deafweekly
March 16, 2011
Vol. 7, No. 21
Editor: Tom Willard
Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers on Wednesdays and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. These are the actual headlines and portions of recent deaf-related news articles, with links to the full story. Minor editing is done when necessary. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2011 and any unauthorized use is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.
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Last issue's most-read story:
MOTHER SEEKS NICHE FOR HER DEAF DAUGHTER / Democrat
and Chronicle
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NATIONAL
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Albany, NY
DEAF PUPILS RALLY IN ALBANY
Not unlike many 11th-graders, Sarah Flowers boasts of her achievements in high
school: the seven Regents exams she has passed, her stints as class president
and yearbook editor, and her sports activities. "That would not be available
to me in a hearing school," said Flowers, a Cheektowaga resident who attends
St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo. Flowers got up early Thursday and,
instead of going to school, traveled 300 miles to Albany to speak -- and sign
-- before several hundred students, parents and staff members from the 11 state-funded
schools for deaf, blind and disabled children. Those schools are all on the
chopping block in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's planned 2011 budget. / The
Buffalo News
See Also OPINION: GOVERNOR'S PLAN IS DETRIMENTAL TO BLIND AND DEAF STUDENTS / The Journal News
See Also MEGNA: SCHOOLS FOR BLIND AND DEAF COST NY $93,000 A STUDENT / Politics on the Hudson
Boston, MA
DEAF-BLIND RESIDENTS ASK MASS. TO KEEP SERVICES
Jaimi Lard was one of several deaf and blind people who with their advocates
visited the Statehouse last Wednesday to urge lawmakers to maintain funding
for a program that provides specialized interpreters, transportation and other
support for dozens of deaf and blind people and their families. They want to
restore $450,000 earmarked for the DeafBlind Community Access Network, cut by
Gov. Deval Patrick in his proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July
1. / The
Associated Press
See Also DEAF AND BLIND COMMUNITY AT RISK OF LOSING A LIFELINE / The Boston Globe
Farmington, NM
NEW MEXICO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF CELEBRATES 125 YEARS
About 150 miles and sound separate nine Four Corners families from their children.
"It's really hard," Anabell Cisneros said through an interpreter,
"but we're happy he's achieving his goals." Anabell's son, Jesus Cisneros,
is one of nine local students who travel to Santa Fe every week to attend the
New Mexico School for the Deaf. "Of course he misses us, that's logical,"
Anabell Cisneros said. "But he's adapting very quickly." NMSD is celebrating
its 125th anniversary this school year. / The
Daily Times
Middletown, OH
PRELIMINARY HEARING SET FOR RAPE SUSPECT
An area men charged with rape will be back in Middletown Municipal Court March
16 for a preliminary hearing. Bond for Robert Newbraugh, 56, of Moraine, was
set at $200,000. Newbraugh, who is deaf, is charged with raping a 62-year-old
woman, who also is deaf. When the alleged sexual assault occurred Nov. 10 in
the woman’s residence, she told Middletown police she was “adamant”
about not filing charges against Newbraugh. But she recently contacted police
and told them she wanted to file charges. / Middletown
Journal
Phoenix, AZ
DEAF SCHOOL TEACHER ACCUSED OF LURING MINOR FOR SEX
A teacher at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf has been arrested after allegedly
soliciting sex from a former student, who is 17 years old. The 17-year-old's
mother called police earlier this week after discovering some Facebook messages
exchanged between her daughter, who is deaf, and the suspect, 39-year-old Bryce
Freeman. Freeman allegedly admitted to knowing the victim was underage and soliciting
sex from her anyway even though he knew it was wrong. / KSAZ
Kent, OH
PETITION: STOP DEAF DISCRIMINATION AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
Kent State University has one of the largest programs in American Sign Language
in the nation, in one of the largest Deaf Communities. This information comes
directly from the University's own website. However Kent State is discriminating
against Deaf teachers, students, and the greater Deaf community by changing
their rules so that studying American Sign Language at the main campus will
only be open to students choosing to major or minor in the language. This is
a grave injustice to both the students and to the Deaf community. / Change.org
Staunton, VA
RECYCLING DEBRIS PAYS DIVIDENDS AT VSDB PROJECT
It's a fact of the industry: Construction yields waste. And, it's a fact that
it costs to haul it away. Tony Rollins, general superintendent of Kjellstrom
+ Lee Construction, has a new approach. He's overseeing the construction of
four new buildings and the renovation of four more on the Virginia School for
the Deaf and the Blind campus, and said that several years ago, all the debris
from such projects would have gone to the landfill. But times change. / The
News Leader
Washington, DC
IRS HAS VIDEOS AVAILABLE IN ASL
The IRS has built a YouTube channel complete with a series of ASL videos --
that are also voiced and captioned -- on a myriad of tax topics, including IRS2Go
(the new IRS phone app for iPhone and Android), Earned Income Tax Credit, Free
File and Fillable Forms, Small Business Employer, Unemployment Compensation
and Home Energy Credits. / IRS
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INTERNATIONAL
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Linwood, Scotland
DEAF WOMAN JAILED FOR LINWOOD KNIFE ATTACK
A deaf woman has been given a 15-month sentence for stabbing a man while on
bail for attacking a police officer with a knife. Patricia Martin, 48, of Linwood,
left Andrew Finnegan severely injured after the attack in her home in October
2010. Martin, who is also unable to speak, was jailed for 32 months in November
for the attack on the police officer. / BBC
News
Sunderland, England
POLICE UNDER FIRE FOR ARRESTING DEAF MAN FOR SIGNING
Police officers who mistook a deaf man's frantic signing for rude gestures have
been criticised by magistrates for arresting both him and his brother. Shaun
Phuprate, 22, had raised two of his fingers to his ear in the internationally
recognised sign for 'I am deaf'. But the infuriated constables, Steve Hawkins
and Richie Smith, were convinced he was giving them a V-sign. / Daily
Mail
East Grinstead, England
PARTIALLY DEAF MAN CAUSES FLAT FIRE AFTER FALLING ASLEEP WHILE SMOKING
A partially deaf man had a very lucky escape from his flat following a fire
caused by smoking materials. The 91-year-old fell asleep at his home in Quarry
Rise, East Grinstead, while smoking and the cigarette ignited a tea towel on
the table. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent a crew from East Grinstead
who found the fire out on arrival but the flat smoke-logged at about 9pm yesterday.
The elderly man was not wearing his hearing aid and slept through the incident.
/ The
Argus
Norwich, England
DEAF CENTRE AT CITY OF NORWICH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 2012 OLYMPICS
A group from Norwich started celebrating the countdown to London 2012 yesterday
with an Olympics inspired dance performance at Norwich Playhouse. Students from
the Deaf Centre at City of Norwich School performed ‘Dance Aloud’
at the theatre on St George’s Street in the city centre. The project,
developed by Norfolk County Council, engaged local choreographer Neil Paris
and had the young people working on it for two months. / Evening
News
Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
READERS REPLY WITH JOB HELP
A deaf man’s desperate offer of $500 to anyone who could find him a job
touched the hearts of Bully readers. The Morning Bulletin was flooded with phone
calls from people wanting to help Rockhampton’s Brian Neill find a local
truck driving job after a story appeared in Wednesday’s edition. However,
none of the callers were interested in the $500 cash offer - they all
stated they just wanted to help. / Rockhampton
Morning Bulletin
Mumbai, India
DEAF AND DUMB MAN HELD FOR RAPE
The police arrested a 40-year-old deaf and dumb man for raping a minor girl
in a public toilet at Hanuman Nagar in Bhandup (W) on Sunday. The accused, Balu
Tikade, reportedly dragged the 10-year-old girl to one of the gents toilets
and repeatedly raped her. Tikade was caught by alert residents who heard the
victim screaming. An investigator said the incident occurred when the victim,
a class V student, came out of the ladies' toilet around 3 pm. Tikade is a painter
who lives in the same locality as the victim. / The
Times of India
Nakawa, Uganda
2,000 DEAF UGANDANS RECEIVE HEARING AIDS
The lives of over 2,000 Ugandans with hearing defects will soon change after
they are fitted with hearing aids donated by American-based Starkey Hearing
Foundation in partnership with Uganda Revenue Authority and Hope Medical Clinics
Uganda. The one-week mission dubbed “So Ugandans May Hear” during
which each beneficiary will be fitted with a hearing aid, was on Sunday launched
by the First Lady and Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Janet Museveni.
/ New Vision
Tanzania
HE HAS GIVEN UP MUCH TO WORK WITH THE DEAF
Ibrahim Mlosi is a member of the Tanzania Association of Sign Language Interpreters
(TASLI). He is also a sign language interpreter: What made you get involved?
It enables me to communicate with people living with disabilities. More so,
through my work, I earn a decent living and get to meet different people as
well as develop new contacts. What’s the job like? It is all about transforming
words into signs with the aim of delivering the message to the deaf. / The
Citizen
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To view our full line of Sprint phones, see www.sprintrelaystore.com.
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My Yesterdays
in a changing world of the deaf
by Mervin D. Garretson
An open lifestory of a totally deaf educator and advocate about growing up in
an anti-sign world dominated by oralists and professional audists. Includes
bits of deaf history, commentaries on ASL, deaf culture, the National Association
of the Deaf, and the World Federation of the Deaf.
Also brief biographies of Gallaudet presidents the author has known since the
1940s, and other notable people in the field. Be prepared for some surprising
and unexpected revelations about familiar figures in the field!
Available from Xlibris Marketing Service, 1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington. IN
47403. Toll-free phone 888-795-4274. Also available from Barnes and Noble and
Amazon. Hardback $29.99 Softcover 19.99. The author also has some autographed
softcover books for $15 plus shipping costs ($5.25). Merv Garretson 11577 SE
179th Loop Summerfield, FL 34491.
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LIFE & LEISURE
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Raleigh, NC
RED HAT TEAMS WITH RIT TO HELP DEAF CHILDREN
Raleigh-based Red Hat is sponsoring open source workshops at the Rochester Institute
of Technology this summer that have the potential of improving technology for
deaf and hard of hearing children. Three RIT students who are alumni of the
Professors’ Open Source Summer Experience workshops have developed an
open source prototype video chat package to produce smooth sign language video
for One Laptop Per Child’s XO laptops. / Triangle
Business Journal
Carterville, IL
JALC DEAFEST DRAWS CROWD TO JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE
Local deaf and hard of hearing people were treated to a full day of fun and
frivolity Wednesday at the 17th annual DeaFest hosted by John A. Logan College.
The event was coordinated by the college’s Interpreter Preparedness Program
students and sponsored by both the college and the Midwest Gallaudet University
Regional Center, now housed on campus. Featured performers were Pinky Aiello,
who performed a juggling act, and Miss Deaf America, Rachel Mazique, who signed
a story to children with the letters of the alphabet. / The
Daily Republican
Philadelphia, PA
WOMAN MAKES SURE DEAF PEOPLE CAN ENJOY HER TALK AT PHILLY FLOWER SHOW
Gloria Day, whose landscape business is in Bern Township, presented a talk called
"Le Petit Jardin" with a sign interpreter for the deaf at the International
Philadelphia Flower Show Gardeners' Studio last Saturday. Gloria has been a
flower show volunteer and presenter at the Gardeners' Studio for 11 consecutive
years. Since 2001, Gloria has invited Rayna Notta, a professional sign-language
interpreter, to sign her demonstrations at the Gardeners' Studio as a community
service. This year, the show had three sign interpreters working throughout
the lectures. / BCTV.org
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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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WORKING WORLD
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Rochester, NY
ASL MAKES DEBUT IN CDC SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL
Thanks to a group of deaf and hearing Rochester, N.Y., pioneers, a medical journal
for the first time has served up a scientific article online with a new twist:
an accompanying web video in American Sign Language (ASL), produced by the University
of Rochester Medical Center. Preventing Chronic Disease, a journal published
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in its March 2011 issue published
a peer-reviewed article about health inequities experienced by deaf people.
/ UR Medical
Center
Clearwater, FL
JEFF ROSEN JOINS THE Z AS GENERAL COUNSEL
ZVRS CEO Sean Belanger announced that Jeff Rosen has joined The Z® as General
Counsel. In this position, Rosen will be a member of the executive management
team responsible for the company’s legal and regulatory efforts. Rosen
spent the past four years serving as General Counsel and Vice President of Governmental
Affairs at Snap Telecommunications, Inc. Prior to that, he spent seven years
as General Counsel and Director of Policy for the National Council on Disability
and 13 years working as an attorney at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
/ ZVRS
Washington, DC
LOUD AND CLEAR: METRO STATION AD TARGETING DEAF IS BIG HIT
Just before getting on the escalator at the New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet
U station, you'll walk across a piece of history. It's a floor ad for Convo
Relay, a service deaf people can use to make calls to hearing people. And the
company believes it's the only commercial media buy targeted to the deaf population
in the entire country. / Express
Night Out
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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.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Austin, TX
FILMS THAT SPEAK TO DEAF AND HEARING AUDIENCES ALIKE
Hundreds of filmmakers came to Austin, Texas, to attend the SXSW Film Festival
this past weekend. The work of deaf filmmaker, designer and animator Robyn Girard
stood out from the rest of the pack. Girard, a visual storyteller who works
to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing audiences through film and animation,
spoke about the portrayal of deaf people in film, how popular films often perpetuate
stereotypes and how the deaf community can counteract those perceptions. / PBS
News Hour
Miami, FL
'HAMILL' NAMED BEST FEATURE FILM AT MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL
"Hamill," a feature film based on the life of UFC light heavyweight
Matt Hamill (10-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC), is now two-for-two. The film picked up the
Audience Award for Best Feature Film this past weekend at the Miami Film Festival.
The honor comes four months after it captured the Breakthrough Film award at
the 2010 AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles. "These awards are further proof
to show that this film can survive theatrically and break the mold," said
Eben Kostbar, who co-wrote and produced "Hamill" with partner Joseph
McKelheer. / MMAjunkie.com
Rochester, NY
GUEST LINEUP / DEAF ROCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL
International flair, hometown talent, and rich experiences define our distinguished
guest line-up. Each member of our guest line-up (biographies shown below) plays
a major role in the success of DRFF ’11. / DRFF
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Introducing: “The Bomb Jr™.” Alarm Clock
There is a new kid in town. The Sonic Bomb Jr. Alarm Clock has arrived and should prove to be just as popular as his older brother. You can call him “The Bomb Jr™”. Even though he is smaller than the Sonic Bomb, he is still plenty powerful with a 102dB audio alarm and 6V bed shaker.
The Bomb Jr’s smaller size makes him a perfect travel companion. Best of all, Harris Communications has him priced at only $29.95, a great price for a quality alarm clock with bed shaker!
For more information on the Sonic Bomb Jr., go to http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_DW031311 or email us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.
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SPORTS
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Catonsville, MD
YOUTH BASKETBALL: CATONSVILLE REC COACH A WINNER
Coaching two boys basketball teams in the Catonsville Rec program can be a daunting
task, although Kelby Brick routinely faces more challenges than his colleagues.
Despite being deaf, or perhaps because of it, the Catonsville resident is able
to give his sons' 12-and-under and 9-and-under squads more to ponder than a
hastily scribbled play drawn on an eraser board. For one thing, kids learn that
some people have obstacles to overcome -- and often do so capably. / Catonsville
Times
Frederick, MD
FATHER AND SON CHAMPS AT MSD
When Derek Frank was growing up, his father, Dan, would tell him over and over
again what it was like to win the Eastern Schools for the Deaf basketball tournament.
Last month Derek found that out himself. He was a junior on the MSD basketball
team that beat the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf 82-41 in the ESDAA championship
game in Trenton, N.J. That came almost 30 years to the day that the MSD team
Dan Frank played on won the 1981 tournament title, beating St. Mary's, 65-62,
at MSD. / The
Frederick News-Post
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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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Senior Information Technology Manager
-- Work closely with decision makers throughout the organization to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions for all aspects of the organization.
-- Plan, coordinate, direct, and design IT-related activities of the organization, as well as provide administrative direction and managerial support for daily operational activities of the IT department.
-- Lead a Technology team of 12 with setting and attaining work priorities, coaching, performance management and creating a positive work environment.
Qualifications include:
-- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field and 7-10, years related work experience. Master of Business Administration with technology as a core component, preferred.
-- Continuing education curriculum in management soft skills
To see a full job description or to apply go to: www.c-s-d.org
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ADVOCATES INC.
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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