Deafweekly March 23, 2005

deafweekly

March 23, 2005
Vol. 1 No. 23

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It is mailed to subscribers every Wednesday morning and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. For information, contact mail@deafweekly.com.

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NATIONAL
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N.Y. TIMES REPORTS ON PROPOSED SIGNING TOWN IN SOUTH DAKOTA

The New York Times did a story Monday on the proposed sign-language-centered town of Laurent, South Dakota. Planners, architects and future residents are gathering this week to go over blueprints for the town, to be named after 1800s French educator Laurent Clerc. The town will be designed so that deaf residents are fully integrated, and nearly 100 families have already declared their intention to live there. Developers Marvin Miller and M.E. Barwacz expect to break ground by the fall. But some question the need for such a town, saying such "isolation" has gone out of fashion. "We think there is a greater benefit for people to be part of the whole world," said Todd Houston, executive director of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Washington.

PLAN TO SELL NEW JERSEY SCHOOL CAMPUS REJECTED BY OFFICIALS

New Jersey state officials were planning to help balance the state budget by selling the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Ewing and its 117-acre campus, the N.J. Times reported last week. The property would be sold to a private entity and then leased back by the state. Called a "lease-buyback," the plan was designed to help balance the budget by selling $500 million worth of state property. But state Treasurer John McCormac said that the option was no longer being considered, since it could be seen as illegal borrowing, a practice that was barred last year by the state Supreme Court. Parents and school officials were pleased to learn that the plan was scrapped, but remained wary of a proposal to sell up to 20 percent of the campus.

SCHOOL AIDE FIRED FOR STUFFING WEEDS IN FIRST-GRADER'S MOUTHS

A Tucson, Ariz. school monitor was fired for stuffing weeds in the mouths of two first-graders after they made fun of another school monitor, who is deaf. Diana Ellis, 43, was also cited by police for misdemeanor aggravated assault. A Tucson police report on the incident at Myers-Ganoung Elementary School indicates that the two students had already apologized to the deaf monitor and were being escorted by a custodian when Ellis approached them. The custodian was distracted by other students, but when he heard choking he looked back to see Ellis stuffing the weeds into the boys' mouths.

COCHLEAR TO REPLACE DEVICES STOLEN FROM CALIFORNIA SUV

Cindy Alferez borrowed her mother's car to go to a party in Temecula, Calif. March 13, and when she returned she found someone had broken in and stolen almost $30,000 worth of hearing devices -- equipment her brothers Joshua, 8, and Brandon, 6, need to hear. The two boys were born deaf and had devices surgically implanted, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. Last Thursday, the family's doctor learned that the boys would be getting free replacements for the $7,000 devices, courtesy of the manufacturer, Australia-based Cochlear. Company officials said their insurance would cover the costs, just as it had when a family in Las Vegas experienced the same thing last Christmas.

GOVERNOR OF MAINE INTRODUCES EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

Deaf people in Maine are often the last to know when disaster strikes, the Portland Press Herald reported Saturday. But a new emergency alert system, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is designed to solve the problem. The program went into effect March 1, and last Friday Gov. John Baldacci introduced the notification system at a special event, calling it a "state-of-the-art system." Using their choice of devices, deaf Mainers can now receive written versions of notices issued by the emergency alert system, such as weather warnings and child-abduction announcements. The system currently serves just 200 residents, but the potential is much larger: an estimated 100,000 Mainers have little or no hearing.

BIG BOOST IN ATTENDANCE FOR MIAMI DEAFNATION EXPO

More than 2,700 people showed up for DeafNation Expo in Miami on March 12, an increase of almost 1,000 from last year's event. Several groups were bused in from different parts of the state, offering newcomers, immigrants and others "the perfect opportunity to learn about services in Florida and the nation," said DeafNation Expo CEO Joel Barish. The Miami show, the 20th DeafNation Expo, owed its success to Clara Gantes of the Deaf Services Bureau and her team of volunteers, Barish said. DeafNation Expo will visit 12 cities this year. Admission is free, but register first by visiting www.deafnation.com.

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Free Credit Reports Now Available for BOTH Midwestern and Western States

Would you like to get a free credit report? If you live in a Midwestern state (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota or Wisconsin) or a Western states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyoming) you can now request free credit reports by calling TTY 1-877-730-4104.

Recent amendments to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act give every American the right to free annual credit reports from each of the nationwide consumer reporting bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can get your free annual report(s) by calling 1-877-730-4104 TTY. This is a toll-free number.

Bernadette Cohen of Las Vegas, Nevada, planned to buy a new condo just outside the city. She decided to call and request a copy of her credit report in order to see for herself what mortgage lenders would see when they checked her credit reports. “I was surprised to find that some of my sister’s charge accounts were listed on my report,” she said. “That could have made my financial status less desirable to the banks. I’m glad that I got the copy of my report. I was able to let the credit reporting bureau know they needed to correct their records.”

Credit experts recommend that you check your credit reports each year. It is also recommended that you request reports from different bureaus at different times of the year so that you always have a good idea what your credit report looks like. It’s important to check your credit report each year and make sure that all of the information in it is accurate. Your credit reports are checked when you buy a home, rent an apartment, apply for a job, apply for a credit card, or apply for insurance.

Currently, only residents of the Western and Midwestern states can request reports at no charge. Other regions will follow in 2005.

To request a copy of your report from any or all of the three credit reporting bureaus, call 1-877-730-4104 TTY. The law allows you to order one free copy each from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion every year.

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INTERNATIONAL
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MAN IN IRELAND RESCUED BY HELICOPTER AFTER CLIMBING 300-FOOT CRANE

A deaf man in Ireland was taken to a hospital for treatment Saturday after being rescued from the top of the 300-foot crane he had climbed. The man, in his mid-20s, was spotted about 3:30 a.m., and police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel rushed to the scene. Two firefighters, including one who knows sign language, were hoisted up to communicate with him. The man said he was cold and agreed to come down. He was winched from the crane at 9:45 a.m. by a Coast Guard marine rescue helicopter, as were the two firefighters who had become too cold to climb down safely.

ELDERLY WOMAN IN LONDON STABBED TO DEATH BY THIEVES

Anne Mendel, 85, was stabbed to death last week when she tried to confront thieves in her north London home. According to This Is London, Mrs. Mendel's husband Leonard, 80, returned from an errand to discover the body of his wife, who was deaf. Although the victim was Jewish, police said it was not an anti-Semitic attack. Even so, religious leaders are helping with the investigation.

FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BANGLADESH IS DEAF IN ONE EAR

Sheikh Hasina Wajed, former prime minister of Bangladesh, has gone deaf in her right ear after suffering an injury in a grenade attack, Rediff.com reported last week. Hasina is undergoing treatment in a Florida hospital, where she told the Prothom Alo daily that she is unable to hear with her right ear. The attack in which she was injured took place Aug. 21, 2004 at an Awami League rally in Dhaka. At least 23 people were killed and 300 others injured in the attack.

U.K. STUDY SHOWS LARGE NUMBERS SUFFER WITH TINNITUS

A survey of more than 2,000 adults shows 9 percent of Scots, a total of 4.7 million Britons, experience tinnitus, a hearing condition that causes persistent ringing noises in the ears. According to Scotsman.com, people with tinnitus frequently experience insomnia, anxiety, stress and depression. One Glasgow woman, 54-year-old former nurse Beth Morrison, decided to speak out and seek more funding for research after being told by doctors that the only solution to her tinnitus problem would be to cut the nerve to her ears. "I was told there was nothing they could do except make me deaf," she said. Morrison chose not to take the advice, and later learned "that severing the nerve would not have got rid of the tinnitus at all," she said.

KITE CHAMPION SHARES HIS TALENTS WITH YOUNG STUDENTS IN GUAM

World champion kite flyer Ray Bethel showcased his talents last week for 48 deaf and hard-of-hearing students in an elementary school in Barrigada, Guam. Bethel, who is completely deaf, gave students one-on-one training in kite making during his stay on the island, KUAM News reported Friday. His visit was sponsored by the Kites for Wishes program of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and "The students were very excited" by Bethel's visit, said program chair Monica Guzman.

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March Madness Sale Continues at Harris Communications!

Every week in March there is a new March Madness Special at Harris Communications. Receive a 15% discount on ALL of our Clocks and Watches until March 27, 2005. This sale includes the popular Sonic Boom Clocks as well as many more products---our large selection lets you find exactly what you want! Keep checking our website for new March Madness specials because more sales are coming. Go to: http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=deafweeklynews or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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Subject: VIDEO RELAY USERS UPDATE:
Calif. Group Files Petition, April 15th Deadline for Comments to FCC

**PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH OTHER VRS USERS, AND DEAF COMMUNITY MEMBERS**

We Want To Make VRS Calls Easier

The California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing filed a petition on February 15, 2005. They request that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order VRS providers to stop limiting VRS customers to one VRS provider/company. The California VRS consumer group says that one VRS provider/company prevents VRS users from using its equipment to access other VRS providers in these two ways:

1. EQUIPMENT BLOCKING - setting up videophone equipment to make it very difficult to make outgoing or incoming calls;

2. CONTRACTUAL BLOCKING - in order to receive equipment, customers must agree not to use services of other VRS providers.

The California VRS consumer group explained many problems that are caused when “interoperability” is not allowed. Because of these “interoperability” issues, not all videophone equipment can work with each other:

FUNCTIONALLY EQUIVALENT SERVICE
EMERGENCY ACCESS
TWO DEVICES [not functionally equivalent]
INCOMING CALLS
SEAMLESS AND INTEGRATED NETWORK
PUBLIC FUNDS
INTERPRETER EFFICIENCIES
ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICE
DIALING EQUALITY
NON-DISCRIMINATORY SERVICES

Signed Video Version and written text explaining these problems is available at http://www.c-s-d.org/enews/03152005k.htm

LET THE FCC KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
The FCC has given 30 days for public comments to the filing by the California Coalition of Agencies Serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We have established a link on our website where you can send your comments to the FCC.

Click (Or Copy & Paste) URL:>> http://www.c-s-d.org/enews/03152005k.htm
DEADLINE for public comments: APRIL 15, 2005.

CSD
Community & Media Relations
www.c-s-d.org

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LIFE & LEISURE
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DOG TRAINER PRESENTS SPECIAL GIFT TO DEAF AND BLIND MAN

Dog trainer Beverly Greenwood presented a special gift last week to Robert Bell, a deaf and blind 22-year-old from McComb, La. With family members looking on, Greenwood presented Bell with a brown Doberman pinscher named Rocco, trained to be the young man's eyes and ears. Greenwood had been training Rocco for several months at her home in Ruth, La., and will continue to work closely with Bell and Rocco in the coming months. Greenwood has about 18 dogs working around the country, the Daily Leader reported, but this is the first time she's trained a dog for someone in her own home area. Relatives were thrilled that Rocco will allow Bell to be more independent. Said his mom, Annie Gene Allen, "He can go outside with the dog, go places and the dog will be his friend."

JEWISH TRADITIONS MADE ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS

A program for deaf and hard-of-hearing Jews has created a PowerPoint presentation on the Megillat Esther (Book of Esther). Our Way, the Orthodox Union's National Jewish Council for Disabilities Program, shared its presentation with 20 synagogues across the country last year and hopes to reach at least 50 this year. Visual graphics with Hebrew and English subtitles allow viewers with hearing loss to follow along. There's even a special graphic for the villain Haman, whose name traditionally draws boos. Deaf people aren't the only ones to benefit, said Our Way director Batya Jacob. "It is being used for people with all sorts of needs, including small children or people with attention disorders." For information, write arielib@ou.org.

RESEARCHERS DEVELOPING LIPREADING SOFTWARE FOR PHONE CALLS

CNN reported last week from London on the development of Synface (short for synthetic face), a software program that uses automatic speech recognition technology to "listen in" on a phone call and display the conversation on a screen using a virtual face that users can lipread. The project, launched in 2001, involves teams from The Netherlands, Sweden and the U.K., and field trials of the software are now underway. Neil Thomas, head of product development with the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, told CNN the technology made hard-of-hearing people more confident when using the phone. He doesn't know how much the software will cost when it becomes commercially available, but said developers are keen to keep the price down.

BURN VICTIM IN FOSTER CARE HOPES TO FIND PERMANENT FAMILY

WTNH Channel 8 News in New Haven, Conn. recently shared the story of Jessica, a 14-year-old student at the American School for the Deaf and accident victim who was burned over 90% of her body. Jessica currently lives with foster mom Lynn Familigetti. "She's been through a lot and she's a brave young lady," said Familigetti. Jessica is a patient at a burn hospital, and while she heals from her injuries, she remains hopeful that a permanent family will see her potential. Call 1-800-842-6348 to learn more about Jessica or other Connecticut children waiting to be adopted.

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Want quicker access to Video Relay Service?
Hamilton VRS encourages all D-Link consumers to add call.hipvrs.com to their videophone speed dial list. This will also enable consumers to connect with their choice of VRS provider.
To add the IP address for Hamilton VRS to your list:
1. Go to "Dial" button and click on the button to enter another prompt.
2. Go to "Add" to add the video relay service address in the Speed Dial list. You will see a prompt immediately after hitting the "Add" button that will contain information such as name, telephone number field, and address field.
3. Go to the address field and enter "call.hipvrs.com" and click on the "OK" button upon completion to save the address.

Contact Customer Support
Via Phone: 1-877-283-7687 V/TTY
Via Instant Messaging (AOL, Yahoo or MSN) at HamiltonVRSHelp
(from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (EST), Monday - Friday
Via E-mail: hipvrs@hamiltonrelay.com
Hamilton VRS hours are from 7:30 AM to Midnight EST daily.

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SIGN LANGUAGE FOR THE FAMILY VIDEO SERIES and COMPANION BOOK
English and Spanish Versions both in video or DVD format.
The NEW 2005 SIGN LANGUAGE CALENDAR ASL, English and Spanish
It is also available as a FUNDRAISER for your organization.
8 x 11 full color laminated Sign Language Posters.
BROCHURES AND A FREE PROMOTIONAL CD will be sent upon request.
E-mail your request to: coloroflanguage@bak.rr.com .
Visit our website at http://www.coloroflanguage.com/

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WORKING WORLD
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CINCINNATI NEWSPAPER REPORTS ON STATUS OF TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported March 16 on efforts by Cincinnati's two schools for the deaf to grow in an age of technology, cochlear implants and mainstream programs. For only the third time in its 90-year history, St. Rita School for the Deaf in Evendale, Ohio held an open house last week to attract new students. Enrollment (currently 136) has been flat for the last 10 years, said executive director Gregory Ernst. Ohio Valley Voices, founded in 2000 by parents of deaf children, has seen its enrollment grow from 12 to 39. Children begin attending the Montgomery school, one of a handful of oral schools nationwide, as infants and graduate to mainstream programs by third grade. The school plans to move to a new home in a renovated church next fall, with space for 50 students.

OHIO RELAY INTERPRETING CENTER FULLY STAFFED AFTER ONE MONTH

A Sorenson Media Inc. relay interpreting center opened last month in Columbus, Ohio and already is fully staffed with 30 interpreters, reported Columbus Business First last Friday. The center is as large as it's going to get, the newspaper noted, so that it doesn't draw additional interpreters away from schools, courts and other locations. The center will handle calls from all over the world, spokesman Dave Parkinson said, allowing deaf callers "to speak in their native language." Sorenson Media, founded in the late 1990s and based in Salt Lake City, expanded into sign language interpreting in 2003 and operates 18 interpreting centers around the country.

GALLAUDET ANNOUNCES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM FOR ENTREPRENEURS

The Gallaudet Leadership Institute is launching a new one-year certificate program for individuals interested in entrepreneurial leadership. The Professional Studies and Training (PST) program is made possible with generous support from Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. Financial assistance, including tuition, housing and meals, will be provided to students who are accepted into the program. Classes begin July 25, and the program concludes next summer with a two-week program focusing on business plans. Learn more at www.gli.gallaudet.edu or write: gli@gallaudet.edu.

ALABAMA STUDENTS TOUR THE WORLD FROM THEIR OWN BACKYARD

Students from Alabama School for the Deaf recently made a trip around the world, the Ledger-Enquirer reported March 13. They made mud bricks in Africa, learned a Thai dance in Asia and walked across a rope bridge in the Andes Mountain, the newspaper said, all without leaving the area. It all happened during a visit to a missionary camp in Randolph County, the 175-acre Servants in Faith and Technology camp. Featuring a global village highlighting several areas of the Third World, the camp allowed students to get up close and personal with goats, chickens, a guinea pig and a tarantula. "These are practical things kids their age in other countries do," said campus program director Wineva Hankamer.

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Sprint Relay Wireless, powered by GoAmerica®, is available on the Sidekick/HipTop wireless devices. Sprint Relay Wireless is also accessible through the RIM 850, 857 and 950 devices running WyndTell® service.
Sidekick and HipTop wireless device users access Sprint Relay by clicking on the bright TTY icon directly from the chooser screen. To download and install Sprint Relay Wireless, access the device's Catalog download feature. In the catalog, simply select Sprint Relay Wireless from the Applications list, and select Purchase to download and install the service for free. For more information on Sprint Relay Wireless, visit http://www.sprintrelay.com/ or email srw@goamerica.com.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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MINIATURES BY DEAF INDIAN PAINTER ON DISPLAY IN SEATTLE

An exhibit of paintings by deaf artist Ajay Garg of Rajasthan, India, at Davidson Galleries in Seattle, was reviewed by art critic Sheila Farr in Friday's Seattle Times. Garg's work is subtly different from traditional ornate painting methods of India, writes Farr, and he paints with "age-old skills and materials, using single-hair brushes to create detail so fine you need a magnifying glass to fully appreciate it." The 37-year-old painter also "steers away from stock subjects like godly lovers, royalty and court rituals to portray ordinary scenes from the lives of gypsies or craftsmen."

HIGH SCHOOL PLAY DIRECTOR DOUBLE-CASTS 'ARSENIC' ROLE

Stephanie Gibbons had butterflies when she auditioned for Green Bay (Wisc.) Southwest High School's spring production of "Arsenic and Old Lace," but play director Kady Beekman told the Green Bay Press Gazette, "She was so good. I was like, We have to get her in here somewhere." Gibbons was chosen to play a police officer, and Meghan Delie was double-cast in the same role to provide a spoken voice for the deaf freshman. It's not unusual for deaf students to participate in school productions, noted the Gazette, but this is the first time in memory that a role has been double cast with a deaf signer and a speaker. Director Beekman got the idea when Deaf West Theatre's "Big River" rolled into town last November, and Gibbons and Delie spent hours in rehearsal getting everything just right. Said interpreter Kit Harris-Mader, who helps backstage: "They're like a well-oiled team. I was impressed."

ANNUAL BENEFIT COMING UP SOON FOR NATIONAL THEATRE OF THE DEAF

The National Theatre of the Deaf is getting ready for its annual wine tasting benefit event. The gala is set for Thursday, April 7 at the Goodwin Hotel in Hartford, Conn. The NTD is joining forces with the Goodwin Hotel and the Connecticut Lodging Association on the event. "As part of our goal to establish a local presence, we at NTD are most excited about the joint programming" with the hotel and association, said Paul Winters, NTD's executive director. Founded in 1967, the NTD is the first theater company to perform in all 50 states and has also visited 32 countries and touched all seven continents. For more information on the benefit or NTD itself, go to www.ntd.org or call (860) 236-4136.

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Relay on the Go with Wireless IP-RELAY.com
Wireless IP-RELAY.com brings the world to you via wireless device! While on the go, connect with family, friends or co-workers anytime, wherever you are for free. Make calls at your own time whether at a mall or airport. Simply click on Wireless IP-RELAY.com, and directly connect to relay in real time. Communicate with all the convenience at your fingertips. For more information on how to download and for a comprehensive listing of wireless devices that provide you with relay choices, visit www.ip-relay.com. Wireless IP-RELAY.com - your wireless relay tool!

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SPORTS
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CURTIS PRIDE HOPES TO JOIN L.A. ANGELS OUT OF SPRING TRAINING

Curtis Pride is in Tempe, Ariz. this month with the Angels, hoping to make the team out of spring training. Pride, who was born nearly deaf, is competing with two other players for a reserve outfielder spot and is likely to end up in Triple-A Salt Lake, reported the Los Angeles Daily News. Pride, 36, began playing professional baseball in 1986 and first played in the Major Leagues in 1993 with the Montreal Expos. Since his debut, he's also played with the Tigers, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees and, last year, the Angels, where he hit .250 in 35 games. As of Sunday, he's hitting .375 in spring training games (6 for 16).

DEAF SWIMMER EARNS HONORS AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Among the competitors at last week's NCAA Division III Men's Swimming Championships was Dale Parker, a deaf University of Mary Washington (Va.) sophomore and one of the top college swimmers in the 100-yard breaststroke. Parker had just finished in 16th place Friday, earning him honorable-mention All-America honors, when the Holland (Mich.) Sentinel caught up with him at the Holland Community Aquatic Center. Parker was named Swimmer of the Year by the Capital Athletic Conference this year. He uses a strobe-light device to help him get off the starting block at the same time as the other swimmers.

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COMING EVENTS
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HIGH SCHOOLERS INVITED TO WASHINGTON FOR LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

Students currently in 9th, 10th or 11th grade are invited to apply for a summer program in Washington called "Summit 2005: A Leadership Development Seminar for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students." The seminar runs from June 20 to July 1 and offers students academic and leadership experience. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is hosting the program, and students will be housed in dorms on the Gallaudet University campus. The program costs $100 and includes meals and housing; transportation is the students' responsibility. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. For information, write to Daniel.Dukes@gallaudet.edu or visit http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/Honors/index.html.

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MILESTONES
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LENNY MEYER, 84, RETIRED EDUCATOR, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST

Friends and family of Leonard John (Lenny) Meyer gathered Sunday at the Yorba Linda (Calif.) Community Center for a memorial service and celebration of his life. Mr. Meyer, 84, of Yorba Linda, died Feb. 26 of congestive heart failure. A retired teacher and longtime community activist, Mr. Meyer is survived by his wife Pauline, sons Gene and Rod, daughter Jane Coultrap, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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READER RESPONSE
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I, Van Cortland T. Robinson have often made a filling on all telephone numbers which generally showed only three boxes, and also I often get a voiced calls from these three boxes to fill out. Millions of dollars and times being wasted when I got a call which a person or someone called with voice, I had to turn on my tty or tdd know that someone was calling with voice, because these three boxes needed to be improved, by adding one box indicating the caller or a person applies is deaf, saying relay or tdd so they can easily using TDD or Relay to contact us instead of hung up all the times.
-- VAN C T ROBINSON

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EMPLOYMENT
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Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) in San Francisco Bay Area of California. The COMPUTER INSTRUCTOR full-time exempt (4-day workweek schedule) position is responsible for maintaining/editing the DCARA website, general IT support for all DCARA staff computers and teaching classes. More information on DCARA and job details can be found at http://www.dcara.org under " Jobs". DCARA offers extremely competitive salaries benefits such as 12 days of holiday leave, and a paid winter holiday in addition to vacation, medical, vision, dental, and life insurance benefits.

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Accounts Receivable Position

Description of our business: Sign Language interpreting company

Our Mission: With mutual respect, humility, humor and the highest level of
integrity, Communique Interpreting offers a strong foundation that bridges
diverse populations and promotes equal communication access with the intent
to foster empowerment and self-actualization of ourselves and those we
serve.

Position Title: Accounts Receivable Assistant/Projects Assistant

Approximately 20 hours per week (could develop into a 25-35 hour/week
position)

Reports to: Bookkeeper and Executive Director

Location: Downtown Santa Rosa, California

Required Qualifications:
Minimum 2 years accounts receivable experience
Fluent in American Sign Language
Proficient in QuickBooks Pro, Microsoft Excel and Word
Familiar with File Maker Pro a plus
Familiar with Publisher a plus
Excellent in math skills and spelling
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
Exceptional organizational and people skills
Must be a team player and able to work harmoniously and effectively.
Ability to work independently
Flexibility, judiciousness, sense of confidentiality and sense of humor
Familiarity with Deaf Culture and Resources
Excellent Telephone Etiquette
A Consummate Ability to Organize Information
Mastery of Writing Business Correspondence
A Strong Commitment to High Quality Work
A Well Developed Work Ethic

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create invoices for 2 separate departments.
Create excel worksheets that support the invoices.Review detailed income and vendor invoices.
Double check log book against incoming invoices.
Process daily bank deposits
Responsible for collection efforts of delinquent accounts
Assist with special projects (ongoing and various)
Keeping updated data reports on customers, clients & vendors
Answering and routing all incoming calls*
Implementing Office Systems
Typing letters
Other duties may be assigned

*Not required if applicant is Deaf

WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:
- Busy, Challenging Work Environment
-Creative, Fun, and Dedicated Co-Workers
-Opportunity to Share Unique Talents
-Professional Development
-Participation in a Thriving Business in City with a Growing Deaf Community
-Benefits including gym membership

Please Fax, E-mail or Mail a Letter of Interest and Resume to:
FAX: (707)546-1770
E-mail: cris@cqterps.com
DEADLINE: 4/4/05

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on disability, gender, race, age, gender or sexual orientation. We welcome diversity in our company.

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Dear Colleagues:

The Department of Exceptional Education at the University ofWisconsin-Milwaukee is seeking to fill two positions to begin in August 2005:

Interpreter Educator (9 or 12 month position)
This academic staff position will provide leadership as co-coordinator and major instructor in our established Interpreter Training Program. Masters degree required.

Assistant Professor of American Sign Language (9 month position)
This new tenure track position will focus on teaching, research, and service relative to advanced ASL classes and ASL as a foreign language. Ph.D. or ABD required.

To view a copy of each position description, required qualifications, and application procedures, please visit:
http://www.soe.uwm.edu/pages/welcome/Employment_Opportunities/Exceptional_Education

Application deadline: April 1, 2005. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to Ann Hains, Department Chair, annhains@uwm.edu

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National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
Instructional Faculty (Tenure Track)
Business Careers Dept.
PC#0077

Nature of position: Full-time (10-month) Tenure Track Instructional Faculty position beginning September 1, 2005.

DESCRIPTION:

o Teach a variety of business-related courses with a specific focus on accounting at the Associate degree level.
o Provide support to students taking courses in the College of Business at the bachelor and graduate level.
o Provide individual and group instruction/tutoring and academic advising; and liaison with the faculty in the College of Business and other groups.
o Participate fully in the department's curricular initiatives and related faculty duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:
Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or Masters in Education with and undergraduate accounting concentration.

Preferred:
Full-time secondary or post-secondary level experience teaching deaf students; Sign Language skills; business experience; working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, strongly preferred.

Ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the college's continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences strongly preferred. People who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing, with a disability, women and/or member of a minority group are encouraged to apply.

SALARY and RANK: Position is a ten-month, tenure-track appointment. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send letter of interest with a vita and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references and the Source Code to:

Rochester Institute of Technology
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Professor Mary Lou Basile
Department of Business Studies
52 Lomb Memorial Drive, LBJ-2791
Rochester, NY 14623
Fax 585-475-7900
E-mail: mlbnbt@rit.edu

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 12, 2005

The Rochester Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of protected classes and individuals with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the university's continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences are encouraged to make application.

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GREAT CAREER OPPORTUNITY

House Managers Needed!
Full-time in Randolph and Braintree.

Outstanding opportunity exists for a strong team leader who is ASL Fluent to manage a residential home serving Deaf adults with Mental Illness/Developmental Disabilities.

South Shore Mental Health is seeking a strong leader to manage the day-to-day operations of one of our residential homes serving Deaf individuals who have Mental Illness and/or Development Disabilities. Related experience is required.

Responsibilities include: Advocacy for caseload; Implementation and monitoring of all treatment programs; Supervision of staff; Staff trainings; Fiscal management of individuals' funds; Primary Liaison for service providers, family and guardians. On-call beeper coverage for site and individual needs.

Successful candidate will have working knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture. Management experience preferred; Experience working with individuals with Mental Illness a plus; Relevant studies or college degree in relevant field preferred. At minimum, must have a valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle.

South Shore Mental Health (SSMH) offers a comprehensive NEW paid training program, an outstanding and professional team environment, generous paid time off, medical/dental benefits, employer contributions to retirement plan and more! This is an exciting opportunity where your career will make a difference!

~Deaf Friendly Environment~
~Lots of Opportunity for Career Growth~
~Up to $1500.00 in bonus incentives!!~

SSMH is one of the largest behavioral healthcare organizations in Massachusetts, serving the South Shore, Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod and has served as a community resource since 1926.

Please help us spread the word.... SSMH is looking for qualified team-members to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve!

For immediate consideration, please send resume to:
South Shore Mental Health
500 Victory Rd., Quincy, MA 02171
Attn: Recruitment
Fax: 617-328-5021
TTY: 617-847-1922
jobs@ssmh.org

visit us at www.ssmh.org

EOE M/F/D/V

Lorri Mayer
Human Resources Manager
South Shore Mental Health
V: 617-774-1070
TTY: 617-847-1922
www.ssmh.org

South Shore Mental Health
"Comprehensive programs providing quality community services for over 20 years."

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National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
Instructional Faculty (Non-Tenure Track)
Department of American Sign Language and Interpreting Education
PC# 8950

DESCRIPTION:
Nature of position: Full-time (10-month) Non-Tenure Track Instructional Faculty position beginning September 1, 2005.
1. Teach courses to NTID Interpreting students
2. Provide support in curriculum design and materials development for Interpreting courses.
3. Advise students in the Interpreting program.
4. Participate in professional organizations in the fields of interpreting education.
5. Participate in professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
1. BA degree required in an appropriate discipline related to the field of ASL instruction and/or interpreting education.
2. Experience with curriculum development required.
3. RID Certification required.
4. Native or native-like proficiency in American Sign Language required. Teaching experience in the post-secondary setting required.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to the characteristics of second language teaching/learning and adult learners required.
6. Ability to contribute to the field of interpreting education.
7. Ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the college's continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism and individual differences required.

Preferred:
1. Masters degree preferred.
2. Experience with interpreting education programs preferred.
People who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary: Position is ten month. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Send letter of interest with a vita and the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references and the Source Code to:
Search Committee Chair
Department of American Sign Language and Interpreting Education
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: April 15, 2005

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
SECONDARY TEACHER FOR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING/SCIENCE

Starting Date: August 2005
Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience
Benefits: Comprehensive fringe benefit package

Desired Qualifications:
- Idaho Teacher Certification for Deaf and Hard of Hearing or equivalent
- One or more science endorsements
- Additional endorsements are beneficial
- Excellent receptive and expressive skills in American Sign Language
- Minimum of Bachelor's Degree Master's degree preferred
- Experience teaching deaf and/or blind children preferred
- Experience teaching subjects outside of endorsement areas preferred

Duties:- Assumes responsibility for providing a quality science program
- Maintains discipline within the classroom
- Works with teachers to develop a continuum of educational activities throughout the curriculum
- Attends IEP meetings and other meetings required for the delivery of educational services
- Participates in committees and other job related activities
- Other duties as assigned

Application Procedures:
Submit the following to:
Human Resources Department
Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind
1450 Main Street
Gooding, Idaho 83330
- Letter of application
- Copies of certification
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Resume

Deadline: Open until filled

Location: Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind is located in Gooding, Idaho (population 3,500); a small agricultural community located in south central Idaho within a short distance to mountains, rivers and related outdoor activities. The city of Gooding is a quiet family oriented community. For more information about Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind check our website at: www. Isdb.state.id.us

For more information contact:
Human Resources Department at 208-934-4457 (Voice/TTY) or email sherry.hann@isdb.idaho.gov.Successful candidate will be required to furnish a background check within three months of employment as per Idaho Code 33-130.

Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. If you need special accommodations to satisfy testing requirements, please contact the Human Resources Department.

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