Weekly DEAFWIRE news recaps
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A 40-year-old male teacher at a Deaf school in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Michael Boston, was arrested after a two-year investigation into the possession and upload of illegal material, such as child pornography. The investigation began in 2022 after a tip was received from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. Authorities traced explicit content to a phone number registered to Boston and then executed a search warrant at his home on October 11, 2024. Police reported finding numerous files on his devices, leading to his arrest on October 30. Boston worked as a teacher to Deaf students at Riverview Intermediate Unit 6, where he was employed until the district confirmed he no longer works there following the investigation. It is unknown whether the illegal files he held involved Deaf children.
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Parents of Deaf children in Brisbane, Australia, are calling for more inclusive education options in high schools, following the success of a specialist program at Toowong State School. This bilingual-bicultural program, which teaches both Auslan and English, has been praised by families for offering a supportive learning environment that allows Deaf students to thrive. Vanessa Alford, who moved her family from Perth so her three Deaf sons could attend the school, says the program has been life-changing for her children, making them more motivated and excited about school. However, with her eldest son about to start high school, she is worried that he will miss out on the same level of support, as there is currently no equivalent program available for secondary students.
A talented young man named Prince runs an innovative art company that transforms discarded, recycled materials into stunning creations. Using beads, he and his team craft beautiful light holders, bowls, tables, and other decorative items that captivate people and attract customers. These sales generate essential income for Prince and his 21 dedicated staff members, both men and women, who rely on this work to support their livelihoods. While the business brings hope and stability, it faces a significant challenge. The Rwandan government requires the company to pay taxes on every item sold. Prince and his team have appealed for exemptions, explaining that the money they earn is crucial for their daily survival and for maintaining their work. In Rwanda, the Deaf community often faces limited access to quality education, leaving many to focus on vocational skills such as sewing, art, and drawing. These skills provide a lifeline, enabling them to earn a living and sustain themselves. Prince's vision is to create more opportunities to uplift the lives of Deaf individuals in Rwanda, fostering independence and improving their quality of life through meaningful employment and artistry.
During times of crisis, a woman faces difficulties accessing medical care due to barriers she encounters as a Deaf person who is shy and needs help. While waiting in the queue for hours, she does not receive any assistance. Many Kenyan nurses, medical staff, and caregivers are unaware of or unable to use Sign Language, failing to recognize her as they overlook her invisible disability. When she finally musters the courage to seek help, she struggles to communicate effectively with them. In Kenya, there are around 150,000 Deaf individuals who face similar challenges when trying to access medical services due to communication barriers. They are calling on medical personnel to learn Sign Language to better assist Deaf people in need of medical care. Some hospitals have responded by appointing staff who can sign, such as interpreters, to facilitate communication and ensure access to health services. However, there are still instances where nurses act disrespectfully towards Deaf individuals, such as making derogatory comments. The woman hopes that all medical staff will learn basic Sign Language so they can communicate effectively with Deaf patients and provide better care.
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Lucy McKenzie-Bridle, an 18-year-old from Wellington, New Zealand, has made her acting debut in “The Dining Table”, a short film that highlights the isolation experienced at the dinner table by Deaf individuals, even within their own families. In the film, McKenzie-Bridle portrays Ana, a Deaf teenager raised in a hearing family where New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is banned by her father. This creates a sense of social exclusion for Ana, particularly during family meals, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “dinner table syndrome,” where Deaf people often struggle to follow conversations and feel disconnected. McKenzie-Bridle, who is Deaf, drew on her own experiences of isolation to bring authenticity to her character, recalling moments when she felt left out or unsure of what was happening in loud, social environments.