Good evening! Tonight I'm honored to introduce our guest host @twylaloftin who'll lead our #DeafEd discussion about Deaf Professionals and Education Policy
My name is Twyla Loftin and I am the State Deaf Ed Specialist for the great state of Texas! I reside in Fort Worth! I am a Deaf Ed teacher as well as an interpreter! #DeafEd
A1 I think all stakeholders involved in Deaf education should be involved in policy decisions. But primarily, Deaf, HOH, and Deaf disabled folks should be there. Because it’s about them. #DeafEd
A2: #DDBDDHH individuals have “been there done that.” They can give great insight on what was effective or not. I just wish it weren’t so hard to get them involved. #deafed
A1: The child should be given the basic human right, to be involved in the decision making. I do strongly believe a deaf individual’s personal experience is a vital factor to their needs, and should be weighed in; in order for them to attain their highest potential.#DeafEd
A3: Exclusion: lack of understanding of need; difficulties in finding #DDBDDHH individuals who are willing to be involved. Inclusion: Educating the right people so they understand the importance. #deafed
A3 (1): Often those that are making policy or other decisions are not in the #DeafEd field. Therefore, they don't even consider the need to include them. Sort of like legislators making education policy decisions without input from educators.
A3: But really, it’s just this erroneous assumption that other people know better than the people living that life. Applies to many marginalized groups. #DeafEd
I've been a part of groups where we spend so much time finding the "right" mix of individuals, that we never get anything done. I would love suggestions on how to avoid this! #deafed
you can't please everyone, but be conscientious of who's on the team, and if someone needs to be included, add them--or at least reach out to get their input. #DeafEd
I've noticed that it tends to be the same people over and over. We need to find how to be more inclusive of a much wider range of people and accomplish the goals of the committee/meeting/. #DeafEd
A4: Find #DDBDDHH individuals who are active in the areas the committees focus on and who are passionate about the topic. Ask other committee members for suggestions. Be active in the deaf community so we get to know many #DDBDDHH individuals! #deafed
I think as long as everyone has open minds and is willing to learn from each other, there is some truth to that. Unfortunately that isn't what usually happens! #deafed
A4: do the leg work...get out there and see what professionals are doing...ask around. Many don't even know they CAN be involved or are WANTED. Offer childcare! (selfish plug LOL) #DeafEd
A2. I do not believe that Being a teacher can be separated, from desiring a child reaches their fullest potential. I imagine a teacher of the Deaf would “know” and be able to articulate via advocacy; the specific needs of a deaf student. Teachers can be advocates too. #DeafEd
Our area doesn’t really have a Deaf community...how can we raise awareness in our area as to what’s happening, or NOT happening in our schools? #deafed
That is true in so many areas. Encourage your admins to bring in deaf professionals to present during inservice, connect with resources like ASL storytelling and invite admins to observe. That could be a start. #deafed
A5: Go to THEM. Host town halls at their locations and public forums online. Ongoing strong outreach efforts that includes a friendly reminder on what happens if they doesn’t get involved #DeafEd
I know of at least two deaf adults in your town, since they were my students a long long LONG time ago! I am still connect with one will ask him for ideas. #deafed
Many #Deaf adults are willing to Skype/ video call with #DDBDDHH students. I LOVE doing this with my class. Have them tel ASL stories, read books, talk about their profession, etc. Have your district PR person contact local media to have them there for 1 call. Great PR! #DeafEd
A5: I often use my social networks to connect me with Deaf adults (like if I need for a specific reason). Never underestimate the power of networking #DeafEd
A6 invite Deaf community members into my classroom, use Deaf sub teachers for absences, encourage my kids to go to Deaf community events and learn/interact with their culture. #DeafEd
A6: even if i don't always participate, I try to stay informed. arming myself with information helps boost confidence and helps me communicate my views better. #deafed
A7: Organizations such as Junior NAD, addressing self advocacy skills, sharing political issues with Ss and doing mock debates and voting, encouraging them to write their legislators on issues applicable to them. #deafed
#DeafEd I agree. Typically, those who would be willing to give up their seat, are the ones you'd want at the table. It's those unwilling who need to find a new table!
Q3. Contributing factors to: #inclusion; communication, that results in the expression and understanding of the core values of the deaf individual. #exclusion; making decisions for the deaf individual. #DeafEd
I ask, because growing up in MN, we had a Jr. NAD organization that hosted all students within the local day schools/ mainstream programs so that all could be involved. was a GREAT experience for me. #DeafEd
