LaRonda joins the costume fun at the 20th Anniversary of the ALDAcon in Chicago, 2008. In this brief clip, she points out that even though deafened people can’t hear, they still know how to party and have fun in large crowds. (Transcript below)
Transcript:
LaRonda: (Laughing) I’m here with two other famous bloggers: Abbie and Jennifer. Let me let you see them.
Abbie: Hi everyone. My name is Abbie Cranmer. Thank you. Thank you.
Jennifer: I’m Jennifer Thorpe. (waving) (ILY)
Abbie: (Feels balloon and rocks out)
Jennifer: (Laughing)
LaRonda: These people here rock! (Holds balloon) No music. No music. (Shows sign for “rock”)
LaRonda: I guess this is what deafened people do when they can’t hear the music. They keep themselves occupied.
(People playing valley-balloon… Elvis and Spiderman making a cameo appearance… a large group doing the Macarena… More balloons being tossed around the room… Ken and Abbie dancing with a balloon in between them to feel the rhythm…)
Abbie: (Laughing)
Ken: I can feel this… it’s good. 
(Thumbs up)
Abbie: (Thumbs up)
(Ken and Abbie dance and laugh)
ThankYouVeryMuuuch (Said in Elvis voice). Thanks for posting this LaRonda. This is PROOF we know how to have fun! We ROCK!!
Short story… many years ago, at ALDAcon Karaoke, we were having fun and many ppl could not feel or enjoy the music. Larry LIttleton, went over to the next banquet room where they were having a wedding. He “borrowed” a bunch of balloons. The bride came over to our party and when she saw how much FUN we were having, she left her wedding reception and danced with us! We’ve made sure we have balloons at every Karaoke since. Since ALDA Is about support for those who lose their hearing, many ppl really enjoy Karaoke because they can see the words and then remember the music back when they could HEAR. I think it was an advertisement by one of the sponsors that said “Every year, people who can’t sing, perform for people who can’t hear, yet beautiful music is made”. That says it all. See ya at ALDAcon Karoake next year..we will ROCK you!!
Left by Ken Arcia on November 15th, 2008
Hello LaRonda!
Just let you know that I have not missed your vlogs/posts. I truly enjoyed it!
I’m so thrilled to see Abbie and Jennifer in your video! Neato
Last month, we went to watch five or six groups of signing choirs. They gave us a balloon each person (to feel a music)
Now I see a lot of balloons in your party. Thumbs up!
Left by deb ann on November 15th, 2008
Comment »
Left by deafk on November 15th, 2008
Hi deafk.
I don’t know if there is a magic number that makes someone a late-deaf adult, but the word “adult” would mean anyone over the age of 18 I suppose. However, I became deaf at age 17. I have sometimes called myself an “early” late deaf adult. but, now, i just call myself deaf. I have become enculturated into the Deaf community. I rely on ASL and work in the Deaf field. My social life is all Deaf people. So going to ALDA was different for me. I don’t feel like an ALDAn, but I intimately understand and respect their journey.
Thanks for your comment.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on November 15th, 2008
LaRonda,
That’s interesting how you describe it. Even so, someone like myself who have been HOH all my life and totally grew up in the deaf culture (deaf family and all..), I find myself relating more to those who are HOH or who are late deafened for the very reason being that I find they can understand my situation more so because I am not ‘totally deaf.” Music is one thing and being able to speak is another. I also do notice that many do want to be part of deaf culture but are not always warmly accepted at first. Nice to have someone who can bridge that between the two.
Left by Candy on November 16th, 2008
I loved watching this! This brought back memories
I never knew about the balloons until the Karaoke Party and that was a wonderful experience.
Ken, that was one song that MUST be song by the Twisted Sisters - We Will Rock You!
I miss my little fairy princess!
Left by Abbie on November 16th, 2008