WADHH Newsletter
SUMMER 2020
Serving Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deaf Plus, Hard of Hearing and Hearing Loss Individuals
Inside this issue WADHH services ......................... 2 Farewell Maribeth ...................... 12 Black Lives Matter Protests ......... 14 Black Lives Matter by WADHH .... 18 A Change in My Work ................. 20
“Choose your battles wisely. After all, life isn't measured by how many times you stood up to fight. It's not winning battles that makes you happy, but it's how many times you turned away and chose to look into a better direction. Life is too short to spend it on warring. Fight only the most, most, most important ones, let the rest go.” ― C. JoyBell C. Washington Advocates of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Census ........................................ 22 A Challenge of Wearing a Mask .. 32 Reminiscing Alda ......................... 34 Diabetes ...................................... 36 Suspect COVID—what to do?...... 40 What is anti-bias ........................ 44 Recipes……………………………………...52
Special points of interest • CEO Statement P.10 • Financial Assistance p. 8 • Free hearing aids p. 46
Edited and published by Stephen Hucke & Terese Rognmo
Schedule Hours of Operation Monday 10 AM - 5PM Update: COVID—19
Our resources and services are now open, but we will not accept anyone to come in WITHOUT the mask as required by the governor Inslee. Please contact Amanda Wood at grs@wadhh.org or 360-334-5740 for referrals, resources, or to connect with your local Community Advocate.
Tuesday 10 AM - 5PM Wednesday 10 AM - 5PM Thursday 10 AM - 5PM Friday 10 AM - 5PM Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
Deaf Centers closed in observance of the following dates Jan 1 - New Year’s Day Jan 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb 17 - President’s Day May 25 - Memorial Day July 4 - Independence Day Sept. 7 - Labor Day
Nov. 11 - Veteran’s Day Nov. 26 and 27 - Thanksgiving Dec. 25 - Winter Holiday 2
Our Regions WADHH Headquarters
Vancouver VP: 360.334.5740 Voice: 360.314.6971 Email: grs@wadhh.org 301 SE Hearthwood Blvd Vancouver, WA 98684
Region Services Centers: Yakima 3700 Fruitvale Blvd Yakima, WA 98902
Tri-Cities 8836 Gage Blvd, Suite 103-A Kennewick, WA 99336
Spokane N. 200 Mullan Rd, Suite #217 Spokane Valley, WA 99206 3
WADHH Mission: “The Mission of WADHH is to serve and empower the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hearing loss communities to meet their educational, technical, and social needs, while respecting their language and culture.” LONG AND SHORT TERM CLIENT ADVOCACY:
Website:
www.wadhh.org Facebook: @DeafCenter
WADHH aims to provide resources and services to Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals within four regions. The following resources and services are provided at no charge: •
Communication Assistance
•
Advocacy Services
•
Crisis Intervention
•
Coordination of Services Delivery
•
Assistive Communication Technology (ACT) program
Twitter:
@WADHH_News
•
Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED)
Community Advocates can assist you with:
4
•
Immigration Services
•
Social Security Office
•
Basic Needs (Housing, bus, etc.)
•
Access to Health care
•
Independent Living Skills
•
Employment Resources
•
And many more…
OUTREACH SERVICES AND EVENTS:
Community Advocates can provide Outreach Services and Community Education to educate both Deaf, DeafBlind Hard of Hearing and those who serve them are often unaware of services WADHH offered by our four Regional Centers. The following subjects for presentations could be: •
Deaf Awareness and Sensitivity training
•
Health and wellness
•
Personal safety and self-protection against crimes, scammers and/or exploitation
•
Communication and coping strategies
•
Many more…
WADHH coordinates social events where Deaf and Hard of Hearing could as following the list: •
St. Patrick Day
•
ASL Game Night
•
Tax Day
•
Golden Times Game Day
•
And many more…
5
Staff WADHH Headquarters Terese Rognmo, CEO Amanda Young, Guest Relation Specialist (GRS) HQ/Offsite Stephen Hucke, VCS/IT Vancouver
BonnieKaren Francese, Community Advocate (CA) Tri-Cities & Yakima Robin Traveller, Community Advocate (CA) Zachary S. DeLoya, Community Advocate (CA) Spokane Sandra Carr, Community Advocate (CA) If you want to reach one of WADHH staff, please contact Amanda Wood at 360-334-5740 or grs@wadhh.org and she will direct you to the right person to speak with.
6
Executive Board Members Don Redford, President James West, Vice President Wanda Forcht, Secretary Bobby Jacobs, Treasurer
Partnerships • • • • • • •
• •
•
Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) Washington Association of the Deaf (WSAD) Dept. of Social and Health Services (DSHS) WorkSources Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) Aging and Long Term Support Administration (ALTSA) Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Columbia River Mental Health Services (CRMHS) Southwest Washington Community Foundation
7
Established in 1984, The Community Foundation helps southwest Washington residents build a vibrant community by inspiring them to engage in philanthropy. The Foundation holds more than 290 distinct funds, which are pooled, managed and invested to generate growth and income for granting purpose. Governed by an esteemed volunteer board, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, non-profit and the community at large. Learn more at www.csfww.org. Client advocacy services of WADH has a financial assistance program to assist clients with the basic needs. In the past, WADHH had a very small and limited funds, which made it more challenging to assist all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind clients who were impacted by the COVID in the past four months. This program was made possible through a rapid-response grant from the SW Washington COVID Response Fund, a pooled emergency fund managed by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Learn more how this community effort is addressing the impact of the coronavirus at cfsww.org/covid19.
8
WADHH is thrilled of getting $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation, and it will be a one-time temporary relief financial assistance to assist low income Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and individuals with hearing loss who have been impacted by the COVID 19 since April 1, 2020.
Here is the eligibility criteria: 1. Must be a resident of Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania 2. Report any income sources 3. Any document to verify the loss of income, medical bills, eviction, loss of job, or any that has been impacted by the COVID 19 from April 1, 2020 to present. The amount for the financial assistance would depend on the situation. A form will need to be filled out in order to determine whether the candidate of the household is eligible for the financial assistance and it cannot be applied again by the same person or another person in the same household. In addition, anyone who applies for the financial assistance need to commit participating in the case management in order to achieve the basic needs. For more information about this financial assistance, please contact Terese Rognmo, the Executive Director, at terese.rognmo@wadhh.org or 360-450 -0946 (VP). Other than that, be safe and stay healthy!
9
CEO Statement
By Terese Rognmo The summer is here now - I am sure you are all ready to go out for a nice walk and enjoy the warm weather. As you may be aware that the COVID 19 is still around—it has not yet resolved. The governor Inslee has ordered that all people must wear the mask in the public setting; otherwise, the case of the COVID 19 will spike up higher than expected.
Keep washing your hands for 20 seconds. Maintaining six (6) feet distance in the public settings. Wearing the mask whenever you are in the public settings.
10
Vancouver and Spokane are in Phase 2 while TriCities is in Phase 1. TriCities office will not accept any walk in clients, except for emails/text or any kind of virtual operation. Spokane staff can work with clients through the window inside the building as long as they are wearing the masks. Vancouver Office will not accept any walk in unless an appointment has been made in advance and wearing the mask is a must. Other than that, all sessions for the client services can be provided through VideoPhone, emails, text, Marco Polo, or others. The COVID 19 was not the only thing that changed people lives, but also Black Lives Matter (BLM). It is very unfortunately that George Floyd was killed by a white police who mishandled him physically. It has impacted many of us—more worms came out of the can unexpected. Is it a bad thing? No, it is a good thing for us because it is time for us to step out of the comfort zone.
WADHH staff and I do support Black Lives Matter because many Black people are in a high risk of being mishandled by the police in the public settings. It has been going on for 400 years, and it is time to break the vicious cycle.
You may ask how do we plan to break the cycle? Two things we can do: First of all, unpacking our white privileges, and use our privileges to open the doors for POC’s who need to access to resources and services. Right now, they do not have equal access based on their color of skin. Secondly, we need to dismantle the systemic racism that is hurting POC communities. Our agency is in process of dismantling system racism as it is our goal to ensure that our services and resources are inclusive to all diverse community members. Another thing that happened to our WADHH recently is that we lost our funding for Senior Citizen Services due to the COVID 19. We were not able to do more work for seniors due to the technical difficulties. It has been a challenge to reach out seniors who do not have access to the internet, email, text or VP. However, we STILL provide case management upon the request of senior clients. We want to emphasize that Deaf, DeafBlind and HOH seniors are not forgotten, and our Community Advocate, Robin Traveller, will keep in contact with seniors to ensure that they have access to their needs. Until then, enjoy reading the newsletter. Stay safe, healthy. Remember, wash your hands, wear your mask and keep 6 feet distance in the public settings. 11
Farewell Maribeth Jensen By Terese Rognmo
Our Community Advocate Coordinator, Maribeth Jensen is no longer with us. She decided to leave Washington for a life changing opportunity. The fact is that I met her in Austin, Texas in 2012 where she was seeking resources and services from an agency where I worked. We formed a friendship until our paths took a different direction, and we lost the contact for some time. “Little did I know that we would cross the bridge again after five years something…”
We met again in 2017 in Spokane, WA for a short time. She used to work for an non profit agency in Spokane, WA. Several months later, she became one of WADHH staff.
I have seen how much she has grown personally and professionally in the past three years. Being in Vancouver, WA gave her opportunity to have a healing journey. Now, she is on her new journey where she will have a new chapter of life somewhere else. She will be greatly missed at work, and I am sure that she will do great in her new life in a different state. It may be bittersweet farewell, but it is not the last time as we will eventually bump up somewhere else in a different time. 12
In this newsletter article this is to let you know that I (Maribeth) will be departing from Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WADHH) at the end of July. I moved to the Pacific Northwest almost four years ago and have enjoyed the opportunities for growth and development that were passed along during these times. During these times, I enjoyed meeting clients and learning how to develop new forms, keeping track with monthly reports, attending booths about what WADHH has to offer, giving educational workshops and working with the community advocates from each center and many more. I wish the community of Vancouver and nearby all the absolute best going forward as well as Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
13
Black Lives Matter Protests
By BonnieKaren Francese and Terese Rognmo Three staff members from the Vancouver region attended multiple Black Lives Matter protests. Many of you have probably heard about the event of one George Floyd having a knee on the back of his neck for a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds causing him to suffocate and die. This caused a wave of realization to many Americans. For many, this was an awakening to the underlying systemic racism and police brutality in our country. Far too often, policemen get away with abusing their power. This leads to a gap in our country where the Black community is at an unfair advantage and find themselves still fighting for equality. We as Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff want to show we address this issue and we are humbly open to improvement and critique from our community and our goal is to prove we are allies to all oppressed cultures. WADHH held long conversations amongst our staff about our thoughts and feelings to this topic of systemic racism and inequality of Black Americans. Ultimately, we agreed it is best to be open to the oppressed groups in these kinds of situations and aid in amplifying their wounded voices. “A young white girl with blonde long hair, perhaps age 8 or 9, led the crowd to chant viciously. What an inspiring sight! “
14
The first opportunity we found to peacefully protest and show our support was from a Facebook group. The post was advertising a protest being held at Burnt Bridge Creek. When we arrived, there were approximately 30 people and a tent was set up with refreshments and shirts and other things for sale. An interpreter was already there ready to go. The crowd was chanting various phrases like, “Black Lives Matter”, “No Justice. No Peace.”, and “Say his name, George Floyd” are just some examples. There was high energy and cars would honk loudly in support as they passed by. There was a brief break when some members of the Black community stood to share their stories of how inequality and police brutality affected their lives. Everything on this first day was very impactful. On the second day, one staff went to the Clark County Correction, and joined the same group. One deaf person tagged along to join the protest. An interpreter was also there presently. The crowd was chanting several phrases such as “Black Lives Matter”, “No Justice. No Peace” and “Say (his or her) name, George Floyd/Sandra Bland/Breonne Taylor/Eric Garner…” while walking around the building. The noises from the prisoners inside the cell rooms were heard – it was clear that they were inspired by the crowd’s chanting. A young white girl with blonde hair, perhaps age 8 or 9, led the crowd to chant viciously. What an inspiring sight!
Continue next page... 15
Terese had an opportunity to chat with Lexie, who is the leader of the BLM protest, to share her experiences of racism, and her main reason for selecting the location was because some of her family members are in the jail and their basic needs were not met adequate. The week before the BLM protest, the Clark County Correction encountered some fire, yet the prisoners were left in their cell rooms intentionally where they had to swallow the smoke and did not even get any immediate medical attention after the fire was extinguished. The BLM protest really inspired many protesters and the prisoners greatly. Terese shared with the WADHH staff that the protest will happen again at the same place on the very next day. On the third day, two staff members were headed for the jail again to protest but after working later than anticipated they were worried they would not make it on time. On the way they spotted another protest, so they pulled over and joined them instead. After talking with some of the people there, we learned it was being hosted by the local school district. Only 3 blocks from the Deaf Center, this protest had over 100 people protesting at a large intersection holding up signs and yelling “Black Lives Matter�. 16
After a couple minutes, a white man drove very slowly past the protesters holding an “All Lives Matter” sign and attempting to engage in a debate with people. Most ignored him and only responded that if he had better educators growing up maybe he would have a more educated opinion and spelling because on his sign he misspelled the word, ‘support’ as ‘suport’. Afterward, our two staff members had another conversation about the impact this movement has had and how important it is to stand behind our communities. WADHH does not intend for this to be our only moment to show support and allyship. This is just the beginning of our mission to support all communities of oppression. These protests teach us a lot about the dilemma of police brutality, inequality, and the systemic racism our country is built on and how it is all our responsibilities to dismantle it. We stand with the Black community and support Black Lives Matter.
17
Black Lives Matter
By Zachary S. DeLoya WADHH staff and Executive Board Members support the BLM. It is important to stand together as an unity, and fight against racism. We stand together as one unity with NO exception.
Are you with us?
18
19
A Change in My Work By Robin Traveller
When WADHH lost its funding for the Senior Citizens Services program, I am now a Community Advocate and will continue working with seniors who are 55+ regardless. I had the best 13 years of Daddy’s life before he passed away in 2002. As I told my Daddy, I vowed to help any Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind, and Hard of Hearing with vision loss with their hearing loss needs about anything that they may not understand.
“I had the best 13 years of Daddy’s life before he passed away in 2002.”
I’m good about advocating to make sure the hearing people understand where and how people with hearing loss understand. I have repeatedly told many hearing professionals, family members, relatives…… how to talk to a person with hearing loss. They have a right to understand people and be understood. Look at the next page of a handout you can share with your family members, friend, or professionals like doctors, nurses, hospitals. Communication is a 2-way street. If you are a Senior 55+ and are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/ Blind, and Hard of Hearing with vision loss, please contact me. I’m happy to help! If you are home bound and lonely with no one to talk to, I’m here and feel free to contact me! I’ve been sending letters to my current Seniors with short stories, Deaf Jokes, WordSearch, and small simple craft to make. When COVID goes away, I will visit or call you! If you are interested, contact me! 20
21
Census: What is its purpose? By Calvin Brown
Census helps the government to determine how much money to place aside in the fund, covering ten (10) years period. The more people filled out the census and mailed/reported it, the more money from each individual place in the fund. The fund will be used to provide the money to cover special programs for all people who may need in the future.
“It is still not too late to fill out the census if you have not done yet; the deadline for census is October 31, 2020.� The fund also will be used to determine the number of essential services – fire stations, clinics, food banks, etc. The census also determine the number of the seats in the Congress. For example, if only ten persons filled out and reported the census; in the coming ten years, there is 13 children with special needs, who may need specific programs to assist them, then there may be enough funding to cover ten children while other three receive none.
22
It is still not too late to fill out the census if you have not done yet; the deadline for census is October 31. If you need assistance, please call (844) 330-2020. If you are Deaf and resides in the counties of eastern Washington, you can call me at (206) 406-2098 (VP) or email at calvin.brown@wadhh.org.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
The Challenge of Wearing a Mask By Sandra Carr
Face masks are now mostly mandatory and has become the new normal until the COVID-19 gets under control, by reducing its COVID-19 spread and transmission among people in our deaf and hard of hearing community. I am completely on board with wearing a mask, but unfortunately this means that for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community it creates yet another barrier to our communication with other people. “...left feeling anxious, powerless, isolated, frustrated, confused and struggling to get on with day-to-day activities…” For Deaf and Hard of Hearing people (including myself) who have cochlear implants or hearing aids, some of us grew up relying on lip reading to communicate with other people. Our main access to communication is often reliant on our ability to lip-read others. This recent requirement of covering all faces has left us feeling more disabled then ever. We are now left feeling anxious, powerless, isolated, frustrated, confused and struggling to get on with day-to-day activities (such as appointments and essential shopping) and more disabled than ever. Going into a store now with everyone wearing a mask makes me feel I’m deafer because I now cannot see their face. It’s a real feeling of detachment from the rest of the world. 32
I am writing this article because as a deaf person with a Cochlear Implant and as my main mode of communication I reply on lip-reading and Sign Language together I need people to understand how to communicate with me. On June 24th, 2020 Secretary of State of Washington John Wiesman enacted “Order of the Secretary of Health” requirements for Face Coverings. There is a bullet point that reads: Individuals may REMOVE face coverings in the event “When a party to a communication is deaf or hard of hearing and not wearing a face mask covering is essential to communication. I would greatly appreciate if people are able to listen, empathize and adapt to the communication needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and their communication needs. It is helpful if the participant is patient, respectful and supportive during the conversation to prevent further anxiety. In some cases, most people have been very accommodating in pulling down their mask, keeping social distance to communicate with me. But not always, and we need to further educate people about our needs. If people still want us to patronize their establishments, restaurants, etc they need to make a simple accommodation.
33
Reminiscing Alda By Robin Traveller
About 10 years ago, I received a phone call from a woman, Ann, who was crying extremely hard. She said her 91 years old mother, Alda needed help because she couldn’t hear, and her care providers wouldn’t listen to Ann how to communicate with her mother. After I asked Ann some questions, I was able to decide what assistive listening devices to bring.
Pocket talker
Upon my arrival next day at BeeHive assisted living place, Ann showed up. BeeHive Homes assisted living place was a genuinely nice and clean for elderly who have multiple health issues. She hugged me and explained about her mother’s hearing loss struggles. Ann claimed that her care providers would not listen or understand how to communicate with people who are hard of hearing. Together, we went to see her mother, Alda. She was laying on her bed in a fetal position looking out the window. Ann sat in a chair nearby while I pulled out a Pocketalker to test and touched Alda’s hand letting her know who I am. She turned her solemn face to me. I smiled back to her. She squeezed my hand. I asked her, “How are you doing?” No response. I put the headphones on her ears and said few words but still not response. I increased the volume halfway. All of sudden, she responded, “Well, Hello Robin! I’m happy to see you!” Her daughter burst into tears!
34
I asked Alda random questions like what season is it, what month, and the name of the person in a picture nearby her bed. She answered them all 100% correctly. Her daughter was shocked! I encouraged Ann to speak to her mother face-to -face and told her to use the microphone of the Pocketalker and enunciate her words clearly and slowly. This gave Alda a chance to comprehend what was being said. I watched their conversation for 15-20 minutes while they asked each other randomly questions. Alda asked about a great-granddaughter who will be born and remembered her granddaughter’s name clearly. A nurse walked into the room with a tray of Alda’s medications in her hand and was shocked seeing Alda talking. She abruptly left speechless. It was obvious that Alda did not have Alzheimer’s or dementia. It was all about her hearing loss! I left the information of the Pocketalker with Ann so she could purchase one for her mother. Alda became more social with her other elders at her assisted living for several more years before she passed away. It’s all about the quality of life to help anyone with wide range of hearing loss!
Robin Traveller Community Advocate Office (VP): 509-498-6412 Email: robin.traveller@wadhh.org Text: 509-654-0839
Mailing address: WADHH TriCities P.O. Box 5097 Pasco, WA 99302
35
Diabetes
By Zachary Shawn DeLoya and Terese Rognmo Imagine yourself becoming blind due to the diabetic, sounds scary, right?
Most doctors stated that diabetes can cause mild to severe damaged to your eyes and could lead to poor vision or even become blind permanently. How is that possible?
“We truly cannot afford to lose our eyesight since we heavily depend on our visual for communication accessibility.”
Well, the diabetes can severe the blood vessels of the retina, which is called diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. The diabetes can do a lot of harm to your body.
Back to the subject on the vision, how can you tell if diabetes has affected your eyes? Here are the symptoms as following: • • • • •
• • •
36
Sport or dark string floating in your vision (floaters) Blurred vision Fluctuating Low vision Impaired color vision Dark or empty area in your vision Vision loss And many more.
Many doctors stated that the diabetes does affect the vision greatly. Here are the following three parts: 1. Diabetic retinopathy: It does damage the retina, which is the section of your eyes responsible for capturing visual information. 2. Glaucoma: the pressure increases within the eyes, which could lead to greatly damage on the retina area. 3. Cataracts: It will cloud the lens as it is responsible for focusing the light on the retina. How do we prevent from it happening? First of all, you need to maintain your blood sugar and blood pressure steadily. Keeping up with the regular eye exams and using sunglasses to protect your eyes from ironing radiation (x-Rays) and UV radiation (sunlight). Follow up with your doctor to make sure that you are on the right track whether you are diagnosed with the diabetes or not. After all, we really need our eyes for visual communication accessibility. However, you may have noticed there are three different kinds of diabetes, which are: 1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes 3. Gestational Diabetes Continue next page...
Based on the statistics from CDC (Center for Disease Control) the reveal which ethnicity/race community is likely to be diagnosed diabetes: 1. American Native/Alaska Native: 14.7% 2. Hispanic origin: 12.5% 3. Black: 11.7% 4. Asian: 9.2% 5. White: 7.5% Many researches revealed several factors why those communities may be at a high risk of having diabetes. The biggest factor of all is that not all communities have full coverage of the health insurance, not have full access to the health care, and not all of them can afford healthy food. Imagine this: It would cost 175 dollars for ONE hour to learn the nutrition program. It is not even covered by the health insurance and an interpreter is not even covered. Can you truly afford it? So you can imagine the challenge the communities face when they do not have full access to their health needs.
37
Type 1 Diabetes: It happens among people from the birth to the early 20’s. Their body stops producing insulin, so they have to use an insulin shot to maintain the sugar level.
Type 2 Diabetes: Usually it may occurs among people at the age 40’s when their insulin is not functioning properly, but it is manageable with the right kind of food, exercise, and a good sleep.
“Type 2 Diabetes are very common among people nowhere days…”
Tips: Try to walk at least 20 - 30 minutes after eating each meal, you will be amazed how much you may lose the weight over time.
Gestational Diabetes: It occurs among pregnant women, but it is temporary only as it disappears after giving the birth. However, they may be still at a high risk in getting Type 2 Diabetes if they are not leading a healthy lifestyle after the birth. Today, Type 2 Diabetes is considered as a silent killer because many people are not aware that they may have it. What are the symptoms? • •
• • • • •
38
Increased thirst Frequent urination Increased hunger Weight loss unexpected Fatigue Blurred vision Frequent infections or slow healing sores
If you have more than three or four symptoms from the list, please see your primary doctor for further tests. How to prevent from getting Type 2 Diabetes? Here are tips for you! 1. 30 minutes workout two or three times a week.
Tips: Avoid fruit juice or canned, and not recommend to eat smoothies too often— they have high sugar intakes.
2. Maintain healthy 4-6 meals a day 3. Drink eight 8 oz glasses of water everyday 4. Avoid any junk or heavy carbohydrates (pasta, bread, rice, chips, cookies, soft drinks, etc.)
5. Eat more leafy GREEN vegetables that have rich vitamins and minerals such as Kale, brussels, spinach, zucchini, cucumber, cabbage, asparagus, green beans etc. 6. Eat rich antioxidants fruits such as blue berries, raspberries, grapefruit, figs, pears, mango, cantaloupe, papaya and tomatoes. 7. Go for eggplants, cauliflower, yellow squash, and red beets. They have excellent vitamins and minerals to control blood pressure. The biggest benefit of eating those vegetables and fruits is that they are loaded with zeaxanthin and lutein, which are antioxidants that can protect the eyes cataracts and degeneration, which are commonly complication of diabetes.
39
What to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID 19? By Sandra Carr
What to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID19 If you test positive for COVID-19, or get sick after you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others. Please follow the guidance by Washington Health State Care Authority: Symptoms of COVID-19 Common symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. If you were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and you have these symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider for a COVID19 test.
Participate in a public health interview An interviewer from public health will contact you if you test positive for COVID-19, usually by phone. The interviewer will help you understand what to do next and what support is available. The interviewer will ask for the names and contact information of people you have had close contact with recently. They ask for this information so they can notify people who may have been exposed. The interviewer will not share your name with your close contacts.
40
Stay home except to get medical care You should stay home except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. Ask friends or family members to do your shopping or use a grocery delivery service. Call before you go to the doctor Tell your health care provider you have COVID-19, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. Put on a face covering before you enter the building. These steps will help keep people in the office or waiting room from getting sick. Isolate yourself from people and animals in your home People: As much as possible, stay in a specific room away from other people and use a separate bathroom if available. Animals: Limit contact with pets and other animals. If possible, have a member of your household care for them. If you must care for an animal, wear a face covering and wash your hands before and after you interact with them. How long should I isolate myself? 1. If you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 and have symptoms, you can stop your home isolation when you are have been fever-free for at least 3 days without the use of fever-reducing medication. Your symptoms have gotten better. At least 10 days have gone by since your symptoms first appeared. Continue on the next page... 41
2. If you tested positive for COVID-19, but have not had any symptoms, you can stop your home isolation when: At least 10 days have gone by since the date of your first positive COVID-19 test and you have not gotten sick with COVID-19.
Prevent the spread of COVID-19: • Wear a cloth face covering when you are around people or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face covering, people in your household should not be in the same room, or they should wear a face covering if they enter your room.
42
•
Clean your hands often. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
•
Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues away and wash your hands.
•
Clean “high-touch” surfaces every day, like counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, and follow the directions on the label.
•
Don’t share personal items with anyone, including dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with people or pets in your home.
Monitor your symptoms Get medical help quickly if your symptoms get worse (if you have breathing trouble, etc.). If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, tell the dispatcher that you have, or may have COVID-19. If possible, put on a face covering before emergency medical services arrive. What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine? Isolation is what you do if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have tested positive. Isolation means you stay home and away from others (including household members) for the recommended period of time to avoid spreading illness. Quarantine is what you do if you have been exposed to COVID-19. Quarantine means you stay home and away from others for the recommended period of time in case you are infected and are contagious. Quarantine becomes isolation if you later test positive for COVID-19 or develop symptoms. Stay up-to-date on the current COVID-19 situation in Washington, Governor Inslee’s proclamations, symptoms, how it spreads, and how and when people should get tested. The risk of COVID-19 is not connected to race, ethnicity or nationality. Stigma will not help to fight the illness. Share accurate information with others to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading. Questions about COVID-19? Call our hotline at 1-800-5250127 and press #. For interpretative services, say your language when the call is answered. Hotline hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. For questions about your health, COVID-19 testing, or testing results, contact your health care provider. 43
What is an Anti-Bias? By Terese Rognmo Anti-bias is an approach with an understanding of differences and values to a respectful and civil society. It is also meant to actively challenge bias, stereotyping and all forms of discrimination in various settings.
Disability Rights Washington is a good place to con-
tact if you are Deaf or HOH and your rights have been violated based your race, gender, ethnic, religion, sexual ori-
entation or other. You can find their website at: www.disabilityrights wa.org/
It is important to understand different forms of discrimination so you know how to tell whether this person is actually being biased toward you or not. An example will be provided with each term and its definition. Discrimination: “The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.” Example: A Deaf person has excellent resume and applies for a job online, and it asks whether this person is disabled or not. The company screens all applications and may reject any that indicates their disability. Because they think that disabled people would be a financial burden on the company. That’s a discrimination approach by the company. Prejudice: “Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience. “ Examples: A hearing person may assume that the Deaf person is not smart because she or he could not speak orally that well. The Deaf person is being prejudiced by the hearing person.
44
Stereotype: “a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. “
Example: A hearing person sees a Deaf person signing loudly and may view this person to be very rude or crazy. The hearing person may assume that ALL Deaf persons who sign loudly are rude or crazy. This hearing person is labelling (stereotype) the whole group based on one Deaf person. Privilege: “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. “ Example: A Deaf person is in the first line to speak with the manager about an item, but the manager ignores him or her and choose to speak with a hearing customer behind the Deaf person. That is a hearing privilege.
If you did experience any forms of discrimination and need assistance to file a complaint against public, academic or employment settings, you can contact Amanda Wood at grs@wadhh.org or can call on VP at 360-334-5740 and she will be more than happy to refer you to the right person who can work with you to resolve your situation.
Microaggression: “A statement that can be either indirect, subtle or unintentional discrimination against a member of a marginalized group. Racism, ableism, ageism, and sexism is good examples. It occurs at most worksites and academic settings. “ Example: A deaf staff is being complimented by a hearing staff that she speaks well and should continue speaking instead of using sign language. That is a microaggression approach.
45
What happened? The Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 5179 in January 2019, that requires Apple Health (Medicaid) to cover hearing instruments (hearing aids) when medically necessary. What does this mean? Under the legislation, clients age 21 and older who meet specific hearing loss criteria may be eligible for the following:
One hearing aid every five years. • A second hearing aid when specific criteria are met. • Repair and replacement of hearing aids. • Hearing aid related services and supplies. •
Repairs to external components of cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) devices. Anyone on Medicaid who has a hearing loss could be eligible for a FREE Hearing Aid. For more information please contact Sandra Carr CA/ CM at WADHH-Spokane at 206-408-2000 or email at sandra.carr@wadhh.org. Take advantage of this opportunity.
46
RTT/TTY Mobile Phone Set Up by Steve Peck ____________________________________________________________ Connecting to Washington Relay (WATRS) with Your Smartphone and specialized Device Are you, or someone you know, deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or speechdisabled and use a TTY (Text Telephone) or Braille Display or Braille Notetaker to communicate with your friends, family, and peers? If so, here is an important tip to make sure you can make calls through WATRS with your telecommunications device and iPhone or Android smartphone: turn on the Real-Time Text (TTY) and TTY features in your phone’s settings. If you are using a specialized device with your mobile phone, follow these simple steps to ensure the RTT/TTY setting is turned on: iPhone Instructions (for iOS 11.2 and later): Open “Settings” on your device Scroll down and select “Accessibility” Scroll down and select “RTT” listed under “Hearing” You will be presented with two options—Software RTT and Hardware RTT. Software RTT can be accessed directly from the phone Hardware RTT allows a user to connect to an external TTY device When both options are enabled, incoming calls will default to Hardware TTY, if a device is connected Android Instructions (for Android 10): Open “Settings” on your device Go to “Accessibility” Go to “Hearing Enhancements” Select “Real Time Text” and select “always visible during calls” Select “Use External TTY keyboard” to turn on the service Select one of the following: TTY Full: Enables all TTY settings TTY HCO: Enables HCO (Hearing Carry Over) TTY VCO: Enables VCO (Voice Carry Over) Once the RTT/TTY feature is on, you may dial 7-1-1 or the dedicated toll-free number to connect with WATRS. For more information in relation to different WATRS calling features go to https://hamiltonrelay.com/washington/ index.html. For those who need further assistance turning on the RTT/TTY feature, please contact Steven Peck at 360-339-7762 or steven.peck@dshs.wa.gov. 47
Found Objects Collage By Amanda Wood
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
48
•
Cereal box
•
Scissors
•
Colored duct tape
•
Collage Papers (scrapbooking, wrapping, colored, old art)
•
Other collage materials (pom-poms, straws, feathers, buttons, and ribbon)
•
White school glue
•
Collected small objects from home and/or nature
DIRECTIONS: •
Cut the front (or back) off of a cereal box.
•
Tape the sides with colored duct tape.
•
Gather lots of collage papers, like scrapbooking, papers, old art, or colored paper to cover the bottom of the cereal box.
•
Now just glue on your found objects and trinkets. Anything goes!
You’ll love the result! You’ll have a piece of art that looks like a shadowbox and has a story to tell! From: https://www.artbarblog.com/found-objectscollage/
49
Learn the beginning grammar, vocabulary, fingerspelling, numbers, body language, and short sentences. What?
You are invited to ASL Zoom Class Hosted by WADHH-TriCities/Yakima, Robin Traveller
When?
Every Tuesday September 8 – October 27, 2020 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Please RSVP to Robin Traveller by September 1st, 2020 by: Email : robin.traveller@wadhh.org Phone : 509-498-6412 or Text – 509-654-0839 Class size limited to 10-15 students. [Note: Once you’re registered, you will receive email about a link to your Zoom class] This free class is provided by Washington Advocates of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WADHH) TriCities Deaf and Hard of Hearing services (formerly Tilikum) 50
51
Mason Jar Ice Cream By Amanda Wood
INGREDIENTS: 1 c. heavy cream
1 ½ tbsp. Granulated sugar
½ tsp. Pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
A clean Mason Jar
52
DIRECTIONS: Pour cream, sugar, vanilla and salt into a 16-ounce mason jar and secure tightly with a lid. Shake the mason jar until the cream thickens and almost doubles in size, 4 to 5 minutes. It should be opaque and easily coast the back of a wooden spoon.
Freeze for 3 hours or until hardened. Scoop out ice cream with a spoon and serve with your favorite ice cream toppings. From: https://www.delish.com/cooking/ recipe-ideas/recipes/a53547/mason-jarice-cream-recipe/
Do you have a recipe to share? Do you want to your recipe to be published in the next Newsletter? Please contact Amanda Wood at grs@tilikum.us and make sure that your subject says “Recipe for Summer Newsletter 2020.�
53
Peanut Butter Cookies By, Robin Traveller Sift together: 1¼ cup flour, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking soda. Set aside.
Cream together: ½ cup shortening, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup peanut butter, and ½ cup white sugar Add to the cream mixture: 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla Add the flour mixture and mix well together. Use a small spoon to scoop and roll into small balls. Use a fork to press each ball using “crisscross” pattern with a fork. Bake in preheated 375 degrees oven for 10-12 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen. Do not overcook! Adjust your timer, if needed.
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
Media Contact: Katie Gorscak, (202) 418-2156 katie.gorscak@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release FCC DESIGNATES ‘988’ AS 3-DIGIT NUMBER FOR NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE Action Will Help Combat Rising Suicide Rates by Making It Easier for Americans in Crisis to Obtain Assistance from Trained Counselors -WASHINGTON, July 16, 2020—Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The rules require all phone service providers to direct all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. During the transition to 988, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or texting 838255. The new rules will apply to all telecommunications carriers as well as all interconnected and one-way Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers. They provide for a two-year transition, reflecting the real challenges of this nationwide effort, including the need for widespread network changes and providing time for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to prepare for the expected increase in the volume of calls. Under these rules, calls to 988 will be directed to 1-800-273-TALK, which will remain operational during the 988 transition and after it is completed. To ensure that calls to 988 reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, all covered providers will be required to implement 10-digit dialing in areas that both use seven-digit dialing and use 988 as the first three numbers in seven-digit phone numbers. 64
Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide claimed the lives of more than 48,000 Americans in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. An FCC staff report to Congress in 2019 proposed establishing 988 as an easy to remember three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Staff analyzed various options and determined 988 was the best option for increasing access to crisis resources and ensuring the fastest possible transition. Establishing the easy-to-remember 988 as the “911” for suicide prevention and mental health services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of approximately 170 crisis centers. The centers are supported by local and state, and public and private sources, as well as by Congressional appropriations through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is the access point for the Veterans Crisis Line, which is managed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Action by the Commission July 16, 2020 by Report and Order (FCC 20-100). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving and issuing separate statements. WC Docket No. 18-336 ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
65
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
Transforming Assistive Communication Technology (ACT) Equipment Distribution The Washington State Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) wishes to announce that we have recently distributed new Assistive Communication Technology (ACT) equipment to regional service centers statewide. Two types of ACT equipment can be loaned to non-profit organizations and agencies: 1. Contacta Portable Room Loop Kit (PRLK), which is a temporary loop system 2. William Sound TGS Pro 738 FM kit The ACT equipment is available at each of the regional service centers located in Vancouver, Bellingham, Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and Tri-cities. Information how to contact the regional service centers, please go to the following web link: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ node/10173. To Borrow ACT Equipment To borrow ACT equipment from your nearest Regional Service Center (RSC), click on the web link above and contact the RSC staff to request ACT equipment. An RSC staff member will assist the organization or agency in filling out a required form and explain your responsibilities in handling the ACT equipment. If you are not familiar with the ACT equipment, training can be offered to ensure a convenient experience using the ACT equipment.
66
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
Transforming RSC staff at each regional service center has gone through ACT equipment training offered by a professional trainer on how to set up and use the equipment. They will be training community organizations and agencies on how to set up the equipment for their public meetings. If necessary they will help set up the ACT equipment at the meeting site. Some individuals with a hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids or cochlear implants may be able to listen to the sound amplification from an FM system by using a receiver with headphones or earbuds. The ability to conveniently hear the sound amplifications will depend on the individuals hearing loss. There are more than 500,000 people in Washington State residents that have a hearing loss and this includes senior citizens, late deafened, state employees and veterans. Some of these individuals are DSHS clients and may not be aware of the available technology that can assist them in hearing better during their visits to CSO offices, Regional Service Centers and agencies that offer client based services. Portable Room Loop Kit (PRLK) System The portable Room Loop Kit includes HLD7 Loop Driver; 1 RX-20 Loop Listener; 10 RX-20 Loop Listener earbuds; MIPRO Dual Channel Receiver; Handheld microphone; Lapel microphone with bodypack transmitter and speaker with a stand. The PRLK has the capability to amplify auditory
sounds up to a
500 sq ft room.
67
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
Transforming Lives
There are a variety of applications for using the PRLK, which include the following: Conference/Board Rooms/Small conferences/Class rooms/Public meetings The individual who comes into these temporarily looped rooms will just need to turn on their t-coil switch to conveniently listen to the amplified sounds in the room. William Sound TGS Pro 738 FM Kit The WS TGS Pro 738 FM kit includes 10 receivers, 2 T46 transmitters, 1 T27 transmitter, 10 Neck loops, 10 headphones, 2 lapel microphones. The T46 transmitters are good up to 150 ft and the T27 will submit transmitted signals up to 1,000 ft and can be connected the an AV sound system with microphones. This kit is ideal for the following situations: Board meetings/Small conferences/Class rooms/Public meetings/1:1 meetings The individual who uses this kit can use the neckloops and receivers that connect directly to the hearing aid or cochlear implant with a t-coil switch. Individuals who do not wear hearing aids can listen to the amplified sounds by wearing headphones connected to a receiver.
68
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
Transforming Lives
What is a TeleCoil A telecoil is term used to describe the small copper coil, which serves as the hearing loop wireless receiver. Telecoils are installed in most hearing aids and built into all cochlear implants. The telecoil picks up the electromagnetic signal from a sound source. The signal is then processed by the hearing aid or cochlear implant, then passed on to the auditory nerve as sound. The sound heard by the individual is already corrected by the hearing aid to match the wearer’s communication needs. The telecoil is only activated when the telecoil program is selected by the user. If you are not sure you have a t-coil switch, we recommend that you visit your audiologist and get the t-coil turned on.
We encourage you to contact ODHH if you have questions or concerns about the ACT program or other programs offered by ODHH. Please contact Steve Peck at steven.peck@dshs.wa.gov or 360-339-7762.
69
Hope you enjoyed reading our Newsletter. The next one will be in October 2020. If you have a recipe or an article that you want to share on our Newsletter, please contact Amanda Wood at grs@tilikum.us. This newsletter will be shared in Vancouver, TriCities/Yakima and Spokane regions. You can keep up with our updated news and vlogs from Vancouver, TriCities/Yakima and Spokane on our Website: https://www.wadhh.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeafCenter/ If you want to subscribe this newsletter, please contact Stephen Hucke at news@tilikum.us with your name and email address.
Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Our Deaf Centers in Vancouver, Yakima, Tri-Cities, and Spokane are open but will not accept any walk in due to the COVID19 Pandemic. Our Community Advocates are still available to assist you with your basic needs via videophone, email and text. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact our front desk staff, Amanda Wood VideoPhone: 360.334.5740 Voice: 360.314.6971 Email: grs@tilikum.us