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NATIONAL
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Clearwater, FL
ZVRS ACQUIRES PURPLE COMMUNICATIONS
ZVRS, Inc., one of the nation’s leading providers of video relay services to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, announced Feb. 15 its plans to acquire Purple Communications, Inc. Combining two VRS providers will bring needed innovation and competition to the VRS market. ZVRS is dedicated to delivering the best experience for customers as promised to them by the Americans with Disabilities Act -- a commitment that will be bolstered by the acquisition of Purple Communications. / ZVRS
Washington, DC
JAPANESE PM'S WIFE VISITS GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY
On Friday, as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the U.S., his wife Akie visited Gallaudet University accompanied by D.C. Police’s deaf liaison unit. Before heading to Mar-a-Lago in Florida to meet with her husband, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a Saturday dinner in honor of the Japanese delegation, Akie toured the school. / DCW50
Baton Rouge, LA
DEAF MAN FILES SUIT AGAINST SHERIFFS OVER DISCRIMINATION ALLEGATIONS
A deaf individual alleges his disability was not accommodated at Livingston Parish Prison. Edison Jhon Alba-Cruz filed a complaint on Feb. 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that due to defendants' discrimination he was unable to meaningfully engage in the prison services at Livingston Parish Prison and has suffered a loss of freedom of movement, invasion of his civil rights and emotional distress. / Louisiana Record
Detroit, MI
WOMAN LURES DEAF MAN TO DETROIT HOME TO VIDEOTAPE ANOTHER MAN BEATING HIM, POLICE SAY
A disturbing video has been released that shows a hearing-impaired man being beaten by another man, and police said the woman holding the camera in the video set it all up. Local 4's Jason Colthorp has learned the three people went to school together, and all three are deaf. The video begins with taunting, and then a sucker punch, but it gets much worse. "I've seen the video," a family member of the victim said. "I was devastated." / WDIV Detroit
Newton, KS
DEAF MUTE ARRESTED FOR FALSE MURDER REPORT
There was no murder, nor trace of one, but a short homicide investigation led to the arrest of a deaf and mute woman in Newton. Christy L. Yates of Newton was visiting a friend's home Feb 10 when she started communicating that there had been a murder in her home. According to the Newton Police Department, through an interpreter, she was able to get an audience with a police officer. Through that interpreter and the use of the written word, she reported that a 14-year-old was dead in her home. / The Kansas
Phoenix, AZ
TEXT-TO-911 LAWSUIT ADVANCES
In a critical landmark civil rights case, a federal court in Arizona ruled that the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and three individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing may proceed in their lawsuit seeking to have the State and numerous local governments implement text to 911 capabilities. On February 11, 2016, the NAD and Maricopa County residents Terri Guy, Norbert Enos, and Julian Singleton filed a lawsuit alleging that the State and local government’s failure to provide text to 911 services was discriminatory. / NAD
Riverside, CA
WHY RIVERSIDE WAS TARGETED FOR NEW HOME FOR THE DEAF
Sam Peeples smiled as he communicated with Diane Cook using a video phone and sign language. Cook, a 59-year-old Desert Hot Springs resident who has cerebral palsy, is looking forward to moving into her new home for deaf people with disabilities in the next few weeks. “I need to get out of here,” she told Peeples, the administrator of California Home for the Adult Deaf. “Where I’m at right now isn’t deaf-friendly.” / Riverside Press-Enterprise
Aiken, SC
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS ARE TRAINED TO BETTER HELP THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
This cell phone video shows a portion of the pursuit that ended with a North Carolina state trooper shooting and killing an unarmed deaf driver, 29 year-old Daniel Harris last August. Police said they were trying to pull Harris over for speeding, and he didn’t stop until he got to his home and got out of his car, starting the confrontation. This incident has many wondering: Are police properly trained to deal with the deaf and hard of hearing? / WJBF-TV
West Hartford, CT
AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IS CELEBRATING 200TH ANNIVERSARY
In celebration of its 200th consecutive year providing comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, The American School for the Deaf will host a bicentennial gala at the Connecticut Convention Center on Friday, April 21, as part of a 16-month series of events honoring the school, its legacy and its national success. Among notable attendees will be Marlee Matlin who is scheduled to address guests the night of the gala. / West Hartford News
Morganton, NC
MULTIPLE DEAF SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN ACADEMIC BOWL
More than 20 teams from deaf schools across the south met at the North Carolina School for the Deaf on Friday for the Southern Regional Academic Bowl. Across the nation, approximately 80 deaf schools are competing in four different regional academic bowls that will lead the top four teams from each region to the national competition at Gallaudet University, a federally chartered private university for the education of the Deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. / Morganton News-Herald
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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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INTERNATIONAL
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Cork, Ireland
COMEDIAN'S PRANK SIGN LANGUAGE UPSETS DEAF COMMUNITY
A prank sign language "interpretation" of an Enda Kenny speech in Cork by comedian Ross Browne has upset members of the deaf community. The deaf community has failed to see the humor in Browne’s attempt to act as a sign language interpreter during a speech by Enda Kenny. Mr Kenny was in Cork speaking at a forum on Brexit when comedian Ross Browne stood up and acted out his own version of what he was saying. / Irish Times
Dagenham, England
DEAF MAN CELEBRATES JOB ANNIVERSARY
Ridwan Ojetola, who has lived in the borough since 2001, is deaf, and feared his disability would harm his chances of finding a job. Despite winning Student of the Year accolades at both Doncaster Communication Specialist College and Barking and Dagenham College, he struggled to find work after he left education. “I found just staying at home difficult,” the 26-year-old said. “I needed to find a job to feel like I had achieved something.” / Barking and Dagenham Post
Belleville, ON, Canada
WORKERS LOCKED OUT AT ONTARIO GOVERNMENT SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN
Security guards at an Ontario government school for deaf children have been locked out of their jobs, becoming the latest group of vulnerable workers victimized by the proliferation of low-wage, precarious contract jobs across the province. Security guards at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf – owned and operated by the Ontario government – were locked out Wednesday after resisting employer demands to accept poor wages, benefits and working conditions, including a demand to work up to 60 hours a week without overtime pay. / USW Canada
Regina, SK, Canada
DEAF-ACCESSIBLE VISUAL DISPLAYS COMING TO REGINA BUSES IN 2017
Visual displays will be installed in Regina's conventional transit fleet this year, says Brad Bells, director of Regina Transit. The displays will come in the form of monitors, which will be installed in buses near the driver for people to reference. It will display information such as the next stop. It is the next step in making transit more accessible for people. "It's not a need, but again we're trying to provide accessible transit for all folks and all of our customers," Bells said. / CBC News
St. Johns, NL, Canada
NO LANDLINE, NO TEXT 911 SERVICE LEFT DEAF MAN WITHOUT HELP FOR 24 HOURS, SAYS SISTER
A Sunnyside woman says her brother, who is deaf, was stranded in his basement apartment in St. John's after he slipped and fell, and was unable to call 911 because he didn't have a landline phone. Susan Khaladkar's brother Bob, who is 75, has been deaf since he was three. In December, he got rid of his landline in favor of a cellphone. But Khaladkar said because Newfoundland and Labrador still does not have a text 911 service for cellphone users, her brother couldn't call for help after he slipped on ice and hit his head. / CBC News
Hong Kong
DEAF MAN MISTAKENLY SENT TO MENTAL HOSPITAL
A 32-year-old deaf man was mistakenly sent to a mental hospital in Hong Kong and was stuck for six days after police and hospital staff failed to provide him any sign language service. Last November, a 61-year-old woman reported to the police that her son surnamed Liu was attempting to attack her after they had a quarrel, Apple Daily reported on Friday. She told the police officers that her son was mentally disabled and has violent behavior. / MENAFN
New Delhi, India
STUDENTS' APP HELPS DEAF PEOPLE ENJOY HERITAGE TOURS
A group of Delhi University (DU) students have created a mobile app to help hearing-impaired people enjoy personalized tours of historical monuments and heritage sites in the city. The app comes with its own sign interpreter, providing all the information required. "The app is user-friendly and gives all the basic information to people who cannot hear a tour guide and have difficulty reading text," says Manish Narayan, who with three friends designed the app, "Sign My Tour." / DNA
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LIFE & LEISURE
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Hartford, CT
RADIO FOR THE DEAF, FINDING A NEW WAVELENGTH
Last March, I found myself interviewing, live on the radio, a deaf person. His name is Jeff Bravin, and he's the executive director of the American School for the Deaf. The conversation flowed through an American Sign Language or ASL interpreter, Janice Knauth, who goes by JK. As I spoke to Jeff, JK interpreted my words. He answered in ASL with JK simultaneously speaking his words. By the end of the show, I was on the brink of tears. Something profound had happened. / Hartford Courant
Golden, CO
DOG RETURNED TO SHELTER BECAUSE SHE IS DEAF RECEIVES SIGN LANGUAGE TRAINING
A deaf two-year-old Australian cattle dog mix named Red will soon be learning sign language after an adventure on the street, in a home, and in a shelter. You see, nobody realized Red was deaf when she was rescued off the streets and delivered to the Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden, Colorado. She was quickly adopted – but her triumph was short-lived when her adopted family found out about her hearing problem. Well, things are again looking up for Red. / 103.5 KTU
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WORKING WORLD
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Dallas, TX
DALLAS ISD GIVES HEARING-IMPAIRED STUDENTS MORE OPTIONS WITH DEAF ED INCLUSION PROGRAM
The Dallas Independent School District is making sure it has options for families of students who are hearing impaired. Oral Education classes are available at Sudie Williams Elementary School. It is a change from traditional sign language-focused programs. Staff at Sudie Williams says the program is working. They call it the ‘Little School with Big Heart.’ At Sudie Willaims Elementary School, assisting children with hearing challenges is what is making the campus body whole. / WFAA
Scottsdale, AZ
REICHMAN APPOINTED TO ARIZONA DEAF, HARD OF HEARING COMMISSION
Scottsdale resident Annette Reichman has recently been appointed to the board of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, by Governor Doug Ducey. Representing the Arizona State School for the Deaf and the Blind, Ms. Reichman will provide her expertise ensuring the interests of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Arizona are met. / Scottsdale Independent
Rochester, NY
NTID, URMC PARTNERSHIP AIMS TO REMOVE BARRIERS FOR DEAF SCIENTISTS
A growing number of students at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf are entering careers in science and medicine. But the deaf and hard of hearing population remains one of the most underrepresented groups in the biomedical fields. NTID is teaming up with the University of Rochester to create a "diversity hub of innovation" that would provide training and other resources for deaf scientists. / Innovation Trail
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Los Angeles, CA
THE WALLIS AND DEAF WEST THEATRE JOIN FORCES ONCE AGAIN
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and Deaf West Theatre, the performing arts organizations behind the award-winning revival of Spring Awakening, reunite to bring multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo to life in an innovative and new production. The play begins previews on March 7 and will open in the Lovelace Studio Theater at The Wallis on Friday, March 10. It will run through March 26. / Broadway World
Beverly Hills, CA
'SWITCHED AT BIRTH' FALLS ON DEAF EARS
When you’re deaf, people seem to push anything “deaf” on you. For years I have been nagged to watch “Switched at Birth,” mostly by my friends who were either on the show or supporting it. I thought more than twice about approaching this topic since I didn’t want to be a naysayer to a breakthrough show that employs many people that I know personally and love. So let me start off by saying this show is such a GREAT innovation. The idea of “Switched at Birth” is genius and has so much potential. However, I’m not yet a fan. / San Francisco News
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SPORTS
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Indio, CA
DEAF SISTERS SUCCEED ON BASKETBALL COURT
Sisters Valerie and Mireya Phlaum were both born deaf and are both reserves for the Shadow Hills girls’ basketball team. Mireya, a senior backup point guard, and Valerie, a sophomore reserve forward, count as two of the 14 deaf student at their school, seven of whom, including the Phlaums and sophomore junior varsity forward Melanie Rodriguez, are involved in Knights’ sports. / USA Today
Dallas, TX
DEAF STUDENT EXCELS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD
Darrion Green is proof that with constant work and dedication, anything is possible. Darrion is a senior at Woodrow Wilson and a member of the school’s track and football teams. He excels out on the field, but it’s what he overcomes that makes his play so spectacular. Darrion is deaf, and that means a whole brand of challenges most players will never face. So instead of hearing a snap count, he just keeps his eyes on the ball. “I watch the ball move when it snaps, and they call the plays with sign language,” Darrion explained. / CW33 NewsFix
New Oxford, PA
DEAF TEEN CHASES BASKETBALL DREAM
In the last week of practice for the New Oxford boys basketball team, the usual drills can be heard from outside the gym. Inside, the JV team prepares for its final game of the season. Sophomore Auden Ledden, like the rest of his teammates, hopes to make varsity next year. His road there is slightly different. Auden is one of the school district’s 18 deaf students. In a sport where fast play calling and communication is key: Auden works off what he sees and feels. / ABC27
Duluth, MN
DEAF UFC FIGHTER VISITS CSS
It was 'Hammer Time' at St. Scholastica as mixed martial artist Matt 'The Hammer' Hamill was in town to speak to students about his life and journey through athletics. Hamill is deaf. The Ohio native won three NCAA Division III National Wrestling Titles while attending the Rochester Institute of Technology, before competing as a mixed martial artist. / WDIO
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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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Superintendent Search
New York School for the Deaf
White Plains, NY
Position Description:
New York School for the Deaf (NYSD) in White Plains is seeking a Superintendent to begin on or about June 15, 2017. Operations at the School are under the direction of the Superintendent, who is ultimately responsible to NYSD’s Board of Trustees.
The School is seeking candidates with the following qualifications and experience:
• Demonstrated broad intellectual capacity and a record of professional achievement
• Demonstrated ability to provide academic leadership and to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, parents, community leaders, and trustees of the School
• Ability to manage the School’s budget
• Commitment and ability to unify campus groups around the School’s strategic priorities, as well as to make resource and management decisions supporting these priorities
• Knowledge and capacity to engage in outreach and fundraising
• Readiness to learn the intricacies of New York State Education Department regulations for the operation of State supported schools
• Clear commitment to standards of integrity, excellence and diversity
REQUIREMENTS:
• Master’s degree (doctorate preferred) in education of the deaf, or a field related to educating deaf children including, but not limited to: language and cognitive development, education policy, and curriculum and instruction
• At least 5 years of educational leadership experience in an upper management position (experience as a school or program director, principal, or superintendent preferred)
• Experience and/or training in fundraising from public and private sources
• State certification or evidence of readiness for State certification
• Evidence of fluency in sign language (ASL preferred)
Application Procedure:
Please submit a résumé and letter of interest to:
Alexis Kashar
President, Board of Trustees
New York School for the Deaf
nysdapplication@gmail.com
If interested in applying visit www.nysd.net for more details.
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Advocates in Framingham, MA is Hiring!
Advocates is seeking talented professionals to join our team, providing health services within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
Clinical Program Manager: Perform functions of Direct Care Counselor, program supervision/direction.
• Qualifications: MA; or BA/BS and 3 years’ experience.
Community Crisis Stabilization BA Level Clinician: Provide mental health and substance abuse services.
• Qualifications: MA and 2 years’ experience OR BA/BS and 5 years’ experience.
Direct Care Counselor: Supervise daily activities, provide support/guidance/role modeling. All shifts available!
• Qualifications: BA/BS; or HS diploma/GED and 1 year experience.
Outpatient Clinician: Provide comprehensive outpatient counseling/therapy to children, adults and families in need of services.
• Qualifications: MSW or MA in related field and 1 year experience in outpatient setting.
Senior Direct Care Counselor: Supervise daily activities, provide support/guidance/role modeling. Coordinate/monitor administrative/clinical functions.
• Qualifications: BA/BS and 2 years’ experience; or HS Diploma/GED and 3 years’ experience.
Visit www.Advocates.org/Careers to apply today!
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Come Work With The Best!
Northeast Arc has full and part-time positions, working with adult individuals who are deaf, available in Lynn, Salem, Swampscott and Beverly, MA. You'll be working with deaf individuals using various communication skills including gestural, written and Signed English. Do you know ASL? If so, I'd like to speak with you about our direct care positions. We offer an excellent benefits package, paid trainings and the support you will need to become a successful part of our experienced, long-term team of professionals. For additional information or to send your resume, please email Erin Maloney at emaloney@ne-arc.org.
Compensation: $12-12.50 for per diem shifts and $14 for PT/FT shifts.
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NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PITTSBURGH AND GLENSIDE
PAHrtners Deaf Services is a dynamic team of behavioral health professionals serving deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. Located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PAHrtners provides residential and outpatient services to deaf and hard of hearing children, adolescents, and adults. Over 85% of our staff members are deaf or hard of hearing!
PAHrtners is rapidly growing and expanding. Whether you are a high school graduate, recent college graduate, or a professional with many years of experience in the field of human services, we have a career-building position waiting for you! E.O.E.
PAHrtners is looking for dedicated, motivated, and energetic individuals who are fluent in American Sign Language and knowledgeable about Deaf culture to fill the following positions:
Residential Counselors for Deaf Adults with Intellectual Disabilities – Full time, part time, on call; Glenside and Pittsburgh locations. Minimum HS diploma required.
Case Managers for Residential or Community Program for Deaf Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Behavioral Health needs - Full time; Glenside and Pittsburgh locations. Minimum HS diploma with 12 credits in social sciences required.
Residential Counselors for Residential Treatment Facility for Adolescents- Full Time; Glenside location. Minimum of one years’ related experience required.
Therapist/Psychosocial Rehabilitation Counselor - Full Time; Glenside location. Minimum BA/BS in human services required.
Clinical Coordinator – Full Time; Glenside location. Minimun MA/MS required in human services required. LCSW prefered; LPC or LSW accepted.
Nurse – Full Time; Glenside location. Minimum BSN/RN.
Visit our Web page at http://www.pahrtners.com/careers/ to learn more about each position.
Send your letter of intent and resume to:
Joel Skelton, Assistant Office Manager
PAHrtners Deaf Services, 614 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
Email: jskelton@pahrtners.com Fax: 215.392.6065
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Residential House Director
The Northeast Arc, an established Human Service agency recognized for its creative approach and state of the art services for persons with disabilities is seeking candidates for the position of Residential House Director. Ideal candidates will have fluency in ASL and deep understanding of deaf culture. The Residential House Director will be overseeing a five person home for adults with Intellectual Disabilities and are deaf.
Job Responsibilities:
Excellent managerial skills as the director will be overseeing direct support professionals, relief staff and other support professionals.
Be a creative person with strong organizational skills that can assist individuals in achieving their personal goals.
Provide supportive assistance in a caring environment focusing on maintaining health and along with community and social networks.
Experience with working with families, DDS and other outside agencies is also required.
Requirements:
BA/BS in a related field.
At least 2 years supervisory experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as fluency in American Sign Language.
Strong commitment to providing excellent quality of care.
Strongly prefer someone with First Aid, CPR and MAPS but willing to train
Benefits:
Excellent health and dental benefits offered as well as a 403b, tuition reimbursement, career development/ seminars, short term disability, life insurance, generous time off and competitive pay!!!
For immediate consideration, please send a cover letter and your resume, please email Erin Maloney at emaloney@ne-arc.org.
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