Deafweekly July 6, 2011

deafweekly

July 6, 2011
Vol. 7, No. 36

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.

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NATIONAL
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Riverside, CA
LAWRENCE R. NEWMAN, A PROMINENT ADVOCATE FOR THE DEAF, DIES AT 86
Lawrence R. Newman, a prominent advocate for the rights of the deaf community and a former longtime teacher and administrator at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, has died. He was 86. Newman, who served two terms as president of the National Assn. of the Deaf, died Monday at his home in Riverside of complications from an emergency surgery and a long battle with Parkinson's disease, said his daughter Laureen Newman-Feldhorn. / Los Angeles Times

Danvers, MA
NEW ENGLAND HOMES FOR THE DEAF STOPS TAKING NEW DEAF-BLIND RESIDENTS
The New England Homes for the Deaf is one of only two facilities in the nation that offers specialized nursing home care and assisted living for people who are both blind and deaf. But, faced with financial problems, it has had to stop accepting those patients -- a decision the director calls "heartbreaking." At issue is the state reimbursement rate, which Executive Director Emmanuel Ikomi said lags far behind the cost of caring for deaf-blind residents. / The Salem News

Northampton, MA
KEITH NOLAN PUSHES BOUNDARIES BY CHALLENGING MILITARY ON DEAF SOLDIERS
With relatives who fought in World War II, Keith Nolan has long dreamed of following in their footsteps and joining the Army. About a year ago he joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps, and has excelled in the program's classroom and field training activities. He has all the makings of a model soldier, except for one thing: he's deaf. While Nolan maintains there are plenty of non-combat roles he and other deaf people could fill, U.S. military policy does not allow deaf people to enlist. He's trying to change that. / Daily Hampshire Gazette

Miami, FL
MOM SAYS SHE, NOT TEEN, SHOT WAVERUNNER THIEF
The Miami Shores mother of a teenager who shot and killed a deaf man trying to take the family's jet ski initially said she pulled the trigger, a recording ot the tape revealed. On the May 21 recording, Yasmin Davis tells the 911 operator that she is the one that shot 20-year-old Reynaldo Munoz in the face as he tried to get away with a WaveRunner. Miami Shores Police said her 14-year-old son was the person who actually pulled the trigger of the shotgun, killing Munoz. / NBC Miami

Staunton, VA
VSDB LIMITING ACCESS TO COMPUTERS
IT specialist Doug Wright woke up Thursday morning and realized he was going to have to kill "Elmo." Not the Sesame Street character, but the server teachers at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind use to store their lesson plans, which they nicknamed "Elmo." Elmo wasn't the only one getting snuffed out by Wright. To avoid staff cuts while stretching to cover rising bills from the state's government's privatized computer service, the school's directors asked Wright to cut its computers and servers by roughly 75 percent by the start of the new fiscal year last Thursday. / The News Leader

St. Paul, MN
LOSING 'NON-ESSENTIAL' SERVICES HURTS
In St. Paul, Rhonda Nelson, who is deaf and blind, just lost her eyes and ears to the world. The aide who helps her go grocery shopping, to doctor's appointments, to the post office and other appointments has been deemed non-essential in the state government shutdown. For someone who already spends most of her days in dark silence, losing the service is heartbreaking. "I'm basically stuck at home," said Nelson, 65, a former disabilities educator from St. Paul, speaking through an interpreter. / Star Tribune

Flint, MI
DEAL FOR DEAF SCHOOL, POWERS TAKES BIG STEP FORWARD
With a final hurdle cleared, the Michigan School for the Deaf’s Miller Road campus will soon be filled with contractors and construction equipment. A new tax incentive completes a set of economic development tools needed to transform the 80-acre site into a new campus for MSD students to share with Powers Catholic High school. “It’s hopefully the last piece for the project to move forward,” said developer Ridgway White. / Flint Journal

Downers Grove, IL
DEAF MAN RESCUED FROM SEWER NEAR BRUCE LAKE
A 20-year-old deaf man was rescued uninjured Monday night from a sewer near the intersection of Plainfield Road and Fairmount Avenue in unincorporated Downers Grove. Crews from all three Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District stations responded to a report around 8:20 p.m. that the man, who is also autistic, had climbed into the sewer. The man initially ran away from two firefighters, but Morris said they were able to box him in from either side around 8:50 p.m. and grab hold of him. / Patch.com

Little Rock, AR
JUANITA'S HOPING TO BE ONLY LATE NIGHT VENUE IN THE RIVER MARKET
Little Rock hot spot Juanita's has filed with the state to become the district's only private club open until 5 in the morning. A 5 am. club license can mean big business. There's no way to get a new one either. In the 1990's the alcoholic beverage control board quit granting requests for late night licenses. That's why Juanita's has teamed up with an interesting partner to apply for what's considered a transfer. The Little Rock Association of the Deaf has agreed to let Juanita's use their license for a portion of the profit. / KARK 4 News

Dover, DE
DELAWARE LAWMAKERS APPROVE BILL REQUIRING 'RESPECTFUL' REFERENCES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
State lawmakers have given final approval to a bill requiring government officials to avoid using certain language when referring to people with disabilities. The bill, which was approved unanimously Thursday in both the House and Senate, calls for certain sections of Delaware's laws, rules and regulations to avoid terms such "mentally ill," ''retarded," and "disabled." Examples of the proper respectful language include "persons with a disability" instead of "disabled person," and "person who is deaf" instead of "deaf person." / Associated Press

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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

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Convo is 100% deaf-owned and 100% committed to changing your VRS experience. “Like” us to get updates on our videos, contests, events and inside news, and see how they contribute to that change.

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INTERNATIONAL
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Athens, Greece
GREEK GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS LACK OF SUPPORT FOR ATHENS 2013
Four years after being awarded the right to host the 2013 Deaflympics, the Greek government has formally confirmed that it will not provide financial support for the games. The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf will now consider alternatives to Greece as a host country. "Today's decision is deeply disappointing," said ICSD President Craig Crowley. "But the decision is also not a complete surprise. ICSD is already working on possible alternatives to Athens 2013. ICSD expects to make a formal announcement about alternatives before the end of July." / ICSD

Figtree, NSW, Australia
GOVT 'DEAF' TO DUAL HEARING IMPLANTS
A Figtree teenager born with no ears is challenging a funding policy that restores hearing on one side but not the other. Shannon Fox's family recently spent thousands of dollars for her second hearing implant after she was refused financial support from Australian Hearing. The agency says its decision was based on research showing an implant in a single ear produces "a good outcome." However, that view is at odds with Shannon's surgeon and she is challenging it for the sake of future patients. / Illawarra Mercury

Cardiff, Wales
DEAF WHO 'FELT' HIS VICTIM'S CRIES IS JAILED FOR RAPE
A deaf man was yesterday jailed for rape after admitting he could feel his victim shouting as he attacked her. Justin Rixon, 41, claimed he could not hear her crying “No”, but said: “She was so angry I could feel the vibrations of her shouting.” He said he would have stopped if he had been asked, but his victim told the jury he had forced himself on her after she said she wanted nothing to do with him. / Mirror

London, England
THE WHO FRONT MAN GOING DEAF
Roger Daltrey, front man for The Who, has conceded that like his founding band member Pete Townshend, he’s losing his hearing. That’s not to mention the other health issues he’s suffering from which the rigours of touring are exacerbating. He says “I was having terrible trouble hearing what I was singing and it did get to me." / Tone Deaf

Tyneside, England
DEAF CUSTOMER FURIOUS WITH PERFECT HOME STORE
Deaf Arron Russell claims customer services have refused to help fix his washing machine because he has to shout down the phone. The hard-of-hearing customer says the phone has been slammed down on him because he can only hear himself speak if he talks loudly. But home furnishing store Perfect Home say they have only ended the calls because of the content of Arron’s language - not the volume. Arron, 33, denies using swear words and says he has now been left without a working washing machine for a week. / Sunday Sun

Tipperary County, Ireland
$10 MILLION SETTLEMENT FOR WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ROAD CRASH
A settlement of more than €7 million ($10 million US) has been approved for a young woman who suffered “catastrophic” brain injuries in a road collision five years ago. Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill approved the settlement last Friday for Valerie Bourke, 26, a student. Ms Bourke, who has been deaf since birth, had sued Patrick Holden, Sream, Aglish, Carrigeen, Co Waterford, and Stefan Gilchrist, Clonmore, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, arising from the crash on May 13th, 2006. / The Irish Times

Dublin, Ireland
DEAF MAN CHARGED WITH SERIOUS ASSAULT IN DUBLIN
A 25-year-old Bosnian national has appeared in court, charged in connection with a serious assault on a young woman in Dublin. The man, whose address cannot be given for legal reasons, is charged with assault causing harm at Ballymount Park near Tallaght on May 30. Adis Beckric appeared in court this afternoon, wearning jeans, a khaki top and runners. / Evening Echo

Dublin, Ireland
LETTER: DEMOLITION OF DEAF SCHOOL SECTION
St Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys, Cabra, Dublin 7 is a Victorian four-story building with Tudor character, which was constructed in 1856. It was designed by architect Charles Geoghegan, who designed a number of notable buildings. St Joseph’s School was originally built to accommodate 100 deaf pupils. Deaf Heritage Centre (DHC) is very concerned about the imminent demolition of the frontal part of St Joseph’s School, which is a familiar landmark of Cabra. / The Irish Times

Nairobi, Kenya
FRUITLESS SEARCH FOR DEAF BOY'S FAMILY
When you meet Stephen Maina, 15, for the first time, you are taken in by his infectious smile. Yet beneath the cheerful face is probably a broken youngster who has lived through hard times including living off the streets of Bujumbura, Burundi, and rejection by a man he knew as his father. But this part of his life remains a mystery, for Maina is deaf and dumb, and can not express himself very well as his sign language is also limited. Because he cannot write, it is therefore likely that Maina is illiterate. All these have rendered a search for his family fruitless. / The Standard

Ghana
CONTRACTOR ABANDONS DINING HALL PROJECT AT GBEOGO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Work on a dining hall complex at the Gbeogo School for the Deaf has come to a standstill, following the contractor abandoning the project site. Though the structure has been roofed and plastered, other works such as painting, toilet, wiring, ceiling, burglar-proof and windows are not complete, thus making the facility unusable. Schoolmaster Mr. Ateo Sylvester, said that the deadline for the completion of the project was March 2009, but the contractor had abandoned the project and bolted away. / AllAfrica.com

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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

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25% off GENTEX SMOKE DETECTORS AT WCI!

July sparkles with savings! Safeguard your home with a Gentex Smoke Detector and save 25% off the price all month. Choose from either the Gentex Portable 710LS or the hardwired 710CS units. Each one offers a reliable, early warning to the presence of smoke. Call us at 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com/specials.html?utm_source=dw for more details on our TTYs and all our other products. For a copy of our catalog, email your request to: sales@weitbrecht.com.

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LIFE & LEISURE
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Redwood City, CA
KOKO'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN HAIKU FORM
The Gorilla Foundation, based in California, celebrated the 40th birthday of sign language-using gorilla Koko with a Twitter-based haiku contest. The non-profit organization said the birthday of Koko, a gorilla purchased from the San Francisco Zoo and famous for using American Sign Language to communicate, inspired fans from around the world to submit haiku poems written in the primate's honor. "Gentle lady ape / nimble fingers share her thoughts / teaching us to love," read the first place poem, submitted by Twitter user met314. / UPI

New York, NY
THOU SHALT NOT CURSE THE DEAF
I was fortunate to be born into a Jewish family with three generations of deaf members. Both of my parents are deaf, as were my paternal grandparents. This was an ideal situation for a deaf child, as I considered myself fortunate to have parents who made sure I had full access to language through sign language at home. Given that I was a typical member of my family, I considered myself the same as everyone else. / The Jewish Week

Jamestown, NY
LOCAL 16-YEAR-OLD OVERCOMES OBSTACLES
When 16-year-old Jacob Rhoades was born, his doctors and parents believed he was a completely normal and healthy boy. A year later, however, the night Jacob slept through the thundering cracks of fireworks, his parents realized something -- Jacob was quite deaf. At the age of 11, Jacob packed his bags and his parents drove him to Buffalo, to Saint Mary's School for the Deaf. "I remember jumping out of the car as soon as we pulled up," Jacob signed as his mother interpreted. "I said right away, 'I love it here.'" And he really does. / The Post-Journal

North Baldwin, PA
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF TEACHER SPREADS SIGN LANGUAGE AT BRECKENRIDGE HIGHLANDS
Erin McNeil-Mascaro has known the importance of sign language as a teacher at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. But when she became a mother nearly three years ago, she learned firsthand what a useful tool sign language could be in communicating with her daughter and working to develop her daughter's speech. Now, McNeil-Mascaro is reaching out to other area parents and children to teach them how fun and useful sign language can be for young children as part of the Signing Time Academy. / Patch.com

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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!

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WORKING WORLD
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Duncan, OK
THOUGH DEAF, WORLD CHANGER SAYS PLENTY
D Street was a center of commotion: A group of students had replaced the quiet of the morning with the sounds of a home under renovation. One student, however, didn't hear it that way. James Knottel, the 18-year-old from First Baptist Church West in Lawton, Okla., came to Duncan to take part in a World Changers project with more than 200 other teenagers. Knottel is no ordinary teen. He is deaf. / Baptist Press

Homer, AK
DEAFNATION STAR FILMS HALIBUT PACKING IN HOMER
Joel Barish of Maryland and an Alaska translator came to Homer to fish for halibut last week, and found themselves on the receiving end of two 32-pounders in a blue-sky day worthy of videotaping. As Barish reeled in the halibut, millions of viewers might as well have been aboard the Central Charter’s MV Spirit with Capt. Ross Hodek in Kachemak Bay. A whole DeafNation audience gains inspiration and education from Barish’s broadcasts from around the world where he has visited 55 countries. / Homer Tribune

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Special Offer on the Sonic Blink BL300

Do you need a strobe receiver for an extra room or hallway? Order a Sonic Alert signaler or receiver from Harris Communications and receive a Sonic Blink Strobe Receiver (SA-BL300) at 50% off. Regularly $49.95, your price is only $24.97!

The Sonic Blink BL300 is a compact receiver that features a high intensity strobe and can be used in places where a lamp may not be needed. Plug it in and it is ready to receive signals from any Sonic Alert signaler.

Sale ends July 10, 2011. One discount per order.

For more information on this offer, go to: http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_DW070311 or email us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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It’s so NOW!

Watch our new Sprint Mobile Video Relay Service (VRS) App video! Go ahead, make that Sprint Mobile VRS call!

http://www.sprintrelay.com/smvrs

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Washington, DC
ADVOCATES FOR DEAF PRESS VIDEO PRODUCERS TO INCLUDE CLOSED CAPTIONS
"Aim High," a new action series out this summer and only airing on Facebook, may lose viewers before it even starts. Facebook video does not offer closed captioning. Last year, President Obama signed into law the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, requiring that captioned television shows must be captioned online. But there’s a loophole: The law does not require original online programming to be captioned. / The Washington Post

Los Angeles, CA
KATIE LECLERC CHATS 'SWITCHED AT BIRTH' WITH E!
So far, ABC Family’s Switched at Birth has been a big hit and viewers are loving it. Katie LeClerc, who plays Daphne Vasquez, chatted with E! about the show, her character and getting the part. She also revealed that we can expect a lot of romance drama happening. / modOration

See Also SWITCHED AT BIRTH: A FRESH DRINK OF WATER / Technorati TV

Lafayette, LA
MISS LOUISIANA RUNNER-UP DANCES TO OWN BEAT
Andrea Sonnier, a Lafayette native, was the second runner-up in the Miss Louisiana pageant June 25 in Monroe. She also took home the pageant's lifestyle/fitness award. For the talent competition, she performed a jazz dance number. But Andrea did not hear the music she danced to nor the crowds that cheered her on. This former Tiger Girl and recent LSU grad is deaf. / The Advertiser

Flint, MI
HEARING AND DEAF COME TOGETHER TO LEARN MICHAEL JACKSON'S 'THRILLER'
Michael Jackson has come to downtown Flint and his name is Tyler Naeyaert. Tyler is 10-years-old and will play Jackson in the Flint Zombie Walk's production of "Thriller," which will be filmed July 31. He was also born deaf. "I'm a little nervous," Tyler said at the group's first dance rehearsal Sunday afternoon. "I'm excited to learn the dance. I think it's going to be fun." Tyler will be signing the lyrics to the song while performing the choreography during a commercial that the group is making to promote the walk in October. / Flint Journal

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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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SPORTS
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Hampton Roads, VA
EX-ODU PLAYER ON A MISSION OF HOOPS -- AND HOPE
The children raised their arms as high as they could reach. At the Embangweni School for the Deaf in Embangweni, Malawi, the sign name for Keyon Carter was "very tall." The 6-foot-8 Carter, who finished his Old Dominion basketball career in March, spent 16 days in the African nation last month, distributing toothbrushes, T-shirts and basketball instruction in one of the least-developed countries in the world. / The Virginian-Pilot

Bridgeton Township, PA
SUMMER CAMP PROVIDES SAFE HAVEN FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED KIDS
Just inches from where the kids quietly played, a little brown bird sat on the swimming pool’s edge and curiously watched, unafraid. Campers happily swam and splashed in the water, tossing beach balls in the air and doing handstands underwater. At any other camp, this summer afternoon would have been filled with giggling, shouting and the rowdy sounds of play. But this Upper Bucks summer camp is silent. At Lions Camp Kirby, across 27 acres of meadows, woodlands and streams, deaf and hearing-impaired children meet for a special retreat each summer. / The Intelligencer

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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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MILESTONES
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Walnut Creek, CA
ROBERT SHEARER, FOUNDER OF PRESCHOOL FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING KIDS, DIES
Robert Shearer, for whom the Robert Shearer Preschool in Pleasant Hill was named, died June 18 after a brief illness. He was 85. "This man was instrumental in not only finding funding for and creating a state-of-the art preschool for deaf and hard-of-hearing children -- complete with an audiologist booth and soundproof rooms -- but also building one of the finest school-based special education programs in the nation," said Dena Zachariah, a retired speech therapist recruited by Shearer in the 1970s. / San Jose Mercury News

Philadelphia, PA
DELCO I.U. TEACHER JOAN STRACHOTA, 71
Joan Strachota, 71, formerly of Wallingford, who taught hearing-impaired children in Delaware County for 36 years, died of kidney cancer Wednesday, June 15, at White Horse Village in Newtown Square. Ms. Strachota spent her professional career working with hard-of-hearing children at Delaware County Intermediate Unit in Morton. She believed most children born with a hearing loss could learn to speak and to "listen" by reading lips and using hearing aids, said Marcia Finisdore, whose three children inherited hearing loss from her and were taught by Ms. Strachota. / The Inquirer

Tulsa, OK
LOCAL CAKE DECORATOR, LONGTIME TEACHER BETTY LOYD DIES
Teaching cake decoration to deaf students at Edison High School was an idea Betty Loyd had proposed to school officials. The youths, some of whom were from abusive backgrounds, flourished in the class, learning skills that would help them as adults. A couple even went on to work in bakeries. "Mom got more joy and happiness from that than anything she ever did," Jackson said. Betty Jane Loyd, a Tulsa native and Central High School graduate, died last Tuesday. She was 86. / Tulsa World

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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). To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

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Announcement

WA State Job Bulletin - Information, Referral and Advocacy Program Manager

ODHH invites applications for the position of Social and Health Services Program Consultant 1. Applicants can apply online here: http://careers.wa.gov/index.html and type 04690 in the keyword search. The position will remain open until filled.

Any questions, please contact Rena Patch -- Rena.Patch@dshs.wa.gov

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JOB OPENING
RELAY NEW MEXICO
OUTREACH COORDINATOR

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

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Position summary: This full-time position is responsible for coordinating and implementing outreach activities designed to promote Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) and Captioned Telephone Relay Service (CapTel®) for Relay New Mexico.

Preferred education, experience and skills:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
-- Effective communication and public outreach techniques.
-- Knowledge of and ability to understand various communication modes used by current and potential relay users.

Skill in:
-- Organizing outreach and educational campaigns.
-- Developing clear written content for technical and non-technical audiences for use on Relay New Mexico’s Facebook and Twitter sites.
-- Public speaking and confidently communicating verbally to a wide variety of audiences.

Ability to:
-- Maintain effective working relationships with Relay Administrator and NMCDHH employees, non-profit and for profit partners, the public and other agencies.
-- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
-- Plan, schedule and organize multiple priorities and a high volume of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
-- Completion of an undergraduate degree and two or more years of experience in the design and implementation of public outreach program or related marketing experience are required. Experience in the telecommunications field, Traditional Relay Service or Captioned Telephone Service is a strong plus. Excellent presentation skills
-- Experience in public relations activities.
-- Hold a valid driver’s license.
-- Fluency in English and American Sign Language OR English and Spanish preferred.
-- Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals may apply online at: www.workforhamilton.com or contact Cindy Blase in Corporate Human Resource Department by July 21, 2011 at 800.821.1831.

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

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

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Counselor II - Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services (Portsmouth, VA)

Salary Range: $33,019 - $64,347

Sign-On Bonus: up to $5,000*

Position: #00998

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Field Rehabilitation Services Division is seeking a qualified VR Counselor for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to eligible persons with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities in the South Hampton Roads area of the Eastern Region of Virginia. This includes Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Franklin, Emporia, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Eastern Shore. This is a position with unique skills fluent in American Sign Language, and familiar with aspects of audiometric, hearing aid purchases, and orientation. This position covers a large geographic area with a substantial ongoing need for vocational rehabilitation services. The position must be knowledgeable of specific resources for consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing, assistive technology, and possess the ability to effectively provide counseling assistance related to this specific disability group.

Responsibilities: Provides comprehensive case management services including guidance, counseling, training and physical/mental restoration and job placement services. Develops, implements and manages vocationally focused service plans that identify customer goals, services and costs to help them achieve an employment outcome. Maintains detailed case notes and prepares position-related reports. Due to regional coverage, extensive travel is required.

Requirements: Considerable knowledge of the social, economic, medical, psychological and vocational issues impacting persons with disabilities; interviewing, evaluation, and counseling techniques; methods and tools for career counseling and exploration; and ADA compliance requirements. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community resources and individuals from diverse environments. Abilities to establish employment opportunities through contacts with businesses and organizations within the community; effectively communicate, orally and in writing; interpret and apply policies/procedures; and organize/manage multiple duties. Fluency in American Sign Language required. Successful candidate must have considerable knowledge of and understanding of the communication, cultural and psychosocial needs of persons who are deaf and hard of hearing. Working knowledge of Windows based computer software. Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field or current CRC required. Master’s level transcripts or copy of current certification, if applicable, must accompany application. Must have a valid driver’s license and access to transportation for daily travel. This is a sensitive position, and the successful candidate will be subject to fingerprinting/ background investigation. Salary is negotiable above the minimum of the pay band based on qualifications.

*Sign-on bonus based on time in job.

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

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Company: The Z® / CSDVRS

Job Title: Business Account Executive
Department: Video Communication Solutions
Reports To: Senior Director of Sales
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: TBD

Summary: The Business Account Executive will be responsible for introducing ZVRS to new business customers and residential customers. Also responsible for sharing new exciting products and features with customers who desire to use video relay service in their place of employment by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
-- Planning and directing sales and service programs to promote new markets, improve competitive position in area, and provide fast and efficient customer service.
-- Prospecting assigned region for new customers.
-- Suggesting and implementing creative and practical methods for selling ZVRS, strengthening client relationships, and increasing visibility.
-- Coordinating aspects of ZVRS marketing efforts.
-- Working with other Business Account Executives to plan and implement state and region-wide events and promotions.
-- Overseeing a group of Z sales specialists within the region
-- Coordinating installations of ZVRS equipment in homes, agencies, and/or businesses through our National Sales Engineers and installation program;
-- Conferring with potential customer to ascertain equipment, supplies, and service needs.
-- Communicating with and submitting regular activity reports to the Senior Sales Director.
-- Performing additional sales related responsibilities and other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:
-- 1 -2 years of sales experience preferred.
-- Bachelor's Degree in related field strongly preferred.
-- Computer knowledge and Microsoft office

Qualifications:
-- Must have strong knowledge of Telecommunications Relay Service Industry.
-- Must have excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully with a variety of people.
-- Must have the ability to communicate fluently in American Sign Language
-- Must have a good understanding of Deaf Culture.
-- Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
-- Must have extensive customer service experience.
-- Must be willing to work a variety of hours and to travel frequently.
-- Must have knowledge of Video applications.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Please send salary requirements to be considered.

Benefits: Group Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Paid Time Off, Short/Long Term Disability, 401K and matching, Paid Holidays and Employee Assistance Program

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Send Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@zvrs.com

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Company: The Z® / CSDVRS

Location hiring: Clearwater, Florida
Job Title: Telesales Specialist
Department: Telesales
Reports To: Team Leader
FLSA Status: Part-Time

Summary: As a telesales agent you will create interest to potential customers to switch their current provider and becoming a ZVRS customer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
-- Pro-actively call individuals listed on the company "Hot List"
-- Educate the individual about CSDVRS's product offerings
-- "Sell" the CSDVRS product and features to the individual
-- Convert the "Individual" into a CSDVRS "Customer"
-- End of call should result in the "Customer" placing a confirmation call to CSDVRS audio customer service.
-- Close at least one "verified" customer per hour while working.
-- Maintain up-to-date knowledge on all of CSDVRS's product offerings through a combination of product demonstrations, Tele-Sales meetings, and marketing materials)
-- Transfer all business leads to the Director Internal Ops.
-- Provide clear communication to the Tele-Sales Lead and work all open items to closure

Telesales Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Team Leader, effectively carries out the duties listed above in order to create a work environment that is an efficient operation that supports customer satisfaction demands.

Education and/or Experience:
-- Ability to foster a positive work environment
-- Ability to multi-task and problem solve

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
-- Demonstrates attention to detail; support customers' satisfaction.
-- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Assist in developing alternative solutions; Completes projects on time.
-- Responds promptly to customer needs
-- Balances team and individual responsibilities; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
-- Assist in improving processes, products and services.
-- Available to work a flexible shift based on scheduling needs

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

-- Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
-- Must have a good understanding of Deaf Culture.
-- Must have excellent signing skills.

Send Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@zvrs.com

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