LifeLinks - About Us



	LifeLinks Conocimiento Bringing together the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing Latin American and mainstream communities. Conocimiento is a newsletter to share cultural tidbits, knowledge, and traditions relevant to the people of Latin America. The newsletter is based on the concept of 'Conocimiento', which is a process where we strive to share a common experience to become a better community. LifeLinks proudly sponsors this newsletter to bring the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing Latin American and mainstream community together. In addition, by using our great Spanish Video Relay Services, we are uniting families and making a difference in the lives of our deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Issues June 23, 2011 Can I Help You? Early this summer, as I was grilling a steak on our BBQ grill, Xóchitl approached me with excitement and asked, "Papi, can I help you?" Looking toward the sky, I reflected, then smiled and answered, "Sure, you can!" . . . It was not until my early college years that I learned in some Latin American cultures, a child perceived as being disabled is always sheltered, no matter how old they are, and as such, end up being over-protected. Read more May 30, 2011 Summer Vacations Today, for many people, marks the beginning of the summer season. A gentle breeze on a warm sunny day is likely to bring fond memories of summers past, memories we'd like for our own children to have and to share. Within an extended Mexican family, for a long time, I was the only male grandchild in a large brood of female grandchildren. As such, I became the 'consentido' (the preferred one) for both sets of grandparents. Summers brought a treasure of memories that became all the more significant because of what my grandparents did for me, as a Deaf child . . . read more April 3, 2011 Brotherly bonds At a recent lunch gathering, I brought a guest along to meet my usual noontime circle of friends. As I introduced him to everyone, each person explained how and in what ways they were affiliated with the Deaf Community. One mother, in particular, proudly mentioned she had two grown Deaf daughters. Sitting with us, also, was her grown son...and she never once mentioned him. read more March 12, 2011 Would You Have It Any Other Way? A few weekends ago, I had coffee with a friend whose five-year old son is Deaf. This gentleman, a hearing father, needed someone to talk to. In his eyes, I could see that he was somewhat still grieving. In his eyes, I could see overcast clouds shadowing glimpses of joy.... read more		<< Back to previous About the author Tomás García, LifeLinks author of Conocimiento, is a faculty member at East Los Angeles College in the Department of Foreign Languages teaching American Sign Language. Having a Deaf Mother and Grandfather, Tomás became Deaf as an infant. A personal and assertive passion allowed him to learn Spanish at a very young age and today uses his skills & knowledge to bridge cultural and identity gaps between Latino families and their Deaf children.