What occurred RECENTLY to spark the fire under this so-called protest? I can understand it happening soon after the unfortunate incident with Gordon and Edwards. Where’s the information? Where’s the noise?

As we already know, the media loves negativity like Oprah loves her burgers so therefore, we want to avoid the media for NOW . I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade here- but the way this protest is currently planned- yall are better off going to a city council meeting and voice your opinions or concerns. They’ve had several successful cases using that approach.

I’ll be blunt- this is a poor organization. But a good START. I’d keep working on it til the foundation is SOLID and “media ready”. EVERY deaf individual should know about this for this to be a “big deal”- then once that mission is accomplished- you may present yourself in the city ready to face the media without putting your feet in your mouths. Why the media? Because the city depends on it, unfortunately.

I commend everyone for standing up for themselves. Best of Luck.

Last night, I had the opportunity to hear community concerns of the direction this protest is heading. Many expressed the concerns of not having much access to the information to read more about the the true purpose of the protest is all about.

Brian was the only one of the founders that showed up. He had stated that Detra was supposed to show up to provide WHY we should join them in the protest. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud Brian for organizing this protest in best interests of Deaf community. However, I cannot say much about Detra. Say a lot about the organization structure of this protest! I mean…what kind of message is that?

We were very impressed with everyone who showed up last night and be supportive of the message of the protest but I believe we need to have some time to re-organize the structure of this protest to make lasting impact to City of Houston to show that we are here and demand for them to honor the agreement between DOJ and NAD to afford us the most cherished rights–communication accessiblity. Orginally, I was all for the protest to take place next week but seeing that Detra did not show up last night and showed lack of true leadership had changed my mind. We need to postpone this protest at least for temporarily.

On the last note, I think it is time for us to get Houston Association for Deaf back up running again but this time, to provide strong advocacy and give the voice for our community!

Why TAD? In Austin, the Legislature branches are very aware of TAD meaning of being represented by the State of Texas deaf/hh members and their affiliated with National Association of the Deaf (NAD). If all else fails, TAD can contact NAD for assists. NAD then can get involved and if problem persists, then NAD can get in touch with their Advocacy Law Center and contact FCC, Dept. of Justice (DOJ), Congress, etc. on issues that described best. Government, States and Cities levels throughout are much aware of NAD representing nationwide to the communities. Every nation level has their organizations (NAACP, NALAC, etc.) That is why I think TAD is the Organization that should represent us. By their rules, you have to be a member to join in. Sadly, I have not renewed my membership ever since because TAD has not yet impacted me to assist areas needs regardless of problems arisen to date. This is my own view and I will join when I see it will be “There” for us. Houston is the 3rd largest City in the United States and yet it’s sad we do not have a great role organization meeting our needs. However, this weekend in San Antonio there is a TAD Conference. Hopefully the new Officers taking place will wake up and give us strong directions in helping us. Send a letter, voice your message to them right away and let see if action will take place.

On the other hand, there is a Mayor’s Office of the Disabilities you can bring attention to. But take my word; they are not there for us. We in the past reported, complained and then they took no action. It has been somewhat moot. What is the point going there if they are not THERE for us regardless they do reflect our needed attention? Their old habit today from the City of Houston as well in the past kept bringing their favorite word, “We have not heard any complaint from the Deaf Community”. I can state this for a mere fact. I was there, period. I voiced my inputs but their statement is full of baloney! Tell me when was the last time a MAYOR proclaimed Deaf Awareness Day via broadcast, media and newspaper? Only one I can name was the former honorable Kathy Whitmire. Afterwards, the rest of the Mayor has not. What does that tell you! Again, I have seen it, been there and know it all…

In final, you may disagree what I stated above, again you are entitled to your own political view opinion. But from my political standpoint and knowledge, it is the proper thing to do.
Do the best you can and represent us well.
Thanks!

But we have to remember to give Brian more credit because he’s been working in Houston for at least 15 years (at Montrose Clinic and other places). I took an ADA advocacy workshop in Austin and Brian was my partner in many of the activities we did. I go to Brian or Detra whenever I need help with addressing ADA issues for my clients. I’ve seen deaf clients get. denied interpreters even at Department of Public Safety to take written exams for a driver license. I’ve also seen one case where an employer abused a deaf client and we had to report that to the Dept of Labor. I can’t imagine what Brian sees everyday. This is actually his field of expertise and I believe he is well qualified to become a spokesperson to make sure that the City of Houston and Houston Police Department uphold their part after what the DOJ settlements had ordered.

All I ask is for the Protester Organizers to post as much information on their website to make sure we all understand what is going on. Some of us were not even here when the two Deaf Houstonions won the lawsuits against City of Houston so we need a re-education. Most of the city administrator positions may have been replaced by new people now so they’re clueless. Education is what we need.

Thank you, Brad for keeping us in the loop!

Houston, out of all major regions in Texas has the most advocacy and legal issues associated with infringement of deaf rights and ADA. This has been confirmed with the amount of logged cases and work that attorneys from Advocacy Inc as well as the DHHS advocates have done.

Basically, from what I understand, the issue of Houston not upholding the DOJ settlement from a couple years ago is because the City has not seen a visible need for services. This is what the protest is trying to bring – a face to a disability.