Embedded Files
Welcome to Week 4 of the Rediscovering San Diego and Beyond Online Class
Welcome to Week 4 of the Rediscovering San Diego and Beyond Online Class
Dates: Sept 29 (Tuesday) and/or OCT 1 (Thursday)
Dates: Sept 29 (Tuesday) and/or OCT 1 (Thursday)
Time: 9:30am - 10:30AM
Time: 9:30am - 10:30AM
The password (if asked) is: 268304
The password (if asked) is: 268304
This wonderful lesson is on loan to us from Meagan Albrant (RSD Instructor). We learned so much from it and know you will too. To accompany this week's lesson on Access for All, we will have a quest speaker from ASL (American Sign Language), Suzi Westmoreland, to deliver a live presentation on Zoom. Don't miss it!
This wonderful lesson is on loan to us from Meagan Albrant (RSD Instructor). We learned so much from it and know you will too. To accompany this week's lesson on Access for All, we will have a quest speaker from ASL (American Sign Language), Suzi Westmoreland, to deliver a live presentation on Zoom. Don't miss it!
Enjoy the lesson and your Zoom sessions.
Enjoy the lesson and your Zoom sessions.
All for Access and Access for All
All for Access and Access for All
Americans with Disabilities Act
Americans with Disabilities Act
In 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act passed and was signed into law. Modeled on the Civil Rights of 1964, this comprehensive law guarantees that those with disabilities have equal access to participate in daily American life. So, who does this Act cover?
In 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act passed and was signed into law. Modeled on the Civil Rights of 1964, this comprehensive law guarantees that those with disabilities have equal access to participate in daily American life. So, who does this Act cover?
Disability in America
Disability in America
Many people live with disabilities, and given proper access, lead full, happy and productive lives. But it is important to remember that disability is much more than just a wheelchair or crutches, and access means accommodations and changes far beyond ramps and elevators. The next infographic breaks down the 26 million figure to give us a better idea of who we are protecting and defending with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Many people live with disabilities, and given proper access, lead full, happy and productive lives. But it is important to remember that disability is much more than just a wheelchair or crutches, and access means accommodations and changes far beyond ramps and elevators. The next infographic breaks down the 26 million figure to give us a better idea of who we are protecting and defending with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Who Benefits from the ADA?
Who Benefits from the ADA?
Of course, on a basic level, we seek to assist those with disabilities and include better access to all as a marker of our humanity and compassion for our fellow human beings. But, as with most good acts done for the benefit of others, the ADA actually benefits far more people than the original law describes. For a quick (6 minute) overview of accessible design, watch this video: https://youtu.be/wBSy7VrGQVU
Of course, on a basic level, we seek to assist those with disabilities and include better access to all as a marker of our humanity and compassion for our fellow human beings. But, as with most good acts done for the benefit of others, the ADA actually benefits far more people than the original law describes. For a quick (6 minute) overview of accessible design, watch this video: https://youtu.be/wBSy7VrGQVU
Let’s explore a few ways that everyone benefits:
Let’s explore a few ways that everyone benefits:
1. Employment and better business practices - watch this short (3 min) video to see how hiring those with disabilities expands the workforce and helps businesses. https://youtu.be/NRX5QzP9tFQ
1. Employment and better business practices - watch this short (3 min) video to see how hiring those with disabilities expands the workforce and helps businesses. https://youtu.be/NRX5QzP9tFQ
President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on the south lawn of the White House on July 26th, 1990. "Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come down." he said that day.
2. It’s easier to catch a train - In 2013, the United Spinal Association sued the city of New York to include an elevator in the renovation of the Dyckman Street Subway Station, in Inwood, Manhattan. It was included in the new design and now everyone can more easily access the station platform, including parents with strollers, people who prefer not to navigate stairs, or people hauling boxes or pushing trolleys. To read more about this accessibility improvement, click here: https://www.npr.org/2015/07/24/423230927/-a-gift-to-the-non-disabled-at-25-the-ada-improves-access-for-all
2. It’s easier to catch a train - In 2013, the United Spinal Association sued the city of New York to include an elevator in the renovation of the Dyckman Street Subway Station, in Inwood, Manhattan. It was included in the new design and now everyone can more easily access the station platform, including parents with strollers, people who prefer not to navigate stairs, or people hauling boxes or pushing trolleys. To read more about this accessibility improvement, click here: https://www.npr.org/2015/07/24/423230927/-a-gift-to-the-non-disabled-at-25-the-ada-improves-access-for-all
Or click to listen to the 2015 broadcast here:
Or click to listen to the 2015 broadcast here:
3. Better design - when we design our spaces to be more inclusive and accessible, it turns into better design for everyone! Watch this (5 min) video to see how Deaf Space is being designed - and think about the ways in which these spaces might be more pleasant for everyone else. Would you like wider walkways to walk and talk? More ramps instead of stairs? Watch this excellent video to learn more.
3. Better design - when we design our spaces to be more inclusive and accessible, it turns into better design for everyone! Watch this (5 min) video to see how Deaf Space is being designed - and think about the ways in which these spaces might be more pleasant for everyone else. Would you like wider walkways to walk and talk? More ramps instead of stairs? Watch this excellent video to learn more.
4. Better world access - the ADA has actually been one of our most successful exports! In the last 20 years, 181 countries have passed laws that are modeled after or inspired by the ADA. More countries around the world are working to provide greater access everywhere. You can check out an article about this here: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/07/24/425607389/how-a-law-to-protect-disabled-americans-became-imitated-around-the-world
4. Better world access - the ADA has actually been one of our most successful exports! In the last 20 years, 181 countries have passed laws that are modeled after or inspired by the ADA. More countries around the world are working to provide greater access everywhere. You can check out an article about this here: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/07/24/425607389/how-a-law-to-protect-disabled-americans-became-imitated-around-the-world
You can listen to the entire article by clicking here.
You can listen to the entire article by clicking here.
Watch this 3 minute video about the importance of global access
Watch this 3 minute video about the importance of global access
As you navigate your own spaces or think about public spaces you have navigated before, what accessible design did you notice? What helped you? Ramps, bumps before walking into the street, wider doorways? Good design gives us all a better way forward!
As you navigate your own spaces or think about public spaces you have navigated before, what accessible design did you notice? What helped you? Ramps, bumps before walking into the street, wider doorways? Good design gives us all a better way forward!
American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language (ASL)
What is American Sign Language?
What is American Sign Language?
The following information was taken from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-language . Check out this website to learn more about this subject.
The following information was taken from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-language . Check out this website to learn more about this subject.
The NIH (National Institute of Health) has a subdivision, the NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Their website describes ASL (American Sign Language) as:
The NIH (National Institute of Health) has a subdivision, the NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Their website describes ASL (American Sign Language) as:
"A complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well."
"A complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages, with grammar that differs from English. ASL is expressed by movements of the hands and face. It is the primary language of many North Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing, and is used by many hearing people as well."
The method of communication for deaf or hard of hearing convey grammatical structure and meaning through hand movements, gestures, and facial expressions. There is no universal sign language. Different sign languages are used in different countries. British Sign Language (BSL) is a different language from ASL, and Americans who know ASL may not understand BSL. Some countries adopt features of ASL in their sign languages.
The method of communication for deaf or hard of hearing convey grammatical structure and meaning through hand movements, gestures, and facial expressions. There is no universal sign language. Different sign languages are used in different countries. British Sign Language (BSL) is a different language from ASL, and Americans who know ASL may not understand BSL. Some countries adopt features of ASL in their sign languages.
It's not clear where ASL began, but there is speculation that it may have grown out of French sign language, LSF (or Langue des Signes Françaiseor) over 200 years ago. Although they contain similar signs they cannot be understood by each other.
It's not clear where ASL began, but there is speculation that it may have grown out of French sign language, LSF (or Langue des Signes Françaiseor) over 200 years ago. Although they contain similar signs they cannot be understood by each other.
The ASL fingerspelling alphabet on the right (also referred to as the American manual alphabet) is used to spell out proper manes and words. See how many you can memorize this week.
The ASL fingerspelling alphabet on the right (also referred to as the American manual alphabet) is used to spell out proper manes and words. See how many you can memorize this week.
Studies and Clinical Trials
Studies and Clinical Trials
The NIDCD supports ASL research
The NIDCD supports ASL research
The NIDCD supports research on ASL, including studies to understand all components of sign language, such as grammar, acquisition, and development. Another area of interest is in learning more about the use of sign language for victims of trauma, degenerative disease, early hearing loss or injury to the nervous system. They are also funding studies of emerging sign languages created by small communities who have had no contact with established sign language practices.
The NIDCD supports research on ASL, including studies to understand all components of sign language, such as grammar, acquisition, and development. Another area of interest is in learning more about the use of sign language for victims of trauma, degenerative disease, early hearing loss or injury to the nervous system. They are also funding studies of emerging sign languages created by small communities who have had no contact with established sign language practices.
Another fascinating study will help scientists understand the neurobiology of language development. In one this study, “researchers reported that the building of complex phrases, whether signed or spoken, engaged the same brain areas. Better understanding of the neurobiology of language could provide a translational foundation for treating injury to the language system, for employing signs or gestures in therapy for children or adults, and for diagnosing language impairment in individuals who are deaf.”
Another fascinating study will help scientists understand the neurobiology of language development. In one this study, “researchers reported that the building of complex phrases, whether signed or spoken, engaged the same brain areas. Better understanding of the neurobiology of language could provide a translational foundation for treating injury to the language system, for employing signs or gestures in therapy for children or adults, and for diagnosing language impairment in individuals who are deaf.”
You can visit the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You website to read about these and other clinical trials that are recruiting volunteers.
You can visit the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You website to read about these and other clinical trials that are recruiting volunteers.
Learn to Sign
Learn to Sign
Would you like to learn a few more signs? Check out these videos to learn some basic ASL and some basic sign language phrases for beginners.
Would you like to learn a few more signs? Check out these videos to learn some basic ASL and some basic sign language phrases for beginners.
25 Basic ASL Signs For Beginners | Learn ASL American Sign Language
25 Basic ASL Signs For Beginners | Learn ASL American Sign Language
20+ Basic Sign Language Phrases for Beginners | ASL
20+ Basic Sign Language Phrases for Beginners | ASL
Works Cited
Works Cited
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