Event Information

Doors open at 12:00 | Event 12:30-3:30pm

WSRID and Deaf Spotlight are co-presenting Deaf Talks featuring local Deaf community members sharing their personal stories and experiences.

This is an annual community event for sharing ideas, exploring new concepts and introducing attendees to the latest knowledge, concerns, and inspirations in the Deaf/ DeafBlind communities. Whether a first time presenter, or a seasoned expert, Deaf/DeafBlind people of all experience are welcome to submit their proposals. All presentations will be conducted in sign language. X will be our MC for this event.

Online ticket admissions: $20
At door: $25 (CASH ONLY)
Open to all ages!
Street parking, menu, & full bar available
Access requests by December 20, 2019

This Year's MC:

Buddy Elledge

Originally from Texas, Buddy is larger than life, always dressed to impress, and armed with his killer-blue eyes, signature smile, and a quick joke or quip. A world-traveler, visiting his friends and trekking with them all over the globe. Now that he calls Seattle his home base, you’ll find him kayaking in Lake Union, attending subtitled foreign films, watching the latest interpreted theatrical production, or working hard for local organizations: Deaf Spotlight and HSDC.

Presenters:

Michael Anthony
Why Games Matter?

Do you remember playing tag as a kid and board games with your friends and siblings? Did you outgrow games? I think no one should ever outgrow games and that they are probably far more important than you think, especially to the Deaf community. Come see me chat about what games do (and they do more than you think) and how they can help Deaf people.

About Michael Anthony: Michael is a long time software engineer and a gamer with a passion for accessibility in gaming. When he isn't walking across virtual worlds he is blowing glass and learning new things.

Esther Brenowitz & Jennifer Hess
Get a Feel of Protacile

Participants will be able to get a glimpse of what it is like living in a world that is full of touch, the most important sensory of the DeafBlind community using Protactile. Protactile is the DeafBlind way; it is our culture and language. By including the Protactile philosophy when we communicate with one other we are also reinforcing the DeafBlind culture, language, interpersonal relationships, and even politics though touch. Protactile philosophy as a whole has a true sense of autonomy for DeafBlind individuals.

About Esther Brenowitz: Esther is a DeafBlind residing in Seattle; coordinating the Seabeck DeafBlind Retreat and the bi-weekly DeafBlind community classes. Esther holds a Master’s degree in Sign Language Education and offers a variety of training and workshops relating to ASL, Protactile, theatre, and early intervention.

About Jennifer Hess: Jennifer is a DeafBlind currently living in Seattle, working at the Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. as the DeafBlind employee Support Services Coordinator. Hess holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Jimel Brightly-Wright
Modern Relationships

We will dissect the history of relationships and how it came to be that what is known today as the traditional method of relationships is often deemed as the “right way” to do a relationship. This will lead to an analysis of the traditional relationship model and how it does or does not fit with our society today.

About Jimel Brightly-Wright: Jimel was born in Jamaica and raised in Illinois. After graduating from Gallaudet with a B.A, Jimel became the Camp Director of Youth Leadership Camp (YLC) and moved to Seattle in 2018 to start a job as the Outreach Coordinator at Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS).

Leah Katz-Hernandez
Cancel Culture vs. Support Culture

This talk will cover personal experience around vetting in political jobs and finding out about backgrounds of many different people, organizations, and companies. Explore the “cancel culture” versus “support culture” which is positive. Explain “empowerment” versus “consumption” and visualize how we can move forward in a more positive, meaningful way.

About Leah Katz-Hernandez: Leah currently serving as Manager, CEO Communications, for Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. She is a dedicated communications and community engagement professional and disability rights advocate.

Leah’s groundbreaking grassroots digital communications resulted in an award-winning blog and international attention. Throughout her career at the White House, in the non-profit sector, political campaigns, and on Capitol Hill, Leah has consistently used her specialty knowledge to urge equal access for the deaf, disability and Latina communities.

Perseus McDaniel
STEM Milked "A"

As we live in the present, each object you see is already a part of or being mentioned by art. Art is a beyond essential tool and can take many forms, art is often shadowed in education, community, and economy. I will share my perspective on why that is and how artists see the world on a daily basis.

Perseus McDaniel is a talented actor and artist. He is an American Sign Language (ASL) performer and actor who has starred in various shows since he was nine years old. He received a leadership training certification in theatre arts at Gallaudet University. He also fell in love with drawing when he was four years old. He has worked with many contractors which led to receiving a BFA in graphic design at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Important Information

WSRID’s Cancellation & Refund Policy: To view this policy, please visit www.wsrid.com

Language Policy: This event/workshop will be provided in ASL. 

Accommodation Requests or DeafBlind Interpreting Requests: Please contact WSRIDvp@gmail.com by December 20th, 2019.

CEU Information: ASL Communications is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This General Studies program is offered for 0.3 CEUs at the Little/None content knowledge level>

Call for Presenters for 2021!

WSRID & Deaf Spotlight are now accepting proposals to present NEXT YEAR at DEAF TALKS 2021. Deaf Talks focuses on highlighting the kaleidoscope of insight and experiences within the Deaf/DeafBlind communities.

This is an annual community event for sharing ideas, exploring new concepts and introducing attendees to the latest knowledge, concerns, and inspirations in the Deaf/DeafBlind communities. Whether a first time presenter, or a seasoned expert, Deaf/DeafBlind people of all experience are welcome to submit their proposals. All presentations will be conducted in sign language.

Submitting a proposal is easy, please:

• Ensure your proposal demonstrates educational value for one or more of the target audiences (Deaf community members, Deaf Blind community members, ASL students, ASL interpreters, ASL instructors/educators).
• Provide a presentation description that would be adapted or included in marketing materials.
• Provide completed contact information.
• Provide a short bio in 40 words or less.
• Provide a high resolution headshot in color.
• Read and accept presenter guidelines:

– Your presentation is at least 15-20 minutes long.
– Provide a detailed outline of the session that includes all the key learning points and objectives.
– Any slide presentations must be limited to a maximum of 10 slides.

• Review & verify all information before submitting, as your materials may be published and used in marketing materials.
• Submit the proposal along with your required materials by email to info@deafspotlight.org with the subject line “Deaf Talks 2021 Proposal.” Please clearly label all of your files with your last name.

All completed proposals will be reviewed by a screening panel of WSRID & Deaf Spotlight members after Deaf Talks 2020 has concluded.

If you have any questions, please contact either at wsridvp@gmail.com or info@deafspotlight.org.