Deafweekly April 14, 2010

deafweekly

April 14, 2010
Vol. 6, No. 24

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 2010 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: DOCUMENTS DETAIL CASE OF PRIEST ACCUSED OF MOLESTING DEAF BOYS / The New York Times
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POPE & SEX ABUSE
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Verona, Italy
ITALIAN ABUSE VICTIMS WANT POPE TO SPEAK OUT
Abuse victim Dario Laiti is deaf and has great difficulty speaking. But he has a clear message for Pope Benedict: expose predator priests, past and present, living and dead, for the good of the Church. "I think the pope has to carry out justice. He has to get rid of all the priests who abused children. He has to tell the world who these people were and which of them are still living," Laiti told Reuters in this northern Italian city. So far, the pope has not spoken out directly on the new wave of sexual abuse allegations that is hounding the Church in a number of countries, including the United States, Italy and his native Germany. / Reuters

Milwaukee, WI
DEAF, BUT NOT SILENT: PRIEST ABUSE VICTIM SPEAKS OUT
Arthur Budzinski wiped away the tear running down his cheek. He had just returned from the basement, where he was talking to Gary Smith, a longtime friend and former classmate. Back upstairs, Budzinski, 61, sat next to his daughter, Gigi, who translated his story. Her father, she said matter of factly, was abused three times by Murphy while a student at St. John's School for the Deaf in St. Francis, a suburb of Milwaukee nestled on the banks of Lake Michigan. Budzinski said he was 12 the first time it happened. / CNN

Milwaukee, WI
PRIEST ADMITS ERROR IN HIS ACCOUNT OF ABUSE PROBE
A priest who investigated allegations of widespread sexual abuse by a fellow priest at a Milwaukee-area school for the deaf has acknowledged that new documents contradict his recent account of events. The Rev. Thomas Brundage, 47, said Friday that documents first published on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Web site show he advised his archbishop in 1998 how to word a letter abating church legal proceedings against the Rev. Lawrence Murphy. That contradicts Brundage's assertion in an essay published March 29 in a Catholic newspaper that he had not been ordered to stop the judicial process. / The Associated Press

London, England
CATHOLIC CHURCH DECIDED NOT TO UNFROCK PRIEST WHO ABUSED DEAF BOYS
A priest who admitted indecently assaulting deaf boys at a school in Yorkshire has been allowed to remain as a cleric, it can be revealed, as the scandal over abuse cover-ups in the Catholic Church moves to Britain. The Rt Rev Arthur Roche, the Bishop of Leeds, sent letters to the Vatican asking for advice on what action should be taken against Fr Neil Gallanagh, after details of his offences emerged, but decided not to unfrock him. / Telegraph

Calcutta, India
CHURCH MEET ON SEX ABUSE
The Catholic Church in India has decided to bring in a policy to tackle sexual abuse within the Church amid a volley of scandals that have seen a senior priest embroiled in a criminal case abroad. The move also comes at a time the Pope has come under attack for not taking action against a priest accused of molesting over 200 deaf boys, leading many to wonder if clergy celibacy deserved a second look. / The Telegraph

Vatican City
VATICAN SCOFFS AT IDEA OF ARRESTING POPE IN BRITAIN
The Vatican said on Tuesday Pope Benedict was willing to meet more sexual abuse victims but not under media pressure and scoffed at calls for the pope to be arrested when he visits Britain in September. A lawyer for British author and atheist campaigner Richard Dawkins said in London at the weekend he would try to have Pope Benedict arrested to face questions over accusations the Church covered up cases of sexual abuse of children by priests. Asked about this at a briefing on the pope's trip to Malta this weekend, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi scoffed. / Reuters

New York, NY
CAN WE FIRE THE POPE?
The Catholic Church is diseased right now. Amid the mounting global scandal over pedophilia, it's suffering from epidemic proportions of denial and enabling. It seems to care more about protecting its own image and interests than the faithful innocents it's been called to serve under God. Perched atop this mess is Pope Benedict XVI. And if it is ultimately proven that he was negligent in turning a blind eye to years of sexual abuse by priests under his charge, then he must step down or be removed from the papacy. / The Huffington Post

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NATIONAL
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Sacramento, CA
CARMICHAEL MAN GETS 50-TO-LIFE SENTENCE FOR FETAL MURDER
With cocaine, meth and rage poisoning him, Danny Ray Poplin Jr. twice sank a 13-inch butcher knife into his six-months-pregnant girlfriend's belly to terminate a life he thought was born of an affair. "His semen is in you," the deaf man signed to his deaf girlfriend before the bloody attack on Dec. 31, 2006. In the three years that followed, DNA tests would show that it was, in fact, Poplin's own unborn child that he killed. / The Sacramento Bee

Jackson, MS
FORMER SCHOOL FOR DEAF TEACHER WINS DISCRIMINATION SUIT
A former Mississippi School for the Deaf teacher won more than $200,000 from a federal jury after she said she was fired as a result of racial discrimination. Melissa Ross said she felt overwhelmed and thankful to God after a jury decided in her favor on Wednesday. The jury awarded her $40,000 in back pay and benefits and $165,000 in pain and suffering. She said throughout her time working at the school, race issues affected her. / WAPT

Madison, WI
HIGH COURT HEARS DEAF DEFENDANT'S CLAIMS OF INADEQUATE DEFENSE
A case before the Wisconsin Supreme Court could test the limits of the constitutional right to be represented by a competent lawyer. The court heard oral arguments this week in a case where a legally deaf defendant is demanding he be granted the right to replace his lawyer. 40-year-old Dwight Jones says he can't communicate well enough with his current court appointed lawyer to present an adequate defense. / Superior Telegram

Whitefield, ME
WHITEFIELD BOY FOUND SAFE
A search for a four-year-old child, who is deaf, ended happily last week when the he was found a short distance from home. Maine State Police were called to the Hilton Road home April 6 after the boy was reported missing, said Lt. Gerard Madden of the Maine State Police. Three officers, including Trooper Shawn Porter and dog Tex, were able to follow the boy’s tracks, Madden said. The boy was found in the woods about 150 yards from his home. / The Kennebec Journal

Dover, NH
RUNNER CLAIMS RESIDENT DROVE TOWARD RACE PARTICIPANTS IN DOVER
A road race benefiting children who are deaf or hard of hearing was marred Saturday morning by a Spruce Lane resident who allegedly drove his truck near runners while yelling at them. Police were called to the Helping Children Hear in New Hampshire 5K Road Race near Portsmouth Christian Academy after a man, identified by participants as Rick Hebbard, allegedly targeted runners as he drove his pickup truck down the race's designed route on Spruce Lane. / Foster's Daily Democrat

Glen Ellyn, IL
SCHOOL FOR BLIND AND DEAF TO REMAIN OPEN
The state comptroller's office said Friday that it will issue a check for about $1.3 million to keep afloat the state's sole public facility serving children who are both blind and deaf. Officials at the Philip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn said last week the state owed the facility about $1.7 million, meaning it could no longer pay staff beyond April 15 and might be forced to close. The funding crisis had prompted state education officials to consider moving the center's 14 students to other state facilities. / Chicago Tribune

Frederick, MD
2010 DEAF TEEN AMERICA PAGEANT
The Mr./Miss Deaf Teen America Pageant was started in 1999 by the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). The pageant is a fun annual event for deaf and hard of hearing teens, ages 13-19, from organizations, programs, and schools for the deaf. This year the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) captured the title at the 12th Annual Mr./Miss Deaf Teen America Pageant hosted by the Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) from March 10-13. ISD sophomores Sean Berdy and TraciAnn Hoglind are the new Mr. and Miss Deaf Teen America for 2010-11. / Clerc Center

Washington, DC
NEW GALLAUDET PRESIDENT BRIDGES DEAF, JEWISH WORLDS
Jews have a reputation for talking with their hands. For most of them, it’s a matter of emphasis; for veteran educator T. Alan Hurwitz, it’s more basic. American Sign Language is his mameloshn. Earlier this year, the 68-year-old Hurwitz, who is profoundly deaf, became the 10th -- and first Jewish -- president of Gallaudet University. The university will hold an inaugural ceremony, formalizing Hurwitz’s presidency, on May 12 -- a date that four years earlier was marked by student protests, precipitated by the appointment of Jane Fernandes as university president. / Forward

See Also GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY GETS A DEAF JEWISH PRESIDENT / Heeb
(An attempt at humor based on an assumption that deaf people cannot hear or respond to telephone interview questions.)

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INTERNATIONAL
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Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
DEAF WOMAN'S SILENT SCREAMS
A man who allegedly tried to rape a hearing-impaired woman as she walked home in Rockhampton on Friday morning was denied bail Monday in Rockhampton Magistrates Court. The 26-year-old man was already on District Court bail for allegedly committing the same offence against another woman last year. It’s alleged that the latest attack happened in Alma Street around dawn. Police alleged the man had harassed the woman for sex and chased her until she fell over. / Rockhampton Morning Bulletin

Minchinbury NSW, Australia
AYDAN HELPS DEAF AND BLIND
Aydan Houeis is letting his passion for swimming steer him into charitable waters. The Minchinbury 10-year-old will take part in the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children’s Splash for Cash Swimathon. He said he was ready to dive in at Sydney Olympic Park this Sunday, April 11 to join some of his idols for a good cause. “I (just) like being in the water,” he explained. / Blacktown Advocate

Glasgow, Scotland
DRUNKEN WOMAN LEFT DEAF AND BLIND GIRL, AGE 6, OUTSIDE ALL NIGHT
A little blind girl almost died after being left outside all night in freezing temperatures. The six-year-old, who is also deaf, was strapped in a pram in just a dressing gown and socks. Yesterday, Kate Harper, 26, who was supposed to be looking after the child, admitted abandoning her after a boozing session. The suffering tot was found by a bus driver the following morning suffering from hypothermia. / The Daily Record

London, England
CORRIE'S KEN BARLOW: I'M 50% DEAF
Soap legend William Roache has revealed he is partially deaf and relies on visual cues on the Coronation Street set. The actor, who plays ITV's Weatherfield stalwart Ken Barlow, has lost 50 per cent of hearing in both ears. He said: "Certain things I just won't hear. I can't hear watches or alarms, footsteps or the rustling of paper. The floor manager has to give me a visual cue, a hand signal, and it is just something that I have learned to live with." / Mirror

Brighton, England
BRIGHTON DEAF SCHOOL TO CLOSE
A highly-rated school for deaf children is to close because of a lack of funding. Ovingdean Hall School has been teaching pupils with severe hearing difficulties for more than 60 years but will close at the end of the summer term. Pupils, parents and teachers have been told that the school in Greenways, Brighton, will close on July 19. / The Argus

Caversham, England
DEAF AWARENESS BOOK LAUNCHED BY CAVERSHAM AUTHOR
A Caversham writer is hoping to spread awareness about deaf issues with the launch of her first book on hearing loss. Juliet England tackles the issue in Deafness and Hearing Loss - The Essential Guide, which is out on May 1. It is designed to help hearing loss sufferers come to terms with their condition and adapt their lives to overcome a number of challenges. / The Wokingham Times

London, England
DEAF COMEDIAN BRINGS SOUND OF LAUGHTER TO SCHOOL
Oak Lodge School is hosting a fundraising comedy night with a twist -- the comedian is deaf, just like its 77 pupils. John Smith will entertain children at the Nightingale Lane school later this month with his truly unique brand of humour. The deaf comedian offers an amusing and fascinating insight into being deaf and the world of British Sign Language. He tackles topics such as deaf issues, politics and school life. / Guardian

Winnipeg, MB, Canada
DEAF STUDENTS HOPE TRUSTEES LISTEN TO REASON
Grade 9 student Cassandra Bell has thrived and excelled in school for nine years, despite being diagnosed in kindergarten with hearing loss that's deteriorated to deafness. But River East Transcona School Division's budget has chopped the division's lone teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing. That teacher "has been there since the day we found out Cassandra was deaf, nine years," said Cassandra's mother, Loretta Bell. Bell said the teacher is being transferred back into the classroom and her position is being dropped. / Winnipeg Free Press

Toronto, ON, Canada
TD GIVES $300,000 TO SUPPORT NATIONAL HEARING PROGRAM FOR KIDS
Grade six students at Markham's Coppard Glen Public School got an earful of information today about the importance of protecting their hearing and were also treated to a live performance from Juno award-winning singer/songwriter Melanie Doane. This event was part of an announcement made by The Hearing Foundation of Canada (THFC) in recognition of a $300,000 donation from TD Bank Financial Group, which will go towards THFC's national educational program called "Sound Sense: Save Your Hearing for the Music!" / CNW

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LIFE & LEISURE
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New York, NY
THE 'PURSUIT OF SILENCE' IN A WORLD FULL OF NOISE
Writer George Prochnik says he's had a passion for silence as long as he can remember. "I can't sit in my house without hearing air conditioners," he tells Dave Davies. "I worry about this layer of noise that's placed on top of infrastructure noise. It's made [noise] inescapable." In his new book, In Pursuit of Silence: Listening for Meaning in a World of Noise, Prochnik leaves the noisy confines of New York City and goes on a global quest to find those who still value silence. / NPR

Rochester, NY
STUDY EXAMINES RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE IN DEAF COMMUNITY
The RIT study compares incidences of relationship violence between Deaf and hearing students, and also delves into the experiences of gay and lesbian students. But the most dramatic finding relates to men. Researchers found that of the four types of relationship violence that they studied, Deaf men were more likely to experience all four. Deaf women were only more likely to experience one category of abuse more frequently than their hearing counterparts. Laverne McQuiller Williams started the study back in 2000. / WXXI

Rochester, NY
RENOVATION AT ST. MONICA EMBRACES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Renovation of the new St. Monica Church and Emmanuel Church of the Deaf on Genesee Street has been an eye-opening experience on many levels. The $1.1 million project included improved lighting for the benefit of people with vision problems and to help deaf parishioners see sign-language interpreters during Masses. But the new lighting also allows worshippers to see the artistic decoration painted on the beams high above the pews of the sanctuary. The enlightening nature of the renovation project went even further. / Democrat and Chronicle

Attica, IN
HEARING LOSS MAY CAUSE ISOLATION
Joyce Bell of Attica recognized the tell-tale signs of hearing loss creeping up on her about a year ago. "I noticed I was having to say 'huh' and have people repeat themselves," the 67-year-old said. She also had to turn up the television really loud. But the main downside to hearing loss has been how it affects her social circle. Bell usually travels to restaurants and to play Bingo with her friends, who drive large vehicles. "I can't hear at all in the back seat," she said. "So I just quit going with them." / Journal and Courier

Carlsbad, NM
TOWN'S EXAMPLE
I have a hearing impairment and was refused service and embarrassed by the waitress and owner because I couldn't make out what they were asking of me as I was ordering take-out for lunch. The business was loud and busy and I was rushed to the buffet area and didn't know what to do from there. I informed the woman who was waiting on me that I "couldn't understand her." She then asked me to wait for another woman, and after 10 minutes they informed me that they were refusing me service. / Carlsbad Current-Argus

Internet
THUMBS OF FURY -- THE FASTEST DEAF BLACKBERRY TEXT USER?
Do you think you have what it takes to type 75 wpm (words per minute) on a Blackberry phone QWERTY keyboard? Well, Mark Rejhon, a deaf Blackberry smart phone user thumbs his way into YouTube fame (not smashingly famous but you get my drift) my texting out words with his two thumbs at a rate of 75 wpm. / Kokonut Pundit

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HEALTH AND ADVOCACY INFORMATION FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING

Persons who are Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing are grossly underserved by both the physical health and the behavioral health care system. In many cases, the patient as well as the health care provider who may provide service to them, is unaware of laws that mandate the provision of accommodations in the health care setting so that all persons have equal access to health related information. A new web site called http://www.healthbridges.info was created by people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing.

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* A Communication Preference Card/Accommodation Card that can be individualized for you
* Information about your rights in the hospital
* A collection of valuable links
* Behavioral health and supportive social services information

http://www.healthbridges.info

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WORKING WORLD
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Monterey, CA
VIDEO INTERPRETATION TAKES EVOLUTIONARY LEAP FORWARD
Language Line Services, the leading provider of over-the-phone and video interpretation services, and NexTalk, Inc., the leader in deaf-accessible enterprise communication and remote interpreting solutions, have joined forces to offer an enhanced, computer-based version of Language Line Video Interpreter Service, providing real-time connectivity to qualified interpreters on-demand, 24/7. This joint venture will create the largest video remote interpreter provider and make video interpretation as accessible as the Internet. / PRNewswire

West Palm Beach, FL
INTERVIEW OF KATHLYN MAGUIRE OF EMPOWERMENT THROUGH HEARING
Kathlyn Maguire’s personal story of significant hearing loss was the motivation behind her founding a charitable organization devoted to changing the way we think about one of our five senses. Because of the importance of this issue, especially as it relates to so many in our rock n’ roll audience, we have named Empowerment Through Hearing one of our Worthy Causes. Thirsty was fortunate to catch up with Kathlyn at her home in Florida for this interview. / Stay Thirsty

Rochester, NY
RIT EXAMINES DEAF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In the world of work, deaf and hard-of-hearing people are notably absent, at least in large numbers. Estimates vary on joblessness in the community, though a 2008 Cornell University study indicated 44 percent of working-age Americans with a hearing disability were unemployed. Pointing to entrepreneurship as a way to boost the financial fortunes of the deaf community, a Rochester Institute of Technology researcher has started an investigation into the state of business creation in the deaf world. / Democrat and Chronicle

Internet
KOHL'S REACHING OUT TO DEAF EMPLOYEES!
An alert member of the forum discovered that Kohl's department store has closed captioned videos on their jobs site! Lnanaa was poking around Kohl's site and saw the captioned videos. She was "pretty impressed." So was I! At a time when so many deaf and hard of hearing people are having difficulty getting hired, it is refreshing to find a company reaching out to potential deaf employees like this. / About.com Deafness

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Livermore, CA
LIVERMORE FAMILY THE SUBJECT OF MARLEE MATLIN REALITY SHOW
When Hollywood came knocking, the Firl family of Livermore opened their door and let in a film crew to document their lives for a new reality TV series. The family was asked to do just what they normally do on a weekend. No easy task, especially when one of the Tinseltown team members in their home was Academy Award-winning actress and fledgling producer Marlee Matlin. Matlin's production company, Solo One, selected Leslie Firl and Bridgetta Bourne-Firl and their four children to be the subject of a new show called "My Deaf Family." / Inside Bay Area

See Also A BAFFLING QUESTION: WHY ISN'T MARLEE MATLIN'S 'MY DEAF FAMILY' ON TELEVISION? / NPR

New York, NY
DEAF, AND TRYING TO MAKE IT IN SHOWBIZ
Complex, candid and all-but-essential viewing for hearing audiences, Hilari Scarl’s intrepid debut feature, “See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary,” educates without lecturing and engages without effort. Focusing on four accomplished artists with varying degrees of hearing impairment, the filmmaker, a hearing actor, watches as each navigates life and career challenges. Filled with small, revelatory moments and extra-large personalities, “See What I’m Saying” faces the blunt politics of deaf culture without pussyfooting. / The New York Times

Rochester, NY
CURTAIN GOING UP
For 40 years, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf has literally set the stage for thousands of students to participate in theater arts. Dance productions, original plays, poetry, musicals and Shakespeare are all performed in front of appreciative and entertained audiences. "NTID is one of a handful of places in the entire world that produce this form of theater," says Jim Orr, the theater's community relations and production manager and an integral member of NTID's Theater Department since 1984. / NTID News

Missoula, MT
STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL FOR BLIND AND DEAF PERFORM AT UM
As the show went on, the applause after each number got quieter. The audience in the School of Music’s Recital Hall slowly began to realize that it wasn’t the custom. Instead, to show their appreciation and approval of the performers’ talents, they raised their hands above their heads and shook them. Expressions of Silence, a performance group made up of children ranging from fifth to 12th grade from the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind, stopped by the University of Montana to perform music in their own way. / Montana Kaimin

Roanoke, VA
SHOWTIMERS HOLDS A PERFORMANCE FOR THE DEAF COMMUNITY
Part of the experience of live theater is to be surrounded by sounds like the music, the singing, and the thunder of applause but what if you're deaf ? For the first time, a local theater group is opening its arms to an audience that can't open its ears. Tuesday night's performance by Showtimers was done in sign language. The play that was chosen is very personal for the deaf community. The Miracle Worker tells the story of a young Helen Keller learning to communicate under the guidance of teacher Annie Sullivan. / WDBJ

Broward County, FL
BROWARD COUNTY LIBRARIES TO PRESENT DEAF GAY AUTHOR RAYMOND LUCZAK
Broward County Libraries Division with the support of the Broward Public Library Foundation, presented deaf and gay author Raymond Luczak on Saturday, April 10, as part of the Gay and Lesbian Literary Arts Festival. The festival, April 9-11, was organized by Stonewall Library Museum Archive and ArtsUnited, and featured dozens of nationally-prominent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered authors, literary experts, and writers. / Out In Miami

Louisville, KY
TALENT HAVE ME!
Talent Have Me! is an internet video contest for ASL performers. Upload your ASL performance onto our YouTube channel and enter the contest to win a travel stipend to SERID 2010 in Louisville, KY where you will perform live in front of an audience. / SERID

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Keith Wann's ASL Comedy Tour 2010

Keith Wann, renowned for his hilarious, sidesplitting comedy performances, is now producing and hosting the ASL Comedy Tour 2010, which will travel the U.S. this year. With American Sign Language (ASL) artists presenting solo performances incorporating comedy, skits, songs, improvisation, and stories, each show lasts two hours. Sponsored by www.CallVRS.org, the multi-city tour is designed to be affordable for each location - making it ideal as a fundraiser for participating organizations.

“We really want to reach out to all communities, so we are sharing in the costs and profits at each location. We will work closely with booking parties to maximize profits for their organization and to bring in as many people as possible for a night of laughter, socialization and fun,” Wann said. “We also offer workshops by some of our performers, which can be held the day of the performance. People can come to our workshops, and then unwind by attending the comedy show that evening.”

www.aslcomedytour.com
Contact KemiProductionsInc@gmail.com.

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SPORTS
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Allentown, PA
PLAYER FOCUSES ON POSITIVE SIGNS
Outfielder Tyson Gillies, 21, is ready to make his move. With music blaring in the background, Gillies' lean, athletic body and natural speed help him track down Ryan Howard's ball. Nice play, for sure, especially considering Gillies is at a disadvantage every time a ball soars his way in the outfield. The Vancouver, British Columbia, native has never heard the crack of the bat -- the sound baseball players and fans yearn for every spring and summer. Gillies, acquired by the Phillies in the Cliff Lee trade in December, is deaf. / The Morning Call

Las Cruces, NM
MITCHELL DEFIES ODDS, SUITS UP ALL-STAR TEAM
Being deaf has never held back Karina Mitchell. As a matter of fact, it may have driven her to new heights. "The kid's never quit on anything," said her father, Tony. "When someone tells her she can't do something, if she struggles to do something, it just makes her more determined. She's an inspirational person." Mitchell, a Las Cruces native in her senior season at New Mexico School for the Deaf, will take the basketball court Friday night in the United States Deaf Basketball All-Star game in Louisville, Ky., as a member of the West team. / Las Cruces Sun-News

Middletown, PA
DEAF DEFYING: SOUND IS NO BARRIER FOR SOFTBALL PLAYER
The crack of a bat, the roar of the fans, the booming voice of the umpire; all of these are things softball players take for granted as normal sounds of the game. But for some players, the only roar they hear is a silent one, one made through a series of hand signals and gestures, not sonic waves. That’s how Middletown’s Shauni Cleland sees the game, but to her the game is the same as it appears to her teammates. Shauni is one of more than 28 million people born with hearing loss. / Press and Journal

Deptford Twp., NJ
HIGHLAND BASEBALL PLAYER DEFIES DISABILITY TO SHINE ON DIAMOND
It can be hard talking to Pierce Phillips about the fact that he’s deaf. Then again, it can be hard talking to his Highland Regional High School teammates and coaches about it, too. For all of them, his so-called disability is not something to be marveled at while he’s starting at second base for the Tartans — or even when he’s playing club ice hockey in the winter. It’s simply a part of who he is. / NJ.com

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

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

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MILESTONES
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Fairfax, VA
JOHN E.D. BALL, EMMY-WINNING T.V. ENGINEER`
John E.D. Ball, 77, founding president of the National Captioning Institute and two-time national Emmy Award winner for his television engineering work, died March 25 [2010] at the Fairfax Nursing Center of complications from a stroke suffered in November at his home in Vienna. Mr. Ball was a native of Scotland who came to the United States mid-career in the 1960s. In 1971, he joined the Public Broadcasting Service and helped implement the first domestic satellite distribution system. That project, completed in 1978, won Mr. Ball his first Emmy award for engineering. His second came two years later for his efforts to develop closed captioning for television programs. / The Washington 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). Start spreading the news! To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

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EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD, INC.

* Community Advocate - Riverside, CA
* Community Interpreter - Los Angeles, CA
* Job Developer/Interpreter - Crenshaw, CA

To learn more about these positions, please visit our website, www.gladinc.org.

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POTHOS Inc employment posting
email resumes to; chiefbrink@pothos.us

Position title: California Relay Service Account Manager

Position summary: Manages the contracts between POTHOS' client, Hamilton Relay and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Oversees the actions of all parties involved to ensure contract compliance. Responsible for ensuring that each party successfully completes all assigned duties and responsibilities.

Essential functions:
-- Responsible for working with CPUC on contract issues and acting as point of contact.
-- Carries out/enforces the policies/procedures for the TRS/Captioned Telephone programs established by the CPUC, the Contract Administrator and as contained in the contract and RFP
-- Oversees the monitoring/compliance of federal/state requirements related to relay system performance.
-- Responsible for representing Hamilton at regulatory meetings with any applicable California Advisory Boards and the Contract Administrator’s required staff meetings as needed and at other outreach functions across California.
-- Monitors CRS-3 Outreach Programs for compliance with RFP and contract requirements in California.
-- Responsible for determining that the needs of the user community are being met and for determining the overall effectiveness of outreach activity.
-- Responsible for identifying any potential conflicts or other needs within the relay Center and reporting those concerns or ideas.

Preferred education, experience and skills:
-- Associate or Bachelor’s Degree or comparable work experience along with a minimum of three years experience.
-- Direct work experience with a Telecommunications Relay Service.
-- Knowledge of American Sign Language.
-- Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are encouraged to apply.
-- Position must be located in Northern California.

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POTHOS Inc employment posting
email resumes to; chiefbrink@pothos.us

Position title: California Relay Service Outreach Coordinator
(Two Positions- one in Northern and one in Southern CA)

Position summary: This full-time position at POTHOS is responsible for coordinating and implementing outreach activities designed to promote Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and Captioned Telephone for California Relay Service (CRS) for our client Hamilton Relay.

Essential functions:
-- Develops Annual Outreach Plan designed to promote California Relay Service; raising awareness and increasing the use of relay services.
-- Plans and implements outreach activities and marketing programs that support the Outreach Plan.
-- Designs, coordinates and conducts demonstrations and training programs on how to access and use California Relay services.
-- Coordinates and delivers training programs about relay services for businesses, agencies and organizations.
-- Delivers/conducts outreach activities/presentations focused on current and potential customers on all relay services using presentation skills, visual aids and written proposals.
-- Works collaboratively with CPUC and DDTP to implement outreach activities throughout California.
-- Participates in Outreach and California Relay Council meetings, scheduled Outreach activities and Marketing Summits.

Preferred experience and skills:
-- Fluency in American Sign Language & Spanish.
-- Knowledge/ability to understand various communication modes used by current and potential relay users.
-- Direct work experience with Telecommunication Relay Service and/or knowledge of Captioned Telephone Relay Services.
-- Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals are encouraged to apply.

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Vacancy Announcement

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE LECTURER
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, BLOOMINGTON, IN

Position: ASL Lecturer
Speech and Hearing Sciences
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana

A non-tenure track Lecturer position in ASL will be available beginning in August, 2010. This is a 10 month appointment with the possibility for additional teaching in the summer.

Qualifications: Native or near-native competence in American Sign Language; Master's degree in teaching ASL, linguistics, or related field preferred but qualified individuals with a Bachelor's degree plus ASL teaching experience will be considered. Candidates should have expertise in Deaf culture and interpreting and must be able to work with Deaf and hearing students and faculty.

Responsibilities: Teach ASL courses ranging from introductory to advanced, develop course content and curriculum. The qualified applicant will be able to engage in the ASL program including external symposia and retreats. Participation in faculty service also is expected.

Salary is negotiable depending upon qualifications and experience. To ensure full consideration, application must be received by April 25. Search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Send a letter of application, vita or resume, official transcripts and three letters of recommendation to Amy Cornwell, Chair of Search and Screen Committee, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University, 200 S. Jordan Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405.

Indiana University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Two new DS therapist- Adults & Children at BJC Behavioral Health in St. Louis, MO.

Therapists will work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental & emotional disorders. Flexibly to work within various structures in the community mental health system.

Job duties includes, therapy, intakes, clinical case management, triage/crisis intervention and EAP therapy. Must have a Masters or Doctorate in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology. Need a LCSW or LPC, 2-4 years experienced required. Fluent in sign language

Please forward resumes to Mark Stansberry, Executive Director, BJC Behavioral Heath, 1430 Olive, Suite 400, St. Louis MO 63103

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New Deaf Services Manager at BJC Behavioral Health St. Louis, MO.

Position includes: manage, coordinate, and supervise deaf & HoH clients with mental & emotional disorders through therapeutic and case management services. Build a strong community relationship between BJC BH & the Deaf & HoH community through networking, advocacy and outreach efforts. Program Management/Coordination (50%) & Therapy (50%)

Master or Doctorate in Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology
Job Experience: minimum 2 Years, 5-1 0 Years preferred
Supervisory Experience: Minimum 3 years, 5-7 Years preferred

Resumes: Mark Stansberry, Executive Director
BJC Behavioral Heath, 1430 Olive, Suite 400, St. Louis MO 63103

www.bjcjobs.org (1000044)

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Position: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Agency: DEAF ADULT SERVICES, INC. (DAS) BUFFALO, NY

Qualifications: Masters Degree in Business or Non Profit Administration with a minimum of three years management experience or BA/BS in Human Services or equivalent with a minimum of five years management experience required. Proven experience with fundraising, grant writing, marketing, budget and financial management strongly desired. Thorough knowledge of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing cultures required as well as Sign Language proficiency. Strong people skills, diplomacy and public speaking abilities are necessary.

DAS encourages qualified applicants with Deaf culture and ASL experience to apply. Relocation funds may be available dependent on candidate selection.

Application can be downloaded at www.wnydas.org. Please send cover letter and resume with completed application to: Deaf Adult Services, Inc. Attention: Executive Director Search Committee, 2495 Main St. Suite 347, Buffalo, NY 14214 or e-mail to EDSEARCH@wnydas.org by Thursday, April 29, 2010. No exceptions.

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Job Postings

Teachers at Preparatory School at the National Deaf Academy

Full-Time Teachers Wanted

This position required full-time teachers to obtain current Bachelor’s degree and Florida certification. Two years in Special Education and working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Dual-Sensory with Communication Disorders is preferred.

Teacher in Special Needs Program must have Varied Exceptionality or Exceptional Student Education certification
Teach in Deaf Education Program must have Hearing Impaired certification.

This position exists to provide direct instruction and other educational services to children, adolescents, and young adults in treatment in order to help them maintain or improve their academic performance levels/standing, as well as help them make a smooth post-discharge transition back into their home school setting. This responsibility is carried out by careful instructional planning utilizing a well designed Individualized Educational Plan. The classroom instruction follows unit planning that based on the best practices and evidence-based researches for Exceptional Student Education students. The teachers are able to communicate fluently through American Sign Language (ASL) and deliver multi-sensory and innovative strategies in all instructions. In addition, the teachers provide positive behavioral support and interventions in their classroom.

Contractual Visually-Impaired Teacher Wanted

This position is a contractual basis that requires a certified teacher specialized in Visually Impaired with a background in American Sign Language. This position focuses on working with Visually Impaired and Deaf-Blind students who are in a behavioral health residential facility. This position also requires extensive knowledge of assessments and services in order to help the visually-impaired students maintain or improve their quality of life while they are in treatment and for transition. Teacher must be familiar with multi-mod ality instruction, including instructional and Braille materials. To be a partner with the educational team, Visually Impaired teacher is responsible providing an array of education service delivery to meet the needs and abilities of the students based on the recommendations from the assessments and Individualized Educational Plan. In this position, the teacher who works with visually impaired students with behavioral disorders requires flexibility with unexpected setbacks and fluctuated schedule.

Competitive salary and excellent benefits. Fax resume to Human Resources: (352)735-4939 or send resume to: National Deaf Academy, Attention: Human Resources,19650 US Hwy 441, Mt. Dora, Florida 32757. Phone (352)735-9500 barbara.tashlein@psysolutions.com EOE

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