Deaf News Briefs: Deaf characters on SVU; OSD hires Dr. Laine
Deaf News Briefs
Here are two Deaf News briefs.
Deaf characters on Law and Order: SVU
The first is that there were multiple deaf and signing actors who were in an episode of “Law and Order: SVU” that aired on January 5. It is the 10th episode of Season 24 and the title is “Jumped In.” I will give a recap. Here is a spoiler warning. If you would rather watch it, you can watch it online.
Here is the recap. Detective Olivia Benson, portrayed by actress Mariska Hargitay, is looking into a closed case about a serial rapist targeting deaf girls who were students at a nearby deaf school. The girls were attacked when they were walking and couldn’t hear the attacker. The case was from about 10 years ago and a person was caught and put behind bars, but another detective said he believes they caught the wrong person.
So Benson interviews three of the victims with the help of Lieutenant Kate Dixon, who is portrayed by Cary Manheim, who is a skilled signer. She had to act as an interpreter because the police couldn’t get an interpreter to show up quickly.
There were three deaf victims, who were portrayed by authentic deaf actresses: Anjel Piñero, Ashlea Hayes (who is DeafBlind), and Elisa Richards. The first said she couldn’t remember what happened after her face was hit. The second said she tried to sign “help” but a cop thought she signed “gun’ and handcuffed her, taking away her ability to communicate. The third said a lieutenant was not willing to communicate with her.
The detectives talk with the accused rapist who is behind bars. He swore that he didn’t do the crimes. He made a crude remark — he said he thought a deaf girl was “pretty for a mute.” He begged the detectives to find the real rapist so he could be free.
Later, there was a new victim — a 14-year-old deaf girl who was found murdered and left outside by a dumpster. The detectives found DNA on her, which led them to a deaf mother character portrayed by deaf actress Jackie Roth. The deaf mother character revealed that she had an estranged son and disclosed where he lived. The detectives found the son, who appeared to be a CODA as he could hear and talk and also sign, and arrested him.
He confessed to the rapes and said he targeted deaf girls because he was angry at his deaf mother. A detective said he thought it was “Freudian.”
That’s the recap. It’s the second time in recent weeks that the “Law and Order” franchise included deaf characters and deaf storylines. Maybe it’s time for a deaf detective! If you want to watch the episode, it’s “Law and Order: SVU” Season 24 Episode 10.
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OSD hires Dr. Laine as superintendent
The second Deaf News brief is that the Oklahoma School for the Deaf made an announcement on January 5 that they have hired Dr. Heather Laine — who is Deaf — as its superintendent. OSD said Dr. Laine has 23 years of experience including 14 years in leadership roles ranging from assistant principal to director at two schools in Arizona and Louisiana. She has a BA in Child Development from Gallaudet, Masters in Deaf Education from CSUN, and a doctorate with a focus on K–12 Teaching and Learning from Argosy University.
Dr. Laine said in a video that she is very honored and excited about the opportunity to be a part of the OSD community.
That’s the two Deaf News briefs for today.
https://www.cbr.com/law-order-svu-season-24-episode-10-recap-spoilers/