deafweekly

 

January 19, 2011
Vol. 7, No. 13

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers on Wednesdays and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. These are the actual headlines and portions of recent deaf-related news articles, with links to the full story. Minor editing is done when necessary. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2011 and any unauthorized use is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.

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Last issue's most-read story: DEFENDANT WITH NO LANGUAGE PROVES DIFFICULT TO PROSECUTE / The Philadelphia Inquirer
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NATIONAL
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Washington, DC
INDIVIDUAL PLEADS GUILTY TO DEFRAUDING FCC VRS PROGRAM
Marc Velasquez pleaded guilty January 6 to engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Video Relay Service (VRS) program. Velasquez pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joel A. Pisano in Trenton, N.J., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Velasquez was indicted on Nov. 18, 2009, along with others alleged to have been involved in the criminal conspiracy. The defendants are alleged to have caused the FCC to pay millions of dollars in fraudulent reimbursements. / US DOJ

Morganton, NC
DETECTIVE: DEAF WOMAN RAPED
A deaf woman on crutches is in protective custody after she was allegedly assaulted, raped and kidnapped. The accused kidnapper -- 21-year-old Zeke Ray Dale -- is out on bond after being charged with four felony counts, including first-degree sexual offense. The alleged incident happened at 7 p.m. Jan. 7. / The News Herald

St. Paul, MN
HEARING-IMPAIRED MAN SENTENCED IN RAPE OF DEAF, PARTIALLY BLIND WOMAN
A hearing-impaired, mentally challenged man who sexually assaulted a deaf woman was sentenced last Wednesday to time served in custody. Joshua Jerome Newman, 27, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty Sept. 8 to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Ramsey County District Judge Judith Tilsen ordered him to remain on probation for up to 10 years. If he follows terms of his probation, the felony conviction will be lowered to a misdemeanor. If not, he could serve two years in prison. / The Pioneer Press

Philadelphia, PA
DOES SPEAKING ZERO LANGUAGES MAKE YOU THE PERFECT CRIMINAL?
Juan Jose Gonzalez Luna cannot speak, write, or understand any languages. He is deaf, mute, illiterate, never learned a formal sign language, and can communicate only through improvised pantomime. He is also, as it happens, an alleged drug mule currently on trial in Pennsylvania on drug trafficking charges. But, as The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeremy Roebuck explains, Luna's total language deficiency makes prosecuting him incredibly difficult. / The Atlantic Wire

Chattanooga, TN
MEDICAL EXAMINER CONFIRMS FIRST FIRE FATALITY OF 2011
Chattanooga fire investigators said the victim in Saturday morning’s apartment fire was a 42-year-old Valerie Myers. The Medical Examiner listed the cause of death as smoke inhalation. Her sister is deaf, but a smoke alarm equipped with a strobe light for the hearing impaired woke the woman up and she managed to escape unharmed. / Chattanooga Pulse

Elsmere, KY
SPECIAL SMOKE DETECTOR SAVES DEAF KY. MAN
An Elsmere man escaped a fire in his home early Friday, thanks to a special smoke detector. Firefighters said they arrived at the Hawk Drive home just before 6:30 a.m. to find most of the trailer fully engulfed in flames. The Elsmere fire chief said the man living in the home, John Lastfogel, 64, is deaf, but was alerted to the fire by a smoke detector designed to alert hearing-impaired people -- one the fire department has installed. / Firehouse.com

Fulton, MO
DOG ALERTS DEAF OWNER, SAVES HER FROM FIRE
Teresa Jackson wondered what had gotten into her chihuahua Saturday morning when the dog suddenly started running back and forth and barking excitedly. She had been watching TV in her Fulton home, but got up to find out what was bothering her dog, Billy. “I looked out the window and nothing was there,” Jackson said through her interpreter Martha Jones. Little did Jackson know that her fire alarm was going off, due to her washing machine catching on fire. She didn’t know, because she couldn’t hear it. Jackson is deaf. / The Fulton Sun

Rock Hill, SC
POLICE NEED HELP FINDING MISSING YORK MAN
Authorities are searching for Lester Marion Forde, Sr., a 76-year-old York man who has been missing since Friday night. Forde, who is deaf, was last seen leaving his home on Sixth Street in a gray, 2006 Ford Fusion around 8 p.m. Friday. UPDATE: He was found!! His car was stuck in the ice off a road near his home. He got out and fell in a briar patch. His hands and feet are in very bad condition from the briars and exposure to the cold. Other than his extremities, he's in good condition and communicating. / The Herald


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INTERNATIONAL
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Sydney, Australia
SHE TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF BLIGH'S MOUTH
When Queensland Premier Anna Bligh made her memorable emotional media conference, Australia’s deaf community turned to Michelle Stark. Ms Stark became an unwitting part of Queensland history when she was assigned to Anna Bligh’s Thursday morning media conference, in which Ms Bligh’s voice broke with emotion in one of the most poignant moments of her premiership. It was a show of emotion that caught Ms Stark completely by surprise. / The Sydney Morning Herald

South Africa
VARSITY MAY BE SUED OVER SIGN LANGUAGE
The Pan South African Language Board (Pansalb) is considering legal action against the Central University of Technology after a complaint from one of its students in a case that touches on language rights. Pansalb provincial manager Vuzi Ntlakana said the board received a complaint from a deaf student who was accepted to study at the university, which could not provide a qualified sign language interpreter. “The student’s friend had to interpret for him,” Ntlakana said. / The New Age

Whangarei, New Zealand
DEAF COMMUNITY WARNED OVER ONLINE SCAM
Northland's deaf community has been warned about an online scam that has robbed its members of tens of thousands of dollars. The scam has solicited millions of dollars worldwide by asking people to invest and falsely promising them high returns. Northlander Gavin Boyner spoke out about the scam, telling TV3 he spent months trying to convince his hearing-impaired friend she was being ripped off. She wants to remain anonymous, but is one of at least 14,000 people worldwide who have invested in a company called Imperia Invest IBC. / The Northern Advocate

Newbury, England
FIRST FOOTBALL COACHING CAMP FOR DEAF GIRLS COMES TO BERKSHIRE
The first Football Coaching Camp for deaf girls is taking place in Berkshire, providing them with a unique opportunity to receive expert coaching from deaf female players who have represented England and GB Deaf Ladies. This three day event for deaf girls aged 12 to 16, taking place at Mary Hare School in Newbury from 21-23 February, is organised by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and will be held in partnership with the Football Foundation and Mary Hare School. / Vadvert

London, England
CEOP LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE SAFETY TOOLS FOR YOUNG DEAF PEOPLE
Vulnerable children are being taught how to stay safer online thanks to two new educational films and teaching resources, launched yesterday by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre - the UK’s national centre for child protection. The resources have been created by CEOP in the recognition that vulnerable young people and those with additional needs and learning difficulties can be more susceptible to abuse," making the provision of online safety messages in a variety of formats especially important. / eGov monitor

Reading, England
DEAF GURKHA'S FIGHT FOR HIS DAUGHTER
A gurkha veteran who lost his hearing while fighting for the British in Malaya is appealing against a decision to throw out his daughter’s visa application. Prem Bahadur Sunwar, 73, a former colour sergeant who served 18 years in the British Army, is pleading with the authorities to allow his daughter into the country to give him the care and financial support he needs. / The Reading Chronicle



Chelmsford, England
SIGHT RESTORED TO DEAF MAN BRUCE EGGLETON BY OPERATION
Can you imagine a world without sight and sound, a world of darkness and silence, a world where smells and feelings are all that guide you? That was the situation faced by deaf dad Bruce Eggleton this winter, when glaucoma robbed him of his eyesight. The 35-year-old feared he would never see his daughter again, but ophthalmologist Petros Andreou at Broomfield Hospital acted quickly and saved him from permanent blindness. / This Is Total Essex

London, England
THE PIGS THAT LOVE TO EA
T, ER ... WILLIES
As a child growing up in a deaf family, I remember when subtitling was so scarce we scheduled our Christmas viewing around the programmes that had it. Nowadays we are shocked if they don't - though the quality varies hugely. / The Guardian

Banjul, Gambia
MISS DEAF WORLD COMPETITION IN THE PIPELINE
Information reaching Entertainment has indicated that preparations are at the final stage as Miss Deaf Competition is poised to kick start from 1 to 11 July 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic. Since 2011 the present competitions of Miss Deaf World and Miss Deaf Europe have been followed by another world competition called Miss Deaf Universe. / The Point Newspaper

Bangkok, Thailand
BUDDY GROUP DONATES FUND TO THE DEAF
Buddy Group Hotels & Resorts led by Mr. Sorathep Rojpotjanaruch - Chief Operating Officer, and management team recently donated money raised by Buddy Group staffs, management team, and guests who stayed at Hotel De’moc and Buddy Lodge Hotel to the Foundation of the Deaf under the Royal Patronage of Her majesty the Queen. / Travel Blackboard

Chungju, South Korea
DEAF BOYS GROW UP THROUGH BASEBALL
Like many other sports, baseball is a game of communication. Catchers are yelling which base to go, the crowd screams when someone hits a home run, and coaches constantly shout what to do when the players are at their bases. It's also a sport of accumulated team effort. Having one great pitcher cannot make a strong team. Director Kang Woo-suk's new film, "Glove," tells a story of 10 young baseball players who cannot communicate the way most players do. / AsiaOne


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LIFE & LEISURE
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Rochester, NY
REPORT: DEAF STUDENTS MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER CHILDHOOD ABUSE
Deaf and hard-of-hearing college students experienced more childhood neglect or abuse than their hearing peers, according to research at Rochester Institute of Technology. In a study of 425 students at RIT and National Technical Institute for the Deaf, 77 percent of respondents with a hearing loss reported some kind of maltreatment before age 16, compared with 49 percent of hearing students. Lindsay Schenkel, assistant professor of psychology at RIT and the lead researcher, said the team was surprised. / Democrat and Chronicle

North Andover, MA
ASL CLASSES A HIT AT NORTH ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL
The class and the instructor are equally animated, communicating with each other through the graceful gestures and expressive faces of American Sign Language. It is a first for North Andover High School, which initiated the ASL as a credited course in the fall. / North Andover Citizen

Seattle, WA
'MY LIFE IS A SHAMBLES'
At the moment, most of my life is a shambles. We've just moved in with my husband's mother, who is 83 and deaf as a rock, forcing me to yell at her to have a simple conversation and leaving me unable to sleep for more than a few hours at a stretch until her blasting TV wakes me up. (She won't consider a hearing aid, because "they're a waste of money and don't work.") I was wondering if you had any advice. / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Internet
ANY DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING USE COUPONS?
Hello, I join WUC last few days ago? I am wondering if any deaf or hard of hearing people using coupons?? I did use coupons many years ago but I give up because I was fed up with it until I saw TLC... I decided join here.. / WeUseCoupons.com


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WORKING WORLD
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Gooding, Idaho
FORMER MISS DEAF AMERICA THRIVES IN FIRST EDUCATION JOB
When Chelsea Paulson competed in the Miss Deaf America pageant in 2006, she merged lines from the Dr. Seuss books, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” and “I Can Read with My Eyes Shut” to tell a new story. Paulson, a teacher at the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind, followed the words from “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” last summer to Gooding. There, a poster of Horton the elephant and the words, “A person’s a person, no matter how small,” is tacked above the 23-year-old’s desk as a reminder to her students. / Twin Falls Times-News

Columbia, SC
COURTS WORKING TO SIGN ON MORE INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF
To fill the need in Richland
County, about two dozen people who speak American Sign Language took a four-day workshop earlier this month on interpreting for the legal system. The course was organized by the S.C. School for the Deaf and Blind’s Walker Foundation and was paid for by a $12,995 grant from Richland County Council, said Kathy Stoehr, the school’s director of interpreting services. / The State

Sarasota, FL
XBYTE GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY, DONATES TO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Inspired by the company's robust performance as a premier reseller of IT equipment, xByte Technologies of Sarasota, FL continues to give back to the community even after the holidays. This leading global IT equipment dealer pays it forward by donating two sets of Dell PowerEdge Servers to the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf in Clearwater, Florida. “This is our way of showing our gratitude for the year that brought xByte to an unprecedented level of growth,” says Tom Santilli, CEO of xByte Technologies. / Benzinga


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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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North Hollywood, CA
DEAF WEST THEATRE PRESENTS ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO, 2/19-3/26
Kicking off its 20th Anniversary, Deaf West Theatre puts its own unique spin on the classic story of a mischievous puppet who wishes to become a real live boy. Using a mix of deaf and hearing actors, Stephen Rothman directs The Adventures of Pinocchio, an adaptation of Carlo Collodi's 1883 novel by Lee Hall. Deaf West's retelling of Pinocchio's treacherous journey through childhood opens February 19 at Deaf West Theatre in North Hollywood, with two low-priced previews on February 17 and 18. / Broadway World

Cleveland, OH
CLEVELAND-AREA MOVIE PRODUCER TYLER DAVIDSON'S 'TAKE SHELTER' COMPETING AT SUNDANCE
Producer Tyler Davidson is headed from South Russell to Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival and the world premiere of his latest film "Take Shelter." He'll be working the festival, making new contacts, and hopes to land a distributor for his film, which was shot last summer in Ohio. His script included a 6-year-old daughter who is deaf. For that role they found 6-year-old Tova Stewart, who is deaf. "She's out of Columbus, and she is absolutely amazing," said Nichols. "She is one of the smartest 6-year-olds I've ever encountered." / The Plain Dealer

Silver Spring, MD
ANA RECOMMENDS CLOSED CAPTIONED TELEVISION COMMERCIALS
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) commends the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) for its leadership and support of closed captioning television commercials. The NAD also thanks the Hearing Access Program for advocating and facilitating this effort with the ANA. "The NAD is pleased to have worked closely with the Hearing Access Program on this effort, providing expertise and support," said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD President. / NAD


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The Deaf Pager Store is the store with the devices and low-cost data plan for deaf and hard of hearing people.

See the Samsung Epic at: http://bit.ly/DeafPagerStore_dw011611.

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SPORTS
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Owatonna, MN
CURLING ON THE BIG STAGE
When someone comes as close to dying as Steve Hubmer has, international travel might seem like a bad idea. But as Hubmer’s wife Sabrina pointed out, he has only used up two of his nine lives. And gold medals don’t grow on trees. So Hubmer will climb on a plane next month and jet off to Slovakia for the 17th Annual Deaflympics. Hubmer is on the U.S. Deaf Curling team. / Faribault Daily News

Boca Raton, FL
FLORIDA ATLANTIC'S NATASHA BASMA IS THE ONLY DEAF TENNIS PLAYER IN NCAA'S DIVISION I
Unlike other players on the tennis court, Natasha Basma can't hear the ping of the ball hitting the sweet spot on her racket. Or an opponent calling a serve "Out!" Or even the cheers of the spectators. Basma is the only deaf player in NCAA Division I tennis, according to deafdigestsports.com. But her impairment hasn't stopped her from developing into one of the top singles players for Florida Atlantic University. / The Palm Beach Post


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MILESTONES
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Pinckneyville, IL
KATHRYN JANE PYATT, 77, WORKED FOR WORKSHOP FOR 30 YEARS
Kathryn Jane Pyatt, age 77, of Pinckneyville, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at 4:05 a.m. in Fairview Nursing Center, Du Quoin, Ill. Kathryn was born on Jan. 13, 1933 at Pyatt’s, south of Pinckneyville, Ill., a daughter to Lucian and Lillian (Gass) Pyatt. Kathryn lost her hearing at approximately five months of age due to a mosquito bite which gave her St. Louis Encephalitis. Kathryn attended the Gallaudet School for the Deaf in St. Louis, Mo. for elementary school and Jacksonville School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, Ill. for high school. Kathryn worked for the Perry County Workshop for the Handicapped for 30 years from age 42 to 72. / De Quoin Evening Call


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EMPLOYMENT
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You can advertise your job openings here for just $20 a week (up to 100 words, 10 cents each add'l word). To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

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ADVOCATES INC.
Framingham, MA 01702

www.advocatesinc.org

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Advocates-Inc/109340295781878?v=app_4949752878

Advocates has a few full-time 40 hr and part-time Direct Care Counselor and Awake Overnight positions opened in some of our Deaf programs. The Direct Care Counselor is responsible for supervising the daily activities of the clients, providing ongoing support, guidance and role modeling. He/she facilitates client improvement in the areas of personal responsibility, social skills, community living skills and behavior. We are looking for people that have great interpersonal skills, are good with people and have experience working and communicating with people with disabilities. Qualities we look at include being helpful, energetic and willingness to work weekends.

Advocates, Inc. believes that the best way to effectively serve Deaf clients and to become an "employer of choice" for Deaf professionals and paraprofessionals is to honor the culture and values of the Deaf community. Advocates achieves this by carefully attending to 4 key components of the workplace: providing a culturally competent environment; employing Deaf professionals and paraprofessionals in Deaf programs as well as in key leadership positions; maximizing communication access across the organization; and offering a comprehensive training curriculum.

Qualification/Education/Experience:
1. BA/BS in related field; or HS diploma/GED and 1 year related experience.
2. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
3. Ability to communicate effectively including in writing and ability to use good judgment.
4. Ability to read English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the program to which he/she is assigned
5. Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
6. High energy level and ability to function in a team atmosphere.

Please send resumes to snathan@advocatesinc.org or go to our website www.advocatesinc.org to fill in an online application

Advocates offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 410(k) plan and a six-week holiday/vacation package.

Advocates is an EOE committed to employing a diverse workforce.

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ADVOCATES INC.

www.advocatesinc.org

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Advocates-Inc/109340295781878?v=app_4949752878

Director, Deaf Services

Advocates is looking for a full-time 40 hour a week Director for our Deaf services programs. Deaf candidate strongly preferred or candidates that are fluent in ASL (American Sign Language).

The Director of Deaf Services is responsible for the successful administration and management of the clinical, budgetary and business operations of the residential services and programs assigned. Provide clinical and administrative supervision to all employees who work in the residential services and programs assigned to the Director of Clinical Services.

Qualification/Education/Experience:
Master’s degree in social service or related field plus 5 yrs supervisory/clinical experience. Provides crisis on call coverage as assigned.

1. Master’s degree in social services or related field supervisory experience.
2. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
3. Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
4. Strong computer knowledge.
5. High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
6. Strong analytical, numerical and reasoning abilities.
7. Ability to execute a variety of decision-making models.
8. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, and ability to use good judgment.
9. Ability to read English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the programs as assigned ( ASL and English).
10. Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.

Deaf candidate strongly preferred and candidates that are ASL (American Sign Language) fluent.

Advocates' philosophy is based on common values and principles that guide the delivery of all of the services we provide. We believe that all individuals have the right to pursue their personal goals and to contribute to the community. We believe they are entitled to receive accessible services; to live in decent and affordable housing; to be treated with dignity and respect; and to live in inclusive and diverse communities. The employees of Advocates and the recipients of the services we provide work together with the community to ensure that these universal rights are promoted and protected.

Advocates offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 410(k) plan and a six-week holiday/vacation package.

Advocates is an EOE committed to employing a diverse workforce.

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TITLE: Director of Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

BASIC FUNCTION: To manage and direct all Human Resource functions

Position: Human Resources Director
The Human Resources Director guides and manages the overall provision of Human Resources services, policies, and programs for the entire school.
The major areas directed are:
• recruiting and staffing;
• employment and compliance to regulatory concerns;
• employee orientation, development, and training;
• policy development and documentation;
• employee relations;
• compensation and benefits administration;
• employee safety, welfare, wellness and health;
• employee services and counseling

The Human Resources Director originates and leads Human Resources practices and objectives that will provide an employee-oriented, high performance culture that emphasizes quality, productivity, and the recruitment and ongoing development of a superior workforce. The Human Resources Director coordinates implementation of services, policies, and programs through Human Resources staff; reports to the CEO and serves on the executive management team; and assists and advises administrators about Human Resources issues.

Employees in this position are considered confidential.

JOB DUTIES:
• Maintaining the utmost confidentiality in dealing with employee records and business information.
• Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, parents, and all members of the general public.
• Plans, organizes and directs the activities of the Human Resources Department, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee benefits, training, payroll, labor relations, affirmative action, and risk management.
• Applies professional knowledge and personal judgment to a variety of technical personnel and managerial problems and issues.
• Responsible for conducting wage surveys within labor markets to determine competitive wage rates. Analyzes wage and salary reports and data to determine competitive compensation plan.
• Responsible for records of personnel transactions such as hires, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, and terminations.
• Explains Human Resources policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Keeps records of hired employee characteristics for governmental reporting purposes.
• Represents management in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, mediation, and arbitration proceedings.
• Drafts proposed contract language; assembles negotiated contracts.
• Oversees employee benefit program, including the group health insurance and life insurance plans, flexible spending and dependent care programs, 403B plans, COBRA, HIPPA, and FMLA.
• Analyzes existing benefit policies of organization and prevailing practices among similar organizations to establish competitive benefits programs. Plans modification of existing benefits programs. Recommends benefit plan changes to management. Notifies employees of changes in benefits programs.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of human resource management.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
May sit on boards or committees to represent the School’s interests.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor's degree in public, personnel or business administration, or related field, and/or five years experience in
personnel administration including three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience. (Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.)
2. Considerable knowledge of modern policies and practices of public personnel administration; thorough knowledge of employee classification, compensation and benefits, recruitment, selection, and training.
3. Fluency in American Sign Language

TO APPLY:
• Contact the Human Resources Department at 914-949-7310 Extension 213
• Mail application (available at www.nysd.net), cover letter and resume to the New York School for the Deaf, 555 Knollwood Rd. White Plains, NY 10603 or email to arice@nysd.net
• FAX cover letter and resume to 914-949-2331.

All resumes will be treated confidentially

New York School for the Deaf is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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NEW YORK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
555 KNOLLWOOD ROAD
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10603

(914) 949-7310 (V) (914) 259-8000 (VP) (914) 949-2331 (FAX)

Occ. Code I-23
January 6, 2011

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Teacher, Classroom (Early Childhood Development)

REPORTS TO: Principal

MAJOR DUTIES:
• Based upon the evaluations of pre-schoolers, develop plans and objectives for instruction.
• Work closely with parents and children in the home-to-school transition.
• Develop an I.E.P. for each child.
• Design lesson plans and develop individualized instructional materials.
• Develop communication skills with parents to foster a continuum of the use of skills from school to home.
• Delegate duties to teacher assistant and oversee these duties
• Work as a team with other Pre-K faculty and support services personnel.
• Understanding of child development and best practices for application to the classroom.
• Develop and maintain a communication book between home and school.
• Work closely with the speech teachers for carry-over of skills and focus.
• Maintain an open and flexible posture in order to adopt new ideas and make changes when needed.
• Attend evening parent meetings.
• Complete report cards and all other evaluative reports in a timely manner.
• Maintain a plan book.
• Attend professional workshops, conventions and conferences to keep abreast of new and developing ideas for improving the instruction of hearing impaired.
• All other duties assigned by your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• NYS certification in Early Childhood and Deaf Education required.
• Fluency in ASL
• Minimum of three years teaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge and experience working with pre-school children preferred.

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Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Director of Client Support Services
Full-time * Exempt * San Leandro, CA

This position directs and supervises all aspects of Client Support Services (CSS) offices as well as specialized programs. Represents the agency in educational and advocacy contexts; coordinates program development and evaluation, and monitors department budget. This position reports to the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
-- Coordinate and implement staffing and programs in the San Leandro, Fremont, San Jose, and Fremont Oak Gardens (FOG) Client Support Services offices
-- Provide training and supervision to all Client Support Specialists, Program Developer, and contractors (for ASL classes and computer classes)
-- Develop linkages and working relationships with other agencies serving the deaf and hard of hearing community
-- Implement grant research and grant writing priorities to sustain the programs within the agency
-- Oversee the compliance of contracts that fund programs within the agency
-- Conduct evaluations of programs to ensure that services are meeting the current needs in the community
-- Monitor department budget
-- Facilitate regularly scheduled department meetings
-- Participate in management team meetings to support department as well as agency operations
-- Represent DCARA and/or the deaf and hard of hearing community at meetings and community events
-- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

REQUIRED SKILLS:
-- Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social services, deafness, or related areas. MA degree preferred.
-- Experience in supervision and management
-- At least two years experience in program service delivery
-- Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and writing skills
-- Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to initiate projects independently
-- Knowledge of MS windows software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
-- Proficiency in American Sign Language and English
-- Positive cultural perspective of Deaf people
-- Able to travel during the week (and occasional weeknights/ weekends) and throughout the DCARA service area

SALARY & BENEFITS: Salary is negotiable dependent on experience and education. DCARA offers full medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits in addition to 12 days of holiday leave plus one week paid winter holiday.

DEADLINE: Friday, February 4, 2011 at 12:00 pm

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send an application (available at www.dcara.org/jobs), cover letter, three references and resume to:
Human Resources
14895 East 14th Street, Suite 200
San Leandro, CA 94578 or hr@dcara.org

DCARA is an At-Will and Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Director of Employment Services (Full Time)
Fremont and San Leandro, California


DCARA has a full-time job opening for the position of Director of Employment Services. This position has two major responsibilities: 1. Manage the Employment Services Department which is charged with the task of working with Deaf and hard of hearing residents of the San Francisco Bay Area to enhance their vocational skills, increase their employability, place them in jobs, and work with them to retain their employment; and 2. Develop and implement the Deaf Employment Training Center, a pre-employment skills training and development program for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. This position will report to the Executive Director and will occupy an office at the Fremont EDD office (primarily) and at DCARA Headquarters in San Leandro.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
-- Oversee the compliance of contracts that fund Employment Services department within the agency
-- Provide training and supervision to all Employment Services staff
-- Work with Executive Director and Program Developer to develop funding opportunities to implement Deaf Employment Training Center
-- Develop linkages and working relationships with other agencies serving the deaf and hard of hearing community
-- Conduct evaluations of services offered within Employment Services Department to ensure that services are meeting the current needs in the community
-- Advocate for employability and communication access for clients
-- Monitor department budget
-- Facilitate regularly scheduled department meetings
-- Participate in management team meetings to support department as well as agency operations
-- Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director

REQUIRED SKILLS:
-- Bachelor’s degree in vocational services, social services, counseling, or related areas. MA degree preferred
-- Experience in supervision and management
-- At least two years experience in program service delivery
-- Demonstrated organizational, analytical and writing skills
-- Knowledge of MS Windows software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
-- Proficiency in American Sign Language and English
-- Positive cultural perspective of Deaf people
-- Able to travel during the week (and occasional weeknights/weekends) and throughout the DCARA service area

SALARY: Salary is negotiable dependent on education and experience. DCARA offers 12 days of holiday leave plus paid winter holiday, and full medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits.

DEADLINE: position open until filled

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send DCARA application (www.dcara.org under “About”/”Jobs”), cover letter, resume & three references via mail, email or fax to:
DCARA - Human Resources
14895 E. 14TH Street, Suite 200
San Leandro, CA 94578
Email: hr@DCARA.org
Fax: 510.483.2526

DCARA is an at-will and equal opportunity employer

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