NEOAccess, LLC

11/21/2022

Say hello to two of our co-authors of Signs Are Everywhere !!

11/17/2022

Next up, our book!! This educational novel was created by an Ohio collaborative project powered by Deaf and ASL/English Interpreting communities. Signs Are Everywhere tells a positive and insightful story of a 21st Century Deaf family unfamiliar to many in the general population, but known to members of the American Deaf community. Signs Are Everywhere is a fictional novel telling the story of a famous person who gives birth to a deaf baby. Propelling characters into new territory, the Deaf and hearing worlds collide, clash, and co-exist. The story is supported by key characters who lead readers with wisdom through perplexing situations. What are communication options available for deaf individuals in modern America? How will language literacy be achieved? What controversies are still seen in communication access for deaf and hard of hearing Americans? Readers from all walks of life will enjoy reading this modern novel prepared by a diversity of educators, researchers, and Deaf community members with experience in the Deaf-World.
Photo Caption: Cover of the book on a light gray background with blue, darker gray, pink, and slate colored ASL handshapes swirled around a heart-shape in the middle of the page. Title-Signs Are Everywhere, by Stefanie Amiruzzaman, Patricia Bettis-Eddie, Marsha Moore, and Leah Subak. At the bottom of the page it states - An Ohio collaborative project powered by the Deaf and ASL/English interpreting communities.

11/13/2022

This educational film was created through an Ohio collaborative project powered by individuals who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, Special Educators, researchers, and filmmakers. I’m So Amazing tells the story of the need for action and enhanced services, all centered around the poetry and life experiences of Angie C. Orlando, a DeafBlind writer. Services and opportunities for some people with disabilities in 21st Century America are often misunderstood. Stories such as this are simply unfamiliar to most in the general population, but close to some Americans living with the reality of disability. I’m So Amazing is a creative documentary placing disability in the spotlight. The movie, framed by the writings of Angie C. Orlando, includes information from experts in the disability field to explain some of the root causes of weak accessibility to opportunities and services.

DVDs of the film available December 2022

To request a film viewing, please contact [email protected].

Photo caption: A poster stating,NEOACCESS, LLC presents, followed by the movie title, I'm So Amazing on the left under a photo of Angie C. Orlando. Another photo of Orlando appears on the right, with a superimposed picture of Orlando communicating via tactile Sign Language with Jason Judy at Summit Mall, Akron, Ohio. The subtitle - A documentary film exploring disability. Directed by David Smeltzer, Produced by Kenneth and Leah Subak, works by Angie C. Orlando. The description reads: Meet Angie C. Orlando, a writer who happens to be DeafBlind. Orlando and others describe life experiences pertaining to individuals with various types of bodies. Issues such as Inspiration P**n (IP) and the state of services offered to individuals with disabilities are explored. [email protected] copyright NEOACCESS, LLC all rights reserved.
(this film is Open Captioned; Audio Description on request)

11/11/2022

Hello Facebook! Over the next few days, we will be introducing you to what NEOAccess is, who we are, and how you can get involved.

Services and opportunities for some people with disabilities in 21st Century America are often misunderstood. Stories of inaccessibility are simply unfamiliar to most in the general population, but close to some Americans living with the reality of disability. We at NEOAccess, LLC believe there are root causes of weak accessibility to opportunities and services and seek to mitigate these situations through arts-based and other initiatives.
NEOAccess, LLC has a five-person board, made up of members of the Subak family, and a five person advisory board made up of 3 deaf, 1 DeafBlind and 1 ASL/English interpreter. The small number in each category allows for ease of making expeditious decisions. NEOAccess, LLC is a new startup nonprofit and is working in three phases. Currently, there are two projects completed and subsequent projects in production. The two completed projects are: a documentary film, I’m So Amazing; and a Deaf-World fictionalized novel, Signs Are Everywhere. Partial proceeds from the sale of I’m So Amazing will be donated to the Ohio Association of the DeafBlind; and partial proceeds from the sale of Signs Are Everywhere will be donated to the Ohio Association of the Deaf. The second phase includes projects currently under construction: a curriculum guide to accompany I’m So Amazing; and a workbook to accompany Signs Are Everywhere. Our third phase includes workshops and training utilizing the book and the film. Future plans include a curriculum plan for YouTube videos related to etiquette tips for communicating cross- culturally with deaf/hard of hearing/DeafBlind persons. NEOAccess, LLC will house resources on its website related to information and referral of resources and state of the art research-based articles, resources, and information.
Logo caption:
A photo of an old-fashioned lightbulb appears on the left side. Under the photo is the nonprofit name; NEOAccess, LLC; On the next line the bywords appear: Shining a light on access information and education through creative initiatives

10/07/2022

Check out this imaginative Deaf-World story! A multicultural focus creates a fun read! We weave the narrative with Deaf, deaf, hearing, interpreter, CI user, non-CI user, celebrity, African-American, multi-racial, and adopted characters - with an emphasis on Deaf Culture!!

This book has been pilot tested with multiple classes of ASL and interpreting students. Responses were overwhelmingly positive. We took feedback from the students and incorporated it into the storyline!

Written by:
Dr. Stefanie Amiruzzaman
Professor Patte Bettis-Eddie, M.A.
Professor Marsha Witter Moore, ABD
Dr. Leah Subak
with professional writer Professor Jeanne Dutton, ABD

We included contributions from Deaf and interpreting community members of Ohio and people who care about Ohio! Our goal is to raise funds to partner with our Ohio signing communities. This book could be incorporated into ASL, interpreting, audiology, sociology, or other classes in High Schools or universities.

Synopsis:
Roz Taylor, a fictional, famous Hollywood personality, gives birth to Ella, a deaf baby whom she gives up for adoption. A Deaf-World family adopts the baby, providing an ideal environment for the child. Roz interferes in the family dynamic, and cochlear implants become part of their reality. Characters in the story navigate complex waters and fine lines related to identity, caring for one another, and communication justice.

Some reader comments:

From beginning to end, this book was absolutely incredible! Coming from a hearing family, this was a unique and intimate view into some of the many struggles non-hearing families face. I definitely recommend this spectacularly eye-opening book!

Josiah Hull, Cuyahoga Community College student

An endearing story giving insight into Deaf culture from the perspective of both hearing, and deaf people. Through a dynamic plot line, and diverse group of characters, the book touches on the challenges of adoption, fame, and immersing yourself in a new community. A must read for ASL students, new parents to a deaf child, or anyone learning about Deaf culture.

Micayla O’Keefe, Cuyahoga Community College student

Book price: $18.00 (free shipping) and available from a secure website for your book purchase www.neoaccess.org

For questions, email [email protected]

09/27/2022

NEOAccess is hosting the I'm So Amazing Documentary Premiere on Thursday evening. Do not miss it!

When: September 29, 2022
Time: 7pm to 9:30pm
Where: Design Innovation Hub, Kent State Univ, DIH, Art Bldg, KSU, 400 Janik Drive, Kent, Ohio 44242

Register to attend the Premiere:

A documentary film exploring disability. Meet Angie C. Orlando, a writer who happens to be DeafBlind. Orlando and others describe experiences pertaining to individuals with various types of bodies. Issues include Inspiration P**n and the state of services offered to individuals with disabilities.