Robert “Bobby” Jones
GAD President
1973-1977
In 1970, at the July 2-4 GAD Convention in Savannah, I was elected as First Vice
President and served a two year term (1970-1972). While serving as First Vice President,
I also chaired the August 1972 GAD Convention held at the Wanderer Motel, Jekyll
Island, GA, where I was reelected as First Vice President for another two year term
(1972-1974). It was at this convention that a motion changed the face of when GAD
would hold it conventions. Various states, including Georgia, had traditionally held their
conventions in the same year as NAD held their conventions, which were generally in
even years. At the 1972 convention, it was proposed that GAD would hold their
conventions in odd years giving NAD even years. The reason given for this was purely a
financial one. It afforded states their own convention plus be able to send delegates to the
NAD convention the following year. This one act helped GAD build a stronger financial
base as well as enable us to handle our finances more efficiently.
However, sometime around January 1973, while serving as First Vice President, our
President, Walter Brown, resigned and accepted a position on the NAD Board as Region
II Representative which led to my assuming the position as President.
Recalling the 1972 proposal change, GAD held its first “odd year” conference in 1973 at
the Ramada Inn, in Atlanta, GA. It was at this conference, I was elected President to a
four-year term (1973-1977). Below is a synopsis of my four-year term:
Budget
During this four-year term as President, my board members, Horace Taylor, Treasurer, in
particular, and I established a budget for GAD. Horace and I proposed to the Board that
the budget needed updating. We suggested that there should be five line items: 1) TTY
Funds; 2) Books Fund; 3) General Fund; 4) Office Rental Fund; and 5) Miss Deaf
Georgia Pageant Fund. The Board approved this change and to date GAD is still using
this strategy of bookkeeping. It was necessary for GAD to get its finances in order, and
with that, we began to look at what activities generated income and what activities
cost/expense to GAD - known as accounts receivables and accounts payables. We
looked at various ways to increase our income budget . . . and so we looked really hard at
membership dues, the various fund raising activities i.e. selling manual communication
books, social events, raffles, and other donations. We also had to look at the expenses i.e.
financial support for delegates to NAD, pay the NAD quota fee per member, office
rental, utility bills, phone bills, stamps, supplies for newsletter publication, tax
preparation, State of Georgia Incorporation fee, and other small line items. All this was
done “the old fashion way” . . . by hand. Not with today’s technology . . . there were no
computers, no text messaging, and no videophones. We were staying in touch with the
Deaf community via newsletters, early TTY, social functions, and driving to a Deaf
friend’s home – not knowing if they would be home.
TTYs
Prior to Walter Brown’s resigning as President of GAD, he contracted GAD as an
authorized TTY agent for Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. After his resignation,
this responsibility fell to GAD Treasurer, Horace Taylor. This TTY program helped the
Deaf community tremendously. We now were able to use a regular telephone for the first
time! With a TTY, we could be independent to call our friends or emergency officials
ourselves without having to rely on a hearing individual to handle the call for us.
Communications has come a long way since this first TTY program. GAD has always
been in the forefront in supporting the advancement of technology for Deaf Georgians to
live a full and independent life. The old TTY machines came from Western Union via
AT&T and BellSouth. Each machine had a terminal unit to hook up to the machine and
translate the code into typewritten words. Each State had authorized agents who received
the old machines, fixed them, and then sold them to Deaf people.
GAD had to pay rent to house the TTY machines. After a few months, my board and I
decided to eliminate the cost of this rental space and move every TTY machine to my
basement. The TTY machines were housed in my basement for approximately 6 years –
rent-free. Horace Taylor volunteered his time and labor to repair and restore each
machine for GAD. These two overheads reduced the financial burden on GAD ’s budget.
Later, a news service was set up on a “loop system” for the Deaf to call and find out the
latest local Deaf news. This too was housed in my basement.
Membership
At the 1975 Convention in Savannah, it was proposed that there was a need for
membership growth. Bill Peace passed out a copy of Western Electric employee benefit
“The Pioneer Pamphlet”. In this copy was a provision that any employee of Western
Electric (of 20 years or more) could become a member of GAD. However, this proposal
was tabled until the next convention in 1977.
Miss Deaf Georgia Pageant
In 1972, at the convention in Jekyll Island, Mrs. Joyce Brown, Cultural Program Chair,
proposed that GAD in conjunction with their conventions hold a Miss Deaf Georgia
Pageant (MDGP). The first MDGP was held the following year, 1973, at GAD ’s first
odd year convention at the Ramada Inn, in Atlanta. Miss Mary Ann White, of Atlanta,
was our first Miss Deaf Georgia.
Mary Ann White was a brave soul in having to deal with various experiences during her
reign as Miss Deaf Georgia as this program was a new development and process for
GAD. Miss Deaf Georgia traveled to the 1974 NAD conference in Seattle, Washington,
to compete and represent Georgia in the Miss Deaf America Pageant. After this national
convention, GAD decided to suspend this program temporarily while we develop the
process to suit NAD MDAP guidelines from 1975 until 1977.
Two years later in 1976, I was elected as GAD ’s delegate to NAD, Houston, TX. It was
there I met Pam Young. She was with the Miss Deaf America Pageant. She was also the
fiancée to Vincent Holmes, Decatur, Georgia. It was at this time, I recruited her to
become involved with GAD MDGP program. GAD was very fortunate to have had
Pam’s experience in the Miss Deaf America Pageant to help get our GAD MDGP
program set up.
Workshops
GAD presented workshops all over the State of Georgia. Such workshops included
Welcome To My Workshops with workshop themes “Everything Everyone Wanted To
Know About Deafness But Was Afraid To Ask”. The idea of this workshop was to
expand the knowledge and expertise on deafness and its related impact on social,
economical, vocational and moral problems through personal talks. These workshops also
helped GAD sell sign language books such as A Basic in Manual Communication, and
Ameslan, among other books on sign and deafness. These funds helped GAD meet its
financial needs.
During my reign as President, the state organization of GAD grew to 7 Chapters.
By-Laws
In 1977, at the GAD convention in Atlanta, By-Laws Chairperson, Alvin “Ed” Steele,
Bill Peace, and I, formed a Committee to review the GAD By-Laws. It was at this
convention, that a very important change was passed by the convention general assembly
which was “. . .each Chapter of GAD was to be presided over by a Vice President at all of
his/her respective Chapter functions and perform all the duties ordinarily associated with
the Office of President. Further, these Vice Presidents would sit on and attend all GAD
Executive Board meetings to represent his/her Chapter.”
Change Comes to GAD
In the past, GAD activities depended heavily on whether we had enough funds. For this,
the Treasurer had to find available funds or have fund raising projects so GAD would be
able to submit money to NAD for quota fees, or delegates to the NAD Conference. The
Treasurer was burden with many decisions
Since GAD had restructured it Executive Board and 7 Chapters were added, ideas and
decisions were shared. The help in fund raising was spread around. The Chapters shared
in the GAD convention experience, more money was raised, sometimes $2,000-$6,000. It
afforded GAD to do more things for its members and the Deaf community.
GAD worked with the Chapters to share GAD convention finances with the Host
Chapter. In the past, GAD had been responsible for the entire convention. The reinvented
idea was for the Chapters to bid and host the statewide convention, helping the Chapter
with their fund-raising activities. The profit sharing was: GAD 75% and Chapter 25%.
Our membership drive established a 300 to 400 member base each year which allowed us
to send 2 or 3 delegates to the NAD Conference every two years.
Various fund raising activities and programs implemented by GAD proved to be a
success in meeting the necessary budget.
During my last Regional III meeting as GAD President (1976 in Baton Rouge, LA), I
learned of United Deaf Services (UDS) under Heritage Publishing Co. in Little Rock,
AR. William Eckstein was President of Arkansas Association of the Deaf (AAD). He
explained how AAD had received a contribution from Heritage. At first, Heritage had
donated $1,000 to the Arkansas School for the Deaf (ASD), but learned later; it was
against the law for ASD to receive this money because ASD was supported by the State
of Arkansas. However, Heritage then donated the money to AAD, which is a non-profit
organization. UDS was established and offered this service to most state associations of
the deaf affiliated with NAD.
It wasn’t until after my term that GAD made a contract with USD. President Ed Steele
investigated the USD contract and information on the program before the Board approved
the USD contract. This contract continues today. Much success with UDS has helped
GAD continue to be “in the black” with a solid financial budget.
At the end of my term, the Treasurer’s report showed a surplus of over $11,000. I believe
this is the largest surplus in GAD history and hopefully, will help GAD remain an
established and financially sound organization.
As I write this and l look back at my term, I realize all the contributions I made as well as
many other Deaf individuals made for the better of GAD. I am sure history will show all
the hard work everyone put forth striving to get GAD on the right path to a wonderful
future. I feel honored to have served GAD and found this experience educational and
rewarding.
GAD has improved the lives of many Deaf Georgians. The problems the Deaf are faced
with are many but with GAD behind us to support Deaf Georgians we can continue to
fight for equality. GAD has been at the forefront at assisting the Deaf with information of
new technology to educating communities with workshops regarding Deaf awareness as
well as provides a safe haven for social functions. GAD has had to overcome many
obstacles and continues to climb that mountain one step at a time.
*********
Vincent Holmes
GAD President
1983 – 1984
It was wonderful being contacted by the Georgia Association of the Deaf and asked to write an
account of the period when I was Executive Director and then President. Looking over the
newspaper articles I had saved, it is amazing how fast all of those years have passed.
You often hear about how much better other state Associations of the Deaf are, and feel as if so
much more was accomplished by them. After being away for almost 27 years and having the
opportunity to observe deaf people working in their respective states outside of Georgia, no one
has impressed me with their ability to achieve so many goals within a short period as the Georgia
Association of the Deaf.
Most of the newspaper articles I am sending appear as if I was the driving force behind the
close captioning movement back in 1983. This isn’t true. The deaf community in Georgia was
responsible for whatever success we achieved. This was 27 years ago. Since then, I haven’t seen
such a diverse and hell bent for leather outfit that didn’t stop for anything until we had what we
needed. We didn’t just work together. We all worked.
I recall GAD being the first state association to welcome the Black Deaf Advocates by a
designating a position on our Board with Doris Riley being the representative and new board
member. No other state association had made such as change as early as 1983. Among our other
accomplishment during my involvement in GAD, which span from 1977 through 1983:
1978 – Lobbied and created the Georgia Council for the Deaf which later became a state
and privately funded agency
1979 - GAD voiced opposition to the possible closure of the Atlanta Area School for the
Deaf
1980 – Met with the Georgia Public Service Commission to discuss long distance
telephone rates deaf people were forced to pay regardless of TDD typing skills. During a
demonstration, a deaf person made a TDD telephone call before the Georgia PSU that
proved to be four times longer than if a hearing person was speaking the same call.
1980 – Spoke to the Georgia State Senate regarding unfair insurance rates for deaf
people and others with a disability that didn’t impair driving ability.
Demonstration at the 1982 Cable industry convention in Atlanta to support the
expansion of closed captions on cable television.
1981 - Expressed concerns about the hearing aid industry and hearing aid battery
manufacturers because of the rising cost of silver oxide used in batteries. The primary
battery component later became zinc.
When that cold north wind blows in Wisconsin as I am climbing over snow mounds and
navigating icy sidewalks with every joint in these old bones frozen and numb, I always seem to
capture a spark of warmth when I remember those I worked with in the Georgia Association of
the Deaf.
*******
Jeanette Lorch
GAD President
1984 ---1989
Vincent Holmes was elected President, 1983-1985. GAD Executive board appointed me
as President of GAD fall of 1984 when Vincent Holmes resigned as President to move to
Wisconsin to take on a new job as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. This was the
year that Bob, my husband, had a massive stroke. I had to make a decision whether to
stay as president or not. I decided to stay on as president because we, both, had GAD in
our hearts. Wherever I went for GAD, he went along with me.
The highlights of my term were:
1. 10 Chapters
We had 10 Chapters and there were: Cave Spring, South Metro, Albany, North Metro,
Macon, Metro Atlanta, East Metro Atlanta, Gainesville, Augusta and Dalton. They were
all active. The board met every month. The Chapters were involved in fund raising for
both the chapters and Gad. The GAD Conference rotated at different cities in GA, where
there were Chapters.
2. Georgia Interpreting Services Network
We worked very hard with Dennis Fennell, who was the VR Deaf Specialist, at that time
to get funding for the agency. I took time off here and there to go to meet with the
legislators. It was an eye opener for both GAD and legislators. The bill passed the first
year and the money was appropriated In the year of 1986. At this time, It was state
funded. As of now, 2009 GISN Is privatized.
3. Georgia Relay Services
During this period, we lobbied for GACHI. Instead Georgia Relay Services became a
reality even before the ADA was passed.
4. GACHI
GAD was Involved In the deaf and hard of hearing community Ie to propose a state
agency that the deaf and hard of hearing can go for direct services. Marcia Gitter was the
person who brought the community together. GACHI opened for services December
1989. We give special thanks to Marcia Gitter.
5. Our own Cookbook
GAD members came together and Id our own cookbook. The cover was designed by
Donna Leff. It was very successful that we did 2 nd Edition In 1993. It contained recipes
from all the deaf/hard of hearing, CODA, and friends of the deaf.
6. Shatter Silence (Deaf Awareness Month)
Carolyn McKnight Howell Initiated the Shatter Silence during the month of May with all
the activities: Kick Off (usually 1st Saturday of May), Braves, Six Flags, and all different
churches/organizations. The reason it was in May is because it was Better Hearing
Month and the NAD Deaf Awareness Week 3rd week In September nationwide. Donna
Leff coordinated this for several years. We give special thanks to Donna Leff.
7. Mini Conference
We started to host GAD mini conference In between NAD and GAD conferences In
1986. The purpose of the mini conference was to allow or give our NAD delegates the
opportunity to share with the membership what they learned at the NAD conference, not
wait till the GAD Conference.
8. Silent Dogwood News
Donna Leff was the editor of Silent Dogwood News. GAD provided copy paper. This
was more of an everyday thing, GAD BANNER were Issued every 3 months.
9. GAD Office
We shared our office with GARID for many years.
During my time, we had excellent Board Members and Chapters. I want to thank you all
for your support during my time. I appreciated it very much.
*******
Albert “Sandy” K. Marchman
GAD President
1989-1993
Congratulations to the Georgia Association of the Deaf for its 100th year anniversary.
That was many years of commitments made by a great many people, members, non-
members, committees, supporters, and board officers. Where would we be today without
these wonderful people?
I was the last 4-year term President from 1989 to 1993, the term served by the executive
board members changed from 4 years to 2 years at the 1991 convention. I was proud to
serve and have no regrets of what we all achieved. There were and are many more goals
to be achieved by all that requires GAD to continue its role. There are always some
failures and we must not allow these failures to discourage us in our actions and thoughts
to continue the work for equality. The areas are such as education, employment, media
and our rights as to our sign language and Professional Sign Language Interpreters.
Working to improve the ideology of Deafness and the false stereotyping of who we are as
a culture and humans.
I begun my involvement with GAD as the Vice President of the Gainesville Chapter
(Chapter presidents were called Vice Presidents at that time), then became the Board’s
Executive Secretary (a different name for the Vice President of the Board at that time) for
2 years. Then was voted President at the 1989 convention. After serving my 4-year
term, I continued serving our community until 1997. Then I relocated to Tennessee for a
year before relocating to Florida due to my health.
In the years of being part of the Board, there were many issues we tried to address. One
area we worked hard was with the Georgia Legislature in watching bills and issues that
affected us. It was a great experience and I hope this role continues with GAD. If we are
not watchful, some legislation could affect us in a negatively impacted and harmful
manner.
Of all the time, efforts and actions in my term as President, the most important aspects of
performing and planning would not be possible without the team work of it’s members,
the different core groups, the various supporters, the organization of the Disabled in
general and the great support of the Professional Sign Language Interpreters. Without
their input, their feedback, their actions and their trust, our efforts would be much smaller
and not as effective. I do hope GAD continues working with these various groups and
people.
On a personal note, my involvement with GAD was a life changing process. I learned a
lot that still is with me to this day. It did not matter if there were people who did not
agree with me and may have opposed to some of the actions or statements I may have
done or made. That is what our democratic system in this country is all about. It was a
process that has to be learned and practiced. I hope that was a lesson all learned as well.
*******
Patricia “Pat” Ford
GAD President
1993-1995
I was the First President to serve a 2-year term, instead of 4-year term due to revised By-
Laws.
GAD leased a house at 2886 East Point Street, East Point, GA to set up a GAD
Community Center. We used it for our board meetings, Senior Citizens (Silent Fingers)
used it every week, and we also used it for social events and fundraising activities.
Everyone enjoyed using the Community Center. Unfortunately after my term, we agreed
not to renew the lease since we did not have enough funds to continue the Community
Center.
Represented GAD on the Deaf Awareness Committee.
GAD continued to sponsor Camp Juliena during my term.
South Metro held the Mini Convention in 1994 (cannot remember where).
Columbus became a Chapter of GAD either at the beginning of my term (possibly at the
end of Sandy’s term – again I cannot remember).
*******
Andy Lange
GAD President
1995 – 1996
(by Ray Williams)
Although Andy’s employment took him away from the Presidency, he never “left” the
Deaf Community. He went on to become NAD President and Gallaudet University
Alumni Association President. His ties to Georgia continue today! We thank him for his
service and support.
*******
Lisa Black
GAD President
1996-1997
As President, I finished Andy Lange’s term as his employment took him out of town
often when we had GAD Board meetings. He became Vice President and I became
President. This was something new for me. I appreciated everyone’s help in assisting
me with Presidential duties. I learned a lot and I have good memories as President of
GAD. I am sure GAD will be long standing for many years to come and I wish them the
best.
*******
Kathy Tallent Apperson
GAD President
1997-1998
Congratulations on Georgia Association of the Deaf’s 100th Celebration!!! My one-year
tenure at GAD has been the most challenging and rewarding period of my Presidency. I
was grateful for having the opportunity to serve on the Board of GAD as President. I
have witnessed the changes for the best. It was my regret that I tender my resignation
after my one-year as GAD President. I offer my best wishes for GAD’s continued
success and growth. GAD will always remain with my heart.
*******
Ray Williams
GAD President
1997-2003
1997-1999 Shortly after GAD President Kathy Stump was elected, she needed to resign
for personal reasons. I assumed the Presidency from my position of Vice-President.
Living 200 miles from Atlanta, at first I was not happy with the thought! The desire to
serve to the best of my ability overcame this but I never got used to all of the travel. I
must thank all of those who served during my three terms. Each person was special in
his/her own way, volunteering to help make a better world. I have to thank Kathy and
John Jordan for serving during the entire three terms also. We were able to car pool and
save GAD travel expenses and save me having to drive so much to these Board meetings.
I had enough driving all over the State of Georgia to advocate.
Early into my Administration, it was obvious GAD had a problem with its reputation
within the Deaf Community. Meeting and talking with non-members showed they
thought of GAD as “Metro Atlanta, for Elite with higher education and well-paid employment.
No one in GAD cared about the Deaf with low paying jobs or unemployed and would not listen
to any complaints about problems. Georgia School for the Deaf (GSD) personnel would not
interact with GAD. Other organizations serving the Deaf felt they were not welcomed by GAD.
The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD) was considered the leading educational outlet for
deaf students. The Georgia School for the Deaf needed to be closed with students being moved to
AASD”. Other problems became apparent, as we started welcoming comments on HOW
GAD could improve.
I met with the State School Superintendent (Director of State Schools) Mr. Smith. At
first he would discuss only the need to close GSD. I refused to even consider this action.
I had to walk out of our meeting. Later, Mr. Smith requested another meeting on
improving the two schools, GSD and AASD. We agreed on a mixed group to observe and
interview both schools. It was the consensus of this group that problems were in both
schools. Plans were established for both schools to improve. NO closure of either school
was discussed any more.
Relationships were improved between GAD and GSD. Thanks to Frank Osborne for
pointing out problems we could improve on. GSD was assured of GAD support, as well
as AASD. Both schools promised a serious attempt to hire more Deaf teachers.
Statewide structure was also a problem.
We tried to improve Department of Education for mainstream students. We found
out Georgia had over 1,000 students classified as special needs students with a
hearing loss (deaf), not counting those hard of hearing students who did not need
specialized assistance. This number included the two Schools for the Deaf. The
“interpreters” in mainstreamed schools most often could not sign well. The
teachers for the “hearing impaired” also could not sign very well.
Statewide Vocational Rehabilitation counselors were mostly hearing and did not
understand Deaf Culture. We needed a skilled person involved at State level to
help with local problems.
GAD had to define its role also! Often we were told GAD could not do things to
help deaf persons. We defined GAD as a bookcase, and every deaf person was a
page. Every organization that served deaf persons was a book on that shelf. In this
way, GAD had the right to assist any person with a hearing loss. We included
hard of hearing persons also because they may lose their hearing in the future. We
also advocated for hearing persons who may become deaf in the future because
we were preparing the way for them to have an easier time adjusting to a hearing
loss. In doing so, we refused to use the words “Hearing Impaired” with the
understanding that we are not less! We are equal!
We revised the GAD brochure, bringing the total population we served to a more
realistic number. We defined our mission statement to reflect our expanded role,
to show that anything that influenced a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person was open
to GAD service if the need was there.
Families of Deaf/Hard of Hearing were also important to us. We were happy to
see $4 million of the tobacco settlement be used to test newborn babies for a
possible hearing loss. We advocated for information to be distributed by Doctors
in their offices advising parents of the various options parents had IF their child
had a hearing loss.
We improved relationships with State Legislators. In the past, individuals had
approached them with proposals for action. We advocated for Organizational
proposals only. This way, there would be a wider base of support for ideas. We
used the Organization Council of Deaf and Hard of Hearing to bring various
organizations together and focus on solving problems. We were not able to agree
on Licensure of Interpreters or a Commission on Deafness, but we did accomplish
other things. Above all, we showed we could cooperate with those who did not
know sign (SHHH). We had ONE thing in common—a hearing loss.
We revised the UDS (Heritage Company) for better fund raising opportunities.
With this we saw an increase in annual deposits from UDS.
We started early in 1998 with the “GAD Express”. This represented a train coming
through to face or resolve problems relating to hearing loss in Georgia. The idea was to
get on board (support us) or get out of the way. A person should be part of the solution
and not part of the problem. Time for talking was over! It was time for action! Our
slogan was “Just-Do-It”. No more excuses were listened to of why we could NOT do
something.
We rebuilt GAD’s reputation by going statewide. We held our Board meetings by
rotating between the various Chapters. We tried to keep prices as low as possible so
persons with limited income could also be involved.
We started with about $8,000. After the first two years, we were able to thank our
Treasurer Eleanor Foshee for buying a $5,000 certificate of deposit (CD) from excess
GAD funds. This started GAD on a savings account. We retained an estimated $8,000 for
general operating expenses. I cannot brag enough on Eleanor and her husband Doby for
the work they did on GAD books.
A new Chapter ALDApeach (Association of Adults who later lost their hearing) was
established with thanks to Robin Titterington. They affiliate with national organization
ALDA.
A statewide system of communicating news was established as Epeachy. We were happy
to see Martha Timms devote so much of her time to make news available to Deaf and
Hard of Hearing and other interested persons. It was not GAD but Martha that did this.
GAD utilized her system to stay in touch with the community. Epeachy has grown and
continues to be our primary statewide news source.
GAD thanks Jeanette Lorch for making the motion to name our website gadeaf.org to
make this a reality. A thanks also goes to Duwayne Dukes for serving as webmaster
along with all of his other hats of service. This helped GAD move toward and into the
21st century.
David Keeter was chair of our Ad Hoc committee to study a GAD regional system
instead of Chapters. David did a good job, worked hard on this study. This was not
passed at GAD Conference. Chapters want to stay part of GAD. We thank David for his
hard work! Instead, we added Representatives of areas not covered by Chapters to the
Board.
At the 1998 NAD Conference in San Antonio Texas, the NAD had a strategic plan study
they proposed to remove State Associations, and NAD go straight to individuals. I
debated against this motion because the State Association is like the roots of a tree
(NAD) and without our States the NAD would dry up. State Associations need to help
handle local issues before the complaint goes national to the NAD. The proposal failed,
we States won! A couple years later we host NAD Board Meeting with reception at C-F
Church!
During this first two years, we saw GAD Senior Citizens host the national Deaf Senior
Citizens (DSA) conference in 1999 with over 1300 attendees, thanks to Chair Jeanette
Lorch and GADSC for hard work. This was their project and helped them become more
independent but still affiliated with GAD.
For Interpreters, the evaluation process needed to be revised. Mainstream employees with
school systems needed to improve their skills. We met and agree with State Department
of Education to allow 4 years for these mainstream interpreters to at least have a State of
Georgia QA certification. They should have passed the State QA by school year 2003-
2004. Unfortunately this has not been strictly enforced. We still have poor transmission
of teacher materials to students in mainstream today, 2009
We advocated at many mainstream schools for interpreters to serve students with a
hearing loss. This involved a lot of travel all over the State of Georgia. We had to share
knowledge of Federal Laws relating to schools (I.D.E.A.) and consult on I.E.P.s with
parents. A better understanding that an Interpreter is more for the Teacher than a student
was emphasized. The Teacher is the one not able to transmit her material so the child can
learn!
Our 1999 GAD convention was held in Savannah. The highlight was a river cruise
dinner with entertainment. We tried to get old GAD pictures identified by names. Only a
few were named. We hope future GAD actions will include restoration of these old GAD
pictures! We had a Georgia-first experience in a mock trial. Deaf could learn process of
court and ADA at the same time. Thanks to Alabama Judy Gilliam for serving as Judge
Judy, using a real judge’s robe. Also thanks to Mark Apodaca as Defense Attorney (he
won!) and Tom (a CSD Lawyer—deaf) as Prosecuting Attorney. We had 12 deaf persons
serve as Jury.
We suspended our Miss Deaf Georgia Pageant (MDGP) program for this one term of two
years, to give Lisa Collis time to re-develop, and update it to conform with the Miss Deaf
America program under NAD. I cannot brag enough on the hard work Lisa did! The
MDGP became almost fully self-supported.
We streamlined the GAD structure into 6 categories or departments. This would help us
be able to easily determine responsibility and accountability. We also removed much
material that should be in “policy and procedures” from the By-Laws, thus making the
by-laws more easily accessed and understandable. It was soon after this we had our first
Deaf lawyer in Georgia involved. Although it was not very long, she still provided
wonderful guidance to us! We thank her!
We were able to change the GAD by-laws to show the words “convention” (meetings)
changed to “conference” (workshops included). In this way, GAD could offer workshops,
which Agencies could use as Staff Development for their employees.
Duwayne Dukes added the Vice-President hat to his many other responsibilities. Doyle
Hitchcock as Treasurer and Secretary Debra Barnick (re-elected) gave us a wonderful
Executive Officer team.
In the year 2000, I went to Washington D.C. to join hundreds of other people with
disabilities who marched on the Supreme Court. There were about 80 deaf there, as we
marched in protest against the treatment of people with disabilities. Jeff Rozen and I were
almost arrested by D.C. Police as we protested their treatment of our Interpreters.
Glenda Dukes helped us greatly with the purchase of our GAD laptop. This laptop helped
the Secretary during meetings and we could also bring much information with us easily.
This too helped us become a mobile technological talented group! Actually, we were in
the midst of technology advancement for the Deaf Community as the first pager was sold
(1996 NAD I think). I got my Wyndtell in 1998. With this we were able to stay in touch
easily, just like today you have sidekicks!
At the 2000 NAD conference, President Libby Pollard asked me to serve as the Chair of
all 51 State Association Presidents, so we could set up and activate the State Association
Committee had a communication line directly to the NAD Vice President. This was a
great experience, as our Committee would meet “on-line” with yahoo chat room abilities.
We did not have the expenses of traveling to meet.
We cleaned up a lot of misunderstandings with IRS and our GAD reporting in the past.
Also we got the State of Georgia caught up for our tax-exempt status.
At the 2001 GAD Conference in Atlanta we retained all officers except secretary. Kathy
Jordan was elected. We thank Debra Barnick for her years of service to GAD!
We had the first time ever event of GAD President’s Reception used to honor the
PRESIDENTS of all other organizations serving the Deaf and hard of hearing and
deaf/blind in Georgia. We had 22 organizational Presidents attend!
We had to protect the status and rights of other organizations by protesting a legislative
action that would have made one organization THE (only one) statewide agency. We
were happy to support a possible change to A statewide agency. We’re happy to see the
continued growth of A statewide agency. GACHI continues to try and meet our needs!
We were very happy to see GAD’s first Chapter, Cave Spring, return to active status.
Cave Spring Chapter of GAD President Frank Osborne was a valuable asset.
Another Legislative action we had to work on was for the Legislators to accept only
organizational proposals for action, not individuals. We had a problem where individuals
would try to get action from the State Legislator for personal purposes (a museum of his
own materials and to get materials from others), not including the community in any
decisions or discussions. As a whole, the Legislators were and continue to be supportive.
We did have one Legislator who proposed his own idea with no input from GAD during
the 2007 Legislature session to create the Commission on Deafness, which favors the
Hard of Hearing (HLA).
At the 2003 GAD Conference on Jekyll Island, we had our first ocean “cruise”
experience as we went about 12 miles off shore. A few did get sea sick, and I’m sorry this
happened but the overall experience was great. We had our NAD President on board with
us! Thank you Andy Lange!
With my third term limitation being in effect, we started the GAD youth movement with
youths being targeted for GAD officer positions. Chris Merritt was elected Vice-
President. Dixie Blackwell was elected President.
We were looking into the future also when we started planning for the 100th year
anniversary of GAD to be held in 2009. Jeanette Lorch moved that Bob Green be elected
Chair of this 100th year celebration.
Looking back, this was a great experience for me! We were able to restore GAD’s
reputation and take it statewide. We were able to really make a difference from womb
(genetic engineering) to tomb (deaf person’s right to inherence). We were able to make
the path for future persons more smooth. We did NOT solve all problems but we did
open the door to better understanding.
I thank you for the opportunity I had in serving YOU, our DEAF, and GAD.
*******
Dixie Blackwell
GAD President
2003 - 2005
I was voted for President of GAD by Acclamation at Jekyll Island, Georgia August 2002.
Then I had knee replacement next week. The surgery went well. My first appearance as
President of GAD was at DSG Picnic on Labor Day and I used a walker to greet DSG
Members. Richard and I enjoyed meeting friends and members.
Several GAD members complained to me about GAD website was not working. It
seemed to be frozen. No one was able to open or fix it. I had to inquire from two
computer experts, Duwayne Dukes and Martha Timms about this particular problem.
They had tried hard to open the frozen GAD website. They were baffled at this problem.
I had a first GAD meeting with members and I had a special guest, Henry Carter who is
computer expert. I had Jeanette Lorch as my mentor. He had explained about the GAD
website problem, the cost of varied different websites, etc. He had to have members
approve him to fix the problem. Then he did a wonderful job on fixing our GAD
website. Finally, it worked. It took some time to develop programs which most members
and visitors enjoyed surfing. I really appreciate Henry Carter’s wonderful help.
Carolyn Jordan, GAD treasurer and I had traveled down to Macon for the Middle
Georgia and Savannah Chapter meetings and events several times.
Richard Clair, my husband, and I went to Capitol to support Deaf-Blind group to propose
the bill at the meeting. There were deaf-blind and blind group expressing their
grievances to the representatives who support the bill. Bob Green was there to support
Deaf-Blind group. Some of blind people revealed their worst problems that really opened
my eyes!!! Richard and I had met State Senator, Chip Jones, from Woodstock, GA and
Senator Regina Thomas from Savannah, GA.
GAD had a booth at Deaf Nation Expo twice during my presidency. Once GAD shared a
booth with Miss Deaf Georgia Director, Renee Edwards. The booth was full of things to
sell and was crowded for both of us but we had fun. It was hard working to set up the
booth and it was fun to meet people there.
GAD had a fund raising event, Masquerade Party. It was wonderful to see many people
wore costumes and masks. They had marvelous time. I really would love to have
Masquerade party again.
GAD had donated some money to AASD for hosting Academic Bowl for Fall 2003. It
was great event.
Also, Joyce Brown, GAD secretary and I were delegate to NAD Convention in Kansas
City. She and I did not have much time to have tours as much as we wanted but we had
duties to attend meetings. Also, we had learned a lot from workshops and meetings.
Then GAD had a mini convention to share our experiences on the trip to Kansas City.
I really appreciate Jeanette Lorch as a mentor and Carolyn Jordan to work with me. Ray
Willaims helped me over few things. That is all I had remembered my presidency and
events. The time flew real quickly!
*******
Christopher Merritt Patterson
GAD President
2005 - Present
In 2004, I attended the Georgia Association of the Deaf’s 47th Biennial Conference in
Jekyll Island. I was not expecting for this conference to be a big part of my life. When the
election came up at the conference, there was no youth that wanted to run for vice-
president position on the Board. I raised my hand up and volunteered to run for the
position. After exhaustive discussion, including Vicki Dunn – another youth at the
Conference - the membership chose me to be the Vice President of the organization
along with Dixie Blackwell as the President.
During my tenure as a Vice President, I became a co-chairperson of the GAD Conference
in Macon to assist in planning for the conference with Brenda Curtis. Along with the
conference, I became involved in starting the youth movement. One of the highlights
during the tenure, I went to Atlanta Area School for the Deaf to recruit high school
students. The first two years of my vice presidency, my main focus was educating the
youth about the organization and what the organization is doing for them generally.
Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD) became a big part of who I am as a Deaf
individual. The director at that time wanted to develop a partnership with Georgia
Association of the Deaf. We formed a membership drive, recruiting teachers to become
members of the organization in exchange for a “Wear Jeans” week. It was successful
after recruiting approximately 30 new members during the membership drive.
At the 48th Biennial Conference in Macon, I was elected President. We had new faces on
the board including Joy Spurlin who recently moved back to Georgia. She became a
secretary and the new board had so many ideas and some of them are successful.
We decided to set up a Road Tour, which was modeled after Florida Association of the
Deaf. The Road Tour was successful with new members joining the organization. The
first Road Tour was in Savannah, Georgia and hosted a town hall with the deaf
community in the area. The second Road Tour was in Valdosta, Georgia and the last one
was in Columbus, Georgia.
During this time, American Sign Language bill was drafted and submitted to Regina
Thomas who was Savannah area Representative on the Georgia’s Senate. The bill has
gained momentum, but Preston Smith has already drafted a bill similar to the one we
draft. With the partnership between Regina Thomas and Preston Smith worked together
to revise the bill Preston Smith had slightly to include what we originally wanted. I attend
the hearing on the American Sign Language bill and was very happy to see the deaf
community there supporting the bill. The bill was successful passed in Georgia and was
signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue. Preston Smith had another bill calling for the
Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights and we pushed for it to be passed. Ms. Kimberly McGuinnes
played a pivotal role in having the bills passed with our support.
I attended the National Association of the Deaf conference in Palm Springs, California as
a delegate. Manny Johnson, a former resident of Georgia, attended with me as a delegate.
We aggressively voiced our support and rejection for specific motions that would make a
difference in deaf people’s lives. One of the motions was passed that recognized
American Sign Language as a human birthright.
I served on the interview committee for Georgia Department of Education in assisting in
selection of the Georgia School for the Deaf’s new Director, Dr. Lee Shiver, and the
selection has met with resistance with the Deaf community. The selection was strongly
supported by Georgia State Superintendent Kathy Cox.
Georgia Association of the Deaf has been very active in supporting the Gallaudet Protest
in 2006 and a letter of support was submitted to the Gallaudet Alumni, which was part of
the National Association of the Deaf’s strategy. Ray Williams, former Georgia
Association of the Deaf President, participated in the protest with me. National
Association of the Deaf was very grateful for our involvement in the protest, which
resulted in the termination of Dr. Jane Fernandes.
The 49th Biennial Conference was aiming to be the most successful conference since
Jekyll Island’s conference. With my leadership, the organization hosted a Professional
Learning Unit and Contiuning Education Unit workshop where the teachers and
interpreters can earn credits to maintain their certifications. The workshop, presented by
Brenda Aron, was so successful that we raised almost three thousand dollars. The people
wanted Georgia Association of the Deaf to continue providing workshops for credit.
Atlanta Area School of the Deaf and Georgia Perimeter College were our vendors for the
credits for the workshop participants. Overall, the conference profited almost ten
thousand dollars that were split among the general fund and the educational fund, which
was established by the board in order to continue providing workshops and educational
events for the community.
I was elected for another term from 2007 – 2009; the Georgia Association of the Deaf
went through significant changes that include the usage of vlogs and blogs to become
more deaf-friendly through communicating goals, issues, and other things. During this
time, Facebook and MySpace became popular. Georgia Association of the Deaf has a
facebook page which was established where the members and non-members can get
involved. We have almost 300 people on the Georgia Association of the Deaf’s page,
which includes announcements and information about events such as workshops, and
Georgia Association of the Deaf’s picnic in 2007. The picnic was successful and has
raised awareness among the people who came to the picnic just to see what Georgia
Association of the Deaf is about.
Georgia Association of the Deaf signed a agreement with Purple Communication
which includes multiple opportunities for sponsorships which raised funds for our
educational fund but the agreement had to be terminated due to Federal Communication
Commission’s remands. Georgia Association of the Deaf decided to sign contract with
Clearblue (CSDVRS), which is now called ZVRS. We have raised almost two thousand
dollars through this unique agreement, but it recently was terminated because of Federal
Communication Commission. ZVRS has expressed interest to re-sign agreement with us,
but in different aspects.
For the past two years, Georgia Association of the Deaf has hosted fundraising events
such as Forget Me Not, Wrong Game, and The Legend of a Mountain Man to the deaf
community in Atlanta area.
The events were successful and raised reasonable amount of money that were used for the
Conference’s expenses and delegates’ expenses to attend the National Association of the
Deaf conference in New Orleans in 2008.
Georgia Department of Education and I worked together to develop proposal where
Georgia Association of the Deaf can provide professional learning units directly for the
workshop participants. It was a long and exhaustive process, which I am, now designated
Professional Learning Unit Coordinator for the organization. Genie Gertz was selected
the next workshop presenter for the workshop that was offered at the 50th Biennial
Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2009, which proved to be another successful workshop
to date.
Georgia Association of the Def has organized protest for Kathy Cox’s $1 Million
Winning from Who’s Smarter than a 5th Grader against the creditors who wanted to get
ahold of the million winning. Georgia Association of the Deaf has appeared on local
news and National news. The bankruptcy case has not been resolved as of today and is
currently tied up in the bankruptcy court in Newnan, Georgia.
During my tenure as the organization’s President, the board and I have worked so hard to
serve the Deaf community in Georgia. Of course, we have made mistakes in selecting
strategies and learning from them. I am very proud of my commitment to the
organization and have trusted that we have served and improved the quality of life for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals under my leadership. It was not only me who
worked hard, but also your Board Officers who you voted for worked so hard with me to
make many things possible.