This past year has been busy. In this issue we are conducting a survey regarding Maine-Lines. We would like to know what you like and what you would like to see in future issues. Please see the survey monkey at the end of this issue. We want to be sure Maine-Lines is informative and we provide information people are interested in.
Beginning with this issue, we would like to pose a question in each issue of Maine-Lines. The first question: is it acceptable to use the term “hearing impaired?” There are times when people think it is politically correct to use this term. Here in the Maine Deaf community, if you use the term “hearing impaired” it is considered offensive. With permission from the National Association of the Deaf and the Hearing Loss Association of America we are including links below about Deaf/deaf/hard-of-hearing terminology. In general, when writing articles or publicly addressing Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, do not use the term “hearing impaired.” If an individual personally wishes to identify as hearing impaired that is their right.
As many of you may know by now, a law passed that requires health insurance companies to cover hearing aids. While this is a great thing, there are still many things that need to be worked out. There has been some confusion regarding which insurance will cover hearing aids and what would be covered.
Please respond by September 11, 2020. American Sign Language Interpreters and CART provided. Please contact Nancy by September 3, 2020 if you need other accommodations.
The CDHHLD is looking for new members. The remaining CDHHLD meetings for 2020 are: April 9, June 11, and October 8 (which is the second Thursday of each month). All meetings take place at the Central Maine Commerce Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Conference Room from 4-7 p.m. This is a public meeting and open to all.
The current positions available are:
One Deaf/hard-of-hearing, late-deafened or dual-sensory impaired consumer
One high school student - Deaf or hard of hearing, up to age 21
One family member of a consumer who is Deaf/hard of hearing/late deafened with an intellectual or mental health disability
Could you share with us what your family life was like as a child?
I had a wonderful life with my family in Orono where I was born and raised. My only regret is that I was not exposed to other deaf peers, especially males, growing up. Programs such as Kids Like Me would have been beneficial to establish my core identity as a Deaf individual.
What mode of communication did you use as a child?
Completely oral throughout my educational career. I became exposed to the Deaf Community in 1981 as a result of joining the USA Deaf Olympic team and in my role as Teacher of the Deaf at Bangor High School.
Where did you go to school?
Attended Orono public school. Graduated from the University of Southern Maine where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Graduated from the University of Maine where I earned my master's degree and the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Special Education and Leadership. Attended the
Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee where I earned my Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership.
Have you always lived in Maine?
Yes, except for two years in Rhode Island then another two years in Western Massachusetts.
What is your family life like now?
I work here in Falmouth during the week and live with my sister locally then on weekends I travel to my home in Southwest Harbor where I have resided for the past 20 years. I'm married to a Nurse Practitioner, Barbara, and I have three adult aged children and one granddaughter living in the Dallas, Texas area.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
As mentioned, I was born and raised in Orono and attended public schools. Academically, I really struggled as I had no real access to language and support when needed. I always knew that I wanted to attend college so took all college prep classes. My salvation was my success as a long-distance runner that gave me the confidence to take on greater risks in the years ahead of me. I discovered early on that I could lead others. I became class president then and later Student Council president.
What kind of work have you done?
Early in my career I was a social worker but later went on to be an educator. My first teaching job was at Bangor High School to head up a Deaf Education program. Much of my career has been in higher education where I became the director of disability services then later became an Associate Dean at two different colleges, college professor and collegiate track coach. In public school settings I served as a special education director of two school districts and became the head of two different Deaf Schools (Clarke School for the Deaf and now at MECDHH/GBSD).
As a Deaf professional, what are your proudest accomplishments?
I am humbled for the career that I have had in which I impacted so many lives and hopefully inspired each to go forth and do the same to others. While the academic dean I am most proud of facilitating the acceptance of American Sign Language as a Foreign Language then later to have all CART for all graduation ceremonial events. Also, not to be undermined is the value of being a deaf role model for others to emulate. Dr. I. King Jordan, former president of Gallaudet University inspired me to go on for my doctorate.
Where do you work?
Maine Educational Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf.
What do you do?
Executive Director providing educational opportunities for all Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in Maine from birth to 21 years old
What population do you work with?
See above.
What are some of your successes?
I feel I have achieved many successes in this job, but the credit really belongs to my entire staff and school board members here at MECDHH/GBSD.
What are some of your challenges?
Working with outdated legal requirements (Chapter 304) that stymies our efforts to reach many more deaf and hard-of-hearing children along with families in Maine.
What would you like to see happen for those that you work with?
To know that being deaf is something to be proud of and to achieve every educational, emotional and vocational goals set forth with a lot of hard work.
Is there anything you feel is important to mention?
I was recently selected to become the USA Deaf Track and Field coach for long distance runners.
OJ’s contact information:
Owen J. Logue, Ed.D. Executive Director Maine Educational Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 1 Mackworth Island Falmouth, ME 04105