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How to wear a ClearMask

In this video, ThinkSelf Access Manager Erin demonstrates how to wear a ClearMask. When discussing accessible mask options with community members and staff, people sometimes comment that ClearMasks are uncomfortable or confusing to wear. Erin has been using a ClearMask while doing work in medical clinics and hospitals for over 7 months - sometimes for more than eight hours in a row! Here are Erin's tips for putting on the mask so it feels tight, secure, and comfortable.
  • Be sure to remove the outer film before wearing.
  • The side with the thick foam goes on the chin, the thin across the bridge of your nose.
  • When placing the strings over your head, they work best if they're criss-crossed - the top string should angle down towards your neck, and the bottom string should angle up towards the top of your head. 
  • Once the strings are in place, you can tighten it (look for the "ball" on the string angled toward the top of your head). There should be little gap and feel nice and snug. 
With these tips, the ClearMask should feel secure and comfortable - and give other people access to your mouth and facial expressions!

To buy: https://buy.theclearmask.com/
The story behind the ClearMask - an interview with Deaf co-founder Allysa Dittmar: dailymoth.com/blog/interview-with-allysa-dittmar-cofounder-of-clearmask
Minnesota DHHSD overview of  communication access tips while wearing masks: mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing/communication-access/emergency/masks

Interpreter Training

ID: Screenshot of a Zoom meeting with Sarah Houge, Steph Ritenour, Maggie Bangert, Aaron Gutzke, Erin Gardner, Olivia Webster, and Eric Van Dam. All are smiling and signing "cute," "cat" as Olivia holds up her cat.

As part of our collaborative project with Day One of Cornerstone, ThinkSelf offered a beginning-to-intermediate level Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Trauma-Informed Interpreting training for ASL interpreters interested in enhancing their skills and approach. We were very impressed with the high level of engagement and insight from our 77 participants! 

A few survey results:
  • "Watching how each staff discussed each topic, it was really helpful to see the variety in the language choices. Additionally, learning more about the survivor focused approach was helpful."
  • "The format was so easy to watch. It was more engaging than typical webinars. I very much enjoyed Steph and Maggie, they are easy to watch and their knowledge and passion for their work was evident."
  • "I would say a lot of this was new information, so it was a bit overwhelming, but SO incredible. The presenters were incredibly knowledgeable. I learned so much! I found having the slides and the presenters visible were helpful so I could look at the slides if I became confused or didn't know some signs."

Community Resources

  • Women's Advocates continues to provide an outstanding lineup of ASL-interpreted workshops each month! We always look forward to attending! https://www.wadvocates.org/events/ 
List of webinars available at Women's Advocates events page - click to see full post Screenshot of Deaf Dawn Instagram Post - click to see full post
  • Family Tree Clinic is seeking participants for a survey on health care, limited to Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing people of Minnesota only.  Participants will receive a $50 gift card! Contact Ryder at raster@familytreeclinic.org for more information!
Flyer from FTC seeking feedback on health care
  • Health Signs Center on Instagram created a great ASL overview of the current types of vaccines available and considerations: instagram.com/p/CKzuD4ngX-m
Screenshot of Health Signs Center Instagram post- click to see full post

28 Days of Black History

Join us in subscribing to 28 Days of Black History, a virtual daily exhibition featuring art, history, and artifacts along with discussion questions and action items! Sign up at 28daysofblackhistory.com

CODAs are in the news!

In each newsletter, we highlight a video, event, or resource that is important to the communities we serve. Have a suggestion? Email hello@thinkself.org.
Children of Deaf Adults ("CODAs") are a vital part of our communities! It's been exciting seeing them make the news in recent weeks, starting with Captain Andrea Hall signing the Pledge of Allegiance at the historic Biden-Harris Inauguration.
Also trending: Sian Heder’s film "CODA," starring Deaf actors including Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur and Minnesota's Daniel Durant proved to be a hit at Sundance. 
We encourage you to check out a short film also named "CODA," the story of a young CODA dancer who falls for a Deaf man. "CODA" debuted last year and is available in full at omeleto.com/253383 and on YouTube.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email: hello@thinkself.org
VP: 651-829-9089
Website: http://thinkself.org/
Instagram: @thinkselfmn
Twitter: @thinkselfmn

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Video description:
Curt, who has a beard, glasses and a polo shirt, sits in front of a window with trees visible. 

Transcript: 
ThinkSelf periodically sends out email announcements about events and other news. If you're interested in getting on the list, type this address into your browser: 
http://eepurl.com/gjc2d5.
ThinkSelf’s mission is to offer resources, education & support to Minnesota Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing adults seeking full access to options for learning, safety, justice, employment skills, and community.
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