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Volume 6, Issue 3

March 2013

An Interview with DDW’s Filipino Team

www.discoveringdeafworlds.org

To plan and implement the DDW EMPOWER Com-munity Program in the Philippines with the U.S. De-partment of State, DDW recruited three active lead-ers from the Filipino Deaf community: Yvette Apurado Bernado, Rey Alfred Lee, and Naty Natividad. They shared their experiences to date in this interview.

In your own words, what is your role with the EM-POWER Program? What have you been working on since we began?

Naty: I am the Accessibility Coordina-tor in the Philippines for the EMPOWER Program. It is part of my task to make sure that the Deaf staff and participants have access to every part of the process and the activities of the EMPOWER Pro-gram in my capacity as a sign language

interpreter and project staff. As of now, I have been closely working with Yvette and Rey as we prepare the Filipino Deaf participants to depart to the U.S. in May. I took part in the interview and selection process by assisting Yvette and Rey on translating the written interview questions into Filipino Sign Language and putting it on video. This will ensure that the Deaf ex-change program applicants are given access to the interview questionnaires in both written English and in their native language—Filipino Sign Language. I have also assisted in interviewing Deaf applicants

from Mindanao (South Philippines) and Manila. Dur-ing the meetings of Rey and Yvette with the officials of the U.S. Embassy – Educational and Cultural Affairs – Public Affairs Section, I serve as the sign language interpreter as well.

Yvette: I am the Organizational Liaison, meaning I communicate with different organizations and the community. My role is to communicate with [DDW staff] David and Davin, as well as the Filipino participants. I also assisted in the de-velopment of participant criteria. With

Naty and Rey, we promoted the program to hearing and deaf people, accepted applications, and followed up with applicants when necessary. Together we dis-cussed the merits of each applicant and then divided up the interviews between the three of us.

Rey: My role has been to support Yvette’s work. Any time she needed help promoting the program, getting in touch with applicants, and so on, she contact-ed me. I also assisted with the interview process, and we shared our selections with DDW and the Department of State

for final approval. We had 38 applicants but had to narrow it down to 8 participants, plus 2 alternates! Many of the applicants are well-qualified and hoping for another opportunity in the future.

What do you enjoy about your work with the EMPOWER Program?Naty: Working with the Deaf staff, Yvette and Rey and seeing that they are em-powered in little and big ways through this project is what I enjoy. I also like that in this project, Deaf people take the

lead and there is respect and collegiality between and amongst us. I appreciate how Davin and David mentor us on how to approach every challenge professionally, to keep open communication, and to never hesitate to ask for help when the going gets tough.

(L-R): Yvette Apurado Bernado, Rey Alfred Lee and Naty Natividad.

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The system that is set in place in this project and the professionalism that we adhere to is something not new to me. I have been exposed to some of the more stringent systems, procedures, quality assurance, and cultural sensitivity in my experience working in the cor-porate world, in NGOs, in the academy, and also work-ing in a multicultural environment with colleagues from other countries. But what seems to amaze me in this project is the great opportunity that the Deaf staff in the Philippines experience from the knowledge and sys-tems transferred from the DDW staff which they can apply in each of their Deaf organizations.

With the EMPOWER Program, I look forward to the cultural exchange in May for the Filipino Deaf people going to the U.S., and in November for the American delegates coming to the Philippines. I myself am a product of a cultural exchange program through a Ro-tary Ambassadorial Scholarship in 1997 and it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life that in-spired me to be doing what I am doing today: a teacher for the Deaf, an advocate for Deaf Human Rights, and a sign language interpreter.

In my work as Accessibility Coordinator, it is a joy to see and be with the Deaf leaders being trained, nur-tured, and mentored in this EMPOWER Program.

Yvette: I’m thrilled to have learned new things and to be a part of the process to date. It’s gone very smoothly! Both David and Davin have been very helpful this whole time. I’ve learned a number of new terms and have gained a lot of knowledge. I’ve also enjoyed learning

how to separate my personal and professional roles with the applicants. Most of all, I’ve enjoyed the op-portunity to encourage the Filipino Deaf community to do their best and improve their self-esteem. It’s been great learning all the different skills that the applicants have. It has also been exciting to meet with the U.S. Embassy, and overall I’ve enjoyed the various chal-lenges I’ve encountered, as they increase my skills and knowledge!

Rey: I’m very happy that PFD and DDW have partnered under the EMPOWER Community Program. Together we’ve been able to develop a system for es-tablishing criteria for screening and se-lecting participants. We’ve been able to work with DDW to take some of their

suggestions and adapt them to Filipino culture. I re-ally enjoy learning more from DDW based on the skills

they bring, as well as sharing our own skills. I’ve also enjoyed working with Naty and Yvette; together, we’ve made a good team, as we all bring different skills to the table. How will the EMPOWER Program benefit the Filipino Deaf community?

Naty: The knowledge, skills and expe-rience that the Deaf leaders will learn from the EMPOWER Program will trick-le down and benefit the Filipino Deaf community in magnanimous ways es-pecially in these exciting times in the history of the Filipino Deaf community.

Much has happened in the past two years especially in regards to Deaf education, advocacy and legisla-tion. The many years of struggle that the Deaf com-munity have fought for, have now been acknowledged, discussed, talked about, argued, and most importantly listened to. Seeing parallels in the Deaf struggles and the victories that Deaf people in other countries went through and have won will definitely inspire the Fili-pino Deaf cultural exchange participants and will make them persevere in their own efforts to claim their hu-man rights and improve the lives of Deaf people in the Philippines.

Yvette: The Deaf Filipinos who join the exchange will learn about leadership, education, finance, mentoring, how to lobby the government, and many more things. We don’t have access to all of this information in the Philippines. DDW has looked carefully at the participants’ appli-

cations to see what skills they lack or wish to learn, and will provide workshops to cover those topics. Many of us have some basic knowledge but we want to learn more in-depth. This will result in the Deaf Filipino com-munity being able to create better project proposals, provide this knowledge to youth, and DDW is encour-aging organizations, both new and old, to learn these skills so that they can become independent.

Rey: In my experience with PFD, which has many member organizations throughout the various regions of the Philippines, I’ve met many good leaders. But they struggle to act because they lack organizational development, fundraising

skills, and do not know how to create project proposals. Many also do not know how to attract people to their cause, and as a result of all this, things have remained stagnant for many years. Together, PFD and DDW dis-cussed these issues, and as a result, developed this

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program. We’ve pulled in an excellent group of leaders who are committed to making a difference. We need more role models who are actively making an impact.

When the American participants come to the Philip-pines in November, what are you excited or looking forward to showing them?

Naty: The warmth, smiles and hospital-ity of the Filipino people, both Deaf and Hearing, and the other 101 reasons why it’s more fun in the Philippines—like our white-sand beaches, the underground cave dubbed as one of the new seven wonders of the world, the film location

of the Bourne Legacy, gastronomic delights i.e. sweet mango shake, halo-halo, lechon, adobo and many oth-ers.

Yvette: I’m excited for the U.S. partici-pants to learn Filipino culture, ethnicities, and traditions. They will be able to meet rich, middle class, and poor people. I’m also looking forward to teaching them how to communicate in Filipino Sign Lan-guage, and to introducing them to our

leaders and organizations. It will be a two-way learning experience and I think we’ll all make more friends out of it!

Rey: I’m looking forward to exposing the American participants to different cul-tures, foods, clothing, people and orga-nizations. Coming from a wealthy nation, it will be a very interesting experience to see the Filipino way of life.

 

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Find DDW on Facebook and Twitter!

www.facebook.com/DiscoveringDeafWorlds

www.twitter.com/DDW_Team

If you have connected with the Deaf community in a

developing country and want to share your story, we’re

interested!

E-mail a brief summary of your experience to

ddwteam@discoveringdeafworlds.org.

Call for Contributing Writers!

March 2013 5December 2012 5

Name: Carol-lee AquilineOriginally from: Pittsburgh, PAOccupation: Self-employed as a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), ASL specialist, ASL and interpreter educator, workshop/seminar leader, Deaf role model, and some-times actress/directorHobbies: Reading, gardening, cooking and bakingRelevant experience: I started traveling internationally when I was 15 years old, and I have lived in several countries. I was the General Secretary (Executive Direc-tor) of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), and worked with numerous countries and governments worldwide. I have also worked with the United Nations and its related organizations (UNESCO, WHO, etc.), and was involved in the drafting and

passing of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).Places traveled: Suffice to say, I have ‘touched’ every continent and region except for the Middle East.I’m excited to work with DDW because... human rights for Deaf people in all areas of life is one of my greatest passions. Some of my most rewarding moments when I was working with WFD were when we collaborated with Deaf people globally, especially those in developing countries, to work with their gov-ernments and to train their Deaf community about their rights, organizational development, and so forth. I was excited to find out that DDW is working towards this same goal. For me, it’s an opportunity to con-tinue my involvement and share my experience towards a positive end—a better world for all.What do you hope to accomplish with DDW? I think the important thing is not so much what I hope to accomplish with DDW, but what I hope we can do to support other countries in what they want to ac-complish. We need to be an organization that listens first and foremost, and then works with the country towards goals they set for themselves. We can provide education and information and support, but they have to lead the way. If we can support countries to achieve their goals, then I will feel I have accom-plished a wonderful thing with DDW.

Welcoming Carol-lee to DDW’s Board!

Carol-leeAquiline

 

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6 Discovering Deaf Worlds

Geneseo Bhangra and Bharata – School of Indian Dance and Music

to Perform at DDW’s 3rd Annual Benefit

Don’t miss this opportunity to see two local Indian dance troupes perform at DDW’s Third Annual Benefit at the German House (315 Gregory St., Rochester, N.Y.) on Friday, April 19, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Geneseo Bhangra is a competitive Punjabi dance team founded in 2005 at SUNY Geneseo. Bhangra, a high-energy dance celebrating the harvest or coming of spring, comes from the Punjabi culture of Pakistan and India. Originally a man’s dance, the choreography emulates great pride and strength. Today, Bhangra is co-ed and is commonly performed at weddings, cer-emonies, and more. A dance team full of love and wild energy, Geneseo Bhangra performs, competes and provides interactive workshops throughout upstate New York.

The Bharata – School of Indian Dance and Music, led by artistic director Parvatha Chidambaram, intro-duces its audience to various Indian classical, folk and contemporary dances. They have a melodic system of raga and ragini through visual arts, vocals and dance. Here is what Kathy Harris, a nurse manager, had to say about a past performance:

“...The students were dressed in beautiful cos-tumes that reflected the culture of the Indian dance. The group had clearly worked hard with expert teach-ing. The choreography was superb. The expression on the faces of the dancers was perfect. Everyone was in total synchronization. They all were smiling and looked as if they were enjoying the experience as much as the audience was. The hand movements were so graceful and again in perfect timing with one another. Never having seen an Indian recital before I was highly impressed with the pagentry, coordination, and professional appearance of the students. Great job, well done!”

Tickets for DDW’s upcoming benefit are available at: www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/purchase-event-tickets.

Geneseo Bhangra delivers high-energy Punjabi-style dance.

Bharata – School of Indian Dance and Music showcases Indian classical, folk,

and contemporary work.

Check out DDW’s weekly vlogs at www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/videos/frontpage.html

View DDW’s weekly vlogs

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Discovering Deaf Worlds (DDW) is a 501(c)(3) non-profi t organization dedicated to advancing the self-determination of signing Deaf communities through local capacity building in developing countries.

What is

DDW?

www.discoveringdeafworlds.org/purchase-event-tickets

German House

315 Gregory St Rochester, NY 14620

Includes unlimited hors d’oeuvres and one free cocktail

Entertainment by the Bharata School of Indian Dance and Geneseo Bhangra

FRIDAY April 19, 2013

6pm-9pm

TICKETS$30 advance $35 at door

Third Annual Benefit

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Brian Milburn: No words. You are a generous, generous man. Thank you for all that you do for DDW.

Maria Justice: You have been one of DDW’s most loyal supporters since its inception in 2006. Thank you time and time again for everything you do for this organization.

Susan and JMatt Searls: Thank you for the incredibly generous year-end gift you made to DDW in 2012. Your support alone has carried this organization to new heights!

Carlo, Michelle, Sky and Ivy Justice: Going back to the days when DDW’s office took over the spare room of your attic, we are grateful for all that you have done for us over the years. Thank you for your extremely kind year-end donation!

Ray Justice: Each year, you continue giving to DDW, ensuring that we have the resources to carry on our mission. On behalf of our staff, board, and partners worldwide, thank you for your support!

Gerard and Judith Buckley: It is an honor to have your support and encouragement behind the work that we do. Thank you for your continued generosity and your everyday commitment to improve Deaf people’s lives both home and abroad.

Ted Suppalla and Elissa Newport: What an amazing gift from you this past December. THANK YOU for your ongoing support of DDW. We hope to see you in Rochester again very soon!

Leah Pillsbury: Your gift to DDW has made such a tremendous impact on our capacity-building work in the Philippines and Costa Rica. Please know how much you are appreciated.

Thomastine Sarchet: Thank you for your guidance and always being so quick to help as we plan our delegation of Filipino visitors under the Department of State EMPOWER Program this May.

Shout-Outs!Shout-Outs!Shout-Outs!

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www.tswriting.comA Deaf-Owned Company

What is DDW?Discovering Deaf Worlds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ad-vancing the self-determination of signing Deaf communities through local capac-ity building in developing countries. DDW recognizes that all people, regardless of their social or economic background, pos-sess the capacity to succeed, and deserve equal access to education, the workplace, and the benefits that society has to offer.

For more information, visit:www.discoveringdeafworlds.org.

We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.