New Website & New Programs

We're Back!!!!  You may have noticed, our blog has been lacking content over the past months, but there is a reason why!  We have been working on our new website, upcoming events, new programs, etc.... 

Silent Echo of Harmony's Official Website has launched!  Check it out - www.seoharmony.org   

 

If you're a new reader -- Take a few minutes to read about the organization and our vision. The core of the business is to advocate and provide support for the deaf and hard of hearing.

 

* NEW! - SEOHarmony's PROGRAMS are now listed and defined on the site, those for which the donations will be used to operate. 

 

* NEW! If you would like to donate - we are now officially accepting online donations via Paypal (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, & Discover are all accepted). Click the Donate button at the bottom of the website after viewing it or click here.

 

* Last but not least -- If you have any of these social network accounts and you haven't done so already, please "LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, and SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG!  

 

Thank you, in advance, for your support!  I'll keep you guys updated as we go!

Disney Experience

For those of you who have been following the blog and read Vacationing Tips for Deaf/HOH -- I tried out Disney's Handheld device at Magic Kingdom on June 2 while vacationing with my family in Orlando and here is my review of it:
Advantages:   Able to read the scripts for some of the attractions ( Buzz Light-year and Winnie the Pooh scripts - my kids LOVED it!)  Easy to use. Lightweight.  Remote-like automatic start of script for the attraction as it pinpoints your location.


Disadvantages: About 70 percent of the time, the device was either inaccurate or simply wasn't programmed for certain attractions.  Bulky - even though it's light, it takes up a bit of space so it was annoying having to pull it out of the backpack for every attraction.  The only color on the device was the front screen, everything else had a robot-like black and white / non color screen.


Improvements that could be made:  Smoother lighter device to hang around neck possibly?  And more accuracy with the pace of words to match the attractions actual script.   Ex: Time Machine script had words flying by like crazy on the device!  It didn't match the timing of the actual performance AT ALL.  An updated screen with color.


By the way, it was a cheaper $20 dollar deposit that you get back when returned instead of $100 for the red heavier Mickey shaped device. Considering the difference in deposits, I'm guessing the one I had was a newer & lighter version since this type of technology has evolved over the years.

Visually, it's a big difference, right?


Overall, I would use this device again with hope that it continues to evolve into a better device for the deaf and hard of hearing.  I really did have a great time though!


If anyone has used a device or recieved services on vacation with unique accommodations being made as courtesy from the establishment for deaf and hard of hearing -- Please share!!!!!   Whether is an amusement park, cruise, hotel, airline, or local attraction - we would love to keep deaf friendly businesses in the forefront when preparing for vacation!

Everyone deserves accessibility, Right?!

In our society today, certain things we do or take advantage of are considered privileges. Among these privileges are those that can be revoked. The right to vote, freedom of movement, being labeled, and even having to report one's residence--all of these things can be the effect of the loss of privilege.


Should that same concept apply to accessibility?
Are certain conveniences made possible through accessibility accommodations subject to the same revocation?

More after the Jump...

Music Video for ALL to Enjoy!

Here's a music video teaser by Sean Forbes 

We need more videos like these!  It's signed, captioned, and sung.  Look out for the entire video, should be coming soon!