Posts – deafinprison.org

Finally, The Official Launch of the New DeafInPrison.org

StickyJun 16, 2024deafinprisonorgAdministrative Information, ASL, Embeded Files, VideoASL, Beverly School for the Deaf, BitcoDavid, Deaf in Prison, DeafInPrison.org, Learning ASL, Video

When I first started this Website, I thought I could learn ASL to interview Deaf inmates. I thought learning Sign language would be easy. I was wrong. Twelve years later, I’m still learning. I had a few beginning semesters at Beverly School for the Deaf, but most of my signing experience came from Deaf friends.

Deafinprison.com Becomes Deafinprison.org

StickyJan 5, 2024deafinprisonorgAdministrative InformationBitcoDavid, DeafInPrison.com, JeanFAndrews, Joanne Greenberg, Pat Bliss

Twelve years ago, we created Deafinprison.com to bring awareness to the dangers and disadvantages Deaf inmates face in America’s prisons. We championed many causes during that time, but none so much as the Felix Garcia case—an innocent Deaf man convicted of murder by the state of Florida. Domain registration and hosting issues have forced us

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM FELIX GARCIA

StickyDec 19, 2021deafinprisonorg3 CommentsFelix Garcia Case#FreeFelix, #JusticeForFelix, #Keep ASL In Schools, BitcoDavid, Felix Garcia, Pat Bliss, Reggie Garcia

It has been a while since writing a post, but Felix has told me it is okay to write something to his supporters. The last two years have been rough for Felix and the whole world. Covid came upon us so quickly. No one was prepared for it, and no one knew how to deal

Merry Christmas From Felix Garcia

Dec 23, 2023deafinprisonorg1 CommentFelix Garcia Case, Uncategorized#FreeFelix, #JusticeForFelix, BitcoDavid, Deaf in Prison, Pat Bliss

Felix has had a good year attending classes, working, and staying healthy. His effective parole interview will be in May via video phone, and I will be talking with the parole commission on Felix’s behalf the following month for his last parole hearing. Barring unforeseen problems, Felix will finally get out of prison. After forty-two

A Culture Clash Between Police and the Deaf

Sep 12, 2023deafinprisonorg2 CommentsEditorialsAmerican Sign Language, Americans with Disabilities Act, ASL, H.E.A.R.D., Jean F. Andrews, JeanFAndrews

by Jean F. Andrews, Ph.D. There is often a conflict between the Deaf and the police. This combustion fuels itself by the marked differences in belief systems and communication methods. Deaf people in the United States make up a distinct group because their worldview—by necessity—is visual. They are powerful because of their shared experience, history,

Two More Years for Felix Garcia

Aug 20, 2022deafinprisonorg2 CommentsFelix Garcia Case#FreeFelix, #JusticeForFelix, Deaf in Prison, DeafInPrison.com, Pat Bliss

Felix had his sixth parole hearing in May, but life still goes on in spite of the fact there wasn’t a consideration for parole until 2024. Was Felix disappointed? Oh yes! Quite angry at first, in fact, but fortunately the HEARD organization provided direct communication to lessen the impact and reiterate to Felix their organization’s commitment to continue to support him during the next two years. HEARD is unique and important because this organization is made up of all deaf/disabled people, almost all of whom are native/fluent ASL users.

Another Denial but Life Goes On

Oct 1, 2020deafinprisonorg4 CommentsFelix Garcia Case#FreeFelix, #JusticeForFelix, Americans with Disabilities Act, Deaf in Prison, DeafInPrison.com, H.E.A.R.D., Pat Bliss, Virginia DOC

On August 19, Felix had his 5th parole hearing, this time held over a conference call. I did not have to travel to Florida to appear before the Parole Commission. The outcome was a denial. The next hearing will be in Aug. 2022. When a sentence is handed down, the inmate is given a PPRD.

Teaching ASL in Angola

Apr 20, 2020deafinprisonorgEditorials, Interview (Video), Interviews, Movie Reviews, Supporter ContributionsAngola, ASL, Interview, Teacher, Video

Through Facebook, I had the opportunity to meet a really great person. Jasmine Walker is the young woman who sat down with Ronald Reynolds, a hearing former inmate at Louisana’s Angola Penitentiary. Mr. Reynolds found himself intrigued with ASL, and after learning enough began to teach to other hearing inmates. He soon became aware that

Again, Justice denied for Felix

Feb 23, 2020deafinprisonorg3 CommentsFelix Garcia Case, Uncategorized#FreeFelix, Florida, Free Felix Garcia FaceBook Page, Pat Bliss

As I mentioned in my last post, there has been an investigation underway, on Felix’s case by the State Attorney’s Office in Hillsborough County, Florida, for the last 14 months. They created a special unit to look at cases where there is a claim of innocence. His case is now closed. In other words, Felix

Happy 2020 from Felix and Pat

Jan 26, 2020deafinprisonorgFelix Garcia Case, Uncategorized#FreeFelix, ASL, Free Felix Garcia FaceBook Page, Pat Bliss, Virginia

There has been an investigation and a review on Felix’s case regarding due process violation by the court not providing Felix with a sign interpreter at his 1983 trial. Hopefully, soon I will be able to share more about it.