(Closed Captions and Transcript)
Join LaRonda as she and Buddy Singleton share some of the inspirational reasons behind the choice to join the Bay Area California Association of the Deaf.
Transcript:
LaRonda Zupp: I’m a vlogger and I watch different vlogs. There is one vlog by a famous vlogger named Joey Baer. He recently made a vlog called: Think Globally, Act Locally. That’s why I’ve joined today. I’ve been thinking about how to participate and just where I would fit in. I decided to start with the California Association of the Deaf.
Look at all these people here today! Look at all these seniors! I was thinking, “Why am I not yet a member of CAD?” Well, I’m starting today bu taking action by acting on a local level and thinking globally.
Tom Murillo: The Bay Area is leading the way! We are a role model. As others see that we work well and are successful, they will copy our success. Yes, there is a comment over here…
Buddy Singleton: I remember way back in the 1940’s, the early 1940’s… The Legislature thought that Deaf people should not drive. They told us we needed to stop driving. Well, guess what happened then? CAD became POWERFUL! Membership boomed as Deaf people gathered together to figure out what could be done and what they could do. Deaf folks didn’t know what to do. We worked hard together.
You know that quote: “One stitch in time saves nine,” right? If there is a small hole in your shirt that is left unmended, the hole will gradually become bigger. If you don’t make one stitch right away, it will take nine stitches later to fix it. thus, a quick repair in time prevents a bigger problem.
We took action to protect ourselves. That’s what CAD is for. CAD looks out for your life and your rights. Things like Driving and Insurance. Once, there were no insurance companies in California willing to cover Deaf people. Deaf people searched hard for insurance coverage. How could we drive without car insurance? We had nothing until one company called California Casaulty Insurance finally accepted covering Deaf people.
As a result, Deaf people swarmed in great masses to this company for coverage. Unsatisfied with having only one insurance company who would cover us, we continued our struggle. We researched and investigated, and eventually, we turned to our Legislature. CAD lobbied like crazy to fight against the laws that prevented Deaf people from being insured. Now, we all have car insurance!
That’s what happened. I was involved in CAD at that time. I remember it all very well. I saw how important it was to protect our rights.
If you’re sitting back now thinking, “Oh, I’ll let these smart young folks take action and do the hard work for me,” well, think again. Uh-uh. Not okay. They need our help.
I agree with this guy who mentioned “recruitment.” We need to get out there and actively recruit more CAD members. We need to become stronger again. If you have a spouse, get them involved too. Deaf folks might say, “I don’t have money,” or “I cherish my money and want to hold onto it. It’s hard to give it away.” Well then, volunteer. Find a way to help. Go recruit more members as a way to show gratitude for all CAD does for you.
CAD really is behind everything you do in your lives. CAD stands behind organizatinos like the San Francisco Deaf Club and DCARA. Who was it that started DCARA? It was CAD! When the Deaf school needed protection, it was CAD who lobbied with and for the school. It was CAD who helped to set up a home for Deaf Seniors, called CHAD, in Southern California. And recently, CAD has helped us set up another facility for Deaf Seniors here at FOG (Fremont Oak Gardens) as well. How were these things done? With support from CAD!
So think twice. Tell your friends to get out there and SUPPORT CAD! Please. Thank you.
(Hand waves and applause.)
LaRonda: I need to add… I have something to add. Buddy? Help me get his attention please.
That story was rich and inspirational! That’s what Ella was talking about. It’s exactly the kind of inspiration that our young Deaf people need. You Deaf Seniors have those stories! We haven’t heard them.
Go into the Deaf schools and into the classrooms. Go out into the community and share your stories! Or, come see me. I’ll film and make a vlog for you. Spread your stories. I knew nothing about that story you just shared. It gave me chills just listening to you tale. We need more of those kind of stories. Please. That’s what it’s all about! That! That!
(Hand waves and applause.) Whoo!
Ella Lentz: Right! Right! Film and preserve these stories. Get them written down.
Tanja Bierschneider: Wow! I feel inspired too. Very energizing! You all seem to feel the inspiration too. Good!
LaRonda: For more information on how you can become a member or support the Bay Area California Association of the Deaf (BACAD) go to:
http://cad1906.org/bayarea/2008/03/12/we-want-you-to-join/
Video and Captions by: LaRonda Zupp
www.earofmyheart.com
Yes, another reason why you should join CAD is CAD supports DBC and understands Deafhood!
Left by DBC Supporter on August 11th, 2008
Wow, great vlog! I never knew that about those congress PiGs taking the deaf people driving insurance away and saying they should not drive. That was back in 1940 and I wasn’t even born then, not for another 40 years! lol But its always interesting to hear how far people have come. History is always important and it makes you wonder what this world would be like after your time, will things get even better? will they get even worse? who knows… All I can do is live here and now. Even though I’m hoh, i will continue to fight for deaf rights, even though i’m straight, i will continue to advocate for gay rights. We’ve all come so far, but we still have so far to go.
Left by Roberto on August 11th, 2008