December 2010 1

Volume 4, Issue 2

December 2010

From the heart: empowering the deaf community in Kunming, China

www.discoveringdeafworlds.org

By Davin Searls

Ingrid Chen is the kind of person who sticks around in your head long after she’s left. She has a quiet smile and a motherly constitution, but when she talks, you can feel the fire in her words. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, she has lived in China for 17 years. Ingrid first came to China in 1993 to study Chinese, and decided to study Chinese Sign Language (CSL) just for fun since she had studied deaf education in the UK. What began as a hobby became the basis for her entire career.

In 1997, Ingrid joined an NGO working with disad-vantaged people in Yunnan Province. Its first project was a truing class in Chinese Sign Language for rural deaf people, the vast majority of who were uneducated. Three years later, Ingrid started Hearts & Hands as a sewing class for rural deaf women. Soon it became a business selling pillows, bags, dolls, tablecloths, and other embroidered items. Hearts & Hands expanded fur-ther, adding a workshop training deaf men in carpentry.

With approximately 72 million deaf people in Chi-na, according to Ingrid, they could be China’s largest minority population. Unfortunately, the government provides no assistance. “Deaf people must be inde-pendent,” she says, “and this is what we try to encour-age.” She is the only foreigner who works with Hearts & Hands, which has 27 deaf employees.

When deaf people arrive with no education, Hearts & Hands workers voluntarily teach them reading, writ-ing, and CSL. The deaf workers train men in carpentry and women in sewing. Ingrid told of one woman from the countryside. “At first, she was shy,” Ingrid said, “but with an opportunity to prove herself, she became con-fident.” The woman married a man also from the coun-tryside, and eventually made enough money to put her hearing brother through university. Another worker moved out and started her own business, employing two other deaf workers. To date, Hearts & Hands has trained around 70 workers and 200 more in a general training program for uneducated deaf adults.

Continued on page 2

Deaf workers at Hearts & Hands display their handiwork.

2 Discovering Deaf Worlds

Hearts & Hands has succeeded selling its crafts in and around Kunming, and is slowly branching out online. It hasn’t exactly been easy, however. “When deaf people see another signer they don’t know,” In-grid said, “They immediately drop their hands and stop signing.” This is because deaf-run gangs constantly threaten deaf people. These gangs will follow deaf people home and then steal from them, knowing that the deaf person will have a hard time reporting the crime.

Gang members will also visit deaf schools, tanta-lizing students with claims of good jobs. Since most deaf people do not find employment and sometimes seek a place of belonging, this is not a hard sell. If the students join the gang, they may be brought to an unfamiliar city and their identification taken away from them. They have no choice but to work for the gang pickpocketing, or sometimes in drugs and prostitution. In a way, Hearts & Hands has to compete with these gangs for employees.

Bureaucracy is another hurdle. The government has recently declared that most of the old buildings in Kunming must be demolished, including Hearts & Hands’ sewing factory. New factories are being built

far outside of the city. Ingrid also has not had much luck finding deaf people to manage the factory and workshop, much less a deaf person to take her place as director. None of them wants that much responsibil-ity—it’s already hard enough to focus on survival.

Despite all these obstacles, Hearts & Hands contin-ues to bring optimism and opportunity to the Kunming deaf community. “I don’t know what will become of us in the future,” Ingrid says. “But there’s still so much need. We’ll manage—we always do.”

To learn more about Hearts & Hands or browse its catalog of handcrafted goods and furnishings, visit www.heartsandhandschina.com.

Hearts & HandsContinued from front page

Contact ddwteam@discoveringdeafworlds.org for more information

Host DDW’s next event!

Presentation Workshop Film Screening

Ingrid instructs a new worker on what to make next.

Host a Discovering: Shuktara FundraiserHost a Discovering: Shuktara FundraiserHost a Discovering: Shuktara FundraiserHost a Discovering: Shuktara Fundraiser

Want to help raise funds for several DDW projects, includingthe establishment of Kolkata India’s first deaf vocational center?

Download your DDW Host Kit todaywww.discoveringdeafworlds.org/support/hostafundraiser

December 2010 3

By Bryan HenselDDW Board Member

Not long ago, a good friend asked me, “Why do people give back?” As I work daily with do-nors who make gifts to the Na-tional Technical Institute for the Deaf, I was slightly embarrassed that I did not have a simple, easy to explain answer at my finger-

tips. After some reflection, I came to the conclusion that there is no simple answer.

Some give to show their appreciation for the organi-zations that have had a significant impact on their lives. This is why I support my alma mater. Some people give to help others overcome obstacles they have faced in their own lives. I’d imagine this is why many give to help fight breast cancer and other diseases. Some people give because they believe their support will provide oth-ers the tools needed to not only survive, but to grow and become contributing members of their communities. I think this is why people choose to support DDW.

This year, I helped DDW launch a series of pro-grams aimed at providing a wide range of opportunities and venues through which individuals can help support the organization’s many important activities. The DDW Monthly Giving Program will allow those with the finan-cial means to help build the financial foundation upon which DDW’s activities take place.

I hope those who prefer to give time will consider hosting a showing of Discovering: Shuktara to help spread the word of all that DDW is doing. For the more adventurous who want to see firsthand all that DDW is accomplishing, they may want to consider visiting deaf individuals in Costa Rica, Thailand or Cambo-dia by registering for a life-changing travel experience through the DDW Journeys program.

Why do people give back? I still don’t think there is a single, simple answer. For me, what matters most is that people do give back, however they are best able to and however they feel their contribution will be most impactful.

I will continue to contribute my time, talent and trea-sure to DDW because I believe in its mission and staff. I hope you will do the same.

Why give back?

Bryan Hensel

4 Discovering Deaf Worlds

Joy Foundation brings flood relief packages to Pakistan deaf

While you may not have read much about the July 2010 floods in Pakistan, the devastation that resulted still looms over the country. At one point, approxi-mately one-fifth of Pakistan’s total land area was un-derwater. According to the Pakistani government, the floods directly affected about 20 million people —more than the people affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Close to 2,000 people died, and in-frastructure—roads, schools, health clinics, electricity and communications—was all but obliterated. Many organizations are still working tirelessly to bring relief to Pakistanis. Here is what Yaqoob Sadiq, Director of Joy Foundation Pakistan (JFP), had to say:

Joy Foundation Pakistan is a non-profitable, non-political and non-governmental organization working in the Toba Tek Singh region of Pakistan since 2001. JFP’s mission is to enable disabled persons in our area through capacity-building institution development and encourages equal opportunities at every level by en-suring sensitization and community education about persons with disabilities. All ten JFP members work as volunteers.

In Pakistan, the incidence of significant permanent congenital hearing loss is about 1 in 1,000 live births. Many deaf children are faced with enduring attitudes of prejudice, not only from the wider community, but often from within their own communities and families. They

need a great deal of support and encouragement in crossing these barriers.

More than 65% of the population lives in rural ar-eas and the rest in urban poor areas, and most people are unaware of the causes of deafness. JFP has been working for the rights of deaf people for the past 4 years. Our efforts have made a difference during these years and positive results have emerged for the wel-fare of deaf society. JFP has several different projects, including:Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children: We have six young men and women who are being trained as social workers. They

Unloading relief packages filled with bread, milk, toothbrushes, and other essentials.

What is DDW?Discovering Deaf Worlds is a 501(c)(3) non-profit international deaf advocacy organi-zation dedicated to empowering deaf and hard of hearing communities in developing countries. DDW strives to advance the ca-pacity of local deaf communities around the globe to meet their social, educational and employment needs.

For more information, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.org.

Continued on page 6

Travel TidbitsBe careful with your gestures!

Everyday gestures that you use in your home country might be insulting somewhere else.

For example, the “OK” gesture is insulting in Brazil- so instead, give someone a thumbs-up. In Iran, however, a thumbs-up is equivalent to flipping the bird!

To avoid offending any-one, do some research on the culture, customs, and language before you go.

4 Discovering Deaf Worlds

December 2010 5

Yaqoob Sadiq, Director of Joy Foundation Pakistan, with a child in the flood-devastated region of Muzaffar Gharh.

December 2010 5

6 Discovering Deaf Worlds

visit the communities and motivate communities not to neglect people who are physically and mentally disabled, in addition to encouraging them to look after special children and to bring them to the Rehabilitation Centre for exercises and care. Because of social taboos, disabled children, especially girls, are ignored.Resident Camp for Skills Training and Income Generation: This camp is organized once a year, and the selected 30 people stay for three months as they learn the skills of making decoration pieces, vegetable preservation, shampoo, washing powder making, cards making. The JFP members market these items and earn some income. Disabled people are generally ignored in their families because they generally are considered burdens on their families. The JFP program focuses on giving them useful skills and gaining the families’ attention.Sewing Center: In the rural setting of the district Toba Tek Singh, it is not easy for women to get out of their homes if they do not have a sewing center. A center is a place where the women can come and meet and learn skills. In a country where independent economic

ventures for women are very limited, cutting and sewing are an opportunity to grow more independent and to have a say in the family. Hence, sewing centers are needed where young women can meet and discuss their problems, share ideas and become a team to face the trials of life. JFP helps women in such ventures whenever and wherever it can.

In response to the flood, JFP provides over 150 af-fected families with relief packages consisting of rice, flour, milk, oil, soap, and other necessities. JFP also supplies food items and hygiene kits to 500 children in affected areas, including 125 who are deaf and 105 who have other disabilities. JFP has organized two free medical camps for over 570 children, who are provided with checkups and free medicine. Unfortunately, most families are still homeless, are in need of food and medical care, and lack winter clothing. As we work with affected families, we will continue our endeavors to en-courage and uplift the deaf people of Pakistan.

JFP is looking for people to help provide winter clothing and school supplies for affected children. To donate such items or to learn more about Joy Founda-tion Pakistan, e-mail Yaqoob Sadiq at joyfoundation-pak@gmail.com.

Newsletter services provided byT.S. Writing Services, LLC

www.tswriting.comA Deaf-Owned Company

Joy Foundation PakistanContinued from page 5

A thank you to our sponsors

Ralph P. DeStephano

Social media updateWhile you may have already visited our brand-new website, we’ve also been hard at work updating our social media pages. • View our YouTube

channel: www.youtube.com/user/DDWTeam

• View our Vimeo channel: www.vimeo.com/channels/ddwteam

• “Like” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DiscoveringDeafWorlds

• Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ DDW_Team

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.Francis Bacon

December 2010 7

Dear friends,With 2011 right around the corner, we’d like to re-

flect on DDW’s accomplishments from this year. One of DDW’s core values is capacity-building: guiding, training, and empowering local leaders and organiza-tions to more effectively carry out their ambitious work. DDW does so by working with community leaders at the grassroots level to identify local issues and make positive changes through collaborative efforts. In 2010, DDW:

• Increased its international network to almost 200 deaf schools and organizations in 36 countries. Promoting awareness both at home and abroad is essential; when people have access to information and education, they have a greater understanding of their capacity to succeed.

• Established DDW Journeys, a ground-breaking travel program that gives participants a taste of culture and adventure while promoting sustainable philanthropic support for deaf associations in developing countries. DDW counsels deaf organizations on project management, bookkeeping, and fundraising, while tour participants are encouraged to support these organizations to expand their efforts. DDW Journeys is currently established in Costa Rica, Thailand, and Cambodia.

• Spearheaded the establishment of a Deaf Academy/Vocational Center (DA/VC) in Kolkata, India, with six other non-profit organizations. At the DA/VC, deaf individuals will be trained to teach other deaf Indians trade skills needed to find steady employment. The ultimate aim is for the DA/VC to be fully run by deaf Indians for deaf Indians.

• Launched its new website, which has over 30 ASL videos, an interactive map of where we’ve been, and the full-length documentary Discovering: Shuktara.

In 2011, DDW plans to:• Travel to India to solidify participation of local non-profits, teachers, interpreters and advisers involved

with establishing the DA/VC in Kolkata.• Attend the World Federation of the Deaf XVI World Congress in South Africa in July, and then connect

with deaf communities and organizations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as part of DDW’s Global Deaf Awareness Program.

• Host DDW fundraisers/film screenings in as many as 100 cities around the USA. To learn how you can be our next host, visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/support/hostafundraiser.

• Kick off the new year with a DDW Journey to Costa Rica on Feb. 24-March 5. Contact us before Jan. 20 if you’re interested in joining the trip!

Most importantly, we couldn’t do any of this without your continued support. Thank you for believing in us! We are grateful for any gift you can give at this time, and wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year.

The DDW Team

2010: A year in review

A mural at a Filipino deaf school highlights DDW’s mission.

DDW Executive Director Davin Searls with Support and Empower Deaf Children members

in the Philippines.

8 Discovering Deaf Worlds

Special Features Include:More stories from Shuktara, Meet Pappu

and DDW: Journeys slideshow

www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/support

Discovering: Shuktara was editied and co-produced by

If you have connected with the deaf community in a developing country and want to share your story, e-mail a brief summary of your experience to ddwteam@discoveringdeafworlds.org.

Call for contributing writers!

• Despite being larger than the United States, all of China is in one time zone.

• China averages an estimated 274 protests per day.

• The average Chinese person only learns 5,000 of the 20,000 characters of the Chinese language in his/her lifetime.

• In China, 34 babies are born every minute.

Did you know...?

The XVI World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf will take place from July 18-24, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. DDW plans to attend—do you? Visit www.wfd2011.com/home.html for more information.

XVI World Congress

December 2010 9

Happy Holidays

from Discovering Deaf Worldsfrom Discovering Deaf Worlds

“The healthiest response to life is joy.” - Deepak Chopra

Adam Mahandi: Thank you for your persistence and your optimistic attitude. We know we can count on you without question. Welcome to the team!

Sara Romes: Thank you for taking the opportunity to explore and connect with deaf communities in Central America. Your translation services have also been a blessing. Thank you for your commit-ment to further DDW’s mission!

CJ and Wheels, Sarah Gordon and Jesse Jones, Marrianne Benjamin, and Mazy P: Thank you for hosting a Discovering: Shuktara fundraiser in your community! You are appreciated.

Amrita Nat-Booter, Vicki & Alan Hurwitz, Patty Branz, and Melanie Nakaji: You are truly gener-ous people. Thank you for your kindness.

Barb Haschmann, Stacey Miller, Bernard Bragg, Sara Romes, JMatt & Susan Searls, Lauren Searls and Erin Green: You were the first people to jump-start DDW’s Monthly Giving Program. Your support is what keeps us going. Thank you.

Jay Bunnag: We are glad to have you working with us to support organizations advocating for the deaf in Thailand. Thanks for ensuring the success of our first DDW Journey!

Shout-Outs!Shout-Outs!Shout-Outs!

Follow DDW on Twitter!

Our handle is @DDW_Team, or go to

www.twitter.com/DDW_Team

The autumn leaves are falling like rain/Although my neighbors are all barbarians/ And you, you are a thousand miles away/There are always two cups at my table.

T’ang dynasty poem

10 Discovering Deaf Worlds

Discovering Deaf Worlds and GoPhilanthropic have united to offer unique travel opportunities that combine accessibility, adventure, culture and a way to contribute to international deaf communities. Stroll through the jungles of Monteverde and hike up Arenal Volcano. At the same time, meet with deaf leaders, learn about the issues they face, and participate in local efforts working towards solutions.

For more information, trip itineraries and reservation forms visit: www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/programs/costa-rica

For questions, contact:ddwjourneys@discoveringdeafworlds.org

585-234-8144 (V) 585-286-3215 (VP)

San Jose

Manuel Antonio

Panama

NicaraguaN

Monteverde

Arenal Volcano

Guides fluent in American Sign Language, LESCO (Costa Rican Sign Language), English, and

Spanish will be provided.