Scharf-Zeldes holds press conference with the deaf

Barbie Scharf-Zeldes, campaign worker Priscilla, and Adam Zeldes (photo)

Barbie Scharf-Zeldes is doing something politicans have never done. She is reaching out to the hearing-impaired to ensure they have access to voting in Bexar County.

During a press conference in the medical center, 4242 Medical Drive, July 26th, she spoke to a hearing-impaired audience through an interpreter using sign language.

She began by thanking Deaf Link, an on-line internet access that assists the hearing impaired adapt to eveyday life.

Scharf-Zeldes speech

Thank you Deaf Link for what you do every day and for inspiring corporate, politcal and other leaders to open their eyes to the growing concerns of the deaf and hard of hearing. I thank all of the guests from the Deaf community who are here with us today."

Being here today represents a move that is long overdue. No longer will the deaf community not be heard. No longer will elected officials have the excuse that it isn't possible. NO longer will your concerns be put on the sidelines."

My task over the course of this campaign has been to engage everyone who will pay attention about why this election is so very important to generations of families and our neighborhoods.

My role is to give a fresh perspective to issues affecting everyday working men and working women, as well as the families of which they are a part.

My goal is to build coalitions across racial, religious and ethnic lines and gain a deeper understanding of what the country as a whole wants to see in Probate Court #2. Making my website deaf accessible is an example of my concern for the community.

People are hungry for elected officials that truly put the community's interests above their own and work for families-all families. Let's register to vote and make sure we show up to the polls early and in large numbers to make our communities better.

I am deeply honored to help give birth to a new movement that helps every American vote, and inspires confidence that the politcal system can work for everyone. Thank you.

The press conference attracted about 25 people, mostly hearing-impaired. A demonstation was presented on how the proposed voting system would be implemented for those hearing impaired.

KENS-5, Fox News and Telemundo covered the event. Tee-shirts, bumper stickers and signs were available. Tommy Calvert, Scharf-Zeldes, press coordinator also registered voters present.