lectual disabilities. If Congress cannot do this, I believe we should advocate to stop federal funding to schools and universities that turn away our kids. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference. – Elie Wiesel I continue to search for a somewhat inclusive work environment for my daughter. I am looking for a business within our community that would be willing to let her come in with her interpreter to learn tasks for the next two years until she graduates. With this kind of opportunity, Kyra can learn skills and tasks that she can do independently so that after she graduates at 21, she may find employment. We won’t have to search for a community agency to support Kyra as she searches for a job and we won’t have to find a job coach who might know sign language. Deaf kids with secondary disabilities have the right to leave school at 21 with job skills that they can do and are
Road to a Good Education Continued from page 39 is benefiting Hunter so far, especially since he loves hands-on activities and going on field trips. This is where we are at now, in our difficult journey through the educational system. Having gone through all this, there needs to be greater professional qualifications at Deaf schools and in mainstream programs for working 42
comfortable with. Transition services for these deserving kids needs improvement. There must be better federally-funded programs to support deaf education and self-sufficiency for all deaf individuals. Please write your federal representatives. Our kids need your support for an independent and productive life!
EDA Reauthorization The Education of the Deaf Act (EDA) is up for reauthorization in 2013. Cathy Ernisse is working with her federal legislators to amend the act to include Deaf individuals who have intellectual disabilities. The goal is to to provide training during transitional years from the ages of 18 to 21. This would provide those individuals the opportunity to learn skills to be productive and employable—benefiting them financially, socially, and emotionally. Please write your federal representative to ask for support. with deaf children. Such professionals need to have a great deal of training and patience. Our children deserve the opportunity of a good education in an environment that respects their uniqueness. Karen Hodgson graduated from Model Secondary School for the Deaf and attended Gallaudet University. She and her husband Derek reside in Florida with their three children: Hunter, 9, Janelle, 7, and Xavier, 5.