deafweekly

 

January 26, 2011
Vol. 7, No. 14

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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NATIONAL
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St. Paul, MN
DEAF MAN CHARGED WITH KILLING PROSTITUTE WITH BASEBALL BAT
A deaf man was charged Monday with second-degree murder for beating a prostitute to death with a baseball bat inside his Dale Street apartment in St. Paul early Friday morning. Michael Sherman, 53, used sign language to tell police, “It was me” who killed 44-year-old Leila Kim Scott. St. Paul police were called to the apartment building at 313 N. Dale Street around 6:39 a.m. Friday after a neighbor found Scott’s body and a bloody baseball bat inside Sherman’s apartment. / FOX 9 News

Louisville, KY
DEAF MAN GIVEN LIFE TERM FOR TWO SLAYINGS
A Jefferson Circuit Court judge on Wednesday sentenced a deaf man to life in prison after he was convicted last month in two 2008 murders. Judge Susan Schultz Gibson denied Jeston Murray’s motion for a mistrial and followed the jury’s recommendation that Murray serve a life sentence without parole for 25 years for the murder of Darrell Spencer during a robbery at a military surplus store in December 2008, and for the fatal stabbing of Marcus Penny about a week later at Penny’s apartment. / Courier-Journal

Fremont, CA
FREMONT SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF EVACUATED AFTER REPORT OF SHOOTER
The California School for the Deaf in Fremont was evacuated late Thursday morning after a caller reported a shooter on campus, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said. “I’m glad to report that the call was a hoax,” CHP Officer S. Harrington said Thursday afternoon. Someone called police around 11:30 a.m. saying that 40 people had been shot at the school, located at 39350 Gallaudet Drive, CHP Officer S. Harrington said. / CBS

Washington, DC
TWO INDIVIDUALS PLEAD GUILTY TO D
EFRAUDING FCC VRS PROGRAM
Two individuals
pleaded guilty Monday for their participation in a conspiracy to defraud the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Video Relay Service (VRS) program. Ellen Thompson, 44, and Wanda Hutchinson, 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Joel A. Pisano in Trenton, N.J., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. / U.S. Dept. of Justice

Providence, RI
R.I. SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF DIRECTOR TO STEP DOWN IN JUNE
The director of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, who took a three-month leave of absence last fall, will step down June 30. Director Lori Dunsmore returned to the state-operated school on Jan. 6 and resumed her duties. However, she informed state education officials and the school's board of trustees shortly thereafter that she would leave at the end of the school year. Dunsmore's tenure has been marked by strained relations with some faculty. / The Providence Journal

Raleigh, NC
STATE SAYS DISKS CONTAINING PERSONAL INFORMATION ARE MISSING
Computer disks belonging to the state Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing may have been accidentally discarded, and state officials are warning clients that the missing disks may include some of their personal information. The state is sending letters to people who applied for services from the Equipment Distribution Service from January 2005 through December 2008. The disks were likely taken to a landfill during a recent office renovation, state officials say. / News Observer

Rochester, NY
RIT STUDENT CENTER IS DESIGNED TO CONNECT DEAF, HEARING WORLDS
A new Rochester Institute of Technology student center is designed to bring students who are deaf or hard of hearing together with their hearing classmates in an exchange of cultures and ideas. The ribbon was cut last Wednesday on the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Community Center located inside the Student Alumni Union at RIT. The space will be used as a resource center and a meeting place primarily for students at the university's National Technical Institute for the Deaf and American Sign Language program. / Democrat and Chronicle

Sioux Falls, SD
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF WON'T BE SOLD THIS YEAR
The campus of the South Dakota School for the Deaf will not be sold anytime soon. The 14-acre Sioux Falls site no longer holds classes now that the Board of Regents is outsourcing its programs to the Brandon Valley and Harrisburg school districts. But the campus still houses an auditory testing lab and administrative offices. / The Argus Leader

Internet
HOW A RECENT ADA CASE AFFECTS ALL HOTELS
A recent class action filed against Cinemark USA Inc. for discrimination against hearing impaired individuals due to lack of closed-captioning in theaters could have broad implications for hotels and conference centers. I was talking about this case with my partner, ADA defense lawyer Marty Orlick. Marty is an expert in ADA defense and counseling, having defended owners and operators of properties in more than 400 cases. Marty put together a summary of the Cinemark case and its implications for the hotel industry. / 4Hoteliers

Council Bluffs, IA
DEAF
FLASH MOB BRINGS DRAMA TO LOCAL SUPERMARKET
Johanna Scherling and John Isaacson were hugging in aisle three at the Hy-Vee. And hugging. And hugging. And hugging. In the produce aisle, Auna Ferguson was looking at apples. And looking. And looking. And looking. Shoppers stopped and stared, and mostly decided to keep moving as the three-dozen students stood mannequin-like, looking at tangerines, holding Cheerios boxes, comparing apples or peanut butter jars. Some shoppers were puzzled. Some laughed. “This is so cute,” a passing shopper said. / Daily Nonpareil


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Did you know that Sprint Federal Relay Service offers Video Relay Service, IP Relay, Relay Conference Captioning and other services for government employees and public citizens? Go to www.federalrelay.us for more information on these great services and sign up to receive updates!

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Health Bridges

A new website called Health Bridges www.healthbridges.info was created by people with hearing loss for people with hearing loss. The creators of the website seek to provide reliable health care information to people in a format that is accessible to all. Website visitors will learn more about their own health and ways to access physical and behavioral healthcare in their community. The site aims to encourage effective communication between healthcare providers and patients by educating both about individual perspectives, rights, and obligations in the healthcare setting.

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INTERNATIONAL
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London, England
OLYMPICS CELEBRATE DISABLED ART
Bipolar Disorder isn't a conventional subject for artwork but there is nothing conventional about the latest commission for the Cultural Olympiad. Dance, circus, theatre and the visual arts are all platforms being promoted to celebrate the work and life of disabled and deaf artists in the build up to the London Olympics. With over £820,000 ($1.3 million US) being awarded, the funding and scale of the project is unprecedented. / BBC

London, England
REAL RADIO'S BOSSMAN JAY ON BEING STRUCK DEAF AFTER BLOOD CLOT AIR HORROR
Radio boss Jay Crawford has revealed how a terrifying collapse on holiday has left him battling deafness. Affectionately known to Real Radio listeners as Bossman Jay, he lost his hearing overnight in Mauritius when his right ear closed up with massive complications. Now back home, the 56-year-old has been told by doctors that the damage is permanent and may have been caused by deep vein thrombosis after the long-haul flight. / The Daily Record

London, England
TV SLOT FOR GOLDIE'S UNLIKELY BAND
A guitarist who learned to play in prison and a deaf trumpet player will appear in a television series about drum 'n' bass star Goldie's attempts to form a band to play at Buckingham Palace. The musician travelled the country to find 12 young people to play in the concert and introduced them to mentors including Ms Dynamite and songwriter Guy Chambers. Sean Chandler, 22, from Liverpool, went deaf after contracting meningitis at three months old but now plays the trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn. / UKPA

Nottingham, England
DEAF COMIC JOHN SMITH APPEALS TO TOP COMEDIANS
The country's only deaf comic using British Sign Language in his act has appealed for help from top comedians. John Smith first took to the stage in 2005 and since then has been performing to audiences across the UK and Europe, but dreams of taking his act further. He said: "I think it's possible, maybe in my dream world. I really want a professional to watch me. I've learnt an awful lot the past few years." / BBC

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
PIANIST OVERCOMES ODDS TO WIN TALENT CONTEST
Winning a talent contest doesn't seem like much compared with the other challenges Sky Mundell faces. On Sunday, the 19-year-old pianist beat 84 other Vancouver Island contestants in a charity talent contest. His win is all the more remarkable for the fact that he has cerebral palsy, and is blind and mostly deaf. But while some may view his condition as a hindrance, it may have given Mundell an edge on the competition. / Times Colonist

Sydney, Australia
HELP FOR DEAF LGBT
After a break in service due to committee issues, the Deaf Gay and Lesbian Association (DGLA) of NSW is back in operation with a renewed focus for 2011. The Association has plans for a unique entry into the Mardi Gras Parade, and will hold workshops during the year for deaf people looking to utilise the communicative aspects of newer technology. / Sydney Star Observer

Johannesburg, South Africa
OLYMPIC SWIMMER SAVES BOY FROM DROWNING
Deaf Olympic swimmer Terence Parkin saved a seven-year-old from drowning after he reportedly got sucked in by a swimming pool vent at a Johannesburg gym. The boy's arm got stuck in the vent around 4 pm last Thursday, The Star newspaper reported on Friday. / The Times

Istanbul, Turkey
TURKISH STATE
DOESN'T HEAR US, DEAF PEOPLE COMPLAIN
Turkey’s 2-3 million people with hearing disabilities, who have difficulties in expressing themselves in public, have requested translators to bring an end to their communication problems. “I am just a person with a hearing disability, not a person with obstacles in life. [However,] having a hearing disability means being oppressed. Since doctors and nurses do not understand me, they give me a prescription without understanding what my problem is,” said Serkan Köseoglu, 25. / Hurriyet Daily News

Mumbai, India
COURIER COMPANY SHOWS THE WAY IN PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED
In the milling crowds of Mumbai, they stand apart with their orange T-shirts printed with the name Mirakle Couriers. Every day, during the busy hours of the working week, one sees them on the sidewalks, in public transport and elsewhere with large black bags slung on their shoulders. It would not be enough to say these courier delivery boys are different - they are differently abled. Mirakle Couriers is the only privately run, for-profit organisation in India that employs only hearing-impaired people. / Frontline

Bangalore, India
WEB INTERPRETER TO
HELP DEAF TO COMMUNICATE
A web portal has been developed to enable the deaf to communicate online through an interpreter application which converts sign language into speech and vice versa. The number of the deaf has been put at between 10 and 15 million. All that a deaf user needs to possess is a computer with Internet connectivity to log on to Signntalk website (signntalk.org) and a decent Web-enabled camera to show the user’s signs. / Deccan Herald

Peshawar, Pakistan
SITARA AYAZ DIRECTS TO UPGRADE GOVT. GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR DEAF
Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Development Sitara Ayaz has directed the authorities concerned of her department to immediately initiate practical steps for reconstruction and upgradation of the Govt Girls Middle School for Deaf, Yakatoot. According to handout issued here on Monday, the Provincial Minsiter issued these orders during her visit to the above school and School for the Blinds at GT Road, Peshawar. / Online - International News Network


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The Z™ offers the best in videophone technology, providing equipment options to meet customers' individual needs and offering features not available through other VRS providers. Professional, nationally certified interpreters follow standards of service excellence above and beyond FCC requirements. Dedicated to a spirit of innovation and commitment to excellence, The Z™ continues to set the industry standard as the nation's premier VRS provider. Go to www.zvrs.com for more information on all of our products, services and features. Don't have a Z phone? You can still join The Z™ Life by calling 888.888.1116 to connect to ZVRS from any videophone!

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Do you know a good therapist who works with people with hearing loss?

A national study is being undertaken to try to get a picture of the agencies that serve people who are hard of hearing, Deaf or Deafbind. As you know, counseling services for persons with hearing loss are scarce. We aim to learn more from providers who serve this population such as what type of people seek care, how outreach about mental health occurs and a variety of other issues. The questionnaire should take about 30 minutes to complete. The survey is online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5DYG2XF or is available in paper format as well. The study is being conducted Drs. Kim Mathos at kkmathos@gmail.com and Beth Nolan nolanbeth@gmail.com.

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LIFE & LEISURE
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Internet
DEAF PERSON WAITING
I’ve always had a problem with waiting rooms. I can’t hear the receptionist’s questions or my name being called… I don’t even like the fact that the receptionist is in or so near to the waiting room, so that everybody else hears our loud conversation better than I do… and if I have to wait a long time, I worry that my name has already been called and I missed it. Just the sort of thing that sends my agoraphobia into overdrive… / Aw Diddums

Palm Springs, CA
DEAF SENIOR FOUNDATION TO HOLD BIG FUNDRAISING WEEKEND
The Old Creek House will hold a breakfast for the Deaf Senior Foundation of Palm Springs this Sunday. Academy-Award winner Marlee Matlin will attend. The restaurant will be decorated with a "Hollywood Theme" for the event from 9:00 a.m. until noon Jan. 30. So far 90 deaf seniors are signed up to attend the meal. The breakfast will signal an end to a huge weekend of fundraising for the Deaf Seniors of Palm Springs. / KPSP

Stanford, CA
COCHLEAR IMPLANTS HELP DEAF TODDLERS HEAR AND SPEAK, BUT THEY COME WITH CONTROVERSY
All the evidence suggests that Averi Halbert is a typical terrible 2-year-old. She adores baby dolls, stuffed animals and things that light up. If matters were left to her, vegetables would be outlawed, as would being told no and going to bed. But closer scrutiny reveals another truth. Behind her ears are camouflaged transmitters connected to two circular microphones attached to the back of her head by magnets. / Peninsula Press

New York, NY
LETTERS: 'TERMINOLOGICALLY INACCURATE'
While I appreciate any article that seeks to educate the public about hearing loss and its possible causes, I was dismayed to see the word “deaf” used to describe the “slight to severe” hearing loss that headphones can cause in Virginia Heffernan’s column “Against Headphones.” While attention-grabbing, the subheadline that headphones may be “making you deaf” is not only unnecessarily alarmist, it is terminologically inaccurate as well. / The New York Times


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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.

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Do you wear an Advanced Bionics HiRes90k or Clarion II Cochlear Implant?

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C., a leading plaintiffs’ litigation law firm, is expanding litigation against Advanced Bionics related to defective cochlear implants. If you believe that you may have received an “Important Notification” letter from Advanced Bionics about your HiRes90k or Clarion II cochlear implant in either 2004 or 2006, we urge you to contact us to receive important legal information -- even if you CI is working. Many of our clients’ cochlear implants stopped working prematurely as described in the letter. We have a Deaf attorney and VP available. To find out more, please click here and follow instructions on the screen or go to www.weitzlux.com/failed-cochlear-implants_1937570.html.

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WORKING WORLD
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Washington, DC
DEAF ATTORNEY TAKES ON KEY FCC LEGAL POST
When Gregory Hlibok was 9 years old, he wanted to be a lawyer -- until adults told him to consider another field, since it was "not possible" for him to litigate in a courtroom as a deaf person. Profoundly deaf since birth, Hlibok at first dutifully studied engineering, but never gave up on his dream. Now one of an estimated 170 deaf lawyers in the United States (out of a population of 36 million people with impaired hearing), Hlibok, 43, is the new head of the Federal Communications Commission's Disability Rights Office. / Law.com

Minneapolis, MN
COMMUNITY PROGRAM CONFRONTS CHALLENGES OF CARING FOR IMMIGRANTS WITH HEARING LOSS
Say a hospital patient needs an x-ray, typically a procedure that is widely understood in American culture. No problem. But what if that patient is Russian, once lived near Chernobyl in the Ukraine, site of a terrible nuclear accident in the 1980s, and is terrified at the thought of radiation, plus that person not only does not speak English, but does not speak because he is deaf? Explaining becomes a major task. / Twin Cities Planet

Hutchinson, KS
CROSSING MORE THAN LANGUAGE BARRIERS
Brent Stutzman finds it easier to communicate in Jordanian sign language than speak in Arabic. That's because the 24-year-old Hutchinson native spends his day signing with students who are both deaf and blind at Jordan's Holy Land Institute for the Deaf outside of Amman, Jordan. While he can speak Arabic, Jordan's official tongue, it's Jordanian sign language that is used to communicate to the deaf in this Middle Eastern country. / The Hutchinson News

Phoenix, AZ
THE TRUTH ON INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF AT WORDCAMP PHOENIX 2011
I was “the interpreter” who offered to coordinate interpreters for WordCamp Phoenix 2011 [a five-day festival celebrating all things Wordpress in Greater Phoenix]. I wish I could remain silent, but the blog post I’m responding to has been viewed almost 900 times already and has already been sanctioned by a famous deaf blogger who I believe would think otherwise if he read my side of the story. So, before anyone else is misled, allow me to set the record straight. / Daniel Greene's Blog-o-rama


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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.

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Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com/specials.html?utm_source=dw for more details. For a copy of our catalog, email your request to: sales@weitbrecht.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Los Angeles, CA
CSI 'THE TWO MRS. GRISSOMS' WITH MARLEE MATLIN AND PHYLLIS FRELICH
CSI Season 11 Episode 13 titled “The Two Mrs. Grissoms” - A night full of celebration ends with a bang when the director of a scholarship foundation for the deaf is killed by a deadly car bomb, prompting Sara to interrogate the students and faculty of the college where her mother-in-law works, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Thursday, Feb. 3 (9 PM, ET/PT) on CBS. Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin guest stars as a deaf professor and Grissom’s ex-girlfriend, Julia Holden. Phyllis Frelich guest stars as Grissom’s deaf mother/Sara’s mother-in-law. / Daemon's TV

Millstone Twp., NJ
N.J. WOMAN BEATS HEARING IMPAIRMENT TO VIE ON 'LIVE TO DANCE'
Christina Sarni's hip-hop dancing across a North Jersey stage drew pause from one of America's most famous pop entertainment critics, Paula Abdul. "I saw passion up there," Abdul said. "You are a total brilliant example that nothing should ever hold you back. You're teaching everybody else to be bold and daring. For that, bravo to you." Township resident Sarni's tryout to move forward as America's best dancer, via Abdul's television show, "Live to Dance," ended on that Liberty State Park stage in October. / Asbury Park Press

Rochester, NY
LUKE AND MARGIE RACE AGAIN
RIT/NTID alumnus Luke Adams and his mother, Margie, will be featured a second time on the popular CBS reality show “The Amazing Race” when the 18th season kicks off on Feb. 20, the network confirmed today. Luke, who received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2008, became the first deaf contestant on the show when he and his mother raced around the world in season 14, which aired in 2009. / NTID News

New York, NY
PERSON OF THE WEEK: ALLY ASL BRINGS MUSIC TO DEAF FOLLOWERS
Allyson Townsend isn't deaf, and she doesn't have any family members that are hearing impaired. Yet she meticulously dedicates her time to signing out popular hits like Taylor Swift's "Back to December" in American Sign Language for her 15,350 viewers to enjoy on her YouTube channel, Ally ASL. The 22-year-old graduated from Baylor University in 2010 after majoring in deaf education, but she first gained an interest in ASL as a child when her deaf friend wasn't able to understand her love of music. / ABC News


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Save on Classic Alertmaster System

For those who prefer the classic Alertmaster System we have a special offer just for you! Harris Communications has made a one-time purchase of the discontinued Alertmaster AM100 Notification System with Remote Receiver (AMER-AM100COMBO). This combo package is on sale for $109.90---save $30 off of regular retail pricing!

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Special pricing available while supplies last.

For more information on this offer, go to http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_DW012311 or email us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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SPORTS
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St. Augustine, FL
ST. JOE GIRLS DEAL FSDB FIRST HOOPS LOSS
St. Joseph handed the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind its first loss of the season, running away to a 70-35 victory in girls basketball on Wednesday. The Dragons' run ended at 15-1, its best start in school history. / St. Augustine Record

Morganton, NC
HORD, CROWE TO BE INDUCTED INTO BURKE COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
W.A. “Dub” Hord, Jr. and Charles Crowe have been selected as 2011 inductees into the Burke County Sports Hall of Fame. The selection of the newest members of the Hall of Fame was announced last Friday. As head coach of the North Carolina School for the Deaf Bears football team for eight years, Hord’s teams won three national Deaf Championships. Crowe was a celebrated NCSD football star who was nationally recognized as one of the best deaf football players in the country from 1959-1962. / The News Herald

Cave Spring, GA
GIRLS MASON DIXON WEBSITE LAUNCHED
Please post it on your news to let your viewers know they can check the Girls Mason Dixon website which it is already launched -- http://www.masondixon.org/gbb. Also there is mobile site available, they can visit the mobile site from their mobile device at http://m.masondixon.org/gbb. 34th Annual Girls Mason Dixon Basketball Tournament in Cave Spring, GA -- Hosted by Georgia School for the Deaf on January 27-29, 2011.


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Call CSD’s Project Endeavor Contact Center Today!

For only $230, qualified deaf/hard of hearing consumers can purchase a Dell 11z notebook computer bundled with one year FREE 3G/4G wireless Internet access!

Contact Project Endeavor today so you can watch videos on YouTube, connect with friends/family via MySpace/Twitter/FaceBook, look for employment, shop online, use VRS or call your friends, and more! Don’t wait, because there’s a limited number of packages available in each state.

To qualify for Project Endeavor, call VOICE: 877-NET-ME77, e-mail info@projectendeavor.com, VP (605) 550-4056/(605) 644-7399, or go to http://www.projectendeavor.com

(Made possible by the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.)

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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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ACADEMIC/CAREER ADVISOR (Job #10034)

Gallaudet University, the only university in the world designed exclusively for deaf and hard of hearing persons, has a position available for Academic/Career Advisor. Incumbent will provide academic and career advising to students, provide information on curriculum, academic policies and campus services, track students’ academic progress, offer career testing and interpretation, and provide training to others. Requires fluency in American Sign Language at time of applying. For more information, visit our website at www.gallaudet.edu. Send cover letter, resume, and Gallaudet application to: Gallaudet University, Human Resources, 800 Florida Avenue, N.E., College Hall, # 106, Washington, DC 20002. EOE

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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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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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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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