deafweekly

 

January 11, 2006
Vol. 2 No. 12

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It is mailed to subscribers every Wednesday morning and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. For information, contact mail@deafweekly.com.

To subscribe, please visit www.deafweekly.com. After you sign up, you will receive a confirmation email. Be sure to click on the link in this email to activate your subscription. If you've signed up but haven't received anything, please send a note to mail@deafweekly.com so the problem can be resolved.

The contents of Deafweekly are Copyright 2006. Any unauthorized use, including reprinting of news, is prohibited. Readership: approximately 5,000 including subscribers and website readers.

Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive this newsletter at no charge. For advertising information, see www.deafweekly.com/advertise.htm.

Editor's Note: We are changing to a new emailing service with this issue and hope it will help to avoid any problems with missing issues. Please note that you can always read the current and back issues on our website www.deafweekly.com.




+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NATIONAL
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NAD ‘EXPRESSES CONCERNS’ ABOUT ALITO NOMINATION

The National Association of the Deaf “expressed its concerns” about the Supreme Court nomination of Samuel A. Alito Jr. in a December 27 news release. Said NAD President Andrew Lange: “Deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans and their families need assurance that Judge Alito will respect the authority of Congress to pass civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.” NAD’s attorneys have reviewed Alito’s rulings in the area of disability discrimination and congressional authority, said the release, “and are not certain that Alito will uphold laws that protect individuals’ rights to participate in society.” Concerned citizens are invited to contact their Senators through www.nad.org/alitoaction.

CALIFORNIANS MOVING OUT OF STATE TO AVOID EXIT EXAM

Some deaf high school students in California are planning to move out of state to get around new graduation requirements, reported the Contra Costa Times of Walnut Creek. For the first time, California is requiring students to pass a math and English test before they can earn a high school diploma. Nick Mackey, a deaf student who struggles with written and spoken language, hasn’t been able to pass the English portion of the exam and needs a diploma to get into college, so his parents have devised a plan: he’ll spend his last semester with his aunt in Montana, where there is no exit exam. Disability Rights Advocates, an Oakland-based group, has sued the state for imposing the exam requirement on students with disabilities and is asking that the requirement be waived for about 25,000 disabled students in the class of 2006 who have not passed the test.

ELDERLY COUPLE LOSE HOME TO OKLAHOMA WILDFIRE

One of the many wildfires in Oklahoma on New Year’s Day destroyed the Guthrie home of Albert and Wilma Clayton, reported NewsOK.com. The elderly and hard-of-hearing couple were watching TV when Gary and Dama Maker knocked on their door to tell them their lawn was aflame and they had to get out. “It took a lot of convincing,” said Dama. “If we had to pick them up and carry them to the car, we would have.” The next day, Albert, 99, and Wilma, 87, returned home to find nothing but charred remains. They both lost their hearing aids, said son-in-law Ken Smith, which left them nearly deaf and unable to comment about their ordeal. “I’m just happy they’re out and alive,” said daughter Nona Smith. “Things can be replaced.”

ROCHESTER WOMAN FACES HEARING IN MURDER CASE

A hearing is expected this month in the case of Theresa Vargas, 21, who is charged with the second-degree murder of Johnnie Orlando Fraazier, 33. According to the Democrat and Chronicle, Vargas and Fraazier were among about four deaf people living in a house in Rochester, N.Y. On September 13, Fraazier was stabbed to death with a 13-inch butcher knife during an argument, and Vargas was arrested a short time later. She remains free on bail, and her attorney, John Parrinello, said her version of the incident is much different from that of the police.

TEXAS MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED RAPE

KGBT 4-TV in Harlingen, Texas reported last Wednesday that a “deaf-mute man” was charged with attempted rape. John King Lawson, 19, is facing charges of criminal attempt to commit sexual assault, a third-degree felony. Judge Rudy Martinez “had to resort to using sign language” when reading the charge to Lawson, said the news report. Lawson is a relative of the alleged victim and was staying at her home. The unidentified woman told Pharr police that Lawson crawled into her bed while she was asleep, tried to remove her clothing and wrestled her to the floor. She managed to escape, and Lawson was arrested a short time later.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2006

Open House and Forum on Video Interpreting: The New Communication Technology

Silver Spring, MD - Many organizations experience the frustration of searching for a sign language interpreter — only to find that a shortage of interpreters leaves them empty-handed. Also, individuals attempting to directly contact their deaf colleagues or friends, often face roadblocks using conventional methods. There are solutions to these dilemmas in affordable new alternatives called Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and Video Relay Service (VRS).

You are invited to come to an open house hosted by David S. Birnbaum, President of Birnbaum Interpreting Services (BIS) where the new technologies will be explained. The event takes place on Friday, January 20, 2006, from 7-10 PM at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center in Baton Rouge, LA. The open house will be in the Clemens and Natchez meeting rooms of the hotel which is located at 4728 Constitution Avenue. Refreshments will be provided and there will be plenty of time to mingle with people in the community. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Ms. Ryann Morris to RSVP by January 17th, 2006. She can be reached at: Ryann@BISworld.com or 301-587-8885 extension 141 (voice or TTY).

Both VRI and VRS utilize internet-based video conferencing technology to provide on-demand interpreting services no matter where the parties are located. BIS is one of the nation’s leading providers of this technology. Using VRI or VRS, Deaf or hard of hearing individuals can communicate with hearing people through a live, remote interpreter, and do so with just a click of a button. BIS offers this service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and uses highly qualified, professional interpreters specifically trained in the provision of VRI. They have call centers located in Maryland, Wisconsin, Louisiana and Hawaii.

Birnbaum Interpreting Services is a deaf-owned and operated corporation that was founded in 1995. BIS provides a variety of sign language interpreting services, which have earned recognition by Forbes magazine as one of the top small businesses in America. For more information, visit the BIS website at www.bisworld.com or call 800.471.6441 V/TTY

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

NEW MEXICO MAN SAID INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL

A hard-of-hearing Socorro, N.M. man accused of child molestation is not competent to stand trial, his attorney said in court last week. Nicholas Morales Sr., 63, is charged with five counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor. According to El Defensor Chieftain, the alleged incidents occurred between 1978 and 1985 with a family member who was between 3 and 10 at the time. Attorney Rosa Sanchez-Armijo said a language barrier prevented Morales from understanding the court proceedings. “My client is suffering from dementia,” said. “He is hard of hearing.” Morales was ordered by the judge to undergo a competency exam.

BOAT SHOW SPEAKER TELLS OF WORLD ADVENTURE

The boat show currently underway in Houston has something you don’t see every day: a deaf man who has sailed solo around the world. Charl de Villiers offered a video presentation of his remarkable journey when the show opened Saturday and he’ll be there again this weekend. De Villiers grew up in South Africa and became deaf at 8 from antibiotics after being burned in an accident. In 1991, he moved to Texas to avoid unrest in his homeland. He learned to lip-read English, which he’d never heard before, and found work as a welder but encountered supervisors who saw his deafness as a sign of inability or ignorance. He decided to prove himself by sailing around the world, a feat which he accomplished last year. “As it turns out,” reported the Houston Chronicle, “his bosses may have been the ignorant ones.”

TREATMENT CENTER FACES CLOSURE, NEEDS ADDICTS

A Washington center that treats deaf people with alcohol and drug addictions is in danger of closing if it can’t fill all 16 beds by next month. The Northwest Deaf Addiction Center, operated by Lifeline Connections, is moving to a new facility but faces closure if the program can’t fill its spaces. According to SIGNews, the center is the only deaf and hard of hearing chemical dependency inpatient and outpatient clinic in the United States. Director Frank Lala and colleagues have been traveling the state to inform people of the program, posting flyers, newsletters and photographs. The new facility will contain eight double rooms and employ a staff knowledgeable in sign language. More information may be found at www.nwdac.org.

MAYORAL CANDIDATE PROPOSES CAFÉ, HOTEL FOR DEAF

A mayoral candidate in Danville, Ky. whose platform includes building a café and hotel for deaf residents was back in the race last Wednesday, a day after withdrawing. William Weyman Jr. told The Advocate-Messenger he filed as a candidate again because some friends asked him to reconsider his decision. “People were upset and need jobs very badly,” he said. Weyman, who moved from New Jersey to Danville in 2001, proposed earlier that the café and hotel be located at the Kentucky School for the Deaf. He said last week, however, that it would not be possible because the campus is government property.

TWIN CITIES HOSPITALS, CLINICS FORM CONSORTIUM

A group of 22 hospitals and urgent care clinics in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. area have formed a consortium to provide better emergency medical treatment for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHS) of the Minnesota Department of Human Services developed the partnership over a three-year period, with staffer Marty Barnum leading the way. CSD, a national nonprofit telecommunications and human services organization, will provide sign language referral services to the new consortium, and Joan Del Rio has been hired as project administrator. The new partnership represents a “long overdue solution” to the interpreting needs of deaf people in the Twin Cities, said Jan Florand, executive director of CSD of Minnesota.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

New Vibrating/Audible Timer at Harris Communications

The Vibrating/Audible Timer is a unique timer with three alarms that work independently or together: red alarm light, audible alarm and vibrating alarm. With its many uses---as a timer for cooking, for speeches and presentations, and for exercising---it is a very practical item to have in your home. The display of the Vibrating/Audible Timer has large, easy-to-read numbers while the timer itself is small and can be clipped to a waistband or be opened up to be self-standing.
For more information go to http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=dw or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com.


++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

GIVE IT A TRY! TELL US WHAT YOU THINK.
Check out the NEW Sprint IP Relay Website
Go to www.sprintip.com

Sprint IP will give you:
EASY to use internet relay
MORE reliable relay connections
EXPERIENCED and Accurate Relay Operators
MORE Compatibility:
o Macintosh accessibility
o Microsoft Internet Explorer (5.5 and higher)
o Netscape 6.1 and higher
o Firefox 1.0 and higher
o Safari

IMPROVED features:
o Simple Printing Function
o Re-sizeable Window
o Saves User Preferences
o One Window (No Pop-Up Window)

Take the Survey and tell us what you think. http://sprintrelay.quarry.com/sweepstakes

Can you make a difference? YES, YOU CAN!

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
INTERNATIONAL
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ROCKER PETE TOWNSHEND REVEALS HEARING LOSS

From London came the news last week that legendary rocker Pete Townshend of the 1960s British band The Who is the latest celebrity to go deaf. Townshend, 60, blamed himself and his own brand of loud rock music for his hearing loss and said his problem was caused by using earphones in the recording studio. “I have unwittingly helped to invent and refine a type of music that makes its principal proponents deaf,” he wrote on his website. The guitarist warned iPod users to turn down the volume or risk ending up like him. “Hearing loss is a terrible thing because it cannot be repaired.” he said. “If you use an iPod or anything like it, or your child uses one, you MAY be OK ... but my intuition tells me there is terrible trouble ahead.”

MAN IN INDIA STERILIZED 5 MONTHS AFTER MARRIAGE

A “deaf and dumb youth” in India was sterilized against his wishes, reported Webindia123 last week. Heeralal Mehra, 32, was married last June and wanted to have children, but he was sterilized in November at a family planning camp. “The inhuman act was done by the doctors in order to achieve the target,” an official told the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Health Minister Ajay Bishnoi denied that the man was forcibly sterilized but said an apparent miscommunication had occurred between him and health worker Rajpal Choudhary. The health worker was suspended as a result of the incident.


++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

ARE YOU STRESSED?

* No time to edit a project?
* Have a report due?
* Want your ASL translated into English?
* Need a brochure or newsletter designed?

Relax... and let us take care of your words.

We can do essays, resumes, letters, press releases, newsletters, proposals, ASL/English translations, and much more. Check our web site for a free estimate or to set up a videophone appointment.

www.trudysuggs.com

T.S. Writing Services, LLC
Writing - Editing - Design - Translation

*Note: All of our writers, designers, and editors are deaf or hard of hearing.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

BRAZILIAN GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE SIGN INSTRUCTION

Starting this year, teachers and interpreters in Brasil will be given official training courses by the National Institute of Education for the Deaf, reported Agencia Brasil. The federal government intends to create or adapt schools for bilingual instruction in Portuguese and Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). The Ministry of Education forecasts that institutions of higher education will offer Libras classes in 20 percent of their courses within three years, and 100 percent within 10 years. The courses will be mandatory for those seeking teacher’s licenses and speech therapists. In addition, the federal health system and federal government agencies will reserve five percent of their positions for employees who are translators or interpreters of Libras.

AUSTRALIAN WOMAN PASSES DRIVING TEST

A newspaper in Tamworth, Australia reported last month on a 21-year-old Australian woman with a 10 to 15 percent hearing loss who passed her driving test on the first try. Angela Birkbeck “proved a hearing impairment is no barrier to achieving independence,” reported the Northern Daily Leader. Birkbeck took driving lessons for a year and logged 50 hours behind the wheel with instructor Lee Jackson, who said, “Angela is the first hearing-impaired student I’ve had.” An interpreter was on hand for the first two lessons, but “by the end of it, we had learnt our own sign language,” said Jackson. Angela’s mother, Elaine Birkbeck, was elated at her daughter’s achievement. “She’s a good little driver,” said Elaine. “I’m very proud of her.”

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

With Hamilton Relay Wireless, there is no software to download!!

Hamilton Relay Wireless is available nationwide and does NOT require you to download any software. You could choose another Wireless Relay provider, but WHY?
No other provider makes using relay on the go so simple!
Place Hamilton relay calls with your Blackberry, Treo and Sidekick or with ANY device that runs AIM® or has a Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) browser!
How? With AIM®, send an instant message to HipRelay.
With a WAP browser, go to http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

NOW AVAILABLE!!
2006 Sign Language Calendars
“Cali and the Animal Kingdom”
in ASL, English and Spanish
Individual orders or as a fundraiser for your organization.
Earn money for your group, school or organization selling the 2006 Sign Language Calendar.

***NEW!*** 
The Family Sign Language videos are now Closed Captioned
The Family Sign Language Book is now available in PDF format!

Spanish versions of all products:
Sign Language Videos, DVDs, Book, 8 ½” X 11” full color laminated
Posters
For more information, check out
Color Of Language
www.coloroflanguage.com
Sandy Heflin
661-393-4658
Fax 661-393-4305
coloroflanguage@bak.rr.com

BROCHURES AND A FREE PROMOTIONAL CD will be sent upon request.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LIFE & LEISURE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

YOGA DVD UNVEILED, NATIONAL RETREAT ANNOUNCED

A new DVD called “Deaf Yoga for Beginners” is now available. Guided by traditional Hatha Yoga instructor Lisa Lolling, the DVD introduces such topics as proper breathing, chakras and more. Taught in American Sign Language, the DVD includes interactive access menus, practical instructions and other special features. “By practicing yoga just a few minutes a day, even beginners notice increased flexibility and strength, a deeper sense of relaxation and overall well-being,” said Lolling. She invites people to visit www.deafyoga.com for more information, including details on the upcoming, first-ever National Deaf Yoga Retreat, which is scheduled for March 31-April 2.

EARBUDS FOUND TO BE CAUSING HEARING LOSS

MP3 players and iPods are damaging the hearing of users, but the big culprits aren’t the devices themselves but the tiny “earbud” style headphones that the music players use. “We’re seeing the kind of hearing loss in younger people that’s typically found in aging adults,” Dean Garstecki, an audiologist and professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. told the Fort Wayne Newspaper. A Harvard study of headphones has shown that the smaller they are, the higher the output levels. Garstecki has an audiologist friend who actually pulls earphones off students’ heads and measures the output. He often finds students listening at 110 to 120 decibels, loud enough, says Garstecki, to cause hearing loss after only 75 minutes.


++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Stop Bullying

Need Help With Bullying And Victimization In Your School?

- Do your students hit, kick, and shove each other?
- Do your students use name calling as a form of intimidation?
- Do you know how to stop a bully?
- Are you frustrated about what to do?

- Workshops offered

Patricia S. Hodgdon, Ph.D., is a consultant specializing in bullying and victimization. She provides consultation to teachers, parents, deaf and hard of hearing students in Public Schools and Residential Schools for the Deaf all over the country. Her consultation efforts are based on increasing faculty and staff awareness of bullying and victimization; helping school staff recognize and evaluate the amount of bullying, pecking order, and relational aggression in their schools. She is a certified school psychologist.

E-mail Dr. Hodgdon for additional information at: PSHodgdon@aol.com

Dr. Patricia S. Hodgdon
P.O. Box 11
Frederick, MD, 21705

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

DEAF-BLOGS.COM CREATED BY GROUP OF BRITISH DEAF

A new Internet service was launched this week that aims to bring deaf people together from across the globe. Deaf-blogs.com, launched Monday by a group of British deaf people, will bring together online journals, known as blogs, by deaf people from all over the Internet, offering text, images and video to reflect the diversity of the international deaf community. The site also offers step-by-step guides for people who want to set up their own blog but are unsure how to proceed. Alison Bryan decided to set up the service after finding “most things online have been from umbrella organizations, which does not allow autonomy or empowerment.” She hopes the new service will allow “the independent deaf ‘voice’ to become more widely known.” For more information, go to www.deaf-blogs.com.

JOINT VENTURE LEADS TO CARIBBEAN CRUISE

A partnership between Cruise One, a leisure travel company in Franklin, Tenn., and Nashville’s League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing led to the first “Signing at Sea” Caribbean cruise. The four-night cruise featured sightseeing, shipboard activities, bountiful meals, room service and entertainment, with interpreters made available by the League. In recognition of the joint venture, Cruise One recently donated $4,725 to the League. We’re always delighted to introduce people to the joys of cruising,” said Jeff Olsson, co-owner of Cruise One, and “this particular trip opened new doors in travel to the deaf and hard of hearing, thanks to the League.” Olsson said he and his wife Krista have always had a “soft spot” for the deaf community and he took his two teenage daughters on the cruise to introduce them to the deaf culture. To see cruise photos, visit www.leagueforthedeaf.com.


++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

NEW RELAY OPTION >>>

Introducing i711.com, the newest Internet relay service. i711.com delivers the best relay call experience, but is much MORE than relay. i711.com also has an online community, with exclusive articles on deaf culture, employment and technology, community news headlines, open captioned movie information and more. Visit i711.com to have a great experience when you make your Internet relay calls. But you'll also love i711.com's community connections, news, and content you can't find anywhere else.

i711.com: Better call experience. Better call tools. Community and
customized for you. Try www.i711.com today. It's Relay and Beyond.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

CSD Video Relay Enhanced VCO Service
CSDVRS VCO video: http://www.c-s-d.org/default.aspx?tabid=276

Our Voice Carry-Over (VCO) capabilities have been significantly expanded to meet the needs of deaf, late-deafened and hard of hearing people who wish to speak for themselves!

Choose from one of three communication settings:
-- American Sign Language
-- English-based sign language
-- English with lip-reading option

Speed up the VCO call process:
Register your “call back” telephone numbers

To use these new features, designate your communication setting preference and “call back” telephone numbers through an user profile!

CSDVRS VCO video: http://www.c-s-d.org/default.aspx?tabid=276

CSDVRS VCO INFO: www.csdvrs.com

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WORKING WORLD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ARIZONA MAN NAMED ‘COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE YEAR’

Gilbert “JV” Varela has been honored with the College Student of the Year Award from the City of Flagstaff (Ariz.) Commission for Disability Awareness. Varela, a student at Coconino Community College, told the Arizona Daily Sun, “I feel very honored and surprised to receive this award.” He was nominated by Nancy Elliott, disabilities resources coordinator at CCC. “He is caring, thoughtful, positive, a natural mentor especially for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids, and just makes life better for those around him,” she wrote. Varela said he doesn’t consider himself disabled, and he hopes to become a full-time professor of American Sign Language.

GEORGIA WOMAN PASSES NURSING EXAM WITH A 99

A deaf Georgia woman who was inspired by her own elderly father to become a Certified Nursing Assistant is working at a Macon nursing home after passing her exam with a score of 99. Jimmie Teresa (Cox) Gilchrist’s father died while she was taking classes in 2004, but “she never complained and missed only one day of classes, when our father passed away,” said Kitty LaFountain, a certified interpreter and former CPR trainer and EMT for the state of Georgia. LaFountain, who helped by interpreting a 400-plus-page textbook chapter by chapter, said her sister is the first profoundly deaf CNA “in most of Georgia” and specializes in working with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. “They communicate better with her using made-up signs than with their own families,” said LaFountain.

DEAF MAN FINDS FIRST JOB SINCE BECOMING BLIND

Harold Dean Hayes of Knoxville, Tenn., was featured in a recent Knoxville News-Sentinel article. Hayes, 62, works at Don Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen, the first steady job he has held since becoming blind. Hayes was born deaf and attended the Tennessee School for the Deaf, graduating in 1961. He began to lose his vision due to Usher Syndrome, and in 1980 he had surgery on his eyes, began to learn Braille and married his wife, Eva. Mrs. Hayes passed away in 1999, and Hayes has been “very lonely since she died,” he said. Hayes works three days a week at the restaurant, where he rolls forks and knives into white napkins and binds them with paper. The staff’s first order of business is to brew him some tea to get him started in the morning. “I’m very excited and happy, and I like my job,” he said. “The people here are very good to me.”

ADARA SETS SCHEDULE FOR MONTHLY FORUMS

The latest in ADARA’s ongoing series of online discussions will be “Current Research at the Deaf Wellness Center” with Robert Pollard on Monday, January 16 at 8 p.m. Central Time in the ADARA Chat Room. Pollard, a faculty member at the University of Rochester, is a researcher, trainer and writer in the area of deafness and mental health. The session will focus on research being done in Rochester and the Deaf Wellness Center in particular. For the first time, education credits will be awarded for ADARA members who participate in the discussion. Check the website (www.adara.org) in advance for more information. On tap: “Health Care and Deaf People,” February 20; “Helping Deaf Child Victims of Trauma,” March 20; and “Religious Organizations and Advocacy,” April 17.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

~~~ T-MOBILE SIDEKICK II AT A PRICE TOO LOW TO LIST ~~~
--- GO BIG ON STYLE!!! 30 NEW HOT SKINS CURRENTLY IN STOCK ---

Buy a T-Mobile Sidekick II and get FREE STUFF
Free Auto Charger + Free Set of Two Bumpers in Your Choice of Color!
The combined value of above free stuff is over $30!

http://www.deafpager.com

*** EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY WITH HOT SKIN ***
Want your T-Mobile Sidekick II to be the coolest looking thing on the block?
It's easy like 1-2-3. View, select and order from 30-plus skin designs!
http://www.deafpager.com/acces/skinforSK.html

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

You wanted improvements. IP-RELAY.com listened to you!

NOW you can connect through My IP Relay on AIM in just ONE SIMPLE STEP!!!

It's easy!
- Just click on buddy name, My IP Relay
- Enter the phone number you want to reach
- Click 'enter'
- My IP Relay connects your call - FAST!

Give it a try! To learn more about My IP Relay or all of the IP-RELAY products go to www.IP-RELAY.com.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY PRESS IS 25 YEARS OLD

Gallaudet University Press is marking 25 years of publishing, reported Inside Gallaudet this week. Over a quarter century GU Press has published 300 novels, reference books, scholarly works and other publications. Among its most recent titles is “Deaf Daughter, Hearing Father,” Richard Medina’s story about his family’s quest to find the best education for his deaf daughter. Another new title is “The Rising of Lotus Flowers: Self-Education by Deaf Children in Thai Boarding Schools,” by Charles Reilly and Nipapon Reilly, which details the results of a 14-year study of 400 deaf students. The GU Press has also introduced the fourth edition of the landmark reference, “Linguistics of American Sign Language: An Introduction.” A complete list of books can be found at http://gupress.gallaudet.edu/.

BOSTON FESTIVAL TICKETS GONE EARLY

Two weeks before the first curtain rose on A Show of Hands: Celebration of Deaf Theatre, all of the tickets were sold out. The three-day festival was held November 17-19 in Boston. Bonnie Kaplan, who co-chaired the event with Janis Cole, said it was frustrating to turn people away, “but at the same time, it’s proof of how wonderfully beneficial and well-attended the festival was.” VSA arts of Massachusetts teamed up with A Show of Hands Theatre Company to present the event, which drew performers worldwide, including Phyllis Frelich, Bernard Bragg, Terrylene, Peter Cook, CJ Jones, Rosa Lee Gallimore, The Wings Company from Moscow, The Last Con (Howie Seago and Nat Wilson) and Theatre of the Silence from Hong Kong. “We’ve had so many people ask us if and when this will happen again,” said Kaplan, who noted the contributions of sponsors including Sorenson VRS, Sprint, MassRelay and many others. “If we can generate enough sponsorship next time, then absolutely, we’ll host it again.”

USA TODAY NOTES TREND TO REMOVE SUBTITLES

In a “quick rewind of 2005" trends in DVD viewing, USA TODAY included disappearing subtitles as a “Trend we don’t like.” DVD prices have dipped so low that studios are cutting back on some costly efforts, including subtitles. This is unfortunate, said the newspaper, because subtitles are “nice when you are watching a movie amid distracting noise in the room.” A January 4 letter to the editor from Dick Kaluza of Exton, Pa. stressed the “true value” of subtitles. “The possible trend toward removing subtitles from DVDs is distressing to me and, I’d think, thousands upon thousands of DVD purchasers who are hearing-impaired,” he wrote. He suggested government get involved in the matter, in the same way it requires TV and cable operators to closed-caption their programs. Faced with government “interference,” he concluded, DVD manufacturers may want to rethink their actions.

SIGNED PERFORMANCE TO BENEFIT TEXAS AGENCY

The third annual performance in support of DAWCAS (Deaf Abused Women and Children Advocacy Services) has been announced in Austin, Texas. “Comings and Goings,” a signed theatrical performance, has been set for the weekend of March 17-19. “This year’s performance is a well-known and respected piece out of La Mama Theatre (NYC 1960s) that will utilize actors in a melange of stories that display human relationships and experiences,” said Mary Wambach. Related activities include a dining reception and family day. The theater only has space for 150 people and organizers hope to sell out quickly. Write to mwambach@dawcas.org for more information.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Sorenson IP Relay™ expands communication possibilities for deaf and hard-of hearing individuals by enabling free text-to-speech relay calls with any standard telephone user in the U.S. Sorenson IP Relay calls can be initiated by visiting the Web site at www.siprelay.com from a personal computer, or can be made with a Sidekick, Blackberry, Trço or other mobile device. A trusted Sorenson Communications Assistant (CA) instantaneously facilitates the conversation between the Sorenson IP Relay user and a friend, doctor or business associate. Sorenson IP Relay calls are free for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

Travel the World for Pennies on the Dollar
A LIFETIME OF TRAVEL IN ONE PACKAGE


The Lifetime Travel Membership Package we market is backed by numerous publicly traded, licensed and bonded companies with 20+ years experience and is a leader in the 5.4 trillion-dollar-a-year travel industry. To maintain a leadership position, Coastal Club Vacations was created over 11 years ago to market this incomparable travel package to the general public…and that…created an opportunity of a lifetime for you!!!

-- Unlimited Cruises on Carnival/Royal Caribbean
-- Unlimited refers to Premier Member.
-- Pay only taxes and port fees
-- Membership in 20 Discount Travel, Recreation and Entertainment Clubs
-- Discounts on Cars/ RV Rental Theme Park access and much more
-- Unlimited 3 Day 2 Night Stays Throughout the U.S and Mexico
-- Luxury Resort Condos Worldwide
-- 50%-80% Discount on Thousands of Hotels Worldwide
-- 50%-80% Golf, Ski Resorts, and Dining Discounts ( Local and Worldwide)

*Bonus vacations are transferable,
This is NOT a Timeshare Program,
*UNLIMITED Cruises, Condo Stays,
*Use for Fundraisers, Raise Thousands $$$,
*Duplicate Membership Cards Available,
*Give Away Vacations as Gifts or Incentives
Lifetime Travel Membership
No Annual Renewal Required

Contact Us Today for Details!!
1-888-669-3869 - Voice
1-800-736-1468 (direct line) -Voice
E-mail: Irma@winningwithcoastal.com
http://Irma.moneytraveltimefreedom.com

++++ADV+++++ADV+++++ADV++++

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SPORTS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MARYLAND SOPHOMORE MAKES VARSITY TEAM

Greg Horvath is still just a sophomore at Rockville High School in Maryland, but the 6-footer has landed a starting role on the varsity basketball team. Adjustments for the deaf player have been necessary, said the Rockville Gazette, but the Rams “have all been willing and eager to make them for their teammate and friend.” Born in Hungary, Greg lost most of his hearing when he was six months old. He lived in Cuba and Russia before moving to the United States three years ago. “He’s always working, he’s very dedicated,” said coach Jack Freeman. “He’s committed and he loves the game. That’s all you want in a player.” Greg still has two more years of high school ahead but is already thinking about college. He wants to work as “a photographer or something in computers. Or maybe an inventor.”

OUTWARD BOUND PLANS THREE COURSES FOR DEAF, SIGNING

Outward Bound Wilderness in Golden, Colo. is planning three courses this summer for deaf and hard-of-hearing people and signing individuals. “We are incredibly excited!” said Cara Branesky. The three courses are: Colorado Mountaineering 10-day Technical Training, “learning technical skills for safe mountaineering,” May 27-June 5, $1,795, age 21+ ;Colorado 7-day Backpacking, “a crossroads experience for women, instructed by women,” June 19-25, $1,295, age 30+; Colorado 14-day Mountaineering, “learn basic skills at your pace,” July 31-August 13, $2,495, age 18+. Full and partial scholarships are available; last year more than $20,000 in scholarships were awarded with a $1,500-per-person average. Applications are due at least 30 days before the program starts. Visit the website (www.outwardboundwilderness.org) for more information or write to cbranesky@outwardbound.org.

RACQUETBALL TOURNAMENT SET FOR APRIL 28-30

The 21st National Racquetball Tournament has been set for April 28-30 at the Meridan Sports Club, 1535 Deerpark Drive, Fullerton, CA 9283. In the 1980s, WRAD hosted a similar tournament in the San Fernando Valley in the 1980s and it was a great success, with more than 100 players on hand. “We are glad to see the tournament coming back to Southern California and hope for a great turnout of players,” said a press announcement. The Fullerton Marriott is headquarters, and a room for up to four people goes for $86 per night. Call 800-228-9290 by April 6 to get this rate. Players and fans are encouraged to visit the website (www.nrad.org) to learn more.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
COMING EVENTS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BERLIN, GERMANY TO HOST DEAF HISTORY CONFERENCE

Berlin, the capital of Germany, will be the site for the 6th Deaf History International Conference, scheduled for July 31 to August 4, 2006. According to coordinator Mark Zaurov, the conference will emphasize legal, political and sociological oppressions and forms of discrimination against the deaf “in order to reflect on the past, overcome the shady history and imagine a better future.” A special topic will be deaf community life between 1933 and 1945, which will look at the Deaf Holocaust, forced sterilization, Nazis, deaf refugees and more. This will be the first such conference since 1998 in Washington, D.C., and a call for papers is still in effect, with a deadline of February 1. More information may be obtained at www.igjad.de/dhi2006/en.

WYOMING SCHOOL PLANS 50TH CLASS REUNION

Planning is underway for a 50th Class Reunion at the Wyoming School for the Deaf in 2007. If you attended the school between 1957 and 2000, send your email or snail mail address to Kathy Holmes in Washington State at Natrona72@tmail.com or Mark Bennett in Wyoming at Eagle43@vzw.blackberry.net. They will send you all the details.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MILESTONES
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ROBERT ACKERMAN, 51, OF MARYLAND

Robert J. Ackerman, 51, died on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 with his family in Lothian, Md., reported the Washington Post. He is survived by his wife Theresa; sons Bryan and Jeffrey; brother Jimmy Ackerman; and sister Carol Levitzki. A funeral mass was held Sunday, January 7. Memorial donations may be sent to The Center for Deaf Ministries, 7202 Buchanan St., Landover Hills, MD 20782.

FANNY LANG, 89, BELIEVED TO BE FIRST TV INTERPRETER

Fannie H. Lang, 89, a sign language expert and advocate for the deaf, died of pneumonia November 12, 2005 at Fort Washington Estates, reported the Philadelphia Inquirer. Mrs. Lang is believed to be the first interpreter on TV when she appeared on the Home Highlights Program in Philadelphia’s in the early1950s. A newspaper reporter wrote in 1952, “As far as it is known, this is the first time TV sound has thus been made intelligible to people who cannot hear it.” Mrs. Lang worked at the Home for the Aged and Infirm Deaf in Philadelphia and interpreted in the court system at all levels. She interpreted for Jimmy Carter when he made campaign stops in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and continued to work into her 70s at the Elywyn Institute. Her husband, Arthur Lang, died in 1973. Mrs. Lang is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EMPLOYMENT
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

JOB COACHING POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

Are you are a high energy person? Fluent in American Sign Language? Allies, Inc. is currently searching for individuals for a full time position in Southern New Jersey (Camden, Burlington, Glouster and Atlantic Counties).

Successful candidates must be fluent in American Sign Language and should have extensive knowledge of Deaf culture and issues pertaining to being Deaf in the work place. You should also possess excellent writing skills. Please contact Alyse Betso, Coordinator of Deaf Services at Allies, Inc. v/ 609-689-0136 extension 147 or email Abetso@alliesnj.org for more information and to set up an interview.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Two Lecturers in American Sign Language
Arizona State University, Department of Speech and Hearing Science

The Department of Speech and Hearing Science seeks two full-time lecturers of ASL. The nine-month appointments begin August 16, 2006. For each position, responsibilities include teaching four levels of ASL and participating in program advancement. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years experience teaching ASL at an accredited college or university. A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, five years experience teaching ASL at an accredited college or university, and experience using Microsoft PowerPoint or other computer-based presentation software are desired but not required. To apply, send a letter of application, statement of teaching philosophy, resume or vitae, and the names and contact information of three professional references (email and/or phone number, and address) to: Pamela Howard, Search Committee Chair, Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University, PO Box 870102, Tempe, AZ 85287-0101. E-mail applications are encouraged and must be sent to: phoward@asu.edu. The application deadline is January 13, 2006; if not filled, every Friday thereafter until the search is closed. Supporting credentials and additional materials may be required later. Visit http://www.asu.edu/clas/shs/asl for program information. A background check is required for employment. ASU is an EO/AA employer.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD

GLAD is an Affirmative Action Employer with equal opportunity for men, women and people with disabilities. For more information on the following positions, please go to: www.gladinc.org. The status of all positions is: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Full Fringe Benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions are open until filled.

JOB DEVELOPER/INTERPRETER - Anaheim, Crenshaw, Norwalk
HARD OF HEARING SPECIALIST - Riverside
HIV HEALTH EDUCATOR (WSR) - Los Angeles
HIV HEALTH EDUCATOR (MSM) - Los Angeles
LIFESIGNS DISPATCHER - Los Angeles
GLAD BUILDING/MAINTENANCE MANAGER - Los Angeles

If interested for any of these positions then please submit resume and application to:

Jeff Fetterman
Human Resources Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
V/TDD: (323) 550-4207
Fax #: (323)550-4204
E-mail: jfetterman@gladinc.org

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Artist in Residence

Part-time 10-month renewable position beginning September 1, 2006

Responsibilities: Teach one scenic-technology class per quarter. Serve as primary scenic designer for three theater productions. Serve as scenic artist and prop master and supervise student workers for 12 15 hours per week. Work with resident artistic director, production manager/technical director and scene shop foreman.

Required: Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience as a theater artist.
Preferred: MFA degree, fluency in American Sign Language and knowledge of Deaf culture strongly preferred.

AA/EOE. For detailed description and to apply on line please go to:
http://finweb.rit.edu/HumanResources/CareerZone

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.

Home | Subscribe | Current Issue | Back Issues | Advertise | Submit News
Links | About | Contact