Nyle DiMarco Talks About the Deaf Identity in TEDx Talk
Nyle DiMarco is no stranger to our bloggers and his latest project immediately earned our attention: TEDx released Nyle’s TED Talk this week on YouTube, which touches important topics including the Deaf identity and
Nyle DiMarco TEDx, from Nyle DiMarco’s Twitter Page
Nyle opens with a quick look into his world, answering the question “Do you wish you could hear?”. He admits that a negative mindset can lead to a negative experience for someone who is deaf, but that it’s only a mindset. He lives and breathes in the Deaf world and has advantages from his experiences growing up deaf which can benefit him (including in the job market!). “It’s all about mindset”, Nyle explains. “I say first and foremost that you need to love yourself.”
He continues to explain his world, a “utopia” and how his upbringing was ideal for him. Two of his brothers, his parents, his grandparents, and even his great-grandparents were all Deaf and proud and taught him to be the same. He struggled for a year at a public school before returning to “home” at the Deaf school, citing his lack of ability to participate in sports due to ignorance and language barriers. Thanks to his ability to thrive in Deaf education he went on to attend and graduate from Gallaudet University, the world’s only Deaf college.
Nyle has always been an advocate for Deaf education and how beneficial and crucial it is for every deaf child to have the opportunity to thrive in that environment, and this TEDx really hits the nail on the head. Watch the whole Talk HERE!
Sean Forbes, via his Facebook Page
Deaf History Spotlight: Sean Forbes!
Want to add some new music to your playlist? Sean Forbes is a rapper who grew up around his musician parents and fell in love. He started with a drum set at the age of five and quickly grew to love rock ‘n’ roll, but ultimately found his home in the world of hip-hop. Forbes stumbled upon a track simply labelled “BEATS” (in a studio frequented by Eminem, no less!) and immediately started writing lyrics to go over the track. Turns out the beats were written by Jeff Bass’s son Jake, who was impressed with Sean’s work. “My first reaction was ‘What?! I have to meet this guy!'”
Forbes soon released his first album Perfect Imperfection, which contained twelve music videos simultaneously performed in English and ASL. Sean Forbes explains that he was inspired by MTV music videos and even considers himself a visual artist. In his music videos he displays the lyrics on the screen in a style that reflects the music and lyrical message, thus creating a unique visual and musical experience. Marlee Matlin even shows up in video Let’s Mambo!
Last year Sean Forbes released his latest work Two Blown Speakers which currently holds almost 20,000 views on YouTube.
For more info about Sean, visit his website at www.deafandloud.com.
What’s New? Teachers Can Now Create Lessons!
As if you needed yet another reason to love ASLdeafined… Teachers can now create their own lessons to better their curriculum in the classroom! In addition to our 300+ lessons spread out over four levels you can now add your own special lessons to enhance an already proven teaching resource. Make up your own review lessons and more with this awesome new feature!
Remember: ASLdeafined is only $12 per student per year and has an easily adjustable curriculum to meet your classroom’s specific needs. For more information regarding these student rates, please follow this link HERE!
Comments? Suggestions? Email us at info@asldeafined.com!
Handshape of the Week: 5!
The 5-handshape simply looks like your giving a high-five! See it demonstrated in the sign below for MOM.
Other signs that use the 5-handshape include:
Colors
Fire
Flirt
Dad
Full
Finish
Cheese
Clap
Applause
Vomit
Man
Woman