My Scoop

Two ways to give to Japanese disability community affected by earthquake

I received it via reliable source through organization working with disabled people.

 

I wanted to ensure people were aware that there are now two ways that people outside Japan can send donations in support of people with disabilitiesaffected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.  All proceeds go directly to DPI-Japan for the Relief Headquarters for Persons with Disabilities of Tohoku-Kanto Great Earthquake.  The Relief Headquarters is working to ensure that people with disabilities in Japan receive essential services they need—instead of being left behind by mainstream relief efforts.

 

To give via credit card, you can visit http://www.j-payment.co.jp/lan/bokin/dpien.html?1

 

To give via bank transfer, you can visit http://dpi.cocolog-nifty.com/en/2011/03/we-need-your-su.html

 

The Relief Headquarters has information on their services in English at http://dpi.cocolog-nifty.com/en/

 

They now also provide information in the following languages:

Russian:  http://dpi.cocolog-nifty.com/en/2011/03/leaflet-of-russ.html

Portuguese:  http://dpi.cocolog-nifty.com/en/2011/03/leaflet-of-port.html

Korean:  http://dpi.cocolog-nifty.com/en/2011/03/leaflet-of-kore.html

 

I am sure they would welcome assistance with translation to other languages, if people are able.

 

Meanwhile, USICD continues to strive to provide news that we receive from Japan via the humanitarian response news page at our website:

http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/humanitarian-response

 

We also have a new blog at http://usicd.wordpress.com where you can anticipate a new blog post on Japan early next week.

 

Please circulate.

Obama's speech interpreted

Amanda sent me this link.  It allows you to watch Obama's inauguration speech in ASL.  Please be advised that it is around 21 minutes to watch.

http://www.deaflink.com/pres/pres09.html

Lawsuit for Not Providing Interpreter - Deaf Patient Awarded $400,000.00

Interesting article to read if you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and want to have a sign language interperter provided by your medical doctor or lawyer since it is effective communication for both of you.

Australia lets family with Down syndrome kid stay

A while ago, I commented about the German doctor and his family moved to west part of Australia to fill in the shortage of doctor in rural area.  He applied for a permanent visa to allow him and his family to stay, but got declined twice due to his son having a Down syndrome.  In the government of Australia's eyes, his son is a burden to the system for them to take care of him when no one can take care of him.  Here is a good news with the decision from the court....

Extraordinary Pantene Commercial - Deaf girl learns to play the violin against all odds

It comes from Thai Pantene television commercial. The story of a Deaf girl who learns to play the violin against all odds.  Simply brillant!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um9KsrH377A

Australia denies residency for dad of boy with Down syndrome

When I saw the headline, I am not surprised how disabled folks are being discriminated based on their disability.  It reminded me of the stories from Deaf immigrants being either held up at Ellis Island for a few weeks or months or deported back to their home country based on their disbility.  The community where Moeller family lives outpours their support for Dr. Moeller's application to be approved.  I hope it will come through.