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DODHH Community Letter September 24, 2007

Posted by handsgiventofly in Announcements.
6 comments

 

Download the letter to print: DODHH Community Letter

 

 

http://www.house.mi.gov/find_a_rep.asp – to find your house rep
http://senate.michigan.gov/ – to find your senator

Any questions or concerns, you may contact:

Freida Morrison at aslmorrison@yahoo.com
Sheri Ann Garnand at sgarnand@tmail.com

________________________________________________________________________

TRANSCRIPT:

 

Hello, I’m Sheri Ann Garnard. We are here today because I feel it is extremely important that I share information with you all. I cannot stress how important this issue is. That issue is about DODHH – Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Lansing, Michigan. First, let’s clarify what DODHH does for us. They provide:

 

  • Technology Assistance
  • Oversight of Interpreters – screening, testing
  • Auxiliary aids & assistive devices- TTY, hearing aids, FM system
  • Police training- cultural sensitivity
  • Advocacy

As many of you know, Chris Hunter retired in April 2007. They did not hire a replacement. The reason for the lack of the replacement is due to the state of Michigan’s budget problems. So, if you have problems at work, face discrimination, your rights to an interpreter are violated, DODHH cannot help you. They do not have a Deaf Specialist who understands those issues, We need someone who understands discrimination and oppression and be able to discuss and give us more insights on how to deal with our problems.

The question arises: What can we do? Last summer we had several meetings to discuss and draft a letter. As a result of those meetings, we mailed a letter to DODHH in Lansing. However, we received no response. That shows that Lansing has no concerns about us and the issues we are facing.

So what can we do now? Here’s where you come in and help us and each other! You have 2 options:

  • You can write a letter in your own words and mail it to them.

OR

  • You can find DODHH Community letter below the screen. Click on link,

Print, sign and mail it.

Please send your letter to 4 people! One letter to one person is NOT enough! Send to:

1. Governor Jennifer Grandholm

2. The Executive Director of DODHH

3. Your State Senator

4. Your House Rep

If you don’t know who your representative is- click on link- www.mich.gov, and enter your zip code. You will see the name of your rep and his/her address. Send your letter to that address on your screen.

Any questions or concerns? Email me or Freida Morrison. We will help you.

Thank you for watching.

*Thanks to Jeannette Johnson for the transcript