June 25, 2008
AGBell Builds Another Wall At Milwaukee!
A call today came through today from the Hyatt sales manager, informing DBC that AGBell has convinced the Midwest Airlines Center and Hyatt Regency to close off the inside walkway that connects the two–closing it off so that AGBell’s and DBC’s conference participants cannot use it.
AGBell does not want their attendees, mostly parents of Deaf children, to come over to the Hyatt Hotel where the DBC Education Conference is being held, presumably because they do not want their people to be exposed to the DBC’s message, and because the DBC conference is free.
Again, AGBell Builds Another Wall!
Posted by agbellinfo under Uncategorized |
Oh dear! That is not right. It’s unfair for everyone involved. DBC’s intention to give the parents of deaf babies an OPTION to access ASL as the primary language to start off with, regardless whether they plan to have their babies with C.I. and/or AVT, etc. AGBell doesn’t ever get it at all when the babies don’t have any cognitive skills until they’re one year old or older. ASL helps bridge the gap between parents and children.
Obviously AGBell put on their blinders and plow right through everything.
Misha
Comment by misha — June 25, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
It will be nice if you can get this in writing from Hyatt sales manager and show this to reporters and media. I think this will be positive way to get this out to the public and let them know that AGB does not want Deaf parents or Hearing parents of deaf children to be empowered but oppressed with ASL rights. I am anxious to see what other ideas vloggers or bloggers may have to get this out to the public. I wish I can go to DBC but I have finals and other commitments. I hope I will help in near future after my life is settled down.
Comment by Penny — June 25, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
This is incomprehensible. Can one client have a public passage closed if another client wants to keep it open?
Whatever legalities or rules there are, they need to be challenged on the basis of public access. What is customarily open should remain so unless a client of the premises has a compelling reason why not…such as jewelery conventions needing security, national defense contractors needing confidentiality, etc.
Such a challenge will force AGBell to explain why they asked for this, which will be difficult to justify as both DBC and AGBell are educational in nature.
Comment by Dianrez — June 25, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Demonstrations
AG Bell would like our attendees to be aware that a demonstration is expected to occur outside of the Midwest Airlines Center and Hilton Milwaukee City Center during Convention. AG Bell recognizes that differing viewpoints exist within the deaf and hard of hearing community and respects the rights of those viewpoints to be expressed in a positive and lawful manner. AG Bell’s primary goal is to provide an enjoyable environment for attendees at all of our events.
I pasted it from http://www.agbell.org and now this? I’m not sure if that’s true but…we will see about this. I’m not very pleased!
Comment by Just Me — June 25, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
I agree with Penny, that it needs to be put in a writing, and have someone from DBC to call AG Bell to confirm their request to have the passageway to be closed in both ways. It is very crucial, because you got a call from Hyatt sales manager, and you need an evidence.
This calls for injunction because this passageway is free for all public, to move around freely.
This kind of action is unacceptable, and it would be even more deplorable if AG Bell actually made this request and have this in writing.
Is there a lawyer on DBC committee can do a pro-bono work to investigate this kind of action?
Amy Cohen Efron
Comment by Amy Cohen Efron — June 25, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Do get this documented in print and alert the media.
I am not even sure if this is legal due to obstruction of accessiblity for people with physical disabilities. If they are forced to go outside to access to the next building while a good route is closed for political reasons.
This is very unusual. I’ve never heard anything like this. However, if AGBell Association has been warning the building personel of potential violence, it will explain the closure of the walkway. But this brings up another possible legal issue: Slander and libel against a Deaf organization
Comment by Mishkazena — June 25, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
I think It is not right thing to do. I mean AG Bell can’t do that! They do not own Country! People are own the country. Well, I think Media and reporter will hit hard when they hear from DBC and the city of Milwaukee are scare to hear that. It is really terrible thing what AG Bell doing!! It is part of disrcimante against Deaf!! Let DBC fight and over the AB Bell!!
Comment by Terrible — June 25, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
So… tear it down. Show up en masse, remove the blockade, and post security to ensure it doesn’t get built again. Better yet, invite the Media and have AG Bell explain why they don’t want parents of Deaf children exposed to — gasp! — Deaf people.
Comment by Dan P. — June 25, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
DBC may provide free registration for those who are interested and want to attend the DBC convention. The hotel can not prevent registered attendees from attending the convention.
Comment by Frank — June 25, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Is it legal for AGBell Association to do this?
DBC should check into legal accommodation of physically disabled and ADA regarding to the closing of the walkway.
I am so disappointed about AGBell.
Comment by anonymous — June 25, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Most of downtown Milwaukee is connected thru walkways, if you know where they are….
I wonder why AGBell contacted the Hyatt in the first place since all their events are at the Midwest Express Center to begin with?? That sounds mighty fishy.
Get it documented. Make them explain their reasons.
Comment by Charlotte — June 25, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Whatever AGB does, it cannot actively block or prevent people from attending the DBC conference. They are sure trying to make it harder, but honestly, all they do is make themselves look bad. What are they afraid of? It’s a free country - I like to think those hearing parents and professionals are intelligent, reasonable individuals who can think for themselves and allow themselves to be curious and at least “see what all the fuss over DBC is all about” before making their own judgments. It won’t cost them anything except a little exercise in the form of a short walk to visit the DBC conference and learn a thing or two.
Comment by DeafSky — June 25, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
John Egbert
Why don’t DBC committees make kites with long shiny banners (Deaf Children Loves ASL written on them) and have the kites fly above the hotel where AGB conference is so then people can get two different perspectives respectfully?
John Warren, Vancouver BC Canada
Comment by John Warren — June 25, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Something I have noticed… The AGBell conferences always tend to be at a Marriott hotel.
Something seemed fishy.. and I checked out http://www.guidestar.com to check out the Marriot Foundation’s 990.
Right there on their 990, every year since 2000, Marriott has donated to AGBell 10,000, except for 2003 when they donated 25,000.
Talk about an incentive to do business.
Comment by Allison — June 25, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
I am NOT surprised about AGB since I posted “Volta Voice as Reader’s Disgusting magazine” story. I aint making it up. Thats how AGB’s Volta magazine manipulate people’s point of views.
AGB likes to control deaf community or sponsorship.
Comment by The Rogue — June 25, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
Obviously!! Obviously, this shows a habit AGBell had have been with us the Deafies!
I hope there is a written letter in order to provide an evidence how AGBell has been with us.
Hey, I like the idea of flying the written kites above the AGBell’s hotel!!
deafk
Comment by deafk — June 25, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
I do question if this blockage is legal. If it is between private businesses then we need to address the businesses. If it is a public place, we need some NAD, Dept of Justice, ACLU or Civil Rights legal assistance.
But is it worth our time and energy currently? We should initiate a strategic plan rather than to focus too much on AGBell’s efforts. (Example: They build higher walls, so let them, but let us dig holes in the ground so the walls fall!)
If AGBell suspects protests at certain places, the best strategy is to plan a different place to the last minute. They could bring a city injunction against assembling (protesting) so maybe we need to spread out all around the blocks walking around peaceably with DBC shirts. People at the AGBell conference and the media cannot miss it.
Comment by robert vizzini — June 25, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
That’s a BIG bullshit! Where’s our freedom to express our opinions!
A former oralist and now a fluent ASL user!
Comment by Marion Dramin — June 25, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
What a sicko organization that AGBell is. They know better about the accessibility, especially when the building is on fire. The request from AGBell is unacceptable.
Comment by Scot A Pott — June 25, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Another Brick in the Wall video.
Comment by drmzz — June 25, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Wow, that is so ashameful of AGBell which they get soooo embrassing of our hero DBC’s marching on way to Milwaukee. Wow, I trust DBC know what to do with AGBELL and need to get a lawyer … GET TO SUE AGBELL and let AGBELL shut down!
I am for DBC! Go for it, DBC!
Comment by Robin Polin — June 25, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
DRMZZ -
Pink Floyd the Wall is a excellent example of AGB and Audism. I have seen the Pink Floyd the Wall movie million times. Time to tear down the damn AGB’s wall.
Comment by The Rogue — June 25, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
aww man, now i really wish i can make it there to see all the fun.
lets see if anyone actually does something to let me see this on CNN.
Comment by dog food — June 25, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
Has anyone looked into the fire regulations? I can’t imagine they would close off a PUBLIC accessway at the risk of violating a fire regulation.
Comment by Lucky — June 25, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
:::snickering:::
The Marriotts are a vaunted part Washingtonian establishment with deep pockets that were reached in by Deaf ASL people alike as many work for their businesses worldwide. The Marriott Corporation headquarters is located close to familial interests held by the Grosvenors-related to Alexander Graham Bell. This is old money that Deaf ASL don’t have.
Don’t forget some Deaf ASL people are contradicting themselves patronizing businesses headed by persons who thinks low of deaf.
Comment by :::snickering::: — June 25, 2008 @ 5:17 pm
Rogue, that!
This is another example of AGB manipulation of available information and resources toward parents of deaf children. However, DBC will prevail to tear down walls.
Comment by drmzz — June 25, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Like everyone has been saying, get this in writing from the Hyatt. And get an attorney on this, PRONTO. They could be violating ADA laws, but you need advice from an attorney to be sure about that. AG Bell is definitely playing dirty!
Comment by A Deaf Pundit — June 25, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
One more…I recalled John Walsh from America Most Wanted on T.V. explained in one of his books that he was thrown out many times (not one time…but many times) from Capitol building in D.C. He did not give up. He made noises with reporters and media. He received an award (pardon me for forgetting what award but something to do with fighting for children’s rights) at where? in the very same room where he was thrown out many times. So make noises in Wisconsin. Don’t lick lollipops…Make noises and take this very seriously like tree sitters are doing right now in Berkeley. I think they have been there for a year now. Amazing! I wish I could go to DBC convention. I will next time. What’s more is that those dirty men in Capitol who refused to hear John Wash and when they realized that he was right after all that many molesters got away with the law and agreed with him but guess what? John STILL refused to shake their hands today. Just thought you would like to hear about this. What I am trying to say here is that if he fought by making noises and got recognition then DBC people can.
Comment by Penny — June 25, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
June 25, 2008
We need to follow Gary Malkowski’s example…GET THE MEDIA INVOLVED! Make some waves. LET US BE HEARD.
That is the ONLY way to show AG Bell that we have the right to EXIST!
Comment by Irene Tunanidas — June 25, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Why doesn’t DBC ask Mariott to match the funds they give to AGBell each year? If they decline, it can’t hurt to ask them why. That will give you more documentation with which to educate parents of D/HH children. Intelligent civility is a good way to fight oppressive regimes. Also, continuing to react to AGBell’s moves will only perpetuate frustration. Find ways to force AGBell to react, make mistakes, and deplete their resources. At the same time, DBC and other organazations need to focus on maternity wards in hospitals, Physician training schools, Deaf Education programs, and the legislature.
Comment by Kester Horn-Marsh — June 25, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Interesting!!! I am Deaf and I do not plan to attend either DBC or AGBell. I am staying at the hotel on my vacation. Can I use the walkway? Being a public user, I wonder.
Comment by deafawe — June 25, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
Too bad, former President Regan can’t use his famous line “Tear that wall down” you know East/West Germany wall. LOL. Funny, I always knew that AGBAD won’t allow sign language or hands movement in AGBAD conv. I means no body language or hands gesture allow to use in converstation only speaking (oral). But AGBAD invited cue speech group to join. Cue speech use hands movement. I know they use oral with hand reforcement but still hands movement. AGBAD are not allows hand movments. Something wrong with that. AGBAD are playing game with people.
Comment by silentredwolf — June 25, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
As Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men : “They can’t handle the truth! They can’t handle the truth!”
Comment by Don Grushkin — June 25, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
AGB went at bat against DBC:
Strike 1 - Reserved the remaining unavailable rooms at their conference so DBC or other organization can’t use it.
Strike 2 - Had the City of Milwaukee to get a permit to prevent a DBC rally in their conference center’s sidewalk.
Strike 3 - Now, they had Hyatt to block the skywalk.
AGB may have struck out but DBC will always be there with a big thorn at AGB anyway.
Comment by David B. — June 25, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Is this true???
Comment by stevethevlogger — June 25, 2008 @ 9:44 pm
Can AGBELL control Hyatt’s property?? No way!
Am I wrong, huh?
Comment by Tom — June 25, 2008 @ 11:53 pm
HA! AGB thinks that we are barbarians or causing some kind of riot. What a idiot! We only want to show our message not causing riot. Shame on AGB!
Comment by Rhonda Sadler — June 26, 2008 @ 12:09 am
For those of you who do not know me, I am a good oralist gone pro-ASL, and still speaking very well (so the oral advocates can’t say that I have not been there, or disqualify me!)
I agree with Penny! Definitely use the mass media - newspaper and TV reporters at the height of the AGB/DBC conventions, etc. and expose AGB’s evil attempts to cover up truths. Seek national coverage because this is a national, even world wide, issue. Contact CNN as well as ABC and others.
The Deaf are oppressed. No more! The truth of our need for the bilingual approach shall set us free!!!
At AGB convention, I bet you can find many oral school teachers, and otherwise ‘professionals’, who also know ASL, even well. Do dare to call on them to come out and confess their sin of their hypocrisies. I count the many teachers from my oral schools growing up, who knew ASL, and, out of following the oral school mandate, some of these did punish the poor deaf students (including myself) for wanting to sign, even home made signs, when they did not know ASL! Of the many, I have found only two to have dared to leave oralism (philosophy wise) and changed their jobs to go the Deaf, bilingual way. One (Ms. Shellgrain) came to teach and then to administrate at CSD Berkeley and is now retired many years. And another (Ms. Joyce Groode, a CODA!) left teaching to go on to be an excellent ASL interpreter. To these two, good for you! May more come out and advocate our way! We need you! And the truth shall make its way! Believe me, the truth is necessitating the move! It will tear down the infrastructure of the entire oral world! This will also embarrass the doctors who really know nothing because they do not see the realities of lives of the deaf people. They were just schooled and then work in the 4-walled exam rooms and in the operating rooms. They haven’t seen the beauty of the ASL and the Deaf culture. Move over, Docs!
DBC, keep it up! Sorry, I can’t come to the convention this time. Dale
Comment by Dale Ritter — June 26, 2008 @ 12:51 am
I don’t really know what to say, here… I would like to hear what all parties have to say before passing any judgements.
If, however, it is discovered that the Hyatt is guilty of any kind of discretion, then I feel we, or SOMEONE, at least, should start a National boycott of their hotels!
IF what this aricle suggests is true, then, it should be brought to the attention of the Medias.
Comment by Christofur — June 26, 2008 @ 1:47 am
My goodness! What happened to the very underlying importance of our consitution…freedom? Builidng a wall up does not support this ideal spirit of having freedom in America. Reminds me of the Great Wall, Berlin Wall, borders, etc. This is truly sad and quite immature in my opinion. I believe AGB could come up with a better solution or better yet, be willing to collaborate with DBC and work as a team, respecting each parties’ view.
Comment by Amy Ellis — June 26, 2008 @ 11:20 am
To Amy Ellis and any other who might think that a cooperative effort with AGB will work -
That will never happen because:
AGB = against ASL, and
DBC = for ASL.
For any deaf person to be denied ASL, it is an oppression. And, man!, all those babies who are denied ASL? That is a civil right being denied.
The bible says to deliver the oppressed. Our love and truth will appeal to the oppressed.
Go, DBC, go!
Comment by Dale Ritter — June 26, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
A “call from the Hyatt sales manager” is something anybody can make up, folks.
Yeah, playing the devil’s advocate. Who cooked up this ‘un?
Comment by Ann_C — June 26, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
What is the Hyatt sales manager’s name and does DBC have documentation of this phone call via a recorded log of the conversation between the manager and who took the call from him? The hotel management will either verify the call or not.
Just “a call from the Hyatt sales manager” doesn’t seem terribly convincing for me. DBC should do better than that.
Comment by Ann_C — June 26, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
“AGB Wall” is a new word. It is called as closed mind and look like as Berlin Wall! It is going to darkness world for Deaf children. It is bad example for world!
Comment by Vernon Bonse — June 27, 2008 @ 7:04 am