Sunday, April 4, 2010

JRN 423: Project Proposal

01.25.10

So I can't say if this will be a definite proposal or not, as I am meeting with the principal of Giresd's Dead/Hard of Hearing Program at St. Louis High School this week. I think it will show a lot of promise, and expect, as long as I find the right subjects, I can explore the issues I want in the deaf culture.

The program itself facilitates and teaches deaf/hard of hearing students of all ages in a public school format. The school is the only major program in Michigan with its format. It is the premier program. There are a number of students there, and my hope is to reach out two three or four different people: two students (one in early developmental efforts, the other at the end of the program) with estimated ages of 8 and 18; I would specifically like to do a video on one of the instructors who is deaf, teaching these students, and more so on the teacher's own life being deaf; I would also like to reach out to an older adult, one who has had their hearing their entire lives, but has now lost that function in their body, learning to cope without the ability they may have taken for granted all these years.

I want to show how deaf people are no different than everyone else. They enjoy the same moments in life we do. They have music, they dance and sing. It's just that we don't think to look for these things unless we are confronted by them. I aim to bring awareness to deaf life, and the wonderful amount of life each brings to those around them and themselves.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Wilderness First Responder

03.12.10

Indiana junior Rachel Kauffman looks up frightened and cold while two students attempt to keep her warm while searching for a solution for her fully-impaled leg. Kauffman landed on a tree limb in a simulation Friday at Mill Pond Park for RPL 365: Wilderness First Responder. The scenario had 13 victims spread across the park during a simulation of the Chile earthquake. Each had a different ailment; one victim died, but most survived and were treated appropriately. "Oh my god. I can't even imagine the pain," Kauffman said. "I've never even broken a bone. It would be absolutely horrendous. When they came to help, my first reaction was to scream."