National Association of the Deaf is not involved in it. Neither does AGBell organizaiton. Not even the local or regional deaf community or organization is involved as well. I guess the 2008 National Forum of Disability Issues to be held in Columbus, Ohio on July 26th doesn’t seem that important to the deaf/HoH community out there, not even the chance to watch invited Presidential candidates to debate the future of the disability issues for all Americans with disabilities?
By not participating (or sponsoring) in the Disability Forum of 2008, it would convey the impression to others that the deaf community organization seems out of touch and not interested in making sure the deaf community gets a fair share of representation in all disability issues, especially on the national and regional level, since it would pertain to the future of ADA for the D/deaf and the hard-of-hearing.
I would prefer the “sign” and voices of the D/deaf/HoH community get noticed, acknowledged, be heard and aware in this national Disability Forum in Ohio. This is a great historic opportunity to get involved and watch the candidates’ views on disability issues.
Get going, people. 
Monday, May 19, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Theres a Ohio CFLIC office that is very representative of the deaf community and they will handle that for us.
Monday, May 19, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Maybe they hold certain elitist attitudes and thinking that they’re in a world of their own and don’t need or require to attend such a function because their issues are more important?
*shrugs*
Monday, May 19, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Keep in mind, there are even culturally Deaf people who are also afflicted with certain bodily or mental disabilities, including those who got seriously disabled from work and may not be able to work again or socialize as normally. That is to say holding such elitist attitudes are detrimental and inconsiderate toward the deaf/HoH with other disabilities, whether permanent or as result of severe injury/accident.
What if Matt Hamill got paralyzed from the neck or waist down while in a fighting contest? What if Ridor has a stroke and got paralyzed on the left side? Such things can happen to anyone who’s deaf, culturally Deaf or HoH, you, me, Richard and so on.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 7:16 pm
i just forwarded your post to NAD. Perhaps they will do something before the deadline.
Let’s hope for the best!
-Ben