Valley View Update

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

Despite overcast and cold weather, the Valley View rally outcome was beyond expectations. This was made possible by the efforts of each and every person who was present at the rally and those who were not, in their contacts to the Office of the Governor, Department of Aging, Department of Public Welfare, and Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging.
 

These efforts resulted in a possible resolution between the State and Elwyn, Inc. to (1) keep the community intact, (2) provide appropriate licensing and (3) provide adequate funding.

Gratitude must be given to Elwyn who came through with the promised provisions: tent, chairs, coffee, tea, water, snacks, and direction signs to the site.

There was an abundance of media buzz at the rally and these produced the following:

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/03/31/news/doc4f77cae6ca6b7843004631.txt

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20120401_Rally_supports_Valley_View_residence_for_the_deaf_and_deaf-blind.html

Robert Traina of iDeafNews was there for the entire duration of the rally. There were also two other video cameras wandering around recording the event: Victoria Mitchell, an interpreter, and David Posner of PSAD.

The rally was composed of a great supportive, attentive crowd of deaf, deaf-blind, and hearing people. Easily, 100 people were in attendance including a representative from AARP and people from previous eras such as Ray Rauanheimo from the Deaf Driver Education days at PSAD.

Reverend Todd Miller opened the rally with a reminder of the biblical mandate to care for the orphans and widows and to show respect and dignity to the deaf and shared a brief invocation

Jeff Yockey came from Scranton and spoke on the behalf of Sue Beidleman, PSAD President.

Sam Hawk was phenomenal as MC. He lined up several deaf organization reps to step up and express their concerns about Valley View generating a seamless flow of enthusiasm and interest from beginning to end. Presenters and organizations included were:

            Catholic Deaf Apostolate, June Goodwin

            Deaf CAN!, Beth Lockard

            Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre, PJ Mattiacci

            Hebrew Association of the Deaf, Robert Katz

            Philly Deaf Ministries, Grace Bishop

            PSAD Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Charles McGowan

            PSD Alumni Association, Mark Marcellino

            Silent Athletic Club, Bud Schrader

Larry Taub, Head of School of Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, provided the closing comments.

Sean Gerlis, an Eastern Region NAD Board Member, was in attendance as an observer. Jeff Yockey, 1st Vice-President of PSAD, Sam Hawk and Lillian Hoshauer (PSAD Members) engaged him in a lengthy discussion after the rally. PSAD looks forward to an active, collaborative working relationship between PSAD and NAD on common goals such as communication access and recognition of the 'Universal Right to Language'.

Interpreters Mary Hesser, Rebecca Ledder, Marge McHenry, and Nancy Sullivan came through
with flying colors suffering the cold starting 9 am --- that's commitment!

Accolades must also be provided for tactile interpreters who, silent and caring, ensured access for deaf-blind individuals in the audience: June Goodwin, Debbie Krausa, Bud Schrader and Rich Stewart.

After April 9th, 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!

The rally was the result of a fantastic collaboration, a moment that must be seized and built from --- a long but doable process.

Finally, recognition must be given to Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre. Chief Executive Officer Iris Boshes committed resources of time, making contacts, preparing media kits, and arranging for volunteer interpreters.

This is just the beginning... Not the end.

View the photographs from the rally at this link:http://bit.ly/HbxDrh.