So Last Sunday we ventured out to Treasure Island hotel in Vegas to register for DeafNation Expo. We left our hotel and quickly realized 110 degrees was a bit taxing. Our plan was to take a bus down the strip to our destination.
We arrived at the bus stop with two deaf families. The ticket machine was designed to cause chaos and I suspect there was a hidden camera involved. We all tried to figure out the system as the machine randomly stole our money. everyone was hot and confused. Finally everyone had a ticket, the transit system had $27 extra and we were ready to go. The line was long but we all managed to squish on the bus. Once we got going I noticed hands flying everywhere. Nice. We managed to meet people from Florida, Canada, Washington and Kentucky in this short ride.
So the idea was people were to arrive the day before the Expo to get the pink wrist band. We entered the hotel and got directions at every turn with a simple "Expo where go?".
We got a bit confused but noticed the casino was full of deaf folks. I asked a group sitting in a large circle for directions. Turns out they were from our area and really friendly! We exchanged information for later and went up to register.
The elevator opened to a mass of people waiting in line. I knew we shouldn't have to wait because I registered online and was going to go ask for help but my son said," Mom let me do it, I sign better". This is his world and I love it.
They opened at 12:00 we arrived at 12:45. We were told they were already out of wrist bands! This seemed so awesome to me because it felt it was going to be huge. While we waited we met more people. It was crowded but there was a sense of excitement and the wait allowed for people to mingle. They took our forms and sent us away with key chains. We were to present them on Monday to get out coveted pink wrist bands.
We walked away and ran into a counselor from a family retreat we attended years ago. She was in charge of my daughter's group at the camp. We all loved her. She has since moved. We told her we don't go to the retreat anymore because it is CI focused now and that isn't our thing. She laughed and agreed.
It was the day before the Expo opened and we already having fun.
aww, your son should not limit you (as in, he should let you do signing so you can be fluent) :P
ReplyDeleteWhy do you Write in ASL in written English? You should interpret ASL in English. I've never seen people write French language order in English.. yet.
Huh, well I write in written ASL because it better conveys my meaning. Folks who know me and read my blog get it. They can fill in the classifiers and facial grammer. English does not convey meaning the same way. I don't write for a large audience, I write fo my son and his community. If a deaf person, fleunt in ASL, is confused I am happy to clarify. The rules of translation don't apply here. The gift of community does.
ReplyDeleteAs for my son wanting to take over, I am fluent but he is native. He was in his world and wanted to feel the joy of that. My writing is confusing to many, I apologize. The only way to get me is to start at the beginning of my blog.
Thanks so much fo the comment!
Warmest
Mel
just wanted to make sure you know that I was referring to "Expo where go?"
ReplyDeleteOh sure, yes that is again a deaf thing.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to translate, "Excuse me, do you know where we need to go to register for DeafNation?" we would not express the culture of the phrase. The important message is my family was at home in the Deaf culture of the event.
I know that troubles folks but agian my audience is Deaf and a twelve year old Deaf child. We communicate in a visual way that we understand and can see in print even when others don't.
I admire your ability to value your son's community and culture even more than your own. You know this is a rare thing to see in parents, and I am just blown away.
ReplyDeleteHey cheers!
ReplyDeleteThe world is a big place and there is room for all of us!
Hi! I have been reading your blog for a few months off and on when it pops up on my twitterfeed via deafread. I love your thinking and what you do for your son! Perfect! I only wish more and more parents would do the same! My hubby and I are Deaf with 2 CODAs. =) We both come from a strong Deaf background so it's heartwarming to read your blog. Your son is lucky to have wonderful, open minded parents! =) You definitely know your stuff! The way you explained why you write some things in ASL is right on the dot! =) I envy you all for being at the Expo! Enjoy all u can! =)
ReplyDeleteHey thanks! I know the way I write baffles the general public but so does the way I parent. I am so glad a Deaf parent gets it! Thank you for the kind words
ReplyDelete