This week is truly celebratory!
It began with the Disability Rights Convention CRPD, continuing with the presentation in New York of the FDR Award to New Zealand.
On Saturday DPA cut a celebratory cake for the Convention, and there are a few other celebrations planned for both events.
It is fitting that yesterday marked the launch of our second National Sign Language week. It was moving to experience the national anthem sung and signed in English and Maori at parliament, along with one of my favourite Hirini Melbourne song The Butterfly. (If someone can post the Maori title please do.) The Deaf community sure can party.
The theme this year is freedom of expression, which of course is a basic human right spelled out in the CRPD. The site has a calendar which is full of great events. Check it out. The butterfly sign logo for the week is a potent symbol of that freedom. It is interesting to note that butterflies are deaf. They negotiate their way through the world by using their antennae.
I have a personal celebration as well. We have both our daughters at home as our younger daughter is 21 this week. It’s odd how this quaint celebration custom still exists even though there is no longer any legal significance about reaching this age. You can drink at eighteen, serve in the armed forces at eighteen and vote at eighteen. Most people have the key of the door much younger these days, and may already be burdened with student debt by the age of 21. I guess it is just a good excuse for a party paid for by parents in return for their being allowed to tell embarrassing childhood stories.
Happy Birthday Alice!
