Interpreter for the Deaf Bill in Arkansas

Watch Video: katv.com - Interpreter for the Deaf Bill in Arkansas.



LITTLE ROCK, AK - Last summer, KATV put the spotlight on a problem at Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. A woman had been hired as an interpreter for the Deaf but she lacked the skills to do the job. That particular issue has been resolved. But a larger problem remains.



While our coverage helped get the interpreter in question transferred to another job and now there is a qualified professional in that position serving ARS clients….the same thing could happen again. Regular viewers of Little Rock city board meetings recognize the man in the bubble: Ray James.



James, who lives in Mayflower, and other interpreters help keep the Deaf and hearing-impaired community knowledgeable about the goings-on of city government. James is professionally licensed nationally and in the state of Texas, but he says Arkansas is behind the times when it comes to making sure interpreters are qualified.



"Between 10 to 215 years," says James. "We're that far behind with legislative mandates or a commission for the Deaf. We've never had that in Arkansas."

State Senator Bryan King is sponsoring a bill that, if it becomes law, will ensure that all interpreters for the Deaf or hard of hearing be licensed and qualified.



King was joined while presenting the bill this week by James and Cheryl Thomas of Cabot, another licensed interpreter.



"We interpret in every facet of life," explains Thomas. "From court rooms to people's personal lives. And if somebody is not a professional interpreter, is not trained and is not skilled you don't know what you're getting. You could be opening yourself up to a lawsuit."



King's bill is currently being amended to add a deadline for getting licensed and to add a grace period for interpreters to get licensed if they are discovered to be practicing without one.



The proposed penalty for interpreting without a license could be as high as $500, and up to $1,000 for hiring an unqualified interpreter.



There are about 180 licensed interpreters working in the state. ...READ MORE: http://www.katv.com/story/21549877/interpreter-for-the-deaf-bill

Mainstream School Faces Financial Uncertainty

VIDEO: Kare11.com - Local school for Deaf children faces financial uncertainty.



ROSEVILLE, MN - Chris Schuette is determined to give his two-and-a-half year old daughter an independent life. Just 48 hours after Isla was born Chris and his wife were told their newborn was severely deaf.



"It was devastating because we didn't know if she would ever hear us say 'I love you,'" Chris said.



Isla received two cochlear implants when she turned one. She cried the first time she heard sound. Today, she's learning how to make sound with the help of teachers at Northern Voices.



The non-profit school has severed hundreds of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children for the last 15 years. Now the school that has helped so many is in need of its own.



In the early years of the school it was fully funded by school districts, according to Erin Loavenbruck, executive director. But as the economy went down so did funding. Now, the school is struggling to stay in the black.

The classes aren't cheap. It costs $29,000 per student for one year. There is tuition and fundraising to help cover expenses but that hasn't been enough. Loavenbruck is fighting to keep money coming in so the school can keep operating. ...READ MORE: http://www.kare11.com/news/article/1014882/396/Local-school-for-deaf-children-faces-financial-uncertainty

Anti-Bullying Policies at Florida School for the Deaf

VIDEO: (Captioned) - Florida School for the Deaf and Blind takes anti-bullying stand.



Firstcoastnews.com: ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL - Since the implementation of the Jeffrey Johnston "Stand up for All Students" Act, which was passed in 2008, all schools in the state are required to have anti-bullying policies in place.



The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine is just one district working to eliminate bullying. Students from elementary through high school are learning about the importance of being respectful, responsible and cooperative.

Video by fsdbvideos



"She was teasing me like 'I didn't know the words, I didn't know the English language," said student Julia Kadzis.



"In my last school, I had no friends. No one would talk to me really," explains freshman Gracie Delong.



"I've had lots of experiences with bullying here and in the world, and I've tolerated it," said senior D.J. Snell.



Students at FSDB recall their own personal experiences with bullying. "They kept bullying me because I'm a Deaf person," Snell said.



"No one would talk to me really, no one would sit next to me at the lunch table," said Delong. "And the same group of girls would bully me because they didn't think I could see certain things." ...READ MORE: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/article/302077/3/FSDB-takes-anti-bullying-stand

GMA: Marlee Matlin Promotes 'Switched at Birth' Episode

VIDEO: Good Morning America: Exclusive interview with Marlee Matlin in Landmark 'Switched at Birth' Episode. (Captioned)



Actress discusses taking a risk in using American Sign Language and subtitles on ABC Family's ‘Switched at Birth.’



Actress Marlee Matlin came by Good Morning America March 4 2013 to talk about the landmark new episode of Switched at Birth, which will be the first in history to be aired on television entirely in American Sign Language. Marlee Matlin, who is Deaf in real life, appeared with a translator, who facilitated the interview between her and Robin Roberts.



Matlin said it’s been an amazing journey for her, because she began in the business 28 years ago trying to get her language, American Sign Language, across to anyone watching television or movies. She said it’s going to be beautiful to show and highlight to the whole world the culture of American Sign Language.

The clip they showed of tonight’s Switched at Birth episode was extremely powerful. I’ve never seen the show, but Marlee Matlin and actress Lea Thompson were sitting at a dining room table signing to each other about how to get reporters to a high school presentation of Romeo And Juliet.



The clip was completely silent. There wasn’t even background noise. The silence, plus the American Sign Language used by both actresses discussing something as everyday as a high school play, was really striking and wonderful. It’s going to be a great episode. ... READ MORE: http://www.recapo.com/good-morning-america/gma-celebrities/gma-marlee-matlin-switched-at-birth-american-sign-language-episode/



‘Switched at Birth’: ABC Family’s The teen soap Switched at Birth explores self-expression and the communication gulf between the hearing and Deaf communities. List of Switched at Birth characters: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Switched_at_Birth_characters



Related article: Not Hearing Loss, Deaf Gain

Cute Deaf Puppy Dumped On Busy Highway

VIDEO: Hundreds calling with adoption questions on Deaf puppy dumped near Portage County highway.



AKRON, Ohio - An estimated 800 people have called One of a Kind Pets Rescue to inquire about a Deaf puppy that was left inside a cardboard box near a highway last month.



"Everybody wants to meet this puppy that has gotten so much exposure," said Georjette Thomas from One of a Kind.



The puppy, a 9-week-old Jack Russell terrier mix named Cara, was found in a shoebox on the side of Tallmadge Road in Brimfield Township on Jan 12.



She had a hairline fracture in a front leg and open wounds. Animal experts determined the puppy was Deaf after she didn't respond to commands.

Video by WEWSTV



"To think that this puppy was disposable by somebody or to somebody is unfathomable to us," Thomas said.



Since news spread that Cara is available for adoption, One of a Kind has been flooded with calls and visitors.



Many people have already filled out adoption papers and dozens more are expected. ... Read more: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/akron_canton_news/hundreds-calling-with-adoption-quesions-on-deaf-puppy-dumped-near-portage-county-highway

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Deaf puppy left in shoebox on Brimfield highway up for adoption.



BRIMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - The Deaf Jack Russell terrier dumped in a box on the side of Tallmadge Road last month is ready to go to a real home.



Police Chief David Oliver is still looking for the person who abandoned the disabled dog on the side of a busy highway.



The pup, named "Cara," is now available for adoption at One of a Kind Pets in Akron.



"Cara is still a little peanut, but she appears to have doubled her size," says a story on petfinder.com. "She is Deaf and does very well mimicking the other dogs in her foster home. She follows the pack."



A motorist spotted the pooch and brought the dog to the police station. Oliver posted a picture on the department's Facebook page, where it has generated a lot of interest.



The puppy was turned over to One of a Kind Pets in Akron. ... Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/02/home_sought_for_deaf_puppy_lef.html

Gallaudet Marks 25th Anniversary of 'Deaf President Now' Protests

WJLA - Gallaudet University marks 25th anniversary of 'Deaf President Now' protests.



WASHINGTON - Gallaudet University is marking the 25th anniversary of the “Deaf President Now” protests. The grassroots effort was launched by students in 1988, generating national and international headlines and resulting in the university’s first Deaf president.



When the Board of Trustees selected the only hearing candidate as Gallaudet University’s next president 25 years ago, students organized a week of protests, chanting “Deaf president now.”



“I can remember when we were looking for a Deaf president I actually made a comment that I hope we see a Deaf president in my lifetime. So I think that gives you an example of how far away it seemed to me,” says Fred Weiner.



Since 1988, three Deaf men have served as president of the university. This week, they gathered to reflect on the so-called DPN movement’s anniversary.

“Expectations were very high, very, very high,” says Dr. I. King Jordan, Gallaudet’s first Deaf president. “But there were also expectations that I couldn’t succeed.



People told me to my face that we doubt you can succeed as president.” Most students attending the reunion were not even alive in 1988... Read more: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/02/gallaudet-university-marks-25th-anniversary-of-deaf-president-now-protests-84899.html



Related News: Deaf President Now Protest - Gallaudet University: https://www.gallaudet.edu/gallaudet_university/about_gallaudet/dpn_home.html

Dispatcher Hailed Hero For Helping Deaf Woman's Mother

WKRN-TV - Dispatcher hailed hero for helping Deaf woman's mother.



Nashville, Tenn. - A Clarksville woman is grateful to a 911 dispatcher who got help to her Deaf mother Monday night. Lisa Prichard lives in Clarksville and was home when her mother texted her that something was wrong.



Prichard was able to video call her mother Joy Gournaris, 68, at Gournaris' Antioch home. "She was confused, she didn't understand what was going on and was getting ready to pass out," Prichard said.



Prichard knew if she tried to drive to her mother's home from Clarksville it would take her an hour. She was also concerned because it appeared her mother was having a stroke and every second counted.

Video by Joseph Pleasant



Prichard kept her mother on video phone and called 911 from her Clarksville home. Clarksville's 911 center transferred her to Nashville where 911 Dispatcher Lori Bentley took over the phone call.



"While, I'm communicating with sign language with my mother I was talking to the dispatcher," Prichard said. "I had to really be calm and think about what I was saying. I wanted to cry and scream, but I stayed calm for my mother."



The video relay system Gournaris uses has a 911 emergency component that allows her to make emergency calls... Read more: http://www.wkrn.com/story/20538233/operator-praised-for-helping-woman-get-help-to-deaf-mother

Aide At Maryland School For The Deaf Charged With Sexual Abuse

COLUMBIA, Md. (ABC) - Clarence Taylor charged with sexual abuse at Maryland School for the Deaf. Charges allege he molested girls at school in Columbia.



An aide at the Maryland School for the Deaf was arrested and charged Thursday with multiple counts of sexual abuse after being accused of touching three students between 2008 and 2010.



Howard County Police say that Clarence Cepheus Taylor, a 37-year-old Windsor Mill, Md. resident, inappropriately touched three girls while working as an evening-shift dorm aide at the Columbia school for the Deaf and hard of hearing.



Three students, who are now aged 15 and 16, have come forward with allegations of abuse, and investigators believe there may be more victims. Read more: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/12/clarence-taylor-charged-with-sexual-abuse-at-maryland-school-for-the-deaf-82834.html

Hurricane Sandy Aftermath Video

NEW YORK CITY (ABC News) - Here's the videos with closed captions of Hurricane Sandy aftermath. Inside the eerily still metropolis the day after Frankenstorm.



It blasted the ocean itself over dunes, seawalls and berms and into downtowns, tunnels and subways. It killed dozens of people, destroyed famed landmarks and amusement parks, pushed houses off their foundations and toppled trees. It virtually shut down New York City, the nation's largest city, with major airports, highways, and bridges and tunnels in and out of Manhattan shut down, just as they were after 9/11.



For millions of people in New York City and elsewhere, the lights remain out, communications remain down and floodwaters, downed trees and power lines still make roads impassable.

Superstorm Sandy: Death Toll Up to 50, but Some Steps Toward Recovery.

However, some of the hardest-hit areas on the East Coast were beginning to take the first steps towards recovery. For instance, some New York bridges, tunnels, highways and airports reopened or were slated to be reopened by Wednesday morning.

So far, Sandy has been blamed for at least 50 people, according to The Associated Press, and left more than 8 million customers without power. The number of dead continued to rise by the hour a day after the storm made landfall near Atlantic City, N.J., and rocked states including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia. Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/superstorm-sandy-17-dead-estimated-million-power/story?id=17594562#.UJDAWXruqSp



ABC News - Slideshow Superstorm Sandy Pummels East Coast: http://abcnews.go.com/US/slideshow/superstorm-sandy-pummels-east-coast-17561482



Have A Nice Day and Safe Halloween.

DYV Administaff.

Frankenstorm Prompts Mass Evacuation In New York City

NEW YORK CITY - Hurricane 'Frankenstorm' Sandy - The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg ordered the mandatory evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents as Hurricane Sandy roars towards the east coast of the United States and parts of Canada, bringing punishing winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges.



At a press conference Sunday, Michael Bloomberg said some 375,000 people in a number of coastal areas including Coney Island, Lower Manhattan and parts of the Queens neighbourhood would need to leave their homes. He said those affected would have to stay with family and friends outside of the evacuation area or at one of the 72 shelters the city has set up.



Officials in New York have also ordered the closure of its public transportation system, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, causing problems for those trying to leave the affected area on buses and subways... Read more http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/10/28/hurricane-sandy.html

Bloomberg: I'm Going to Sign an Evacuation Order

New York City announced the closings of it mass transit and school systems, both the nation's largest, and ordered residents to leave some low-lying areas Sunday ahead of the massive storm approaching the eastern third of the U.S. Video by AssociatedPress



Hurricane Sandy: 'Don't Be Stupid, Get Out And Go To Higher, Safer Ground,' Officials Said.

ABC NEWS - Tens of thousands of people in coastal areas have been ordered to evacuate their homes before Hurricane Sandy pounds the eastern third of the United States with life-threatening storm surges, forceful winds and rainfall that could cripple transportation and leave millions without power.



"Don't be stupid. Get out and go to higher, safer ground," New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said today. "Let's get to work on this. We know how to do this. We've been through this before."



States of emergency were declared from North Carolina to Connecticut. Coastal communities in Delaware were ordered to evacuate by 8 p.m. tonight.



As of 5 p.m. EST today, Sandy was moving toward the northeast at nearly 15mph, slightly faster than it was measured earlier today. It is expected to take a turn to the north and then northwest, bringing the center of the nearly 900-mile storm to be near the mid-Atlantic coast Monday night.



Sandy is expected to bring potentially life-threatening storm surges on the coast ranging from several feet to potentially as high as 11-feet in the Long Island Sound area of New York, said Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center.. Read more http://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-sandy-dont-stupid-higher-safer-ground/story?id=17581606#.UI2vbHruqSo



Complete information on Hurricanes and Tropical Storms, including all advisories, watches and warnings. Recent hurricanes and tropical storms: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/



The Perfect Storm: Hurricane 'Frankenstorm' Sandy - As Hurricane Sandy approaches the east coast of the United States and Canada, weather forecasters are wondering if Sandy will be worse than the 'Perfect Storm' of 1991. As seen on article: The Perfect Storm: Hurricane 'Frankenstorm' Sandy



Mass Evacuations History: The List of Mass Evacuations



Have A Nice Day and Safe Halloween.

DYV Administaff.

ABC7 Exclusively Interview With Dr. Angela McCaskill

WASHINGTON - (ABC7DC) - Dr. Angela McCaskill speaks out about Gallaudet dust-up. In her first interview since controversy erupted at Gallaudet University, the school’s chief diversity officer who was placed on leave for signing a petition to put Maryland’s same-sex marriage law on the November ballot says she's not anti-gay and feels bullied.



Angela McCaskill sat down exclusively with ABC7’s Mike Conneen at her home in Upper Marlboro to respond to criticism for inking the petition.



“Signing that petition is a right that I have as a citizen of the state of Maryland. It simply means that I want to see this very sensitive issue put on the ballot as a referendum in the state of Maryland,” McCaskill said.



Her attorney, J. Wyndal Gordan, says McCaskill will not express her personal view on the matter. He says she will do that in the voting booth. Gordon says McCaskill “is considering all options, and not ruling out taking legal action,” hoping to get reinstated at Gallaudet... Read more http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/10/angela-mccaskill-speaks-out-about-gallaudet-dust-up-81076.html



As seen on articles:

Angela McCaskill Placed On Administrative Leave From Gallaudet

Gallaudet University Put Dr. Angela McCaskill for Opposing Gay

Gallaudet Official's Lawyer Speaks About Petition

Dr. Angela McCaskill - Press Conference

Intersectionality, Identity & Angela McCaskill



Video by F.R. Newbrough

Amanda Todd's Story: Struggling, Bullying, Suicide, Self Harm

(ABC News with Captions) - Bullied Teen Leaves Behind Chilling YouTube Video.



Port Coquitlam, Canada - A teenager posted a heartbreaking video on YouTube chronicling years of bullying in school and online, cutting and humiliation up until she died this week.



Amanda Todd, 15, posted the video called "My story: Struggling, bullying, suicide, self harm" on Sept. 7 and was found dead in her home town of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, just over a month later.



"Hello, I've decided to tell you about my never ending story," the black and white video begins. Todd can only be seen from her nose down for most of the video, occasionally moving around so that her face is visible. She silently tells her story through a series of white cards with black marker writing on them.



She describes using webcam chats to meet and talk to new people online as a seventh grade student. She said that people told her she was "stunning, beautiful, perfect" and a man pressured her to flash her chest. One year later, she did... Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/International/bullied-teen-amanda-todd-leaves-chilling-youtube-video/story?id=17463266#.UH5dCXqJmSo



Bullied Teen Amanda Todd's Death Under Investigation.

Canadian authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 15-year-old Amanda Todd, who made a heartbreaking video chronicling years of bullying in school and online, previous suicide attempts and humiliation that lasted up until her death... Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/bullied-teen-amanda-todds-death-investigation/story?id=17489034#.UH5dinqJmSq

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Watch the original video & description by Amanda Todd left a message on YouTube.

Amanda Todd's Story: Struggling, Bullying, Suicide, Self Harm.

I'm struggling to stay in this world, because everything just touches me so deeply. I'm not doing this for attention. I'm doing this to be an inspiration and to show that I can be strong. I did things to myself to make pain go away, because I'd rather hurt myself then someone else. Haters are haters but please don't hate, although im sure I'll get them. I hope I can show you guys that everyone has a story, and everyones future will be bright one day, you just gotta pull through. I'm still here aren't I ?



RIP Amanda Todd - November 27, 1996- October 10, 2012

'My story: Struggling, bullying, suicide, self harm' by Amanda Todd

Watch the original video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOHXGNx-E7E

Video by TheSomebodytoknow

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Deaf vloggers responses: Amanda Todd (Speaking in American sign language)

Angela McCaskill Placed On Administrative Leave From Gallaudet

WASHINGTON - (ABC7) - The Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at Gallaudet University has been placed on paid administrative leave, after allegedly signing a Maryland referendum petition opposing same sex marriage.



Dr. Angela McCaskill became a Deputy to the President and the Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion in January 2011. This afternoon, President Hurwitz released the following statement to students, faculty and staff:



"I want to inform the community that I have placed Dr. Angela McCaskill on paid administrative leave effective immediately. It recently came to my attention that Dr. McCaskill has participated in a legislative initiative that some feel is inappropriate for an individual serving as Chief Diversity Officer; however, other individuals feel differently. I will use the extended time while she is on administrative leave to determine the appropriate next steps taking into consideration the duties of this position at the university. In the meantime an interim Chief Diversity Officer will be announced in the near future."



As first reported in the blog Planet DeafQueer, “a Gallaudet faculty member, who at this time wishes to remain anonymous, noticed Dr. McCaskill’s name, address and signature on the anti-gay marriage petition. Read more: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/10/angela-mccaskill-placed-on-administrative-leave-from-gallaudet--80843.html



Dr. Angela McCaskill, the new Chief Diversity Officer of Gallaudet University, shares her vision and plan and for working with the campus community: Chief Diversity Officer Initiatives

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The Washington Post - Gallaudet diversity officer on paid leave after signing petition on same-sex marriage law.



Gallaudet University’s chief diversity officer was placed on paid leave on Wednesday after school officials learned that she signed a petition challenging a new same-sex marriage law in Maryland.



Angela McCaskill, who has worked for more than 20 years at the university for the deaf and hard of hearing, was among more than 200,000 Maryland residents to sign a petition seeking a referendum vote on the measure. The petition succeeded, and enactment of the law was put on hold pending the outcome of the referendum in November.



On Wednesday, Gallaudet President T. Alan Hurwitz said he had placed McCaskill on administrative leave... Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/gallaudet-diversity-officer-on-paid-leave-after-signing-petition-on-same-sex-marriage-law/2012/10/10/bdb1e720-1332-11e2-a16b-2c110031514a_story.html

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All About Dr. Angela McCaskill

Video sources ridor9th



As seen on articles:

Gallaudet University Put Dr. Angela McCaskill for Opposing Gay

Gallaudet Official's Lawyer Speaks About Petition

Dr. Angela McCaskill - Press Conference

Intersectionality, Identity & Angela McCaskill

Deaf Man Shot During Attempted Robbery

KENSINGTON, PA. - (WPVI ABC) -- Deaf man shot during attempted robbery in Kensington.

Philadelphia police are investigating the shooting of a Deaf man in Kensington early Tuesday morning.



The shooting happened around 4:15 a.m. on the 1800 block of East Thayer Street.



Police say a Deaf man in his 20s was sitting on the front steps of a house with some friends when a suspect approached and announced a robbery.



Investigators say the suspect demanded money from the victim but the man did not understand. That is when the suspect fired a shot, hitting the victim in the stomach.



The victim was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition. Read more: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8823746



Video source WPVI ABC

Movie Highlights Deaf Sports Camp With NBA Star

DENVER, CO. (KMGH ABC 7 NEWS) - Colorado film, 'Spirit of Love,' highlights Deaf community and life of NBA star, Mike Glenn. 'Spirit of Love: The Mike "Stinger" Glenn Story' takes basketball legend's story to big screen. The film will be presented with sign-language and captioning for all audiences. Anne Trujillo reports.



The recreation center in the heart of Denver's Swansea-Eylria neighborhood is busy for the fourth day of filming.



"Action! Rolling camera A," yells a young woman wearing headphones.



There are teens everywhere. Some are operating cameras and computers. Some are making their film debuts as young actors. There's even a retired NBA player in the mix.



All are under the careful direction of Colorado film producer Darla Rae.



"Make sure you keep your energy up. I need to feel the excitement in your voices," said Rae to the group of boys practicing their lines standing next to retired NBA player, Mike "Stinger" Glenn.



For nearly two weeks various locations in Denver have been transformed into scenes to replicate rural Georgia and locations where Glenn grew up.



"It's a feature film based on the story of how I established the nation's first basketball camp for the Deaf and hard of hearing," said Glenn.



Rae argues it's that and so much more. She says the film is named "Spirit of Love" after an award with the same name that Glenn received from the NBA Players Association honoring him for the positive impact he's had on Deaf communities across the country.

Read more: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/colorado-film-spirit-of-love-highlights-deaf-community-and-life-of-nba-star-mike-glenn-



Video source 7NewsDenver

Music Video By Deaf Children On ABC News

Media Video: Music video by Deaf children on ABC News.



HIGHLAND, Mich (WXYZ) - They don’t hear music the way many of us do, but perhaps they hear it the way it’s supposed to be heard: through the whole body.



Ten-year-old Noah Rangel of Lake Orion is Deaf, but that didn’t stop him from feeling the pulse of the White Stripes’ song “We’re Going to be Friends” when he signed the lyrics in a new music video . “Instead of standing and talking and hearing the music like that, we can feel the music,” signed Noah, using American Sign Language. “We just stand and sign the song instead. So it’s really not that much different.”



The Deaf Professional Arts Network, also known as D-Pan, coordinated the music video this summer, shooting it in Bloomfield Hills and featuring children who are either deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Video by wxyztvdetroit



Rangel’s friend, Morgan Nimmo, also appeared in the video, which has gone viral. “I did good!” said seven-year old Morgan during an interview at her home in Highland. “I thought I was going to do bad, but I was great. I was proud of myself.” With more than 258,000 hits on YouTube.com in just a week and a half, she certainly has something to be proud of.



The American Sign Language Music Video By Deaf Children "We're Going To Be Friends".

The original video as seen on: D-PAN ASL Music Video "We're Going To Be Friends" By The White Stripes



White Stripes "We're Going To Be Friends" Produced by D-PAN, the Deaf Professional Arts Network. American Sign Language Direction by Ronald Dans. Directed by Nicholas Hill of Lucky Airlines. Visit www.D-PAN.org for more informations.