While a regional approach on some level is understandable -- natural
disasters do occur regionally -- the government needs to manage and
fund measures to ensure adequate, appropriate provision nationally. 
Why? Disasters
can escalate. Disaster-struck regions usually need help from unaffected areas.
Not all disasters are natural. People start wars and perpetrate terrorist
attacks. Viruses can spread in various ways, and control and prevention
require widespread information. People are no longer localised. People travel,
move homes, and care about people in other parts of the country. All these could affect, interest, and apply to d/Deaf people, too. Full
inclusion and participation for d/Deaf people require equal access to information
in everyday life and requires a national approach from government. This access
becomes critical in emergencies when information can be vital.
People still marvel at the signed broadcasts after the Christchurch earthquakes. The beauty of Sign Language -- and possibly the novelty of seeing signing on TV -- may account for people's fascination. If signed broadcasts become ordinary someday, perhaps it will mean d/Deaf New Zealanders who can stay safe and join the rest of the country because they're in the know.
Why? Disasters
can escalate. Disaster-struck regions usually need help from unaffected areas.
Not all disasters are natural. People start wars and perpetrate terrorist
attacks. Viruses can spread in various ways, and control and prevention
require widespread information. People are no longer localised. People travel,
move homes, and care about people in other parts of the country. All these could affect, interest, and apply to d/Deaf people, too. Full
inclusion and participation for d/Deaf people require equal access to information
in everyday life and requires a national approach from government. This access
becomes critical in emergencies when information can be vital.People still marvel at the signed broadcasts after the Christchurch earthquakes. The beauty of Sign Language -- and possibly the novelty of seeing signing on TV -- may account for people's fascination. If signed broadcasts become ordinary someday, perhaps it will mean d/Deaf New Zealanders who can stay safe and join the rest of the country because they're in the know.
All good points, Ana. One thing that didn't flow so well for me is the last paragraph where you focus on signed broadcasts. Perhaps it would be better to include this in your previous post where you listed things that could be done for d/Deaf people to be in the loop in emergencies? Felt to me like you're starting something new instead of finishing up?
ReplyDeleteWow Ana! this is eye-opening. I never even considered the d/Deaf population when is comes to disasters. Which is probably a simple reflection on how ignorant society can truly be. I think that the visual image you have chosen gives a certain authority to your post. I like that you have used the rhetorical question 'Why?" to begin the second paragraph as I think it relates what you are saying directly to the reader. I do think jenette is accurate about the last paragraph, It possibly could be more concluding, and would perhaps sum up what you are saying better if it did not introduce more aspects of your topic. All in all however Ana this is one of my favourite topics covered in class and I return enlightened after reading your blog.
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