D.E.A.F MAGAZINE
ZAHARA BROWN REVEALS HER STOR Y ABOUT HER LIFE
AMAZING POEM OF THE MONTH
NADIRA NORRIS TELLS MORE
EMBRACE THE RECOGNITION
YOU ARE Definitely. Extraordinary. And. Fantastic
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST
Photograph by Nadira Norris-
D.E.A.F &
MAGAZINE Food Lover Owned Since 2012
EMBRACE THE RECOGNITION 5 6
Peom of the Month I'm Deaf by Nadira Norris
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What is D.E.A.F MAGAZINE Spread the Words
17 Wedding Planner Lolade El'Mai Fakunle
Union Hearing Society Hearing Aid Centre
18 Zahra Brown Story Article By Nadira Norris 23 Message From Zahra By Nadira Norris
Your Fit Body Now Personal Traniner Travis Edwards
10 Publisher and Owner Story Continues 12 3 Tips to Achieve a Well Balanced Diet Nutrisitionist T'keyah Dumoy 15 Perfect Practice Vincent and Tina Roberts 16 Stush Extentions Brooks Copper Expertise
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Canadian National Deaf Snow boarding Team Martin Zagozdzon, Dustin Wills & Darren Chow I Have a Dream Article by Nadira Norris
27 Resources By Nadira Norris
You Are Definitely. Extraordinary. And. Fantastic
Personal Growth Comes within Persevere and seek to find your Individuality
Embrace Yourself
Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
I AM DEAF Poem by Nadira Norris-Charles
I am Deaf I am unique I am the one who’s been underneath All the complicated situations Trying to fit in with this new generation Because I am deaf And because I am mute But in spite of this I am unique It took a lot of courage And a lot of strength To gain the confidence that I received within All I needed was a little motivation And some consideration With the encouragement that I received from others It helped me to be who I am forever By finding myself It helped me to capture my inner identity I am deaf, I mute and I am unique Poem by Nadira Norris-Charles 5
Established in 1922, Union Hearing Aid Centre Limited has been providing excellent service to the hearing impaired community for over 90 years. Specializing in paediatrics, it is one of the only centers in Ontario which fits hearing aids to ALL ages. We are proud to be one of the only centers to fit ALL lines and types of devices including cochlear implants, bone anchored hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids, FM and signalling devices, and deep fitting implantable devices.
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What is D.E.A.F MAGAZINE Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
D.E.A.F MAGAZINE (Definitely, Extraordinary, and Fantastic) is a sole proprietorship owned by Nadira Norris-Charles who is also hard of hearing. This business is located in Mississauga, Ontario. D.E.A.F MAGAZINE is a Lifestyle trends publication that reflects cultural within the Deaf, Deafened, Hard of Hearing community. Furthermore, it will enhance the experiences of diverse minorities, and attract various women and men globally, appealing to a broad array of individuals despite ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and other social concerns. Therefore, this business will motivate, inspire, and encourage clients to achieve their goals. Ms. Norris believes that everyone can succeed and accomplish anything that they want, need and desire.
We aim to provide an opportunity for individuals to explore their potential and to find guidance on their personal journey. Primarily, we will focus on the five most important aspects fundamental to one’s well being such as; hope, faith, belief, belonging and self esteem. A drastic increase in individuals who have been born with or who have developed a progressive hearing loss is now apparent and these individuals experience marginalization and lack of opportunity in life. The development of this magazine provides a resource for members of the deaf community to obtain employment, and will be the one and the only magazine providing compelling information to the specific demographic. Nonetheless, D.E.A.F MAGAZINE will draw attention to those who want to know about the deaf world such as teachers, managers, corporations and community centers that specialize in deaf and hard of hearing clientele.
Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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Start Now! visit www.yourfitbodynow.com
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THE STORY CONTINUES
DELT WITH, INDULGED IT Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
During my childhood years, I had a choice to have my needs met through classrooms that were designed for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. These classroom helped individuals like me as the purpose was to accommodate our needs by presenting a smaller group of children. This allowed the teachers and educators to provide a one on one support for children. This program also supplied us with FM devices at no cost which enabled me and others to hear the teacher as if they were right next to us. I attended Bridlewood Public School for grades one to four then General Brock Public School for grades five through eight. The teachers that I had at these schools were amazing. They believed in me so much. They helped me see and believe that I have a wonderful personality and that I am an extraordinary and talented individual with a wonderful, giving personality.
hearing children. It was because of them that I felt included with everyone and didn’t feel like an outsider in my own world.
From my perspective, General Brock Public School had a different setting than Bridlewood Public School. It is possible that the reason I felt it was different was due to the fact that the children were older and more indulged in the thought and perception of attention and popularity. What I seen was more of a separation between the deaf and hard of hearing children and the hearing children. I felt that we seemed to be quieter and more nervous around the hearing students than in elementary school. As I got involved in the extracurricular activities, it allowed my peers to acknowledge me more. They began to learn my name and engage in conversations on a regular basis. As for the other deaf and hard of hearing students, they stayed The teachers that I had at Bridlewood Public together and seemed to be happy. School always motivated me to succeed in my school work and inspired me to merge with the At some point in my learning years, my peers and hearing children in math, science, art and gym I were encouraged to limit the use of American classes as those were the courses that I advanced Sign Language (ASL) as it was effecting our writin. Not only did they inspire me to merge into both ten English. This caused me to forget how to sign. classes, they also made every opportunity possible Now that I am older, I see why they advised us not for me to feel included by preparing and provid- to communicate with ASL. Effective communicating opportunities for me to attend trips with both ing through written English is an important skill classes rather than just with the deaf and hard to obtain, academically and professionally. Effecof hearing class. They allowed me to experience tive written communication includes understandboth worlds. They believed that just because I am ing and comprehending. However, I now feel that hard of hearing, there is no reason for me to in- I cannot communicate effectively with my deaf teract solely with the deaf and hard of hearing in- friends who require ASL to communicate. I am at dividuals. They encouraged me to include myself a cross-roads in my life where I feel as though I do in both worlds because both worlds exist! In order not belong in either worlds. My hearing is modto succeed professionally and personally, this was est to profound. This means that it is significantly the way. From my experience, Bridlewood Public worse than a hearing person, and I can’t commuSchool was an amazing school. I felt that everyone nicate with my deaf friends. Now, I need to learn in the school understood and acknowledged the how to sign again. existence and potential of the deaf and hard of
orris-Charles Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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After talking to others about my journey as a person who is hearing impaired, we discussed our experiences. We came to the conclusion that it would be best if in high school, the board made it mandatory for those who do not know how to communicate in ASL to take ASL courses each year. While providing sign language as a mandatory course they should explain the importance of why and how American Sign Language affects the English language and how it is used to communicate. As for those who are unaware of the difference, ASL is shortened to predominantly nouns and verbs, using hand gestures and facial expressions to convey the intended message. ASL, as with any other language, also has its own set of rules. The structure of the English written language combines adverbs and conjunctions. We felt that it is important that they also provide a mandatory course to teach deaf culture as it would require the students to learn about their culture, the difficulties others have faced and those that had the strength to succeed. A lot of us felt like we had to learn about our culture from within our own interests and had to search beyond the classrooms to learn about the history of the deaf and hard of hearing. We also discovered shocking valuable information considering that we all came from different schools in Ontario. Some of us experienced having only one to two deaf teachers whereas others experienced none. We believe that the schoolboard should hire more educators who are deaf and hard of hearing. We felt they would have been able to relate to us as well as prepare us for our future as opposed to those who aren’t. Overall, the accommodations that the schoolboard provides for the deaf and hard of hearing is required as needed. When creating educational rubrics, the experience from past students will assist in truly understanding what needs to be taught. We believe that they can supply more help.
Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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"RUN UNTIL YOU REACH THE FINISH LINE TO WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE"
T'KEYAH DUMOY FITNESS IS THE KEY!
Photo of Nutritionist - T'Keyah Dumoy
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3 Tips to achieve a well-balanced diet
Article by Nutritionist T'Keyah Dumoy
1) Be consistent; gen- 2) Create your own 3) Choose colour and erate a routine that meals: home prepped be diverse; when your will allow yourself to meals tend to have choosing foods to be consistent on a dai- more nutritional value purchase, keep this in ly or weekly basis.
and less harmful sub- mind. stances then fast food
Nutritionist - T'Keyah Dumoy
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SOMETIMES SILLYNESS
IS NEEDED IN LIVE
Nadira Norris-Charles
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Learning is essential to young children's today. To teach and learn your child more effectively, go on Practising Perfect now! visit http://practicing-perfect.com/
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Stush Extentions- Brook Cooper
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Wedding Planner- Lolade El'Mai Fakunle 17
"Accept that you have a hearing loss because there is nothing you can do about it. What you can do is present the skills that you have and show the world." 18
Zahara Brown Story
Z
ahra Brown A well respected woman in the deaf and hard of hearing community. She attended Dublin Heights Elementary Public School then attended Northern Secondary High School. During her time at Northern Secondary High School, Zahra had the opportunity to do her coop placement at York University for the community radio station called CHRY 105.5 FM. This talented women had then continued her journey to Seneca, where she studied General Arts and Science then continued on to York University where she studied Women`s Studies.
Zahra is proud to be hard of hearing and she had worked extremely hard to get to where she is now. She had many obstacles in life and yet she continued to strive to work hard and to be ambitious. Yet, through it all Zahra is able to still show how motivated, passionate and enthusiastic she remains. Zahra had struggled from depression while obtaining her post secondary education. By the age of 20 she was diagnosed with depression, a year after she was entering her life as a college student. During her College and University years, Zahra spent her time focusing on her faith, volunteering at Brookhaven P.S as a teacher’s assistant and worked part-time. She also was a part of a keynote drama team for the Presbyterian Youth Conference in 2007 in North Carolina, United States; where she spoke and performed on stage in front of hundreds of youths and young adults. Furthermore, Zahra was chosen to be a committee member at York Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee, where she helped make changes. Zahra also attended monthly committee meetings and annual meetings, she also represented Deaf and Hard of Hearing constituency living in the York Region area. She believed that she could bring issues from the perspective
of Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth. In 2012, Zahra was a part of a Self-Advocacy workshop presentation at York University, where Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and teachers were present. Zahra shared her story, her journey through college and university; which enabled her to encourage and knowledge the Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school students and teachers about the important of self advocacy. ``Self Advocacy is one of the best ways for people to fight against discrimination and to succeed with their goals``. Zahra had made a big difference in people live with all the work she did. While at York University it had been suggested from others to seek counselling and attend day programs that helps people deal with depression any sort of signs of mental illnesses. She stated that, ``counselling had allowed me to think differently in terms of mental health, such as how to react and how to not react to a lot of issues that I can change and issues I cannot change. It made me realize that I have a choice to be happy, to be who I want to be. Counselling has allowed me to admit that I do have depression, but I am choosing to deal with it. To live the way I choose to live.
Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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" I came this far, so why would I give up now! "
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ahra had also taking anti- depression pills which were supposed to help her with her depression, however; it had an adverse effect. Now equipped with the knowledge and skills, Zahra acknowledged that we all have choices and are responsible for them. She decided that it was best to come off of the anti-depression pills despite what she was told. Zahra said, ``Those pills were causing me to become suicidal. I thought to myself, ‘I don’t need to be dependant on antidepression pills to keep me mentally happy. What do I want to do with my life? Do I want to continue hurt myself to what I can`t change” At that moment in time, Zahra told herself that she was “tired of being sad and hospitalized.” She kept wondering why go through the stress and hardships? Why continue to cause any more harm to herself? Zahra said she prayed so much for guidance. Zahra now with more confident in herself, acknowledge that she is worth so much more. She have stopped taking those anti-depression pills since the Fall of 2013. She now can bring forward her knowledge and skills that will help her with her healing process. Zahra realized just after University that fitness was not only her passion, but it is her key to reduce the stress and it is helping her to continue to fight against her mental health issues. There are many ways to fight against depression, fitness is one of them. Even the happiest, strongest and busiest people can suffer from depression, anxiety or any signs of mental health issues. It is everywhere in our society. We are not alone in this and we should not have to be. Mental Health shouldn’t be overlooked, it should be taken seriously.
Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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"HAPPINESS IS THE KEY TO LIFE"
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A MESSAGE FROM ZARAH
For all the women who are suffering from depression It’s a long journey. It’s a struggle. But take it One step at a time If you feel like something is wrong, don’t put it off seek help If and when diagnosed, YOU have to accept that you suffering from depression Find help- talk to your doctors or go to health centers, such as, CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) I went to a day program where they inspired me and taught me the important of meditation. speak about how you feel, being mindful, honest and present, this will help you to release stressFrom my experiences, listening and speaking with others, we tend to sometimes keep certain things inside. We ignore these signs of mental illness and we refuse to seek help. Because when we don’t talk about it, we ignore it. We give up and we don’t realize how it is affecting our lives behind closed doors. This is our biggest mistake. Stop letting your fears or whatever it is that preventing you from being happy and free take over your Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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Canadian National Deaf Snowboarding Team We, Martin Zagozdzon, Dustin Wills, and Darren Chow are We are requesting that you consider making a financial members of the Canadian National Deaf Snowboarding contribution to support us as athletes, and we assure you Team. that we will do our best to represent you, your company, ourselves, our community, and our country while particiThrough hard work, dedication and training we have pating at this important event. earned the right to represent our country at the largest International Deaf Sporting Event in the World. Please accept this letter as a request for your support in our preparations to represent Canada at the 2015 DeaflyThe Deaflympics, sanctioned by the International Com- mpics in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, March 28th- April 5th, mittee of Sports for the Deaf, and recognized by the In- 2015. ternational Olympic Committee are the highest level of competition bringing together thousands of Elite Deaf We thank you for your consideration, and we will follow Athletes from over 100 countries worldwide. up with you in the coming weeks regarding your decision. As a part of my commitment to Team Canada, along with our training, we will also be required to fundraise in order For more info about Deaflympics, check this out www. to pay for 50% of the expenses, which is $4,500 each for deaflympics.com our participation in the 2015 Deaflympics in Russia. And for Canadian Deaf Sports Association, go to www. While athletes do receive support from the Canadian assc-cdsa.com Deaf Sports Association for the other 50% of the expenses, there is still a significant financial contribution Thank you for your support! required. In order to make our dreams a reality, and to allow us to become Deaflympians in hopes of bringing home a medal for Canada, we also need support from Martin Zagozdzon, Dustin Wills and Darren Chow generous companies/people in this community. Team Canada Deaf Snowboarding 25
A
S Martin Luther King Junior Said, “I Have A dream”! His dream had taken a leap of the African American people in our nation for a long time. His dream was for all of us to reunite and learn to accept one another for who we are…”God’s Creation”. He stated that freedom is the key, “We will be able to work together, to play together, to stand up for freedom together”. Everyone should have the privilege to experience Freedom! Freedom of speech and freedom of respect, as we gain neutral gratitude towards one another. There should be Freedom of acceptance, freedom of self-awareness, self-justices, self-respect and self-acknowledgment of oneself and the world around us. Martin Luther King used this phrase “freedom ring“what this means is all of us from different nation, ethnicity, lifestyle and religion, we are suppose to join together; rejoice life together as families. We are all God children’s therefore; we are supposed to stand by each other. I Nadira Norris have a dream! I dream that we as deaf and hard of hearing individual’s continue to have faith and courage in our existence. We are individuals who need a little bit more help than others, More so; accommodations. We should not feel ashamed or anxious of our “disability”. We should not envy others for their abilities and success but to strive harder to making it ours. I believe
that God does not bear a huge amount of hardship on us that we cannot handle, our struggles is suppose to make us stronger. We need to stand together and show the world that we are capable of achieving anything and everything just as anyone else. Therefore, you have to believe in yourself in order for this to happen! If you know that you are Definitely Extraordinary And Fantastic, you can conquer anything. My only hope is that I can provide everyone the resource of information that will be useful and encouraging. My goal with this magazine is to communicate not with just to the deaf and hard of hearing, but to everyone who is interested in helping to take away the negative stigma that is somehow secretly attached to people like me. Use this magazine’s blog section as a way to provide suggestions, share experiences or just to say…HI! I Am Here! We are capable of anything! I have faith therefore you need to have faith in yourself and in others. We all have struggles still; never lose focus on life’s purpose. What is life’s purpose? Well, I don’t know what yours is but mine is to continue to stand tall with my head held high, to acknowledge that things will get better because I have faith, it is to keep strong with courage and to always give my best! As the saying goes, “when life throws you lemons, make lemonade”. Try using your strength and faith or whatever it might be to help you through life’s experiences and to
Article by Nadira Norris-Charles
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SOME RESOURCES IN ONTARIO Canadian Hearing Society Canadian Association for the Deaf Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Silent Voice Canada Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada ASL Access American Sign Language Resource Guide Bob Rumble Center for the Deaf For more infomation visit http://www.communitylegalcentre.ca/services/Deaf/Links_for_the_Deaf.htm
School for the deaf In Ontario E.C. Drury School for the Deaf (Milton) Robarts School for the Deaf (London) Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (Belleville)
Thank You For Viewing Our next issue will be Availiable in April 2015 If you would like to advertise your business or product with us you can contact us at deafmagazine1@gmail.com
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D.E.A.F
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EMBRACE THE RECOGNITION
Continue to MOTIVATE AND INSPIRE You Are Definitely. Extraordinary. And. Fantastic
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D.E.A.F
MAGAZINE
Definitely Extraordinary And Fantastic
D.E.A.F
MAGAZINE 2015
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