Open Letter to IMPACT Membership Regarding ASL and the 2008 Conference

Recent portrayals of IMPACT's decision to conduct a separate symposium from Cal-Ed's conference seem to have taken on a deviation from our actual stated reasons for our 
actions. While the opinions of unassociated third parties are personal views, we are aware that members may be concerned by these views. The foremost of these views is that IMPACT objects to American Sign Language (ASL).

IMPACT never once objected to ASL being presented at the conference. All communications to the conference committee in this matter not only stated this but specifically identified ASL a critical component of the conference. It was further made known that IMPACT recognized and welcomed the fact that ASL would most likely be showcased -- even when we still expected to have a joint conference. We can only assess at this point that parties not connected with IMPACT, Cal-Ed or the conference committee mistakenly assumed that IMPACT objected to ASL.

Regarding the pull out from the 2008 joint conference, ASL was only mentioned from the perspective of broadening the theme title. At no time in the history of  the Cal-Ed/IMPACT conferences has a theme promoted only one platform...regardless if it was a language or a communication mode. IMPACT sought only to broaden the theme.

The inability for the conference committee to find compromise with the theme title was only part of the pullout decision. Differences in business practices that left IMPACT unable to continue sound business operations and live up to its mission on behalf of the membership were considerations. Ultimately, IMPACT recognized the committee's need to conduct a different kind of conference and stepped aside so that it could continue.

This clearly was not a rejection of ASL. The IMPACT board, in fact, mostly signs and has a history of respecting Deaf culture. 

IMPACT is unique in that it is a common ground where families at any stage of their journey with their deaf or hard-of-hearing child can network and have a unified voice based on our common bond. IMPACT does not offer but accepts the choices families have already made. This has created a venue where the breadth of practices and research could be experienced by all so that families can afford the greatest chances of success for their children. 

Marcos Ramirez