With this post, Ocean challenges other bloggers and vloggers – deaf, hard of hearing, hearing – to publish a post on their own sites discussing the concept of Equal Communication Access. Such blogs and vlogs will be eligible (upon submission) for entry into the “Equal Communication Access” blogger/vlogger contest that we are currently setting up…details are being worked out right now!
I am thrilled to see that my post on Equal Communication Access is getting as much attention as it has been getting…not just from the DeafRead readership, but it also made the Top Blogs list at WordPress, and I’ve gotten several responses from the hearing community. Indeed, the Equal Communication Access post is already proving to be one of the most popular posts here at Deaf Pagan Crossroads.
That makes me feel good…because I consider it one of the most important posts on this site. Its message is one that we need to get out to as many folks as possible. The more people we can educate about what Equal Communication Access means, the more we can start making Equal Communication Access a reality.
I want to take a moment to thank Barb DiGi for her kind comment on my post…and to point out the importance of what she had to say:
Providing examples are the way to go to give the whole picture on what it means to have equal communication access. Also what I am seeing how Deaf Pundit who initiated the idea is making a ripple effect on the deaf bloggers and vloggers to educate the public and Ocean is a prime example to make waves. Kudos to you both!
Thanks, Barb.
In addition, Bill also offered up a nice comment, along with an excellent suggestion:
That’s the kind of material, testimonial, examples that I think the video point to!
Maybe the ECA site should point to blogs like this with the subject, “What ECA means to me”.
After talking to Deaf Pundit, we agreed that getting more people to write up posts about what Equal Communication Access means will help to spread the word. By using your own thoughts and your own examples, we can help to educate those people who don’t understand what we mean, what we are trying to say.
So…I would like to offer up a challenge to each and every one of you.
Whether you are Deaf, deaf, hard-of-hearing, hearing…whether you know and use sign language or don’t…whether you are young or old, male or female, black or white, whatever…
WHAT DOES EQUAL COMMUNICATION ACCESS MEAN TO YOU?
Write up your own blog, or create your own vlog. Express your thoughts. Give examples. Share experiences – both good and bad.
Let’s spread the word!
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After discussing the idea, Deaf Pundit and I decided that we would like to hold an
EQUAL COMMUNICATION ACCESS BLOGGER/VLOGGER CONTEST
This will be a contest similar to the “Through Deaf Eyes” contest which was sponsored by DeafRead a few months ago.
I’m still working out the details, including contacting individuals to serve as judges, creating awards, trying to come up with prizes, etc.
As soon as I have all the details in place, I will post them here for those interested in submitting their blogs/vlogs for entry into this contest! Keep your eyes on this blog site for more information to come within the next week!
But don’t let that stop you…go ahead and start thinking about, writing about, signing about, and posting your own blogs and vlogs about Equal Communication Access!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE
EQUAL COMMUNICATION ACCESS BLOGGER/VLOGGER CONTEST
COMING SOON
START WRITING AND POSTING YOUR BLOGS/VLOGS NOW
PLEASE NOTE – because some of our judges may be hearing individuals who are not skilled in sign language (much like the general population we are trying to educate), we ask that if possible vloggers please try to either caption your vlogs or include a written transcript. While this is NOT a requirement for the contest, please do consider that it does make it easier for the general public to watch your vlog and understand your message. If you would like some assistance with English translation, please feel free to contact me or Deaf Pundit – we are happy to help out! (No, neither of us are serving as judges!)
Here’s my effort: Equal Access to Love (because love relies on communication)
Thanks for sharing your link, Yvonne!
If you wish to post your link here, you may…
HOWEVER –
I will be setting up a specific procedure for people to use to actually submit their entries for the contest itself.
Basically, to be included in the contest, you will need to send your information directly to me so I know that you actually want to be included in it.
This way, I know who is wanting to be judged, and who is just writing a blog/vlog for their own reasons, and not for the contest.
You do not have to enter the contest if you don’t want to, but I am hoping that we do get a lot of entries!
Thank you, Yvonne…for your support of the Equal Communication Access campaign.
Now let’s see the rest of you start writing or signing!
🙂