Press Release-CSD Honors Deaf Advocates With Official Building Naming

From: CSD - Nov 2, 2005

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date: Nov. 2, 2005
Contact: Derric Miller
CSD Communications Office
dsmiller@c-s-d.org



CSD Honors Deaf Advocates With Official Building Naming

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Nov. 2, 2005) — Ben Soukup, CSD’s chief executive officer, announced at CSD’s recent 30th anniversary celebration that one of the buildings at CSD headquarters will be officially named the Buckmaster Building in honor of John and Nancy Buckmaster, two long time tireless deaf advocates whose accomplishments have improved upon the lives of all deaf Americans.

John Buckmaster was a revolutionary deaf advocate. A one-time CSD employee (1986-89), Buckmaster was the independent living coordinator. Buckmaster also helped establish the Midwest Athletic Association of the Deaf softball tournament, and was the first American Athletic Association of the Deaf (AAAD) softball commissioner. He was known as the “Father of AAAD Softball.” He also served on state boards like the South Dakota Statewide Independent Living Council, the South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and the SDSD Advisory Council. He understood the spirit of volunteerism, and was honored in 1982 as volunteer of the year for the Sioux Falls Volunteer and Information Center. Buckmaster was a past president of the South Dakota Association of the Deaf (SDAD) and a past officer on the National Association of the Deaf, as well as being a longstanding member of both organizations.

In 1972, Buckmaster was appointed by President Richard Nixon to serve on the President’s Council of Handicapped and the Committee on Employment of the Handicapped in Washington, D.C.

Buckmaster passed away on Aug. 2, 1999.

Nancy continues to this day with the same spirit of giving and is one of the most well known individuals in South Dakota’s deaf community. At CSD’s 30th anniversary gala, Nancy was brought on stage to say a few words on behalf of this recognition.

“This is an honor that is honestly past due,” said Soukup. “When you look at the countless contributions John and Nancy have given the South Dakota deaf and hard of hearing community, this is the least we can do. We are proud to officially name of one of our buildings on our historic campus the Buckmaster Building.”

CSD will be planning a special dedication ceremony in the near future. Further announcements will be made soon.

About CSD
CSD (aka Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1975, primarily to provide sign language interpreting services to deaf and hard of hearing adults in South Dakota. Today, CSD employs over 3,000 individuals in offices across the nation, providing a broad continuum of social and human services programs, as well as telecommunications relay services. CSD is a private nonprofit agency dedicated to providing quality services; ensuring public accessibility; and increasing awareness of issues affecting the deaf, hard of hearing and individuals with speech disabilities. For more information, please visit www.c-s-d.org.

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