Deaf Connecticuters Wants Terps Jobs Back

WATCH: The Deaf community is converging at the capitol to file a complaint in an effort to get interpreters their jobs back.

NEW HAVEN, CT -- The Deaf community is converging at the capitol to file a complaint in an effort to get sign-language interpreters their jobs back.

Many in the Deaf community say they’re losing a vital resource for them. As a cost-saving measure, the state laid off about 40 interpreters.

We spoke with one of those interpreters last week, she says not only is she concerned about making ends meet for her family, she’s also worried about her clients.

The group ‘We the Deaf People’ told us this has thrown the Deaf population in the state into turmoil. Deaf people relied on these interpreters in schools, emergency rooms, and doctors’ offices. The state expects to save money by contracting with private agencies which can be found by calling 211.

So, on Monday members of ‘We the Deaf People’ will file a complaint at a hearing. It’s being held by the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities or OPA. That’s scheduled to start around 10 a.m.

SOURCE - WTNH

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Deaf Rallies at the Connecticut State Capitol

Deaf News: Deaf Grassroots Movement rallies at state Capitol for access to jobs and ASL education.

HARTFORD, CT -- A group of Deaf protesters joined at the Connecticut State Capitol on Wednesday to push for improved access to education for Deaf children.

The Deaf Grassroots Movement is an organization that pushes for Deaf rights, such as an end to discrimination in jobs and education and to provide equal access for all.

The DGM aims to fight for the rights of the Deaf and future generations in the Deaf community in all 50 states. On Wednesday all 50 state capitols will have a rally for Deaf Rights, including Hartford, Connecticut.

The activists held signs that said things like "72% Deaf Americans are unemployed!" and "Deaf kids need Deaf schools" and "Give us choice."

"And it's time today that we come here and spread the word and teach everybody that we have to improve language improve language for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind children," said one of the activists at the rally, Patty Wilson, of Newington.

One of the biggest issues that the activists were fighting for was access to education in American Sign Language for Deaf children.

While many Deaf children are pushed into mainstream education, there are some options for children who live close enough to enjoy them. In fact, the oldest permanent school for the Deaf in the United States the American School for the Deaf is right in West Hartford and has been operational since 1817. However, there are only just over 100 schools for the Deaf across the entire country, and only one fully Deaf college (Gallaudet University), greatly limiting access.

Across the country 50 states held their own DGM rallies on Wednesday.

NOTE: Deaf with a capital "D" represents those with hearing loss who utilize sign language and are immersed in the Deaf community. Deaf with a lower case "d" is the medical term for those with hearing loss.

SOURCE - FOX News

Follow @DeafGrassrootsMovement:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/deafgrassrootsmovement
Website - http://www.tdgm2015.org

Deaf Grassroots Movement Hastags:
Facebook - https://facebook.com/hashtag/dgm
Instagram - https://instagram.com/explore/tags/dgm
Twitter - https://twitter.com/hashtag/dgm

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ASL Storytelling: Sandy Hook Elementary School

ASL Storytelling of the massacre of innocent children and teachers of Sandy Hook elementary school.

NEWTOWN, Connecticut -- Shooting Sandy Hook Elementary School 12 killed 100 rounds shot reports in Newtown Connecticut. Authorities in Connecticut responded to a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday morning, the local NBC station reports.

Police reported multiple deaths, several wounded children and at least one injured teacher, according to the Hartford Courant.

One gunman is dead, authorities told ABC News. There are unconfirmed reports of a second suspect. Two guns were recovered from the shooter, according to CNN.

A hospital representative in Danbury told NBC that medical facilities admitted three victims from Sandy Hook School.

Reports say that the alleged shooter appeared in the buildings main office at about 9:40 a.m., approximately 30 minutes after the school day began.

Students were escorted out of the building single-file. There are approximately 626 students enrolled in kindergarten through 4th grade classes at Sandy Hook Elementary, with another 46 faculty members, Newtown Patch reported.

Deaf Firefighter In West Haven, Connecticut

Deaf, mute, but still able to fight fires.

WEST HAVEN, Connecticut -- Deaf Firefighter Joe Brown is strong, eager and dedicated. Just the kind of guy the West Haven fire department looks for..., except he's lacking one thing vital to the job. But that isn't stopping him from joining the ranks.

SOURCE