Deafinprison.org is the result of a combined effort by a number of authors, psychiatrists, educators, and allies of the Deaf. We have been online for twelve years, and have worked with several other organizations to advocate for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. The authors page covers the biographies of the DeafInPrison.org writers, editors, and content creators. DeafinPrison.org—Sentenced to Silence in Solitude.
Joanne Greenberg is our founder and Publisher. She was born in 1932 in Brooklyn, NY. She was educated at American University and received an honorary Doctorate from Gallaudet University. She has written two books on the subject and has spent decades working with state mental hospitals to provide appropriate care for the mentally ill Deaf. Joanne just completed her 21st book, On the Run.
The late McCay Vernon inspired DeafInPrison.com. Upon learning of Felix Garcia’s plight in Florida, Vernon contacted Joanne Greenberg about writing a book about the struggles of Deaf inmates. Ms. Greenberg liked the idea but thought a Blog site might be a more effective method of reaching an audience.
Dr. Vernon worked for over fifty-five years to improve the lives of both deaf and deaf-blind individuals through his research on major medical and psychological aspects of these conditions. This research has been coupled with strong advocacy for the use of sign language, mental health services, full legal rights, improved education, and better vocational services and opportunities. To this end, he has written over 200 journal articles and book chapters, 11 books, and scripts for twenty documentary films on deafness and deaf-blindness. Included among them was a major contribution to They Grow in Silence, winner of the 1970 Public Broadcasting Award for Public Service Programs. McCay Vernon passed on August 28th, 2013, at the age of 84.
Jean F. Andrews is a Reading Specialist and Professor Emerita in the Department of Deaf Studies/Deaf Education at Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. She writes academic journal articles and chapters and co-authored six textbooks on Deaf culture, psychosocial aspects, deaf bilingualism, forensic issues, and language and literacy for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. She thoroughly understands the legal challenges of individuals who cannot traditionally communicate with law enforcement. Her recent academic co-authored book is Literacy and Deaf Education: Toward a Global Understanding. She also writes children’s books and has recently co-authored The Great Egret Family on the Lake. She and her husband live in Beaumont, Texas.
Pat Bliss is a retired criminal law paralegal who has been involved with Felix Garcia’s case for over 27 years. No other writer on the Internet has more knowledge or better insight into this critical case. Felix calls her Mom, and she was instrumental in helping him get transferred from Florida to Virginia. Pat has put in place a complete support system for Felix after he finally gets out of prison.
BitcoDavid is our Site Administrator and Editor. BitcoDavid is an author, a Signer, a networking consultant, and a Web designer. He most recently completed My Quiet Fight for Home with coauthor Johnnie H. Calderone. In former lives, BitcoDavid was an audio engineer, a videographer, a teacher—even a cab driver. He is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and a Pro/Am boxer. He has spent years working with diet and exercise to combat obesity and obesity-related illness.
The little guy in his Gravatar image is Jack. Jack was a Lab Chow and was rescued from a dog fighting ring in Georgia. We gave him 12 years of life that he otherwise would not have had. He crossed Rainbow Bridge in August of 2021.