NAD Responds to AGBell
February 7, 2008
Karen Youdelman, President
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
3417 Volta Place, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Dear President Youdelman,
On behalf of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Board of Directors, staff, members, and supporters, I am responding to the recent letter that you wrote to PepsiCo representing the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AGBell). Specifically, I want to express our disappointment.
In 1880, the NAD was established by deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language (ASL) as a core value. As a consumer-based nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to promote, protect, and preserve the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf Americans.
The NAD represents children and adults who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, or deaf-blind. We welcome all people who value ASL, and we promote opportunities for the acquisition and use of ASL in addition to English in its various forms, with or without the use of hearing technologies, to enable successful participation in all aspects of American society, including the deaf community.
We are disappointed with the negative tone of your letter and obvious lack of respect for deaf people who use ASL. We are also sensitive to the fact that many members of the AGBell deaf and hard of hearing section know and use ASL. We find it deplorable that AGBell continues to perpetuate the myth that the use of ASL isolates deaf people from mainstream society, a stereotype that is far from the truth. We know that this is not the first time that AGBell has reacted in this manner to high-profile use of ASL, which AGBell may perceive as detracting from its exclusive focus on speaking and listening. As such, we are not surprised that AGBell continues to close its eyes to successful deaf ASL users as positive role models.
In the view of the NAD, every deaf person has a unique place in American society, with basic human rights with respect to identity, cultural affiliation, and self-expression. This viewpoint, with emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness, forms the foundation for our existence as an organization and as a community.
We expect the same respect from AGBell on behalf of the community we represent.
Sincerely,
Bobbie Beth Scoggins
President
February 7th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Ms. Scoggins,
Thank you for responding on our behalf. If I may make a suggestion? CC that letter to AG Bell’s major donors.
Again, many thanks for the response.
February 7th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
*hands wave*
YOU GO, NAD!!!!
You’ve explained everything LOUD and CLEAR!!!!!
Thank you!
Misha :D
February 7th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I do agree w/you what I did researching about Agbell founded 1880 but ASD was very first founded 1817 for ASL (Sign Languages)
Until Today, What happened with AgBell changed their expression feeling and expecting not recognized Deaf Community diversity and also so called naming “Stereotype” labeled toward to Deaf Community. Agbell want same pattern way as 1880 “Speak and listening” No Sign Languages.
1 of thing Agbell did broke your Bill of Rights! Have no respect your NAD part of values Cultures which using “Sign Languages” Really find this discrimination honestly!
February 7th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
*handwaving*
Beautiful, Bobbie Beth!!
I loved how you signed off by signing: “We respect you, AGBell, but where’s ours?”
I SO look forward to joining NAD very soon! :)
February 7th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
HAND WAVES ALL AROUND!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Beautiful!! and thanks, NAD!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Thank you.
I’ve been explaining to the hearing people of c.i. kids this has been a long-standing issue with the AGBell Association, but they didn’t seem to understand it still persists to this day. Perhaps with this letter, they will finally understand what Deaf people have been saying… this prejudice is nothing new. Then perhaps they will see the feeling of deep outrage Deaf people experience is fully justified.
February 7th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Again - SIGNless here….:-)
You did a great job, and the most important of all - TRUTH!
ASL is CHAMP, ASL is Forever!!
Thank YOU so much!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Thank you for take a stand and make comment on AGBell’s letter to Pepsi CO. We need it. :)
February 7th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Thumbs up to NAD!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Wonderful and eloquently expressed letter! This makes me proud of NAD and its people in taking an unqualified and unambiguous stand for all of the Deaf community. Go, NAD!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I mean hearing parents (not hearing people) of c.i. kids.
February 7th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
PUUURFECT! HOPE AGB CAN UNDERSTAND YOUR ASL! :)
February 7th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
handwaving !!!!!!
GO NAD
thank you
February 7th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Thanks sooo much!!! Please do let us know if they made any response!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
BRAVO!! Yahoo!! We MUST continue this fight until the day we are treated equally with full respect of our true language, American Sign Language!
I will renew my member and others, do the same!
February 7th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
A perfect response to their bigoted stance.
They are due for a shake up in their mission and in their personnel.
February 7th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Hand Wave from Canada.
NAD, You have shown a true leadership to make sure that all Deaf, deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people have their own rights and their own freedoms from oppressions. Unfortunately, AgBad does not show a true leadership because it just opposes ASL. I think it is time for NAD to take assertive action to promote and educate all parents of deaf and hard of hearing children that NAD is a good and common organization by comparing to a true militant organization such as AgBAD.
AgBAD needs to be a big rebuke for its unprofessional misbehaviour.
I want to congratulate for your leadership. I am very impressed with your letter.
Deafchip
February 7th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Thanks for speaking up today and last week. Your message was necessary and beautifully put.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
President of NAD, question… Did you already send the letter to Senior Vice President of Pepsi and cc to President and CEO of Pepsi Co. It will be helpful to hear from NAD, not just AGBell.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
YES,….YEAH.
You made my day today!
I really think that you should also have this letter to alllllll of the donors to AGBell….and switch their donations to NAD!!!!!!
DBC and DeafRead are the Marines.
But NAD is the Army to finish the job.
OOOH, Looks like I need sunglasses, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting BRIGHTER!!
And finally…Respectfully Yours!
John Egbert
p.s. See ya’ll in New Orleans
February 7th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
YES, RIGHT!
(no, not yelling - the above comment is in ASL!)
February 7th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Bobbie,
Im very agree with you for what you said . Thank You so Much!!!! Keep ASL alive!!! Good Job!!!
Mary Lou
February 7th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Champ letter!
I want to thank you and your board for crafting this wonderful letter, that I felt reflected our anger and frustration well.
I am proud to have NAD represent me, as I am, believe it or not, finally a NAD member as of yesterday.
For you, dear DeafReaders, many of you are leaders, and many of you want to contribute to a cause that are important to you and your loved ones. Oftentimes, many of you seek guidance on how you can contribute. Wont you join me and join NAD (if not already done) and you instantly are ahead in the struggle by being a part of a large organization that are recognized by large corporations, including obviously Pepsi!
Go to http://www.nad.org then click on JOIN link on the right side. Now you can say you ARE making a difference, rather than just complaining and not doing much about anything.
Thanks!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
This is what I LOVE to see from NAD!! A great letter! Thanks so much!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
little confusion….. what does agbell assoc people do? helping deaf people with hearing aiuds or is it same as s.h.h.h.? be more clear
February 7th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Fabulous job Ms Scoggins and NAD!! I praise NAD for taking an immediate action towards AGB and their unthinkable act that was completely uncalled for. I’d like to suggest one thing here, get media involved here and expose AGB and their ill intentions.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Great Thanks NAD : )
February 7th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
WOW It is true pure ASL!
HAND WAVES ALL NAD’s Staff.
I will say to you one word.
Amen
February 7th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
The Deaf community is very fortunate that pride, advocacy, courage, and skill have come together in Bobby Beth Scoggins as the president of NAD. With this kind of leadership showing active concern for representing the community, membership in NAD once again feels worthwhile!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
As a C.I. user, this is my first exposure to how AGBAD feels about deaf using ASL. I did honestly think that the feeling of resentment to AGBAD was unfounded until the last few months and this incident really cemented it as its first live-example of its kind.
I am disappointed to find that such intolerence exist in the early 21st century. I only pray that with time, all of the intolerance in the world will fade.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Vous êtes très juste! you justified very well in the letter!
Bravo for your response!
Eric Lawrin
Paris, France
February 7th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
PAH !!!
BIG HANDS WAVING HERE
LOVE YOU, BOBBIE BETH.
NOW I CAN SLEEP LITTLE BETTER.
THANKS !
February 7th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Hands waving, shouting!
Bobbie, that was grand. That was great. Thanks so much! Boy! Am I proud to be Deaf, and that ASL is my cherished and beloved language!
February 7th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Beautiful!! That’s a wonderful statement Ms Scoggins has made. Really show for what’s right for Deaf people among the community as well as in Hearing society. Everything she stated is true about AG Bell. Thanks for showing them a true Deaf feelings.
February 7th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I wonder is Karen Youdelman deaf or hearing?
February 7th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Hi, great job especailly your fluency in ASL… I completely agree with you about the importance of RESPECT…. AGBELL, come on swallow your pride and accept the TRUTH about ASL. thank you :) KH
February 7th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
To President Bobbie Scoggins, NAD staff members and NAD board members:
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Aidan
February 7th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
***Hands Waving, Hands Waving***
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! Thank you, NAD!!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Ms. Scoggins:
I do not know how to thank you adequately for representing the Deaf America by writing a letter of responce to the AGBAD’s letter to Pepsico.
I had written to Pepsico, and, in turn, they replied in a most pleasant tone.
Once again, I thank you for your fine leadership in the Deaf America.
Kindest regards,
Jean Boutcher
February 7th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I’m hearing and a student of ASL. I cannot believe AGBell. But then again I never had any respect for Alexander Graham Bell. (He did not invent the telephone, Antoino Meucci did) I saw the ad for Pepsi and loved it. Is there something wrong when an ad is broadcasted in Spanish? It’s a language used by a group of people just as ASL is. So I don’t see Bell’s problem.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Thank you a million, you are a hero woman!
February 7th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
YOU GO, NAD!!!
AGBell, show us our long overdue respect, please!!!
I can speak and lipread, but I love ASL and I use it ALL THE TIME! Am I any different? NOOOOO!!!
Kate
February 7th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I kiss your hands Ms Scoggins
Thank you.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
HI President of NAD,
“handWaving” to you Mrs. President for your responsing to ABG. In my mind, ABG and Oralist Organization should be taken down now. It is time for them to go out of business of ABG and oralist for good. They must go!!! It time for us to put AGB and Oralist Organization to sleep forever. Thank you
from Brian Buckley, Glen Burnie, MD.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Great letter, I agree with DP about CCing this letter to the donors.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Thank you for saying to AgBell what I would love for them to “hear” from me as an oral deaf person.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Those who will not learn to communicate with others are truly handicapped.
If Lauren Clerc is one of our heores, does that make Alegander Graham Bell one of our villains?
AGB, The most dangerous untruths are truth moderately distorted. Speak the truth!
Bug
http://www.fookembug.wordpress.com
February 7th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I am thrilled to see the strong position NAD has in reaction to AGB’s negativity and ignorance. Thanks for taking the high road with class.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Thank you for your good point….((handwaving))…hope AGBell association members will respect you as you explained so clear…
February 7th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
WOW!! CHAMP!!!
AWESOME LETTER TO AGBAD…
MANY THANKS for speaking out for us…
“COLORFUL WAVE IN THE AIR”
February 7th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Bobbie Beth
Thank you. This is a long-needed letter to AGBell. Time to say enough is enough.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Hello Bobbie!
Your response to the AGB’s age-old protest against the Pepsi commercials using ASL is SUPERB!!!
Regards, Larry Forestal
February 7th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hello Bobbie…
Your response to the AGBADHH’s age-old protest is SUPERB!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Well eloquently said and signed, Bobbie Beth!
It is time to give the message to AG Bell that we are not accepting their tone of disrespect toward ASL users.
My Deaf children raised their eyebrows when I explained to them what the letter said from AG Bell. They reacted, “What? Us isolated just because we use ASL?” They understood immediately that this statement was not acceptable since I didn’t have to tell them. When they saw you in the video, they said, “Alright!” You made our day!
Thank you!
February 7th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
President of NAD Bobbie,
I want tell you Thank you for Wonderful message that way We want show them that Deaf people is NOT Puppet to them.
Bobbie, Again, Thank you for Beautiful Deaf Subconscious!
From 1966-1979 Oklahoma School for the Deaf,
Sulphur, Oklahoma.
Jackie Mitchell
February 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Great letter! This makes me proud to be a NAD member!
February 7th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Bravo! Bravo!For NAD!
What a nerve they say about the Deaf Culture! I have never known or seen such outrage in this matter! These people never would understand the beautiful culture we have!
Again, bravo goes to NAD!
HANDS WAVING AROUND…
February 7th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Way to go NAD!
Thanks!
February 7th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Thank you NAD and Bobbie.
it continues to amaze me that in this day and time, people still are “ignorant” to our culture and language.
I agree with previous posting….send cc to major donors and bring attention to this.
They are not “THE ONLY NATIONAL…..”
February 7th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Your straight to point letter is great!
As a longtime NAD member, I’m pleased to see that NAD could do this kind of thing.
Thank you.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Many thanks! We appreciated you very much! Big hands waving for you, Ms Bobbie Scroggins! Thank you!!!!!
February 7th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
THANK YOU!! WAY TO GO!! HANDWAVING!
February 7th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
NAD Winner — AGBad loser!
Applaud to NAD!
Thanks
February 7th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I love it! I love every bit of it! Maybe we will all get together, sooner or later.
I wonder what it will be like in heaven…my deaf friend said everyone will be normal in heaven…everyone will speak in signs!!!! Including AGB folks????
February 8th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Bobbie,
All above of the commenters said the same thing about your eloquently speech in positive way toward AGB. Respect in word are indeed essentially to share in our humanity in unity.
Myth statement is enough from AGB! Realty comes from our precious heart to become what we are. Human nature is our beliefs through our precious heart. Our language is beautiful and nature in our bright lives.
Thank you.
Nick
February 8th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I agree what NAD president’s comment is standing for what we believe in a fair to others but I feel that ABG is no respectful to us as long as it is not fair! I personally believe that ABG is jealous over NAD for what we have made a successful.
Thank you for sharing with us!
February 8th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Bobbie Beth, well said! Much appreciated for what you & NAD have done for us all.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:50 am
I appreciate with NAD’s consideration with AGBell’s unbelievable response to Pepsico. I am strong feels that AGBell is one of “Scourge of Deaf Mankind.” I have been written several essay against AGBell and also every of you shall attend to the Rochester Institute of Technology/ National Technical of Deaf (RIT/NTID) plays knowns as “Bob in the Hell” will be preformed this spring 2008.
*Handwaving*
February 8th, 2008 at 1:58 am
You did a good job.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:33 am
i really like look good news
February 8th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Thanks NAD! For so long we politely put up with AG Bell myths about the Deaf Community and ASL. Not anymore! We need to speak up more often to end their negatative messages.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:25 am
Good Job!
Amazes me to no end that even today AGB is closed minded inasfar as Deaf people are who they want to be.
A person who seeks knowledge without an open mind
seeks nothing at all.
HPMenkis
February 8th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Wished ya would have told them ptbttttttttttttt
February 8th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Excellent response! I appreciate the NAD’s firm and principled response to the AGBAD’s petty letter. Keep up the good work!
February 8th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Hey N.A.D.
I am deaf and i am proud of it and my family is deaf too.
and I love use my chatted “ASL” they cant change us keep up
thank you from
Shirley L.Davis
February 8th, 2008 at 9:06 am
President Scoggins & NAD Board,
Beautiful!! Well written letter!!!
Since AGBell had posted their public letter to PepsiCo at their website, they made quite contemning ASL users. Surely enough, they (AGBell & PepsiCo) heard a lot of comments from the ASL Community against their public letter to PepsiCo, AGBell suddenly removed their public letter from their website.
I wonder, will NAD going to write another letter, asking AGBell is going to retract their public letter to PepsiCo and the community publicly?
We need to make sure AGBell publicly retract their message to ASL community and everyone else (including PepsiCo) for their untruly actions toward ASL community.
We do not want AGBell just to remove their letter and did nothing afterwards. This action itself implies their (AGBell’s) intent still stand.
If we allow AGBell do nothing further after removing their public letter from their website, we are allowing AGBell win over us in this issue because they are actually pretending we are insignificant group of people. They are actually continuing to promote the negativeness attitude toward ASL. This issue with PepsiCo (the letter) still continues to linger in our community. The community will believe AGBell still stand on their ground regardless our responses to AGBell/PepsiCo.
So, I may suggest NAD to consider and draft another letter encouraging AGBell to write a retract letter to PepsiCo and the community.
Well written letter, and GREAT Vlog!!!
Respectfully submitted,
-Sean Gerlis
February 8th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Bravo!! And I love every word that you signed…Hands wave higher and higher!! And I agree with y’all…
February 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
beautiful letter…well written! The myth is that speach makes a better person…ASL is beautiful, consise and clear. Thank you for your timely response!
February 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
CCing to congress, legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body about AGBAD continue demeaning to deaf community.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Handwaving!!
THANKS NAD!!
appreciated for what you do..
Keep it up! :)
February 8th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Thank you!
I will sign up as a new member of NAD.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Statement of lobbying activities through capital solutions, a third party lobbing firm, Alexander graham bell association for the deaf and hard of hearing (the association) incurred $232,505 of lobbing expenses related to direct contact with legislators on legislation directly related to the association’s exempt purpose of empowering persons who are hearing impaired.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Two simple words - THANK YOU!
Go NAD.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I am very much appreciated you for your hard work for the Deaf community and our rights. Same old AGB! to AGB Please, wake up!
February 8th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
As a new member and a NAA recruiter, I will strongly continue to support NAD. The letter to AGB, was beautifully written, with a statement, that NAD has promised and continues to protect and preserve the rights our language.
The ad Pepsi Co. aired, during the Super Bowl pre-game, was an old deaf joke. I would say that those who supported the cause of the letter just can’t simply take a joke.
NAA Recruiter – 113REI
February 8th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Well written, well stated, well put!
February 8th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Eloquently put!
I lapsed my NAD membership for over 10 years, and three weeks ago, I re-activated my membership with NAD.
I have NO regrets joining NAD now, and your video letter to AG Bell makes me to believe that joining NAD is the best thing I’ve ever done!
I hope everyone who made the comments above will consider joining NAD too!
We need to get together and move forward to the better future for all Deaf Americans!
I’m proud to be one!
Amy Cohen Efron
February 8th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Hello, Bonnie!
Thank you very much for your excellent letter! You did an excellent job! The AGBell definitely owes us an apology! Shame on the AGBell!
DeafASLman
February 8th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Bobbie,
Keep Deaf Movement , Deaf Civil Right and A.S.L. Stronger and Stronger… but don’t stop yet!!!
Go NAD Go
P.S. Bobbie, It would add to our WADNET- weekly email to our WAD membership. Please contact our WAD President Jerrod Keim or Leslie Riggs-WAD Webmaster.
February 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Well done! Has the letter be copied to Pepsi Co?
Glad the letter is elaborative and professional.
February 8th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Kudos to NAD for speaking out! I sincerely hope that AG Bell can one day learn how to congratulate NAD for its achievements and NAD congratulate AG Bell for its achievments. I sincerely hope that one day we could all work together on common goals such as captioning access on the web and beyond as well as giving honest and balanced facts for parents to determine what education will work for their child among many other possible goals.
NAD will march forward and upward. Will AG Bell join us?
February 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
[...] and I also appreciated the fantabulous display of emotion that oozed from the NAD’s email/letter/video/postcard sent to AG Bell [...]
February 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Actually, Karen Youdelman is what is known as a negativist. No matter what we say or do, she will respond with “killer statements” designed to murder and ruin the idea before it gets off the ground. Negativists throw cold water on anything or everyone and seem to be experts at finding faults.
What makes the negativist behave like this? People like Karen feel defeated and are consumed by an attitude of hopelessness. Psychologists say that these people have an external locus of control. They feel that Deaf people control them. To take a stand and exert some influence over events is completely foreign to their way of thinking.
NAD, maybe it’s time for you to take a legal action against AGBell Association for discrimination.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Your message shook the world and we heard you! We shall continue in supporting ASL and keep on teaching AGB no matter how thick their steel head is.
B R A V O!
February 8th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hat off to you! Hammer hit nail through once perfectly! *smile*
February 8th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I myself was taught in oralism and as years went by I learned ASL and find ASL as good benefit for deaf community depending on talent. I have both feet in deaf and hearing worlds, but as I get older, my speech has been affected by copd making it difficult to speak clearly. Therefore ASL is the best communiciation tool. I agree with NAD’s president’s reply to ABG..
February 8th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
You go NAD!!!! I totally agree with you! We all have the same potentials as anybody else and should’t be labeled any different!!! NAD have done so much to help the Deaf community and have continued to do so! They are doing GREAT and they shouldn’t get any disrespect! Great job!!!!
February 8th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I find the letter from AG Bell to be absolutely deplorable! The Deaf community has come such a long way, and still has a way to go, but the letter AGB has sent to NAD was written with such ignorance that it is just mind boggling. ASL isolates the Deaf from the rest of society??? NO… it’s the stupidity and close mindedness of people such as AGB that isolates! Hands waving for NAD!!!!!
February 8th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
now your voice is the one and truth for all deaf community!
my wife and i look forward to become a member of nad asap.
buzz
February 8th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I would like to congratulate and thank you for defending the NAD and the Pepsi commercial. I am a hearing mother with a hard-of-hearing child. Although we speak at home and are learning ASL, we are ALWAYS excited to see Deaf men and women represented positively in the media. Well done!
February 8th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
KUDOS
veditz would be proud!
peace
patti durr
February 8th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Many thanks for the marvelous job! We all have to join NAD to show that we do support this wonderful organization that represent us!
We all will have to keep pressure on AGBell!!!!!
Go NAD !!!!!!!!
February 8th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Many thanks for the marvelous job!!!
We all have to join NAD to display our support!
We all will have to keep pressure on AGBAD!!!
Go NAD!!!!!!
February 8th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Bobbie Beth and the rest of the NAD team,
Waving hands, many kudos, for taking a strong unequivocal stand against the AGB letter to Pepsico. The audist tones in the letter are outrageous and point to rampant bigotry.
If only AGB could open their hearts to the possibility of supporting ASL/sign language as a right of all deaf people.
Brian
February 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Keep those handcuffs away from Deaf people!!
Long Live ASL!!
Robert
February 8th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Your beautiful response gave me goosebumps! I have never been prouder of NAD than at this moment, thank you for all that you do!
February 8th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hands WAY UP!!! On behalf of ASL teachers in Wisconsin, we are relieved to see the positive message NAD has shared the past few weeks in educating our nation about ASL. It is amazing how little people know about ASL and Deaf Culture. You made it clear that AGB is not the “only national organization dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing who use spoken language and hearing technology”. AGB has misinformed many doctors and parents in the myth that ASL isolates deaf people and prevents them from being able to speak and learn English.
It seems AGB is jealous that the ASL community got media attention so they want more media and money that they already have far superior than us! As we know media is a powerful educational tool, people are more aware of hearing and speaking technologies than ASL. What more does AGB want? PepsiCo should not feel sorry for AGB and pay them back for ignoring their views! Our ASL community has been ignored for too long!! Please do send your letter to AGB’s donors so they are not blinded from the truth! Let us all stand together in this ASL education movement with DBC at the AGB convention in Miwaukee this June!!
February 8th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Bobbie Beth,
Thank you for your support of the Pepsico commercial and also for your response to the A. G. Bell Society regarding their letter to Pepsico. I am a child of deaf adults and I feel that it is about time that the Deaf Culture has an opportunity to be spotlighted. As Audism becomes more widely recognized, I wonder if this is in fact an example of the internal aspects of this issue from the deaf vs Deaf perpective.
Although I am a hearing person, my cultural upbringing is Deaf and I am thrilled to have seen a commercial persented in my native langague.
Jim
February 8th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I was very upset after reading AGBell’s letter to PepsiCo. I then e-formed PepsiCo congratulating them on their funny “Bob’s House” commercial; I also mentioned that as a pre-lingual Deaf man who speaks very well and who also uses ASL that I was very disappointed with that letter. Thank you, NAD, for your firm, yet respectful response to AGBell.
February 8th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Bobbie
Thank you so very much! I am AGBell ’success oralist’ and ASL user. I believe that your letter was justified. It is just too bad that people like Karen would scoop to a level that I was simply awed strucked. This happens to be the best thing, because NAD is getting more attention and this pleases me. You did a beautiful job by staying on the top level with such professionalism. You made me a proud ASL user! You will soon see my renewed membership from my husband and I. Thank you again! *waving hands with such pride*
February 8th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Thank you Bobbie Scoggins for an excellent response to ABG professionally. I am truly proud of being a deaf person. Just keep fight back and keep on feet and just keep strong and just keep chin up and keep cherish ASL in the rest of our life. No one even ABG can destroy our culture. ASL is amazing its pure because of the ability of communication fluently. Thank God! Way to go NAD!
February 8th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
BEAUTIFUL and POWERFUL message that we will not tolerate those negative behaviors from anyone, anywhere and anytime - all organizations must respect every individual’s choice of their communication preferrance.
ASL is the most valuable communication tool that is critical to my life’s success even I grew up using oral method.
I’m proud to be a member of NAD because NAD respects all indivdiuals’ communication choices.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Where is the President of MoAD’s comment? What’s the MoAD’s President’s name?
February 9th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Kudos to NAD President Scoggins for such an astounding response. What she had said to the AGB organization was stern and fair. AGB certainly deserve this kind of scruitiny. My only confusion was how did she recieve the letter? Did AGB organization cc to NAD as well? After all, their response to PepsiCo is unquestionably and undeniably a bigotry on their part, and they share no respect to where it is due. Again, such a response from NAD is absolutely perfect! Thank you for looking out for us!
February 9th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Thanks for the unequivocal response that this kind of closed-minded bigotry deserves!! Ironic that AGB’s afraid people will think that the commercial means “all deaf people only sign” when EVERY new hearing person we meet asks the same question: “Do you read lips?” I think the message people need is not “not all deaf people only use sign” but rather, “not all deaf people speak and read lips”!! The whole point of the commercial was to promote DIVERSITY, and AGB’s response to it was the exact opposite: “more attention should be given to deaf people who are as much like HEARING people as possible”! The world has been expecting deaf people to be like hearing people for too long, and now that society is beginning to recognize the use of ASL as a viable communication choice for deaf people, AGB’s letter is a blatant attempt to undermine this newfound (and long overdue) acceptance. Glad NAD saw through it and called them out on it! Kudos!
February 9th, 2008 at 1:22 am
We are hearing parents of a 17 year daughter. She was born Deaf and her first language is and always will be ASL (thanks to the unwavering support of our Deaf community in Canada). We all have choices to make, and need to respect the choices made by others, even if they’re different from ours. AGBell’s letter to Pepsico denied us that respect. Shame on them!
February 9th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hands waving from Australia
Thank you
February 9th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Bobbi, You did such a wonderful JOB ! Come in NAD Go home AGBell
February 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Kudos to NAD! I will join NAD soon.
February 9th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Very well said, Bobbie Beth! AGBell’s letter is a blatant effort to solicit funds from a major company. You can see they have their hands out. I hope Pepsi Co sees that and don’t give monetary support or funding to them.
February 9th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
AGBELL put the Pepsico’s email address on their website, encouraging people to voice disappointment in the ASL commercial. I did the opposite and used the address to send Pepsico a thank you letter. Let’s not stoop to AGBELL’s level of intolerance. Keep our energy positive - send Pepsico your thanks!
February 9th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Bonnie and NAD,
Hat off to you all for ASL support. ASL is definitely a true language. ASL is the joy of Deaf’s life.
February 9th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Your response was completely appropriate, adequate and necessary. The days of ‘hiding’ ASL are over! Thank you for taking a stand and for responding so beautifully and ASL-y to those members of AGBell who supported the original letter to Pepsico. God Bless…
February 9th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Congrats! President Scoggins and NAD.
We have finally reached our defining moment; and I see it evolving into sustainng a future lifetime of enlightment and reason.
What does our president of Gallaudet University, Dr. Davila say? Surely, he’s beaming with pride, no?
February 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
GO FOR IT
February 9th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I AM VERY SUPPORT NAD COMPLETE. REALLY AGBELL NEED TO UNDERSTAND IN OUR DEAF LIFE WHAT I DO. I GO 2 DIFFERENT LIFE MEAN I GO HEARING SCHOOLS AND DEAF SCHOOL FINALLY 11 TH SCHOOLS IN GALLAUDET U MSSD WHEW BUT I LOVE TO LEARN IN DIFFERENT CULTURE TO BE CHALLANGE OF LIFE USA ASL IS BEAUIFUL AND NOW I AM CHALLANAGE HEARING TO WATCH SIGN LANGAUGE ASL THAT I STAND AND SPEAK TO HEARING PEOPLE TO USE ASL AND TOUGHEST TO THEM. I FOLLOW MY HEART OF ASL IS STRONGEST BRAVE. I CAN SPEAK AND SIGN LANGAUGE SAME TIME IN BOTH WAY. NOW ON AGBELL NEED TO CUT OFF ON VLOG NOTHING TO AGAINST ASL. VLOG IS FREEDOM SHARE. GOD BLESS IN AMERICA
February 9th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Well Done! Bobbie,
I was so pleased to read your Vlog. It is well point taken. By the way, You are truly great leader for deaf communities in America. I praise you and boards for the action againist AG Bell who backstab us (deafies) Enough of their greedy!Idon’t understand their narrow minds that not accept ASL as our language. There is amazing increaseto use spanish everywhere on tv and materials.People accept spanish as 2nd language to add in America not ASL as our first Language. Terrible mind to waste! GO ASL!
February 10th, 2008 at 12:17 am
me and my DEAF family was thrilled about that commerical.. and yalls respone to agb’mail to pespico.. hats off to yall.. keep it up!
February 10th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
“HANDSWAVING” (back patting to you) Bobbie, your letter to AGB - AWESOME! I also have read AGB’s letter and was very disgusted, disappointed and oh so negative!
ASL MY RIGHT, MY LANGUAGE, MY LIFE! Our culture, our respect deserved! They owe all of us deaf people who are in support of ASL an apology letter.
I need to be sure I renew my membership!!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Kudos to you, President Bobbie Scoggins! I am so proud of you being a truly leader of our America. ASL is always with me.
Amen!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I appreciated to have learned to speak, lipread at AG Bell, an oral day school up North until I was encouraged to learn ASL at age of 19 at Gallaudet U. I felt happier as to bright up my life as total communication. I realized that not all hearing people understood me, my speech, difficulty to lipread and hearing people have southern accent so it is more difficult to lipread them and if I talked northern accent or other deaf accent, it was not understoodable so I felt more comfortable to have ASL interpreters for emergency, business or social purposes.
I have been in the hospitals which provided interpreters 24 hrs 2 weeks, and again 3 days 24 hrs to be understood by dr, nurses, therapists either way. it was hard to read and write as my eyes were blurry from heavy medication. I could see ASL signing/fingerspelling well as not that small print to read and my writings was not my normal way. I wanted to get well by understanding what to do to get well.
Please, have the AG Bell Assoc reconsider their policy or goals to be more neutrally equalized in case if some hearing people lost hearing then they would wish they learned ASL plus speech, lipread to be able to understand people better.
GO ASL!
February 10th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Thank you for your great response to AG Bell Assoc.
February 10th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Bobbie Beth Scoggins,
NAD President
Your letter is to be highly commended for standing up against intolerance and disinformation spread by the AGBAD. This must be stopped, once and for all.
Fight on!
BB
February 10th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Charming and beautful,
who changes human nature? ASL is our true human nature, no matter how hard ABELL try to beat. Human nature takes care of our ASL!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
BRAVO NAD!!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Two thumbs UP!!!
February 10th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Outstanding work! The letter comes out beautifully in both ASL and English. How can AGBell discriminate against sign language? If they don’t want to use ASL, that is their right to decide! But why should they discourage others who do want to use it? Besides, what they said about “hearing people will think every deaf person only uses sign” - they would prefer that hearing people think every deaf person can talk?! How very silly of them, don’t you think?
Anyway, you really did an amazing job with this. Your ASL is beautiful to watch and you are to be commended!
I have not been a member of NAD since about 1998 but I will join again!
February 11th, 2008 at 3:21 am
This week has been a revelation for many; communication is the key for the sake of the Deaf world. We have so many ways to teach the world, but so little time. For the future of our Deaf children, we need to commit to this task of exposing ourselves to deliver a consistent message dedicated to further respect for justice and the human rights and fundamental freedoms (as proclaimed in the UN Charter).
It is high time to take whatever steps to get the legislators see us being heard (or is it “to hear us being seen!”) Thank you, President Scoggins and to every one of you for taking part in this drive!
February 11th, 2008 at 7:46 am
hey bobbie,
can you see my hands waving from the top of santa cruz mountains in california?
many thanks to you and NAD!
February 11th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I find it interesting that there really are not any surveys, Bulletin boards, or ways for the NAD members to respond to the organization as a whole and for you to take a poll for the views of your members before you take an action on some topics. I was greatly disappointed in the letter responding to A.G. Bell. I am tired of the ASL vs. Oral argument. I was pleased to see NAD’s involvement with the Pepsi Ad and other areas that greatly impact our lives. While it is true, A.G. Bell does not support ASL.
Cannot we not realize that for some it was the person with a hearing loss that has made the decision to be “oral”? Should we not be supportive of them as well as they face some of the same barriers and isolation. In some cases their isolation is worse as they dont have the roots of community that we do. Their struggles while sometimes different from ours is just as important. Most important! Divided we will fall and together we would rise to be something even more powerful. If only the Deaf/deaf/hard of hearing/hearing impaired or whatever labels a person desires to use worked together on special occasions. For my students with different types of hearing losses this NAD/A.G. Bell spat further reinforces that they must pick one path or another. I have always told them create your own Deaf identity as you may have a C.I, be Oral at times, and use ASL depending on the environment. Who says that you aren’t the member of the Deaf community this next generation will be of a different breed we must embrace them. They will have chosen to be part of the community in their own special way. NAD has been wonderful and I applaude the efforts in education, legal, and ASL as that is important. NAD I am sure has changed my life in ways that I didnt realize as a young Deaf child and I am thankful for that. I look forward to my continue support of NAD to help the next generation and my own generation together. As a website, designer more opportunities for voicing across the country should be possible.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Well signed! Truly proud of you how you stood up to this! Hand Wave!!!!
February 11th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
My dear Bobbie, you did a super job.
I GIVE YOU BIG HAND WAVE.
I have been a member of NAD for more than 30 years. I read all messages from above. I see that some of them decided to join as a member of NAD because of that. I am so thrilled.
Now I am SERIOUS about membership. Let’s have a goal to arrive at 100,000 members of NAD to prove that NAD is still a STRONG ORGANIZATION. Why not?
Thank you…
February 11th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I do not know if Karen Youdelman is Deaf or a merely deaf. NAD - we speak for ourselves. AGB - the hearing people continue to speak for the Deaf without asking them what they want, think, feel, etc. That is abuse!! I am on NAD’s side. Dr. Scoggins is right on every count especially we respect AGB and why can’t AGB respect us especially we are Deaf, We made our decisions ourselves while AGB who has the deaf memebers, do they have the rights to speak for themselves? I doubt so. Thank you and keeping on fighting for our rights.
February 11th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
What is AGBell’s prospective of Anna Marie Lowery? Having researched that Anna Marie Lowery had met the real Alexander Graham Bell in person in the later part of 1870’s. It would be interesting to know what AGBell has to say what they know about Anna Marie Lowery. Before I would make a comment on and about the Super Bowl.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
You earn the Bronze Star for Battle on sand of the Iwo Jima to installed the Flag of NAD…… How the heck you got those AGBA’s offical letter to Pespi ???? Does they respond you back with thier messages on Video or written statement ???? and where is the Pespi respond ??
February 12th, 2008 at 3:51 am
Bobbie and NAD,
You weren’t a president of this oldest Deaf Organization for nothing! You are made for this crusade on our behalf, the ASL users!
This clown will be joining NAD soon and be part of the action! Let’s Roll!!!!
May God bless you and this NAD!
February 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
AGBell is a piece of work and should be taken off from the face of the earth! NAD is the best!
February 12th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Way to go, Bobbie Beth! Not only is your message clear and appropriate, your presentation using ASL so beautifully and gracefully can only impress those who have taken the opportunity to watch this excellent NAD video.
Thanks and keep spreading the message!
February 12th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
wahoo!!! and God bless you and this NAD..
February 12th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I agree with this person Barbercloud says “LET’S ROLL!”
That’s good theme just like 9/11 Todd Bremer who perished on the AA plane in Phildephia said “Let’s roll! :-)
Thanks Barbercloud for saying this theme “Let’s Roll”. ASL #1
February 16th, 2008 at 6:50 am
This was brought to my attention via our UK ‘StopEugenics’ (thanks, TW) and seeing the AGB letter choked me, literally. Glad to see NAD’s clear and dignified response missile.
We’re behind you all the way.
Penny
February 18th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Imagine if AgBell took over this commercial-what would it look like? How would they project oral deaf people? Maybe this.. a toddler with bilateral (no offense to anyone who is a CI user because I am one myself-I’m just parodying here) watching SuperBowl-parents bubbling with excitement as the toddler articulates “football” intelligibly and lights up in response to the deafening clamor permeating the house and concludes with a toddler responding to the carbonation sound of Pepsi soda amidst the noise!? How would NAD respond? I wonder.
The ad was perfect-smart and simple, and I was THRILLED to see this in mainstream media.
Thank you Bobbi for taking a stand against AgB’s bigotry!
February 19th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Dear President Scoggins~
Thank you on the behalf of all sign language users of this planet. We need to encourage all advertisers to consider having more sign language users promote their products on TV. The more sign language is visible on TV, the better chance of us getting jobs as well as supporting NAD to do more advocacy work in the media mainstream. We, sign language users, ought to send thank you letters and buy products from advertisers who use signers on TV. Our main responsibility is to support NAD in all of its endeavors. WIthout the NAD, we will not have our rights as drivers, having captions on TV/movies, equal education opportunities, sign language legislation in each state, etc. Dr. Scoggins, I know you will do an excellent job in your presidency and I look forward in many years of your wonderful work. Again, thank you for all you do for the NAD and its members. Join NAD! It’s only $40 a year! It will make a huge difference in your life and many generations of sign language users.
May the NAD force be with you~
E. Lynn Jacobowitz, Ph.D.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:35 am
BRAVO!!!! WAVING HANDS IN AIR
February 19th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Thank You very much. * Wave hand* to u. Than u for brave to stand what AGB say. Thank u so much. I am so proud. They can’t discriminate our culture. Sorry. That Deaf right to sign. I support ur idea and I am very care about deaf people. Matter what deaf have earring or CI. I still support on it.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Hello
I’m from the UK and fully support your response! I know that Deaf people from all over the world support you!
The Pepsi Co. advert was GREAT and it made me feel really proud that Sign Language and Deaf culture was exposed to the hearing world in such a large scale :) Don’t let AGBell pull us down!
DEAF POWER!!
Gavin
February 26th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
YES ! N.A.D ROCKS I joined N.A.D and proudly to be member of N.A.D ; )
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Hello!!!! May I pat on your back soooo HARD for doing SUCH A GREAT JOB, Bobbie Beth. Agreeably AGBAD should respect us, ASL people. Remain ASL alive. Thumbs Up!!! Way to go ~~~~~ Dear Power!!!!
Eln W-bee
March 3rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
President Bobbie Scoggin ~
Well written and well said!
Thank you so much, President Scoggins!
Jack from Texas
March 13th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Hello Madam/Sir: How amazinging its strong-sign from asl… it’s a deaf aware of getting along with its deaf core. Alexander Graham Bell Association (AGB) is too aggressive and slowly speech on whole mouth when they become whole mouthabuse… Do not drag ABG up, please all asl are freedom. Ting
March 20th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Three people standing 100 yards each side (football field). One hearing person, one oral person, one deaf person.
Hearing person couldn’t pick what his partner saying.
Oral person couldn’t pick up what his partner saying.
Deaf person could pick up what his partner saying thru ASL. It that GREAT!
June 3rd, 2009 at 9:59 pm
I can’t understand why AGBell who claim to represent Deaf people focus on “listening”. Why doesn’t this sound ridiculous to most hearing people? I am not deaf and it sounds completely insane to me. It’s comparable to helping the blind “see” to “help” them fit into the “sighted” world. I’ve heard it said that English is the most commonly used language in the world, why aren’t they on a mission to force the rest of the planet to use English instead of their native language? You know to “help” them get along in the world and fit in.
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
“Of the more than 30 million Americans who live with hearing loss, the majority use spoken language as their primary mode of communication.”
SURE! If they never encounter another Deaf person in their life.
I wonder if AGBell would have been satisfied if Bob had called out (spoken) the word “sorry” to his hearing neighbor instead of signing it. It would have shown how Deaf people can and do communicate with each other AND hearing people on a daily basis.