Read on as LaRonda Zupp shares a summary of her perception of the DeafRead Conference Soapbox event. Written on February 2nd, 2008.
Hi. I’m here in my luxury suite at Embassy Suites in Burlingame catching a break before the awards banquet begins this evening. I wanted to provide you with a quick update about the DeafRead conference so far.
The day has been tremendously positive and inspiring. The DeafRead team, volunteers and participants have made this event one we will remember!
The soapbox discussions were powerful, positive, uplifting and respectful. So many people participated in these discussions, and the DeafRead team listened deeply to the pulse of those present.
What impresses me the most is how respectful people have been to one another here. All present and willing have had an opportunity to be heard. Participants have not only expressed their concerns, but also have offered multiple solutions! The sign of truly great leaders and motivated membership! The vibes in the room reverberated with enthusiasm. People discussed without personal attack. People asserted without being aggressive. People spoke with confidence rather than arrogance. This has been the tone of the day so far and as a result, those present have been truly inspiring to talk with. We have indeed maintained a positive and optimistic conference!
The humor here has also been warm and witty, and I’m sure as the night goes on into the banquet and awards, the laughter and merriment will increase!
As we continue to learn more about each other behind our online presence, we become more communal. Our relationships become more rich and diverse. By gathering here today, we have become relational bloggers and vloggers. Our minds and arms are open.
Charles Katz said today in his presentation about how the v/blogosphere has impacted the Deaf community, that we do not yet truly know the impact our vlogs and blogs have had on our lives and world because we are now living the history. What an inspiring thought! We will one day look back and know the DeafRead team were Deaf pioneers with adventurous spirits and that we were all a part of this Deaf history we are living.
I presented on the psychological aspects of v/blogging today, and those who participated were tremendously attentive and actively involved in contributing their experiences and thought. The social/emotional side of the v/blogosphere is an area we don’t often look at, but all appeared to agree, it’s a very important aspect.
The other presenters offered useful tips and techniques to those who are just starting out to those who are ready to advance into new adventures with their v/blogs. Throughout the day, two presenters at a time stood in opposite corners of the ballroom without a divider. This meant that people could sit facing one presenter or the other, and those who could not make up their mind chose to sit in the middle of both and look a little at each. It was pretty cool to take advantage of that.
Aidan Mack has been a real trooper, filming up a storm, and a few more vloggers, including myself, brought their cameras along and have had them rolling! I’m sure once we get home and settled, we’ll have pictures and videos up for you. We wish you were all here! You have been with us in spirit!
The DeafRead team has been absolutely wonderful. They have worked to make the conference today a huge success!
More to come soon….
~ LaRonda
“Participants have not only voiced their concerns …”
They “voiced” their concerns? How dare they? Who do they think they are, AGBAD members?
Left by Just Me on February 4th, 2008
I always love learning what you have to say about psychological perspectives. I have found the same respect, warmth, love and joy at my other late-deafened on-line group’s conventions despite the fact we sometimes argue viciously on-line. It’s easy to get carried away when typing to a computer because you can’t see the other person’s eyes. We always need to remember there’s a human with feelings who might get hurt by our words. I don’t mean to sound I’m lecturing. I only say this cuz I do so regret things I’ve said to people I can’t take back. Once you hit send, it’s gone. So one final thing– if someone has sent a hurtful message we also need to remember they may have accidently gotten too carried away and didn’t mean to hurt us so badly. Forgive. We’re all humans. That’s why conventions and getting to know the human in that box you write to and argue with is so great!
By the way, CONGRATULATIONS. You have a wonderful blog!!
I’m recovering from emergency surgery today.
Left by kim on February 4th, 2008
Just Me,
Sorry. What a goof that was. I was in my English brain when I was writing. It’s normal to say someone “voiced” their concerns, but in the deaf world, it comes across differently. Thanks for holding up the mirror. I have changed it to say they have “expressed” their concerns. (smile).
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on February 4th, 2008
Absolutely, I’m delighted in learning so much from you.
Way to go, LaRonda and it’s so good to see you in the Deafread video!
Hands waving and hugs
Left by Deb Ann on February 4th, 2008
Hi, LaRonda,
Thanks for sharing the info with us… I am glad that you have won the blog award!! It tells a lot about your blog, indeed! ;D
Take care, and looking forward to read & watch your v/blog!!
Love, Kathleen
Left by deafk on February 4th, 2008
I have reccently begun to learn about Anne Borik’s “Sign Chi Do” classes. I’ve also read comments that are very critical of her…generally saying she has not been faithful to ASL and that her website is bad since it doesn’t have captioning and other aids for those who cannot hear the audio track. I’d appreciate your responses. You seem to have a caring heart. I don’t think Dr. Borik ever meant to harm anyone. She doesn’t say she is teaching sign language (in fact makes a clear statement that SCD is not for person-person communication). Rather she is inpired in a more artistic use of movement (maybe like litergical dance in a church). One of the testimonials on the web site seems supportive from a person who is a professional teacher, interpreter. Are there any specific ways to use her work and maybe even offer it in our town without becoming insensitive to the deaf community? Thanks. DP
Left by D. Pracht on February 18th, 2008
DP,
I appreciate your comment. I will respond to you directly, but I encourage others who read DP’s comment to share your thoughts — respectfully, please.
Thanks,
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on February 18th, 2008