Access for All

Access for All: Live Oak's Ministry for the Deaf and More

Check below for updates from this committee -- we put news below the important background information, but the news is important too!

How We Came to Be

Chuck said something recently that truly moved and inspired me. We were talking about how jumping into this new deaf ministry is something we, as a congregation, simply have to do – the need is now and we have to answer the call – now. Chuck quoted a typical Jesus punchline: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then Chuck went on to say, “If you don’t help people who have a need, then you have no business calling yourself a church.” You see, Live Oak was not the first UU church that Peyton and Denise looked into, but Live Oak was the first church that said, “you are welcome”.

I’ve been an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing all my life. However, since forming the ad hoc AFA committee, my eyes have been opened to the inconveniences of the physically challenged. I gave Rachel Sartin a ride to our first meeting. As I pulled into the parking lot and saw the outside ramp next to the handicap parking space, I immediately saw it was less than satisfactory. I believe I blurted out, “Well, that doesn’t work, does it?” Rachel quietly admitted that she never parks there.

There is much to be done. There is much to comprehend, awareness to share regarding the special needs of our congregation. If any of this stirs you, please join the AFA Committee. We are a small group. We need more people.

I can’t help but compare a quote from Buddha to the biblical quote that Chuck shared with me: “If you do not tend one another, then who is there to tend you?” -- Carolyn Dower

Notes from the Access for All Committee

Tips on Communicating with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Some Dos and Don’ts

	Do be aware that even a small hearing loss can hamper a person’s ability to understand what you say.
	Do get the deaf person’s attention before you begin to speak. It is perfectly acceptable to tap a person lightly on the shoulder or arm or wave gently in the person’s direction to attract his or her attention.
	Do face the deaf person during your conversation. Don’t talk to the interpreter; always speak to the deaf person.
	Do be aware of obstacles in the line of sight. A well-lit place is good, but don’t stand with your back to a light source such as a bright lamp or window – this throws your face into shadow and makes it difficult to see.
	Do be aware of background noise – ventilation systems, voices, street noises, for example.
	Do speak and enunciate clearly and normally; don’t exaggerate your lip movements.
	Do use your voice, but don’t shout. This distorts the sound of the words.
	Do use facial expressions and body language; sign language is often like mime. Don’t be shy!
	Don’t repeat the same words over and over if the deaf person has requested that you repeat what you said – rephrase your sentence.
	Don’t say “never mind” or “it’s not important”!
	Do use pencil and paper or visual aids as necessary.
	Do write complicated or difficult vocabulary/concepts on a board, if possible, the first time you present them. (Remember to face the person.)
	Do share any information with an interpreter beforehand if possible.

Notes from the Access for All Committee

August 2007

Dignity and Justice Maquiladora Project

The Dignity and Justice Maquiladora Company project was created as a model for worker management and ownership of production businesses operated by dismissed women workers in large factories. When the group registered as a maquiladora with a Mexican government official, he asked why they chose the name: “Dignity and Justice.” The answer should be obvious! The goal is to demonstrate that doing business ethically and fairly is not only possible but that there is a substantial pool of consumers who will choose to purchase products according to these values, abandoning brands produced in sweatshops, even if they have to pay a moderately higher price.

On August 19 Chuck will give a sermon on global economic justice in our backyard. The AFA Committee will be taking orders for the tote bags after that service. The canvas bags have the Dignidad y Justica logo printed on them and come in two sizes that will sell for $8 and $10. We’ll have examples for you to see. This will benefit the sewing cooperative owned by Mexican women workers, the environment, and Live Oak. There will be a note with each bag explaining the project. Pay attention to the label. There is no familiar brand — the label says Justice!

Why a Fundraiser?

Here’s the list of access project the committee is supporting:

Handicap/wheelchair accessible door

Fixed wheelchair ramps to the portables

Maintenance of the assistive listening devices and accessories as needed

ADA improvements to the parking lot

Update

Sadly, we have closed down our Deaf ministry. It was gratifying to be able to support a Deaf family while they were here. We will not be providing SL interpreters. If they are requested, the answer will be that regretfully, we don’t provide the service anymore. The Worship Committee enthusiastically supports continuing to sign the Benediction in Song, however, and everyone is encouraged to sign as you sing along.

January 2007

I have two happy announcements this month! Live Oak now has a Handicap Family/Unisex Bathroom. With minimal changes (and cost) to the men’s bathroom nearest the Fellowship Hall, the results are maximum usage! The stall and sink should now be accessible to anyone in a wheelchair, including the larger motorized ones. There is a diaper changing area and a lock on the door. The new signs are attractive and very visible. This bathroom is available for use by anyone, of course. You don’t have to meet handicap or family criteria to use it. Thank you to Jon Montgomery, John Phelps, Tim O’Brien, and Kathleen Ellis for their initiative and work on this worthwhile cause!

The other good news is that, thanks to Congregation Shir Ami, we have another “loop” to go with our assistive listening system for the hard of hearing. These work particularly well for people with hearing aids. We now have four ear buds and two loops. If you have a hearing loss and haven’t taken advantage of the ear buds or loops, please try it. Just talk to the persons staffing the sound booth. If you have any problems or questions, please contact me. If you see anyone from Congregation Shir Ami, thank them for their donation for us to purchase another loop!

Carolyn Dower

September 2006

On behalf of the Access For All Committee, I’m proud and happy to announce that Live Oak now has an Assisted Listening System. It’s hooked up to the main sound system and should be helpful to our hard of hearing members, friends, and visitors. There are four receivers with ear buds and one “loop” that typically works best for people with hearing aids with a T-switch. The receivers look like little transistor radios. You can put it in your lap, in a pocket, or on your belt. The reports from people who have used it so far have been very favorable.

If anyone would like to try one, Mary Scheffler or I will be at the sound booth on Sunday mornings to hand them out. We may go to a more relaxed system as we become more relaxed with our new and valuable sound system!

Again, thank you to Jon Montgomery and an anonymous friend of the church who made it possible to purchase the system, which helps us live our UU values.

If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about, please contact me or take a look here: www.assistivetech.net/at_reports/assistive_listening_devices.pdf.

Carolyn Dower

August 2006

The topics when the Access For All Committee meets are varied. Several months ago we conducted a survey asking about the special needs of the congregation. While a number of people mentioned physical accessibility and hearing, the number one concern listed on the survey was chemical sensitivity.

Many Live Oak members react to fragrances, resulting in reactions from full blown asthma attacks to migraines.

Please take this as a friendly request on behalf of the congregation from the AFA Committee: Please use your sense when using your scents! The best solution would be not to use any fragrance. Obviously, there will be no enforcement, monitoring, or suspicious sniffing in church! We just ask you to use your best judgment.

We also have some exciting news to report. An FM system is on order for the sanctuary. This will assist our hard of hearing members and visitors. Once it’s installed, we have a 30-day grace period, so we’ll need as many folks as possible to try it and give us your opinion.

A big thank you to Jon Montgomery and an anonymous friend of the church for the donations to make this possible!

Carolyn Dower

August 2005

What’s Up With the Deaf Ministry?

Last fall, Live Oak made a commitment to offer a Deaf Ministry as part of living our UU principles. At first some people wondered if this was a good use of the church’s resources. I believe that most folks would now agree that Melissa Nelson and Nicole Sauvageau, our sign language interpreters, bring enrichment to our church services that can be appreciated by the entire congregation. Sign language is a vivid, expressive language that is more than hand gestures, but uses the entire body and facial expressions. Watching our interpreters sign a song or the parable adds to my worship experience.

Someone recently asked me why the interpreter stands in the middle of the stage. What she’s doing is standing near the speaker, which is standard practice. That way one can see the speaker’s expression and get the translation at the same time.

Why is the left front row saved for the deaf and hard of hearing? Those facial expressions are important! Interpreters have to literally illuminate the verbal nuances that can be heard, so it’s important to have the best visual advantage.

Live Oak is now advertising in the Saturday Austin American-Statesman that Sunday morning services are sign language interpreted and we’re listed on two websites for the deaf and hard of hearing. If you see any deaf visitors, don’t be shy; a smile can be understood in any language!

Carolyn Dower
Access for All Committee

February 2005

You may have been wondering –

What is the purpose of the AFA Committee? The AFAC was formed to ensure Live Oak is accessible to people with special needs. Some examples of accessibility needs are handicap parking, wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and sign language interpreters for the Deaf.

Why? Live Oak is a welcoming spiritual community to all. As UUs, our first and second principles are to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person and to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. The AFAC will sponsor awareness and educational activities for the entire church, from the children to adults. Advertising Live Oak as handicap accessible, and to offer sign language interpreters, will contribute to our diversity and growth spiritually, as well as our numbers. To be able to truly live our principles is beneficial to the church and to each one of us.

How? The Committee meets to discuss issues and decides what takes priority. We do not necessarily do the work that needs to be done, but make suggestions and requests to other committees or church leaders. For example, the sanctuary was recently revamped to provide better wheelchair access, which simply took a few helping hands. Some helping hands will be needed in the near future to paint more effective handicap parking spaces. Currently the focus is on writing a grant to the UUA to pay for our sign language interpreters and other access projects.

Who? Anybody with an interest! We welcome new people and hope to see new faces at our next meeting, Thursday, February 10, at 7:00 pm. For more information, contact Carolyn Dower at bdower@austin.rr.com.

Sign Language Class

The AFAC (Access for All Committee) is sponsoring a six-week sign language class taught by our own Peyton Moore and Denise Wilson. Classes will start on Thursday, February 10, from 5:45-6:45 pm at the church. There will be a children’s class for children six years old and older, taught by Denise (MA degree in Early Childhood Deaf Education) and an adult basic American Sign Language class taught by Peyton (Deaf adult). No previous experience is required and all materials will be provided. Please note that the children’s class is not a babysitting service and children need to have a desire to learn sign language. Donations will be accepted at each class but are not required and all proceeds will go towards supporting sign language interpreters at Live Oak. Please contact Peyton Moore at ashpeyton@aol.com or sign up with her after church services.