Beatitudes For Friends of Exceptional Children

Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help us to know that if we persevere we can be understood.
Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for in your companionship we find havens of relaxation.
Blessed are you who never bid us to hurry up, and more blessed are you for you do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us, for often we need time rather than help.
Blessed are you who stand behind us as we enter new and untried ventures, for our failures will be outweighed by the times when we surprise ourselves and you, too.
Blessed are you who ask for our help, for our greatest need is to be needed.
Blessed are you who help us with the graciousness of Christ, who did not bruise the reed and quench the flax, for often we need the help we cannot ask for.
Blessed are you, when, by all these things you assure us that the thing that makes an individual is not in our peculiar muscles, nor in our wounded nervous systems, nor in our difficulties in learning, but in God-given self which no infirmity can confine.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and know that you give us reassurance that could never be spoken in words, for you deal with us as Christ dealt with all His children.

LSU Deaf School Celebrates Deaf Awareness Week

The Deaf students from elementary to college, together with their teachers and BEED SPED major students of La Salle University celebrated Deaf Awareness Week last November 8 to 13, 2009 with the theme: Tinig Ko... Dinggin Mo...(Hear My Voice). The objectives of the said activity were: 1. to strenghten public awareness on deafness its prevention and rehabilitation; and 2. to ensure the integration of the Deaf in the mainstream of society.
The week-long activity was opened with a Holy Signed Mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral participated in by the Deaf students and adults. Besides, the interpreters: Sarah Talibong, Marecel Aljo, and Bienvenida Paculba took turns in interpreting the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Coloring, drawing, mask making, and poster making contests happened during the week. Very visible in the eyes od the Deaf their joy and excitement as they learned and played the Deaf Amazing Race facilitated by the La Sallian Special Education Advocates (LSSEA), an organization of BEED SPED majors.
On November 12, 2009, selected high school Deaf accompanied by teacher Marecel Aljo conducted a room to room visit to teach the basic sig language to hearing students of the Brother martin Simpson Laboratory School (BMSLS) from grades 1 to 8. Simultaneous on that day, the college deaf with teacher Sarah Talibong conducted basic sign language lessons to the hearing students of the Integrated School (IS) from grades 1 to 10. It was a tiring but self-fulfilling experience looking at the eyes of the hearing students the joy of learning the language of the Deaf.
The activity was culminated on November 13, 2009. Also, selected Deaf students performed the invocation; group dance spearheaded by Jason Paulo Dapat; hip-hop dance led by JR Talaba. Deaf poetry like FSL Name and Number Story were presented by Joseph Abarquez and ABC story by Princess Biñas.
The said event was full of fun, laughters, and enjoying moments as the DEaf celebrated the Deaf Awareness Week.

Deaf Students Join the Basic Education Sportsfest

Handful Conversation

Education is for every citizen. It is a right and not a privilege. It accepts whether an individual is rich or poor, young or old, and even those with physical disabilities. An educational institution is a place where teachers and students interact, communicate, and exchange knowledge and information.
What if students do not listen because they cannot hear? What if hey do not participate in oral recitations, class discussions or any class activity that requires speech? Such a grate challenge, isn’t it? Discover how deaf individuals cope with their academic challenges. They may be challenged in listening to sounds but they have unique way of expressing. Instead of employing words, they are using their hands to be hard.
Their Challenging College Lives
In coordination with the Tulong-Dunong Scholarship Program of CHED, Br. Narciso Erguiza Jr. FSC introduced these nine deaf students to the scholarship in order to help them study in college. Each student receives Php 6,000.00 subsidy on their tuition fee every semester. They are the first batch of deaf students who are studying in this institution. Currently, they are taking up Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management. The following are: Rosil Arapoc, 20; Jenny Marie Canonizado, 21; Agnes Bergado, 21; Chicky Brizo, 21; Christian Rae Ano-os, 22; Mira Pebida, 22; Sherlyn Mamhut, 22; Janice Pasagdan, 24; and Niño Lumanta, 24. Most of them were graduates from La Salle University Deaf School.
Nervous as they were when they first joined the throng of freshmen populace. These deaf students have fourteen units this semester. Their HRM and HHK subjects are exclusive for them but the rest of their subjects are mainstreamed with the hearing students so they find the subjects difficult. When they are confronted with new words, as interpreted by Ms. Talibong, they religiously look for the meaning of the new words in the dictionary. Inside the campus, wherever one of them goes all the rest follow, thus, their bonding tightens. Aside from their classes, they usually spend most of their free time at the library, SAO, kiosks and sometimes at the benches of the LS lobby. “Indeed college is very hard for us. We have to double our time and effort so that we can cope up the lesson our instructors have discussed or else we cannot pass the quizzes and examinations”, Ms. Sarah Talibong interpreted.
Adjusting With Their New Environment
Unlike elementary and secondary levels where their classmates were familiar to them, tertiary education is a seemingly different world to them. They have to make a lot of adjustments. One is that, most of the teachers are hasty in class discussions that they cannot easily comprehend. Deaf students can only understand simple English that they often bring dictionaries or go to the library to get a full grasp of the meaning of the difficult topics. Some of their hearing classmates are concerned with them. Some build friendships, while others ignore them. Most laugh at them. Many of the college students talk behind their backs as if they were strangers. Some students even tease them saying, “amang, amang” (deaf, deaf). “Yes, that was true and it definitely hurt. My deaf students keep on telling me that they are treated like that by most of the hearing college students. But, my students are very optimistic. They just ignore students who tease them and forgot about it.” They are also thankful to the students who are Special Education majors for they are the students’ companions including some students who treat them nicely. These are the students who are concerned and friendly to them.
Despite their condition, their willingness to study never fades. “In life, nothing is impossible. For as long as we have life, the journey must go on. It doesn’t matter how God created us for it is the way we are planned to live. It is now our time to let the whole world realize that physical disability is not a hindrance to finish our studies and continue a harmonious living as normal people do.” These statements relate wit the deaf students’ perception of life. With the unwavering support of Ms. Sarah Talibong, teacher/interpreter, they are able to cope with college life.
These special students, like normal students do, also have their wishes. One of those wishes is that they earnestly desire to become normal (can hear and talk) but they said that they accepted who they are and what they have. They blame no one. Besides, they are very thankful to God that He had given their lives to continue the challenge. They just bear in mine\d that there is a special plan for them. Undeniably, each of us has this special plan.
Though deaf students are challenged individuals, they still endeavor for education because it is very essential treasure that they could utilize for the future. At this point, we can say and prove that being incapable of something is not an obstacle to continue our journey. Instead, let it be an encouragement, an inspiration….a challenge in this fast-paced world.
(The Deaf were interviewed by Harold Bodiongan and interpreted by Sarah)
Source: Tingog: The Official Student Publication of La Salle University - Ozamiz City. September 2009 issue

Deaf Students Take Part During the University Day

Deaf Students Join Buwan ng Lahi Culmination

The Deaf students of La Salle University Ozamiz successfully participated in the culmination of the Buwan ng Lahi of the special schools together with the Brother Martin Simpson Laboratory School and the Night High School which was held at the Heritage Campus last August 28, 2009. Selected Deaf students presented the invocation and the pambansang awit. A barrio fiesta happened after the program. Different presentations were displayed by the different groups. The Deaf likewise took effort in the Filipino games done in the afternoon. The day was full of memorable experiences as each unit work together, eat together, and had fun together.

Deaf Students on Cooking Contest

The Deaf students of La Salle University Ozamiz City conducted cooking contest last July 27, 2009 as one of the activities in the nutrition month celebration with the theme “Wastong Nutrition Kailangan: Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan”. The Deaf enjoyed cooking their assigned food with their respective group. They brought the materials and the ingredients to cook. They shared responsibilities and were able to produce a good output. There was a small eat together in the deaf classroom where they shared together the cooked food after all were judged. It was a collaborative effort of everybody. They see the joy and importance of working together. The activity was held in the Heritage Campus of La Salle University.

Deaf Students Participate in LSU Day

The Deaf students of La Salle University Deaf School successfully participated in the different activities during the university day last July 10, 2009 at La Salle University. Selected Deaf students took part in the signing of the first, the responsorial psalm, and the gospel readings during the opening Mass held at the Arts Center. Field demonstrations followed at the SC grounds where the Deaf students showed off their talent in dancing. In the afternoon, they watched the cheer dance competition held at the Arts Center. The day was filled with fun, laughter and enjoyment as the Deaf involved themselves in the occasion and witnessed the different events.

Deaf Students Participate in Sunday Masses

To deepen the spirituality of the Deaf is the main purpose of the regular participation of the Deaf in the 8:45 to 9:45am Sunday Mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Ozamiz City. There are Deaf students assign to do the signing of the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, and the Gospel. Sarah Talibong, Marecel Aljo, and Beinvenida Paculba serve as interpreters and take turn in interpreting. Selected Deaf students do the collection of the Mass offerings. They occupy the first three pews in the front seat in the cathedral. Deaf students conduct regular evaluation after the Mass with the presence of the interpreters.

Deaf Students SY 2009-2010

Grade 1 - 5
Grade 2 - 2
Grade 3 - 3
Grade 4 - 1
Grade 5 - 3
Grade 6 - 1
Grade 7 - 8
Grade 8 - 5
Grade 9 - 4
AHRM 1 - 9
TOTAL Number of Students - 41
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The majority of the Deaf students come from families who live below the poverty level. Most of their parents are housekeepers and public transport drivers. There are a few who come from outside Ozamiz. Most of them are older than the required age of a particular year level because they started schooling late. Their ages range from 7 to 24 years old. They have poor socialization with the hearing people because they are most often teased. They prefer to be with their own deaf friends with whom they feel comfortable to talk to through sign language. Most of their family members don’t know sign language and so misunderstandings mostly happened. These people can go to public places independently and can run errands for themselves. They are responsible individuals too. They can manage on their own.

DLS-CSB SOS 2009 Deaf Youth Summer Camp

Day 1 and Day 2

Days 3,4,& 5

Days 6 & 7

Aiming to build camaraderie among the Deaf youth and to have a worthwhile socio-cultural and psycho-spiritual summer activity suited for Filipino Deaf youth, 61 Deaf teenagers from School of the Deaf in Iligan City, La Salle University (LSU), Ozamiz City, the Columban priests-run Hangop Kabataan Inc., Pagadian City, Dumagete High School and Malaybalay Welcome Home gathered for a six-day Deaf Youth Summer Camp April 23-28, 2009.
The Deaf Youth Summer Camp is part of the annual program spearheaded by the brothers of the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf Cebu City. The activity was incorporated by the yearly Summer of Service Training of the De La Salle-Colege of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies.
Other goals of the annual activity are to experience a camp-out away from their family and friends in order to gain some sense of independence and self-confidence, to create a pool of young Deaf leaders devoted to empower fellow Deaf youth and to establish linkages among Deaf youth groups from difference places.
The Summer Camp for the Deaf Students was held at the LSU Oval had Ariscel Lobo and Anabelle Salazar both Deaf faculty of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Manila together with Bro. Helrie Paduga, PMS, and Bro. Nino Cababat, PMS from the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf, Cebu City as facilitators.
Each day had various activities with special emphasis on the spiritual formation for the Deaf, Deaf culture, Deaf Counseling, Deaf Values, Sports Competitions, Film Viewing of Deaf Empathy, Camp Skills learning like native chicken cooking and giant kite making.
Lobo led the sports competitions, while Salazar expounded the Deaf values and the two brothers from Mission for the Deaf spearheaded the Camp Skills Learning.
The Deaf Summer Camp started and culminated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at LSU Chapel officiated by LSU chaplain Fr. Timmy Ruben with Sarah Talibong and Bro. Helrie Paduga, PMS interpreting the Mass using the sign language.
“A deaf person regardless of his or her difficulties in hearing and speaking still has a place in the society," Sarah Talibong.

Deaf students on moving-up and transition ceremonies

“At last we passed”. These were the words in the minds of the four (4) Deaf students of La Salle University Deaf School who joined the moving-up and transition ceremony March 20, 2009 at La Salle University.
Katherina T. Llanos, kinder 2 pupil of the Deaf School joined the moving-up ceremony of the Brother Martin Simpson Laboratory School at the Heritage Campus while three (3) grade 6 Deaf students: Mary Jhoy Tabuco, Jason Paulo Dapat, and William Kane Conol joined the transition ceremony of the Integrated School at the IS Auditorium.
Wearing their white toga with their parents, these Deaf students happily received their diploma of completion in preparatory and elementary level respectively.

Deaf School Holds Family Outing at the Beach

Wanting to make stronger the link of families of Deaf people, 35 Deaf students together with some of their family members of La Salle University Deaf School gathered for a beach party at Rama Beach Clarin Misamis Occidental March 7, 2009.
The family outing is part of the year-end activity of the school with the theme “Deaf Unity with their Family”. Various activities with fun and games were facilitated by Christian Rae Ano-os and Gladys Jane Bisnar. Varieties of foods were prepared and served for the Deaf and their families to partake.
The day was filled with fun and laughter as the Deaf eat together, play together and swim together.

Deaf School Holds Lasallian Family Days

Field Demonstration and Parade

Deaf Power Dressing

Deaf Horror Booth

Deaf student joins Ms. Earth Lasallian

“One Lord, Four Educational Institutions Mighty at 80” was the theme of the recently conducted Lasallian Family Days February 19-20, 2009 at La Salle University.
To make these days memorable, the LSU Deaf School participated in the Holy Eucharist at the LSU Arts Center on the first day. They showed-off their talent in dancing through field demonstration at the SC ground.
In the afternoon of February 19, the Deaf students had manged to show a "Deaf Power Dressing" contest at the Covered Court of the Heritage Campus. Christian Rae Ano-os was crowned as the Mr. King of Hearts, Best in Talent, Best in Summer Wear while Jakie Lou Armamento was crowned as the Ms. Queen of Hearts, Best in Summer Wear, and Best in Sports Wear. The First runner-up Princess Biñas also received the Best in Talent award and her partner JR Talaba. The second runners-up were Trena Jasmin Tamparong and Jowel Amerkhan; third runners-up were Mira Pebida and Benjie Boy Empil; and fourth runners-up were Mary Jhoy Tabuco and Ryan Lutching.
In addition, Jamaica Cabanlit, grade 8 Deaf student was one of the candidates of the Search for Ms. Earth Lasallian on Feb. 19 at 7:00pm in the Arts Center. During the event, she wore an elegant “basura gown” which was made of roots, series lights, plastic straw and broken mirror. Her speech was interpreted by Ms. Geraldine Perez, BEED-SPED student of La Salle University. Hence, she was proclaimed Cabanlit 2nd runner up of the said contest.
In the next day Feb. 20, the Deaf students participated in the parade and they witnessed the Lasallian Dance Festival at the SC ground. They also had their collaborative Horror Booth at the Integrated School (IS) campus. The hearing students paid P5 chits to get-in the booth for 3 minutes. Thus, the Deaf were able to raise P1, 211 chits.
As a whole, the 2-day activity of the Deaf was full of fun, with tiring, and memorable experiences.

Deaf Students Passed Scholarship

Gladys Jane Bisnar, a Deaf graduate from the LSU’s Deaf School has been accepted for scholarship in the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde Bisnar intends to take up Bachelor of Applied Deaf Studies major in Business Entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, the following eight (8) Deaf graduates from the Deaf School also passed the Tulong Dunong Scholarship Program under the Commission on Higher Education: Agnes Bergado, Chicky Brizo, Janice Pasagdan, Jenny Marie Canonizado, Mira Pebida, Sherlyn Mamhut, Niño Lumanta, and Christian Rae Ano-os. All eight students plan to take up Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in La Salle University beginning SY 2009-2010.

Eight Ways to Communicate With Deaf People

1. Get the attention of the Deaf person first. A tap on the shoulder, a wave or any other visual signal will help. If in a room, you may tap the table, stamp your feet on the wooden floor or flick the lights on and off.
2. Look directly at the deaf person when signing/ speaking even in the presence of an interpreter.
3. Ensure that your hands and face are clearly visible. Don’t stand in front of a light source as this will cast shadows on your body and face.
4. You may use gestures, facial expressions and pantomime to express your messages.
5. Written communication can be used for short messages.
6. Employ the latest in communication technology – cell phones, YM, email.
7. Learn the alphabet signs (fingerspell).
8. Sign language is still the best option. LSU Deaf School offers sign language classes every term.
(Source: dls-csb sdeas)