Valley View Update

3/31/2012; a historic moment in 2-3 minutes . . .

VV Rally outcome beyond expectations despite overcast and COLD weather-

Rally outcome is all because of the efforts of each and every person who were there and those not there, in their calls and letters to the Governor, Departments of Aging and Welfare -

Everyone's efforts has resulted in a possible resolution between State and Elwyn to commit to keep the community intact, provide appropriate licensing and adequate funding.

WE did it!!!

Thanks to Elwyn who came through with provisions as promised - tent, chairs, coffee, tea, water, snacks, signs- Lew Manges, of Elwyn in background- supportive- PSAD looks to follow up with meeting with Elwyn as a next step

Media buzz- cameras and reporters - DelCo Times and Inquirer - ABC and NBC-
 

Robert Traina from I DeafNews there whole time. There were 2 other video cameras wandering around videoing the whole event -Victoria Mitchell, an interpreter & David Posner for PSAD.

Sean Gerlis, Nad Eastern Region Board Member was there from NY- Jeff, Sam, and Lillian had a good discussion with him after the rally. PSAD looks forward to an active, collaborative working relationship between PSAD and NAD for common goals such as this (guarantee of communication access, not isolation) and recognition of the 'Universal Right to Language'

a great supportive, attentative crowd - deaf, deaf/blind, hearing- easily 100 people I - AARP rep there- Ray Rauanheimo from Deaf Driver Ed days at PSAD

Sam Hawk was phenomenal as MC - lined up several deaf organization reps to step up and signed their concerns about Valley View.

Larry Taub, PSD Superintendent, presented the closing comments following the above comments-

Sam kept the Rally moving - a seamless flow of enthusiasm and interest from beginning to end

Interpreters, Mary Hesser, Rebecca Ledder, Marge McHenry, Nancy Sullivan, came thru
with flying colors- suffered the cold along with us starting 9 am (that's commitment)

Grateful for the deaf interpreters who, silent and caring, provided access to the deaf/blind people throughout the audience- June Goodwin, Debbie Krausa, Bud Schrader and Rich Stewart (not deaf :))

Reverend Todd Miller opened the VV Rally with a reminder of the biblical mandate to care for the orphans and widows and to show the Deaf respect and dignity, then shared a brief invocation

Jeff Yockey, VP of PSAD- made it down from Scranton - spoke in behalf of Sue Beidleman, President for the welcome and thanks to Elwyn for all the hospitality extended. He spoke at end re: next step for PSAD

Vlog and letter samples to write to the Governor and other Government officials-
to be posted on the PSAD website- www.psadweb.org - look for it!

Fantastic collaboration as we moved along made everything come together
for a historical moment (including a plan to allow for this Vlog-letter campaign to
happen)

We must seize the moment and build from there - long, but doable process

DHCC came through for PSAD big time- Iris committed resources of time, making contacts, preparing Media Kit hand outs, arranging for interpreters- all Media Kits handed out including I-DeafNews- PJ given OK to act as liaison for PSAD - Iris Boshes was at site before most of us!- assisting as need- PJ got the message across well-

God orchestrated throughout these 2 weeks and truly blessed our efforts- Kudos to Him
for a blessed outcome

Just the beginning . . . not the end