Keivonn in Subaru commercial; TX licenses “communication impediment” option
Here are two Deaf News briefs.
Keivonn Woodard stars in Subaru commercial
Keivonn Woodard, the 10-year-old deaf actor who received an Emmy nomination for his role in “The Last of Us,” appeared in a one-minute commercial for Subaru. It is titled, “A Beautiful Silence.”
It shows Woodard’s character sitting in the back of a Subaru Forester as his character’s father drives through beautiful settings at the Yosemite National Park. The duo stand near a waterfall and say that they can “feel” it.
Woodard posted on his Instagram that he can feel the strong vibration from the water falls. He thanked Subaru for a fun commercial experience.
You can check out the video at the link in the description or transcript.
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[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]
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[Advertisement from Disaster Distress Helpline: After a disaster, you may be at risk for emotional distress. Warning signs can include feeling isolated, anxious, having trouble sleeping and more. If you or someone you know is Deaf or hard of hearing, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers a direct videophone option.
This free service for ASL users is answered 24/7 by trained crisis workers fluent in ASL and can be accessed using any videophone-enabled device and dialing 1-800-985-5990 or at https://bit.ly/3CEwnNT
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Texas driver’s licenses’ “communication impediment” option
ValleyCentral.com in Texas reported that Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a bill that “allows for an optional designation on a driver’s license or ID card indicating that the person is deaf or hard-of-hearing.”
The news report said people with the designation will have the words, “communication impediment” on the front of their driver’s license or ID.
On a Texas government website, it explains that “communication impediment” is divided in two groups, with group one applying to those who have a slower processing speed such as those with a brain injury, autism, or Down syndrome. The second group is those who are deaf or hard of hearing without a mental impairment.
The bill text says deaf people who apply in person for a driver’s license will have an opportunity to voluntarily indicate that they are deaf or hard of hearing and must provide evidence by a written statement from a license physician.
The law goes into effect on September 1, 2023.
That’s the two Deaf News briefs for today.
Subaru commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEpPJEbZYzg
https://www.cbtnews.com/new-subaru-ad-promotes-black-and-deaf-inclusivity-targets-nature-lovers/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvaW5tmt8_L/
https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/texas-driving-with-disability