

**The schedule is subject to change depending on demand and scheduling permitting.

To reserve your seat for workshop, please e-mail to [ Paul ]

About the Presenter

Paul J. Kiel is a proud advocate and a daring activist for social changes in deaf communities. He got started in activism when he joined forces with friends against the Vietnam War. He also joined in the first Earth Day in 1970 to promote the recycling and save the Mother Earth. He began deaf advocacy when some friends asked for assistance in communications in 1969. At the tender age of 17, he committed to a lifetime of deaf advocacy. He has earned diploma in Business Technology from NTID/RIT in 1978 and got Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with minor in Mass Communications in 2004. He owns and operates Deaf Images as a digital video production company and a public relations firm to handle public relations for non-profit organizations. He has served in many organizations as well as doing deaf advocacy for more than 40 years. He has written several letters to newspaper editors about lack of services for the deaf and hard of hearing as well as combating audism. He is preparing to be a licensed parliamentarian. More information about him can be seen on the website: http://www.deafimages.tv and select "Who is Paul?" button. He advocates for deaf culture through his blogs/vlogs at http://www.deafadvocate.blogspot.com.

IDL STARTED A SECOND GREAT CHICAGO FIRE!

2009-07-05T19:40:00.037-05:00

IDL STARTED A SECOND GREAT CHICAGO FIRE!

Knowing IDL for long time, I was excited to take the train trip to a wonderful city of Chicago. IDL is International Deaf Leather. I took the train at the crack of dawn. Here is a proof in the pudding below.

A view of dawn from Amtrak train facing east around 5 a.m. running to Chicago. It is always enjoyable to watch the sun rise mornings and it is a new day each time!

My hotel room window facing Lake Michigan and Chicago River at Sheraton Chicago. Fireworks were shown in that area.

I took Amtrak up to the Windy City. I have been commuting to Chicago for long time and I love it. Chicago is my second home away from home. It has interesting architecture designs around downtown and the surrounding parts. I often wish St. Louis has the same character, but it is not.

Upon arriving in Chicago, I enjoyed the International Deaf Leather (IDL) and WCRAD's hosting the RAD. WCRAD is Windy City Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. RAD is the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. WCRAD did grand job in hosting with its excellent entertainment, good food and good times. Watch for updates on its website at http://www.wcrad.org!

My main focus is on IDL as this is why I enjoy leather. For more information on IDL, it can be seen at http://www.internationaldeafleather.org. More information will be from there about the events they had and the next one will be in Las Vegas in 2010 as well as in 2011 when it celebrates its 20th anniversary at RAD in Denver, Colorado. Visit their websites to keep abreast of exciting events!

International Deaf Leather is maturing every year and is supported by many deaf leaders who have helped IDL reach its being. Kudos to those following people - Billy Raby (retired President ) and his board - Phillip Rubin for producing the exciting event with his volunteers and the community support "LET'S START A 2ND GREAT CHICAGO FIRE". It was fantastic production from the start to finish. More information about it can be seen at upcoming update at http://www.internationaldeafleather.org.

West view of Downtown Chicago from Sheraton Chicago

Paul with Haydee and Maria, international interpreters for the deaf

They did wonderful production of Chicago's Greatest 2nd Fire. It was true about Miss O'Leary and her cow started the fire in 1871. Now IDL started the second one the past few days! You missed it! They are to be commended for good job well done! The contestants and the actors did grand job!

Matt and Paul on the stage after he won Mr. RAD

I am pleased and proud to see Matt Lieberman reach the new heights in the Deaf Community. I have known him for long time and shared entertainment experiences with him. He did a grand job in his performances on the stage. He is well known around the world. With his new title as Mr. RAD, he will be a role model for deaf communities worldwide. There are invitations pouring in for him to travel the country and around the world. His schedule for next 2 years is fast filling up. Better hurry and ask RAD for his appointment to appear at your social events! Contact through http://www.rad.org.

Marc and Paul at IDL

I enjoyed knowing Marc a.k.a. Sir "Y". He was the 2008 International Mr. Deaf Leather title holder. He served as the International Deaf Leather Representative between IDL and Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. He held past titles of Mr. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf 2003-2005 and Mr. Atlantic Deaf Leather 2005. He judged leather contests over the last several years: recently, he was a judge for Mr. Maryland Leather 2009 and Mr. Iowa Leather 2009, He is a currently a freelance deaf and blind interpreter at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. He is an active volunteer for the Deaf/Blind community.

Terry, the 2009 International Mr. Deaf Leather.

Our hearty congratulations to Terry for winning the title! He will also be busy promoting IDL!

Vance and Paul at IDL

Here is nice guy who is an adult video entertainer. He is shown in some videos a.k.a. "Calvin". Yes, he is deaf. Say hi to him next time you see him!

It is often funny how much time had gone fast from the beginning to the end. I went through series of workshops and programs. They were all great and everyone had a grand time. I enjoyed Libby Pollard's presentation about healthy meetings. Be sure to watch her future presentations on leadership and parliamentary.

I came home with happy memories and I am looking forward to the next events in Las Vegas, NV in 2010 and Denver, Colorado in 2011. I enjoyed the July 4th celebrations the past weekend.

MESSAGE TO KY BASHAW AND SHEILA COUCH: PART OF CRAB THEORY!!!

2009-07-05T13:18:00.002-05:00

OPEN MESSAGE TO KY BASHAW AND SHEILA COUCH: PART OF CRAB THEORY!!!

Ms Ky Bashaw and Ms. Sheila Couch:

It has come to my attention that you asked someone to take down the sign for Audism Free America at the deaf club. This really BURNS ME UP! You have the gall to ask us to take that sign down. I am forwarding this to AFA Headquarters.

You both ladies need to learn to shut up and let the Deaf community be free of audism! You know very well it is not about deaf or hard of hearing. It is about some hearing people in the community who are praciticing audism.

I am telling you both - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

You both are always backstabbing me and you tend to go around blackballing me!

Now the AFA sign is back up and you leave it the HELL alone! I am not going to be on speaking terms with you both. I have enough of your hyprocrisy! So get out of my life and do not talk to me. I do not care for people who tend to use crab theory behavior!

And do me favor - focus on learning what audism is about - go google for it! Shame on you both!

Sincerely,

Paul J. Kiel
A tireless Deaf Advocate

"Audism spreads while good Deaf people do nothing!"

July 5, 2009

----end------

AFA IS RIGHT! REPORT TO FDA AND ITS PROGRAM "MEDWATCH"

2009-06-26T00:09:00.003-05:00

UNHAPPY CI USERS NEED TO REPORT TO MEDWATCH!

There is a government program where anyone who have issues can report to them for regulation and modification.

I reported this on January 17, 2008 about FDA and its medwatch program. It is imperative that everyone contact FDA and the Medwatch program. The more we notify them, they can take action. We need truth and we need to stop audism in its tracks now! This begins with you! Can you?

Deaf Children Frustrated with Family Communication Revisited

2009-06-24T03:14:00.003-05:00

Deaf Children Frustrated with Family Communication Revisited:

I would like to revisit that issue laid out by "deafness.about.com" website by Jamie Berke on December 9, 2008. I responded to that topic.

I believe it is important that we focus on getting the community educated about our choices and how they can work with us. I simply ask that the bridge be open between the deaf and hearing. It even means that we have rules in communication. I studied communications as my major. I remembered picking that up while at NTID. It was often discussed.

Years later, I pursued my degree in Communication at University of Missouri - St. Louis. It helped me give insights into hearing communications. There are not enough information in deaf communications to apply within. The issue remains the hearing are focused on hearing matters. They lack the sense of understanding of deaf communications as well as deaf matters. They try to be pathological and try to fix what they think is "broken". It is NOT the case. It is still audism due to ignorance and selfishness.

The professors were wonderful during the learning years and they tried to understand my perspective about deaf communications. It was challenging looking at both hearing and deaf communications. I did appreciate them for making me think differently when observing both communication issues.

More to come soon.

My response below was in that blog about Deaf Children and family communication dated December 10, 2008.

"A visual language is a bridge between deaf and hearing worlds.

This is something we can focus on, advocate for the rights and educate the public.

Family communication is important despite my frustrations with my family while growing up. I was raised oralist until I discovered ASL. I fell in love with ASL so it has been a journey trying to cut down audism in all walks of life. It is everywhere!

We need education to reduce audism and we need laws with teeth in them to protect our rights and culture.

There were always miscommunication, attitudinal barriers, surfism, ego trips, selfishness, ignorance and whatever you label it in the past.

Let’s put AG Bell and his cronies in the past and we can resolve to do more at present and be prepared for the future.

Rub your elbows with politicians in your hometowns. It is time to educate them and have them on our sides to protect our proud culture. It is not a hard thing to do. The politicians are human like us.

The future is what we make it.

Let’s chart a new course!

Let’s pick up where we left off on September 11, 1880 and move on!

It is time to use our resources to reduce audism, colonialism and paternalism.

Sincerely,

Paul"

*”Audism spreads while good deaf people do nothing!”
-Paul Kiel

~ GDNN DEBUTS ON JULY 7, 2009! ~

2009-06-20T14:21:00.008-05:00

Deaf Images Press Release

From: Deaf Images - June 20, 2009

DEAF IMAGES INTRODUCES GLOBAL DEAF NETWORK NEWS ON JULY 7, 2009 AT 7 PM!

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - June 20, 2009 - A new digital video news service will debut on July 7, 2009 at 7 p.m. (central time) for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people with ASL capabilities. Deaf Images recently developed a format for delivery of visual and signed news in digital video. With this new digital video service, it will be available to more than 27,345 viewers globally. The countries listed are United States, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Germany, Bangladesh, Argentina, Israel, Great Britain, Nepal and other countries. They have been active users of Deaf Image's website. It can also be seen on YOUTUBE, GOOGLE and SHOW ME DEAF COMMUNITY BLOG.

"I am pleased to have reached the milestone for Deaf Images by providing digital news services to the larger audience globally. It is a new step in a new direction for Deaf Images."said Paul Kiel, owner and videographer of Deaf Images. "This will enable everyone to network and share the information and news of interest to the Deaf communities globally."

"With high-speed Internet connection, viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing or hearing with ASL capabilities can watch Global Deaf Network News at home, at the office, in the classroom, or anywhere on a high-speed Internet-connected computer, laptop or wireless pagers. We are reaching a new technology that enables us to interconnect with one another."

"We are looking for broadcasters so please e-mail to paul@deafimages.tv that you are interested. One requirement is that you be proficient in ASL to carry out the news and information to the public."

About Deaf Images

Deaf Images is a digital video production company. It has produced documentary and commentary videos for the last five years. For more information, visit Deaf Images at http://www.deafimages.tv

A GOOD OLD FASHIONED MILKSHAKE ON A HOT SWELTERING DAY!

2009-06-18T17:20:00.004-05:00

I felt like having a good old fashioned milkshake on a hot sweltering day in St. Louis! I grew up with Velvet Freeze and always loved the taste of milkshake. There are not one place that can match the taste! No matter except Parkmoor (now shuttered) served the best milkshake.

After mowing the yards and running errands, I felt like having something like a good old fashioned milkshake. I knew of a place thanks to my friend. I went to Velvet Freeze on West Florissant and ordered a large chocolate milkshake with old fashioned oatmeal cookies. It was heaven taking spoonfuls of milkshake down my throat quenching my thirst. It felt cool and makes me get goose pimples.

Every bite takes me down the memory lane to late 1950's. I recall first bite in 1959 as a young boy with heated winds blowing in my face while taking spoonfuls. Today, as an old man at age 57 with white hair, wrinkles and overweight, every bite takes me back to my boyish age of 7 when I had first bite of old fashioned milkshake. It is like taking a trip back in time and remember the good old summer of 1959. I remembered my boyish face and a crewcut (of course brown hair) and the 1950s cars going up and down the street. How nostalgic it was! I enjoyed reminscencing those days.

Oh, it is back to 2009 and reality! Time to get going! Back to real world and it will be sad one of these days if Velvet Freeze disappears.. I thought it disappeared in early 1980s as there used to be several Velvet Freeze places - one on Southwest, one on Watson, one on Gravois, one on Big Bend..and others... It was a vanishing breed.

Hope Velvet Freeze sticks around! Can't forget good old fashioned chocolate milkshake and old fashioned oatmeal cookies during hot summers! Yum! Yum!

=)

ASL BICENTENNIAL 1816-2016: 200 YEARS OF ASL CELEBRATION!

2009-06-17T15:21:00.016-05:00

ASL IS THE "OFFICIAL LANGUAGE" OF THE DEAF COMMUNITY!

The humble beginnings of ASL is when the monks as a commitment to silence developed and used sign language. It was derived into the use of LSF. This is how and why Laurent Clerc used it and brought it to the new world. It was August 22, 1816. It will soon be 200 years of ASL Celebration! Let's designate August 22, 2016 as our national celebration of 200 years of American Sign Language. That will be 7 years from now. We can have weekend of celebration from Friday, August 19, 2016 to Monday, August 22, 2016.

We need to celebrate our proud heritage and culture of American Sign Language. We need to recognize ASL as the official language of the Deaf community.

We could ask the United States Post Office to help us commerate a stamp to recognize Laurent Clerc and George Veditz for their tireless work in advocating ASL. Of course, they have not met each other, but we will help them meet on the postage stamp. The postage stamp can go on sale on August 22, 2016 on the 200th anniversary of Clerc's arrival in the New World.

We could ask organizations supporting ASL to set up simultaneous activities from sea to shining sea on the same weekend. It will be nice to showcase our deaf heritage and culture at state schools for the deaf and other places where deaf history has been made.

So I call for having ASL BICENTENNIAL 1816 - 2016: 200 YEARS OF ASL CELEBRATION. We might do it in Hartford where it was the beginning. We may include ASLTA and other groups as well as NAD, DBC, Deafhood, etc in supporting the program and educate America from sea to shining sea!

Onward we go! Let's celebrate 200 years of ASL!

To be on the updates mailing list, send your name and e-mail address to Paul Kiel

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, August 19, 2016: OPENING CEREMONIES FOR THE WEEKEND STARTING AT NOON

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016: ALL DAY FESTIVITIES WITH WORKSHOPS, FESTIVAL AND FOOD

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2016: ALL DAY FESTIVITIES

MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016: HONORING LAURENT CLERC ON HIS ARRIVAL TO HARTFORD (MORNING)
and HONORING GEORGE VEDITZ ON HIS ADVOCACY OF ASL (AFTERNOON)
*Possible Commerative Stamp Ceremony to see CLERC and VEDITZ on same stamp

Deaf artists can have opportunity to design a stamp with picture of Clerc and Veditz meeting together. More information soon.

I am working on a book titled:ASL BICENTENNIAL 1816 - 2016: 200 YEARS OF ASL CELEBRATION. It will be released on August 19, 2016.

If you have stories and pictures from 1816 to 2016, please send them in .jpg format and credits (who they belong to so I can get copyright permission )

The front cover will have picture of Clerc and Veditz. More information soon!

If you are interested to be on working committee, please let me know!

All rights reserved: Deaf Images/Paul Kiel - 2009-2016

DO DEAF HAVE "KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES" SYNDROME?

2009-06-16T02:50:00.007-05:00

DO DEAF HAVE "KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES" SYNDROME?

I am beginning to notice a trend these days about deaf getting cochlear implanted for wrong reasons. Is it part of "Keeping up with the Jones" syndrome?

Often times, the society can be materialistic, competitive, and unhappy. The neighbors tend to compete up by having their lawns manicured, new sporty cars in garages, and the materialistic stuff. It is like keeping up with Jones. The Jones may have their lawn taken care of by professional landscapers. The next door neighbors may follow suit.

Was it normal? I guess not.. it is the urgency in each person that competes for the best or somewhat heading for unhealthy psychological consequences.

The last 25 years have shown a lot of failures among the deaf persons who tried to use cochlear implants. There is NOT enough data to clarify the fuzzy and gray areas. The medical profession as well as others in the field of cochlear implanting have been painting fuzzy pictures twisted with lies and lack of evidences.

According to sources on internet, blogs and medical information, the cochlear implanting have several negative factors. Now more deaf bloggers are getting fed up with Aunt Matilda's story about her surgery according to Dianrez! She hit the nail right on the head! We are getting tired of those surgical stuff. We have heard it over and over for the last 25 years.

The negative factors are :

It is still experimental.

It is not a necessary one.

It is merely an expensive hearing aid.

It is only an amplifier with mechanical sounds. (no natural sounds)

It is not safe equipment as several babies and adults lost their lives.

It does NOT cure deafness.

It is proven that only those who lost hearing later in life may benefit from it.

It is not the answer for others who were born deaf or profound deaf.

It is still not safe surgery as the risks are very high.

So wake up and smell the coffee!

You will always be deaf!

It is time to move on and get busy for deaf advocacy!

LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL??? IS IT???

2009-06-14T04:05:00.003-05:00

Knowing today (June 14, 2009) is the Flag Day! It is time to remember the Old Glory and its humble beginnings. Betsy Ross made the flag and the rest was the history.

Many times, I gaze upon the Old Glory to say the pledge and at many events, I stand up to go with the national anthem. I am bothered sometimes when it says, "Liberty and Justice for all". Does it ring true in the deaf community? I believe not yet. It takes more effort to even the keel.

We need to do that by reminding our legislators from city to the state as well as the federal that we are entitled to equal communication access as well as protection of our rights to enjoy American Sign Language and our proud Deaf culture.

I hope this can be resolved in this lifetime as I want to be able to enjoy saying "Liberty and Justice for all" without any reminders that the audists are still abusing the deaf community.

Liberty and Justice for all??? Is it???

ARE DEAF SUFFERING FROM LACK OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?

2009-06-13T16:03:00.007-05:00

Give or take! A deaf person will be committed to hospitalization for mental health issues. What are the statistics? It is untold and underreported everywhere from the sea to the shining sea. Are there support services for deaf patients? What programs are working for deaf needing mental health services?

This picture above is a puzzle being put together but some pieces are missing.

Yes, some pieces are missing.

It is interesting how defensive people are these days. The parents need to know that the devices are not successful for deaf lives. American Sign Language is the key to communication. It is ok to be oral and use any devices. It seems that everyone focused too much on wrong choices. It harms the deaf individual to a greater extent that the damage is permanent and not reversable.

Why can't we let the deaf child be a deaf child? No one will be able to convert the deaf child to be the hearing child that everyone had dreamt and wanted. The real world is that the child will ALWAYS be deaf.

I have been to both sides of the spectrum (oralism and signing). The mental health is better when using ASL.

I notice oral deaf people have higher mental health problems than the deaf people using sign language. Give or take a number. I have noticed in the last 40 plus years of deaf advocacy that the numbers are higher when the oralists stuck to one side. The next generation of mental health problems will be cochlear implant users. It is the tip of iceberg waiting to happen the next 5 to 10 years.

There were no flexibility and no understanding of their peers. This causes them to suffer mental health.

This mental health issue is reaching new heights as it is very controversial of how and why the professionals are approaching the issue of mental health.

Mental health defines as a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life.

This is where the deaf community are focusing on the lack of support services for the well being of a deaf individual. The majority of mental health programs are failing to meet the needs of the deaf community at an alarming rate.

The deaf person needs to have emotional and psychological well being to be able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities as deaf person, function in a society that respects a deaf person and the well being and provide supportive services to allow the deaf to meet the ordinary demands of everyday life.

It is sorely lacking emotionally and psychologically for a deaf person today to be able to use cognitive and emotional capabilities.

The culprit is audism being rampant in every fabric of the community. The parents are too busy following the wrong advices provided by the medical professionals as well as the schools that are paid by cochlear implant companies. There are profits that the audists are laughing their way to the banks. Money talks! This is how and why many hearing people are greedy and gullible to the whims of snake oil men.

Cochlear implant is merely an expensive hearing aid.

It is time now to stop the lies and allow the deaf people to be deaf themselves!

Unfortunately, we cannot fix the stupid!

We will simply move on and give support to those organizations educating the public about our proud deaf culture and how we are benefitting from various options we have on our hand.

Like the saying goes, the necessity is the mother of invention. Look at many deaf people the past several hundred of years have contributed to our society. Who invented light bulb? Who founded Girl Scouts? Who invented the shorthand? Who invented morse code? Who invented the movies? and many more!!!

Geez whiz! The deaf would not need mental health services if those hearing people had not abused us! We need to stand up and tell them off!

It is time to help our deaf friends who need mental health services! We need to remind the medical profession that we are entitled to same services that hearing people are enjoying. We do not need their patronization, paternalism, audism, oppression and lies.

We are capable of doing things and they need to stop being audists!

A Letter About St. Joe Principal and her 50 years of abuses

2009-06-12T00:34:00.014-05:00

Click on the letter above to enable yourself to read it.

This letter is self explainatory. This is a document proving in my recent video, "The Tools of Audism" where some punishment were executed among many deaf children in the 50 years of her management of oral school. Many former students told me about what the principal did to scores of poor deaf children.

When the school changed from ASL to Oralism, they resorted to punishments to keep the deaf students on track of audism. The school was founded in 1837 from Sisters of St. Joseph from France (linkage to Clerc). Their original mission was to work with deaf children using sign language. The school made unfortunate decision in 1933 to implement oralism and weed out ASL effective during 1934 school year. It is still in practice today. It is a continuing practice of audism.

The trail of punishments left by Sister Joyce Buckler were started in 1954 and ended in 2005. But what about other teachers? They were part of the system of abuses as per former students.

The Evil Queen of St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf: Sister Joyce Buckler

This letter speaks volumes of truth of audism and abuses at oral schools around the world.

This practice needs to be stopped.

I remember meeting that principal, Sister Joyce Buckler. I was not even friendly to her and I did protests at her grand opening of the new school sometime in 1996. I walked in the new school and threw papers everywhere in the halls, restrooms, classrooms and the campus sidewalks. The sisters had to run around and clean up the paper trail that I made. I threw papers like confetti. I made over 15,000 pieces and it was gratifying to see the papers everywhere on the campus.

Sister Joyce Buckler got angry and demanded that I stop littering the campus or be escorted off the campus. I walked closer to her and told her in my loud voice in one of the classrooms where I was dropping papers. "You are indeed a bad nun and you have hurt many deaf children through your evil punishments. I dare you to throw me off the campus!" She got furious and walked away. I decided to stop it there and mingled with some friends for a while before heading off the campus. I forgot my camera that day so I have been kicking myself in the rear about it. I was dissed at Sister Joyce Buckler for trying to control me when I was younger and how she treated the children during her reign of terror.

I had learned to do that kind of strategy using "upsetting the bad apple cart concept". I have been involved in protests and marches since high school. It is a long story about the developments of actions and coordination of friends and supporters to move the ball.

Was it a justice when Sister Joyce Buckler fell off her bed cracking her crown and passed away recently? Why did the school let her have retirement party and sweep the scandal under the carpet? Was it a justice? I betcha NOT!

The front piece of confetti read like this:

The back side of the confetti read like this.

On my personal note, it is the truth that needed to shine the light on audism and its practices. We networked with friends to seek mental health services and advocacy to weed out the audism practices. We are continuing to do more advocacy and networking to weed out audism.

The Ten Commandments of Deaf Culture

2009-06-11T10:00:00.004-05:00

1. You should not put hearing culture above Deaf Culture;

2. You shall not lose eye contact when communicating with a Deaf person;

3. You shall communicate in sign language at all times;

4. You shall not be the Deaf person’s sign language instructor;

5. You shall not be the Deaf person’s English grammar teacher;

6. You shall not be the Deaf person’s speech therapist;

7. You shall not be the Deaf person’s comedian, tell non-Deaf jokes and puns;

8. You shall not be the Deaf person’s “mother or father”;

9. You shall view Deaf people as an ethnic group, not as handicapped;

10. You shall believe Deaf people can do all things.

(Author unknown~Please let me know who should get the credit for creating this wonderful list)*

*found on FB by Mikey K. (Thanks, Mikey - I was looking for that to use it again! It was so long ago. I can't remember the author's name. Maybe someone will help us!!)

The Tools of Audism...

2009-06-10T02:45:00.007-05:00

This commentary is about what audists used as tools of audism to intimidate deaf children and adults in the 19th and 20th century. It might be happening in the 21st century. It stresses on the need of better leadership, better advocacy and better education to improve the needs of deaf community.

BACK TO FUTURE: VEDITZ ENVISIONED THE WORLD OF VIDEOPHONES!

2009-06-02T11:51:00.006-05:00

When I researched on Veditz for my upcoming video project, I got goose pimples when I saw George Veditz's letter to AG Bell. It felt like going back 95 years to his time and see Veditz and Bell debating.

The letter showed how the deaf community refused to support Bell and his Volta Bureau. See his letter dated on February 10, 1915.

George even hit the nail right on its head when he said, "I wonder if you could be induced to turn your attention to a sort of television that will do for the eye what the telephone does for the ear." What a chilling prophecy George had!

He knew that we are having videophones today! He must have seen the future and wrote the letter thinking back to future.

I find it odd as the first television did not happen until November 9, 1919.

AG BELL HAS NO INTEGRITY AT ALL!

2009-06-01T23:58:00.004-05:00

In my response to AFA about AG Bell's Integrity????, AG BELL lost his integrity when he stole Meucci's telephone invention. He lied and he cheated. He wrote articles and letters condemning deaf community and ASL. He always argued with Edward Miner Gallaudet about choice of communication mode.

It was Victorian times that influenced Bell to think above women. His mother and his wife were deaf. He probably was not comfortable with them. He was not Deaf enough to be in their shoes and understand the communication process.

George Veditz had many meetings with AG Bell. Veditz tried to coax Bell to change his ways and respect the Deaf more.

See this letter from George Veditz to Bell in December 1909. That is 100 years ago - http://memory.loc.gov/mss/magbell/169/16910210/0001.jpg

From one lie to another lie threading through the pages of history from 1870s to now show how Bell and his cronies are perpetuating audism through diversions and brainwashing.

The telephone was in fact a discrimination against deaf employees. There has been no record that AG Bell was willing to provide access to visual needs. George Veditz could have seen the future already when he wrote to Bell, "I wonder if you could be induced to turn your attention to a sort of television that will do for the eye what the telephone does for the ear." It is a chilling prophecy laid out by George Veditz. He said that about 95 years ago! Today we have videophones and it is a blessing!

In conclusion, keep on exposing AG Bell and show the world what a hypocrite AG Bell is! Deaf lives have been ruined by his lies and oppression for the last 129 years!

Keep up the good work! Go AFA Go!

THANK YOU, MARCELLA M. MEYER FOR DEAF ADVOCACY!

2009-05-31T04:32:00.018-05:00

Marcella Meyer, then Executive Director, GLAD was giving a donation to help RTR and Paul Kiel, then President of RTR (Round Table of Representatives) thanked her for her inspiration and leadership during the Deaf Awareness Week and RTR's 20th Anniversary (April 1987)

Thank you, Marcella M. Meyer for your leadership. I have learned a lot from you while growing up and learning the ropes in managing a deaf service agency. I appreciated knowing you and meeting you as we crossed our paths around the country. I have always looked up to you as I learned from you how to run an agency and how to deal with people who oppressed us. Of course, there was a nickname around the circles. You were known as the Dragon Lady**. It was interesting as you hailed from Kansas City, Missouri. You came to Los Angeles with your guts and determination.

GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.) was born and nurtured under your leadership and the many supporters around the country. We all stood behind you in great times and tough times. I remember visiting your office and asking you to come to St. Louis to help improve the system. You agreed to come to St. Louis without any hesitation. I was delighted and you were the best one for my hometown, St. Louis. We did learn a lot from you during the few days you were in town.

You did inspire the Missouri Deaf community to start the Relay Missouri services so it was an inspiration as we learned from your agency's past handling of relay calls. Not only that, we did improve our advocacy from your workshops.

I have read about you in newspapers and magazines. I have learned how you get people moving and getting the job done. You have done very well! I must say it is true because I was there and I saw how you did it! Good job, Marcella!

There was a famous quote you have repeated often times - "You can take me out of Missouri, but you cannot take Missouri out of me!" I thought of hiring you to help St. Louis agency, but you preferred to stay in California. Oh, well! California was lucky to have you!

May you rest in peace and we will remember you always! We will miss you!

So long, Marcella!

Cordially,

Paul J. Kiel
St. Louis, MO

For information about GLAD, go to _http://www.gladinc.org/_

**Dragon Lady - In ASL version, it is that she spoke with fire and smoke. She got everyone to stand up. She was influential in changing policies that affect the deaf communities. She helped reduce audism in many areas with the help of supporters.

P.S. Marcella, I know you are gonna be glad to see Gloria Early, your good friend. Save me seat for chatting, drinking and eating someday at other side with you and Gloria! Enjoy it!

A MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE TO MY DAD, PAUL J. KIEL, JR.

2009-05-25T12:51:00.008-05:00

Fresh out of high school back in 1943, Paul at 17 (my dad) joined the United States Marines Corps with several of his classmates. They were sent to Okinawa. It was a very tough war that my dad went through. He had to endure many days and nights in fighting against the Japanese. He was there about 2 years fighting and he did not have chance to get home until the war was over. He came home alone as his classmates were included in more than 50,000 casualities including over 12,000 killed in action. When the battles ended on Okinawa Island, he was stationed in China until late 1946 or 1947. He lived long enough to see his family grow and some grandchildren. He lost the battle with emphysema in 1994. He is sorely missed by his family and friends.

Today, my family and friends are proud of him and many dedicated men and women in the armed forces for fighting against tyranny, evil and oppression to persevere the freedom and democracy for us. This is a purpose of having a Memorial Day started in 1868 to honor civil war soldiers. It became a tradition for every soldier in wars after Civil War. It became a national holiday dedicated by Congress in 1971. Remember this day for the rest of our lives to thank those dedicated people for helping us! Be glad that you are an American, looking at the Old Glory (the US Flag) whipping in the wind and be thankful for the freedom of choices. They did not die in vain as we reward them every year with our thanks and thoughts of them every Memorial Day.

~ PAUL'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH AUDISM ~

2009-05-21T03:21:00.006-05:00

Paul tells about his personal experience with audism as growing up in school, work, family and community.

Are VR Counselors forcing deaf clients to be implanted?

2009-05-20T23:25:00.006-05:00

Are VR Counselors forcing deaf clients to be implanted? This is a serious matter that needs to be discussed. After what is happening with Wisconsin, you can see how Rep. Cullen mentioned about if implanted, you get job. This is how VR tells its clients across the country. We need to stop them and scold them for practicing audism. If it is true that VR was telling deaf clients to get implanted in order to get jobs. Shame on VR!

AUDISM CAUSES DEAF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

2009-05-20T03:53:00.010-05:00

This video is a narrative about what Paul says about audism causing deaf mental health problems. Carl Shroeder hit the nail right when it came to being "realistic" about your identity.

MY MESSAGE TO DEAF ORAL SCHOOL SUPPORTERS - SHAME ON YOU!

2009-05-10T12:31:00.019-05:00

Paul Kiel was at CID as part of national protest against the Volta Bureau on April 3, 2009. It was "to call attention to the denial of linguistic and human rights of Deaf citizens and to highlight how the Volta Bureau/AG Bell Association has worked to perpetuate the denial of these rights." See the link from PRWeb (Press Release Newswire) at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/03/prweb2207164.htm

Recently, I came across a story about a fundraising event at an oral school in my hometown where I was schooled. I am figuring out why they continue to be blind to the real problems of audism. They seem to have " I do not care" attitude towards the deaf community. This is my impression when I see the events and how they respond. I do like them, but I am not comfortable with the way they continue to promote audism.

"Paul and Mr. Shore posed for the newspaper photographer from the now defunct St. Louis Globe Democrat during its promotion with United Fund (now United Way) during its campaign back in 1958."

I drew a big FAT black line between the oral school and me many years ago. I find it strange how deaf oralists continue to use sign language and promote audism by going to oral school events. It is a "double standard". This is not helping the Deaf community at large as if it is like Jewish people going to Hitler's party. The AG Bell and his regime are the perpetuators of audism and the local oral schools continue to follow the Bell philosophy of oppression and systematic abuses including brainwashing and false propaganda. Did you know that Adolf Hitler benefited from AG Bell's program called "EUGENICS". Bell tried to propose to Congress to eliminate the deaf from the human race. Oralism is a false facade for audism.

I guess it is brainwashing system that needs to be deprogrammed. It is time to stop the flow and turn it around to honest and appropriate programming for the Deaf community. 129 years of lies perpetuated by AG Bell and his regime have to be stopped in its tracks!

"Paul and Dr. Silverman demonstrating to the audience at Laclede Gas Company in 1967."

Time is now to tell my friends who are deaf oral school supporters to start turning their backs on the oral schools. The truth prevails in this matter. The light has shined on the dark secrets of oralism. It is time to bust them for their wrongs.

This is how I view from having lived both sides. I was raised and disciplined to follow it. When you use the word discipline, I view it as a hidden method of brainwashing. By studying Deafhood and supporting AUDISM FREE AMERICA, we can help reduce the oppression and audism. We are counting on you to follow our footsteps to enable the deaf community to do more. We can live our lives and we are capable of taking care of ourselves. We are asking for equal access to community so therefore, we ask them to stop oppressing us.

A.F.A " serves to expose AUDISM--practices and attitudes based on the assumption that the behaving in the ways of those who speak and hear is best and desired. Audism manifests itself as stigma, bias, discrimination, and prejudice--in overt or covert ways--against Deaf culture, American Sign Language and Deaf people from all walks of life."

Those hearing people in oral programs are laughing their way to the banks and thanking suckers for supporting the audists. The audists may include medical profession who continue to use "pathological attitude", deaf people who continue to look down on the deaf community and kiss up to the hearing people at oral school through board membership and community involvement. At a recent discussion, AG Bell has 62% of medical profession as members of the Bell regime. This is why I am saying we need to cut down their pathological attitudes.

"This picture shows what audists used in deaf education programs the last 129 years to abuse deaf children."

We do need you people to turn the tide against the hearing people who continue to abuse the deaf education and our lives. It is time to stand up and say, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!" Can you do that? Do you have to cave in or cower to their selfish demands?

If you continue to promote oral school programs and its fundraising activities, then I say, "SHAME ON YOU!"

~A MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO JANE HOWE KIEL~

2009-05-08T13:58:00.031-05:00

Since Mother's Day is approaching this Sunday, I thought it is appropriate time for me to dedicate my b/vlog to my mother, Jane Howe Kiel. She was my best friend and like a big sister to me instead of being mother, but she was my biological mother. She was born Jane Vivian Howe on January 7, 1929. Throughout her life, she loved drama, music and playing tennis or bridge with ladies. She had performed in school plays as well as some plays at Elk's Lodge.

Jane was born on January 7, 1929. The picture was taken during Spring 1929 in front of house at 204 N. Rock Hill in Webster Groves, Missouri. The white house in the background was built by her grandfather, Frederick William Howe in the late 1890s.

Jane was surrounded by her favorite men - Kenneth W. Howe (father), Jack Howe (brother on left) Gene Howe (brother on right) and Herb Howe (the baby brother on lap) - taken Summer 1932. The men were overprotective of Jane as she was the first Howe girl in 75 years of family history.

Paul Kiel Jr. and Jane Howe were married on July 7, 1951 at Holy Reedemer Church in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Jane and Paul III - March 1952 - It was in the backyard of Kiel family house in Glendale, Missouri. The neighborhood kids were visiting me when they heard I was the newborn. My paternal grandfather was in the background on the porch.

Jane and Paul III - March 1953 - A year later at the Howe House.

Jane and Paul III at his sixth birthday - February 1958 - She brought cake and ice cream to school to help celebrate my birthday. It was fun and I remember it like yesterday.

Jane and Paul III at high school graduation - June 6, 1971 - Jane was so proud of me that day as I was the fourth generation in her family to attend Webster Groves Schools - my great grandmother, my grandfather, my mom and I all went to same school.

Jane and Paul III during Thanksgiving break from Gallaudet College - November 1972. That was the last picture taken less than a year before her passing from cancer on October 25, 1973.

I remembered how difficult it was for her as she used gestures to communicate with me before sending me to oral school. She would use pictures and mouth words to tell me what she was trying to say. Then after oral school, they told her not to use gestures or sign language. I was upset as I wanted to learn. She said to wait until I finish high school then it was up to me.

She raised three sons, Paul, Kenneth and Robert mostly on her own when she divorced dad in 1960. She worked hard to see that the boys were fed and schooled.

There was one time incident in Fulton, Missouri back in 1964, She caught me staring at deaf adults using sign language. She tried to tell me not to do it. She did not know that. She was not sure what was right - using oral or sign language.

Then after high school, I was allowed to use sign language. I did know some sign language on my own time away from her when I was growing up. She finally took the time to learn sign language. I was delighted that she started signing, but unfortunately it was short-lived as the cancer took her. She was unable to use her voice on her deathbed so she used sign language to tell me to tell her attorney and relatives the last time I saw her. That memory burns in my mind for the rest of my life. I still do love you, Mom! Now 36 years after her passing to this day, I still think and love my mom. Happy Mother's Day to you! =)

MENTAL HEALTH DAY AT STATE CAPITOL

2009-05-05T00:20:00.013-05:00

It was a beautiful morning on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. I took a 128 mile trip from St. Louis to Jefferson City. The state capitol was situated on the bank of the Missouri River. It was a nice day as the sun was shining. You can see this picture I took while walking to the capitol. The flowers, plants and trees were ready to bloom. The warm air wafting across the prairies brings back memories of old days in rural areas. I cannot count how many times I have visited the central part of Missouri. It all started when my deaf brother started school back in 1964. I would say more than 45 years of going back and forth to eiher parts of Missouri such as Fulton, Columbia, Jefferson City, Lake of Ozark, etc. It is fun and relaxing drive on HIghway 70 to Route 54 South. All that matters to me is the nice drive. By George, the small towns I remember have grown bigger and the miles and miles of farms are disappearing into communities. I miss seeing the farm animals and the miles and miles of corn plants. They are vanishing.

Of course the capitol grounds were brimming with people and tourists that day. It was hard to find parking. I am not getting any younger and I had to park almost more than 7 blocks away. I was grumbling, but I moved on. It was a beautiful day so it was worthwhile walking to the capitol.

Good Lawd! There was confusion as I was not sure where to go. I had to page my friends to find out where we were supposed to be at. I found out that i had to be on the third floor of the Rotunda of the State Capitol. I did not mind. I was not sure where deaf people were. I got lost and there was crowd of people. Of course, they were non-deaf.

So I went to do some work for video relay service and I was amused about how crowded the floor was. There were all kinds of people from all walks of life mingling about. I was envious of a woman who had a cute dog. I wanted to dognap that dog. You can see this picture.

Geez whiz! I tried to persuade the St. Charles Humane Society to let me adopt that cute dog. I wanted to take him home! They were kind enough to let me hold him for while and have picture taken. Oh! Geez! I raise pomeranians so I wanted more. LOL! It made the day. There were other animals on display and I was so focused on that darling dog! Drats! I failed to persuade them to let me adopt him. They said it was their mascot.

So I went back to booth to recruit more people to look into new line of videophones. I waited for more people to come when i ran into Senator Bray.
She was interesting person and she was at a meeting I had last year with Department of Mental Health. I was debating about how DMH ignored our needs. She was interested and she was trying to get things rolling. I did leave my trust in her and see what results will happen the next year. I was honored to have picture taken with her.Senator Joan Bray, 24th District, Democrat - more information can be seen at her website at http://www.senate.mo.gov/09info/members/mem24.htm

Then I saw some deaf leaders there and I was unable to figure where they went to. I lost the packet when I tried to put on table. By the time, I needed it, It vanished. Oh well.

The navy bean soup with corn bread and cake for dessert were delicious. The restaurant asssociation were kind to pass out the food to exhibitors and legislative staff. Yummy! Good food! I love that! I want that receipe!

Oh well! then nothing much happened so we folded. I went to meeting at local restaurant. It was fun group as we enjoyed learning and preparing the task of empowering Missouri.

Then I waved everyone good bye and took a trip back to St. Louis with a smile on nice day and quiet drive home.

~ SHOW ME DEAF COMMUNITY ~ by Paul J Kiel

DMH is using smoke and mirrors to fool us!

HOW CAN YOU STAMP OUT AUDISM? A workshop on organizing for social change

IDL STARTED A SECOND GREAT CHICAGO FIRE!

MESSAGE TO KY BASHAW AND SHEILA COUCH: PART OF CRAB THEORY!!!

AFA IS RIGHT! REPORT TO FDA AND ITS PROGRAM "MEDWATCH"

Deaf Children Frustrated with Family Communication Revisited

~~~ GDNN DEBUTS ON JULY 7, 2009! ~~~

A GOOD OLD FASHIONED MILKSHAKE ON A HOT SWELTERING DAY!

ASL BICENTENNIAL 1816-2016: 200 YEARS OF ASL CELEBRATION!

DO DEAF HAVE "KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES" SYNDROME?

LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL??? IS IT???

ARE DEAF SUFFERING FROM LACK OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?

A Letter About St. Joe Principal and her 50 years of abuses

The Ten Commandments of Deaf Culture

The Tools of Audism...

BACK TO FUTURE: VEDITZ ENVISIONED THE WORLD OF VIDEOPHONES!

AG BELL HAS NO INTEGRITY AT ALL!

THANK YOU, MARCELLA M. MEYER FOR DEAF ADVOCACY!

A MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE TO MY DAD, PAUL J. KIEL, JR.

~ PAUL'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH AUDISM ~

Are VR Counselors forcing deaf clients to be implanted?

AUDISM CAUSES DEAF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

MY MESSAGE TO DEAF ORAL SCHOOL SUPPORTERS - SHAME ON YOU!

~~~~~A MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO JANE HOWE KIEL~~~~~

MENTAL HEALTH DAY AT STATE CAPITOL

~ GDNN DEBUTS ON JULY 7, 2009! ~

~A MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE TO JANE HOWE KIEL~