deafweekly

 

May 11, 2011
Vol. 7, No. 29

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers on Wednesdays and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. These are the actual headlines and portions of recent deaf-related news articles, with links to the full story. Minor editing is done when necessary. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2011 and any unauthorized use is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.

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: DEAF WOMAN SHOT TO DEATH BY POLICE / NBC Los Angeles
Last week's website page views: 3,075
Deafweekly subscribers as of today: 4,522

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



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

Orlando, FL
DEAF PLEA FOR BETTER TORNADO WARNINGS
Deaf storm survivors frustrated with lack of warnings before Alabama tornadoes -- and want more warning in the future. / WESH

Athens, AL
DEAF COUPLE TELL STORY OF SURVIVAL
Most times, people describe a tornado by saying it sounded like a train coming, but what if you couldn't hear that train or hear at all? That's what one Athens couple dealt with as a tornado tore through their home. For Tim and Brenda Smith, the peak of the tornado outbreak was silent. "The power wasn't on. We really didn't have any way of knowing what was happening so I thought I'm just going to keep my eyes on this storm," said Tim Smith. His other senses told him something was headed their way. / WAFF

Chicago, IL
DEAF ILLINOIS INMATES SUE FOR ACCESS TO INTERPRETERS
A deaf prisoner punished when he couldn’t explain that he didn’t steal food is among 11 inmates who filed a lawsuit Wednesday claiming Illinois violates their civil rights by denying them the help they need to communicate. The lawsuit claims deaf and partially deaf prisoners have limited access to sign language interpreters, which effectively excludes them from training programs and religious services. They often can’t discuss medical care with their doctors and have missed meals and visitors because they can’t hear announcements, according to the complaint filed in federal court. / The Associated Press

Bridgeview, IL
THE TRIALS OF ACCOMMODATING A DEAF MURDER DEFENDANT
Behind the glass doors of one of Bridgeview’s felony courtrooms, accused murderer Gary Albert sat at the defense table, focusing on the face and fingers of one of several interpreters who will translate every word uttered aloud into ASL during his upcoming trial. Jury selection is scheduled to start in about a month, and at a hearing last week, Judge Joan O’Brien wanted to test some of the extra features Albert and other hearing-impaired participants in the case will rely on. / Chicago Sun-Times

Lakeland, FL
LAKELAND WOMAN PUSHES SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE TO ACCOMMODATE THE DEAF
Debbie Lauricella is stone deaf. Because of that, she says she suffered numerous slights at Lakeland's Social Security office but took them in stride, albeit reluctantly, until one day she was pushed too far. "I just had enough," she said. Because she got angry and determined that day in 2009, the way Lakeland's Social Security Administration office accommodates the deaf has been upgraded. If the improvements don't stick, the administration could have some explaining to do to a federal judge. / The Ledger

Madison, WI
QUIKTRIP MOVES TO QUASH SERVICE IN DEAF WOMAN'S TRIP-AND-FALL SUIT
QuikTrip is moving to quash service in a refiled personal injury suit brought against it by a legally deaf woman. Plaintiff Lois Nelson refiled her suit earlier this year after her first case was dismissed in 2008. Nelson alleged that her then-attorney, James Parrott, dismissed her 2007 case against QuikTrip without her permission. Although Nelson had asked Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis to reinstate the 2007 case, Callis instead allowed her to re-file the suit. Nelson is currently seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and costs per each of the two counts of her 2011 complaint. / Madison County Record

Riverside, CA
DEAFNATION TRADE SHOW MAKES INLAND STOP
Thousands of visitors were expected in Riverside last Saturday for day two of DeafNation, a national touring trade show featuring products and services "for, by and about deaf people," according to the event website. The show, at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, featured a roster of entertainers along with goods and services from more than 120 vendors from around the country. Mal Grossinger, superintendent of the school, said through an interpreter Friday more than 7,000 people had registered for the event online. / The Press-Enterprise

Alpharetta, GA
FAMILY: CANNON BLAST DESTROYED TEEN'S HEARING
A Fulton County jury is being asked to decide if a cannon blast at an American Legion parade in Alpharetta caused a Roswell teen to lose her hearing. Brittany Giles and her family are suing organizers of the 2007 Alpharetta Old Soldier's Day Parade, including the city of Alpharetta, for the incident they believe left her with a hearing impairment. / WSB Atlanta

Riverside, CA
SORENSON COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 'EXPRESS YOURSELF' CONTEST
Friday evening, Sorenson Communications announced the winners of its second annual "Express Yourself" Video Contest at an awards party, held at the California School for the Deaf. The announcement party, sponsored by Sorenson Communications, was held in connection with the DeafNation Expo Riverside, a two-day event that brought together hundreds of local deaf people. / Marketwire

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

Abused in Wisconsin? If you, or someone you know, were sexually abused as a child at St. John’s School for the Deaf in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we have an important message for you: Because the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has declared bankruptcy, you may now be able to bring a claim — even if previously you were told you could not. However, because there will be a limited amount of time the courts will allow for you to bring a claim, you must act now or you may be forever prohibited from doing so. Go to www.AbusedinWisconsin.com Today! Jeff Anderson & Associates

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

SUPER SAVINGS 25% OFF KLIP VIBE MOBILE TIMER

The new American Innovative Klip Vibe is 25% off during the entire month of May! It’s a vibrating Dual Timer & Stopwatch with clock. It’s handy to use around your home or office and definitely in the kitchen when cooking! Call us at 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com/onsale.php?utm_source=dw for more details on all our other products. For a copy of our catalog, email your request to: sales@weitbrecht.com.

We’re on Facebook and Twitter!

WCI. Your Single Source for Assistive Technology

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



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

Japan
DEAF COUPLE IN MIYAGI PREFECTURE UNAWARE OF TSUNAMI WARNING
Watanabe Seiji (70) and his wife Katsuko (66), both Deaf, lived with their hearing son (41) and his family in Yuriage in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, a kilo away from the Pacific coast. When the earthquake occurred, Watanabe was taking a nap. He waked up by big shakes and saw the television set and the table have fallen down in the room. Watanabe doesn't make a habit to use the Internet or watch a television either. His hearing family members used to give information on the earthquake in sign language. However, they all were out somewhere then. / Deaf Japan News

Christchurch, New Zealand
DEAF CENTRE REJOICE REOPENING
A Christchurch deaf education centre had two reasons to celebrate last week - the reopening of its earthquake-damaged site coincided with New Zealand Sign Language Week. The Van Asch Deaf Education Centre in Sumner marked the events last Wednesday with activities involving its 31 pupils and 30 pupils from other Christchurch schools. Principal Bernadette Mulcahy-Bouwman said some of the school's buildings suffered moderate damage in the February quake, and the gymnasium might have to be demolished. / Stuff.co.nz

Auckland, New Zealand
TURNING A DEAF EAR TO EXCUSES
Like a game of charades, Karishma Mohan mimes to everyone in the room. But for Ms Mohan it isn't a game. The 25-year-old Howick resident was born deaf. As part of New Zealand Sign Language week, Ms Mohan spoke to the Eastern Courier through an interpreter. She is studying towards a Bachelor of Education at AUT, specialising in early childhood. A qualified graphic designer, she says it took her a while to work out what she wanted to do in life. / Stuff.co.nz

London, England
DEAF PUPILS WILL BEAR THE BRUNT OF EDUCATION CUTS
My school was staffed by experienced teachers of the deaf. Such was their expertise that we didn't even notice it - they were just teachers to us, the way teachers in mainstream schools are just teachers to their pupils. What we did notice was how clueless new teachers or subs covering maternity leave were when they first arrived at the school. They spoke as they wrote on the board much to our amusement - did they not know we needed to lipread? / Guardian

Plymouth, England
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL HAS BEEN PUT ON A 'WATCH LIST' BY A NATIONAL DEAF CHARITY
Plymouth City Council has been put on a "watch list" by a national deaf charity for failing to respond in time to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The National Deaf Children's Society is "very concerned" after requesting information about the authority's budget for deaf children support services at the beginning of April. The council failed to reply in the statutory 20-day period, blaming a massive influx of FOI requests. / Plymouth Herald

Toronto, ON, Canada
INTERNATIONAL DEAF FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL SPEAKS VOLUMES
Catherine MacKinnon, the director and founder of the Toronto International Deaf Film & Arts Festival(TIDFAF) www.tidfaf.ca is Canada's first Deaf filmmaker to graduate from a Canadian film degree program. She is also the co-producer of the epic feature film Hamill based on the life of Deaf UFC fighter Matt Hamill. With tens of awards to her credit, TIDFAF remains her crowning glory. / Marketwire

Belleville, ON, Canada
FORMER DEAF SCHOOL STUDENT WRITES CHILDREN'S BOOK
Alexis Domney reaches deaf community with her own language. The 26-year-old, who grew up in Belleville, attended Sir James Whitney School (the oldest school for the deaf in Ontario, and travelled extensively over the last few years, is about to release her first children's book Splish, Splat this Saturday. Through a series of original illustrations created by deaf professional graphic designer and illustrator Alice Crawford, Splish, Splat tells the story of Colin who makes two new friends 'with a splish of paint and a splash of fun." / Belleville Intelligencer

Mission, BC, Canada
POLICE ON HUNT FOR SUSPECTS WHO STOLE SCOOTER FROM DEAF MAN
Mission RCMP are on the hunt for two suspects who assaulted a deaf man and stole his scooter on Sunday. "I think it was cruel and heartless [act]," said Mission RCMP Sgt. Miriam Dickson. Officers were called out to the corner of 2nd Avenue and Welton Street around 8 p.m. They arrived to find a 29-year-old man had been assaulted by two men who then fled with his scooter. "[The victim] got a punch in the face, but wasn't too injured and was treated by ambulance attendants on scene," said Dickson. / The Vancouver Sun

Ottawa, ON, Canada
DEAF FOR A DAY: CHALLENGE REVEALS DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE HEARING IMPAIRED
Standing in the doorway of the burning house, I dive into charades as soon as I spot the firefighter. Frantically I mime baby, one, small child, one, dog, one, then point upstairs .... so far so good. But how do I tell him my mother-in-law is in the basement with her three cats? It’s not my house and there’s no fire. Nor is it my real family, but imaginary relatives assigned to me when I signed up to be Deaf for a Day. / Ottawa Citizen

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
DEAF FACE ENORMOUS CHALLENGES
Amar Dhahab is hoping to study engineering at university when he graduates. But the 21-year-old Grade 11 student at the Al Amal School for the Deaf at the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services already knows he will probably have to study abroad. "There are a lot of challenges for deaf persons in the UAE," he said. "There aren't too many education options, as very few know sign language." Even if he earns his university degree, Amar knows he will face another uphill battle when he returns to the UAE and tries to find work. / The National

Ghaziabad, India
DEAF AND MUTE BOY SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY HOSTEL WARDEN
A 14-year-old deaf and mute student, residing at the hostel of a prominent school in Ghaziabad, was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 72-year-old hostel warden in the boys' hostel, late on Thursday night, police said. "We received a complaint from a group of boys that their friend was allegedly sexually-assaulted by their hostel warden, Jay Singh. We have reported the matter to the police and lodged a complaint about the incident," said Hipesh Shephard, director, Ingraham Institute English School. / Hindustan Times

Bangalore, India
STUDY: NOISE POLLUTION ON CITY ROADS TURNING BANGALOREANS DEAF
The car honks, the gusting auto’s through the streets, the two wheelers buzzing through traffic on city roads, all the noise is turning the city deaf. According to a study attempted by the Ranjan Hearing and Speech Centre Koramangala, noise on Bangalore roads is affecting people’s hearing. / My Bangalore

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

AT&T INTRODUCES VL5

In April AT&T Video Relay Service launched VL5 for Mac, PC, iPhone 4, iPod Touch, and iPad 2. AT&T VRS partnered with Yellow Pages to provide new search features in video calling.

The AT&T VL5 app for the iPhone 4, iPod Touch 4th Generation, and iPad 2 allows Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to place and receive VRS and Point-to-Point (P2P) calls - wherever WiFi or mobile broadband is available. The VL5 app includes one-click calling and direct access to YPmobile.

Learn more about VL5 at www.att.com/vl5

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

Whoa! ASL... 10-foot tall on a billboard?

Convo has one in Austin, TX near Texas School for the Deaf!

Best of all, it’s in a busy downtown area where many people will see it... and it’s lit when dark so the night crowds can see it too!

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlTNZD7PBFA

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



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

Fort Wayne, IN
DEAF COUPLE'S DISPUTE SOLVED
3 months ago Tim and Kathleen Schriver were facing a $3500 bill from a sewer company and a lien on their property. Just over a year ago, NIPSCO hired a contractor to relocate gas main required for a Cook Road improvement project. The Schriver's sewer line was damaged in the process and they hired a 3rd party contractor to repair it. The Schriver's felt not only was the work not done properly, but that the contractor failed to communicate the costs in writing, the initial estimate was for just $800. / Indiana's NewsCenter

Corona del Mar, CA
IT'S A WHOLE NEW LANGUAGE (WITH THEIR HANDS)
Practicing a language isn't only about working on the right accent or rolling the tongue to make an "r" sound. While most language classes are filled with cultural dances and foods, as well as the idea of visiting exotic locales, American Sign Language's cultural aspect is limited in comparison. Instead, the students get a chance to go behind the curtain of the deaf community and find out that they aren't so different from them. "Deaf people can do anything other people can do, but hear," said junior Nicole Roberts, 18, who is taking the beginning course. / Daily Pilot

Detroit, MI
LOWERING COST DOESN'T INCREASE HEARING AID PURCHASES
Lowering the cost of hearing aids isn't enough to motivate adults with mild hearing loss to purchase a device at a younger age or before their hearing worsens, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital. A new study shows that simply lowering the cost of hearing aids - even by as much as 40% - does not improve hearing aid purchase for patients with partial insurance coverage or those who need to cover the entire cost out of pocket. Only patients with full insurance coverage for hearing aids get them at a younger age and with significantly less hearing loss than patients with partial or no coverage. / redOrbit

Boynton Beach, FL
HEARING CARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES HEARING AID GIVEAWAY CONTEST
In honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month, HearFlorida Audiology Group, http://www.hearflorida.com, today announced the kick off of its Hearing Aid Giveaway Contest. HearFlorida, South Florida’s premier hearing care provider with locations throughout Broward, Palm Beach and Dade County, is giving four deserving hearing impaired individuals the opportunity to win a free pair of digital hearing aid devices, valued at $6,990 a pair. / PR Urgent

Salt Lake City, UT
ALONE WITH HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss doesn’t lead to death, like cancer does, so it gets much less media attention. What people don’t realize is that hearing loss is a living death, isolating us from friends, family and social life. Hearing aids help, but there’s a reason they are not called hearing miracles. It’s always a struggle to hear. / The Salt Lake Tribune


++++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++++

DEAF HAIKU by Tom Willard -- Newly Revised!

A collection of thought-provoking haiku (5-7-5 syllable format) on a wide range of issues related to deafness and hearing loss.

On numbers: No one knows for sure / about deaf demographics; / we don't seem to count.
On deaf events: The hotel lobby / was impenetrable, since / the deaf were in town.
On 'small world': It's weird to call a / VRS interpreter / and know the person.
On missing things: I'd still like to know / why that lady was laughing / fifteen years ago.

Author Tom Willard lost his hearing while growing up and has served as editor of several national deaf-related publications.

274 pages. Available as paperback ($17.95) or file download ($8.99). Available exclusively on Lulu.com.

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



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

Charleston, WV
LYNN BOYER NAMED SUPERINTENDENT FOR W.VA. SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND
A former state director for special education has been named superintendent of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind. The state Board of Education approved Lynn Boyer’s hiring Wednesday. Last year the Romney school was cited by the Office of Education Performance Audits for deficiencies in leadership, curriculum, safety and technology. Boyer will begin her new job on July 1. She currently is assistant executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children, a nonprofit group in Arlington, Va. / The Associated Press

West Hartford, CT
TEACHER AWARDED BOB COSTAS GRANT
Christa E. Bolen, a teacher at American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, has been awarded one of six College Board Bob Costas grants for the teaching of writing. The grants recognize extraordinary teachers for using innovative methods to inspire their students to write. Bolen will be awarded $3,000 to help expand her writing program. / West Hartford News

Clearwater, FL
CLEARWATER COMPANY REACHES DEAF COMMUNITY WITH ITS OWN LANGUAGE
Sean Belanger reached into his pocket to show his audience a glimpse of the future. It was January 2007. The leader of a fledgling telecommunications company run by and for deaf people, he was making a speech to the local deaf community. An interpreter at his side repeated his words in sign language. The CEO took his BlackBerry out of his pocket and hoisted it in the air. He promised to bring a luxury to the deaf that hearing folks take for granted -- the ability to make a phone call wherever, whenever. "One day, you are going to have a mobile video phone," he said, and his audience roared. / St. Petersburg Times

Overland Park, KS
SPRINT MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE IN MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Sprint last week announced the Sprint Relay ID pack, which allows anyone who has difficulty hearing on their phone and members of the deaf community who use sign language to receive a customized bundle of applications, links, tips, icons, widgets and wallpapers on their Sprint ID-capable Android device. The bundle includes voice mail transcripts, visual and vibrating alerts and readable captions, among others - all available in a single download. / Online PR Media

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

Deaf Culture Books at Harris Communications

Harris Communications is known for their wide selection of sign language and deaf culture books.

Find humorous books such as “You Might Be a Sign Language Interpreter If…(B809). This miniature book, illustrated by deaf cartoonist Bruce Hanson, will give you a chuckle by showing the human side of interpreting.

“Step Into the Circle” (B847) is a tribute to American Indians, Alaska Natives and First Nations people who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing. It’s a fascinating read with over 100 contributions.

Be sure to check out all the deaf culture books on the Harris Communications website.

For more information, go to http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_DW050811 or email us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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

Deaf Marriage Research Participants Wanted
One Will Win $100 VISA Gift Card

If you are Deaf and married or used to be married, or if you are hearing and married to a Deaf person or used to be married to a Deaf person, please participate in this master’s thesis research study. If you complete the survey, you may enter your name in a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.

For more information, please go to: www.deafmarriage.org

Or send a card with your mailing address to:

Deaf Marriage Research
PO Box 32262
Fridley, MN 55432

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



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

Los Angeles, CA
HOW A DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR'S DEAF, JEWISH MOTHER ESCAPED FROM THE NAZIS
It is hard to think of many more luckless or traumatic fates than being a Jewish child in Nazi Germany. But imagine if you were also deaf. In the documentary Ingelore, first time director Frank Stiefel relates the story of his mother, Ingelore Herz Honigstein, who was born without the ability to hear to Jewish parents in Kuppenheim, Germany, in 1924. The film is narrated by Ingelore herself. / Entertainment Weekly

Los Angeles, CA
VAN DAMME SUFFERS HEARING LOSS
Jean-Claude Van Damme's doctor has ordered the movie star to don protective ear wear on film sets, after diagnosing him with high-frequency hearing loss. Years of bangs and booms in high-action movies have left the Bloodsport star's hearing impaired, and he recently sought expert help to correct his partial deafness. The doctor's session was shown on U.K. TV documentary series Jean Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors on Tuesday. / Toronto Sun

New York, NY
A MOVEMENT OF THE SOUL PRESS RELEASE
Join us for a special performance of A Movement of the Soul, a story of how the first school for the Deaf was established and catapulted the growth of other Deaf schools all over the nation, giving the Deaf community the ability to accomplish their dreams. Find out about the intriguing events that inspired it all! A Movement of the Soul, a new play in two acts, centers around Laurent Clerc, the Deaf French teacher who started the first school for the Deaf in America with Reverend Thomas Gallaudet and the tumult caused by Clerc’s engagement to his Deaf students, Eliza Boardman. / Lexington


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

Sprint Relay and Balancing Act have been working together to be a part of the Healthy Hearing Awareness Services: entitled “Keeping Connected Empowerment through Mobile Technology.” Sprint Relay will be featured in a 3-5 minute segment as part of the Healthy Hearing Awareness Series on the Lifetime TV network. The Sprint Relay segments will be aired on April 19th and May 3rd at 7 am EST on Lifetime TV.

www.sprintrelay.com/balancingact

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



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

Salt Lake City, UT
DEAF PITCHER DEFIES ALL ODDS
Ryan Ketchner was born 100 percent deaf. But he hasn't let that stop him from pursuing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. "A lot of people are thinking, 'Really?' said Ketchner. "They've never seen anybody who is deaf who plays baseball. So, I'll show them." / ABC 4.com

Louisville, KY
DEAF COLLEGE FOOTBALL FAN SUES UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, WANTS CAPTIONS ON SCOREBOARD
A deaf University of Kentucky football season ticket holder is suing the school, seeking to force the Wildcats to put closed-captioning on the scoreboards at Commonwealth Stadium. The lawsuit filed last Wednesday by Charles Mitchell of Lancaster, Ky., is similar to suits brought against Ohio State University and the NFL’s Washington Redskins. Mitchell, who sued in U.S. District Court in Lexington, is seeking an injunction forcing the university to put captions for all game announcements on the scoreboards of the stadium under the Americans with Disabilities Act. / The Associated Press

Mesquite, TX
TEXAS SPEEDSKATER RACES TOWARD THE WINTER OLYMPICS
Michael Hubbs can't hear his skates as they slice through the ice. He can't hear his coaches yelling from the sidelines. Instead, the Mesquite speedskater listens to his heart, which is telling him that he's in the right place at the right time. Hubbs, who is deaf, is making up for lost time. His childhood dream of being an Olympic skater was snuffed out when he was a teen. But Hubbs, 28, has moved to Utah, where he's training on the ice. His eyes are set on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. / Houston Chronicle

New York, NY
METS CATCHER JOSH THOLE TEACHES SIGN LANGUAGE TO HIS DEAF DOG
In the heat of a Mets game, catcher Josh Thole crouches behind home plate and flashes hand signals to pitchers. He uses similar gestures to call his dog. Thole, considered a cornerstone to the Amazin's rebuilding, has taught a deaf pooch named Picca - owned by he and his wife, Kathryn -- to understand sign language. The 24-year-old backstop said his Maltese-poodle mix caught on pretty fast. "She knows sit, stay, that kind of stuff," Thole proudly told the Daily News. / NY Daily News

San Angelo, TX
DEAF OLYMPICS DRAWS 70 YOUTHS
Judging by the laughter, the contagious smiles and the numerous congratulatory high-fives Friday, the West Texas Deaf Olympics at Old Bobcat Stadium was a big hit. More than 70 youths from across Texas competed in individual and team events as parents, grandparents, other family members and teachers watched with pride and cheered them on. / Standard-Times


++++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++++



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

Danvers, MA
ANNUAL BASEBALL CLINIC COMING UP
ASL Sports will be holding its annual baseball clinic this June at the Strike One Sports Complex on Route 1 North in Danvers. All children, any age, who are hearing impaired and/or physically challenged, are invited to attend. The clinics are free of charge and will have experienced youth baseball players to help train your kids. ASL interpreters will be on-site throughout the clinic. When: Saturdays, June 4, 11 & 18, 10 a.m. to noon. Any questions, please email Anthony or Marco at aslsports11@gmail.com. For more information go to our website at www.aslsports.org.

Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
DEAF WOMEN'S CONFERENCE COMING UP
Canadian Deaf Women’s Conference, “Cherish Life” sponsored by Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf, will be hosted at Hilton Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada - July 24-28, 2011. Workshops, Keynote speakers , entertainment, personal developments and booths will be featured. For more information to register: www.cdwc2011.ca.


++++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++++


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MILESTONES
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dubuque, IA
SARAH E. VAL, 85
Sarah Ellis Val, 85, of Dubuque, died at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Ennoble Manor. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where friends may call after 10 a.m. / Telegraph Herald

Lubbock, TX
FINICE G. TAYLOR, 85
Finice G. Taylor, 85, died Thursday, May 5, 2011. Services were held yesterday in Oakwood Baptist Church. Burial was in Resthaven Cemetery by Resthaven Funeral Home. Finice was born March 4, 1926, in Shamrock to William and Hattie Taylor. He graduated from Texas School for the Deaf in 1949 in Austin. / Amarillo Globe-News


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

You can advertise your job openings here for just $20 a week (up to 100 words, 10 cents each add'l word). To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

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

STATE OF MICHIGAN
Job Opportunities

Job #: 3103-11-078
Job Title: State Administrative Manager 15
Closing Date/Time: Tue. 05/24/11 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Salary: $2,577.19 - $3,707.04 biweekly
$67,007.00 - $96,383.00 annually
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Bargaining Unit: NON-EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTED EMPLOYEE (NERE)
Location: Flint, Michigan
Department: Education

Job Description

The Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD) provides residential and educational programs and services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This position oversees all functions of the MSD campus including direct programs and services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing, campus central office functions, and facility maintenance. Currently, there are 135 students enrolled in MSD, approximately 70 of those students live in the onsite dormitory from Sunday night through noon on Friday; the remaining students commute daily. Additionally, the campus administrator is ultimately responsible for 90 Civil Service employees and numerous contractors.

Required Education and Experience:

Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.

Experience
Two years of professional experience equivalent to the P11 level or one year of professional experience equivalent to the 12 level.

Alternate Education and Experience:
Education level typically acquired through completion of high school and two years of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 14 level; or, one year of safety and regulatory or law enforcement experience at the 15 level, may be substituted for the education and experience requirements.

Additional Requirements and Information:
View the job specification at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/StateDeputyDivisionAdministrator_13130_7.pdf

To view Position Description click here

PREFERRED: Master's Degree in Deaf Education and/or Education Administration and proficient in American Sign Language.

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

Therapeutic Staff Support—TSS Professionals

Looking for an enticing job that challenges your character and skills? Look no further! Working with children in an apprenticeship role will instill you with new skills that can be used in fields such as: psychology, education, business and government.

You will learn the magical art of healthy working relationships in the classroom, conjuring boundaries with children and learn the valuable trade of managing children’s behaviors.

You will be provided with resources and support from the behavior specialist on a weekly basis. Have strong “people’s person skills? You will find this job to be a good fit, and for those who strive to be a “people’s person” the behavior specialist s will teach you valuable skills to help you be successful in the workplace environment.

TSS candidates must possess a bachelors degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related field and one year previous work experience with children or at minimum 60 college credits and three years work experience with children.

TSS Aide candidates must possess a high school diploma and two years of verified volunteer or paid work experience with children.

All applicants must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).

Case assignments are generally in a school setting, however some clients require services in the home. Work hours vary from ten to thirty hours per week based on approved client hours and staff flexibility to accept more than one assignment. Work is available in Philadelphia and Bucks County.

For immediate consideration please email your resume to mstoll@warwickfamilyservices.com or via fax to 267-525-7014.

For additional information about our company log on to our website

www.warwickfamilyservices.com

MCC - Warwick Family Services
800 Clarmont Avenue
Suite B
Bensalem, PA 19020

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

 

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.

Home | Subscribe | Current Issue | Back Issues | Advertise | Submit News
Links | About | Contact