Deafweekly July 1, 2009

deafweekly

July 1, 2009
Vol. 5, No. 4

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 2009 and any unauthorized use, including reprinting of news, is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.

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EDITOR'S NOTE
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Starting with this issue, Deafweekly will be presenting the news in a different format. I am no longer going to write original summaries of each article. Instead, the items here will contain the actual headlines and opening lines from articles selected for the newsletter, and each will end with a link where you can go to read the full story. (I am also adding the geographic location of each item above the headline.) This format change will make Deafweekly less time-consuming to produce and should help to prevent future publication lapses. Thank you for your continued readership.

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NATIONAL
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Pierre, SD
MURDER, KIDNAPPING CONVICTIONS UPHELD IN SIOUX FALLS DISMEMBERMENT CASE
The state Supreme Court last Thursday upheld the murder and kidnapping convictions of a deaf woman accused of killing another deaf woman and cutting her up with a chain saw. The high court ruled unanimously that Daphne Wright got a fair trial when she was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping for the killing of Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, in Sioux Falls in February 2006. READ MORE (Argus Leader)

San Francisco, CA
UPS TO ALLOW HARD-OF-HEARING DRIVERS
United Parcel Service tentatively settled a 10-year-old lawsuit Tuesday [June 16] by agreeing to allow some deaf and hard-of-hearing employees to compete for jobs driving small delivery vans after special testing and training. The settlement, which awaits approval by a federal judge in San Francisco, would apply to about 1,000 workers and 1,250 vehicles at UPS, the world's largest private package carrier, said attorney Laurence Paradis, executive director of Disability Rights Advocates in Berkeley. READ MORE (San Francisco Chronicle)

Los Angeles, CA
MARCELLA M. MEYER DIES AT 84; PROMINENT DEAF ADVOCATE
Marcella M. Meyer, a prominent advocate for the deaf who fought to expand civil rights and establish social services through the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, an advocacy group she helped found in 1969 and ran for almost three decades, has died. She was 84. Meyer died May 26 at Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, said her daughter Coleen Ashly. READ MORE (Los Angeles Times)

Springfield, IL
HUNDREDS FROM JACKSONVILLE AREA RALLY AT CAPITOL
Two and a half bus loads of Illinois School for the Deaf and Illinois School for the Visually Impaired employees, students and supporters rallied last Tuesday at the Capitol in Springfield. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office announced two weeks ago that the Illinois School for the Deaf and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, along with many other state services and facilities, will be closed if lawmakers cannot get past a $9.2 billion budget impasse. READ MORE (Journal Courier)

Las Vegas, NV
DEAF PUPILS IN DANGER OF LOSING THEIR SCHOOL
The organizers of the Las Vegas Charter School for the Deaf spent more than six years raising enough money to lease a facility, finally opening the school in fall 2008. Now the program’s future is at risk because the building it shares is up for sale. The owner has offered to sell the 7,300 square-foot building for $1 million (20 percent down). But that’s far beyond the means of the modest charter school, which recently finished its first year of operation with three students and expects an enrollment of seven in the fall. READ MORE (Las Vegas Sun)

Mount Dora, FL
DEAF ACADEMY CALLS PUT STRAIN ON MOUNT DORA POLICE
With its green lawns and trim landscaping, the exterior of the National Deaf Academy projects tranquillity. But inside the psychiatric residential facility, it's anything but calm, police say. Police reports show that officers regularly are called to break up fights between patients and staff, quell suicide attempts or search for residents who have walked away from the facility for deaf, hard-of-hearing and autistic children and adults. In a 17-month period through May 27, police responded to 369 calls to the privately owned academy. READ MORE (Orlando Sentinel)

Chattanooga, TN
PROFOUNDLY DEAF MAN FACING MURDER CHARGE TO GET EVALUATION
A man charged with first-degree murder who is profoundly deaf and mentally handicapped will be evaluated to determine his level of comprehension, Criminal Court Judge Rebecca Stern. The case of Alex Smith was postponed until next Monday when there will be an update on whether an evaluation can be arranged. Smith is charged with gunning down Desmond Foster, who investigators say was trying to get out of his car in East Chattanooga when Smith walked up and opened fire. READ MORE (Chattanoogan)

Sheboygan, WI
MAN CHARGED WITH THROWING FAN AT HEARING-IMPAIRED GIRLFRIEND
A drunk Sheboygan man threw a fan at his hearing-impaired girlfriend when she was unable to understand him without her hearing aid, according to a criminal complaint. Troy E. Jensen could face up to nine months in jail on a misdemeanor battery charge. Police say he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.30 when the incident occurred. READ MORE (Sheboygan Press)

Watsonville, CA
UNCLE CONVICTED OF SHOWING DEAF NIECE PORN
A Watsonville man will be sent to prison for up to eight years for showing his deaf niece pornographic movies two years ago, a judge ruled last week. There was no physical evidence of the crime that Marck Vasquez, also known as Juan Canseco, was convicted of. Rather, Judge Paul Marigonda based his ruling on the testimony of the niece, who testified for an entire day through sign language interpreters during the non-jury court trial, according to the District Attorney's Office. READ MORE (The Mercury News)

Ocean City, MD
SIGN LANGUAGE FRAUD SENTENCE
A Delaware woman arrested in May after fraudulently requesting the town of Ocean City provide a sign language interpreter for special events over the period of several months before getting hired to provide the service herself pleaded guilty this week in District Court to one count of theft under $500 and was placed on probation for a year and fined. Gail S. Garner, 51, was placed on probation for one year and fined $500. READ MORE (The Dispatch)

Tuscumbia, AL
GRAND MARSHAL MET KELLER AS A CHILD
Even at 9 years old, Tom Cooney knew when he met Helen Keller that he was in the presence of greatness. The year was 1945, and World War II was winding down. Young Cooney, deaf since infancy, used a wheelchair throughout his childhood. He wrote Keller a letter. She not only responded, but invited him for a visit. READ MORE (Times Daily)

West Hartford, CT
AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF DEDICATES YEARBOOK TO STUDENT
The teenager's pain persisted. Bryan Dolan's doctor, at first, wondered whether an infection could be causing the hurt. Only after three examinations and a CAT scan did Dolan, an American School for the Deaf student, get his diagnosis in March 2008: testicular cancer. Dolan, of Bozrah, graduated from the school last week with high honors. Historically, students have dedicated the yearbook to a faculty member. For the first time in the school's 192-year history, officials said, students have dedicated it to a classmate — Dolan. READ MORE (Hartford Courant)

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Choose ViableVRS, deaf-owned and deaf-operated.

We have exciting news to share!
• We released the VPAD+! Learn more at upcoming DeafNation expos!
• We are on the October 2008 cover of Fortune Small Business!
• We were named #2 on a list of Exceptional 53 Businesses in the State of MD!

Find out why we’ve been in the news! Dial viablevrs.tv on any videophone and experience incredible VRS through our friendly and skilled interpreters. Check us out at http://www.viable.net for more information. VRS, VCO, Viable Number… we’re making VRS work for you.

Choose ViableVRS, it's your call!

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DEAF411: Visual Alerts Address Everyday Sounds

NEW YORK CITY (Deaf411) - An internet video report, "Living in an Audio World" gives helpful information on what you should know about when buying a visual alerting device. You already know you need a device or equipment that lets you know when your phone or doorbell is ringing. But which equipment is suitable for your needs? Shopping for a visual alerting system is tough. This report is part of "Deaf Living Solutions" series of internet video reports presented in sign language with open captions. It was produced by two deaf-owned businesses.

DEAF411 VIDEO - http://www.deaf411online.com/aw35.html

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SUMMER HAS ARRIVED AT BUYASL.COM!

Keep busy this summer with games, DVDs and more from BuyASL.com!

ASLingo is one of the most popular ASL games around! $25.99
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Check out our best sellers:
* Interpreter Discourse: English to ASL Expansion / ASL to English Compression
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* Baby See 'n' Sign - Volume 1 (DVD)
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Get 15% off by entering code: ASLSALE
Visit BuyASL.com TODAY!

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INTERNATIONAL
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New Brunswick, Canada
FAMILY RELIEVED CHILD MURDERER DEAD
The family of a hearing-impaired Calgary girl who was murdered in 1992 is relieved her killer is dead. Gleason Williams, 54, strangled five-year old Shannon Morrissette and slit her throat in his southeast Calgary basement apartment. Williams, a native of Prince Edward Island, was found dead in his cell at the Dorchester Institute in New Brunswick last Thursday. The Correctional Service of Canada said Friday the death was an apparent suicide. READ MORE (CBC News)

Kwinana, Australia
INTERNET LOTTERY SCAM TARGETS DEAF
Deaf consumers have been targeted in the latest internet scam. It involves emails from the “Deaf Lotto International Program” and a purported prize of $US85,000 and a laptop computer. Winners are asked to email their personal details to agent Paul Petrie, who advises them to pay $US850 in fees to receive the prize. READ MORE (Kwinana Courier)

Melbourne, Australia
EVERY NEWBORN TO HAVE HEARING TEST: RUDD
Every newborn child will be tested for hearing impairments under a new plan unveiled by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Mr. Rudd says only 75 per cent of young children are currently routinely tested for hearing deficiencies, which he says can lead to further complications in later life. Under the new policy, which could be in place by next year, every newborn child will be tested, and fitted with hearing aids or cochlear implants where necessary. READ MORE (The Age)

Brighton, England
LOCAL DEAFLYMPICS ATHLETE HOLDS BEACH SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS
Brighton beach was transformed into a classroom on Saturday 20 June, when Britain’s Deaflympics representative for football, Roanna Simmons, taught fellow Southern Housing Group residents to sign the Group’s name in British Sign Language (BSL). READ MORE (24 dash)

Halesowen, England
CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE UP SIGN LANGUAGE
A campaign to encourage more employees to take up sign language as an extra language and skill is coming to Halesowen this month. Signs4Life UK is setting up introductory employee in-house courses to help people communicate and deal with the deaf community. READ MORE (Halesowen News)

Leicester, England
SIGN LANGUAGE SCHEME AWARDED £20,000 GRANT
Action Deafness has today been awarded a £20,000 grant to deliver British Sign language (BSL) to children in Leicester. The project, Signing Futures, follows a successful pilot scheme run by volunteers which last year took BSL into the schools of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland before a lack of funding brought it to an end. The new project, funded by Leicester City Council, will bring BSL to both the 22 schools it reached during the pilot and the 30 who were forced to miss out when volunteers could not be found. READ MORE (Community Newswire)

Mumbai, India
BLIND SPA, DEAF COURIERS: INDIA AND DISABLED RIGHTS
At a foot spa above a children's playschool in the winding backstreets of north Mumbai, Anand's busy thumbs and fingers press and pull on the soles of a client, as light, relaxing music fills the air. In a cramped office in the south of the city, an ancient air-conditioner clanks noisily as six women quietly fill in slips of paper to accompany packages to be delivered by their male colleagues who wait patiently nearby. The everyday scenes could be from any firm or office anywhere in the world, except at the Metta spa and the Mirakle Couriers, all the employees are either blind or deaf. READ MORE (AFP)

Dadhkai, India
INDIA'S 'SILENT' VILLAGE OF DEAF-MUTES
Silence reigns in the sleepy village of Dadhkai, nestled high up in the Himalayan mountains in northern India and where the majority of residents are either deaf or mute. Each of the 47 families in this village in Jammu and Kashmir state have a least one member who can neither hear nor speak. The first reported case dates back to 1931 and now the numbers have swelled to 82. READ MORE (Reuters India)

Kolkata, India
DEAF-MUTE GIRL GANGRAPED
A 17-year-old deaf and mute tribal girl was gangraped by three youths at Pandua in Hooghly district on Sunday morning. Police have registered an FIR based on the girl's account through gestures. One of the three accused was caught on Monday and reportedly he confessed to the crime. The other two accused are absconding. READ MORE (The Times of India)

Swaziland
MISS DEAF SD OFF TO CZECH REPUBLIC
Miss Deaf Swaziland Simphiwe Magagula flew out of the country yesterday afternoon [June 9] to attend the Miss Deaf World contest in Prague, Czech Republic on July 11. Magagula had to leave early because she was also invited by the organisers of the ninth annual international Miss Deaf World contest and the newly established Miss Deaf Europe contest to showcase prime fashion designers in the Miss Deaf Europe to be held on the 5th July in Brno, Czech Republic. READ MORE (Swazi Observer)

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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.

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The long awaited coda Cruise...!!!

This is a chance for us to gather and share our stories not only with ourselves but with our loved ones... Codas of all ages and their Deaf parents are welcome! "Odas (...of deaf adults), including dodas, godas, sodas, wodas ... are welcomed here to share their stories and expereinces and relate to others who have had the same.

We will have many activities that help us to learn and share in a fun family-oriented atmosphere. Workshops, panel discussions, and performances that include you. The Workshops will be led by Arlene Malinowski, "Storytelling", and Alan Marcus, "Codas and their spouses". We will have workshops for both children and adults. The performance will be emceed by Keith Wann and have an open stage for you to come and share your hilarious stories. A children's show will also be led by Keith and Arlene. The panel discussion will be a great time for Deaf parents with young codas to ask questions...

It's now time to sign up at www.ASLcruise.com
Any questions email Jen@ASLcruise.com

Your Coda - Keith Wann

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10% OFF ALL SONIC ALERT PRODUCTS!

It’s a Star-Spangled Celebration at WCI with 10% off ALL Sonic Alert products in July! Take your pick on a variety of doorbell and telephone signalers, remote receivers and alarm clocks. There’s a product to fit every situation whether it be college dorm room, office or house. Call us now at 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us online at http://www.weitbrecht.com (use code WCI709D when ordering). To receive our WCI catalog, email sales@weitbrecht.com to request it.

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.

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LIFE & LEISURE
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South Bend, IN
BUDGET CUTS CLOSE ALL BUT ONE INDIANA SUMMER CAMP FOR DEAF CHILDREN
Every child should have the opportunity to go to summer camp, but the economy is making that difficult for many hard of hearing and deaf kids in Indiana. The Indiana Deaf Camp at Camp Mack in Milford, is the only camp of its kind left in the state. READ MORE (Fox 28 WSJV)

Venice, LA
WIN ONE OF TWENTY CHARTER FISHING TRIPS, GIVE A CHILD A COCHLEAR IMPLANT
The Fishing to Hear Foundation, a non-profit organization assisting Louisiana families with the surgical cost of a second cochlear implant not covered by insurance, is selling raffle tickets to participate in the 3rd Annual Fishing to Hear Rodeo in Venice, LA August 9, 2009. READ MORE (The Advertiser)

Homer Glen, IL
STUDENT NAMED HEARING ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Peter Michor, a junior at Lockport Township High School, recently was named Advocate of the Year at the seventh annual Hearing Advocacy Event held in Homer Glen. At the event, which included a hearing advocacy game show contest for deaf and hard of hearing participants, Michor was honored for his advocacy for deafness and the skills needed to survive and excel in the classroom. READ MORE (Homer Horizon)

Chester, VA
CVAPI MATCHING THE DEAF WITH THE PARANORMAL
CVAPI stands for Central Virginia Paranormal Investigations, a paranormal team located outside of Richmond, Virginia. Recently they have been approached by the need of the deaf community wanting to participate in paranormal investigations. Their founder, Jackie Tomlin, has agreed to assist with launching this campaign. READ MORE (PR Urgent)

Rochester, NY
NTID DEVELOPS TEST FOR ADHD IN DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING ADULTS
A DVD that uses American Sign Language and English-based sign language to test for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in deaf and hard-of-hearing adults is now available. Researchers at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology developed the test in response to the estimated incidence of ADHD in the deaf and hard-of-hearing population being as high as 38 percent. READ MORE (RIT News)

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Special Summer Savings for July 4th

Celebrate the July 4th holiday with 15% discounts on novelty items at Harris Communications! Show your love of country and ASL with a Flag Pin (N286). Or, add a unique look to your summer wardrobe with a Daisy ILY Necklace (N412).Traveling this summer? A travel mug, such as the "Coffee" Travel Mug (N373), will keep your hot or cold drink from spilling. Check our website for a more complete list of sale items. *Discounts available July 1 - July 9, 2009. Certain product restrictions may apply. Go to: http://www.harriscomm.com/index.php?utm_source=ddgest&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=b062809 or contact us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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Keith Wann's ASL Comedy Tour 2009-2010

Keith Wann, renowned for his hilarious, sidesplitting comedy performances, is now producing and hosting the ASL Comedy Tour 2009, which will travel the U.S. this year. With American Sign Language (ASL) artists presenting solo performances incorporating comedy, skits, songs, improvisation, and stories, each show lasts two hours. Sponsored by www.CallVRS.org, the multi-city tour is designed to be affordable for each location - making it ideal as a fundraiser for participating organizations.

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

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

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Holy Land Cruise
October 30, 2009
Turkey / Greece / Israel / Egypt
Starting at: $1,113.00 pp

Cruises 2010
Panama Canal Cruise Charleston - Los Angeles - April 19
Alaska Cruise & Canadian Rockies - June 1
Denali National Park & Alaska Cruise - June 14
Romantic Danube River Cruise - July 12, 2010
Canada & New England Cruise Cape Liberty, N.J. - August 29
Panama Canal Cruise San Diego - Baltimore - October 1

For more details, visit www.kerstinstravel.com or contact Kerstin at kerstin@kerstinstravel.com or call at 561-748-8766. Prices and itineraries are subject to change at any time without prior notification. Kerstin's Travel Inc. is an associate of Hibiscus Travel.

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WORKING WORLD
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Dallas, TX
ENGINEER HELPS IMPROVE LIVES OF HEARING-IMPAIRED
Noisy restaurants are one of the banes of people who have received cochlear implants. Although the high-tech devices restore partial hearing, their microphones pick up everything going on around. But what if you could filter out all that noise, leaving just the pristine voice of the person sitting across from you? That’s the idea behind much of the research Dr. Philip Loizou of UT Dallas has been pursuing for more than a decade - work that recently won him election as a fellow in the Acoustical Society of America, the highest honor awarded in the field of acoustic signal processing. READ MORE (University of Texas at Dallas)

Hopkinton, MA
A Q&A WITH REV. SHAWN CAREY OF HOPKINTON'S ST. JOHN CHURCH
The Rev. Shawn Carey, a recently ordained priest, has joined the pastoral community at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Father Shawn, a Massachusetts native, adds his own rich spirituality to the parish community in that he is hearing impaired and uses an interpreter to assist him with his homilies. READ MORE (The Metrowest Daily News)

Rochester, NY
DOCTOR HONORED FOR WORK IN DEAF COMMUNITY
When Carolyn Stern lost her hearing completely during the second month of her medical residency, she feared her career was over. "I thought ... I'm definitely going to have come up with something else to do," said Stern, of Brighton. Instead, she persevered. On Sunday, Stern was honored with an event recognizing her achievements and her nomination for the Trailblazer of the Year award from Purple Communications' Dream Bigger campaign. READ MORE (Democrat and Chronicle)

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THE Z(tm): THE NEXT GENERATION IN VIDEOPHONES

Frustrated with poor videophone quality, bulky videophones, and unreliable video relay services? Get the Z(tm), and you'll never be disappointed again! With three sleek versions of The Z(tm) videophone offered by The Z(tm), you'll get nothing but the very best in videophone technology and video relay services quality. Order your Z(tm) TODAY! For more information, visit www.zvrs.com.

The Z(tm) is the clear choice for top-notch video relay services, with 24/7 access to certified, qualified video interpreters. Dial 888.888.1116 to make your call today!

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Are you shocked by rude behavior on VRS from hearing callers and video relay interpreters? Do you think deaf and hearing people have different ideas of polite behavior for using pagers? Do you ever wonder about the appropriateness of an email message?

New technology such as email, pagers and VRS has made life easier for many deaf people. But the rules of politeness regarding their usage can vary between deaf and hearing users. Are you curious to know the different expectations and how to describe them to your hearing friends, family and co-workers? Let Miss Deaf Manners and Miss Hearing Manners explain it all to you in the new expanded and updated DVD

SEE WHAT I MEAN:
Differences between Deaf and Hearing Cultures -2nd edition
by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess

With 4 new scenes depicting cultural differences involving pagers, email and VRS
Includes an updated Teachers’ guide plus classic scenarios depicting attitudes toward time, leave-taking, privacy, giving and receiving criticism and comments on personal appearance -- all discussed from each culture’s point of view.

Go to www.treehousevideo.com for more information and a sneak preview of a frustrating VRS call.

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Greater Rochester Physical Therapy
Life is full of Choices… Choose Well… Choose GRPT
www.grpt.com

We are pleased to announce access to physical therapy services for the Deaf community! Please help us welcome Gretchen Roman, Licensed Physical Therapist & Certified Sign Language Interpreter

2000 Empire Blvd., Building 2
Webster, NY 14580
(V): 585-671-1030
Email: GreaterRochPT@gmail.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Tallahassee, FL
NOW HEAR THIS: TERRY GALLOWAY UNLEASHES ONE 'MEAN' MEMOIR
Terry Galloway is the first to admit that the title of her new memoir, "Mean Little Deaf Queer" ($23.95, Beacon Press), is not as polite as, say, "Tuesdays With Morrie" or as poetic as, oh, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." "It's in your face, I know," Galloway said over lunch recently. "Some people hate the title. They don't get it, and they don't like it. Others laugh. That's fine." READ MORE (Tallahassee Democrat)

New York, NY
DEAF ARTIST HOPES SPONSORS WILL HELP MAKE BEIJING INVITE A REALITY
A Malaysian deaf artist here has been invited to hold an interactive art exhibition at the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts (Cafa) Museum in Beijing next month. New York University (NYU) graduate student Leon Lim said he received an invitation from the museum recently to showcase his work “Silent Story” comprising a collection of four projected moving-image displays from July 10. READ MORE (The Star)

Toronto, ON, Canada
EXPERIMENT SWEET MUSIC TO THE DEAF
In a small Toronto tavern this week, people who cannot hear will crowd into the room to experience music. The unusual concert, in what organizers say is the first ever concert for the deaf, is a rather public experiment by those who specialize in the science of music, who will use computers to translate audio signals into tactile sensations, along with visual projections that mimic the tempo of the music. The science is said to help deaf people experience music so vividly that some can distinguish between genres of music or even individual instruments. READ MORE (The Vancouver Sun)

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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.

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Sign Language Inc presents CruisEUs 2009

Just south of the U.S. border lies a vibrant culture, world-class beaches, lush green rain forests, a a vividly painted architecture that will dazzle your eyes. Whether your idea of adventure is exploring a colonial city or discovering the joys of a siesta on a white-sand beach, a Mexican cruise vacation is "almost" perfect for you...making it PERFECT would be while at all these great locations, also attending workshops presented by Peter Cook, Byron Bridges, Mark Morales, Lynne Weisman, Emilia Lorenti-Wann and Keith Wann!

Costs for CruisEUs 2009 Workshops
$150 plus your cabin costs.

August 16, 2009 to August 23, 2009
Los Angeles, California / Cruising / Cabo San Lucas, Mexico / Mazatlan, Mexico / Puerto Vallarta, Mexico / Cruising / Cruising / Los Angeles, California

IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL EMILIA LORENTI-WANN cruiseus@cruiseus.net or call (916) 412-6241

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SPORTS
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Houston, TX
TEXANS' BARWIN TACKLES NFL AFTER CONQUERING DEAFNESS
Connor Barwin had no idea what his mother was doing when she had him face the wall before she walked away. The talkative, 18-month-old simply stood there waiting. Just a few feet behind him, his mother started calling his name. Connor didn’t flinch. No matter how loud she spoke, Connor just stared at the wall. His parents, Margaret Bailey and Tom Barwin, were shocked. Their youngest of four sons was deaf. READ MORE (Houston Chronicle)

Miami, FL
DEAF WRESTLER COMPETES ON CCW SHOW
The Silencer defeated Lifeguard Wade Koverly on Saturday night, June 27 during a Coastal Championship Wrestling show in (South Florida) Pompano Beach. What made this match special, The Silencer is deaf, but no one ever knew as the combatants worked well together. Fans booed the bad guy, cheered the good and applauded a solid match. READ MORE (The Miami Herald)

Atlanta, GA
30 YEARS OF GIVING TO DEAF COMMUNITY
Basketball players will gather today [June 21] at Clairmont Presbyterian Church in a Fathers Day celebration of sorts. Even though, for them, it’s more about the baby. The father is former Hawks guard Mike Glenn and his baby, which as many as 100 players will visit, is the weeklong basketball camp that he runs for the hearing impaired. Perhaps it shouldn’t be called a baby anymore, seeing as it’s about to begin its 30th year. READ MORE (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Bellingham, WA
DEAF TWINS DON'T BACK DOWN FROM CHALLENGE
Britt and Lonnie Lindsay have stressed to their children the philosophy "it's not OK to be a victim," so they weren't too shocked to see their 14-year old deaf daughters Sarah and Amanda become junior black belts in karate. The distinction, however, is rare indeed for a deaf athlete. "I don't know of any other deaf junior black belts," said Shayne Simpson, owner of the Pacific Northwest Karate Center in Bellingham, where the girls train. READ MORE (The Bellingham Herald)

Boxford, MA
BASEBALL CLINIC FOR DEAF, DISABLED CHILDREN RUN BY 13-YEAR-OLD BOXFORD RESIDENT
When Boxford’s Anthony D’Ambrosio met Lawrence’s Elvis Cancano, neither of them knew how productive a friendship it would become. The end result of that friendship has not only been Cancano’s exposure to baseball and travel, thanks to attending a baseball clinic for deaf children in St. Louis last year, but also the second annual ASL (American Sign Language) Baseball Clinic, held at Strike One in Danvers. READ MORE (Wicked Local Topsfield)

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Select Your VRS Interpreter with Lifelinks VRS
Yes, now you can select the gender of your VRS interpreter; select an interpreter whom you like, who understands you well, who speaks Spanish, who is friendly, personable, prompt and excellent.

IT'S YOUR CHOICE! Use your VP-100™,VP-200™,D-Link™,PC or Mac! You call -- we answer, promptly. NO MORE ENDLESS WAITING FOR AN INTERPRETER! If you have a PC or Mac, you can actually SEE the interpreter you are getting beforehand!

Lifelinks Video Relay SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE! ANY LANGUAGE!
Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, or Urdu calls? Lifelinks speaks your language!

Dial IP address:69.18.207.166 or 347-632-0430
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Want to motivate your ASL students to follow Deaf cultural norms? Need to make it less scary for your hearing students to attend Deaf events? Looking for “ready-made” materials to teach Deaf culture? Get your FREE examination copy of the DVD that is used in over 50 high schools, colleges and universities including, RIT/NTID, CSUN, Boston University and Ohlone College.

A SIGN OF RESPECT:
Strategies for Effective Deaf/hearing Interactions
by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess

This unique DVD presents 18 culturally challenging situations and allows viewers to pick from three possible solutions. Then narrator, Tom Holcomb explains why the answer selected is or isn’t correct. Try it yourself with a scene at www.treehousevideo.com.

The DVD/workbook set contains an interactive DVD and a 69-page workbook with readings and exercises to help instructors present an entire module on Deaf cultural behaviors and expectations for their ASL or Deaf Culture students. Topics include: choosing deaf events to attend, developing a good attitude, making appropriate introductions, asking a personal question, giving and receiving hugs, making deaf friends and many more. Workbook exercises are designed to be used by individual students as homework assignments and/or in-class activities.

Get a free examination copy now!
http://www.treehousevideo.com/

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MILESTONES
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Bordentown, NJ
PHILIP N. MOOS, 64, NOTED DEAF ACTIVIST
Philip N. Moos, 64, of Bordentown died Thursday [June 4] at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton. Born in Moorestown, Mr. Moos was a central New Jersey resident all of his life. He was a computer analyst with the State of New Jersey, Dept. of the Treasury in Trenton. A past president of the NJ Association of the Deaf and an active member of the National Association of the Deaf, he served on the advisory boards of TRS and the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf. READ MORE (Trenton Times)

Dayton, OH
BEN H. MEDLIN SR., 88, DEAF EDUCATION CHAMPION
Ben H. Medlin Sr., one of the Miami Valley’s champions for deaf education, was memorialized at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Dayton. Six interpreter interpreted the service to the deaf. Mr. Medlin of Kettering died June 15. He was 88. READ MORE (Dayton Daily News)

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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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Relay New Mexico Outreach Coordinator:

Hamilton Relay, Inc. currently has a full time position open for “Relay New Mexico Outreach Coordinator”. This position is responsible for promoting Relay New Mexico, thereby increasing the number of relay customers as well as educating individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses on the benefits of using relay services. The position is located in Albuquerque and travel is required. Preferred education, experience and skills: Fluent in American Sign Language and written English, additional fluency in Spanish a benefit; experience in public relations activities; direct work experience with TRS is helpful. Hamilton offers competitive wages with Full-Time Company Paid Benefits. To apply, contact our corporate HR Dept at 800.821.1831 or apply online at www.hamilton.net/careers.

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POSITION AVAILABLE

St. Rita School for the Deaf is an academic 10-month program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing impaired children from birth through 20 years of age. St. Rita School is an equal opportunity employer/educational private institution. Skills in Total Communication are required of all personnel.

TITLE: RESIDENT ADVISOR - WEEK
AREA: ONE FOR GIRLS DORMITORY
ONE FOR BOYS DORMITORY
NATURE OF WORK: This is a live-in position.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education or related Field.
2. Proficiency in Sign Language.
3. Knowledge of child growth and development and behavior.
4. Physical stamina, emotional maturity and patience needed for residential living.

REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

SUPERVISES: Students in the dormitory and students in the after school programs.

JOB GOAL:
1. To assist the student in group living, personal hygiene, interpersonal relationships, social graces and spiritual and moral development.
2. To create a healthful living situation in which the student can mature and develop as an individual with unique needs and personality.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To care for the student at all times outside of class time.
2. To maintain a neat, clean and pleasant dormitory and social area.
3. To provide a good health care program including: appropriate diet, rest and exercise, personal hygiene, care of sick student.
4. To assign and monitor student duties.
5. To assist the students in caring for and managing their money.
6. To guide and assist the students with planning of recreational activities and the utilization of their leisure time.
7. To discipline inappropriate behavior according to school policy.
8. To advise and counsel both the student and the parents.
9. To provide an area and time for studies and intellectual pursuits.
10. To support the philosophy and objectives of the school.

Submit your resume to:
Peter Keller
Director of Student Life
St. Rita School for the Deaf
1720 Glendale Milford Road
Cincinnati, OH 45215-1258
E-mail pkeller@srsdeaf.org

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JOB TITLE: Customer Recruiting Representative

DEPARTMENT: Inside Sales/Outreach

REPORTS TO: Inside Sales Manager

We are recruiting for 3 Customer Recruiting Representative openings (each a different work status):
· Temporary position - work is performed in a business office environment
· Contract (1099 Independent Contractor status) - work is performed at home
· Regular, Full-Time -- work is performed in a business office environment

Brief summary of duties:
Under the supervision of the Customer Recruiting Manager, the Customer Recruiting Representative will be responsible for qualifying leads by cold calling and teaching customers how to use VRS services.
In addition, the Customer Recruiting Representative will call prospective deaf customers and convert them to become customers of Purple Communications. The representative will also be required to maintain accounts through follow up and customer retention surveys.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Make outbound calls & qualify leads provided by Marketing or referrals
2. Market and provide support for VRS & Text Relay Services
3. Convert original equipment to use Purple communications / Hands On VRS
4. Communicate company value proposition to build loyalty, and maintain customer base
5. Provide follow up support for all accounts ( inactive and active )
6. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:
- Friendly and engaging
- Organized, a self-starter and a quick learner
- Connected to your local deaf community
- A highly motivated salesperson with a good amount of energy
- Capable of thinking in technical terms
- Capable of devoted daily time
- Knowledge of ASL and Deaf Culture

Experience with the following is a plus:
· Troubleshooting any issue that may arise
· Computer and Software literacy
· Experience with D-Link or any other video phone devices
· Welcoming and enthusiastic personality

Physical Requirements:
Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:
· Sitting, standing and walking (95-100%)
· Keyboarding (40-60%)
· Viewing computer monitor, videophone, and pager requiring close vision (40-60%)

Work Environment:
Work is performed in a business office environment, or at home, depending on work status (see above). Some travel to company, customer and vendor sites, including some that are out of state may be required.

To apply for this position, please go to www.purple.us and click on the “career” and “search listings” tabs.

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Georgia Department of Education
Job Announcement

Posting Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Announcement: GSD ##-## Apply by: MM/DD/YYYY

Position Title:
Assistant Director for Residential Services

Position: # 00055521
Location: Georgia School for the Deaf
232 Perry Farm Road, SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
Program/Unit: State Schools

Description of Duties:
The Assistant Director for Residential Services is responsible for providing effective leadership for all aspects of the residential program. The first priority for this position is the health, safety and welfare of our students. Expectations for successful performance include, but are not limited to, managing, supervising, and recruiting staff; enforcing the school’s Student Code of Conduct; scheduling student activities in collaboration with the Assistant Director for Instruction, Assistant Director for Administrative Operations, and the Director; coordinating student transportation; responding quickly to unforeseen disruptive events, mishaps, and conflicts involving students and/or staff that take place outside normal work hours; serving as a member of the school’s Leadership Team; helping promote the school to the general public, Local Education Agencies, and the deaf community; organizing Family Learning Weekend; securing ongoing training for staff; and collaboratively developing goals, interventions, and strategies for the School Improvement Plan.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a related field; experience managing programs in a residential setting; and American Sign Language (ASL) basic skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess one or more of the following:
-0 Master’s degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a related field
-1 Georgia educator certification
-2 Three or more years professional, full-time experience managing programs in a residential setting
-3 Experience working with the deaf community and/or in a school for deaf students
-4 Experience successfully managing student behavior and disciplinary issues
-5 Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) skills

Salary/Benefits:
Pay grade 17- Annual salary range $43,063.23 (minimum) to $75,523.31 (maximum) depending on current employment and relevant education/training and work experience. Benefit options include life, disability, dental and health insurance, annual/sick leave, and Georgia State Employees Pension and Savings Plan.

Submit an cover letter and a resume* or State of Georgia Application to:

Denise Clark, Personnel Office
Georgia School for the Deaf
232 Perry Farm Road, S. W.
Cave Spring, Georgia 30124
Email: denise.clark@doe.k12.ga.us
Fax: (706) 777-2240
Internet address: www.doe.k12.ga.us

*Resume/application should include daytime telephone number and prior employment history with addresses and telephone numbers. If a resume is submitted, it must be accompanied by a cover letter.

Consideration/interviews will begin as soon as a list of applicants is established. Applications/resumes will be evaluated and only those meeting the qualifications will be considered. Top candidates will be contacted for interviews. No notification will be sent to applicants except those who are selected for interviews. Due to the large volume of applications received by this office, we are unable to provide information on your application status over the phone.

In accordance with Public Law 99-603, also known as the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the Department of Education employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. All persons hired by the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf are required to verify identity and employment eligibility and will undergo a criminal background investigation.

*Resume/application should include daytime telephone number and prior employment history with addresses and telephone numbers. If a resume is submitted, it must be accompanied by a cover letter.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

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