deafweekly

 

February 22, 2017
Vol. 13, No. 18

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 2017 and any unauthorized use is prohibited.

Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.

SPONSOR DEAFWEEKLY! Become a sponsor and you will receive banner ads on our home page and in each issue, as well as a 100-word text ad every week to promote your products and services. In addition, you will be helping thousands of readers keep up with important news in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Interested? Send us an email!

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.

ADDRESS CHANGES are self serve. Simply unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of every newsletter, then sign up for a subscription with your new address.


ADVERTISE IN DEAFWEEKLY FOR $20 OR LESS PER WEEK





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


Jackson, MS
POLICE MAKE ARREST IN MURDER OF DEAF MAN FOUND SHOT IN THE HEAD
Jackson police have arrested and charged 32-year-old Christopher Grubbs with the murder of Rafael Thompson last week near University Blvd. Many people involved with the Mississippi School for the Deaf are describing Rafael Thompson as a kind person, but say Christopher Grubbs frequently got in trouble at school. Grubbs does have a criminal record, but just misdemeanors - all committed in Florida. His classmates took to social media, writing that he had been known to misbehave. / MSNewsNow.com

Aurora, CO
DEAF MAN HIT, KILLED BY TRAIN
A deaf man was fatally hit by an RTD train while he was crossing the R Line on Sunday, the Aurora Police Department said. Surveillance video from a neighboring business shows the man walking east on East 30th Avenue toward Peoria Street shortly after 2 p.m., moments before impact. The video shows train crossing gates down and warning lights flashing before the collision. An RTD spokesman said everything appeared to have been properly working. / FOX31 Denver

Indianapolis, IN
US, ACLU JOIN DEAF LITIGANT IN ADA SUIT AGAINST INDIANA COURT
A deaf litigant who was denied a sign language interpreter for court-ordered mediation in his child-custody case has the support of the U.S. Department of Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana in his federal disability-discrimination lawsuit against Marion Circuit Court. The Department of Justice on Friday filed an amicus brief on behalf of Dustin King, who last year won a federal district court ruling in his favor on his discrimination claim. / The Indiana Lawyer

Boulder, CO
DEAF STUDENT HELPS DEAF REFUGEES FIND THEIR VOICE
Refugees immigrating to the United States can encounter many hurdles acclimating to their adopted home. Adapting to a new way of life is much harder when they’re deaf. Sign languages used in other parts of the world differ greatly from country to country. Pamela Wright, a graduate student in linguistics at CU Boulder, is not a refugee, but as a deaf person, she saw the need and wants to gather resources to make their transition better. / UC Boulder

Birmingham, AL
KIOSK TRANSLATING IN SIGN LANGUAGE ASSIST DEAF CUSTOMERS
Looking for a simple lunch, a deaf woman recently went into an Alabama restaurant and jotted down her order on a piece of paper. The waiter hustled the request to the kitchen, where preparers tried to decipher the woman's handwriting. But when the sandwich she wanted was delivered, it contained tomatoes, which she had said in writing she did not want. "That experience might keep her from going back to that restaurant,” said Grace Vasa, CEO of technology firmJuke Slot. / Globe Newswire

Romney, WV
HOUSE TRIES AGAIN TO AID THE W.VA. SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF & BLIND
During both the 2015 and the 2016 state Legislative sessions, the House of Delegates pushed a bill that would make the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind eligible for funding from the West Virginia School Building Authority, or SBA. In 2015, it was vetoed by then-Governor Tomblin, and in 2016, it never made it out of the Senate’s Finance committee. Now, members in the House are trying once again this year, with House Bill 2123. / WV Public Broadcasting

Austin, TX
HISTORY OF TEXAS BLIND, DEAF & ORPHAN SCHOOL CELEBRATED
Dozens gathered at the former Texas Blind, Death & Orphan School for Colored Youth Saturday as the City of Austin commemorated its rich history. A historic plaque was placed at the former site of the school in southeast Austin. Originally established in 1887 on Bull Creek Road, the school moved to its southeast Austin location in 1961 and was desegregated four years later. Then it became the East Campus School for the Deaf until it moved to its current location in the late 1980s. / KVUE

Hillsborough County, FL
YOUNG BOY GOING DEAF AND BLIND GRANTED HIS ONE WISH
Theirs is an unlikely friendship and a bond strong enough to make 12-year-old Tyler McWhirt’s dream come true. Tyler and Hillsborough County deputy Thomas Paradiso first met at a bike registration event. “The bike was in disrepair and needed work. So, I figured there was something more we could do for him. He was amazed with law enforcement and just a really good kid,” Paradiso said. / WFTS-TV


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

READ WHAT THEY SAY

Unlock the phone with CapTel® Captioned Telephone! CapTel shows word-for-word captions of everything a caller says over the phone, letting you read everything that they say. Like captions on TV – for the phone! Captions are provided by a free service, no monthly fees or contracts required. For more information or to order call 1-800-233-9130 V/TTY or visit http://www.weitbrecht.com/captel.html. For more info about CapTel or any of the many assistive listening devices we offer, email: sales@weitbrecht.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

CapTel® Captioned Telephone – See What Everyone is Talking About!

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





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

Toronto, ON, Canada
TORONTO LAWYER DEMANDS MORE IN-FLIGHT MOVIES FOR DEAF PEOPLE
Forget about flying first class — Joe Sussman still feels like a second-class citizen on airplanes. The Toronto lawyer, who was born deaf, has been demanding Air Canada improve closed captioning on in-flight movies for more than four years. “It’s insulting,” he said. “People with disabilities are being deprived of a service that should be given to everyone equally.” / Metro Toronto

Cork, Ireland
COMEDIAN RESPONDS TO CRITICISM FROM DEAF COMMUNITY OVER PRANK VIDEO
A comedian who posted a controversial video of him "fake interpreting" a speech by Taoiseach Enda Kenny has responded to claims that his actions were "disheartening" and "offensive." The Council of Irish Sign Language Interpreters (CISLI) hit out at comedian Ross Browne in a statement, claiming his actions "undermined" the deaf community. However, speaking to Independent.ie, Mr Browne says he contacted the CISLI and outlined how he "never meant to upset anyone." / Campus.ie

Wolverhampton, England
DEAF MAN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES HELD HOSTAGE AND BEATEN IN TWO-HOUR ORDEAL
Raju Singh was also stripped, bound hand and foot with rope, put on a chair under a shower and daubed with tomato sauce to make him fear he was bleeding heavily, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard. As two of his tormentors each started five year jail sentences today the psychologically-scarred victim, who is in his late 40s, declared in a statement: “Now I can try to get some of my life back.” / Express & Star

London, England
CONCERN FOR DEAF WOMAN MISSING FOR SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS
Police are appealing for information on a deaf woman from Marylebone who has gone missing for the second time in two months. Gakleen Shahata, from Burne Street, was last seen at a church service in Golders Green Parish Church, Barnet at around midday on February 12. The 39-year-old was with family when she made excuses and left. She has not been seen or heard since. / Get West London

Auckland, New Zealand
MUSICAL STRIKES CHORD WITH DEAF COMMUNITY
The opportunity to see a New Zealand Sign Language interpreted performance of Shortland Street – the Musical, on during the Auckland Arts Festival 2017, has struck a chord with Deaf and hard of hearing people. A fan of the television soap opera, James Pole, says he’s looking forward to seeing Shortland Street as musical theatre, and having access to the words and lyrics through a sign interpreted performance. / Scoop News

Tel Aviv, Israel
ISRAELI HOSPITAL GIVES 16 DEAF PALESTINIAN CHILDREN ABILITY TO HEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME
Sixteen deaf Palestinian children received cochlear implants at a Jerusalem hospital over the past year, giving them a chance to hear for the first time, Ynet reported Saturday. The 16 children, all from the West Bank or the Gaza Strip, were treated at Hadassah Ein Kerem through a program organized by the Peres Center for Peace. “The operations posed quite a logistical challenge,” said Dr. Michal Kaufmann, the surgeon who implanted the devices. / The Tower

Barranquilla, Colombia
VOLUNTEERS TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA TO MINISTER TO DEAF POPULATION
Deaf evangelist Kevin Clark and his team recently spread the gospel and love of Christ without speaking a word. Clark and four other volunteers, all deaf except for one, traveled to Barranquilla in Colombia, South America, for a week starting Jan. 16 to facilitate an annual Bible camp from for deaf individuals grown out of a faithful ministry going back decades. / Independent Tribune

Thailand
VERY TOUCHING THAI COMMERCIAL OF DEAF GIRL BECOMING AN AMAZING VIOLINIST
“As long as their hearts keep beating, people will never stop loving and being moved by love”, said Alice Munro, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2013. Her touching masterpieces proves what the Canadian author said in her speech when being awarded the prize. We experience moving things throughout life, even in advertising. This commercial below is one of the ads which successfully tells an emotional story to audiences. / NTD-TV


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

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!

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


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

Philadelphia, PA
STUDENTS AT SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF FLYING HIGH OVER ANNUAL BIRD COUNT
The students at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf had set up the bait: a buffet of bird seed and peanut butter served on tree stumps, pine cones, and empty egg cartons. Then they waited. Some peered through windows. Others walked the campus with their eyes fixed on the nearest tree. Soon, a flurry of hands pointed to the sky. Four birds with white wings flew overhead, and the students wrote down their findings -- their first as citizen-scientists in a global research project. / Philly.com

Washington, DC
IRS WARNS OF VIDEO RELAY SCAM TARGETING DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
Every day scammers come up with new ways to steal taxpayers’ identities and personal information. Some scammers pretend to be from the IRS with one goal in mind: to steal money. Be aware that con artists will use video relay services (VRS) to try to scam deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Don’t become a victim. Deaf and hard of hearing taxpayers should avoid giving out personal and financial information to anyone they do not know. Always confirm that the person requesting personal information is who they say they are. / IRS

Los Angeles, CA
DEAF SHELTER DOG WITH SKIN CONDITION FINALLY MEETS SOMEONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM
You'd forgive Roman for shutting down almost as soon as he arrived at the shelter. Not only was he disoriented by suddenly finding himself at the Carson Animal Shelter in Los Angeles, but he was hurting inside and out. His coat was worn down to the skin, likely from lying on concrete for so long. And his skin was completely infected. From his ground-down teeth to his tattered ears, Roman struck a portrait of misery. / The Dodo


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


Waterloo, IA
DEAF MACHINIST CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH WATERLOO COMPANY
A Waterloo man, who can't hear, is honored for his years of experience. He's worked at his company longer than anyone else. Gerald Weiland's been working at Schoitz Engineering for 50 years. He helps design and builds tools, such as weld fixtures and jigs. Gerald does all his work at Schoitz Engineering without sound. He's been deaf since he was 13 months old due to spinal meningitis. / KWWL

Columbus, OH
AT&T EMPLOYEES LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE TO TALK WITH DEAF CO-WORKER
Employers sometimes find that talking the talk is a lot different from walking the walk when the "best person for the job" happens to have a disability. But that wasn't the case for Jason McGonigle and his staff at the AT&T warehouse in Hilliard. McGonigle and his staff have learned American Sign Language to better understand their co-worker of nearly a year, Kamal Nasser. / The Columbus Dispatch


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

Internet
A BILLION YOUTUBE VIDEOS NOW HAVE AUTOMATED CAPTIONS
YouTube is one of the top entertainment destinations on the Internet but for the 360 million people worldwide that are deaf or hard of hearing, enjoying videos like everyone else isn’t a given. Google first launched video captions back in 2006 but it would be another three years before YouTube adopted automated captions. As YouTube product manager Liat Kaver explains, that was a big leap forward that helped them keep up with the site’s growth curve over the past several years. / TechSpot

Stevens Point, WI
SIGN LANGUAGE CLUB COMES IN HANDY
Primarily used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, ASL is a complex language that includes signs made by moving hands, facial expressions and body language. The purpose of Sign Language Club at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is to help create an interest in sign language while building awareness of Deaf culture and individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. / The Pointer


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

Pacific Palisades, CA
DEAF GOLFER KEVIN HALL NOT AN EASY MAN TO DISCOURAGE
There was the time when Kevin Hall stepped up the ball on the first tee in a pro-am, and there was some loud talk and commotion in the gallery, and the marshals dutifully held up their "Quiet Please" signs. Hall looked up. "You don't have to do that," he said. "I'm deaf." The marshal uncomfortably lowered the signs, as if they were afraid of disturbing someone else. "I didn't mean to embarrass you," Hall said. / Blue Ridge Communications

Longmeadow, MA
8TH GRADER DRIVES BASKETBALL TEAM'S WINNING SEASON
With a high of 59 points scored in a game, an eighth-grade player is contributing heavily to the winning season of the Willie Ross School for the Deaf basketball team. Since the season began this winter, Brian Cristobal-DeLeon has averaged 39 points per game in six games, five of which Willie Ross won, according to the school. / masslive.com

Portland, ME
VIDEO: AT MAINE SCHOOL, DEAF MASCOT STEALS THE SHOW
At the basketball games at a school in Maine’s biggest city, the mascot is stealing the show. Kamron King, a freshman at Portland High School, became the Bulldogs’ mascot in late November when he responded to a call for a volunteer. What makes King’s story different than that of others who have donned the oversized bulldog outfit is that he is deaf. While he may be unable to hear the cheers that he helps incite, it doesn’t take away the excitement of what he does. / USA Today


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

Darien, WI
GUY RICHARD KELLY, DARIEN, WI
Guy Richard Kelly, 84, of Darien, WI, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at his home. Guy was born March 27, 1932, to Cloyd and Ethel (Cass) Kelly. He attended the Wisconsin School for the Deaf. / GazetteXtra


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

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.

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


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.

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

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!

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

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.

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


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

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

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.

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

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.

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