Ageless Passions by Karen Putz

Z You at the Deaf Seniors of America Conference

Written by

Karen Putz

in

I’m here in Las Vegas hanging with 1,800 Deaf senior citizens.  And what a cool group they are to hang out with!  I can’t help myself– I find that I get into conversations with them and want to hear their stories of growing up and where they worked at.  One guy worked at Coke for 38 years…another is a tax attorney… a couple of them worked their way up at the post office to management level and all sorts of other jobs.  At the Z booth, while they try out the Z-340 videophone, some of them have been sharing stories of how they had no phones and had to send letters to their friends to arrange a visit.

Today, we revealed our very own “Dr. Z,” the infamous Phil Bravin who is the original Deaf tech geek.  He can remember playing around with code many years back and he recently put together a neat website for everything Z:

Doctor Z’s website

Dr. Z
Dr. Z
Marlee Matlin arrived at noon to sign her books for over two hours.  She took a moment to pose with Laurel and Hardy (yes, they work for the Z team too!):
Marlee Matlin with Laurel and Hardy
Marlee Matlin with Laurel and Hardy
U. S. Chung, the Z Project Manager drew a crowd of his own this afternoon:
USC shows the Z-340 to Seniors
USC shows the Z-340 to Seniors
We’ll be at the Z booth on Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon.  If you’re at the DSA conference, stop by and say hi!

Comments

4 responses to “Z You at the Deaf Seniors of America Conference”

  1. Karen Swim Avatar
    Karen Swim

    Hi Karen,

    I am so glad that technology has broken down the barriers of communicating. Reading about the man who had to write letters to arrange visits with friends was eye-opening and heart breaking. So much of what I take for granted has not always been available to everyone. Have fun in Vegas and remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. 🙂

  2. Lindsey Battle Avatar
    Lindsey Battle

    Hi- I noticed how involved you are with the community. I am a student (Speech Language Pathology) at the University of Montana. I was wondering what types of activities may be enjoyed in a support group for people that have a hearing impairement. Any ideas would be great. My email is krisline@hotmail.com

    P.s.
    You are so lucky that you were able to meet Marlee Matlin!!!

  3. Elometer V.Thomas Avatar
    Elometer V.Thomas

    I would like to become a member of your organization, and also to let you know about my recently published book.” A Journey Beyond Silence.” The book is based on my experience with deafness and the need to help others. It’s a truly uplifting story of hope, courage and endurance and a true testimony to the durability and determination of the human spirit in all of us.
    For more information, please visit my website at: http://www.ajourneybeyondsilence.com. Also avaliable at
    Barnes & noble. Amazon.com and other bookstores

  4. Dr. Stephen E. Godfrey, Pathology Expert Avatar
    Dr. Stephen E. Godfrey, Pathology Expert

    It’s great to seniors active, healthy and involved. Haven’t seen Marlee Matlin in a movie lately, but enjoyed her performances in previous movies.

More posts