Latest news with #AmericanSignLanguage
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Deaf and hard of hearing students bond through beach games in annual event
Olivia Eassie is one of just two students who are deaf or hard of hearing at Spectrum Community School in Saanich, B.C., but she says she's never been self-conscious about it. That's in large part thanks to the sense of community and empowerment she gets from local events, like the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Beach Day, which was held on Wednesday at Cadboro-Gyro Park in Saanich, a municipality in the Greater Victoria area. "My mom's even told me, don't be insecure about it — and I've told her: 'I'm not, I honestly never have been.' I mean, this makes me feel comfortable that I'm deaf when I'm here," Eassie said, looking around at a group of students playing tug-of-war. The beach day, which welcomed 85 deaf and hard of hearing students from across Southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, along with teachers and parents, is an annual event hosted by the Greater Victoria School District. For more than 30 years, it's brought students from kindergarten to Grade 12 together with games and ice cream, in the hopes of them building friendships and support networks, said Megan Jantz, a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing in the district. At a time when teachers and parents across the province are calling for B.C. to send financial relief to school districts they say are facing increased funding pressures — and limited resources to meet the needs of students with disabilities — it's a welcome moment of celebration. "That's kind of our aim, to have fun, make connections, and for the kids to meet other kids like themselves — because typically they're [one of] like one or two only in a whole school," said Jantz. "They've said they just feel less alone and can be more their true self in environments and situations like this." In addition, the event helps students learn how others have overcome everyday challenges or advocated for themselves, she said. This year, students did carnival activities, undertook a braille scavenger hunt, chased down "Waldo" — which was Jantz, dressed in a candy-cane striped shirt and a pom-pom winter hat – and competed in an Amazing Race-style competition. The day ended with the three winners of the Amazing Race heaving a trophy over their heads during an awards ceremony, as onlookers raised their open palms, twisting their wrists — a raucous applause in American Sign Language. There were also local disability agencies on hand to let students and their families know about resources. Grade 11 student Eassie has been attending the beach day since she was in elementary school and met one of her closest friends, another girl with hearing loss, at the event years ago. Now, Eassie volunteers at the beach day. Eassie said seeing the faces of younger students light up while playing games or chatting lifts her own spirits. "You don't see a lot of other kids with cochlears, or having the same sort of experience that you had, but this place does that for you," said Eassie, who wears two cochlear implants tucked between her ears and braided hair. Earlier this week, educators and parents raised concerns about funding for disability services and other programs in schools. On Monday, a group of parents across the province rallied at the B.C. Legislature, calling for more funding for public education as numerous districts face budget shortfalls and the threat of looming cuts. Carolyn Howe, president of the Greater Victoria Teachers' Association, said only 70 per cent of the cost for running services for students with disabilities is covered by the province — which can lead to other school programs like music education being cut back. A survey released by the B.C. Teachers' Federation in its 2023-24 report found only 13 per cent of the province's teachers felt the needs of students with disabilities or diverse needs were being completely met. The annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Beach Day is possible due to partial provincial funding, Jantz said. Although the funding is not currently under threat, she said the school district has limited resources. She is one of just three deaf and hard of hearing teachers providing in-school advocacy and support across the Greater Victoria School District, which she says leaves them "spread quite thin." Accessibility tools — like classroom assisted listening devices and interpreters — also come at a cost. "Funding is definitely hard, but we put a tiny bit of our budget to this [event] because we know the importance and value of this." Events like the beach day show the importance of pushing for these services, both in the classroom and out, she said. "I actually have graduated students who are in university and college asking me when they can come and volunteer because they see the value of the friendships that they've made here, the connections that they've made … just to see that they're not alone is huge," she said.
Indianapolis Star
20 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
'She was brave': Zara's grieving mother hopes girl's killing prompts change
Editor's note: This article contains descriptions of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All adults are mandated reporters in Indiana. Zara Arnold was a "radiant little soul" whose brown eyes beamed with the wonder and curiosity of a 5-year-old. Her warmth was felt through the way she would sign, "I love you," in American Sign Language (ASL) to her mother, Tiara Finch, who is deaf. The vibration of Zara's laughter is what her mother remembers most. "Her giggle was the kind that stuck with you," Finch told IndyStar. "She was hearing, but I taught her ASL. It was the only language we used to communicate." Zara loved going to school, socializing with her friends, and dressing up as a princess. Although her life was cut short, Finch wants people to know that she made an impact. While the city struggles to understand how so many opportunities to keep Zara safe were missed, Finch wants people to also remember her daughter's smile and pureness. "She was brave in ways small and big and endlessly loved," Finch said. Her pure heart was displayed in the last words she said to her accused killer. Zara Arnold: Prosecutor looking into 'everybody' tied to 5-year-old's brutal killing, abuse Just before 11 a.m. on May 19, 2025, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to a home in the 200 block of North Lasalle Street for an unresponsive 5-year-old girl. The only person in the home was Zara's father, 41-year-old Zachary Arnold. Cold to the touch and her body rigid, Zara was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives noticed she had multiple bruises and abrasions on her arms and face. There was bruising on the side of her neck. She appeared to have dried blood on her face, and nearby in a kitchen sink was a small tank top with blood. According to a probable cause for his arrest, Arnold later admitted to choking Zara two to three times the night before and has choked her on numerous occasions before. He claimed he wasn't trying to hurt Zara, but he was fighting with his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Lopez-Figueroa, and said she made him "go crazy." Later, police found videos on Lopez-Figueroa's phone of Arnold choking Zara and using a noose around her neck. 'Why'd you hurt me? Why'd you hurt me? I love you, Dad," were the last words the 5-year-old said, according to Arnold. He was arrested and formally charged with murder. Lopez-Figueroa was charged with assisting a criminal and failure to make a report for not calling 911. Finch has been facing homelessness and is working with groups and resources to help her get back on her feet and deal with the loss of her daughter. According to court documents, the mother had not seen Zara since September of 2024. Finch left Arnold when Zara was about 10 months old after claims of abuse, and between then and now, there was a long history of court orders, custody battles, and Finch not feeling like her concerns were heard. Despite a spate of subsequent concerns about other possible abuse, a Marion County judge ordered Finch to stop contacting police and the Department of Child Services with concerns about her daughter's safety. Alongside justice in her daughter's death, Finch wants people to take note of how a system tasked with keeping her safe failed. Tiara Finch: 5-year-old Zara was tortured and killed after Indiana judge silenced mom's pleas for help Finch declined to speak to the ongoing case and is instead focusing her attention on funeral arrangements and attaining resources. She has a GoFundMe set up for funeral costs for Zara and MealTrain representatives are collecting donations for the mother. Zara Arnold will be laid to rest on June 7, 2025.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hold monthly ASL-Interpreted programs
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Beginning in June, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting programs once a month featuring American Sign Language interpreters. The programs will run through November and include a range of activities, from taking a hike with a ranger, learning about mountain life to meeting some of the creatures that call the Smokies home. Park staff is working with ASL interpreters and students from the University of Tennessee and Maryville College to present the events. Zoo Knoxville welcomes new litter of bat-eared fox kits Saturday, June 28 Portraits from the Past (9 a.m. at John Oliver parking area in Cades Cove) Drop-In History (10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Cable Mill Historic Area) Sunday, July 20 Kuwohi Guided Hike (9 a.m. at Kuwohi parking area) Mingus Mill program (2 p.m. at Mingus Mill) Sunday, August 17 Walker Sisters Hike (11 a.m. at Little Greenbrier School) Stream Splashers (2 p.m. at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area) Friday, September 12 Bear Aware Drop In (1-3 p.m. at Cades Cove Orientation Shelter) Cove After Dark Walk (8 p.m. at the Cades Cove Orientation Shelter) Tuesday, October 7 History of Daisytown (11 a.m. at Jakes Creek parking area) Hiking 101 (1 p.m. at Little River Trailhead) Friday, November 7 Down on the Farm drop-in (10 a.m.-noon at the Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee) Wild About the Smokies (3 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center) The programs are open to all visitors and do not require reservations. Funding was provided by the National Park Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Inspector finds off temperatures, no sanitizer at Chinese restaurant in Morristown To find more events taking place on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit the park's online event calendar. Details about locations, topics, and how prepare will be listed on the calendar. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
'She was brave': Zara's grieving mother hopes girl's killing prompts change
Zara Arnold was a "radiant little soul" whose brown eyes beamed with the wonder and curiosity of a 5-year-old. Her warmth was felt through the way she would sign, "I love you," in American Sign Language (ASL) to her mother, Tiara Finch, who is deaf. The vibration of Zara's laughter is what her mother remembers most. "Her giggle was the kind that stuck with you," Finch told IndyStar. "She was hearing, but I taught her ASL. It was the only language we used to communicate." Zara loved going to school, socializing with her friends, and dressing up as a princess. Although her life was cut short, Finch wants people to know that she made an impact. While the city struggles to understand how so many opportunities to keep Zara safe were missed, Finch wants people to also remember her daughter's smile and pureness. "She was brave in ways small and big and endlessly loved," Finch said. Her pure heart was displayed in the last words she said to her accused killer. Zara Arnold: Prosecutor looking into 'everybody' tied to 5-year-old's brutal killing, abuse Just before 11 a.m. on May 19, 2025, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to a home in the 200 block of North Lasalle Street for an unresponsive 5-year-old girl. The only person in the home was Zara's father, 41-year-old Zachary Arnold. Cold to the touch and her body rigid, Zara was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives noticed she had multiple bruises and abrasions on her arms and face. There was bruising on the side of her neck. She appeared to have dried blood on her face, and nearby in a kitchen sink was a small tank top with blood. According to a probable cause for his arrest, Arnold later admitted to choking Zara two to three times the night before and has choked her on numerous occasions before. He claimed he wasn't trying to hurt Zara, but he was fighting with his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Lopez-Figueroa, and said she made him "go crazy." Later, police found videos on Lopez-Figueroa's phone of Arnold choking Zara and using a noose around her neck. 'Why'd you hurt me? Why'd you hurt me? I love you, Dad," were the last words the 5-year-old said, according to Arnold. He was arrested and formally charged with murder. Lopez-Figueroa was charged with assisting a criminal and failure to make a report for not calling 911. Finch has been facing homelessness and is working with groups and resources to help her get back on her feet and deal with the loss of her daughter. According to court documents, the mother had not seen Zara since September of 2024. Finch left Arnold when Zara was about 10 months old after claims of abuse, and between then and now, there was a long history of court orders, custody battles, and Finch not feeling like her concerns were heard. Despite a spate of subsequent concerns about other possible abuse, a Marion County judge ordered Finch to stop contacting police and the Department of Child Services with concerns about her daughter's safety. Alongside justice in her daughter's death, Finch wants people to take note of how a system tasked with keeping her safe failed. Tiara Finch: 5-year-old Zara was tortured and killed after Indiana judge silenced mom's pleas for help Finch declined to speak to the ongoing case and is instead focusing her attention on funeral arrangements and attaining resources. She has a GoFundMe set up for funeral costs for Zara and MealTrain representatives are collecting donations for the mother. Zara Arnold will be laid to rest on June 7, 2025.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Deaf Americans sue Trump over lack of sign language interpreters for White House events
Deaf Americans sue Trump over lack of sign language interpreters for White House events A 2020 court ruling mandated the White House provide real-time translations via American Sign Language. President Trump halted their use in January. Show Caption Hide Caption What is 'TACO trade,' a new phrase angering President Trump? 'TACO trade' is a jab at President Donald Trump's propensity to impose or threaten tariffs and later back off. WASHINGTON - A group of Deaf Americans who previously forced the White House to provide American Sign Language interpreters during press briefings is asking a federal judge to again intervene after President Donald Trump halted their use in January. In a lawsuit filed May 28, the National Association of the Deaf argued that the Trump White House's removal of ASL interpreters at press conferences and briefings violates federal law. The same group previously forced the White House to provide interpreters for COVID-19 briefings during Trump's first presidency, and former President Joe Biden expanded their use when he took office. The lawsuit says Trump stopped using sign language interpreters upon taking office a second time, violating the 2020 ruling by Judge James Boasberg, who at the time said providing closed captioning or written transcripts is insufficient. Boasberg is the chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and has been repeatedly criticized by Trump over unrelated immigration rulings. "Federal law unequivocally prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires them to have meaningful access to the federal government's programs and services," the lawsuit alleges. "Failing to provide ASL interpreters deprives deaf people of meaningful access to the White House's press briefings." The lawsuit includes two Deaf people − Derrick Ford and Matthew Bonn − as plaintiffs, and notes that hundreds of thousands of deaf Americans speak only ASL, and may not communicate at all in English. Trump in March declared English to be the official language of the United States, and rescinded a 2000 executive order that encouraged the executive branch to make services available to people of limited English proficiency, including ASL speakers. The NAD asked the White House to reinstate ASL translation but received no response, the group said in its lawsuit. Members of the Deaf community have long worried about lack of access to ASL interpreters, especially during times of crisis. The 2020 lawsuit from the NAD specifically cited the ongoing pandemic as a reason for having real-time translations instead of providing closed captioning or transcripts. ASL translators have also become an increasingly common sight at concerts, with Taylor Swift, among others, using them to bring lyrics to life for deaf people.
