Audism or Representation?

"We know what's best for you, so don't ask questions!" Remember, no DHHSC Board member was elected by the Deaf community. Five or less members chose your representatives. So… who really speaks for the Deaf Community?

On October 7, 2003 two representatives of the Fresno Alliance attended the DHHSC Board meeting which had an open invitation to the public to ask Bryant Jolley, their certified public accountant, questions anyone may have regarding DHHSC's recent audit report, which showed a deficit of 15,000 for the first time in the agency's history. In the beginning Rosemary Diaz, the agency Director, gave the impression that all and any questions were welcome. However, when specific questions regarding the line of credit that the agency had obtained from Bank of America a few months earlier were asked, Rosemary immediately brushed Jim Wade off by telling him that the Board was under no obligation to reveal any information regarding their line of credit. Rosemary continues to say "trust us," as others trust her and her board to manage the only deaf service agency's finances in central California. When another question regarding the grossly mismatched figures in the July 1, 2003 DHHSC Board meeting minutes and the DHHSC audit report was raised, Rosemary avoided giving direct answers. This resulted in a heated exchange of words between Jim and Rosemary as Jim persisted for more direct and honest answers. Jim was frustrated that DHHSC was once again limiting what information they wanted the community to hear, giving the impression that they have something to hide. It was during that moment that Nancy Carroll, a Deaf Alliance representative, walked in. A short while later, Jovette Mc Callon stood up and signed angrily at Jim in front of everyone to see that he as a hearing person does not have the right to speak for the Deaf Community and why is he trying to destroy DHHSC? If he does not like DHHSC, he should leave the agency alone!

What the Fresno Alliance would like to understand is why did Jovette think it was not okay for Jim to ask simple questions regarding the agency's finances when the meeting was supposedly an open invitation to the public for clarification on questions regarding their budget and how it may impact services? Does not Jovette realize that DHHSC has three hearing members on its Board of Directors that make critical agency decisions for the entire Central Valley Deaf residents when none of those members were elected by the Deaf community at large to represent them? If so, does he object to their involvement on the DHHSC Board of Directors?

Jim who is most definitely hearing was not attempting to govern our affairs, but to demand direct and honest answers regarding DHHSC's recent spending. Jim DOES have a segment of the Deaf community that backs him up 100 percent and appreciates his stand on our behalf where often our voice 'through signs' is ignored. If you think about Jovette's opposition to Jim's stand because of his hearing status, then you must wonder why is he fearful of his involvement?

The fact that Jim was visually attacked in front of an audience is one example why DHHSC does not often see the other segment of the deaf community that is truly unhappy with the services. DHHSC allowed Jovette's attack to go unchallenged. DHHSC needs to exercise more tolerance of differences in others and not permit this type of discriminatory criticism at public board meetings.

Now what is the fear of having Jim Wade in our group when many know he has been a friend and advocate of the Deaf for years? Why does Jim being hearing scare them now when his hearing status did not bother them before? Is it because he brings power to a voice that they want kept muzzled? We find it sad that only a certain segment of our deaf society is allowed to have hearing representatives as long as these representatives sing in their choir. We can't even beat a drum to a different tune because that difference would be intolerable and mess up their vision of harmony.

The Alliance have also noticed that every time there is a special guest at the board meeting, including a visitor from the State Department of Social Services, specific people are called in for show of support. If those people truly support DHHSC, they should be at all or most meetings to observe what the Alliance has observed, not just selected ones. We find it interesting that most of the deaf that do attend are those that have relatives working within the agency or are associates of the EV Free Church of which Rosemary Diaz, the Director, and practically all of the management staff of the Fresno Headquarters attend. Jim is being ostracized because he is a member of that same church and is now voicing a different view from his Christian friends. If EV Free Church tolerates the democrats and republicans, certainly they need to tolerate differences of opinions as they relate to deaf services?

If asking questions is viewed as attacking DHHSC, then how do they expect others to obtain information for themselves that they can honestly evaluate and assess? It seems that those that do not rely on DHHSC's payroll are the only ones that are bold enough to stand for what they believe in. What a sad and oppressive society we live in.

From ALL DEAF MEMBERS of the Fresno Alliance who are proud to have Jim Wade as our friend and advocate.

 

updated 10-24-03 J