Deafweekly April 21, 2010

deafweekly

April 21, 2010
Vol. 6, No. 25

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.

SIGN UP HERE for a free subscription. Be sure to open the confirmation email and click on the link to activate your subscription. It is required by law and prevents others from signing you up without your permission.

Last issue's most-read story: CARMICHAEL MAN GETS 50-TO-LIFE SENTENCE FOR FETAL MURDER / The Sacramento Bee
Last week's website page views: 3,507
Deafweekly subscribers as of today: 3,818

ADVERTISE IN DEAFWEEKLY FOR AS LITTLE AS $18.46 PER WEEK.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
POPE & SEX ABUSE
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Valletta, Malta
POPE MEETS ABUSE VICTIMS, PROMISES JUSTICE
Pope Benedict, in his first gesture since a new wave of sexual abuse scandals swept over Roman Catholicism, promised on Sunday the Church will do "all in its power" to bring the guilty to justice and protect the young. The Vatican issued a statement after the pope met privately with eight Maltese victims of sexual abuse in the Vatican's embassy on the second and last day of his trip to Malta. / Washington Post

Vatican City
POPE SAYS HE FACES CRISIS WITH CARDINALS' SUPPORT
Buffeted by a sexual abuse scandal that is quickly defining his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI marked the fifth anniversary of his election on Monday by telling a group of cardinals that he did not feel alone at the head of what he called a “wounded and sinner” church. His remarks seemed yet another small and indirect reference to the growing sexual abuse scandal, which has focused more directly on whether Benedict, before he became pope, and his subordinates acted strongly enough against pedophile priests. / The New York Times

Vatican City
VATICAN GOES INTO DAMAGE CONTROL MODE OVER ABUSE
The Vatican has gone into full-fledged damage control mode in the priest sex abuse scandal ahead of Pope Benedict XVI’s first foreign trip since it erupted. Officials are promising surprising new initiatives. The pope’s personal secretary is speaking out. And bishops around the world are being told to report abuse cases to the police. The revved-up strategy comes as the Vatican tries to stem the damage from weeks of revelations about priests who raped and molested children -- and the church officials who kept it quiet -- before the pontiff’s visit to Malta this weekend. / Associated Press

Milwaukee, WI
EDITORIAL: A STEP FORWARD
Pope Benedict XVI's emotional meeting with sexual abuse victims in Malta on Sunday was hardly the beginning of the end of the Catholic Church's crisis, which has exploded across Europe and again touched Wisconsin in the past several months. But it was a significant step forward and an indication that Benedict does indeed feel the pain of victims. / Journal Sentinel

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

Purple Communications, Inc.
www.purple.us

Your choice for top quality Video and Text Relay experience. Download our latest all-in-one communication solution for PC – www.purple.us/p3. It’s FREE and it offers you the convenience of using video and text relay, video to video, and address book on your desktop or laptop with a webcam. Try it today and experience the best! www.purple.us/p3.

Try one of our Powered by Purple® services:
www.hovrs.com / www.i711.com / www.ip-relay.com / www.purple.us/interpreting

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

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.

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

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

Los Gatos, CA
NETFLIX TURNS ON SUBTITLES FOR PC, MAC STREAMING
Finally addressing one of the biggest pet peeves about its otherwise stellar "Watch Instantly" service, Netflix announced late Thursday that it's at last rolling out subtitles on its streaming movies and TV shows, with about 100 titles now boasting closed captioning. In a blog post Thursday night, Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt admitted that there's only a "limited library" of subtitled streaming videos for now, including "most episodes" of the first season of "Lost"; also, subtitles are only available on PC and Mac, with closed captions for game console, Blu-ray, and HDTV clients due in the fall. / Yahoo! News

Milwaukee, WI
RETIRED PRIEST ACCUSED OF INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
A 77-year-old retired Catholic priest who continued to help out at several parishes in northern Wisconsin has been placed on suspension while church and civil authorities investigate an allegation of inappropriate sexual behavior. The Superior Police Department issued a statement last Wednesday saying it was investigating an allegation against the priest made by an adult victim on March 28. Capt. Chad La Lor said the complainant was an adult at the time of the alleged offense. / Journal Sentinel

California
SUPPORT CALIF. BILL AB2072 TO INFORM PARENTS OF ALL OPTIONS
AB2072 provides that parents of an infant diagnosed with hearing loss shall be provided with written or electronic information on American Sign Language (ASL), Total Communication, Cued Speech, and Listening and Spoken Language. This bill also clarifies that parents should be provided information about deaf and hard-of-hearing organizations, agencies and early intervention centers, and educational programs. AB 2072 specifies that this information is to be provided at two specific times. / Examiner

Washington, DC
SUPPORT HR 3101 ON APRIL 15!
Last Thursday was NAD Virtual Legislative Day in support of Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3101). This important bill would require all captioned TV programs on the Internet to be shown with captions; require that closed captioned (CC) buttons must be on TV remote controls; require that any device, even devices smaller than 13 inches, that shows TV must be able to display captions; and provide special communication access equipment for people who are deaf-blind. / NAD

Wilkinsburg, PA
CAR FLEES TRAFFIC STOP, HITS DEAF SCHOOL VAN
Police in Wilkinsburg are looking for a man they said was in a car that fled a traffic stop and struck a van carrying students from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. Two students had to be taken to Children's Hospital after the Tuesday afternoon crash. Detectives said they attempted a traffic stop along Franklin Avenue when the vehicle sped away, then slowed, allowing one man to exit. Police said they're looking for Raymarr Young, who they said exited the car and pointed a gun at an officer. / WPXI

Las Vegas, NV
DEAF BOY LEFT ON SCHOOL BUS; MOM DEMANDS ANSWERS
A mother is demanding answers after her 8 year-old son is forgotten on a school bus and left alone in the bus yard. "He's still scared to ride the bus. This has changed him," says Jessi Hart. Making matters worse, her son Hunter is deaf. He was riding a special needs bus at the time and Hart believes the driver should have been even more alert. / KTNV

Frederick, MD
EX-CAREGIVER PLEADS GUILTY TO NEGLECT
About two weeks before he was scheduled to go on trial, a fired caregiver pleaded guilty Friday to leaving three blind and deaf men in a locked car while he ate lunch in a diner. Brian T. Fleming, 47, of Fairfield, Pa., pleaded guilty to three counts of neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. / The Frederick News-Post

DeKalb, IL
IS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE A 'FOREIGN' LANGUAGE?
Twenty students are holding several animated small-group discussions, but no one in this Northern Illinois University classroom utters a word. Their fingers weave in complex patterns as they converse in American Sign Language, which the university has declared an official foreign language. To the students, the new label is fitting: They say that American Sign Language is distinct from spoken English and that its coursework provides a new perspective akin to the cultural immersion they'd experience in French, Spanish or other traditional language classes. / Chicago Tribune

Missoula, MT
MONTANA ANIMAL SANCTUARY MOVING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE
A Montana sanctuary for blind, deaf and maimed animals is moving to New Hampshire. The owners of Rolling Dog Ranch in Ovando say they will start moving horses, dogs and cats to a 120-acre ranch in Lancaster, N.H., on May 24. Steve Smith and Alayne Marker founded Rolling Dog Ranch 10 years ago after leaving jobs with Boeing in Seattle. The couple says rising gas prices and hour-plus drives to the closest cities of Missoula and Helena are some of the reasons for the move. / Associated Press

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

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.

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

April Showers Bring Signaler Savings!

April will shower you with savings! Save 15% on all Bellman Signalers and Receivers during the month of April! That means every sound, telephone and doorbell signaler or receiver is on sale. Call us at 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com/specials.html?utm_source=dw for more details on our TTYs and all our other products. For a copy of our catalog, email your request to: sales@weitbrecht.com. We’re on Facebook!

WCI. Your Single Source for Assistive Technology

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

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

Davao, Philippines
GRENADE BLAST IN DAVAO WOUNDS DEAF-MUTE
Attackers hurled a grenade at a school for handicapped children in the southern Philippines on Friday, wounding two people, the police and military spokesmen said. Two men on a motorcycle threw the grenade at the school in the southern city of Davao, injuring a security guard and a deaf-mute student, they said. The motive for the attack was still unknown. The southern Philippines has been the scene of a recent rash of bomb attacks that has claimed numerous lives. / ABS-CBN News

Brisbane, QLD Australia
FEAR FOR MISSING DEAF WOMAN
Police say they are concerned for the welfare of a 33-year-old deaf woman who may be on the Sunshine Coast after going missing from the Brisbane suburb of Annerley. Thao Chiem was last seen in Annerley at about 2 p.m. Friday and police believe she may have then hitch-hiked or caught a train to the Sunshine Coast or Caboolture area. She is described as 155cm-160cm tall, of Asian appearance with bleached shoulder-length light brown hair and a thin build. / The Sunshine Coast Daily

South Gloucestershire, England
DEAF SUPPORT GROUP IN YATES FACES EVICTION
A vulnerable group which helps deaf people is being forced out of its Yate headquarters, leaving it with a financial mountain to climb. South Gloucestershire Deaf Association has been told it must move out of Frome House by the end of this year as South Gloucestershire Council prepares to demolish the building. The group, which provides sign language courses and support to more than 200 deaf and partially deaf people, said it is in "turmoil." / Gazette

Nottingham, England
HOW CHILDHOOD DEAFNESS LED JENNY TO A STAR-SHAPED LIFE
I have been with Graeae for 12 years and over that time we have trained 49 deaf and disabled artists in performance. Our current show, Signs of a Star Shaped Diva, is a collaboration between writer/director Nona Sheppard and actor Caroline Parker. It is a one-woman show about a woman called Sue Graves, who runs a funeral parlour. She is a diva fanatic and by suggesting she signs a Whitney Houston song for a deaf widower at his wife's funeral, her whole life changes and soon Las Vegas beckons. Caroline Parker is deaf with speech, so the dialogue she speaks is all captioned. / This Is Nottingham

Edmonton, AB Canada
NAIT RETHINKS CANCELLATIONS
Friday's first cheer came from more than 200 staff and students packed into the boardroom, there to watch as NAIT's academic council voted down a motion to suspend 13 programs. The cheer was then picked up by a crowd of protesters in the hallway. The decision saves the captioning and court reporting diploma program, which members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community say they rely on daily. / Edmonton Journal

Cape Town, South Africa
BOAT WINS DEAF KHAYELITSHA RESIDENTS ACCOLADE
One of the city's newest attractions, a floating vessel shaped like a ball which was built by deaf Khayelitsha residents, has won the most innovative product award at the 2010 SA Boating Awards. The Whisper Ball is a boat shaped like a ball which floats on the water powered by an eco-friendly electrical engine. It was recognised as the most innovative boat invention of the year at the weekend. Peter Jacops, chairperson of the Whisper Boat Building Academy for the Deaf in Khayelitsha, said he was extremely happy and excited at the news. / Independent Online

Tripoli, Libya
LIBYA OIL FIRM TO RECRUIT 157 DEAF AND DUMB PEOPLE
The Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) has announced plan s to recruit 157 deaf and dumb people in the country's oil sector. In a statement issued Sunday, the NOC said the people, who have received technic al and vocational training, would be assigned to domestic and foreign oil firms. / Afrique en Ligue

Nakuru, Kenya
COUPLE SEALS PLEDGE WITH SILENT 'I DO'
When Mr Wilson Mumo and his bride Cecilia Wanjiru said “I do” in front of a packed church, very little human sound was heard from the assembly. It was not that the congregation was not happy for the couple, but rather much of the crowd, including the bride and groom, were deaf and dumb. Indeed, the ululations were a muted gesture of outstretched arms with splayed fingers waving in the air. / Daily Nation

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

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.

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

Affordable Housing for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind seniors.

Featuring a deaf manager, communications technology and design features to enhance the lives of people with hearing loss.

Daily activities:
-Club room with kitchen;
-Appliances/heat included;
-Communication barrier free;
-Heated underground parking
-State-of-art communication equipment and design;
-Convenient location to shopping, restaurants, medical centers, and more;
-Safe area for walking
-Pets allowed;
-Too many features to list here.

Check out this link: http://www.cardinalcapital.us/pdfs/WTVflyer.pdf
Contact: Carol Comp – 414.937.5841 ccomp@cardinalcapital.us

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

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

Minneapolis, MN
INCANDESCENT LIGHTS AREN'T BEING BANNED
Q: I'm worried about the effect the ban on incandescent lights will have on my life. I'm hard of hearing, and I use a signaling device to let me know when the doorbell sounds, the phone rings or the baby cries. The system is linked to a lamp that flashes -- a different pattern for the door, phone or baby -- to tell me what is happening. But those systems don't work with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). / Star-Tribune

Olympia, WA
DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THOSE WHO HAVE HEARING LOSS
One of my favorite events of the year is trout opener. Trout opener isn’t just about fishing; it is a statewide event where one can gather with family, meet new folks, swap fishing yarns and trade lures. Last year, one conversation evolved around my hearing loss. I was asked how much I can hear and what it is like to be deaf. Although deafness and hearing loss are the most frequent disabilities — affecting slightly more than 10 percent of all Americans — each situation is different. / The Olympian

Sioux City, IA
FORMER MISS AMERICA SHARES INSPIRING STORY
The guest speaker for Thursday's Goodwill Dinner was Miss America 1995, Heather Whitestone McCallum, a woman who knows all about overcoming obstacles to achieve great things. She's written three books, headed numerous foundations, she's a mother and a wife, not to mention her most notable achievement as the first woman with a disability to be crowned Miss America. Deaf since she was a toddler, Heather Whitestone McCallum couldn't even hear her name announced as Miss America. / KCAU-TV

Ashburn, VA
DEAF VA. COUPLE TEACHERS NEIGHBORS SIGN LANGUAGE
Ashby Ponds is a fabulous place to live, if you can hear what's going on. The retirement community in Ashburn has restaurants, a putting green, a pool and spas. "People eat together, meet, and sit around and talk," said Evelyn Christian, who moved to Ashby with her husband, William, in July. The Christians are deaf. "People here are very nice and friendly," she said. "But we couldn't join in." To break the communication barrier, Evelyn and William, whose nicknames are Eve and Leroy, decided to teach Ashby sign language. / Washington Post

Seattle, WA
MOBILEASL SURVEY
Thank you for showing interest in the MobileASL project at the University of Washington. You are invited to participate in a web survey where your participation will contribute to improving the battery life of the cell phones used in the MobileASL project. The entire survey takes 7-15 minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous and will be kept confidential. BEGIN SURVEY HERE: http://mobileaslsurvey.cs.washington.edu/merged.php. Please only take this survey once.

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

Special Savings on the Visit Signaling System

Now is the time to take a look at the Visit Wireless Signaling System, the Swedish designed system that includes a complete line of transmitters and receivers. For a limited time only, all Visit products are on sale for 15% off.*

Select transmitters for door, telephone, baby cry and fire. For receivers, choose a Portable Receiver, Pager Receiver, Flash Receiver or Alarm Clock Receiver. Or, check out the Visit Value Packs for extra savings.

*This sale ends April 29, 2010.

Visit our website or contact us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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

callVRS is exercising the freedom of choice! How about you?

We choose to answer to the Deaf community. We choose to treat our interpreters with honor and respect. We choose to be ethical and fiscally accountable. We choose to be the VRS Company that focuses on the interpreter along with the callers to make the VRS experience better for everyone. Find the interpreter to meet your many needs. Skilled, Ethical, Professional, and Friendly are all a part of your choice. Experience the freedom! www.callvrs.org. dial callVRS.info on your video phone today! Hearing callers dial 877-241-1411 (VRS 2 411 411)

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

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

Oklahoma City, OK
INTERPRETERS LET THEIR FINGERS DO THE TALKING IN OKLAHOMA
Tonya Puryear describes herself as "a conduit between two cultures.” Or "a glorified phone with emotion.” No matter what you call it Puryear and other sign language interpreters are vital for deaf Oklahomans trying to make their way in a hearing world. Interpreters are called on to aid communication in every situation imaginable. / The Oklahoman

Rochester, NY
EMPLOYERS CREATE BARRIER FOR DEAF
Ball in hand, you glance at the scoreboard: It’s the fourth quarter and you’re down 43 to 50. You’re still holding the ball, the timer ticking: 0:10…0:06…0:04… It’s time to go for broke, no more time to waste -- eyes closed, legs shaking, palms sweaty, you pass the ball to the person who will be interviewing you for your dream job: “I’m deaf and I will need an interpreter.” While the described situation may seem like hyperbole, I face the same dilemma each and every time I apply for a job. As a deaf person ready to enter the workforce, I question whether my deafness would hinder my ability to find a dream job. / Democrat and Chronicle

Bennington, VT
SECOND DEAF EDUCATOR'S POSITION APPROVED
The Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union board approved funding a second deaf educator position at Mount Anthony Union High School for next school year, but decided it needs more information before approving a new paraeducator position for the deaf program. The board unanimously voted not to approve an intensive needs paraeducator who is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) after board members said for contract reasons they wanted to see a job description to make sure the position should be classified as a paraeducator. / Bennington Banner

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

The Z™ offers the best in videophone technology, providing equipment options to meet customers' individual needs and offering features not available through other VRS providers. Professional, nationally certified interpreters follow standards of service excellence above and beyond FCC requirements. Dedicated to a spirit of innovation and commitment to excellence, The Z™ continues to set the industry standard as the nation's premier VRS provider. Go to www.zvrs.com for more information on all of our products, services and features. Don't have a Z phone? You can still join The Z™ Life by calling 888.888.1116 to connect to ZVRS from any videophone!

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

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR ASL AND INTERPRETER TRAINING PROGRAMS!

Whether your focus is on basic day-to-day communication skills in American Sign Language or advanced proficiency for career-path interpreter training, the Sony Virtuoso™ and Soloist® ASL software suite can give your students the competitive edge. Features of our digital language lab technology include: Video and Audio Communication between the Instructor and Students; Real-time High Quality Video and Audio Capture; Simulation of Real-Life Interpreting Situations and Ethical Scenarios for Practicum Skill Development; Creation of Digital Student Portfolios, and much more. Contact SANS at sales@sansinc.com to arrange a demo or visit at www.sansinc.com.

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

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

Northbrook, IL
DEAF THEATER: FEEL THE PERFORMANCE
Hands communicate wildly as actors rush in and out of scenes, their facial and body expressions bringing characters to life - without anyone uttering a word. This is a performance by those who cannot hear, cannot speak, but can animate a theatrical production. Burried within the audience, other actors voclaize the lines of the play so those who are able to hear can follow along. Twice a year, the CenterLight Theatre (part of The International Center on Deafness & the Arts) hosts productions performed by deaf children. / Medill Reports

Buffalo, NY
MUSICIAN IS DEAF, DARING AND DOWN TO EARTH
You would think that Dame Evelyn Glennie would be a diva. Glennie, who is in town to play a world premiere tonight and Sunday afternoon with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, is the world’s only full-time percussion soloist. She is not only a dame of the British Empire, she has her own tartan, the Rhythms of Evelyn Glennie. Not only is it easy to forget to say “Dame Evelyn,” it is easy to forget that Glennie has been, since childhood, profoundly deaf. The deafness does not define her. It is just one more thing that makes her unusual. / The Buffalo News

Middletown, NY
CHARLES MOKOTOFF PLAYS CLASSICAL GUITAR AT SUNY ORANGE
On Sunday, April 18, SUNY Orange County Community College was the setting for a classical guitar recital by Charles Mokotoff. Charles Mokotoff has served on the faculties of numerous colleges and universities as a lecturer in classical guitar and lute. During the 1980s, he was widely recognized as an active guitarist and Renaissance lute player. What is particularly amazing about all this is that Mokotoff has been hearing impaired since age 15 when he awoke one morning and couldn’t hear the birds. / Strauss Newspapers

Los Angeles, CA
DEAF CONTESTANT ON THE PRICE IS RIGHT
I like to show this video to my students. It is a fun way to reinforce the idea of not letting your "disability" keep you from participating in things you enjoy or want to do. If you want to be on The Price is Right, go right ahead and give it your best shot. / Eh? What? Huh?

Los Angeles, CA
DEANNE BRAY'S TRANSITION INTO SISTER ROLE AT DEAF WEST
In 1933 in Le Mans, France, two sisters -- Christine and Lea Papin -- were found in bed clutching each other after bludgeoning to death and gouging out the eyes of their employer Madam Lancelin and her daughter. In 1980, playwright Wendy Kesselman re-examined the Papin sisters’ relationship and eventual downfall, hoping to depict them in a sympathetic light. The result was the prize-winning play My Sister in This House now being re-envisioned at Deaf West Theatre, directed by Michael Unger. In this production the sisters are deaf, adding another layer to examine in this play about class, isolation and the need for connection. / LASTAGE

See Also SISTER ACT: DEAF WEST OPENS KESSELMAN'S MY SISTER IN THIS HOUSE / Playbill

New York, NY
MARLEE MATLIN, 'LEADING LADY' FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Award winning actress Marlee Matlin is best known for playing characters in famous deaf related Hollywood films, that don’t let disabilities get in the way. It’s a role she’s been playing most of her life. Watch this interesting short documentary about her life and work. / Deaf TV Channel

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

The Sprint Relay Store is excited to introduce another color to the popular BlackBerry 8530 Curve family. Check out the new Ruby Red BlackBerry Curve 8530 for $49.99 after Mail-in rebate with a two-year agreement and the unique $29.99 Sprint Relay data only plan for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing through the Sprint Relay Store. Other colors available are Black and Royal Purple. For more information on these and other popular devices, visit: www.sprintrelaystore.com.

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

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.

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

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

Greeley, CO
DEAF UNC STUDENT, TRAINER SPEAKS WITH HIS SMILE
It's silent in his world. Soundless. Some people might not be able to handle that. But they aren't Joshua Ledbetter. He's used to it. Don't try to tell him it's a handicap or an “impairment,” or that there's something wrong with him. He'll tell you it's just something you live with. Ledbetter is 23, a senior at the University of Northern Colorado, and right now, he's doing an internship at the Conditioning Spa in Greeley. And for many of his physical fitness clients, he's been an inspiration. / Greeley Tribune

Buffalo, NY
BUFFALO AREA PLAYS ROLE IN MOVIE ABOUT DEAF BALLPLAYER
Baseball fans may not know the name Dummy Hoy but his century-old record -- the Washington Senators outfielder threw out three base runners at home plate in one inning -- still stands. Yet Hoy's records -- he also stole a National League-leading 82 bases in 1888 -- are not the reason people will line up today to see "Signs of the Time," a documentary with a distinctive Buffalo bent. They will watch it because William Ellsworth Hoy -- he preferred the nickname "Dummy" -- is best known as the deaf ballplayer who introduced hand signals to major league baseball. / The Buffalo News

Rochester, NY
DEAF PLAYER LOVERS THE RACQUET AT RIT
If anyone knows about facing and overcoming life’s challenges, it’s Kyle Gahagan. The 2009 Calvert Hall College High School graduate has endured much in his life, including being born deaf, the death of his mother when he was 12 and spending much of his youth as a latchkey child. But a fierce determination and self-motivation have propelled the Parkton, Md. resident to pursue his dreams. Enrolled at Rochester Institute of Technology as a biomedical science major, Gahagan quickly realized the institution didn’t have a racquetball team. So he started one. / The Catholic Review

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

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.

The site features:
* 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

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

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
COMING EVENTS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Washington, DC
SIXTEEN HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS VIE FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP
The14th Annual Academic Bowl for Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Students gets underway April 25 at Gallaudet University’s Kellogg Conference Hotel. The two-day tournament will conclude with the championship match at 8 p.m. on Monday, April 26, and may be viewed live on the National Academic Bowl website. Earlier this year, 76 teams of deaf and hard of hearing students from all-deaf, as well as mainstream, high schools participated in one of five regional contests. / Gallaudet University

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
READER COMMENTS
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

My name is Cara Miller, and I am a graduate student studying Clinical Psychology at Gallaudet University. My dissertation topic relates to D/deaf and hard of hearing individuals’ attitudes toward hearing dog use. The purpose of my study is to learn more about how hearing dog use is acknowledged, perceived, and understood by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

I am seeking D/deaf and hard of hearing volunteers to participate in an anonymous online study assessing attitudes toward hearing dog use. Participants must identify as Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, late-deafened, or hearing impaired, and be aged eighteen years or older. I welcome volunteers who do not have hearing dogs as well as those who currently or were previously partnered with a hearing dog.

Please note that the link below will direct volunteers to the Informed Consent letter which must be read before completing the survey should they wish to do so. To thank volunteers for participating, they will be offered the opportunity to select a charity to which I will make a donation.

Please share the following link which will take volunteers to the Informed Consent form and study. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8VSTQ9W

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Cara Miller
Clinical Psychology
Doctoral Candidate
hearingdogstudy@gmail.com

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.