A Very Special Request

Last month I received a very special request from another blogger who lives halfway around the world in Norway. His daugher, Lotte, wears the BTE (Behind The Ear) Cochlear Freedom Processors and is also bilateral like me. Her father asked me to be a guinea pig for an unusual experiment....

You see, Lotte does not wear her processors behind her ears but on her shoulders in little handmade pouches. Several medical specialists do not like the way she wears them but really cannot provide an answer why her cochlear implant processors should be worn on her ears. Lotte was implanted at a young age and has always worn her "ears" on her shoulders. And does not want them any other way. I know of other bilateral children whose parents put the processor(s) on their child's shoulders because it keeps them from falling off their small ears or manipulating the controls or losing them. Lotte's parents want to have some ammunition the next time the doctors and audiologists started complaining.

So, Lotte's dad reached out to me via Facebook and asked me to try wearing my processors on my shoulders for a few days so that they could have an adult opinion when this issue came up. Lotte is still too young to give them feedback on what or how she hears because she does not know anything different. Her parents are curious to know if sounds are softer on the shoulder or more difficult on the shoulders as opposed to being on the ears. They also wanted to know if there was a difference if the processors were covered with a coat or jacket, whether sounds were easier to hear without the wind blowing across the microphones or they were more muffled. I tried hanging my processors off my ears but my coils were too short to notice any changes in sound perception. After we traded several messages, here is what I got in the mail....this...

... and this! They sent me some "pouches" for my processors to clip on to my clothing, a pair of long coils, and the sweetest note! I have a feeling that Lotte put those stickers on! I love the beautiful handwriting, too.When I was Lotte's age until the age of 20, I had the most powerful body hearing aid available on the market and wore it tucked in my bra. I was very creative hiding my cords using my bra straps and rubber bands because I did not want anything to show. My microphones were in front of me on my chest. In fact, when I talked on the phone, I looked like this:I never really knew a difference having my "ears"on my chest because I did not have anything else to compare with and it was all I knew. And heard enough to get by with what little hearing I had.

Later, as an adult, I was tired of the "box" on my chest and got BTE hearing aids, mainly for cosmetic reasons. Even though the BTE's were not as strong as the body aid, I did not care because I wanted to "look good" and not have to bother with the cords, etc. My hearing was so poor that I really couldn't tell the difference between the body aid and the BTE's on my ears, except the BTE's were softer and not as strong.

I was honored and happy to do this "experiment" for Lotte and her parents. Not everyone can move their "ears" to their shoulders! The first thing I noticed was that my voice and sounds were very "nasal" or muffled, as if I had water in my ears or was in a swimming pool area. That did not change after a few days. But, the brain is an amazing organ and probably would have adjusted if I had kept them that way for a longer period of time. It was also very inconvenient having my processors on my shoulders because I could not change my batteries or change my programs or settings quickly. Lotte's parents probably handle those details for her. And, it was almost impossible to use the telephone. I had to move the processors to my ears to use the phone. Also, there really was no difference with or without a coat or sweater covering the processors on my shoulders. When I wear a hat over my BTE processors, I hear fine. I do like the sound of the wind so it does not bother me if it is there or not.

But, after I thought about it for a while, I realized that the distance from my ears to my shoulders is probably greater than for a child like Lotte. And the space from shoulder to shoulder is a greater distance on an adult when compared with a child. So, Lotte's processors are probably closer to her ears than mine are when I wore them on my shoulders. That may change as she grows. I still got "surround sound" no matter where the processors were located.

My advice to Lotte's parents was to let Lotte make the choice how she wears her processors. Why change something if it isn't "broken?" It should be her choice to move her BTE's to her ear. She may change when she gets older for convenience, or when she wants to look good, or when she sees how others wear theirs, etc. She does see other children with BTE's on their ears with amazing contraptions to keep them there but her father says she will follow her own way. She does not complain and is a happy seven year old going to school, interacting with friends and family, and even playing the piano. I really do not not think it should be an issue because she is hearing sounds, communicating, and is getting surround sound. There really is no "right" or "wrong" way to wear a cochlear implant processor as long as a person can hear!

To my readers, if you are a parent of a child that wears cochlear implants or hearing aids, an adult CI user, an audiologist or other health professional reading this, please do two things for me:

1. Leave a comment on your thoughts or experiences on this post for Lotte and her parents, AND...
2. Go visit Lotte's blog and say "hi!" She'd love to hear from you!

Part II - The People I Meet - 2009 HLAA Convention

Here are a few more pictures from the Convention. I don't want to leave anyone out but I didn't get pictures of all the new people I met there.Barbie & Ken (Sunny & Captain Mark Brogan)

I finally got to meet Mark's wife in person at the Convention. She is a sweetheart! And is so supportive and understanding of Mark's hearing loss. They make the cutest couple, don't you think?!!!

Sandy Cohen, Director of the Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing at the Nashville Public Library

Sandy has a BIG heart for the deaf & hard of hearing. She has worked hard for 10+ years at the Nashville Library to make sure that the deaf & hard of hearing have access to EVERYTHING they need. You name it, she has it. The Nashville Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing is the largest resource on this side of the Mississippi River. If you are ever in Nashville, this is a "must-see" activity, as well as the rest of the library, which is a gorgeous facility in the heart of Downtown Nashville.

Thom Roberts and I

Thom is the Executive Director for the TN Council for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, which meets four times a year. I met him two years ago when he asked me to serve on the Council with him. He is also hearing impaired and amazes me with all that he does!

Valerie, Jenna, & I

Valerie and Jenna are mother & daughter and this was their first convention experience. I love these two ladies! Valerie has bilateral cochlear implants and got them AT THE SAME TIME several years ago (she's a brave woman)! Jenna is so supportive of her mom and reminds me of how thoughtful and considerate my own kids are for me with my hearing loss. I met them in Gatlinburg (which is only about 40 minutes from my house) last year when Jenna had a dance competition. Valerie writes a blog at Tales From A CI Gal about her CI journey.

Karin Robertson

I met Karin a few months ago when she started coming to our HLA of Knoxville meetings. I found out later that she was a past President of our chapter! She is still involved with the deaf & hard of hearing and works for the Tennessee School for the Deaf in Knoxville.

Me with Zac LaFratta

I met Zac last year at the HLAA Convention in Reno. He is going to Gallaudet University to become an audiologist. And he has a hearing loss as well. There is no limit to what anyone can do! There were several audiologists and hearing professionals at the convention, which amazes me because I thought one needed to "hear" in order to be in these careers.

Rosemary Tuitte and I

Another amazing woman! Rosemary is a regular participant in the HLAA CI Chat on Monday nights. We've chatted online and traded emails so it was such a delight to meet her and her hearing dog, Janet.

Jennifer Thorpe, Jeffrey Johnson, & Mike Turner

This picture was taken at the Volunteer Dinner the night before the Convention. Jennifer, Jeffrey and I volunteered (along with several others) at the HLAA Convention Table in the Nashville Airport the day before the Convention started. I met Jeffrey briefly at the Tennessee Walk4Hearing in Chattanooga the month before. We had a great time talking while assisting and greeting people flying in for the event.

Mike Turner and I have been friends for a while and he spoke at one of our chapter meetings about videophones and Hands On Purple VRS (Video Relay Service) about how the deaf, hard of hearing and even the hearing customers can have access to high quality communication services through video relay.

Me with Mike Turner's Wife, Colleen

Here I am with Mike Turner's better half, Colleen. We met for the first time this past February when I was in Nashville for a Council meeting and hit it off right away. I felt like we had been friends for years! Colleen was at the Convention every day, helping Mike with his booth in the exhibit hall. Colleen & Mike both have hearing losses and make a great couple.

Arlene Romoff and I

Arlene wrote the book "Hear Again" about her cochlear implant journey and how she regained her life back in the hearing world as a late deafened adult. This was our first meeting!

Deb McClendon and I at the Birthday Party Celebration

Deb & I also met last year in Reno. She is a bilateral cochlear implant recipent and is a hoot! She is very involved with her chapter in the San Diego, California area.

Tom Vorjohan The Magician

Tom provided some magical entertainment for a day in the exhibit hall. His tricks were incredible and amazing! He is also my neighbor and has a wonderful family. I always ask his kids to do a trick or two for me when they come to my door selling fund raising items for school! It must be fun to grow up with a magician in the house!

AND.....ELVIS!!! (Ken Arcia)

The Main Event of the Year.....

....is one week away! It's the Annual HLAA Convention 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee from June 18th - 21st at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Resort. Ever since Jennifer and I went to our 1st HLAA Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, we promised ourselves that we would not miss another convention. It was a life-changing experience for both us to meet with other people "just like us." And for the first time in our lives, it was a "perfect world" because we didn't have to struggle to hear or understand what was going on around us. Every single session and event is transcribed, captioned and interpreted. I, along with many others, look forward to this event and we are ALL getting excited about being under one roof again, seeing old friends and making new ones!

This year promises to be a FANTASTIC convention. I've "heard" that over 400 rooms are registered and that doesn't count the persons staying in nearby hotels or who live in or around Nashville. The workshops and seminars are wonderful and very informative. The Opening night features Vint Cerf, from Google who is considered to be the "Father of the Internet." He also has a hearing loss and his wife, Sigrid, has bilateral cochlear implants after wearing hearing aids for 50 years. I cannot wait to hear their stories and get their autographs on my HLAA magazine!

The Convention is also the 30th Birthday Celebration for HLAA and there will be a Birthday Party on Friday night. My neighbor, Tom Vorjohan, is part of the "entertainment" for the party and promises to be GREAT!

There is also a Research Symposium sponsored by the Deafness Research Foundation where they will be giving an update on the Latest Hair Cell Regeneration Research. My brother, Doug, is very interested in this research and is traveling from Ohio specifically for this. I'm so excited that he is coming and cannot wait to introduce him to the Convention experience and to my friends!

The Exhibit Hall is something to see & experience, as well. One can see and try many different assistive devices, cell phones, telephones, gadgets, weather alerters, fire alarms, and other new products and get a wealth of information on how to deal with and cope with hearing loss. Hearing aid and and cochlear implant manufacturers will have booths, too, for support and information. You can find out more about the exhibitors HERE! Even though the registration has closed online, anyone can still come and register in person for a day or two on site. And, entry to the Exhibit Hall for visitors is FREE with a pass that can be obtained at the registration desk. See http://www.hearingloss.org/ for more information.

An offsite trip to the Grand Ole Opry is planned, too! And if there is time, there is much to see and do around Nashville. I would encourge anyone to stop by the Nashville Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in Downtown Nashville to see the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Section. Friday morning would probably be the best time for this trip. Due to recent budget cuts, the LSDHH library is only open from Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m - 2 p.m. or by appointment. Call the director, Sandy Cohen, at the library at (615) 862-5750 for an appointment to see this particular section. It is WORTH the trip!

If you cannot make it, you can keep up with the Convention through the Convention Blog starting on June 18th. Abbie Cranmer, is the featured Blog Host this year and she is absolutely wonderful. She was one of my roommates last year in Reno and has a great sense of humor!

I plan to be there early on Wednesday morning at the Nashville airport to greet anyone coming in that day! And will work at the Convention Booth until 4 p.m. I'll be the one with a big smile on my face (and will be wearing RED, my favorite color!) Hope to see you there!

P.S. If you are coming, leave me a comment or email me at ldpullinsATgmailDOTcom so I can look for you!

Paying It Forward...One Step at a Time...

There is an old Chinese Proverb that goes something like this:

If you want to be happy for an hour,
Take a nap.
If you want to be happy for a day,
Go fishing.
If you want to be happy for a year,
Inherit a fortune.
If you want to be happy for a lifetime,
Help Someone....

Yesterday I particpated in Tennessee's very first Walk4Hearing held in Chattanooga along the beautiful Riverwalk at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. I've participated in many walks for different causes over the years. But, this walk was a very special one for myself and many others because we live with the challenges of dealing with a hearing loss or know someone who has one. I loved this particular proverb when I heard it because it doesn't take much to help someone. A person doesn't need to be rich or famous to make an impact on another person's life. There is research out there that shows that one lives a happier, healthier, and longer life when they live selflessly and give of themselves unconditionally.

For the last 30 years, HLAA has made a difference for the deaf & hard of hearing. HLAA works behind the scenes and advocates, educates, and focuses on issues that are important to individuals with hearing loss. All proceeds from this and other walks held across the U.S. this year will be used to fund local and national programs to help people with hearing loss and to raise public awareness of the challenges that they must confront each day. I wish I could name all the accessibility programs and standards that they are responsible for that benefit so many deaf & hard of hearing persons but that is another post for another day. Recent health statistics say that more than 36 million persons NATIONWIDE are affected by hearing loss.

Over the years, I've been very fortunate to have a wonderful support system with my family, friends, health professionals, coworkers, and even from strangers. Not everyone has that and that is where HLAA comes in at the national and local level. I am PASSIONATE about HLAA and it is no accident that I am in a position to "pay it forward" and help others with the challenges that they face every day dealing with hearing loss. This walk was so dear to my heart and with the help of family, friends, and even people who read this blog that I haven't met yet, I was able to meet BOTH of my fundraising goals!!! My original goal was $1,000 and I met that quickly in a few weeks. So, I set a new goal of $1,500 and surpassed that last week! Our HLA of Knoxville Chapter had a goal of $3,000 and we were able to raise $2,235, which is 75% of our goal! THANK YOU!!!!

You can see pictures here and here and here!

I'm still tired and on a "high" from seeing everyone and participating in this event. I've been busy this year traveling with my husband for our business, advocating for the deaf & hard of hearing, working with my local HLAA chapter, and working with Nashville and the National HLAA to prepare for the HLAA Convention in Nashville next month. But, my schedule is starting to slow down a little and I hope to resume my regular blogging again. Thanks again for all you do for the deaf & hard of hearing, for when you help someone, you make a difference for a lifetime!

More pictures to come soon!

A Very Special Walk

Please CLICK HERE to see my Walk4Hearing Page!

On Saturday, May 16th,I'll be participating in the Walk4Hearing in Chattanooga on the beautiful and colorful Riverwalk at the Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, TN. This very special walk is a fund-raiser to support the Hearing Loss Association of America. I am walking this very special because hearing loss is a public health issue that is third in line behind heart disease and arthritis. If you have been reading this blog for the last few years, you are familiar with my "Dance With Sound." I have lived with a severe/profound hearing loss since the age of 2. I joined HLAA when I started my cochlear implant journey and haven't looked back since!

HLAA is a lifeline for those who are affected by hearing loss. I would not be where I am in my "dance" if it wasn't for the support of family, friends, and HLAA. I've been to two HLAA conventions in the last two years which have been life changing for me. For I have found my "people" because they, too, know the trials and struggles of living with a hearing loss. Through HLAA I have made many long lasting friendships and gained a wealth of information related to hearing loss.

The Walk4Hearing goal is to increase awareness about the causes and consequences of hearing loss. By raising funds, HLAA can provide information and supprt for people with hearing loss and make a difference. It is estimated that 31 million Americans are affected by hearing loss and 2 million of them are deaf. Many of them lack the much needed information and support that they need as they struggle to fit in the hearing world. HLAA advocates for those with hearing loss to enable persons to be all they can be and live full and productive lives.

Someone asked me a few weeks ago that if I could name the one person that has made a difference in my life, who would it be and why. I've been blessed with a great support system throughout my life with family, friends, teachers, mentors, coworkers, health professionals, and even strangers who were understanding and willing enough to help me when I couldn't hear or "get the message." But the one person that has influenced my life the most would be my mother. She was such a great advocate for me and my younger brother, Doug, and did everything in her power to help us be the successful persons we are today in spite of our hearing loss. And because of her love and dedication, I am now in a position through HLAA to "pay it forward" and advocate for others with hearing loss who may not have the support system they need to succeed. Mom lost her battle to cancer 17 years ago on April 8th but is still very much a part of my life today. So, on May 16th, I will honor and remember her by wearing her picture on my t-shirt as I walk and advocate for hearing loss.

My team on the Walk4Hearing page (Chattanooga, TN) is the Knoxville Chapter of HLAA. Our team goal is to raise $1,000 and I have set a personal goal of raising $500.00. I hope to exceed both of those goals. I am not used to being on the receiving end of fund-raising efforts and do not like to ask for money from friends & family, especially during these difficult financial times. But this is for a good cause and I know that some of you will be glad to help! Your donation in any amount will be greatly appreciated and you can give anonymously if you wish.

If you would like to make a donation by personal check, please leave a comment and I will be glad to give you my email & address information so you can mail your contribution to me. All checks should be made out to Walk4Hearing. Donations are tax deductible and you will receive an acknowledgement from HLAA for your tax records.

Your donation will mean so much to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support for hearing loss.

President Obama's Name Sign

Just in! A student at Gallaudet University has given President Obama his name sign and posted a video on YouTube! I'm not sure how authentic it is but it looks great to me. It is subtitled for the deaf & hard of hearing.

Click HERE to watch!

UT Department of Audiology & Speech Department Saved!

When the University of Tennessee announced the pending closure of the Department of Audiology & Speech this past June, I went right to work advocating for the group for several months. There were parallel efforts by many other people in the community and nationwide to help save this nationally recognized program. Much time was spent on my part for several months in 2008 getting several state politicians to weigh in, writing newspaper articles, and a huge letter/email writing campaign. I also worked with Larry Silverstein, whose father was responsible for starting the program 55 years ago. The result was a reversal of the decision by the UT Board of Trustees. One should never underestimate the power of the people, the media & the written word, and grass roots advocacy! Below is an article written by Mr. Silverstien that was in the Knoxville News Sentinel several weeks ago thanking everyone involved for helping to save the department. There are still some challenges ahead for the Department of Audiology & Speech but it is good to know that the reversal of this decision will have a huge impact for thousands of children, adults, and students forever.

Thanks expressed for helping save UT unit

By Larry Silverstein
Sunday, December 14, 2008

On behalf of the thousands of children and adults whose access to essential speech and hearing services has now been preserved, and the UT students who will become professionally trained therapists, I offer thanks to all who played an important role in making this happen.

The Friends of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology are very pleased that the UT Board of Trustees has approved a proposal for a transition plan towards a July 1, 2009, administrative takeover of the department by the UT Health Science Center in Memphis.

This will keep intact the nationally recognized department and its entire clinical program, and it comes four and a half months after a hasty and ill-advised proposal by the UT administration to eliminate it.

The proposal, contemplated to help reduce the UT budget, was initiated by the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and approved by the acting chancellor, acting provost and President John Petersen. This unexpected action was taken without consultation with the department, the UT Faculty Senate or anyone in the community.

The announcement was made public on June 4, just prior to the Board of Trustees Executive Committee meeting in Nashville on June 6 and on a fast track toward approval by the full UT Board of Trustees on June 20.

Thanks to the unanimous support of the local media, word spread quickly throughout the community and a grass-roots campaign was begun to save the program. Letters, phone calls, personal appeals and e-mails by the hundreds poured in to the board of trustees, Petersen and Gov. Phil Bredesen.

A law office conference room in Nashville on June 6 was filled with UT students, faculty and other concerned people who took their case directly to the board of trustees. A large rally of supporters was held at the Scottish Rite Temple on June 9.

On June 11, UT announced that some aspects of the clinical program would be retained, due to the provisions of a 99-year lease agreement from 1958 that required the Hearing and Speech Center be operated by the university.

The administration did not indicate which clinical programs would continue and planned to entirely phase out over a two-year period the department and all teaching, training and research functions. This amended proposal was not acceptable and resulted in a campus protest march on June 13.

Under considerable pressure from the community and the UT Faculty Senate, on June 17, the administration announced that its proposal would be deferred until the Oct. 24 board meeting. This was viewed as only a temporary reprieve, based on statements made at the June 20 board meeting.

After members of the board received well over 1,000 contacts by individuals and professional organizations from all over the country, the administration made an alternative proposal to transfer administration and funding from the UT College of Arts and Sciences to the UT Health Science Center in Memphis.

We owe our sincere gratitude to the incredible community support that made this resolution possible. Because of the 55-year history of excellent service to the East Tennessee community, many people - including students, faculty, clients, alumni, local and state public officials, civic organizations, and members of the audiology and speech pathology profession - came forward to share their personal experiences and grave concerns with the UT administration and board, Bredesen and members of the Tennessee Legislature.

Those voices of concern and outrage were given great support and publicity by the Knoxville media, particularly by the News Sentinel, which reported each and every event, and were heard loud and clear by the board and administration.

Our campaign has demonstrated the media can educate and motivate the public to successfully challenge policies that would have a negative impact on our community.

We are grateful that East Tennesseeans will continue to receive the essential speech and hearing services that they need and deserve and that UT will continue to train and educate the next generation of professionals who will provide these services.

Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the UT Health Science Center, the board of trustees, the local print and television media and all in the community whose support helped make this a reality.

Larry Silverstein, an attorney, is the son of the late Dr. Bernie Silverstein, the founding director of the Hearing and Speech Center in 1953 and a UT professor until l996. His e-mail address is Larrys55@aol.com.

(Laurie's Note: Copied with permission from Larry Silverstein)

Branson Deaf Appreciation Weekend

I received this in my email box today from Signed Entertainment Enterprises (S.E.E.) and thought I should pass this news on to my readers. This event looks like great fun and I wish I was close enough to attend this! As you know, May is Better Hearing and Speech Month. I think it is wonderful when organizations and businesses make a special effort so that deaf and hard of hearing persons can participate in shows like these. You will note that the Osmond Family Hearing Center is one of the hosts. I just learned a few weeks ago that the Osmond family has a heart for the deaf and hearing impaired because one of the Osmond brothers is deaf. And will be making a one-time appearance on the 24th.

THE 1st ANNUAL

"BRANSON DEAF APPRECIATION WEEKEND"

Memorial Day Weekend 2008, Branson's own Signed Entertainment will team up with The White House Theatre, The Mansion Theatre, The All American Café, The Branson Tourism Center, The Osmond Family Hearing Centers, and The Radisson Hotel to host Branson's very first Deaf Appreciation weekend. Starting on May 23^rd and ending on May 26^th .

The White House Theatre will feature Mr. Ken Glickman in Deafology 101:

Many profound questions are all covered and answered in DEAFology 101, a highly entertaining lecture on Deaf Culture where many questions are raised and explained on stage by "Prof. Glick" in his comical lab coat and beady black reading glasses. Just about everything from Anthropology to Biology to Physics is covered in this hilarious, fast-paced course!

Special Host will be Justin Osmond from the World Famous Osmond Family and founder of the Osmond Family Hearing Center! This is a one time appearance, on Saturday May 24^th at 10:30 am.

Also Featured at The White House Theatre is The Magnificent 7 Dinner Show:

This show starts off with an incredible meal served by S.E.E. Certified "Deaf Friendly" wait staff, and then goes into an incredible show which highlights seven decades of Music, with the powerhouse vocals of Tamra Holden, Joe Tinoco, and an array of multi-talented performers!

The Unbelievable meal, and The Magnificent 7 show, and The White House Theatre, are S.E.E. Certified as "Deaf Friendly"!

The Mansion Theatre will feature:

"The Promise" a spectacular Branson play honoring the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ as you have never seen before! This incredible show speaks to the hearts of all ages.

"Celebrate America" a theatrical musical celebrating American Pride and Patriotism. Join us on a walk through time where you will discover that pride that was felt at the birth of our nation still rings true today.

These Incredible shows and The Mansion Theatre are S.E.E. Certified as "Deaf Friendly"!

The All American Café: Making it's debut as Branson's first "Deaf Friendly" restaurant. Serving American cuisine with a twist! The All American Café serves lunch and dinner, and is open after the shows. Catering and group menus available. All new atmosphere, menu, full bar, weekly dancing features and live entertainment. Also featuring one of Branson's largest Veterans' photo tribute.

We are proud to honor our Nations Deaf and Hard of Hearing by making our Branson businesses "Deaf Friendly", but remember, this wonderful fun filled weekend is for everyone! So come on out and see what all of the fuss is about!

For ticket or package information please contact our friends on the following links at:

The Branson Tourism Center - Or call 1-800-785-1550

The Mansion Theatre - Or call 866.707.4100

The White House Theatre - Or call 1-877-487-2386

Support Deaf Actors

My husband and I are huge fans of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. After much talk and anticipation, NBC has announced an episode featuring not one but many Deaf actors, including:

Deanne Bray
Alexandria Wailes
Garrett Suercher
Darren Frazier
Hillary Baack
Willy Conley
Raymond Luczak

In addition, NBC broke TV history by hiring the most Deaf extras (35 people) for a network TV episode. I think this is wonderful that they are supporting Deaf actors.

This exciting drama is called "The Silencer" and airs on the local NBC stations on April 3rd at 9 p.m. So, mark your calendars and set your TiVo's and DVR's to watch or record it! The more people that watch it (or have their TV's on to NBC), the Nielson ratings will go up, allowing more Deaf actors to be asked back to work!