What is DDW? - Discovering Deaf Worlds

Volume 3 Issue 1August 2009www.discoveringdeafworlds.comDiscovering Shuktara Release PartyIs An Astounding Success!DDW Directors Christy Smith and Davin Searlscelebrate the evening’s success.What is DDW?Discovering Deaf Worlds is dedicated toempowering and advocating for Deaf andHard of Hearing communities around theworld. We believe everyone deserves accessibilityto language, education, and community.For more information, photos and stories,visit www.discoveringdeafworlds.com.Collaborating with Epic Arts in CambodiaOn July 22, Discovering Deaf Worlds (DDW)hosted its first official benefit by premiering its documentaryfilm, Discovering: Shuktara, in Rochester, N.Y.Over 300 people attended this sold-out event, whichwas sponsored by 21 local businesses and individuals,raising over $16,000. “More important than the financialsuccess of this fundraiser, however, was the feelingof inspiration shared by everyone in the room,” saidDDW Executive Director Davin Searls. “It was phenomenal,”stated one attendee. “The Shuktara kids arethe real heroes!”The night began with a social mixer at SPoT Coffee.Over $5,000 in raffle prizes were given away, includinga hot air balloon ride and hand-made blankets providedby the Shuktara home. The crowd then gatheredat The Little Theater to watch the film, where severalwalk-ins joined at the last minute after hearing aboutthe event from local news sources.Discovering: Shuktara is the story of 18 boys andgirls in Kolkata, India, who were given a second chanceat life after being abandoned by their families becauseof their disability. Shuktara founder David Earp andhumanitarian Alison Saracena flew 12,835 miles fromthe Shuktara home to support DDW and lead a paneldiscussion after the film. “I was deeply touched to seea room full of deaf and hearing professionals so genuinelysupportive of what we are doing,” Earp said. “Wedon’t get that kind of support in Kolkata.”Lauren Bain, the evening’s mistress of ceremonies,pointed out that the event ticket price of $25 is equalto one month’s rent for a family living in the slumsof Kolkata. “The money raised tonight will stretch forContinued on page 5August 2009 1

We Want to HearFrom You!Language DevelopmentProgram in the WorksAre you planning to take a trip somewhere beforesummer’s out? Or are you relaxing at home?Either way, send DDW a postcard! Tell us whatinteresting sights you’ve seen, or about the uniquepeople you’ve met. Next time we travel somewhere,we’ll send you one too! Our address is:Discovering Deaf WorldsPO Box 10063Rochester NY 14610Front (L-R): Davin Searls, Alison Saracena andChristy Smith. Back: David Earp and Dave JusticeAfter the recent benefit, Discovering Deaf Worlds’directors Davin Searls, Christy Smith and Dave Justicehad the opportunity to sit down with Shuktara founder,David Earp, and long-time supporter Alison Saracenato discuss the next step for a language development programwith the boys and girls of Shuktara.2 Discovering Deaf Worlds

How to Change the World:Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New IdeasHow to Change the World, by David Bornstein,is a book that lives up to its name. Ittells the stories of nine dedicated men andwomen from around the world who are addressinga wide variety of social and economicproblems with innovative solutions.For example, Bornstein tells about ErzsébetSzekeres, a Hungarian woman whostrove to provide her disabled son witha good life by bringing a human face todisability. She combated the outdated approachof the crowded, paternalistic stateinstitutions by creating her own residentialcare facilities where disabled people were treated asequal. Now, Hungary’s laws have changed to reflect theprogress she’s made.How to Change the World highlights the fast-growingtrend of social entrepreneurship in America and aroundthe globe. According to a recent Harris Poll, 97 percentof Generation Y are looking for work that allows them“to have an impact on the world.” Read thisbook and you will be inspired by the greatwork that many people are doing worldwide.You’re bound to feel energized andready to make a difference in the world –we know we do!Donate to DDW!www.discoveringdeafworlds.comColoroadans:Save the Date!Discovering Deaf Worlds willpresent at theUniversity of Coloradoat Boulder on Sept. 25.Keep checking our website atwww.discoveringdeafworlds.comfor more details!August 2009 3

A Thank You to Our SponsorsThe Next Generation of WebSitesTake charge of your siteYour website is your brand. It’s you,Your company, appearing in the landscape…Take charge today!www.sitebrandbuilder.comRalph P.DeStephanoStay tuned! In the next issue, wewill announce the first three membersof DDW ’s Board of Directors!When you get to the topof a mountain, keep climbing.-Jack KerouacAdd yourlogo orbanner tothe DDWwebsite!Over 30,000 cumulativehits from 122 countries!Shout-Outs!The wonderful staff of The Little Theatre andSPoT Coffee...Thank you for working with us tomake DDW’s benefit so successful!Gene DiVincenzo & Kim Kelstone...Yourincredible talent and humbleness continue toinspire us. We look forward to working with youfor many years to come.Mary Giorgi and John McNamara...Thank youfor your generous support – it keeps us movingforward.Contact info@discoveringdeafworlds.comfor more information, options, and pricing.Newsletter services provided byT.S. Writing Services, LLCwww.tswriting.comA Deaf-Owned Company4 Discovering Deaf Worlds

Release PartyContinued from front pageDDW Directors Christy Smith and Davin Searlscelebrate the evening’s success.years to come,” Bain added. The proceeds from thisbenefit will lay the foundation of DDW’s languagedevelopment program with the Shuktara organization.“We can now move forward and put this plan into actionas early as winter 2010,” said Searls.Rather than feeling pity for what these kids hadbeen through, it was evident that the audience leftfeeling inspired by how far the children have come,and how far they will go. An audience member commented,“Thank you for reminding us that we are actuallyalready helping by attending this event. It’s easy toforget, and powerful to leave inspired!”DDW would like to thank everyone who attended,donated, spread the word, and/or volunteered. Everythingwe do is made possible by your support.Watch for updates on DDW’s language developmentprogram with Shuktara. This program will serve as a modelfor future collaborative projects with deaf advocacy organizationsin other countries such as Nepal and Cambodia.Photos courtesy of Erin H. Green.Did You Know...?According to 2005 estimates by theWorld Health Organization, 278 millionpeople worldwide are deaf, and approximately80 percent (222.4 million) live indeveloping countries.August 2009 5

Discovering: Shuktara has beenaccepted into the Port TownsendFilm Festival in in Washingtonstate, which occurs on on Sept. 24-27. For more information, checkwww.ptfilmfest.com.You You can can read read more about thethe boys boys and and girls of Shuktaraat www.shuktara.net.66 Discovering Deaf Deaf Worlds Worlds