Deafweekly June 20, 2007

deafweekly

June 20, 2007
Vol. 3 No. 18

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers every Wednesday 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 2007 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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CLINIC NAMESAKE JOHN TRACY DIES AT 82

John Tracy, 82, the deaf son of actor Spencer Tracy and namesake of the John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles, died last Friday night at his son’s ranch in Acton, Calif., said the Los Angeles Times. Tracy’s mother, Louise Treadwell Tracy, founded the clinic in 1942 when he was 17. For several years, Spencer Tracy was the sole funder. The clinic has helped an estimated 245,000 parents and children and tries to educate “deaf children through their mothers and fathers, who otherwise would not know what to do with them,” Tracy wrote at age 22 in a Volta Review article titled, “My Complicated Life.” He is survived by his son Joseph, sister Susie, and three grandchildren.

HOLMES OUT, SOUKUP IN AS GALLAUDET BOARD CHAIR

Pam Holmes announced in a letter this week that she is resigning as Chair of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees at the end of the month. Holmes said she needed to “attend to my job commitments and personal challenges. She said she served through the 2006-07 academic year with “steadfast commitment” but felt “it is time to let others carry on.” A 1974 alumna, Holmes called her Gallaudet experience “truly invaluable” and said her dedication to the school would never stop. She praised fellow board members, particularly Vice Chair Frank Wu, for their commitment and said that she was “pleased and confident” to turn over her duties to Benjamin Soukup, “a renowned leader in the deaf community.”

MAN HIT BY CAR WHILE RUNNING TO AID NEIGHBOR

A deaf man in Shreveport, La. was hit by a car last Monday while running to get help for a neighbor he found lying in a parking lot. Billy Waller, 75, was in critical condition at LSU Hospital with leg and head injuries, said KTBS-TV. The neighbor, Joyce Washington, 60, was already dead when paramedics arrived, and they found Waller in a roadside ditch as they departed the scene with a note in his pocket saying Washington needed help. Brian Marshall, 19, was later arrested on felony hit-and-run charges. He had borrowed the car and the owner contacted police after noticing blood on it when it was returned.

EXCESSIVE FORCE CLAIMED IN POLICE LAWSUIT

A deaf California man has filed a lawsuit against Modesto Police Chief Roy Wasden and six officers, claiming they used excessive force by firing nine beanbags at him during a traffic stop. Harry “Dan” Tessien, a pizza delivery man who has been deaf for 25 years, was pulled over about 1 a.m. March 11 because police were looking for a similar vehicle. He said later he was waiting for officers to approach, but instead an officer fired a beanbag shotgun and shattered his back window. Tessien jumped out of the truck and ran for cover under his front bumper, reported the Modesto Bee, and was later charged with drunk driving. Any injuries he suffered, a Modesto city attorney said, were brought on by himself.

CALIFORNIA MAN CONVICTED OF SHOOTING AT POLICE

Deaf Californian Val Smith, 37, was convicted of firing more than a dozen shots with a semiautomatic rifle at sheriff’s deputies outside a car dealership in Lancaster, Calif., reported the Los Angeles Daily News. Smith, a convicted killer who served four years in state prison for the 1992 murder of Edward James Powell Jr., faces up to 34 years in prison. Officials say he shot into a Mazda dealership showroom January 6 to lure police; then, after most had left, he fired at least a dozen shots at three remaining deputies, though no one was hit. Said Deputy District Attorney John Evans: “He is a dangerous man.”

SCHOOL APPEALS RULING TO PROVIDE CAPTIONING

Samantha Solorzano “cried tears of joy” at winning a lawsuit ordering Glendora (Calif.) High School to provide real-time captioning, said the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, but last week the school appealed the decision. Solorzano, a deaf sophomore who reads lips and uses a cochlear implant, was given a sign-language interpreter despite the fact that she “uses sign language only socially, not academically,” said the report. “I want to hear what everybody’s saying,” said Solorzano, 16. Replied Glendora school official Ted McNevin: “We try to distinguish between what would be needed and what is just helpful.”

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MAN FOUND IN FOREST AFTER FIVE HOURS MISSING

Jonathan Pappas, 21, described in the Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal as deaf with mental and physical problems, was found late last Thursday after wandering off a trail in the Jefferson Memorial Forest. An unidentified man who joined the search after hearing of Pappas through the media found him in a ditch five hours after he strayed from the trail. “He seemed okay,” said Detective Phil Russell of the Louisville Metro Police.

SCHOOL CHIEF PRAISES RIVERSIDE GRAD

Ryan Lane won special praise from California State Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell at last week’s commencement ceremony at the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. Lane, 19, broke his back and left thigh bone in a dirt bike accident last September, mother Jill told the Press-Enterprise. But the young man from Diamond Bar persevered, said campus spokeswoman Laurie Pietro, attending classes in a full-body suit. “In the days and years ahead, if times get tough, remember Ryan and what he overcame to be with you today,” said O’Connell.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL GRADUATES JUST ONE

The Rhode Island School for the Deaf usually graduates about 8 to 12 students each year, but because several students dropped out or were asked to leave, the Class of 2007 consisted only of Jesus Bickmore, 19. Thus, said The Providence Journal, Bickmore was not only the top student in his class, he was the bottom student too. A foster child who was adopted by “a great family” at 15, Bickmore spoke to family, friends and about 80 students about persevering and expecting to succeed. He didn’t mind being the only student in his class. “It’s made me feel special,” he said. “Plus I get all the attention.”

MICHIGAN MAN FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST GAS STATION

Robert Hurdley, 51, has filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights against a local gas station that he claims barred his service dog from its store. Hurdley, of Ann Arbor, Mich., became deaf four years ago and told The Ann Arbor News that this is the first civil rights complaint he’s ever filed. Talib Al Khani, owner of the Goldside BP, acknowledged that Hurdley was asked to leave but said he didn’t see anything to indicate that his dog was a service animal. A letter of apology was mailed, siad Al Khani, but Hurdley wants a face-to-face apology and a $2,000 donation to nonprofit Paws With a Cause.

GEORGIA FORMS COMMISSION ON THE DEAF

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed legislation to create the Georgia Commission on the Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons, reported the Rome News Tribune. The legislation was sponsored by state Rep. Bob Smith, R-Watkinsville, who is hearing impaired. The commission’s seven members will advocate for better technology, work with research and advocacy groups and raise money from the private sector to obtain devices for the hearing impaired. Those interested in serving on the commission are invited to contact Gov. Perdue, who last month signed Senate Bill 168, the Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights, and Senate Bill 170, which allows American Sign Language to fulfill foreign language requirements.

WASHINGTON SCHOOL PROGRAM TO SHUT DOWN

A program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Bethel, Wash. will disband after this school year, said the Tacoma News Tribune, a victim of dwindling enrollment and scarcity of interpreters. The program currently has 27 students, but fewer than 20 were expected next year, said Bethel school official Nancy Fitta. Students in the program, which began in 1994 and operates at Spanaway Lake High, will move to the Tacoma School District’s program, said by officials to have a “comparable philosophy, more students and more extensive program services.”

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INTERNATIONAL
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DEAF COUSIN HELPED WOMAN WITH FRAUD SCHEME

Jean Hutchinson, a retiree who masterminded one of Britain’s largest benefit frauds, was assisted by her “deaf mute” cousin, Ralph Dale, reported Halifax Today. Hutchinson, 65, ran the scheme from a vault behind her wardrobe and pocketed £1.8 million ($3.586 million US) over 10 years. She wailed in court and had to be restrained last week when told she would have to wait five months before sentencing. Dale, a 64-year-old Sunnybank, Greetland resident, will also be sentenced for benefit fraud in November. Investigators found cash, share certificates and other financial documents at his home after watching him and Hutchinson for five months.

RESEARCHERS FIND GENE LINKED TO HEARING LOSS

Belgian researchers say they have identified the gene responsible for the single most common cause of hearing loss among white adults, said BBC News. The discovery may lead to new treatments for otosclerosis, a condition caused by abnormal growth of a bone in the middle ear that affects about one in 250 people. An operation is currently the best option, but it can’t restore the hearing loss associated with the condition. The discovery “is a fantastic breakthrough” for those working to improve the lives of deaf people, said Catriona Crombie of the charity RNID.

POLICE, DEAF TO MEET ON COMMUNITY ISSUES

A Lancashire (England) Telegraph articled headlined “Police surgeries for the deaf” raised troubling images of constables performing appendectomies, but in this case “surgeries” means meetings. Two divisions from Lancashire Constabulary are joining up with the East Lancs Deaf Society to launch the Police and Communities Together (PACT) Surgeries, said the report. The first meeting is set for next Wednesday in Burnley, and deaf residents are invited to discuss community issues with police representatives. “We will continue to run regular surgeries throughout the area,” said Burnley Sgt. Viki Crorken.

RESIDENTS CREATE, DISPLAY ART TO RAISE FUNDS

Residents of a supported-housing complex displayed their artistic creations - including mosaics, paintings, tiles and sculpture - at an exhibit earlier this month that raised almost £1,000 ($1,992 US) by selling more than half the artworks. Servite Houses staff joined government officials, friends and relatives for a private view of the show two weeks ago, said 24dash.com. The residents took seven months of art classes at a local community center, and housing staff are now seeking funds to bring the classes back. “The workshops have given a boost to their confidence and well-being,” said course facilitator Fiona McLean.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY HOPEFUL CONVICTED OF ASSAULT

A 22-year-old deaf rugby player faces a lengthy jail term after being convicted of assault, reported Fairfax Media. Wiremu Parker, a promising league forward who was offered a professional contract two years ago with the Mittagong Lions of New South Wales, was arrested in February for allegedly assaulting his aunt, punching her several times before she escaped and called police. Parker admitted to injuring with intent and was due to be sentenced in April, but sentencing was postponed while his lawyer sought help for her client from support agencies for the deaf.

AWARD TO TEACH DEAF VIETNAMESE YOUTH ABOUT SEX

A project to teach deaf Vietnamese youths about sex has won a World Bank Development Marketplace award worth $185,000, reported the Thanh Nien News. The project, proposed by the World Population Foundation, was one of only 22 winners out of 2,900 projects submitted at a May 27 event in Washington, D.C. The project will adapt a current curriculum for deaf learners and fund a sign language glossary of sexual terms and linguistic dictionary with pictures. It will begin as a pilot project at a deaf school in Hanoi before expanding elsewhere, perhaps even in other Asian countries.

BELIZE HOLDS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE

A National Spelling Bee for the Deaf took place last month in the Central American country of Belize, said Channel 5 in Belize City. Six-year-old Jamie Muschamp took top honors in the junior group. “Her winning word was ‘school,’” said mom Sofia. “She spelt it wrong two times and on her third try she got it right.” Shanice Brown was declared the winner in the senior group. Winners get cell phones, dictionaries and an assortment of gifts, said coordinator Eleanor Enriquez Castillo.

DEAF GOLFER WINS FIRST TOURNEY IN THAILAND

South Korea’s Lee Sung won his first Asian Tour golf tournament with an “emphatic wire-to-wire performance” at the Bangkok Airways Open in Thailand, said The Brunei Times. Lee, 27, set a course record nine-under 62 in the third round and finished with an even-par 71 in the fourth round to earn $47,550 (US) as the top winner. Born deaf, Lee communicates through his brother Lee Sung-joo, who also serves as caddy. “He’s a solid player,” said top golf pro Ernie Els of South Africa. “Keep working and he’ll have a big future.”

AFRICAN PRIEST TO WALK ON BEHALF OF THE DEAF

A Catholic priest in the Kenyan city of Mombasa is celebrating his 25th year of priesthood by raising money for the deaf. Fr. Joseph Kenga has a deaf sister and brother, said the Catholic Information Service for Africa, and he’s already completed a 70km (44 mile) walk to aid construction at the St. Joseph School for the Deaf. In October, he’ll tackle phase two, a 150km (93 mile) walk to help build a vocational school. Fr. Kenga, whose first walk for the deaf occurred in 1985, has also built a center for epileptics and bred goats to provide milk for families affected by HIV/AIDS.

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GALLY GRADS BIKE FROM L.A. TO WASHINGTON

Two Gallaudet University graduates completed “the trip of their lives” when they arrived in Washington, D.C. after bicycling from Los Angeles, said a university news release. Heather and Dana Arazi undertook the 4,200-mile trip to raise funds for the school’s Personal Discovery Program, which focuses on self-awareness, leadership, team-building, problem-solving and trust. (Program leader Jean Berube said the money will help equip a rock climbing gym.) The cyclists met as students, with Heather (Swenson) majoring in elementary education and Dana in the linguistics master’s program. A blog of the journey is at www.bike4d.org/.

FUNDRAISER TO HELP WITH HEARING WORLDWIDE

Starkey Labs is holding its 7th annual “So the World May Hear” fundraiser in St. Paul, Minn. this Saturday, reported CBS TV. (Tickets are sold out.) Bill Austin, who launched the firm from his basement in 1967 and today oversees a company of 4,000 employees with 33 plants in 18 countries, also set up a foundation that to date has given away hearing aids in 85 countries. “This is what I can do,” said Austin, the largest shareholder of a company worth a half billion dollars. “It’s my gift to the world.”

NEW YORK GIRL TURNS BAT MITZVAH INTO FUNDRAISER

Deaf 12-year-old Molly Kestenbaum decided to turn her Harrison, N.Y. bat mitzvah into a fundraiser, said The Journal News. Two charities - the Children’s Hearing Institute in New York City and RxArt, which offers therapy through art - were designated to benefit from the event. Molly’s parents, Elissa and Alan Kestenbaum, purchased about $100,000 worth of artwork to support their daughter’s gesture, and guests were given $1,000 of “Molly money” to use for auction bids. “I wanted to use today to help make an impact on other people’s lives,” said Molly.

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WORKING WORLD
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WISCONSIN MAN, WIFE PLAN TO START NEW BANK

Jim Meisser, a 48-year-old Wisconsin man who has been deaf all his life, plans to open a bank later this year with his wife, Jeanene. The Sheboygan bank will be called the Lake Shore Bank and it will have text-captioned screens and other features to make people with physical challenges feel welcome, said the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Meisser learned to speak and read lips with help from his mother, Virginia Meisser, who taught the subject in Milwaukee for 20 years. He has a degree in finance and experience with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., while Jeanene has worked for banks for 27 years. They plan to raise $20 million in start-up capital and are currently seeking investors - $25,000 minimum, $1 million maximum.

FIRST COMPUTER ACADEMY FOR DEAF KICKS OFF

Ten deaf and hard-of-hearing students were due at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus this week for the first Summer Academy for Advancing Deaf & Hard of Hearing in Computing. Students in their last years of high school or early years of college who show promise for a career in computer science were selected for the nine-week academy. They’ll take an introductory computer-programming class and a course in computer animation, and also tour local high-tech companies and meet with deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals. Funding will allow the academy to take place at least one more year.

AGENCY FOUNDER NOTED FOR COMMITMENT

Julie Rems-Smario, executive director of DeafHope in Oakland, Calif., received a Femtor Award from the eWomenNetwork Foundation earlier this month, said Inside Bay Area. A Castro Valley mother of three, Rems-Smario joined seven other women in 2003 to found the agency, which works to end domestic violence and sexual assault against deaf women and children. One of only two such groups in the country, DeafHope serves about 350 survivors a year and has a capital campaign underway to raise money for a shelter. “Julie has committed so much of her life to doing this,” said co-worker Amber Hodson.

HAGEMEYER TO RECEIVE HONORARY MEMBERSHIP IN ALA

Alice L. Hagemeyer will receive honorary membership in the American Library Association when it meets in Washington starting Friday. Honorary Membership is the highest honor bestowed by the ALA, said a news release from the National Literary Society of the Deaf. “There is no question about her suitability,” said ALA member Joan Naturale, who was inspired by Hagemeyer and is now a librarian at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Hagemeyer, who will be manning the FOLDA booth at the ALA, is creator of The Red Notebook, which is now available online as “Deaf Awareness Begins @ Your Library” at www.folda.net.

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CANADIAN WINS LEAD IN WEST COAST ‘CHILDREN’

Canadian hard-of-hearing rock star TL Forsberg didn’t speak for two weeks to prepare for her audition as Sarah Norman in the Rubicon Theatre production of Children of a Lesser God, said the Ventura County Reporter. She got the part and now practices her signing skills every day while applauding hearing co-star Remi Sandri (James Leeds) for learning to sign when he first performed the role 20 years ago. “I’m closer to hearing than deaf,” said Forsberg, an avante-garde performer specializing in “hard rock, with a gothic pop feel.” Convinced by her lawyer to move to Los Angeles, Forsberg landed a production deal and is now recording her first album, KRIYA, “named after the sound of deaf people screaming, the silent sound within.”

‘BODY’ MUSIC MAKES DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES CONCERT

Pioneer Electronics Inc. recently unveiled new listening technology that lets hearing-impaired people experience music. Pioneer’s “Listening Through The Body” technology uses a transmitter in a seat cushion and a small pillowlike device to convert music into vibrations, said The Japan Times. It takes two hours to set up 20 seats and each unit costs about $1,000. The system made its debut at a Los Angeles concert that included guests from several local centers for the deaf, who the report noted often erupted in “loud whoops, cheers and calls of ‘Bravo!’”

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Gate Communications is now filling audition slots for The Celebration of Sign 2007 held on October 20th at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Last year individuals from 13 states and 2 continents desended to watch Deanne Bray host our 8th annual event honoring Sign Language in the Arts. Each year Gate holds auditions for 12 performance slots in the show. If you have a talent that includes Sign Language be sure to audition on August 18th! Local and long distance audition options are available. For more information click here and to see clips from CelSign 2006 click here. CelSign is sponsored in part by Verizon Relay.

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SPORTS
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VOLLEYBALL STAR NAMED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Gallaudet University volleyball star Tamara “Tomijo” Foronda was named the 2007 Athlete of the Year by the Capital Athletic Conference, which covers Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Foronda, who graduated in May with a physical education degree, maintained a 3.9 GPA and amassed a career-best 2,042 kills, said a Gallaudet news release.

GLENN ANDERSON WRITES ON SON’S NFL DRAFT

The National Football League last week released an article by Glenn B. Anderson, a deaf University of Arkansas administrator whose son Jamaal was chosen by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of this year’s NFL draft. “NFL Draft Weekend was one of the most memorable occasions our family has ever experienced,” said Anderson. The family rented the top floor of a Little Rock hotel and invited 150 people to watch the draft on TV. “The whole floor erupted in sheer joy as Jamaal’s name was announced,” he said. Anderson was “immensely proud” of Jamaal’s achievements, he said, and “excitedly looking forward to the next chapter of Jamaal’s life with the Atlanta Falcons.”

TWIN BROTHERS HELP TEAM CLINCH CHAMPIONSHIP

Twelve-year-old twins Danny and Ronnie Flores helped lead their team to the Yuma (Ariz.) Boys Baseball League championship last week, said the Yuma Sun, “despite their both being deaf and mute.” Danny and Ronnie each pitched three innings in the 12-7 Lee Farms victory over Picacho Homes, with Ronnie hitting an inside-the-park home run and launching a five-run inning with a triple. The brothers “couldn’t hear the roar of the crowd,” said the report, “but they were as much a part of the celebration as anyone.”

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP TEES OFF NEXT MONTH

A flurry of news releases from the U.S. Deaf Golf Association indicates that all systems are go for the National Championship at Far Oaks Golf Club in St. Louis, July 16-20. This year’s $20,000 purse is the richest in deaf golf history, said the USDGA, and the champion will take home $2,000. (Senior and Women’s winners earn $500 each.) Any player who manages to make a hole-in-one on the 15th hole will receive a Buick Enclave Luxury SUV. A number of corporations have signed on to sponsor the event, which will include a Hall of Fame dinner and tournament banquet. More information can be found at www.usdeafgolf.org.

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Service Coordinator, Sign Language,
Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available

Counsels and aids hearing deaf and deaf-blind individuals and families by conducting home or community visits. Conducts periodic reviews of treatment/service plans to assess progress towards goals. Makes referrals to community resources and advocates on behalf of tenants.

Associate's degree in a health or human service field with 2 to 3 years experience working with deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. BA degree preferred. Prior experience working as a Service Coordinator preferred. Fluency in American Sign Language required.

Supervisor, Tenant Relations
Manhattan

Supervises service coordination for disabled residents living independently in apartments throughout NYC. Manage and reinforce each building’s house regulations on an individual basis and by conducting Tenant meetings. Identify and report signs of neglect or child abuse, and take the appropriate action.

B.A. in social work, human services or related field or HS Diploma plus (5) years experience in a residential facility as a supervisor may be considered. American Sign Language skills required. A valid NYS driver’s license preferred. Must be willing to travel to various sites.

FEGS offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. Send resume & salary requirements to magold@hr-dynamics.com or visit us online at www.fegs.org/careers to apply for Service Coordinator by entering 3612 in the text search field; or for Supervisor, enter 3611 in the text search field. EOE

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JOB OPENING
KENTUCKY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Hamilton Relay, Inc. currently has a full-time position open for “Kentucky Outreach Coordinator”.

Location: Kentucky Area

Position summary: This full time position is responsible for promoting Kentucky Relay, thereby increasing the number of relay customers. Individual will be required to travel as needed.

Preferred education, experience and skills:

Communicates fluently through the use of American Sign Language.
Associate or Bachelor’s Degree or comparable work experience along with a minimum of three years public relations experience.
Experience in public relations activities. Direct work experience with a Telecommunications Relay Service preferred.
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are encouraged to apply.
Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
Hold a driver’s license and ability to travel alone.

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 by July 6, 2007.

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. Contact our HR Dept. at: 800.821.1831 or at: www.hamilton.net/employment.html.

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2 Position Openings:

Health Specialist(s), 30-35 hrs/week, Excellent Benefits.
Project HOPE of DEAF, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts

The Health Specialist(s) will provide direct services and/or prevention education for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened individuals living with cancer, obesity, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or other health related conditions.

-- Provide case management services including assessing consumers’ health needs, developing and monitoring service plans, coordinating referrals for support services, and providing support related to utilizing resources for self-help and health maintenance.
-- Collaborate with health/medical service providers, to promote accessible services.
-- Provide peer support services including developing and operating regular peer support activities and groups.
-- Conduct 1:1 and group public health awareness and prevention education activities.
-- Outreach to Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened people.
-- Prepare written and statistical reports on activities and progress.
-- Develop public health brochures and write articles.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services area. Fluency in ASL. Demonstrated knowledge of deafness, at least three years in a related field. Experience in direct services preferred. Ability to prepare and facilitate trainings and presentations. Healthcare related experiences and knowledge of public health issues preferred. Computer literate.

Immediate opening.

Send Cover Letter and Resume to:
Hannah Lewis, Project HOPE Program Director
hlewis@deafinconline.org

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Sign Language
New York Society for the Deaf Services

Job Description:

Assistant Residence Manager will assist the Residence Manager in supervising staff and overseeing daily operations of residential facility for emotionally disabled and deaf individuals. Acts as the first line Supervisor in the absence of senior manager to ensures the safe operation of the facility and maximize the functioning of emotionally disabled adults in order to prevent hospitalization . Responsible for coordinating staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage at all times consistent with budgetary constraints. Provides case management services and functions as part of the inter-disciplinary team.

Skills and/or Experience Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or related human service field from an accredited college or university. An equivalent combination of education and experience and experience will be considered in lieu of degree.

A minimum of 2 years experience in social service setting, preferably related to homelessness, and in a residential facility.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Fluency in American Sign Language required.

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please visit our FEGS Career page at http://www.fegs.org/careers or go to http://www.fegs.org/ and click on Career Services and enter PO3631 or the title Assistant Residence Manager in the Text Search field.

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Teaching Positions Available
The Charter School at National Deaf Academy
Mount Dora, FL

* Elementary/Middle School (all subjects)
* K-12 Physical Education
* K-12 Special Needs/Autism

Qualifications:
* Degree in Deaf Education. Content area degree a plus
* Proficiency in American Sign Language
* Willingness to become highly qualified

Closing Date for applications: July 1, 2007

Send letter of interest, resume, official transcripts and 3 letters of reference to:

Rebecca Hilding, Director
The Charter School at National Deaf Academy
19650 US Highway 441
Mount Dora, FL 32757

352-385-3019

For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.csnda.com

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD

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.

- Regional Director - Riverside
- Director of LIFESIGNS - Los Angeles
- Community Interpreter 1 - Riverside
- Community Interpreter 2 (2 positions open) - Riverside
- Placement Coordinator - Crenshaw
- Lead Dispatcher - Los Angeles
- Hard of Hearing Specialist (Temporary) - Los Angeles and Riverside
- Community Advocate - Riverside
- Community Advocate (Temporary) - Riverside
- Community Health Educator - Los Angeles

If interested for 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

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Client Support Specialist, Position Announcement
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency - Fremont, CA

The Client Support Specialist will work with deaf, hard of hearing, deafened individuals and deaf senior citizens and provide services including peer counseling, advocacy, and community education on health issues, senior citizen issues, entitlement benefits and daily living issues. DCARA offers extremely competitive benefits such as 4-day work week schedule (40 hours), 12 days of holiday leave plus one week paid winter holiday, and full medical, dental, vision and life insurances. For more details, see www.dcara.org.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Position: Product Manager, Relay Services
Location: Hackensack, NJ

This position is responsible for managing the company’s product portfolio of new and existing Internet-based relay products, services, features and platforms, in timely response to customer, market, competitive, and operational requirements.

This position includes the following responsibilities: (i) manage new and existing relay product/service offerings for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers; (ii) drive product/service development/management process within the company and with outside vendors, producing and iterating specifications throughout; (iii) develop and implement customer research and cultivate first-hand understanding of customers; (iv) monitor product/service performance and drive product/service lifecycle changes as required; (v) participate in development and management of overall customer communications strategy and customer/trade promotion strategy; (vi) develop pricing/offers and pursue initiatives for new business development. This position reports to the Vice President of Product Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Technical or marketing degree with 4-6 years of product management experience; telecommunications or hearing/speech industry experience desirable
Ideal candidate must enjoy technology and its use in building bridges among the Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities
PC literate for analyses and forecasts/budgets
Able to juggle multiple projects & changing priorities with enthusiasm; be able to give clear direction to ensure deadlines are met and quality results are achieved
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Work with minimal supervision to coordinate activities with internal departmental staff and contractors
Knowledge of or interest in people with hearing loss; American Sign Language conversational abilities very desirable, or willingness to learn required
Ability to travel, especially on weekends, required

Application deadline: Until filled

Please submit your resume or application to: hr@goamerica.com

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Position: Product Manager, Hard of Hearing Products & Services
Location: Hackensack, NJ

This position is responsible for managing the company’s portfolio of new and existing products and services geared to, but not limited to, the Hard of Hearing market (e.g., hearing-aid compatible mobile phones, Internet-based captioned telephone service, voice carry over services), in timely response to customer, market, competitive, and operational requirements.

This position includes the following responsibilities: (i) develop, recommend, and implement strategic/tactical product/service offerings primarily targeting (but not limited to) the Hard of Hearing Market; (ii) manage new and existing product/service offerings for hard-of-hearing customers; (iii) drive Hard of Hearing product/service development/management process within the company and with outside vendors, producing and iterating specifications throughout; (iv) develop and implement customer research and cultivate first-hand understanding of customers; (v) monitor Hard of Hearing product/service performance and drive product/service lifecycle changes as required; (vi) participate in development and management of overall customer communications strategy and customer/trade promotion strategy; (vii) develop pricing/offers and pursue initiatives for new business development. This position reports to the Vice President of Product Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Application deadline: Until filled

Please submit your resume or application to: hr@goamerica.com

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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS NEEDED

Position: i711 Relay Specialist
Location: Hackensack, NJ

We are seeking independent contractors to help drive i711 relay services revenue by assisting customers with installing required hardware and/or software and by providing remote and/or onsite customer training to ensure positive, sustained, and increasing customer usage of i711 relay services.

i711 Relay Specialists have the following responsibilities, among others: (1) complete an assigned number of remote installations of i711 VRS per month; (2) review and approve customer applications for webcams, and conduct follow up interactions with customers until installation and usage is confirmed; (3) provide technical assistance to customers requiring help in setting up webcams, updating their videophone directories, and placing VRS calls; (4) participate in trade shows and community events, with an emphasis on qualifying prospects, capturing installation leads, and arranging for fulfillment; (5) provide remote and/or onsite customer education and training on using i711 relay services; and (6) provide, on an escalation basis, second-tier customer support and/or technical assistance to relay users, in collaboration with the Customer Support team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

4-year college degree or equivalent experience in a sales-, technical-, or community-related field
Self-starter with firsthand experience and knowledge of what it takes to “sell” relay services in a highly-competitive marketplace
Able to work effectively both in a team environment and independently, with minimal supervision
Demonstrates strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation/teaching skills
Able to multi-task effectively in a fast paced environment, with strong follow-through on a wide variety of details
Demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Able to travel to and from customer premises by private car and/or public transit
Able to work on a flexible schedule in order to meet sales and customer needs (some weekend and evening work time required)
Able to read and write large volumes of email and instant messages (IM)
Knowledge of or interest in people with hearing loss and communication challenges
Conversational fluency in American Sign Language (ASL)
3 years experience with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office applications, and with using the Internet
Troubleshooting experience on PC and Macintosh; desktop support certification a plus
Technical experience with videophones, webcams, videoconferencing software, residential firewalls/routers, and wireless devices, or willingness and aptitude to learn
Experience presenting product information directly to end-user customers
Experience working in a customer service role preferred

Application deadline: Until filled

Please submit your resume or application to: hr@goamerica.com

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