• DDHHLD Director’s Report-Terry Morrell
• 29th Deaf Annual Tea Awards
• Deaf Culture Festival 2020
• Enjoy an Interview with Cathy Lushman

DDHHLD Director’s Report-Terry Morrell

Greetings,

Hope this finds everyone doing well. Since March, it has been challenging for many people. Covid-19 has impacted us in so many ways. One of the most challenging things for people with hearing loss is related to face coverings/masks. One can become overwhelmed with what is the best face covering/mask to wear and what one can do if their face covering/mask interferes with their hearing aid/s. There is no one answer that works for everyone. However, we teamed up with Disability Rights Maine (DRM)/Deaf services, Maine Educational Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH), and Maine Hands and Voices and put a guide together. We are hopeful this guidance will assist individuals with this challenge. See https://www.maine.gov/rehab/dod/index.shtml “Information on Face Coverings - Considerations for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Community Members.”

Another challenge in general is that many people may be feeling anxiety or depression. We wanted to share this resource of experienced counselors/therapists that work with the Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing population here in Maine: https://www.maine.gov/rehab/dod/resource_guide/clinical.shtml.

We also want to take this opportunity to share with you our Resource Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This Resource Guide assists people with hearing loss to navigate areas that are difficult in their daily lives. See https://www.maine.gov/rehab/dod/resource_guide/index.shtml.

The Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) is searching for new members. The current positions available are:

• Two Deaf/hard-of-hearing, late-deafened or dual-sensory impaired consumers
• 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
• One local education administrator (LEA)
• One guardian of a Deaf or hard-of-hearing student                                                                                                                  

The CDHHLD meetings for 2021 are: January 14, 2021-via Zoom, April 8, 2021, June 10, 2021 and October 14, 2021-locations to be determined. All meetings are 4-7 p.m. and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to join us via Zoom for the January meeting at https://zoom.us/j/96408976304?pwd=Vk5HZ3FKYlNhN2JUS1BxT2lNYzBCZz09.

We are grateful that technology has allowed, and continues to allow us to continue to work, meet and have events. We want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, sending good tidings your way.

29th Deaf Annual Tea Awards

Maine Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened’ s Annual Tea was celebrated on Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. virtually, via Zoom. This was new uncharted territory for the Commission! To view the Annual Tea in its entirety please see https://youtu.be/in5U_H1Sbqs.

Terry Morrell, Director of the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (DDHHLD) and Laura A. Fortman, the Commissioner of the Department of Labor welcomed everyone to the 29^th Deaf Annual Tea and congratulated the award recipients.

Governor Janet T. Mills addressed the audience and congratulated the award recipients in a pre-recorded video. Governor Mills proclaimed September 20-26, 2020 as Deaf Culture Week and encouraged all citizens to recognize this observance.

The awards were given out by Lisette Bélanger, Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (CDHHLD) Chair, Terry Morrell, Director of the DDHHLD and Sitara Sheikh, member of the CDHHLD.

The award and their recipients were as follows:

Outstanding Citizenship Award This award is given to a person who is a leader in the Deaf community. Pictured: Dave Bouchard Dave Bouchard for displaying good citizenship by volunteering and helping others in our Deaf community. This includes dedicating many Saturdays building new display cases for the Maine Deaf Museum and volunteering at events such as the Deaf Culture Festival, Maine Recreational Association for the Deaf, Deaf Senior Citizens and Timberfest.

Clifton F. Rodgers Award This award is given to a person who deserves recognition for outstanding service in a professional or voluntary capacity to the Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing communities in Maine.  Pictured: Karen Hopkins Karen Hopkins has run the Early Childhood and Family Services at the Maine Education Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH) for many years. She has created a model program that provides Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing guides for every single family. The Maine program she created is renowned nationwide. She is also on both the national and the Maine chapters of Hands and Voices.

Citizenship Youth Award This award is given to a student who is a leader in school and the Deaf community.  Pictured: Kamron King Kamron King for being an excellent role model for our young deaf and/or hard-of-hearing children. Kamron involves himself in the Deaf community by volunteering through Jr. National Association of the Deaf (JrNAD) and Deaf events such as the Maine Deaf senior citizen Thanksgiving luncheon. His confidence and leadership have increased!

Promoting American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and Deaf People Award This award is given to a person who worked to improve Maine’s Deaf community through leadership by promoting ASL, Deaf Culture, or Deaf People.  Pictured: Bryer McDougall Bryer McDougall loves teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to anyone who wants to learn, especially at the Bangor Library. He is a very cheerful person who makes people feel welcome.

Special Recognition Award This award is given to an individual, agency or business whose activities in and with the Deaf community deserves recognition. Pictured: Maria Jacques Maria P. Jacques from the Emergency Services Communication Bureau/E911 Bureau was among the first 911 system administrators in the country to implement text-to-911 statewide. A real plus for the Deaf community to report emergencies.

Special Commendation Award This award is given to an individual, agency or business whose activities in and with the Deaf community deserves recognition. Emily Blachly for leading JrNAD and encouraging the younger generation to participate in leadership activities. Emily is the founder of Maine Deaf Arts which connects people from diverse backgrounds to develop appreciation for the arts.

Ginny Hewes Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award This award is given to a person or organization that advocates for the needs of the Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing persons in Maine. Pictured: Mary Jane “MJ” Grant Mary Jane “MJ” Grant for selflessly caring for her mother with dementia, educating others in the community about dementia and advocating for Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing senior citizens

Pictured: Tommy Minch

“Thank you for the opportunity for me to be your keynote speaker for this year’s tea award ceremony.  This honor has been given to many outstanding people who had the chance of giving a speech during this special honorable event that has been recognized by the wonderful State of Maine.  I feel honored to be this year’s keynote speaker!

I come from Deaf Family, raised in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, attended mainstreaming school.  American Sign Language (ASL) is my first language and always will be, Deaf Culture has been instilled me since Day 1 by my wonderful parents.  My parents always made sure that I remember my identity and the culture where I am raised on.  They have instilled me that pride and embrace the culture itself.  I attended Youth Leadership Camp that is hosted by National Association of the Deaf when I was 15, and it was an eye opener for me.  It transformed my thoughts and my identity to where I became stronger with my identity and embraced the culture more.  Growing up, I have always been in Deaf Community of New Hampshire and have looked up to several leaders in the community who also helped me to where I am now.  Deaf Culture is one of the most precious feeling and knowledge that we, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf Blind, as community that we are proud of having that Deaf culture experience. 

Growing up in New Hampshire, Maine has always been my second home.  I lived 20 minutes from the border of Maine from my home, my family and I have vacationed in Maine thousands of time while growing up.  I have always loved crossing the great green bridge (I always said that when I was little kid) and seeing that sign “Welcome to Maine, Vacationland” (That was the old sign before they changed it).  When I got my first driver’s license, my first trip was crossing the great green bridge going to Maine. 

Maine was always my place to go to.  From beautiful beaches to the amazing mountains, small towns that litter throughout the state, each town has its own unique charm, features.  I have touched every corner of Maine, met many wonderful people, and made new friends.  Each town that I have traveled to has shown me the best in Maine.  From the friendliness and caring residents who will go out of way to ensure that visitors that travel to Maine are being met with respect and dignity.  I remember one situation where me and my family were camping in Boothbay Harbor, that weekend, was one of the most rainiest weekend we have ever seen while camping, we slept in tent that was filled with water unexpected, we got out of tent, and huddled in the station wagon while my dad was getting things out of the tent, the owner of the campground that we stayed at came over and offered us to stay at his rental trailer at no cost.  We were grateful for that.  One thing that stood out to us from that situation was the caring and kindness of Mainers who will go out of their way to help others.  That is what I call, Proud Mainer.  (After that fiasco, my parents went and brought a RV right after.) Maine, there is something about you that is unique to me, whether it be the beaches of the Atlantic to the lakes of Moosehead; I have always felt the spirit of Mainers wherever I go.  Maine has this uniqueness that many people flock to. 

Life took me to Gallaudet in Washington, DC, Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, worked in Boston, Florida, and Texas.  I have always never felt I belonged in those states, I have worked at different places, always felt something was missing.  When the opportunity came up for me to get a job in Maine, I hesitated at first because I never thought Maine was in my radar.  I decided to go ahead and do interview for the job, got the job, moved to Maine.  After living here for few months, I finally found a place where I can say I belong.  The community has welcomed me with open arms and open heart. 

As we face a sudden change in our daily life routines, with lots of information coming from different places, people saying many things, our life has been thrown off track.  One thing that I noticed about you Mainers, you all took a step back, took a breath, and refocused your mind, and made any changes when needed, you all came out stronger, wiser, and bold.  You all have the Maine spirit that I have seen in every one of you.  This shows how much you all stay resilient though this situation and came out stronger.   The community has grown stronger, everyone keeps checking on each other, sharing things if needed, gave each other support when needed.  You all have what I call Proud Mainer.  “Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” – Helen Keller

As we celebrate our Deaf Culture Week here in Maine, we are fortunately to have a wonderful close knit of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Mainers.  We must remember where our roots came from, whether it be from Deaf Family or Hearing Family, how they have instilled the Deaf Culture in our life.  Some of you went to Deaf school, some of you went to hearing school, but we all are the same, why?  Because we have that Deaf Culture inside us, which we all will carry for rest of our life.  Deaf culture is a very unique and amazing culture that we all have cherished and part of our life.  We must be proud of our heritage along with our Deaf Culture.  We all come from different walks of life, but we all have one thing that is in common, and that is Deaf Culture.  However, while we all have that Deaf culture inside us, we must also to recognize that you Mainers have Proud Mainer inside of you as well.  Celebrate both Deaf Culture and Proud Mainer.

As we go along this path called life, every day, each of us discover something new within us, learn new things, and experience new things.  Deaf Culture is always an evolving culture where things are being taught, learn, experienced.  We may need to make change/adjustment as we go puttering along the road called life, just remember, Deaf Culture is inside each of you and we all welcome others who wants to learn about the culture with open arms and open heart like you all did when I first moved to Maine. Again, that is what I call Proud Mainer.

As I close this speech, I want to take this time to share some words that means to me, the quote that I will like to share has always been my go to quote for inspiration with some addition, “Be wild, Be Free, Be Brave, Be You, and last but, not at least, Be Proud Mainer.”

Deaf Culture Festival 2020

The Deaf Culture Festival, hosted by Maine Association of the Deaf (MeAD), took place September 26, 2020, virtually via Zoom. Like the Deaf Annual Tea this was new uncharted territory for the Deaf Culture Festival!

MeAD’s mission is to promote the social, recreational, educational, civic, and economic welfare of all deaf citizens within the State of Maine. MeAD also welcomes individuals, families, allies, organizations, businesses, and partners as the festival strengthens us as a community. 

Some of the benefits of attending and/or sponsoring the Deaf Culture Festival included,

• Networking
• Promoting your organization, business, or products
• Supporting our youth and empowering them to understand themselves better
• Empowering the emotional, physical, social, and mental wellness as well as diversity of each individual
• Promoting Deaf/hard-of-hearing awareness

Enjoy an Interview with Cathy Lushman

Pictured: Cathy Lushman

Could you share with us what your family life was like as a child?

I grew up in Grey River, Newfoundland, Canada. Grey River is a remote and small fishing village that is accessible only by ferry or boat.

What mode of communication did you use as a child?

Before I went to school, my family, used a system of gestures. My parents wanted me to have a full life in the village and I usually spent all day outside with friends and family. This nurturing experience had a huge impact on my understanding of the world and prepared me well for the time when I was introduced to a formal sign language as a kindergartener. 

Where did you go to school?

Newfoundland School for the Deaf. 

Have you always lived in Maine?

No. After graduating from the Newfoundland School for the Deaf, I was in Washington DC for my bachelor’s degree at Gallaudet University. Then I worked in Austin, Texas. I got my masters at Maryland Western College…then I moved to Maine! 

What is your family life like now?

I live with my husband Rob and our beautiful daughter Norah Jane, and our dog Mack. We are a bilingual household. Norah and Rob use spoken language when they are together, and we all use ASL when it is the three of us.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I have been an educator for 30 years or so! I think I am good at keeping home and work separate. I take pride in my work and I always do my best there. But when I am home it is time for my family, and for me. I am an avid reader and love to end each day with a book. I love movies. I also love to cook, and I am very adventurous. I love to find new recipes. Baking is my specialty. With the family, I like to get out and explore the country and the coast. We have traveled to Europe and it’s always exciting to see new places and enjoy different cultures.

What kind of work have you done?

For many years I worked as a classroom teacher of the Deaf – mostly with pre-K children and elementary. Right now, I am an American Sign Language specialist, doing assessments and evaluations throughout the state. I consult with families related to Deaf education, Deaf Culture and language, and do 1:1 ASL specially designed instruction. I travel to support families and programs. 

As a Deaf professional, what are your proudest accomplishments?

I think I have had a good impact on the lives of many young Deaf children. I think I am a good role model. Language development is critical, especially in the early years, and I am proud that I have helped many young Deaf children develop their ASL skills, as well as their pride and self-esteem.

Where do you work?

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

What do you do?

I support the development of curriculum, assessment of students, appropriate classroom instruction, American Sign Language parent training, and American Sign Language development for children age 0-5 and their families.

I act as an ASL resource to instructional staff relating to language use, variation, technical ASL signs, and communication strategies. I participate in the development of student evaluation reports by evaluating student's signing abilities. I travel to support families and programs around the state.

What population do you work with?

I work with pre-school Deaf children and their families.

What are some of your successes?

I could mention individual successes, but mostly I like to think that my work in education for 30 years has been the success.

What are some of your challenges?

Sometimes a number of people working as a team for the benefit of a child will have differences of opinion about what is best for that child. This is pretty normal but challenging. I believe in being fair, being open-minded and respectful, and that kindness and compassion go a long way!

What would you like to see happen for those that you work with?

ASL is a beautiful language: I hope to see it grow and flourish at MECDHH and beyond!

Is there anything you feel is important to mention?

I am excited that the L.D. 642 bill - Regarding Kindergarten Readiness for Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing - passed. I was on the task force and I think this will be a great opportunity for monitoring the language development of deaf children from birth to age 5.

LD 642, or Public Law 429, requires the convening of a Task Force to develop procedures for developing a language-monitoring program for young children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing so that they will have language skills to participate effectively in Kindergarten. The procedures will be designed to assess, monitor, and track language development milestones in American Sign Language and in Spoken English.

Cathy’s contact information:

Catherine.lushman@mecdhh.org

1 207 747-1207 (VP)

The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.