Category Archives: deaf

I was looking for something in Google.com, and I accident found something very interesting site, DeafLibrary, the deaf resource library.   It is like a virtual library -- an online collection of reference material and links intended to educate and inform people about Deaf cultures in Japan, the United States and the world.

Everything in this site have national & state deaf organizations, cultures, schools and universities, scholarships, clubs, sign language resources, and many more...

Don't you think this is better than American Sign Language Sites?

I found the unique humor image of ASL in deaf message board:

I found the unique United Kingdom website, Deaf Gamers. What it does?

I found the interesting true and unsolved story about deaf woman, Sonya Fitzpatrick in Unsolved Mysteries:

In the annual in February, I have seen the freshmen girls and boys from Gallaudet University, shaved on their heads. That is their tradition.

I have heard about this in six years, and I still never thought about asking them why they are doing this. Most of my friends think they are idiot to become a followers or cult, every person could be aggressive than other followers to make more of a team.

Last Saturday, the new freshmen did shave the heads again. I still don’t get the point why they’re doing the stupid way every year. Today I finally asked the Gallaudet student about this stupid question. It’s called Locks of Love, a non-profit organization providing custom-made vacuum hair pieces to children with long-term or permanent medical hair loss. Sounds like charity to me. It really impressed me, I never thought of calling people idiot not to have their hair off on their heads.

Interesting, I guess those really help a lot that way. But I kept asking why the freshmen girls are doing that way? The girls don’t care their own hair. They have to be strong and brave themselves to take a hair off on their head, for once-a-time lifetime experience.

If I am doing that to me, I would do it because of I am male. It doen't harm at any way. If I am female, I refuse to do that, because of I have a million reasons why I need my hair. Hair is symbolic of nature, style looks, and love.

UPDATE 2/10/04 4:31pm: NTID & RIT is going to have Locks of Love Cut Day in March 28th.   I do believe this is first time at RIT, and is this copycat from Gallaudet?

I found the interesting article from CNN about the New Testament (Holy Bible) translated into American Sign Language for DVD, will go on sale this summer.   I am very curious of buying this, and I need to know I could find the title name of DVD.   I tried to find in Google, and all I could find ASL Bible.   I think of myself, ASL Bible doesn't look complete New Testament.

Anyone can help me out to find the title name of DVD for New Testament into ASL?

Have you heard The Betts Bro?   The brothers are deaf, MAC user, both are current students at RIT.   They made tons of portfolios (websites, logos, videos and icons).   Also, they produced the silent short videos.   I like MR.V, its ending is red-faced humorous.   Also, they have blog, and I do not think you might see this on Internet Explorer browser.

The universal defines the relation to, extending to, or affecting the entire world or all within the world. I agreed with Bionic Ear Blog, which she is saying that sign language is not universal.

However, American Sign Language (ASL) is a foreign language. I told my dad about that, and he disagreed. He was saying that the first word, �American� the place where we live here in United States and learn the sign language which we used in America. I explained to him, which most of ASL signs borrow from French sign language date back in 1700s with conventional gestures, hand signs and finger spelling which is still using today in America and French. Today, most of the signs are very similar both in America and French. Currently, there are common different kinds of sign languages we see today in America: ASL, ESL (English), and SSE (Singed Exact English)

I am only first deaf child in my family generation. I could tell my dad is using non-universal sign language at our home. I call them, home sign language. Since I was little kid, my parents found out that I was deaf. My parents decided to take ASL classes to learn and get prepared for a communication with me through my ages. Since, my dad grew older and I grew to become adult, my dad has evolved his sign language on his own mind in our house, he uses his home sign language, to talk with me.

For example, he use finger spelling, take a look of short video clip of his sign of my first name. As you seen he spelled his sign, K-A-V-I-K. He thinks of himself saying, D-A-V-I-D. I understand what he was saying, because I can read his lips and sign at same time. Also, I have known my dad and his home signs for many years.

Every countries, states, homes and even deaf communities have their different sign language, that is, not universal.

If you are looking to learn American Sign Language (ASL) on the web, you are in the right place!   ASL Browser, developed by Michigan State University, where you can look up 2,500 videos of ASL signs.   You need Quicktime program, to view their short clip signs.

Most of the ASL Browser material found on Personal Communicator CD-ROM which contains the rich graphics, sound, video , interactivity, and instant connection found which web site does not have. Personal Communicator was developed in 1994-1996.

I like to look and find some of few signs which I never heard or existed, I like to learn those signs!

Found the picture via Zephyrsea:

Signing and Driving Kills.   I felt this picture could be modified in Photoshop, the finger spelling could be used by Gallaudet font and the lettering in bottom isn't straight.

Well, I tend to sign with my deaf friends next to front seat in the car during driving, and I have two eyes with me, one is eyeing on the road, and other one is listen, er, seeing the signs.   I'm always cautious, safety comes first.

Anyway, Still don't get it what the finger spelling says?   It says, "Shut up and Drive."

I have seen handicapped signs: "DEAF CHILD AREA", "CAUTION BLIND PEDESTRIAN" everywhere on the streets. I find the unique handicapped sign for animal on the website:

Well, I don't see anywhere like this in WebRing Traffic & Road Signs.

Deaf Professional Happy Hour (DPHH) is a nonprofit social deaf organization, to have a gather together at pre-selected bars (include DJ, dance, foods and drinks) every month. DPHH’s goal is to bring the deaf community together for the purpose of networking, socializing and most importantly, fun. DPHH first established in Washington, D.C.; their organization are growing across the USA cities: Houston, Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth and Pittsburgh which was opened in March 2004.

I have been there 3 times since March, and I really enjoyed a lot. I met new faces of deaf, and old from WPSD, my old school in Pittsburgh. A committee asked me if I can do DPHH Pittsburgh website to make a better web design, and I would volunteer to do because this website is very small project, it could give me a day to complete. I will post next entry whenever it opens.

New, Improved Website for Alumni Association By James DeBee ’76, President

Members of the Alumni Association of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf will find new and improved resources online at http://www.wpsdalumni.org.

The Alumni Association has offered a password-protected online alumni directory. Feedback and suggestions from alumnus led to these enhancements. Upgrades will continue based on feedback from alumni.

Alumni can use the directory to:
• Look for a former classmate using the name search function to pull up current contact information
• Search for business contacts by title or company name
• Locate alumni in a specific geographic area by searching city or state

As always, privacy protection is a top priority. Alumni control their listing and can go online to update or “hide” specific contact information by making changes to their listing.

The directory is the first upgrade to the alumni website. Other improvements on the way include:
• A class notes feature where alumni can upload pictures and more detailed information on their activities
• Profiles highlighting accomplishments of business school alumni
• Upgraded online career resources

We added more information:
• Alumni Association’s by-law & constitution
• Alumni Association’s minute reports
• Alumni Events
• Alumni’s WPSD Historical & Photos
• Alumni’s Yearbook Collection (1969 to 2000)
• Alumin’s Lion Store
• Add your own event photos and stories in Alumni Gallery
• Applications & Nominations for Awards and officer elections
• Your Opinion Vote on any issue
• Pre-registration for Alumni Reunion
• News Announcements & Alumni President’s message
• School and Career links
• More...

The Alumni Board Members hired our alumnus, David Fulmer ’96 to redesign and improve our alumni website. David just graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in February 2004. We are proud to have him as webmaster as well as WPSD Alumni. He has done an excellent job!

• Cascading Style Sheets powerhouse for design layout
• Seperate template files (header, footer, navigation, content, etc.) includes into one PHP page for easy to edit the layout in future
• PHP and MySQL - allowing for user registration and log-in and alumnus database management
• Wiki allows WPSD board members and administrator to edit, delete or modify the alumnus directory and link resources that has been placed on the Web by using browser interface -- without help from me
• Third-party PHP web tools. I installed Gallery, WordPress and Advance Poll. Board members can manage news blog, pictures and poll

Via inbox:

Other 12 things you didn't know about the Presidents:

1. Thomas Jefferson has a Deaf slave family at Monticello. Their expertise in making the finest Virginian wine from its vineyard.

2. Theodore Roosevelt has a Deaf guide on his exploration of the west discovered an area what is now known as Yellowstone National Park.

3. George W. Bush often jog with I. King Jordan on the Gallaudet track.

4. Abraham Lincoln learned fingerspelling from Edward Miner Gallaudet at the White House before attending Ford Theater that evening.

5. Dwight D. Eisenhower often uses a Deaf war department civilians to send secret codes in sign language to his field officers before the D-Day to avoid interception by the Nazis.

6. George Washington temporary uses a Yorktown Deaf family's home as his headquarters in October 1781, site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War.

7. Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson once killed a Deaf man in a duel over his girlfriend before the War of 1812 in New Orleans.

8. Ronald "The Great Communicator" Reagan once had a character role of Alexander Graham Bell in a film which was never released.

9. John F. Kennedy often party on Martha's Vineyard in which a few local Deaf residents in attendance.

10. in 1918, Woodrow Wilson became was the only president ever to be a commencement speaker at Gallaudet College. He uses the occasion to promote the "League of Nation."

11. A Deaf White House aide pushes Franklin D. Roosevelt, a victim of Polio, in his wheelchair on his campaigns for reelections.

12. Richard M. Nixon was the first president to use a certified sign language interpreter, unfortunately it was for his resignation speech shortly after watergate.

Is these are all true? I think so.

Here are interesting facts about five Deaf athletes participated in Athens Olympics 2004. The result:

Hugo Passos, Portugal in 60 kg Greco-Roman Wrestling lost 0-10 and 7-12, he earned no class points.

Tony Ally, Great Britain, in 3m springboard diving; qualified in preliminary as rank 16th and disqualified in semifinals as ranked 15th.

Terence Parkin, South Africa in 200m breaststroke swimming; disqualified in semifinals as rank 12th and 4x100m individual medley swimming; disqualified in heats as rank 13th.

Frank Bartolillo, Australia, in Men’s Individual Foil fencing; rank 27th out of 64.

Tamika Catchings, USA in women’s basketball team won the gold medal. However, in finals, she played more minutes than any USA players and only managed one point against Australia.

Congratulations to Tamika, is the only deaf person won the Olympic gold medal.

Reference via: NBCOlympics.com and Yahoo Groups: USA-L News.

Olympic Fever is over. They will bring the torch to Beijing in 2008 Summer Olympics. But there’s more – yet another Deaf Olympics – Deaflympics in Melbourne, Australia in January 5th to 16th 2005.

Like Olympics, Deaflympics (originally called Deaf World Games), the Games are for only Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to complete at an elite level which are held every four years, a year after Summer Olympics. Deaflympic Games, under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee, is the second oldest multi sport and cultural festival on earth since the Inaugural Games in Paris in 1924.

Today is Election Day. Kerry or Bush? According to deafRepublicans.com: (Thanks, Justin!)

Some people told me that Bush said, "Deaf people should get job". Well, According to myself, I have been struggling to find job for eight months that time I was unemployed; and sixteen months for no job or internship since I am finished at RIT in May 2003. I had been interview six times and all of them were failed to get job, because of deaf issues with communication (American Sign Language is primary language and English is secondary.) Discrimination. Against EOE.

If the closed TV captioned cut, then how can we understand from watching TV without closed captioned? Sorenson VRS interpreting service might freeze or reduce VRS service. The students of deaf in colleges will shrink if VR cuts the financial.

Ahem. I see Bush never had their deaf relatives in past family generations. Also, George W. Bush and King Jordan often jog together on the Gallaudet track and they are laughing each other.

Now, are you ready for Election Day eh?

UPDATE 8:24pm: I recieved few comments who fired back about false statements in deafrepublicans.com. I must admit to tell you, that I made a mistake because I haven't read a whole article about this in their site. However, the story is mixed up in my mind, because I am not really into politician. I do like to watch who wins the president candidate.

I’m not quite happy with InSight Cinema not providing more OC movies in Pittsburgh area in last two years. The OC movie comes out average one time in two months. For me, I almost never miss attending the OC movies, I can see the average of ten people (either hearing or deaf) attended OC movies. Rarely, I saw more than 30 deaf or hearing people attended only watch the blockbuster movies. Occasionally, the OC movies tend to schedule on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; each have afternoon and night times.

From 1999 to 2003, I lived in Rochester for four years during my college times at RIT, I was pleased to have my flexible schedule times to visit open captioned (OC) movies in one place. An OC movie schedule has seven days a week to show all times. That is because of, Rochester is the largest deaf community in United States, according to word-of-mouth from Deaf Heritage class.

Is the result the not enough for the advertisement to Pittsburgh people to know when OC movie is coming out in Pittsburgh area? Or the lack of schedule times? Lack of movie popularity? My deaf friend, Linda Langer has done great job advertising in Yahoo Groups: Pittsburgh Events to send the subscription emails. I felt it is still not enough for me.

Last week I visited there is new website of social resource for the deaf in their city – DeafDC.com. This site provides the benefit information about deaf events and career opportunities in Washington, D.C. Even, they have schedule of OC movies coming out. And DPHH too. I already knew in my dream a year ago that I would like to create like that one in Pittsburgh deaf site. The problem is who will be motivate to have daily responsibilities over the site to update?

Anyway, one last thing, I sent email to InSight Cinema few weeks ago for my question – I would like to see XML/RSS feed to update the OC movie dates and places in their site; I could feed them in my website. From now, I have heard nothing from them. Sigh.

Last week, I posted my entry, Pittsburgh OC movie lackstuer. In this very last paragrah, I was asked them a suggestion the XML/RSS feed in their website. Now finally, they replied back:

Found via Engadget > Textually.org > Orlando Sentinel.

Here is quick summary from Engadget:

Like many groups united by distinct traits, the deaf have long had their own culture, centered around local deaf clubs, where the hearing-impaired could meet and participate in community events. Now, according to an article in the Orlando Sentinel, deaf culture is in danger of being wiped out by some of the very technologies that have made it easier for the deaf to participate in mainstream life: email and text messaging — not to mention closed-caption TV. "Lost to the new technologies of e-mail and text-messaging are the emotions and inflections of deaf communication," the Sentinel article states. While the same argument could be made about the hearing, the deaf already face isolation, and advocates are exploring ways to keep them together as a community, while recognizing the double-edged sword presented by new technologies.

People of the Deaf use their pager for two hot topics in social networking: email and instant messenger. Like the hearing people use their cell phone, Deaf takes their advantage to use text for communicating through the email and/or instant messenger instantly.

I don’t think our technology will fade Deaf culture in some specific ways. I believe the technology and Deaf culture are evolving. If Deaf culture does not act to change their actions for technologies, it could dismiss their culture.

The other way is technology could destroy Deaf clubs. Back in beginning of 20th century, there were huge number of deaf people attended the Deaf clubs to socialize, and caring each other during the time there are no technologies. The technology has created innovate and evolved through several decades. Deaf people find themselves to have advantage to use devices such as TTY, pagers, computer, closed captioned on television, and it is the biggest reason to decline the number of people to gather the Deaf clubs today.

Deaf events and organizations has been growing stronger than before, like USFFD, Deaf Chat Coffee, and DPHH Networking, big thanks to world wide web. We can keep in touch with their activities to enjoy our Deaf culture pastime.

Deaf Culture will, ever never dies forever.

DPHH is Deaf Professional Happy Hour. If you still don't get what DPHH, go to previous entry to find out what it means.

Let me tell you the history of DPHH: Five years ago, the people of the Deaf from Washington, D.C. realized that there are no deaf clubs in their location, so the alumnus of NTID/RIT and employers decide to establish their new activities for Deaf social network, and DPHH is born. Five years forward today, DPHH has become word-of-mouth and grown across the cities such as Houston, Pittsburgh, Sioux Falls, Northwest States, Oklahoma and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Now, some of their locations decide to change their name to DHH instead DPHH. DPHH is Deaf Professional Happy Hour, and DHH is Deaf Happy Hour. A month ago, I got forwarded email from Long and Brian which they discussed the differences between DHH and DPHH, and how they work:

Long to Brian: I appreciate your questions/suggestions in regards to DPHH. Unfortunately, we as the DPHH committee volunteers to maintain DPHH.NET philosophies. DPHH.NET is in the process of creating new sections of employment opportunities and articles related to deaf professionals. Our goal is to allow everyone network and further their opportunities among deaf and hearing community.

Dallas DPHH has their reason for changing its name. Their decision was made by new host/coordinator who I believe does not understand the core meaning of DPHH. However, Dallas will maintain the very same ideal of hosting different bars by exploring variety of places all over the city. In addition, excluding the term professional loses its integrity to recognize that deaf professionals are out there to advance their careers.

As for negative remarks - it's not feasible for us to satisfy everyone, they are entitled to their own opinion and we're not going to change it without any probable cause. If you feel strongly about the name change and including children, perhaps you should contact the local deaf club such as Houston Association for the Deaf, get a babysitter to cover for both of you, or establish your own club where you can include family.

Last of all, your profanity simply lacks maturity which isn't necessary by any means. In the near future, please refrain any foul language or you will no longer deserve my attention.

---

Brian to Long:
Just a few input and questions as well. Dallas DPHH changed to DHH I suggest you all to change too or another name. I have been hearing nothing but negative remarks lately. Also MUST to have bar?? Carlotta and I miss socializing with our friends but can't since we have a baby now however if it was at a more friendly place that would draw more people with children? Or are you all prerogatives drinking and getting shit faced?

First of all, deaf professional the word itself is almost invalid because to my knowledge professionals don't have to always drink to establish a professional exposure. The intent of establishing DPHH was to expose the deaf culture, people etc to the city of Houston so they can be more aware with who we, deaf people are. So far from the websites in the past only showed me people getting drunk, getting out of control or whatsoever. I just laugh at the word professional you and I can agree that not even 1/8 of attendants are professionals including myself... unless u have a different point of perspective. I am speaking out and trying to make it friendlier for those who desire socialization whatever their conflicts are. I don't think deaf people can afford to be cliquey since after all, it’s a small world we live in. I'm sorry that the DPHH committee isn't willing to hear their peers out and make it a great thing for all ages. After all we could have a grand ol picnic and then retire to a favorite bar for those who love to drink and so forth. Just like July of fourth what happened to that?

Lastly, the committee was kind of hand picked and without government. There isn't much I could do but suggest you and the committee to reconsider this only because this deaf world we live in is small world.

You also speak of employment opportunities.... At a bar?? Hmm just help with me out that I don't get it....

I apologize for using the word shit faced but as in DPHH nights there are profanities worse than that but again I apologize.

---

Long to Brian:
Let's look at the term professional (n). According to the dictionary, it states:
1. A person following a profession, especially a learned profession.
2. One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation.
3. A skilled practitioner; an expert.

That sums up the concept of professional... Does it mean you have to have college degree or whatever it is to become professional? No, it can be something that a person excels in their line of work for years. Nothing more, nothing less.

Ask yourself, have you had the chance to meet every single person and learn about their occupation? If you did, then I could surely use your help to increase my network among deaf community. I know I haven't and I certainly will try my best without judging anyone. Assumption about who they are or what they do is a dangerous act that ought to be set aside.

Statistically, we get about an average of 100 - 125 people each month. Based on my experience, approximately 25% of these people are professional and the rest is unknown since I have not met everyone, in college or whatever it may be. That's 1 in 4 chances you'll meet professional people. How cool is that? Granted, exposing deaf culture to hearing society is one of few reasons, but the sole purpose of professionalism is to encourage higher learning education and better career by sharing/networking one another despite of anyone's background.

As for alcohol, we are all adults... Alcohol plays small role when attracting people where everyone can enjoy and relax. It's a matter of choice. Even I know people who come to DPHH and socialize without drinking. Using bars is a great method to attract and show around Houston that people have yet to discover. Inspire of anyone's drunkenness, it's their responsibility to take care of themselves. We provide a place and time where adults can mingle, hence not exactly for families. What happens after that is beyond our control. In the end, we are all mature to make our own decision. Restriction is not something that people respond well.

July 4th.. I don't recall anything about it. July 4th didn't even fall on 2nd Saturday of 2004. Perhaps you're thinking of something else. In any case, if you want to have gathering like you mentioned, then so be it. Use our DPHH to network with everyone who has families and assemble your own crowd. Then you and your friends can work together with baby sitter situation if you wish to attend DPHH. Opportunities knock; just have to know where to look for it.

Our committee is based on volunteers. We took the time, money and effort to establish this event on our own. There are no rules of order since we aren't organization. Consider us as a host/hostess to bring the community together. If you are not happy with the way we organize DPHH then you can perhaps recommend someone that will contribute in accordance to DPHH guidelines. It isn't dictatorship. Those who want to help are welcome.

I appreciate your input in regards to name and location, but it isn't enough to justify the changes you speak of. Consistency is one of the key factors in maintaining a successful event. Certain changes will create confusion and takes a lot of our time to make the adjustment if not done correctly. So I asked myself and the committee, is it worth taking the word professional out when DPHH had already taken its recognition all over the United States along few reason I mentioned?

In my opinion and most of Pittsburgh committee, we agreed that we should stick with "P": DPHH - Pittsburgh. What if we use DHH? It could be called PDHH, Pittsburgh DHH or Pittsburgh Deaf Happy Hour. What do you think of it?

I have googled DPHH and DHH, and interesting, the search terms of DPHH ranks top in Google first page. DHH is nowhere to be found in first and second pages, and it could take more time to search this search term of DHH in Google pages. Just remind that DHH is too new in few months.

Want to discuss about this above? Go to forums in DPHH.com.

Years before 1927, many deaf people were groping for getting together without any place to meet. They did meet at many places but not to their liking. Then the Pittsburgh Association of the Deaf was founded and 104 Federal Street was its principal place for the meetings and social gatherings on August 14, 1927.

11. Is it true that DPHH hurt the Deaf club, Pittsburgh Association for the Deaf (PAD) business?

No, we are not! We respect PAD and their most important events. Occasionally, PAD does not have their events mostly on third Friday of the month. We have one committee who is the President of PAD and shares our ideas to improve their PAD! DPHH committee decided to host PAD once a year. DPHH is the best way to introduce new faces to the Deaf community particularly PAD and other Deaf organizations. We meet new people at various parts of Pittsburgh each month.

I read May 2, 2005 issue of PEOPLE magazine article - Building A Town for the Deaf. It's very interesting to see the Deaf founder, Marvin Miller to develop that could be world's first sign language community for Deaf, hearing and hard-of-hearing (HoH) could gather together to live, work, play and worship in comfort and beauty to communicate with sign language. The community soon yet soon becomes new-established deaf town called Laurent, South Dakota. [Google satellie map] I find some some few sources to throw from their own website:

...Laurent is not a town built for deaf people. It is a town for people who use sign language...

...we will be building the world's first integrated ASL public school system in Laurent, serving both hearing, deaf and CODA children - with K-12 being served in one facility...

...we would have laws within the city limits of Laurent requiring businesses and services to be directly accessible in sign language - meeting some minimum level of proficiency...

...high-speed Internet connections will be made available across town, as the internet and video relay service have become vital modes of communication for deaf people...

The most interesting part to establish this new town of deaf community could be a future new deaf town/community, compare the top 3 largest deaf communities in the United States: Rochester, Washington D.C. and Sioux Falls. The few under Top 3 lists which have least large deaf communities such as parts of cities in Texas, and California, Maryland and Virginia.

I do believe that Rochester, New York is the highest number of deaf population inside 20 miles of radius in city area, because several deaf people attended National Technical Institute f/t Deaf (NTID) and after they are done with this college, some of people favor to settle down in Rochester to have job and grow the new deaf community.

If I would say Maryland / Virginia border near Washington, D.C., it could be world's largest deaf community, because of several Deaf and HoH attended Gallaudet University, and after they earned degree there and easy to hire the job such as government areas in Washington, D.C. inside and out. To break down into the parts of states, I could say Washington, D.C., the second largest deaf community. I have heard the people's words that their sources saying that Washington DC is the second largest Deaf population, only behind Rochester.

Finally, the third largest deaf community in United States: Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Because of: Communication Service f/t Deaf (CSD), it is the largest Deaf and HoH employment in the United States. Laurent, South Dakota is about 30 minutes drive on I-90 west from Sioux Falls.

Now, I'm being watching: If Laurent build this, they will come. Then, this new town might be the only town of its kinds - similar of a town model: Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts where extremely high percentage of deaf people living there from 1600s to 1950s.

The Western Pennsylivanian deaf people were in deep shock that the all of Western Penn School f/t Deaf graduates, Thomas Simich killed his own closest deaf family relationship -- his deaf sibling - sister and his deaf brother-in-law.

I know Simich families a little, but I never met them. Yesterday, Pittsburgh Post Gazette newspaper googled through the Internet and found Western Penn. School f/t Deaf Alumni website, and they were hoping that we have the pictures of Simichs in past. I do have them, and they contacted us for the permission to use the picture to publish in their newspaper. I asked the Alumni vice president for the permission, and she went ahead and I gave the pictures to them, and it published today in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper.

I am still in shock to see the very unique story of deaf man killed his own deaf family. What a very mournful.

See the full two articles for this in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette online newspaper, May 2 and May 3.