Category: Michigan
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
A deaf-blind athlete didn't let excessive heat stop him from completing the
Boston Marathon.
Bill Barkeley, who has
Usher Syndrome, completed the run in 4 hours and 59 minutes despite temperatures near 90 degrees. More than 4000 people dropped out. Barkeley's team raised more than $300,000 for the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Even though it was the first marathon for the 50 year old, Barkeley has climbed major mountains - like Kiliminjaro and Mount Quandary. The Grand Rapids, Michigan resident even took a group of deaf teens through the Amazon in
Peru with No Barriers, an organization helping people lead more full and active lives.
Tags: Bill Barkeley, Boston Marathon, Peru, Usher Syndrome
Posted in Deaf-Blind, fund-raisers, Massachusetts, Michigan | Comments Off
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Michigan's Kalamazoo Gazette profiles deaf rapper Sean Forbes. Read the story
here. Posted in Michigan, Music | Comments Off
Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
Central Michigan University is changing its policy and will let a deaf student graduate. The school has gotten criticism from around the country for putting a requirement on
Kelly Laatsch that you won't find in other elementary education programs. School officials had insisted that she do her student teaching without access to an interpreter. This afternoon, Laatsch told local media that Central informed her that it is changing its policy and will let her have an interpreter for the rest of her time as a student teacher. She is thanking everyone for their support. Since this is her last requirement before graduation, Laatsch will likely walk during graduation ceremonies in May. The University released this statement:
"Central Michigan University remains focused on the success of its students and continues to work with Ms. Laatsch toward her goal of becoming a teacher. CMU has been in communication with Ms. Laatsch related to this matter in hopes of reaching a mutually satisfactory outcome."
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Central Michigan University
Tags: Central Michigan University, CMU, Kelly Laatsch, Related Blogs
Posted in Michigan, Schools | Comments Off
Friday, February 24th, 2012
Central Michigan University has told a student that she can't graduate because she wants an interpreter.
Kelly Laatsch has finished all the classes necessary to become an elementary teacher for deaf children - except for her student teaching requirement. Deaf since birth, Laatsch asked the school for an interpreter - but was told by the director of
Student Disability Services she would not pass and get her degree if she has an interpreter because the Michigan Department of Education Teaching Technical Standards requires student teachers to “understand and speak in English.” Laatsch has filed a civil rights complaint against the school and is waiting the outcome of the investigation.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Kelly Laatsch
Tags: Kelly Laatsch, Related Blogs, Student Disability Services
Posted in Michigan, Schools | Comments Off
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
Kingswood Hospital in Ferndale, Michigan has settled a complaint that it violated ADA law by failing to provide a deaf patient with an interpreter in 2004. The Department of Justice reviewed the services of Henry Ford Health Systems, the hospital owner, and found its policies and procedures inadequate. As part of the settlement, the company has agreed to pay the patient who filed the complaint $70,000 as well as provide interpreters to other patients as needed, train hospital workers on ADA law, and develop procedures that will ensure ADA law is followed throughout its healthcare facilities.
Related Blogs
Tags: ADA
Posted in Legal, Michigan | Comments Off
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
A deaf bowler in Michigan came close to rolling a perfect game this week. Read the story
here.Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Close to Perfection
Tags: Related Blogs
Posted in Michigan, Sports | Comments Off
Monday, January 9th, 2012
Theater-goers won't have to look away from the action to see the interpreter at Michigan's Wild Swan Theater. Find out why
here.
Posted in Interpreters, Michigan, Theater | Comments Off
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
Construction work at the Michigan School for the Deaf is going forward despite theft over the weekend. Someone stole the batteries out of a fork lift, bull dozer and other equipment at the 80 acre Flint, Michigan campus. The $36 million project includes a new home for Powers Catholic High School and a new building for the School for the Deaf.
Tags: Deaf
Posted in Michigan, Schools | Comments Off
