The Opening Session just finished. Attendees congregated to see Ultratec presented with the HLAA 2007 Access Award. This company has for decades sought to expand access to telecommunications for people with hearing loss and its about time they were recognized for their innovations in telecommunications. Robert Engelke, the president of Ultratec, accepted the award and said he was humbled by the recognition. Elaine Leander, director of sales for Advance Bionics, that sponsored the Open Session, noted how HLAA and AB share a common vision to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss. As a parent of a child with hearing loss, Elaine is personally aware of the impact and challenges that hearing loss poses to families and how an organization such as HLAA can help navigate through it. Danita Testerman, chair of the OK local organizing committee, welcomed everyone in her snazzy cowboy boots. She encouraged us all to take in all the sights and mentioned Chihuli Glass as not to be missed and the restaurants and stores at Bricktown, close to the convention hotels, as worth a visit.
The keynote speaker, charismatic, I.King Jordan, recently retired president of Gallaudet University, talked about his belief in “many different ways of being deaf”. The protest at Gallaudet that led to the ouster by the Gallaudet Board of Trustees of the new president to succeed King, Jane Fernandez, was led by a group who want everyone to be deaf like they are and who do not respect that being deaf is unique to the individual who should be the only one to decide how to “be deaf”.
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Kat Ellis // June 22, 2007 at 4:07 am
And to top off all of this incredulous opening day, HLAA Oklahoma Chapter sponsored an incredible, western-themed, ‘Getting Acquainted” party!
Everyone was greeted at the ballroom door with complimentary bandannas so that we all would fit into the theme. The room was beatifully decorated with sunflower-filled cowboy boots, wheatgrass and horseshoes, and a nice ambience of candlelight. Chapter members donned matching embroidered shirts and bandannas, and one chapter member (Jeff) took the place of absent Indian chief/tribe member, donning an authentic headress and even attempting some smooth moves!
Tasty treats of steak kabobs, spicy chicken wings, veggies and dip, nachos with conqueso dip, and more were enjoyed by all!
Captain Jack entertained all with his funny yet true stories of Oklahoman jargon and humor, followed by a square dance troop performing some boot stompin’, hip hoppin’, moves…even encouraging audience participation.
The night ended with a bevy of handcrafted and local sports items being raffled off to lucky winners! Fun was had by all, and while we are all visibly exhausted, we look forward to tomorrow’s festivities!
Jennifer // June 22, 2007 at 4:45 am
I’m having a ball, and writing about it on my blog, too