Deafweekly May 8, 2008

deafweekly

May 8, 2008
Vol. 4, No. 12

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers every Thursday and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. Please visit our website to read current and back issues, sign up for a subscription and advertise. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2008 and any unauthorized use, including reprinting of news, is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly at no charge.

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NATIONAL
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ASL TEACHER KILLED IN INDIANA MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Gina Coleman, a Gallaudet University alumna who taught American Sign Language at Carmel (Ind.) High School, died April 6 in a Brown County, Ind. motorcycle accident. Coleman, 43, was thrown from her motorcycle into a ditch after colliding with a sports utility vehicle that had slowed for a dog that ran into the road, said The Republic. Carmel High School, where Coleman taught ASL to 150 students this semester, was closed for spring break but officials brought in counselors anyway, said the Indianapolis Star, and arranged to have at least one counselor attend Coleman's classes the first two days after students return. A funeral home web page offered condolences from visitors, including one who said, "She was my favorite person."

CALIFORNIA CYCLIST DIES AT SCENE OF CRASH

Christopher Evan Rock, 40, was killed April 8 while riding a bicycle on a Santa Cruz, Calif. street when the trailer of a quarry truck struck him. Rock, a former California School for the Deaf Fremont student, suffered a severe head injury and died on the scene, reported the San Jose Sentinel. (The driver, unaware of the crash, drove on until stopped by police.) Rock was a high-spirited man whose goal was to be a competitive cyclist, said the Sentinel. Unable to drive because of a brain injury from a car accident 15 years ago, he walked or rode his bicycle everywhere. "He was always smiling," said friend Shylynn Barlow. "He was funny, had a good sense of humor, had a wonderful attitude about everything." A memorial website has been set up at http://chrisrockscz.blogspot.com/.

NEWSPAPER PROBES 'UPHEAVAL' AT RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL

Leadership issues continue to plague the Rhode Island School for the Deaf, reported the Providence Journal, following the firing of an administrator and resignation of three trustees. Jonathan Seamans said he "received a call out of the blue on April 10" telling him he was fired as assistant director of administration and operations and has asked the Education Department for a reinstatement hearing and $95,566 for wrongful termination. Board chairman Marc Gursky submitted a one-sentence resignation letter to the Department of Education April 18, and two other trustees, Karen Fifer Ferry and Mary E. Wambach, have resigned since March. Union president John Carty said teachers don't know why Seamans was fired or why the trustees resigned, and when he asked the school's deaf director, Lori Dunsmore, about it, "she said she couldn't comment."

ARIZONA MAN JAILED FOR MOLESTING DEAF TEEN

A former church youth leader from Gilbert, Ariz. was sentenced to 17 years in prison last Thursday after being found guilty March 18 on two charges of child molestation and sexual abuse. James Ward Chapman, 40, will also serve lifetime probation and will have to register as a sex offender, said The Gilbert Republic. Chapman, who volunteered with the First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, was arrested in July after a 13-year-old deaf girl with a slight mental disability told a school counselor Chapman had molested her in his home. Chapman initially denied the charges but confessed after a lie detector test.

MARYLAND STUDENT INDICTED ON RAPE CHARGES

Maryland School for the Deaf student Kaeshaun Malik Willis, 17, was indicted April 25 on five charges including second-degree rape, said the Baltimore Sun. Court documents allege Willis attacked a 17-year-old in a dormitory basement October 27. Willis, who was 16 at the time, was charged as an adult and released on $35,000 bail.

ALLEGED RAPIST OF HITCHHIKER ARRESTED IN CALIFORNIA

A California man was arrested last Friday and charged with raping a 16-year-old deaf hitchhiker. Marcos Esteban Ortega allegedly picked up the girl, a student at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, in Corona after she snuck out of her parents' home and tried to get a ride to Valley Center in San Diego County, said The Press-Enterprise. Ortega allegedly stopped at a convenience store and then took the teen to a dark lot where he threatened and assaulted her before dropping her off at her destination. Ortega was identified by a former co-worker who recognized him in a store surveillance tape that was released by police. He was taken into custody in a Bell Gardens, Calif. park Friday afternoon and booked on a charge of rape by force, with bail set at $50,000.

PHOTO ON BOY'S CELL PHONE LEADS TO WOMAN'S ARREST

A 26-year-old Oklahoma woman was arrested April 16 and accused of sexually assaulting a deaf 13-year-old boy at a school playground after a nude photograph of the woman was found on the boy's cell phone. Valerie Faye Posey, of Moore, faces felony charges of lewd acts with a child and forcible sodomy, said The Oklahoman, and could receive up to 25 years in prison. The boy's mother found written letters and text messages between Posey and the boy and turned them over to police in March, said Moore police Lt. Todd Strickland. Posey, whose son was a friend of the 13-year-old boy, was released on $1,000 bail.

DEAF DRIVER COLLIDES WITH AMBULANCE

Two people injured in a head-on crash in Palo Cedro, Calif. were involved in a second accident while riding in an ambulance to the hospital but were not further injured. According to the Record Searchlight, the ambulance collided with a car driven by Christopher Gelms, 24, who was driving through a green light but is deaf and did not hear the siren. A paramedic who was treating the patients was taken to the hospital for a cut above his eye, and a second paramedic was taken to his own doctor after complaining of pain. A lengthy discussion by Record Searchlight readers of Gelm's role in the crash was characterized by the first person's comment: "I didn't know you could drive if you were deaf."

CALIFORNIA TEEN CALLED 'VOLUNTARY MISSING'

Authorities have suspended an active search for Alexandra Jiminez, 19, a deaf woman who went missing from a group home in Vista, Calif. last week. Jiminez, who has psychological and emotional problems, was last seen by staffers around 10:30 a.m. Friday, said KGTV 10News. Deputies searched the neighborhood for about seven hours before learning that Jiminez might have run off with a man she met on the Internet after her computer privileges were suspended. A representative of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said her status is "voluntary missing."

FDA SEEKS $2.2 MILLION FROM COCHLEAR IMPLANT MAKER

California cochlear implant maker Advanced Bionics was charged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with violating manufacturing standards and exposing patients to the risks of device failure, possible surgery and additional hearing loss. According to an FDA news release, the government is seeking a $2.2 million penalty against the company and its president and co-CEO, Jeffrey H. Greiner. The complaint alleges Advanced Bionics switched the supplier of a key component in its HiRes90k implant without informing the FDA of the change as required by federal regulations. The company also failed to test the device's continued safety and effectiveness after switching over to the unapproved vendor's component, the FDA charged.

NEW NEVADA SCHOOL TO FILL 'HUGE, GAPING HOLE'

Nevada will get its first dedicated school for the deaf when the new Las Vegas Charter School of the Deaf opens in the fall, said the Las Vegas Sun. Nevada is one of only a few states without a dedicated campus for deaf students, and governing board member Robert Daniels said the new school aims to fill a "huge, gaping hole." Organizers first applied to create the charter school in January 2003 and won a preliminary charter four years later, pending approval of the school site. The new school plans to rent two classrooms from an existing school and start off with the youngest students, expecting about 20 to 30 students in 2008-09. "We're going to start small and build up," said organizing committee member Caroline Bass.

WASHINGTON SCHOOL GETS NEW SUPERINTENDENT

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire announced in an April 9 news release that Richard Hauan has been appointed superintendent of the Washington School for the Deaf. Hauan had been interim superintendent at the Vancouver school since September and assistant superintendent since July 2004. Gregoire said Hauan "has the skills and commitment to improve the education of deaf and hard of hearing students throughout the state," while Hauan said he was "thankful for this opportunity."

INDIANA WINS NATIONAL ACADEMIC BOWL

The Indiana School for the Deaf is celebrating its first Academic Bowl win since 2003 after coming back from an early deficit against second-place winner Maryland School for the Deaf. Ten teams competed in this year's 12th annual Gallaudet University National Academic Bowl, and Indiana's contingent -- players Ann Whited, Colin Whited, Gabriel Paulone and Janna DiBiase, and coaches Mary Kovatch and Chuck Daube -- came out on top. Allison Weiner of Maryland won the Outstanding Player award and W.T. Woodson High School of Fairfax, Va. won the Sportsmanship team award. "I was very impressed with the spirit of cooperation and teamwork," said Gallaudet President Robert Davila.

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INTERNATIONAL
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JAPAN LIFTS BAN ON DEAF DRIVERS BUT MANDATES STICKERS

Japan is lifting its longstanding ban on deaf drivers and allowing motorists with hearing disabilities to obtain a driver's license starting next month. Drivers will be required to display a sticker on the front and back of their vehicles, a symbol of a yellow butterfly on a green background that was introduced by the National Police Agency. Emblems are also used to denote beginning drivers, senior citizens and drivers with physical disabilities, said The Asahi Shimbun. Motorists will be prohibited from pulling alongside or in front of any car with the sticker, said the report, and deaf drivers who don't display the symbol "will be punished."

AUSTRALIAN DEAF TOLD THEY CAN'T FLY ALONE

Tiger Airways came under criticism in Australia last month after it was revealed that four deaf passengers were told they could not fly unless accompanied by a fare-paying adult care provider. The four were eventually permitted to board, said the Associated Press, but a cabin manager gave them a note saying, "In future, so you know, you'll need to travel with a carer for safety reasons." The four have filed a complaint with Australia's anti-discrimination agency. Airline spokesman Matt Hobbs denied Tiger Airways has a policy barring deaf people from traveling alone and said he was trying to find out why his colleagues were telling people otherwise.

WOMAN TO WALK GREAT WALL OF CHINA FOR DEAF CHARITY

Shauna O'Neill of Northern Ireland plans to spend five days in October walking the Great Wall of China to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society. O'Neill has been busy training and fundraising, said the Ballymena Times, needing £2,500 ($4,925 US) to fund the trip (her website www.justgiving.com/shaunaoneill shows her nearing the halfway mark) and aiming for another £4,000 ($7,880 US) while in China to help the charity. The NDCS is close to her heart, said the report, because two of her cousins were born with hearing loss. Local restaurant Hush, owned by O'Neill's brother Gary, has pledged to sponsor the walk, and O'Neill is hoping people come out and support her at a "table quiz" fundraiser. The upcoming trek, said O'Neill, "is definitely the biggest thing I've ever done."

MAN ADMITS KILLING DEAF WOMAN IN ARSON ATTACK

A 21-year-old man in England has confessed to manslaughter in the death of Sharon Long, 27, a deaf woman who died November 26 following an arson attack on her home. Matthew Gleadhill of Doncaster pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court and is expected to face sentencing this month. Long was rescued by firefighters from her first-floor apartment, reported the Doncaster Free Press, but died several hours later from burn injuries.

TEEN 'CRITICAL' AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR

A deaf teenager who was running away from a dog was hit by a car near his home in Northern Ireland, said the News Letter. Shane McPhilomey, 14, suffered a serious head injury and was in critical condition at a Belfast hospital following the April 23 accident. His father and nine siblings, including twin brother Finbar and 16-year-old Fintan, who witnessed the accident, were at his bedside. The family bore no ill will toward the driver of the car, said the report. "Shane just ran out in front of him when he saw the dog," said his aunt, Caron McLaughlin. "He is really scared of them."

NORWAY APOLOGIZES, PAYS UP FOR WRONGFUL CONVICTION

The Norwegian government has offered its apologies and $4 million compensation in the case of Fritz Moen, a deaf and disabled man who spent 18 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of killing two women. Moen, who said he was pressured by police to confess despite an alibi and physical evidence pointing to another man, was cleared of one murder but died in 2005 while the second conviction was under appeal. The money will be paid to two charities, said UPI, including one that operates homes for blind and deaf adults.

BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE ... TO PROMOTE SIGN LANGUAGE

Deaf New Zealanders chose the humble butterfly as the symbol for this year's New Zealand Sign Language Week, said the Bay Chronicle, because butterflies are "deaf but still independent." Organizers in Whangarei plan a week of activities to raise awareness of the country's third official language and its role in Kiwi culture. Free sign language classes will be offered this week at schools, child care centers, a mall and the local library. "It is about understanding," said Deaf Association Northland's Catherine Bagley, "and hopefully people will want to learn sign language more."

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LIFE & LEISURE
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IOWA WOMAN VICTIMIZED BY NIGERIAN SCAM

A deaf Iowa woman who wired money to Nigeria almost every day for 10 days was scammed out of about $4,200, reported The Des Moines Register. Linda Pierce, 52, apparently was targeted after her friend's cell phone with her screen name in it was stolen. Pierce received an email saying she had won a "deaf persons lotto" prize of $100,000 and began sending money to Nigeria April 21. On April 30, an email claimed her money was in an airplane circling the city and she needed to pay a $550 "landing tax fee." She went to the Des Moines airport expecting to pick up $100,000 from a private jet but wound up filing a police report instead. "When people wire money and it's a scam," said attorney general's spokesman Bob Brammer, "they've pretty much wired it down a rat hole."

PROJECT SEEKS TO IDENTIFY DEAF-FRIENDLY CITIES

Deaf411, a new marketing and public relations company in New York City, launched a research project last month called Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S. The project aims to help people with relocation planning by identifying American cities that are considered friendly and accessible to people with hearing loss, said a news release. Research will focus on employment, government, business and community services and opportunities, and the project is expected to take six months. Deaf411, founded by former Deaf Expo organizer and Deaf USA publisher David Rosenbaum, has set up a website with an online survey and plans to share the results with consumers in a free report. To learn more, visit www.deaf411online.com/6.html.

HEARING CONCERNS PROMPT EAR PLUG GIVEAWAY

When concertgoers arrived for a sold-out Snoop Dog performance at the University of New Hampshire in Durham last Friday, they were greeted with free ear plugs and information about noise exposure and hearing loss. The giveaway was organized by students in the UNH chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association as part of Better Speech and Hearing Month, said Seacoast Online. Upcoming events include free 20-minute hearing screenings on May 13. "We're trying to encourage people to think a little more seriously and often about the importance of their hearing," said UNH senior Jaclyn McMahon.

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WORKING WORLD
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AT&T INTRODUCES TEXT PLAN FOR APPLE IPHONE USERS

AT&T has unveiled its new "Text Accessibility Plan" for the Apple iPhone, offering unlimited text messaging, Internet and email for $40 per month. The plan is designed for people who are deaf or have speech or hearing impairments and requires customers to complete an application with AT&T's National Center for Customers with Disabilities, said the Madison, Wisc. Capital Times, where a link to the application is provided. The $40 rate is available to both current users and new customers, who must sign up for a regular plan and then email, fax or mail the eligibility form back to AT&T to change to the text plan.

RELAY CENTER IN MASSACHUSETTS SET TO CLOSE

Communication Services for the Deaf plans to close its relay center in Holyoke, Mass., reported The (Springfield) Republican. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based CSD informed Holyoke Mayor Michael J. Sullivan in a letter dated April 28 that it would permanently close the office it has operated since April 1, 2004. CSD spokesman Rick Norris said the company's contract with the state of Massachusetts will expire June 30 and has not been renewed. He added that he did not know which company would be taking over on July 1. Closing of the center will eliminate 62 jobs, which average $10 per hour. "It's a sign of the times," said Sullivan.

DCARA BOSS TO LEAVE AGENCY IN JUNE

Diana Herron has submitted her resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency in San Leandro, Calif., said an April 9 press release, and the DCARA board of directors has "regretfully" accepted her decision. Herron will remain on the job until June 27 and has pledged her support after she leaves, said the statement. Herron faced "tremendous challenges" during her tenure and helped craft a five-year plan that focuses on service expansion, growth in revenue and better visibility for the agency. Community members were advised to contact Board President Charles Farr with any concerns and told that a Town Hall meeting would take place "sometime in May."

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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INSIGHT CINEMA: THE END

InSight Cinema, a longtime leader in captioned films, is going out of business. "We have come to a point where we no longer have the resources to continue our services," said Nanci Linke-Ellis, the nonprofit's founder and president, in a website memo. Linke-Ellis said she planned to leave the website up with all its resources, including links to open-captioned films, but could no longer respond to all emails. She expressed gratitude to "countless people" and noted there is still much work to be done, citing digital cinema, live theater, opera, houses of worship and sporting venues. "I will never cease to be an advocate for captioning," she said.

MATLIN ELIMINATED FROM 'DANCING WITH THE STARS'

Marlee Matlin made it through six weeks on ABC's reality show Dancing With The Stars before she and dancing partner Fabian Sanchez were voted out April 21. Matlin's mambo performance with Sanchez "failed to impress the judges," said Celebrity News Service, though the Academy Award-winning deaf actress' presence on the show "certainly had been an inspiration." Matlin's exit, which left six contestants vying to be the ballroom dancing champ, prompted the Children of a Lesser God star to conclude, "I think I've proven I can do pretty much anything."

DOCUMENTARY 'HEAR AND NOW' HAS HBO PREMIERE TONIGHT

Irene Taylor-Brodsky's documentary Hear and Now, which tells of her deaf parents' decision to get cochlear implants, will debut tonight on HBO at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time. Sally Taylor was a teacher who used her expert lip reading skills to help police, said the Los Angeles Times; Paul Taylor was a professor and engineer who helped develop the TTY. The story of their surgery and the aftermath provides "moments of tear-jerking sweetness," said the Times, telling "of medical technology, its hopes and its limitations." Hear and Now premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was picked up by HBO, where Taylor-Brodsky said in an interview "it will be seen by thousands, maybe millions, on that fabulous channel."

'LOVE PERSON' MAKES WORLD PREMIERE IN CALIFORNIA

New York-based deaf actress Mary Vreeland is currently starring in Love Person, a play by Aditi Brennan Kapil that had its world premiere April 27 at the Marin Theatre Company in San Francisco's North Bay. Vreeland plays Free, one of four characters in a comedy that "brilliantly combines American Sign Language, English, erotic emails, some naughty text-messaging and the sensual poetry of Sanskrit to best communicate our most intimate emotion -- love." Performances in the 99-seat Lieberman Theatre run through May 18 and include ASL and English. Love Person will also be presented in Minneapolis and Indianapolis as part of a "rolling world premiere" through the National New Play Network. To learn more, visit the Marin Theatre website.

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SPORTS
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MARYLAND FOOTBALL STAR DREAMS BIG

The Frederick (Md.) News-Post recently profiled Maryland School for the Deaf student Ryan Bonheyo, who dreams of playing professional football someday. Bonheyo is a running back and linebacker who has helped the MSD Orioles maintain a 28-game winning streak dating back two-and-a-half years. He was one of 65 junior all-stars from the region to be honored at a banquet earlier this week and he has been invited to a Nike football training camp this month at Penn State University. Bonheyo hopes to land a scholarship with a Division I team, but if things don't work out he would like to own a sports-related business. He knows he faces some big challenges but he isn't looking for sympathy, said the News-Post. "We're not sorry we're deaf," said Bonheyo, "so other people should move on, because we do."

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MILESTONES
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JONATHAN HALL, 96, GALLAUDET PROFESSOR FOR 40 YEARS

Jonathan Hall, who was born on the Gallaudet University campus on February 6, 1912 and "filled the president's house with animals, fossils and outlandish contraptions," died of pneumonia February 10 at age 96. Mr. Hall, whose father, Percival Hall, was the university's second president, had a deaf mother and "grew up as fluent in sign language as in English," said the Miami Herald. He went on to teach at Gallaudet for 40 years as a professor of biology and natural sciences, amusing students with talented dogs he had trained to respond to sign language. "When Hall spelled out the words 'lie down,'" said the Herald, "the dogs would do just that."

CLAUDIA TAYLOR, 57, TAUGHT FOR 32 YEARS AT WISCONSIN SCHOOL

Claudia Taylor, 57, a teacher of deaf and hard of hearing students at Grant Elementary School in Wausau, Wisc., died March 13 after a four-year battle with cancer. "She was the kind of teacher that everybody should have," her husband, Patrick Taylor, told the Wausau Daily Herald. Ann Wicklund, director of special education for the Wausau School District, said Mrs. Taylor took time to learn about her students and work closely with their families. "I feel very lucky to have known her," said Wicklund. "She was quite a woman."

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COMING EVENTS
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DRF TO MARK 50TH YEAR WITH NYC GALA

The Deafness Research Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala celebration next Wednesday in New York City. The event will "recognize a half century of achievements in hearing health and research and inaugurate the organization's commitment to future endeavors," said a news release. DRF, one of the largest and oldest hearing research organizations in the U.S., focuses primarily on a grants program that offers awards to scientists for research in hearing and balance science. Among this year's honorees is Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), a prime mover behind the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Millennium Broadway Hotel will host the event, and Andrea Kardonsky (akardonsky@drf.org) can be contacted for more information.

LEADERSHIP & LIFESTYLE CAMP COMING UP SOON

A Leadership & Lifestyle Camp set for June 11-15 in Port Orchard, Wash. (near Seattle) is designed for "Deaf Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Questioning & Intersex (LGBTQI)" people, said a news release. The registration rate of $255 includes four nights, full meals, workshops, fun recreation and evening entertainment. Goals are to strengthen leadership skills, exchange information, gain confidence and have fun. Visit www.nwrad.org for details and reservation form.

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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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The Deaf Studies Department at California State University, Northridge currently has an opening for a tenure-track faculty position specializing in Interpreter Training. For more information, including the application process, please follow this link to the position announcement.

http://www.csun.edu/facultyaffairs/openings/position/0864.pdf

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Northwestern Connecticut Community College

Administrator 3
(Director of the Collegiate Education for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons)

This is a 12-month, Management position. To learn more about us and for a copy of the vacancy announcement, including minimum qualifications and application deadline, please visit our website at www.nwcc.commnet.edu EOE/AA/M/F

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Job Opportunities:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - KCDHH
The Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) seeks an experienced, creative, visionary leader to fill the position of Executive Director (ED). KCDHH is a state agency that advises the Governor and General Assembly concerning policy and programs that impact the lives of deaf and hard of hearing persons in the Commonwealth, oversees the provision of interpreter services by state agencies and operates the Telecommunications Access Program. www.kcdhh.org.
The ED serves at the pleasure of the Board. Contact Mark White, Mark.White@ky.gov, Deputy Executive Director for more information or job specifications.

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Coordinator, Signs for All Program (SFA)
(40-hour week, 12-month position)

DATE POSITION TO BE FILLED: As soon as possible

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Coordinator will assume and perform duties and responsibilities related to the provision, management, and evaluation of American Sign Language (ASL) classes and services throughout the greater Rochester area. The Coordinator will manage a virtual staff of ASL teachers and sign language evaluation interviewers and raters.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree
Eligibility for appropriate New York State ASL teacher certification
One to three years of successful teaching experience
Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, planning, and organizational needs
Effective written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills
Advanced Plus to Superior Plus Rating on SCPI

FILE APPLICATION WITH:
Harold Mowl, Jr., Superintendent/CEO
Rochester School for the Deaf
1545 St. Paul Street
Rochester, New York 14621

Applications received will be screened and the most highly qualified will be asked to interview.

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

RSD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of non-qualifying disability, race, religion, color, sex, marital status, age, national origin, and veteran status.

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Technology Teacher

DATE POSITION TO BE FILLED: September 1, 2008

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Teach a variety of courses to Deaf students, with technology as the primary focus. Serve as a resource to teachers and students in the area of technology. Serve on Technology Curriculum Committee. Participate in weekly team meetings with other staff members to plan programs, behavior management techniques, and strategies for student success. Follow required NYS curriculum standards and prepare students for required NYS assessment tests. Write and implement student IEPs.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education of the Deaf or computer technology. New York State certification as a teacher or the ability to obtain same. Previous experience working with Deaf students and classroom integration of technology. Advanced Rating on the SCPI.

FILE APPLICATION WITH:
Harold Mowl, Jr., Superintendent/CEO
Rochester School for the Deaf
1545 St. Paul Street
Rochester, New York 14621
Applications received will be screened and the most highly qualified will be asked to interview.

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD

-- Hard of Hearing Specialist - Los Angeles, Riverside, CA
-- Community Advocate - Bakersfield, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, CA
-- Community Interpreter - Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Riverside CA
-- Placement Coordinator - Anaheim, CA
-- Job Developer/Interpreter - Anaheim, Norwalk, Pacoima, Riverside, CA
-- Administrative Assistant - Los Angeles, CA

If interested in any of these positions then please submit resume and application to:

Jeff Fetterman
Human Resources Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
V/TDD: (323) 550-4207
Fax #: (323)550-4204
E-mail: jfetterman@gladinc.org

GLAD is an Affirmative Action Employer with equal opportunity for men, women and people with disabilities. For more information on the following positions, please go to: www.gladinc.org. The status of all positions is: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Full Fringe Benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions are open until filled.

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Metro Suburban Area
Westboro State Hospital

Occupational Therapist
Seeking part-time (20 hrs./wk)Occupational Therapist to Work in our Rehabilitation Department providing Occupational Therapy services including comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, implementation and consultation to deaf and hearing patients on a primarily deaf psychiatric unit. Collaborates with other clinicians, rehabilitation personnel and the patient to develop and implement an individualized schedule of rehabilitation activities to meet patient’s functional needs. Provides a variety of psychosocial rehabilitation groups and individual services. Serves as a liaison between unit treatment team and hospital rehabilitation programs and personnel. May have supervision responsibilities of a COTA. Deaf and hearing persons with sign language skills encouraged to apply. Excellent benefits including health, dental, tuition remission, vacation, retirement, free parking.
Salary Range: $24,066.40 to $40,159.99
Resumes to: Office of Health Human Resources,
Metro Suburban Area, Box 288, Lyman St., Westboro,
MA 01581 or email dmhhrms@massmail.state.ma.us
EEO/AA M/F/V/D Employer

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Metro Suburban Area
Westboro State Hospital

Interpreter, Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Seeking two part-time sign language interpreters (20 hrs./wk) for a specialty psychiatric inpatient unit for Deaf persons in Westborough, Massachusetts, about an hour west of Boston. This is an excellent position for an experienced interpreter with excellent ASL skills who has, or wants to develop a specialization in mental health interpreting. Candidates must possess the CI/CT level certificate from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, tuition remission, vacation, retirement, free parking.
Salary Range: $23,802.61 to $32,530.81
Resumes to: Office of Health Human Resources, Attn: Carolyn Burnett,
Metro Suburban Area, Box 288, Lyman St., Westboro,
MA 01581 or email dmhhrms@massmail.state.ma.us
EEO/AA M/F/V/D Employer

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Counselor I - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Trainee
Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services
Location: Abingdon, Virginia
Pay Band 3 - $28,218 - $49,255
Position #00281
Closing Date - Open Until Filled

The Field Rehabilitation Services Division has an opportunity for a motivated individual interested in a trainee position in the field of vocational rehabilitation counseling for the deaf and hard of hearing. The selected candidate will receive hands-on work experience and training in vocational rehabilitation while pursuing the educational requirements, leading to becoming a qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. This individual will provide entry-level vocational rehabilitation services under direct supervision to eligible persons who are deaf and hard of hearing in the Washington, Lee, Scott, Dickenson, Russell, Smyth, Carroll, Wise, Buchanan, Bland, Tazewell, Wythe, Grayson, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Floyd Counties, cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.

Responsibilities: Provide case management services including guidance, counseling, training and physical/mental restoration services. Assist with planning, developing, and implementing vocationally focused service plans that identify customer goals, services and costs to help them achieve an employment outcome. Coordinate job placement services, including employer contacts, job development, job seeking skills training and rehabilitation technology services. Due to regional coverage, extensive travel is required.

Requirements: Fluency in American Sign Language required. Knowledge of and understanding of the communication, cultural, and psychosocial needs of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. Some knowledge of the social, economic, medical, vocational and emotional issues impacting persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation, and counseling techniques; methods and tools for career counseling; ADA compliance; Working knowledge of Windows based software. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with community resources and individuals from diverse environments. Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing; to apply policies/procedures; and organize/manage multiple duties. Bachelor’s degree in a human services or related field required. College level transcripts must accompany application. An employee hired into the Counselor Trainee class will be required to sign a Conditions of Employment and must sign-up for Master’s degree within six months of being hired. Proof must be submitted to hiring manager that they have enrolled in a Master’s program. The employee must obtain Master’s degree within 5 years of employment. Successful candidate must pass criminal background investigation.

Note: The agency has the option of filling this job at the Counselor II level if a fully qualified applicant (Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field) applies and is selected. The Counselor II level is in a higher pay band (Pay Band 4 - Salary Range: $31,352 - $64,347).

Contact Information: Please visit our Career Center at www.vadrs.org for position information or how to apply for a position. To apply online, please visit http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov. Applications must be submitted through the RMS online system unless the applicant has called in advance to request a reasonable accommodation. To request an accommodation or additional information call 804-726-1919. Minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY - Reasonable accommodations upon request.

For Additional Information Contact:
Mary Nunnally Program Coordinator
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Voice: (804) 662-7614 or (800) 552-5019
TTY: (804) 662-9040 or (800) 464-9950
Email: Mary.Nunnally@drs.virginia.gov

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Puget Sound Residential Services, a non-profit community services organization, offer an opportunity for energetic and caring individuals to provide residential and community support to adults with developmental disabilities.

F/T and P/T available for multiple shifts in the South Seattle, Queen Anne, Renton and Kent areas. Sign language preferred for some positions. One weekend shift required every other week.

Generous benefits package includes Mileage Reimbursement, Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, AD/D, LTD and a 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan for P/T. F/T employees also receive Medical, Prescription and Dental.

Pay starts at $10.25/hr. First raise to $10.50/hr after 90 days.

Ability to lift, push, and pull 50 lbs, 18yrs old, Diploma/GED, Criminal Background Check, WSDL w/insurance and access to reliable transportation.

To apply call 206-772- 5700 x12, or x20, TTY 206- 267- 0024 or email cjhanley@gopsrs.org

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National Deaf Academy, a state of the art residential treatment facility in Mount Dora, Florida serving Deaf children, adolescents and adults, as well as hearing children, adolescents and adults with a diagnosis of Autism and/or Mental Retardation in a behavioral health setting, has immediate openings for Mental Health Technicians.

Mental Health Technicians
$500. Sign On Bonus for qualified candidates fluent in American Sign Language.
Responsible for the daily supervision and monitoring of residents safety, activities of daily living, school attendance and recreation activities. Requires high school diploma. Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or related field preferred. Experience working in behavioral health setting preferred. Full time positions; all shifts available.

Competitive salary and excellent benefit package.
Send resume to: Director of Human Resources,
National Deaf Academy,
19650 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Email: btashlein@nda.com
V: 352-735-9500; TTY: 352-735-9570; Fax: 352-735-4939 EOE

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JOB OPENINGS
VIDEO RELAY INTERPRETERS

Hamilton Relay, Inc. is hiring multiple part time and/or full time positions for Video Relay Interpreters in the Madison, WI area. Other locations may be added in the near future.

Position summary: Relay video calls between video relay users and hearing individuals.

Preferred experience includes 3-5 years experience working as a sign language interpreter. National or state certification equivalent to the current NIC national certification is a plus.

Interested individuals may send all inquiries and/or resumes to www.hamilton.net/employment.html to the attention of Cindy Blase in Human Resource Department or contact her at: 800.821.1831.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Hamilton Relay, Inc. is a division of Hamilton Telecommunications based in Aurora, NE. Hamilton offers a competitive wage and full time company paid benefits.

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Job Announcement
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency
San Leandro, CA

Positions Available:
- Job Developer & Interpreter
- Deputy Director
- Computer Instructor

For positions descriptions & application procedures, please click on:

http://www.dcara.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=51

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