Deafweekly January 20, 2010

deafweekly

January 20, 2010
Vol. 6, No. 12

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 2010 and any unauthorized use is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.

SIGN UP HERE for a free subscription. Be sure to open the confirmation email and click on the link to activate your subscription. It is required by law and prevents others from signing you up without your permission.

Last issue's most-read story: DESPITE ILLNESS AND TRAGEDY, COOK GETTING GALLAUDET BACK ON TRACK / ESPN
Last week's website page views: 3,904
Deafweekly subscribers as of today: 3,523

ADVERTISE IN DEAFWEEKLY FOR AS LITTLE AS $18.46 PER WEEK.

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

Washington, DC
TWO PLEAD GUILTY TO FRAUD IN DEAF SERVICES CASE
Two former executives of Rockville deaf services company Viable reached a plea agreement and pleaded guilty in a New Jersey federal court last Wednesday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In exchange, federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss three other counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S., for Anthony Mowl, 25, former assistant vice president of business development for Viable, and Donald Tropp, 25, former Viable human resources manager. Mowl and Tropp, both of whom pleaded not guilty to the charges last month, are scheduled to be sentenced on June 28. They face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. / The Gazette

Conroe, TX
POLICE: DEAF MAN KILLED WIFE WHO HAD NEW LOVE
A Conroe man fatally stabbed his estranged wife and critically injured her lover early Saturday, police said. Earl Handy Jr., 39, was charged with capital murder and aggravated assault in the death of Donna Handy, 34, and the attack on Joseph Taylor, who is also in his 30s, Willis Police Sgt. Alton Nelson said. Questioning of the suspect, who is deaf, took longer than expected because investigators had to summon an interpreter to assist. / Houston Chronicle

See also: POLICE: DEAF HUSBAND STABS ESTRANGED WIFE TO DEAF, INJURES BOYFRIEND / KHOU

Casper, WY
CASPER DAD PLEADS NOT GUILTY OF MURDER
A Casper man who authorities say murdered one of his infant sons and mutilated another in a botched at-home circumcision attempt pleaded not guilty by reason of mental deficiency to three felonies last Friday. Samuel Eugene McGehee entered his pleas in Natrona County District Court before Judge Scott Skavdahl. He will be transported to the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston and undergo a psychiatric evaluation. McGehee, who in two previous court appearances has said he was hard of hearing, wore headphones throughout the proceeding. / Casper Star-Tribune

Orofino, ID
AILING IDAHO TEEN WINS SOCIAL SECURITY FIGHT
An 18-year-old Orofino teen with a rare disease that has left him partially blind and deaf has won his year-long fight to get Social Security benefits. The Lewiston Tribune reports Jacob Walk first applied for Social Security benefits more than a year ago, but was denied -- twice. He took his fight to the media and to lawmakers, and last week U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo told him a Social Security administrative law judge had decided in Walk's favor. / KTRV Fox 12

Boise, ID
ADVOCACY GROUP FOR DEAF: WE WILL BE FORCED TO CLOSE IF GOVERNOR'S CUTS PASS
If Governor Otter has his way, the Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) would lose all of its funding over the next four years. But executive director Steve Snow says without the money, it won't even last that long. Snow says if CDHH loses its state funding, it might actually cost the state. "There would be a higher tendency for litigation from deaf people as they were not able to the services that are necessary through the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Snow said. / KTVB

Three Rivers, MI
MEAL DELIVERY VOLUNTEER SAVES DEAF WOMAN FROM HOUSE FIRE
A meal delivery driver in Three Rivers helped save a woman from a house fire. It's a case of being in the right place at the right time. The fire department says a Meals on Wheels volunteer noticed the fire at a home on 4th Street when she pulled up to make a delivery. "She helped. The lady that lives there I know is deaf, so it was a great thing the Meals on Wheels lady did, she was actually the hero of the whole thing," said neighbor Jeff Hepner. / WWMT

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

Use Hamilton Web Relay® to make and receive calls over the Internet in a private environment, separate from buddy lists and potential disruptions. There’s nothing to download -- it’s all web-based making the service available wherever you can connect to the Internet!

Now you can receive calls with a locally-based, 10-digit Hamilton HomeTown Number™.

Don't have a HomeTown Number? Register today and share your number with friends and colleagues! Visit http://www.hamiltonrelay.com and click on the "Make & Receive Calls Now" icon to check it out.

Hamilton Relay. That’s what I’m talking about.

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

Happy New Year! Take 10% off in 2010!

What’s your New Year's resolution? If the answer is being on time then you’ve come to the right place! Purchase either the Sonic Boom Alarm Clock or the Sonic Boom Alarm Clock with the vibrator at 10% off in January! It has many great features including a built-in receiver to pick up transmissions from other signalers.

Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit our website for more details. For a copy of our NEW catalog, email your request to: sales@weitbrecht.com. We’re now on Facebook! Come visit us!

WCI. Your Single Source for Assistive Technology

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

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

Haiti
DEAF COMMUNITY IS CRUSHED BY A MASSIVE 7.0 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE TOO
Do we have many Deaf victims out there in Haiti? Possible. Deaf victims might continue to cry out from underneath the rubble and how do they really know that they would get the rescues? They might wonder if their silent scream is not enough to be loud. Maybe their advocates, interpreters, friends, and family members are dead too. / Fookem and Bug

See also: NAD URGES SUPPORT FOR HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS / NAD

See also: DEAF HAITIANS: HOW YOU CAN HELP / Deaf Haitians

Dublin, Ireland
TRIBUNAL TO PAY €3,000 TO DEAF MAN
The Employment Appeals Tribunal has been ordered to pay a deaf man €3,000 ($4,288 US) for discriminating against him on the basis of his disability. The Equality Tribunal ruled Monday that the appeals body had discriminated against Mike Fogarty by not providing him with an interpreter during an appeal against a decision in an unfair dismissals case. Mr. Fogarty said he could not understand the hearing at the appeals tribunal and had been represented by a shop steward, who communicated to him though written notes. / Irish Times

Mumbai, India
ARMY CHIEF HAS GONE PARTIALLY DEAF IN LEFT EAR
Army chief General Deepak Kapoor suffered acute deafness in his left ear because of loud noises generated by booming guns when he visited the US last year. As a result, the army chief has been placed in a lower medical category just four months before retirement. A lower medical category indicates partial disability and entitlement to higher pensions. / DNAindia

Punjab Pakistan
DEAF CHRISTIAN SANITARY WORKER BEATEN BY MUSLIM BUSINESSMEN IN PUNJAB
Inayat Masih, 50, and his son Saleem Masih, 32, Christians, are working as sanitary workers in Tehsil Municipal Ferozwala Distract Sheikhupura Punjab Pakistan. On January 12 both were putting out garbage and trash outside the Majid Rent a Motorcycle at 9 a.m. in the presence of their supervisor. The shop owner shouted not to put out dirty trash, mud and rubbish in the front of his shop. Inayat Masih is deaf and he did not listen to. In his anger, Majid Ali called 10 other people near his shop who beat severely with sticks both Inayat Masih and son Saleem Masih. / Pakistan Christian Post

New Delhi, India
DELHI'S 'DESPICABLE' NEGLECT OF SCHOOLS FOR DEAF
The Delhi government has come under heavy fire from the Central Information Commission (CIC) for failing to appoint teachers in its schools for hearing-impaired children for 10 long years. The CIC has also fined an official of Delhi's social welfare department Rs.25,000 ($546 US) for violating the provisions of the Right To Information (RTI) Act by failing to provide information on such teachers. "It is obvious that the department was neglecting its duty of appointing teachers for hearing-impaired children since the year 2000. This is really despicable," Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi noted in his order. / IndiaEduNews

Halifax, NS, Canada
ABUSE ALLEGED AT SCHOOLS FOR DEAF
A plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against the Nova Scotia government claims he was beaten and sexually abused repeatedly by staff and students during the nine years he spent at schools for the deaf in Halifax and Amherst from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. Another former student, who lived at the Amherst school for four years in the early 1960s, claims he was psychologically and physically abused by staff and students, and once received a severe beating after he was caught using sign language to communicate with another student. The lawsuit has been filed in Nova Scotia Supreme Court on behalf of all individuals who attended schools for the deaf in Halifax or Amherst. / The Chronicle Herald

London, ON, Canada
BORN-DEAF RACER INSPIRES KIDS LIKE HIM
His words were inspirational for children, who like him, would hear nothing if not for surgically implanted devices that provide a sense of sound to people who are deaf. Kris Martin was born profoundly deaf, but thanks to the cochlear implant and his own determination he became a race car driver and a role model to deaf children who gathered to meet him Saturday at the Western Fair's Agriplex for the CPT Racing Experience. "It's my turn to give back," Martin said as kids gawked at his black race car. "I'm teaching kids how their dreams can come true." / London Free Press

London, England
ODD? POLISH DOG STORY OUTPACES EARTHQUAKE NEWS
A story about a dog at an animal shelter in England that wasn't responding to commands got more hits on the BBC website than news stories about the earthquake. We're providing a link to the BBC story here and commentary done by the "New York Times "that discusses why animal stories can be a needed break from bad news. Turns out the dog was raised by Polish -peaking people. Shelter workers at first thought he was deaf and are gradually teaching him how to understand English. / USA Today

Leicester, England
CASH-STRAPPED CHARITY TO SELL OFF ITS LEICESTER HEADQUARTERS
A cash-strapped charity for deaf and hard-of-hearing people is to sell off its headquarters. Trustees at Action Deafness said they could no longer afford the £113,000-a-year ($184,000 US) costs of running the building. They want the center, which is also home to the Church of the Good Shepherd, to be put on the market within six months. The charity's chief executive has vowed to keep its services running for an estimated 189,000 people with hearing problems across Leicestershire by finding alternative venues. / This Is Leicestershire

London, England
SUPER GADGET ALLOWS DEAF BLIND PEOPLE TO 'HEAR' WITH SKIN
A gadget that converts sound to vibrations will help individuals who are deaf and blind or severely hearing impaired to perceive and recognize sounds with their skin, says its maker. Called Monitor, the super device is being developed by engineering researcher Parivash Ranjbar, reports The Daily Express. Ranjbar, an engineering researcher at Örebro University in Sweden, said: "One of my subjects was able to repeat exactly to me what I had said to my supervisor when I took a phone call. Monitor could make a real difference to people's lives." / DNAIndia

Bradford, England
DEAF PENSIONER BANNED FROM ALL STORES AFTER 'NUMBER OF INCIDENTS'
A Bingley pensioner is battling a lifetime ban from entering all Co-op stores. Kenneth Voss, 65, who is deaf and has trouble moderating his voice, says he has been accused of being “loud and rude” at the company’s Bingley store. Co-op bosses have served him with a Notice of Exclusion which states: “This society is no longer prepared to allow you to enter any of its branches for any reason whatsoever.” Mr Voss, of York Street, has sought legal advice in his fight to get the ban lifted but his solicitor has been unable to find out the full details of why it has been imposed. / The Telegraph & Argus

Japan
DEAF MARATHON RUNNER TRAVELS TO AFRICA AND MEETS COUNTERPARTS
Hisashi Nagai (53), a Deaf marathon runner, has conquered the marathon meets in each of the all 47 prefectures of Japan. He recently visited five countries in Africa by himself that was his long-cherished dream, and met local Deaf runners. Hisashi participated in domestic and foreign meets including the long-distance race since he was in the third grade of junior high-school. He established the Deaf Japan record of 2:31:30 for the full marathon in 1983. He has traveled around the world, and, up to now, 55 countries. / Deaf Japan News

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

Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®) is an industry leading communication tool for the deaf community provided by Sorenson Communications. Created with high-quality video technology, SVRS brings life into the conversations of our customers as they call family, friends, and business associates at no cost through a professional SVRS sign language interpreter and a cutting-edge videophone. SVRS is provided 24-hours a day, and 365 days a year, connecting the deaf and hard-of-hearing to anyone at their convenience. For more information, visit the SVRS Web site at www.sorensonvrs.com.

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

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR ASL AND INTERPRETER TRAINING PROGRAMS!

Whether your focus is on basic day-to-day communication skills in American Sign Language or advanced proficiency for career-path interpreter training, the Sony Virtuoso™ and Soloist® ASL software suite can give your students the competitive edge. Features of our digital language lab technology include: Video and Audio Communication between the Instructor and Students; Real-time High Quality Video and Audio Capture; Simulation of Real-Life Interpreting Situations and Ethical Scenarios for Practicum Skill Development; Creation of Digital Student Portfolios, and much more. Contact SANS at sales@sansinc.com to arrange a demo or visit at www.sansinc.com.

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

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

Oakland, CA
HELP ABUSED DEAF WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN
Amy Cohen Efron is trying to get more people to vote for DeafHope in the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook. (DeafHope is based in Oakland, California.) According to the Chase Community Giving program page on Facebook, there are just 2 days left to vote. DeafHope survived the first round, but is hoping to win in round two so they can have the funding to build a shelter for abused deaf women and children. Amy's blog has all the details and instructions. / About.com

Madison, WI
STUDY: BABY BOOMERS SURVIVED ROCK 'N' ROLL ERA WITH HEARING INTACT
Despite dire predictions about listening to loud music, members of the rock 'n' roll generation are aging with much better hearing than their parents had at the same age. In the first large-scale study of the hearing of 5,275 adults born between 1902 and 1962, researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health showed that baby boomers are holding on to good hearing longer than their parents did. / UW News

Woodsboro, MD
30-YEAR-OLD HORSE RESCUED FROM SINKHOLE
Crews faced an unusual rescue from a Maryland sinkhole Monday night. A 30-year-old blind and deaf horse fell 15-feet down into the ground in Woodsboro, Maryland. Crews struggled for nearly six hours to free the large animal, an Appaloosa named "Chief." / CNN

Silver Spring, MD
TUTV LAUNCHING CLOSED-CAPTIONED SHORT VIDEOS
TuTv, a joint venture of Grupo Televisa and Univision Communications, announced that it is joining forces with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to provide Spanish-language captions for selected short videos, also known as “vlogs,” produced in American Sign Language by NAD. The vlogs will be available at the NAD website, www.nad.org. TuTv already provides closed captioning for its networks, including De Película and De Película Clásico’s extensive film library. / RBR & TVBR

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

New Sign Language Translator at Harris Communications

The Sign Language Translator is a pocket-sized portable dictionary that lets you have sign language in the palm of your hands. Simply enter a word using the touch screen keyboard and watch a video clip signed by a live individual. The unit includes 3500 signs, a rechargeable battery, USB power port and stylus pen.

Coming soon to Harris Communications, the Sign Language Translator (KM-TRANSLATOR) is on sale for only $199.95 (reg. $229.95). Put in your order now! Sale ends January 28, 2010.

Visit our website or contact us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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

callVRS has a new facelift and continues to give you the "freedom of choice"! callVRS allows you to find your favorite interpreter for your many needs. Keith Wann is now showing his serious side by bringing us a VRS company that his parents would be proud of...and one where interpreters want to work. You have seen him do silly commercials for other VRS companies, but he is also a Nationally Certified Interpreter, NIC Master and CI CT and calls himself a profesional Coda interpreter. "For the other VRS companies, I was a paid actor, with callVRS my true voice can be heard... It's time we have a VRS provider focus on the interpreters along with the callers to make the VRS experience better for everyone" www.callVRS.org - dial callVRS.info on your video phone.

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

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

Gaithersburg, MD
GENVEC, NOVARTIS INK DEAL FOR HEARING-LOSS REMEDY
GenVec of Gaithersburg, which last year was in danger of having its stock delisted, announced Tuesday that it has inked a deal with Swiss drugmaking giant Novartis to license its early-stage work aimed at reversing hearing loss. Under the agreement, Novartis will acquire $2 million of GenVec's stock and will pay the biotech company an initial $5 million to take over research and development of a potential hearing-loss remedy. GenVec stands to receive another $213.6 million if it meets research and sales milestones. / The Washington Post

Danville, KY
KENTUCKY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF GETS FFA CHAPTER
After taking precise measurements, worrying about proper fit and several weeks of waiting, students at Kentucky School for the Deaf got the chance Monday to try on something they had been waiting eagerly for -- their blue Future Farmers of America jackets. The blue jackets are an outfit staple for FFA officers, and for the first time in KSD’s 187-year history, KSD students got to put on the jackets as they prepare to officially meet as a chapter for the first time this month. / The Advocate-Messenger

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

Join The Zevolution! The Z™ offers you the best in videophone technology with 24/7 access to topnotch, nationally certified interpreters and features you just can’t get anywhere else! The choice is yours, and we can help find the videophone solution that’s right for you. Are you always on the go? The Z-340’s WiFi capabilities and lightweight, compact size make it perfect for travel. Do you want an easy-to-use, all-in-one videophone that is simple to install? Check out Z-Ojo! Tired of missing calls when you are in the next room? Our Z Alert feature will send a message to your PDA or pager to let you know someone is calling. And there’s so much more! Go to www.zvrs.com for more information on all of our videophone solutions and features. Don’t have a Z phone? You can still get The Z™ experience by calling 888-888-1116 to connect to ZVRS from any videophone!

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

Keith Wann's ASL Comedy Tour 2009-2010

Keith Wann, renowned for his hilarious, sidesplitting comedy performances, is now producing and hosting the ASL Comedy Tour 2009, which will travel the U.S. this year. With American Sign Language (ASL) artists presenting solo performances incorporating comedy, skits, songs, improvisation, and stories, each show lasts two hours. Sponsored by www.CallVRS.org, the multi-city tour is designed to be affordable for each location - making it ideal as a fundraiser for participating organizations.

“We really want to reach out to all communities, so we are sharing in the costs and profits at each location. We will work closely with booking parties to maximize profits for their organization and to bring in as many people as possible for a night of laughter, socialization and fun,” Wann said. “We also offer workshops by some of our performers, which can be held the day of the performance. People can come to our workshops, and then unwind by attending the comedy show that evening.”

www.aslcomedytour.com
Contact KemiProductionsInc@gmail.com.

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

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

Houston, TX
HEARING-IMPAIRED BOY SINGS IN ALL-STATE CHOIR
A senior at Cypress Ridge High School has made the cut for All-State Mixed Choir. Joshua Smart’s achievement is all the more impressive because he is hearing-impaired. Smart, a tenor, is profoundly deaf in his right ear and has significant hearing loss in his left ear, which sports a wireless hearing aid. “I honestly don't look at it like I'm disabled or anything like that,” says Smart. “If I love it, I'm going to go for it.” / MyFoxHouston

San Francisco, CA
BANNER DAY IN COURT FOR PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS
A federal appeals court in San Francisco heard oral arguments on January 13 about whether movie theaters must offer services like captioning or audio descriptions so that those of us with sensory losses can enjoy the movies. And the arguments of one theater chain that all it needs to do is open the doors and let us in was, to put it mildly, poorly received. / Hearing Loss Law

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

Purple Communications, Inc.
www.purple.us

Your choice for top quality Video and Text Relay experience. Download our latest all-in-one communication solution for PC - www.purple.us/p3. It’s FREE and it offers you the convenience of using video and text relay, video to video, and address book on your desktop or laptop with a webcam. Try it today and experience the best! www.purple.us/p3.

Try one of our Powered by Purple® services:
www.hovrs.com / www.i711.com / www.ip-relay.com / www.purple.us/interpreting

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

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

Minneapolis, MN
D3HOOPS.COM SELECTS FAAFITI TO ITS TEAM OF THE WEEK, FIRST BISON IN 10 YEARS
For the first time in over 10 years a Gallaudet University women's basketball player has been selected to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week, a national team of five position players, selected once a week during the regular-season by the national Web site. The honor is bestowed to junior center Easter Faafiti (Pittsburg, Calif.), a three-time Capital Athletic Conference Player of the Week, who was named to the January 4-10 D3hoops.com Team of the Week announced by the national Web site on Wednesday. / GU News

Oklahoma City, OK
DEAF ROPER COMFORTABLE IN THE WORLD OF RODEO
Georgia cowboy Clint Thomas is one of 15 tie-down ropers who qualified for the International Finals Rodeo. He is like the other cowboys. He loves to rodeo. He loves to rope. He wants to be a world champion someday. But the 24-year-old IFR rookie also is different than the rest. He is deaf. / The Oklahoman

Philadelphia, PA
BEATING THE ODDS IN A SILENT WORLD
Pierce Phillips is a junior at Highland who is enjoying an extremely busy winter. Along with being inducted into the National Honor Society, he has been playing ice hockey for Gloucester Township Hockey Association and is in the batting cage, getting prepared for the coming baseball season. An all-around athlete, he is also a black belt in karate. Next week, he will also be attending the Highland junior prom. Phillips is living the typical life of an active teenage with but with one difference -- he is deaf. / Philadelphia Inquirer

Marcy, NY
DEAF WHITESBORO ATHLETE, FELLOW WARRIORS EXCEL AT TEAMWORK
Elena Ciccarelli looked tired. The Whitesboro High School girls basketball practice was physical, and Ciccarelli was back on the court for the first time in two weeks. A preseason concussion mandated the layoff, and the junior forward wore its effects in her body language. Ciccarelli’s mouth hung open and her hands posed on her hips. Whitesboro assistant coach Tony Gentile yelled instructions to the Warriors. When he spoke directly to Ciccarelli, she smiled and gave him a thumbs-up, though she heard nothing of what he said. It wasn’t fatigue. Ciccarelli is deaf. / The Observer-Dispatch

Riverside, CA
RCC FRESHMAN BASKETBALL PLAYER ORION PALMER, WHO IS DEAF, IS HAVING NO TROUBLE FITTING IN WITH THE TIGERS
Standing on the sideline in front of Riverside Community College's bench, men's basketball coach John Smith lets his booming voice shout the play call toward his team bringing the ball up the court. As his voice rings out, Smith's hand is high in the air, forming signs to correspond with the play call, so that his newest star knows what is coming. RCC, the defending state champion, has maintained its dominance this season thanks in part to freshman Orion Palmer, a California School for the Deaf, Riverside, graduate, who was born deaf. / Press-Enterprise

Johns Island, SC
DEAF BUT NOT DEFEATED
Sounds of a basketball practice underway at St. John’s High School. SWISH! “DEFENSE!“ But to junior guard Mike McKelvey these are the sounds he’ll never know. “When I was a baby, a little boy around three, I had a fever and it caused me to lose my hearing,“ said McKelvey through an interpreter. Not lost however, was McKelvey’s drive for competition. Instead of being defeated he’s pushed himself to try new things and take on all comers. / WCBD-TV

Dallas, TX
AFTER THE BELL: DEAF ACTION CENTER
Golf is known as a "quiet" game. But for a Dallas teenager, it's silent. When Frank Alvarado isn't walking the hallways at Woodrow Wilson High School, there's a good chance he's walking the fairways. Frank is an avid golfer -- who just happens to be deaf. "I grew up watching TV and wanted to learn how to play golf from watching TV," he said. "What I would do is go outside and practice golf, and eventually I'd like to learn to be skilled at golf." / WFAA

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

Durham, NC
IRA J. HIRSH: RETIRED WU PROFESSOR, AUDIOLOGY PIONEER
Ira J. Hirsh, a retired Washington University professor who was a pioneer in the field of audiology, died Tuesday (Jan. 12, 2010) at a convalescent center in Durham, N.C. He was 87. Professor Hirsh played an integral part in the programs at both the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis and at Washington University for more than five decades, before his retirement in 1992. He was a former director of the institute and dean of the faculty of Arts and Sciences at the university. / St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Spring Beach, TX
ANIMAL LOVER STANGER OVERCAME PROFOUND OBSTACLES
Born deaf and with serious heart problems, Diana Minerva Stanger underwent open heart surgery when she was just 2. The hearing impairment and the operation that many believed would sideline her childhood didn’t get in the way of frequent camping trips and competitive dodge ball games. It was the same for Stanger as she became an adult, battling diabetes and the realization that she couldn’t have children. Instead of allowing it to break her, Stanger battled diabetes for 25 years and became a surrogate mother to a cat and dog. Stanger died at her home in Spring Branch on Saturday (1/16/10) from complications of diabetes. She was 45. / San Antonio Express-News

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
READER COMMENTS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NEW SEARCH TOOL FOR DEAF COMMUNITY
I'm a co-developer of a relatively new search tool for the deaf community. It is called 22frames.com and its goal is to index captioned/subtitled web videos from sites all over the Internet. There is a vast library of conveniently accessible content if you browse and search. You can read more here: http://www.22frames.com/aboutus.aspx . If you think that 22frames.com can be a good resource for other people you know, I hope you can help me share it. My background is in programming, and I’ve been wondering about the best ways to improve the site and reach the community more. Perhaps you might have some ideas. Thank you.
-- Oluf, 22frames.com

'UNSUBSCRIBE ME, AND HERE'S WHY!'
Because you apparently sold my email address on file to spammers (I get about six a day now to this address), I'm closing this address and am no longer interested in DeafWeekly. I'll get my deaf news (without Viagra ads) elsewhere!!!
-- M.S. Warner
Editor replies: I asked the letter writer to explain why he or she thinks Deafweekly is the cause of the spam, but I did not get a reply. I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that Deafweekly never sells or shares its mailing list, and any spam you get has nothing to do with us.

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

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

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

Deaf Services Children’s Case Manager

Community Counseling Center, a leading nonprofit provider of family services and behavioral health, is seeking a Case Manager for Deaf Services Children's Case Management.

The Case Manager will work with children, adolescents and their families in accordance with agency, community, and program needs in the Deaf Services Children's Case Management program. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring service plans that are tailored to individual client needs, as well as support increased client and family functioning, and ensure that each client receives services that are sensitive to his/her cultural needs. The successful candidate will support comprehensive and ongoing coordination of services received from various providers and ensure effective communication and appropriate service delivery. In addition, our case managers advocate for and support clients to ensure access to community services. The Case Manager will effectively utilize the Agency's electronic consumer software system.

With roots dating back to 1874, CCC is one of Maine's oldest and most comprehensive private, nonprofit family service agencies, making a difference in the lives of more than 6,000 individuals and families each year. In addition to providing high quality family, individual and group therapies to help children, adults and senior citizens from all incomes and backgrounds, CCC offers a diverse array of programs.

CCC is a member of the Alliance for Children and Families, the National Council for Community Behavioral Health, and is a United Way Partner Agency. The agency is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation.

The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a closely related field and a minimum of 1 year experience in either psychology, behavioral health, social work, special education, counseling, rehabilitation, or related field. Candidate must be fluent in American Sign Language.

Please submit letter of interest and resume to:

Kimberly Lefebvre
Employment Specialist
Maine Mental Health Partners
123 Andover Road
Westbrook, ME 04092

recruitment@memhp.org

Fax: 207-761-2388

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

JOB OPENING

OUTREACH COORDINATOR (UTAH)

Hamilton Relay, Inc. currently has a full-time position open for “Outreach Coordinator-Utah”.

Location: Salt Lake City area

Position summary: This full-time position is responsible for coordinating and implementing outreach activities designed to promote Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and Captioned Telephone Relay Service (CapTel®) for Relay Utah.

Preferred education, experience and skills:
-- Direct work experience with Telecommunication Relay Service or knowledge of Captioned Telephone Relay Services is helpful
-- Experience in public relations activities
-- Knowledge of and ability to understand various communication modes used by current and potential relay users
-- Knowledge of American Sign Language is preferred
-- Strong written, analytical and interpersonal skills
-- Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines
-- Hold a valid driver’s license
-- Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply

Interested individuals may send inquiries and/or resumes to www.hamilton.net/employment.html to the attention of Cindy Blase in the Human Resource Department by January 27, 2010.

Hamilton Relay is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Hamilton Relay, Inc. is a division of Hamilton Telecommunications based in Aurora, NE. Hamilton offers a competitive wage. Contact our HR Dept. at: 800.821.1831 or at: www.hamilton.net/employment.html.

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

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD, INC.

* Job Developer / Interpreter - Crenshaw, CA
* Job Developer / Interpreter - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
* Community Interpreter - Los Angeles, CA

To learn more about these positions, please visit our website, www.gladinc.org.

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

Jr. Video Production Specialist
Reports to: Sr. Director of Marketing Communications
Department: Marketing Communications
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Location: Rocklin, CA

About Purple Communications:
Purple Communications is one of the nation's largest providers of communication services for the deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled communities. As a leading provider of onsite interpreting services, video relay and text relay services, and video remote interpreting, the Company delivers a wide array of options designed to meet the varied communication needs of its customers.

Purple Communications’ vision is to improve the quality of life of its customers by being their premier provider of high quality, innovative communication services that break down communications barriers.

Brief summary of duties:
· Work with Producer in Arranging for, Producing, and Completing All Video Production Projects
· Responsible For Completing Video Productions According to Requirements
· Serve As An Influential Member of the Production Team
· Excellent Opportunity for Entry Level Experience and Innovation Leading to Significant Corporate and Community Recognition

Areas of Responsibility:
· Work with a team of video editing and technical professionals
· Write or organize scripts in accordance with specifications
· Work on motion picture and video production
· Work with digital photography and stills
· Perform research as required
· Arrange for talents for video production
· Operate digital video equipment in studios and remote locations
· Collect and edit large amounts of media files and data
· Work on post-production projects with producers
· Assist with web development efforts
· Produce videos for deaf/hard of hearing audiences; assimilate effective communication modes
· Provide top-notch customer service to both external and internal customers
· Work closely with producer/staff in maintaining expectations and results

Minimum Qualification Requirements:
· Associates degree in Arts & Imaging Science or equivalent, with focus on film and animation.
· American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency and knowledge of the deaf culture required
· Strong desire to try new things, open to input and feedback, and dedication to aspire to be the best
· Effective working relationship with video producers, and has personality to work effectively in a supporting role
· Strong research skills
· Experience with using specialized equipment related to video production, and software used for web, video editing, and animation development
· Time management skills to handle multiple, competing demands and priorities, and work effectively under pressure.
· Ability to communicate effectively; and present information and respond to questions from groups of clients, customers, managers, and the public.
· Human relations skills to build effective working relationships with staff, customers, and community groups and individuals.

Physical Requirements:
Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:
· Sitting, standing and walking (95-100%)
· Keyboarding (40-60%)
· Viewing computer monitor, videophone, and pager requiring close vision (40-60%)

Work Environment:
Work is performed in a business office environment. Some travel to company, customer and vendor sites, including some that are out of state may be required.

Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job. Employees are expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume to: www.purple.us
Purple Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Principals only please.

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

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.