4! difference in what we have accomplished insept. 21-27—deaf awareness week october 25—family...
TRANSCRIPT
Seasonal
Building Bridges
for Better
Communication
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT 2
2014 CALENDAR! 3
SIGN CLASSES / NEW
YEAR’S GOALS
4
PARTY THANKS 5
CONTRIBUTORS /
OAD
6
MEMBERSHIP APP /
BITS & PIECES
7
BALLET TICKETS 8
Volume 19
Issue 1
TSHA’s Office Hours
Monday
8:00 am -7:00 pm
Tuesday- Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Friday,
Saturday & Sunday
Happy
2014!
January 2014
Thank you for being part of TSHA’s family
this past year. Your support has made such a
difference in what we have accomplished in
2013. We’ll share more details on this in our
next newsletter.
This past semester was
one of the busiest ever for
TSHA—which is why
this editor did not succeed
in getting a newsletter out
to you. My time was
pulled to serving clients
in other areas. Let’s hope
2014 is a bit calmer! Thank you for your
patience and understanding.
Be sure to “Like” TSHA, Inc. on Facebook,
and to subscribe to our blog at www.tsha.cc
to stay informed between newsletters.
Thank you in advance for
supporting our efforts again in
the coming year– whether it is
through a donation of money or
time, or just by participating in
our programs and services. We
wouldn't exist without you.
We hope you enjoyed the
warmth of the holiday season –
and we hope your new year is off to a
wonderful start!
Farewell 2013, Hello 2014!
The TSHA Staff
Resiliency on Wheels By Diana Higgins
If you’ve ever wondered what the word “resilient” means, just take a look at Betty Anne Fulk. This woman is enthusiasm, persistence and positive energy, all wrapped up in a small package on a motorized scooter. You’ll probably find Winnie the Pooh somewhere on her scooter, as she has a fondness for the cheery bear.
Betty says she is blessed. When she calls out an excited “Hello!” accompanied by her 100-watt smile, you’d never dream of the dark experiences this woman has survived.
She recently shared her story with our Tulsa Hearing
Helpers group, where she matter-of-factly related details of
a terrible childhood.
Betty was born premature, six minutes after her twin. She
may have been second in birth order, but she was first in
line for the number of challenges she was given. Continued on p. 2
P A G E 2
While her sister’s development followed a relatively normal path, Betty was born hard-of-hearing, with learning disabilities, seizures, and developmental disabilities. Her school years in Virginia were awful (though in later years school became a safe haven of sorts). Her hearing loss was not clearly diagnosed and was not treated. She had dyslexia. She didn’t understand what school was or what was expected of her. This now-articulate woman was labeled “educable, mentally retarded” and was placed in special ed.
At home, her parents thought she was acting out for attention, not understanding or accepting that she could not hear them well. She became a “good guesser,” out of necessity – combining what she did hear with lipreading. When she couldn’t write her name at the age of 6 (due to dyslexia and learning disabilities), her parents beat her and made her stand on one foot in a corner for days. When she finally wrote her name, it was backwards.
Betty didn’t learn to read until she was 13 or 14. At age 16, she finally left her birth family and went into a foster home. Eight months later, she went to Shalom, a therapeutic residential facility for people with family or drug problems. Most individuals stayed only a year, but Betty was blessed to live there for 4 years. It was here that she finally received continuous love, understanding and a better education. She also received her very first hearing aids as a teenager. She heard well with her aids for about two years, then began losing more and more hearing. She is now deaf.
After Betty graduated from Shalom, she went to the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, where they had a deaf project. It was here that she first began to take sign language classes. More importantly, it was here that she met Don Fulk, who would later become her husband.
Don was deaf, in a wheelchair (he broke his neck at 18 in a diving accident), and had limited mobility. But he had an inventor’s mind and an independent spirit. He taught Betty more sign language, inspired her to
be more independent and motivated her to fight for improved accessibility. Betty was able-bodied and took care of Don for several years. He passed away in 1998.
In an ironic twist of fate, Betty began to lose functionality on her right side, and she is now in a wheelchair herself. In 2003, Don’s legacy of determination helped her finally admit that she needed help. This was incredibly difficult, as she had grown into a strong and independent woman.
Betty currently serves on TSHA’s Board. She is an important part of our Strategic Plan, serving on the subgroup which focuses on people who are “deaf plus”: deaf, plus dealing with other challenges. This population is growing, and Betty is helping TSHA to be more mindful and more prepared to serve these individuals well.
Betty has also joined a Toastmasters public speaking group, as she would like to improve her ability to share her unique story with others. She has many goals she wants to accomplish, including helping the community become more sensitive to hearing loss and to providing access for people with all disabilities. Betty also wants to be able to help kids who are struggling with challenges similar to those she has faced.
Betty admits that it’s not always easy to stay positive. With all the negative experiences she has weathered, it would have been easy to become bitter and mean, but she never wanted to cause another person to experience the same kind of hurt that she experienced. Her faith in God is a big part of what keeps her positive and upbeat, and she feels she made good choices by going to a foster home, then to Shalom, and by marrying a wonderful man.
When you meet Betty, chances are you’ll never see any of the struggles she’s experienced in her face. Instead, her face will be lit up with happiness and excitement at seeing you, and at having a new day to try to help others. You’ll be left glowing from the effects of that huge smile of hers.
Let’s face it – Betty is resiliency on wheels!
Resiliency on Wheels—by Diana Higgins Continued from p. 1
Check out a preview of a deaf superhero movie! See http://www.noordinaryheromovie.com/
P A G E 3 Calendar of Events for 2014
Deaf Coffee at Utica Square Starbucks – 2nd Friday of every month
Deaf Coffee BA- location can change - 4th Friday - contact Chris Harvey ([email protected])
Tulsa Hearing Helpers at TSHA—2nd Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Cochlear Implant Support Group at TU - 4th Thursday of most months @ 6:45 p.m. Call 918-631-2504.
Tulsa Senior Citizen’s Center for the Deaf at TSHA—2nd & 4th Saturdays
TSHA Board Meetings—4th Monday @5:30 p.m.
Keep this handout!
These are the 2014 events that we are
currently aware of. Things change
constantly, so subscribe to our blog at
www.tsha.cc/blog/
and like our facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/TSHAInc.
Special Events
March 2—Media event for Souper Sunday
March 9—Souper Sunday March 15—Deaf County Deaf Biker
Annual Pig Roast June 5-7—OKRID in Tulsa
July 14-18—TSHA’s Summer Camp August 15—United Way Campaign
begins September 5—UW Day of Caring
Sept. 21-27—Deaf Awareness Week October 25—Family Pumpkin Patch
event November 19-22—Kids’ World
December 6—TSHA’s Children’s Holiday Party
Silent Dinner Schedule 2014
Silent Dinners are THE place for sign language students to practice and for Deaf people of all ages to socialize in sign language. All ages and all levels of
skill are welcome, from very beginning to native signers. The atmosphere is relaxed and unstructured.
Many families attend, and sign classes come as a class activity.
Where? Woodland Hills’ Mall Food Court 71st & Memorial. Food purchase is not required.
When? Come after work…about 6:00 p.m.—until the
food court closes.
January 21, Tuesday February 6, Thursday
March 3, Monday April 8, Tuesday May 1, Thursday June 17, Tuesday July 21, Monday
August 28, Thursday September 23, Tuesday (DAW-location may
change) October 20, Monday
November 11, Tuesday December 1, Monday
Silent Dinners are sponsored by TSHA. Call Diana
or Kirsten at 918-832-8742 (v/tty) for more
information.
Visit our website: www.tsha.cc or email us at:
P A G E 4
Don’t Just Resolve – Set a Goal!
Happy New Year! This is the time when many people
make New Year’s resolutions… and generally drop
them a few days later.
That doesn’t mean we should pass up this opportunity
to look back over 2013 and realize everything we’ve
achieved.
Then we should look ahead to 2014 and see what we
want to accomplish before the next
new year comes around.
Instead of just resolving to lose weight,
or to start saving money, or to get that
driver’s license, let’s try setting a
goal.
Goals should be specific, measurable, and have a
timeline attached. They can be broken down into tiny
action steps that are not too overwhelming to tackle.
Not sure how to get started?
If you have a hearing loss, your first step could be to
contact Lynn Null, our Independent Living
Coordinator, and make an appointment. Helping
people achieve their goals is what her program is all
about.
She can help you learn how to fix healthy meals, work
with you to set a budget that will help you save
money, or help you study for your
written driver’s ed test.
And those are just a few of the things
she can assist with. She’s also helped
people improve their English &/or
ASL, helped them find housing, and
helped them navigate the bus system.
Find out how TSHA’s free Independent
Living Program can help YOU actually
achieve your goals this year, rather than
forgetting your resolutions. Contact
[email protected] or call (918) 832-8742 v/tty.
Sign up for the New Year
One resolution people often make in the New Year is to learn something new. You could achieve that resolution by taking one of TSHA’s Sign Language Classes this spring. Courses will begin the week of February 3 and thereafter. Most will meet from 6:30 – 8:30
p.m. Ages 13 and up are welcome – younger ages may be accepted in some classes if accompanied by a parent. Highlights of the spring schedule include: Mondays Sign 2, 10 weeks, at Red Cross – start Feb. 3 Tuesdays Sign 1, 10 weeks, at Red Cross – start Feb. 4 Signing Children’s Songs, 4 weeks, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at Happy Hands—start March 25 Wednesdays Community Sign day class, 6 weeks, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., at LaFortune Rec Center - starts February 5 - age 8 and up Baby Signs, 3 weeks, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. – at LaFortune Rec Center - starts April 2 Thursdays Sign 3, 10 weeks, at TSHA – start Feb. 6 Jenks Sign class, 6 weeks, Jenks H.S. – start Feb. 6 Jenks SL (second session), 6 weeks, Jenks H.S.—start March 27 Tuition is $5 for each hour a class meets (Ex: a 2-hour class that runs for 10 weeks is $100 tuition), and the text (if one is required) is $20. To get the full enrollment form with all details, give us your address now! Contact Kirsten at (918) 832-8742 or [email protected].
“Helping people achieve
their goals is what her
program is all about.”
P A G E 5
Thank
you !
Financial Donations: TSCCD
KT Laughlin
Betty Ann Fulk
SW Bell Telephone Pioneers
Boston Ave. Methodist Church
Ephphatha Class
Jameie Combs
Len & Wanda Hull
Come Snow or Ice…the Party Went On! By Diana Higgins
The weather this year was frightful, but thanks to all of you, the TSHA
Children’s Holiday Party on December 7 was still delightful!
With the ice and snow that hit two days before the party, our attendance was a bit down
this year… but still, LOTS of families came out and enjoyed the games, crafts and the
visit with our deaf Santa. Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time, and I’m sure they
were glad to get out of the house! The stockings that were left over were delivered to
the deaf/hoh classes at Wright Elementary, and also to all of the mainstreamed children with hearing loss in
Tulsa Public Schools. So, even the children who didn’t get to come to the party got to enjoy a bit of holiday
spirit.
We recognize the true community effort that makes this party a reality each year,
and want to extend a special thanks to the groups and individuals that came out
despite the weather to bring joy to the kids. We especially thank our dedicated
Board committee, chairperson Casey Newman, and the staff at Boston Ave.
Methodist.
Another special thank you goes to our financial contributors, who filled the
children’s stockings with treats. We had several people step up this year to make
up for the loss of two of our long-time, major donors last year. Finally, we can’t
forget to mention the people who made a special effort to bring cookies to the
party, to make up for those groups that the weather derailed.
I hope your holiday season was filled with as much joy as you gave to the children at TSHA’s party!
Volunteers: TSHA Board and all our individual volunteers
SW Bell Pioneers
Elves: Danielle, Kelsey & Brook
Judy Ingram
Joe Erwin
First Baptist Deaf Ministry
Metro Christian
TCC ASL Club
TCC Silent Friends Club
Edison Middle School
Happy Hands
South Tulsa QUOTA
Edison Sign Language Club
DEAF TU and TU students
Tulsa QUOTA and Women In
Recovery
RSVP
Singles Available for Community
Service
ORU Students
In-Kind Donations:
McDonalds
The Sweet Tooth
Warehouse Market
Boston Ave. Methodist Church
Contributions & Memberships From August to Year’s End
P A G E 6
Contributions:
Billy B. Strong
Sand Springs Sertoma Club
Jeannette Newton
Dr. Marilyn Sloan
Kathleen Waits
Tulsa Police Sertoma Club
The Mervin Bovaird
Foundation
George Kaiser Family
Foundation
Ruth K. Nelson Revocable
Trust
George & Sandra Luegge
Harold Barnes
Mike & Lavina Berglund
Matt & Marla Schaefer
Hawkins Bros. Construction
Pearl Pearson
Glen & Judith Elliott
Valmont Industries, Inc.
“K” Caldwell
George Hazlett with State
Farm
Clark Alan Maynard
Donnie Ross
Jean Renswold
Martin Brown
Donna Smith
Denelda Richardson
Richard Bradshaw
Jack Stogsdill
Ranch Acres Audiology
Roy & Sherry Heim
Casie Cody
Len & Wanda Hull
Terry & Marilyn Newson
MaryJo Barnes Family
Barbara McBride-Smith
Melissa Rutledge
Bette Peevy
Corina Wright
Mary Bundren
Judy Houston
Elizabeth Giebel
Janet Gaskins
Mary Villareal
Pam Hegdale
John E. Hoyt
Patricia Herron
Frank Sommer
Keith & Sandra Crenshaw
Jeanne Pease
Sandy Keesee
Frank & JoAnn Proctor
Darryl & Linda Merle
Melissa Tatum
Kenneth & Jean Scrivner
Helen M. Troy
Jim & Rene’ Ryan
Deborah & Graydon Luthey
Mary Jo Bennett
& Martha Duval
Mrs. Barbara Sabourin
Martin & Marilyn Brown
Ron & Myra Jeffris
Campbell-Lepley/Hunt
Foundation Inc.
In honor of Leslie K. Brier Gretchen Hoyt
In honor of Chris Merle Julia K. Harris
Inclement (Bad) Weather Policy:
If Tulsa Public Schools is closed due to inclement weather, TSHA will typically open at 10 am.
However, sometimes we cannot get here at all, so if you have an appointment or plan to come in, take a moment to call first (918-832-8742 v/tty)
and make sure the office is open.
President Lynn Z. Null of Tulsa Vice President Mary Rios of Lawton Secretary Lisa McDonald of Coweta Treasurer Christina Harvey of Broken Arrow Member at Large Chuck Helm of Del City Member at Large Minnie West of Oklahoma City Member at Large Ray Willingham of Sulphur
Auditor Dalshell Reagle of Sulphur Auditor Glenna Cooper of Owasso Auditor Alene White of Oklahoma City (Editor’s Note: Congratulations to TSHA’s own Lynn Null, on being chosen to serve as President of OAD!)
Oklahoma Association of the Deaf Board 2013-2015
We want to offer our deepest
sympathy to all those who have lost
a loved one in 2013. Our community
will not be the same without them.
At the same time, we welcome many
new babies this year! We’re excited
to have so many new members of our
extended family!
Memberships: Sheila Finn
Roy & Tsianina Kinney
Mary Jo Bennett
Mary Schaum
TSHA Membership Application
Please PRINT clearly
Support TSHA through your annual membership and/or a donation. Mail completed application to:
TSHA, Inc. / Membership Application, 8740 E. 11th Street, Suite A Tulsa, OK 74112-7957
Name: _______________________________ Address____________________________________ City: ________________________________ State: _________ Zip: _____________ Home Phone:_____________ o TTY o V Work : ________________________ o TTY o V VP: ____________________ Cell: ___________________________ Email: _____________________________________ Newsletters are emailed unless otherwise specified.
We hope each and every one of you had a happy holiday season and wish you a wonderful start to the new year.
René Kristina Brenda Kirsten Linda
Diana Lynn Yamy Janie
P A G E 7
Membership Category (Please choose one and enclose payment)
Friend $25 +
Supporter $50 +
Advocate $100 +
Sponsor $250 +
Benefactor $500 +
Champion $1,000 +
Other: ___________________
Keep me updated on events/information on the following:
Hard of Hearing
Deaf
Cochlear Implants
Equipment
Professionals in the field of Hearing Loss
Children
Sign Language
Oral Communication
Our mission: Bridging gaps to improve the
quality of life of those affected by hearing loss.
Follow us at: http://tsha.cc/blog/
http:/r.com/tshainc /twitte
http://www.facebook.com/TSHAInc
Bits and Pieces
Meaningful Jobs? Interpreters make the list! See http://
finance.yahoo.com/news/most-and-least-meaningful-jobs-213227118.html?page=all
How good is your lipreading? Check out this neat game to see how well you lipread vowels: http://www.lipreading.org/vowel-eyedrills
January 2014 TSHA Newsletter
8740 E. 11th Street Ste. A Tulsa, OK 74112-7957 Phone: 918-832-8742 v/tty Fax: 918-834-4329 Interpreter Services: 1-888-311-3523 Website: www.tsha.cc
Tickets for the Tulsa Ballet
A huge thanks to the Tulsa Ballet, who allowed 50 of TSHA’s community members to
experience the beauty and joy of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, on their “dress rehearsal”
night. Attendees have said the experience was amazing!
TSHA should receive free tickets for one more show in this ballet season. It is:
February 13 – Cinderella – Just in time for Valentine’s Day. Get swept up in the romance of the
fairy tale you know and love; when a prince, a fairy godmother, one lost glass slipper – and a little
magic -- help bring a young girl’s dream to life.
Contact Diana at [email protected] or (918) 832-8742 to be added to the request list for Cinderella
tickets. Be sure to give the maximum AND minimum number of tickets you could use.
What do you do with old discarded Sorenson videophones? By Lynn Null
Call the outreach manager, Kristy Mnich, at 913-324-5326 vp or email [email protected]. She will send
someone to come pick them up.