Deafweekly July 13, 2011

deafweekly

July 13, 2011
Vol. 7, No. 37

Editor: Tom Willard

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

SIGN UP HERE for a free subscription. Be sure to open the confirmation email and click on the link to activate your subscription. It is required by law and prevents others from signing you up without your permission.

Last issue's most-read story: LAWRENCE R. NEWMAN, A PROMINENT ADVOCATE FOR THE DEAF, DIES AT 86 / Los Angeles Times
Last week's website page views: 3,972
Deafweekly subscribers as of today: 4,552

ADVERTISE IN DEAFWEEKLY FOR AS LITTLE AS $18.46 PER WEEK

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

Fulton Township, PA
DEAF GIRL, 14, RUN OVER BY MILK TRUCK
Police say a 14-year-old girl who was deaf and mute was killed when she was run over by a milk truck in Lancaster County. State police in Lancaster County say Barbara Stoltzfus had been playing on and underneath the tanker truck around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Fulton Township. The driver apparently pulled away without knowing she was under the truck. Coroner Stephen Diamantoni says the girl died instantly of multiple traumatic injuries. / NBC Philadelphia

Palm Springs, CA
JUDGE TO DECIDE WHERE TO HOUSE DEAF SUSPECT IN FATAL LA QUINTA HIT-AND-RUN
A hearing will be held later this month to determine where to house a deaf woman ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial in the hit- and-run death of a bicyclist in La Quinta. Tracey Salter, 52, is charged with felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the Dec. 14 death of Joseph Patrick Szymanski, who was riding a mountain bike in the bicycle lane on Avenue 54 when he was struck. The 56-year-old La Quinta resident died at the scene. / The Desert Sun

Fresno, CA
DOMESTIC DISPUTE IN MERCED ENDS IN TRAGEDY
A couple's domestic dispute ends in a deadly stabbing and now, police investigators are struggling to piece together what happened. Jonathan Ross had been here just a matter of days when he and his wife got into a fight. Police say it looks like Courtney Ross stabbed her husband to death. Officers arrested her, leaving the Rosses' two girls without any parent, for the time being. Like their parents, the girls don't speak, although one of them can hear. Many of the family members now caring for them are also hearing impaired. / abc30.com

Tacoma, WA
VULNERABLE TACOMA MAN'S DEATH ON HOT DAY WON'T BRING CHARGES
Pierce County prosecutors will not file criminal charges in the death of a deaf, developmentally disabled Tacoma man who was the only fatality during an abnormal heat wave that blasted the region two years ago. Still, Henry David Vernon’s death has prompted some local authorities to bolster their efforts to protect vulnerable Pierce County adults. Prosecuting Attorney Mark Lindquist recently designated one of his deputies to prosecute crimes against such people full time. / The News Tribune

Lexington, KY
DEAF FOOTBALL FAN SUES UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY FOR ACCESS
The National Association of the Deaf, Stein & Vargas, LLC, and the Knoll Law Firm, LLC initiated a lawsuit against the University of Kentucky on behalf of Charles Mitchell, a deaf season-ticket holder to the UK football games. Mitchell alleges that the UK fails to provide captioning for announcements and information given over the public address system before, and during, and after UK Wildcats home games at Commonwealth Stadium. / NAD

Minneapolis, MN
INTERPRETERS WHO AID DISABLED WORK WITHOUT FUNDING IN SHUTDOWN
Two weeks before the state government shutdown, Jose Herrera got a new job. Herrera, who is deaf and blind, would have benefited from state money to pay for an interpreter to explain his job training and requirements as a hotel laundry washer in Mendota Heights. But with the shutdown, that money is gone. Now, his interpreters are working at no charge. / Pioneer Press

Chesterfield County, VA
SAVE POLAR: PRAYER PROTEST FOR CHESTERFIELD DOG POLAR
Thursday night at the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter, more than a dozen people and their dogs gathered to protest the death of an American Bulldog/Pitbull mix named "Polar." Polar was turned over to animal control by its owners after it bit a 6-month-old boy in the neck inside a house on Overridge Drive last week in Chesterfield. The child died of his injuries. Cathy Saye with DeafPaws Rescue says Polar is deaf, and came from an abusive home in Atlanta. / WTVR

Madison Township
DAD TAKES ON SPEEDING TRAFFIC FOR DEAF SON
It's an unusual tactic, but it seems to be working. Madison Township father Charles Canankamp can't catch every car before it's a threat to his hearing-impaired son, Spencer, but he can be a threat to speeders before they cause an accident. With a second-hand radar gun, Charles has been tracking the speed of traffic in front of his home on South Walker Avenue in Madison Township. / WKYC

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

Use Hamilton Web Relay® to make and receive calls over the Internet in a private environment, separate from buddy lists and potential disruptions. There’s nothing to download -- it’s all web-based making the service available wherever you can connect to the Internet!

Now you can receive calls with a locally-based, 10-digit Hamilton HomeTown Number™.

Don't have a HomeTown Number? Register today and share your number with friends and colleagues! Visit http://www.hamiltonrelay.com and click on the "Make & Receive Calls Now" icon to check it out.

Hamilton Relay. That’s what I’m talking about.

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

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.

We’re on Facebook and Twitter!

Your Single Source for Assistive Technology

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

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

Pamplona, Spain
DEAF DAREDEVIL A REGULAR AT SPANISH BULL RUN
For over a decade Sergio Colas has run with charging bulls in Pamplona's San Fermin festival and escaped serious injury -- no mean feat since he is deaf. The 30-year-old said he can feel the vibrations of the firecracker that is set off to signal that the half-tonne bulls have been released from a corral in the northern Spanish town. Then he senses the pounding hoofs of six bulls and six steers as they approach along the the 846.6-metre route through Pamplona's cobbled streets to the bullring. / Expatica Spain

Tallinn, Estonia
DEAF AND HEARERS BREAK THE SILENCE
Youths from six European countries, some of them deaf and others who have the ability to hear, performed song, dance and theatrical numbers at the Tammsaare Park in downtown Tallinn on July 9. The performance was part of the international youth exchange project "Break the Silence Between Us," which integrates deaf young people with peers who can hear, and provides those with a hearing disability the tools necessary to cope with everyday tasks. / ERR News

Tayside, Scotland
OFFICIAL WARNING FOR FORMER DEAF ASSOCIATION SOCIAL WORKER
A former social worker with the Tayside Deaf Association has been given an official warning for misconduct. Alan Whyte worked for the organization for 36 years before being dismissed in 2009. Mr Whyte sent a condolence card to the home of someone who had previously used the association's services. This was supposedly in relation to the death of the person's partner, but no one had died. / The Courier

Sunderland, England
DEAF GIRL'S FRIENDS DO THE CONGA FROM SUNDERLAND TO SOUTH SHIELDS
A giant conga along the coast proved a winner in the battle to change the life of a toddler. Chloe Lucas, two, who was born deaf, has been fitted with cochlear implants, also known as bionic ears, which help her to hear. But the Seaham tot, who lives with mum Ann, still faces a daily battle to communicate properly. Inspired by the youngster, her cousin, Chantelle McKeller, 17, organised a Conga for Chloe in which fund-raisers made their way from the Queen Vic pub in Roker, Sunderland, to South Shields. / Sunderland Echo

Letchworth, England
PARTNER'S ANGER AFTER LETCHWORTH DEAF WOMAN ATTACKED BY DOGS
The partner of a deaf woman who was attacked by two dogs and left bleeding in a field has hit out at those responsible. Peter Johnson contacted The Comet after his partner of five years Denise Gatler and her dog Lennox -- who is being trained as a hearing dog -- were both attacked by two other dogs while walking in fields. The two owners of the dogs left the scene without attending to the 47-year-old, who was taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage to be treated for bite wounds. / The Comet

Sydney, Australia
$12,000 HELP FOR EACH DISABLED CHILD
Two-year-old Charles is profoundly deaf but thanks to early intervention he will be able to start school with his peers. Ever since he was a few months old he has been going to a playgroup for deaf and hearing impaired children, and now he is not only able to listen, but can also talk. The development programs Charles needs, however, are not cheap and his mother Belinda Stenstrom is one of many parents welcoming a federal government initiative offering parents of disabled children up to $12,000 ($12,000 US) worth of early intervention services. / The Sydney Morning Herald

Manila, Philippines
14-YR-OLD DEAF-MUTE NABBED AFTER LTO HEIST
A group of robbers breached the cashier's office of the Land Transportation Office in Surigao City on Monday, carting away close to P110,000 cash. A belated police report said one of the suspects have been arrested. However, investigators could not juice information from the suspect because he is not only a minor, but also deaf and mute. The suspect is only 14 years old. / Philippine Star

United Arab Emirates
DEAF, MUTE BUT DETERMINED
After losing his hearing and speech at the age of two, all Ahmed Abdul Raheem Ahmed Al Hosani wanted was to be just like everyone else. But this professional Emirati kickboxer is anything but, according to those closest to him. Al Hosani's story was remarkable even before the 32-year-old from Abu Dhabi turned martial arts professional in April after five years of strength-sapping work in the gym while being forced to contend with some obvious disadvantages. / The National

Cuttack, India
MARRIAGE SPEAKS SPIRIT OF HUMANITY
It was not only a unique marriage but also a tale of the spirit of humanity and compassion that continues to run strong among the people. Both the groom and the bride were deaf and dumb belonging to the lowest strata of society but were led to the altar by the local youth club at Mohammedia Bazaar on Sunday. A feast was organized for as many as 400 guests from both the sides. The couple were gifted with sarees, clothes and even gold ornaments by the local guests. / IBNLive.com

Rawalpindi, Pakistan
DEAF AND DUMB PERSON BELIEVES IN WORKING HARD
Shahid Naseem, 26, who is deficient in the sense of hearing and speaking, repairs bicycles in Mir Colony, Rawalpindi, and earns Rs200 to 300 ($2.35 to $3.50 US) in three days. He is a living example of sincerity of living for some purpose. He has been fixing bicycles for the last 10 years and used to be very happy with his work a few years back but now his work is near to closing down due to sky-rocketing prices of repairing materials. The News International

Abuja, Nigeria
GROUP DONATES TO ABUJA DEAF SCHOOL
A non-governmental organization known as Julius Berger Senior Staff's Wives Association Saturday donated household items to deaf students at Kuje in order to improve their living standards. Leader of the group, Mrs. Caroline Mbanu, said the donation was made to help disabled persons in the society for them to have sense of belonging with other members of the society. / allAfrica.com

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

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

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

Convo on any VP!

Just dial 877-363-7575 or convorelay.tv

Deaf-owned. Best VRS. Because we understand.

http://convorelay.com & http://www.facebook.com/convorelay

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

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

Cumming, GA
DEAF BREAST CANCER PATIENT FINDS WAYS TO SHARE HER STORY, GET THE HELP SHE NEEDS TO COPE WITH HER CANCER EXPERIENCE
Lisa Collis’ reaction to being diagnosed with breast cancer was like that of many other newly diagnosed breast cancer patients - shock, concern for her children and worry over the cost of cancer treatment. But Lisa is different from most other cancer patients - she is deaf and communicates through sign language. / NeighborNewspapers.com

Gresham, OR
CHESTNUT LANE PROVIDES CARE FOR HEARING IMPAIRED
Eighty-three year old Dennis Crowley and his wife, Pat, 82, had reached a point in their lives when living on their own was no longer possible. But the Crowley’s needs for assistance were a little different than most folks’ - Dennis is hard of hearing and Pat is deaf. “We were living in a condo in Walnut Creek, Calif., but I’d heard about Chestnut Lane a long time ago from a friend who lived here," Dennis said. "It was hard to leave Walnut Creek, and I still miss it, but it was a good decision to move here.” / Gresham Outlook

Bend, OR
BEND COUPLE'S GENEROSITY BRIGHTENS DEAF MAN
A Bend couple is stepping in to help a Bend man who had his bike stolen last week in northeast Bend. Bob Warr, 50, who is deaf, was devastated because the bike was his only mode of transportation. Enter Nick and Rachael Sheets of Bend who heard about his plight and offered to pay for a new one. The couple won $600 dollars playing bingo on a recent cruise and wanted to help out. / KBND

See Also BELOVED BIKE STOLEN FROM DEAF BEND MAN / KTVZ

Cincinnati, OH
ST. RITA FEST DATES TO 1916
What began as Visiting Day in 1916 for families of children attending St. Rita School has become one of the oldest, largest and most popular annual festivals in Greater Cincinnati. This year's festival, running Friday through Sunday, will feature more than 100 food and game booths, rides and the famous turtle soup, which continues to be made by the same family who originated the recipe in 1916. Money raised helps to ensure that St. Rita School for the Deaf will continue its services for deaf children and other children who need special methods of communication or technological support. / The Enquirer

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

AT&T INTRODUCES VL5

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

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

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

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

The Z™ offers the best in videophone technology, providing equipment options to meet customers' individual needs and offering features not available through other VRS providers. Professional, nationally certified interpreters follow standards of service excellence above and beyond FCC requirements. Dedicated to a spirit of innovation and commitment to excellence, The Z™ continues to set the industry standard as the nation's premier VRS provider. Go to www.zvrs.com for more information on all of our products, services and features. Don't have a Z phone? You can still join The Z™ Life by calling 888.888.1116 to connect to ZVRS from any videophone!

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

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

Westminster, MD
NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR RETURNS TO MCDANIEL ROOTS
Michelle Shearer has traveled all over the United States and even to China since being named National Teacher of the Year in May. But Shearer made her way back to Westminster Tuesday to present to students from her alma mater. Students in the Deaf Education graduate summer program at McDaniel College attended the session and asked Shearer questions about her teaching experiences, her outlook on education and how teachers are lifelong learners. Shearer, a graduate from the same program, used American Sign Language to communicate. / Carroll County Times

Topeka, KS
PARTIALLY DEAF, PARTIALLY BLIND STUDENT STUDIES LAW
Thirty-year-old Bryan Alkire knew he would face some challenges when he enrolled last August at Washburn University’s School of Law. The Topeka resident, whose main interest lies in transactional law, is partially blind and partially deaf. “It hasn't been easy,” Alkire said. “I nearly quit at the end of the first week. / Topeka Capital Journal

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

Bernard Bragg DVD at Harris Communications

Legendary Deaf performer Bernard Bragg shares a lifetime of performances, experiences, and memories in his new DVD, “Bragg on Bragg”, now available at Harris Communications. The DVD is a mixture of classic-to-modern video clips, taking you on a journey of the deaf culture landscape throughout the years.

To introduce this new DVD, we have it on sale for only $25.95 (regularly $29.95). Take advantage of this special pricing and experience the amazing talents and legacy of this multi-faceted artist. Sale ends July 21, 2011.

For more information, go to: http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_DW071011 or email us at: mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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

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

London, England
HANDS SOLO -- WATCH A MOCK DOC ABOUT A DEAF PORN STAR
Hands Solo is a male adult film star with two key attributes. The first is that he’s deaf, and uses sign language. The second is that -- perhaps due to his fluent signing skills -- he’s also very good at using his hands to take willing ladies to heaven, or thereabouts. This 15-minute short unfolds in the mockumentary tradition of films like Spinal Tap. The makers use archive footage, photographs and a narrator to tell the story of a chap called Vernon who one day went to an audition and ended up demonstrating digital dexterity so good that it put his female co-star into a coma. / Holy Moly!

St. Paul, MN
DEAF STAR MARLEE MATLIN SET FOR AWARD FROM HEARING FOUNDATION GALA
Deaf actress Marlee Matlin is to be honoured for her work raising awareness and funds for a hearing charity. The Oscar winner pulled in over $1 million for the Starkey Hearing Foundation as a contestant on U.S. reality show Celebrity Apprentice earlier this year, and now bosses at the organization are to recognize her efforts at their annual So The World May Hear Awards. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton will also be feted for his commitment to the charity, which donates hearing aids to people around the globe. / Contactmusic

Los Angeles, CA
KATIE LECLERC: 'I WANT PEOPLE TO SEE THAT THE DEAF WORLDS AND THE HEARING WORLDS REALLY ARE NOT THAT DIFFERENT'
Like her character Daphne Vasquez on the hit ABC Family drama “Switched at Birth,” 24-year-old Katie Leclerc is hearing-impaired. The actress gave us a look into her life. / Metro.us

Arlington, VA
HANDS-ON LEARNING
In Saundra Roger’s English as a second language (ESL) class at Francis Scott Key Elementary School in Arlington, third through fifth grade students are using American Sign Language (ASL) to learn English. They are using ASL Tales — materials developed to teach students ASL in a fun way. Students watch videos of fairy tales told by deaf master storytellers. The DVDs and accompanying books come with a variety of special features designed to help teach the children more than just vocabulary. / Arlington Connection

Chapel Hill, NC
CHAPEL HILL WOMEN'S CHORUS USES MUSIC TO HELP DEAF CHILDREN
When Lisa Park proposed the idea of singing for children with hearing disabilities, her peers responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. As a member of the Women’s Voices Chorus, Park and her fellow vocalists will perform Saturday to benefit the Center for Acquisition of Spoken language Through Listening Enrichment (CASTLE). The center works to improve its patients’ speech and communication skills and empowers parents to act as teachers and participants in their children’s development. / The Daily Tar Heel

New York, NY
CALL FOR DEAF ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS
The Lexington School and Center for the Deaf is in the process of planning a creative arts mini-festival for Deaf Awareness Week on Sept. 23, 2011. We need Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists of all genres to display their works and/or perform. This is a one-day event, and is free to the community. We are looking for all genres of art, including visual art, photography, fashion, dance, ASL poetry, comedy and film. Email us for more information: ghom@lexnyc.org. / Arlington Connection

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

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

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

Sorenson Video Relay Service® (SVRS®) is an industry leading communication tool for the deaf community provided by Sorenson Communications. Created with high-quality video technology, SVRS brings life into the conversations of our customers as they call family, friends, and business associates at no cost through a professional SVRS sign language interpreter and a cutting-edge videophone. SVRS is provided 24-hours a day, and 365 days a year, connecting the deaf and hard-of-hearing to anyone at their convenience. For more information, visit the SVRS Web site at www.sorensonvrs.com

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

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

Internet
LANCE ALLRED HAS A NEW, PROMISING BOOK OUT
Since his last year at Weber State in 2004-05, 6-11 big man Lance Allred has played for 10 professional teams, including a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and two D-League teams. And yet you probably know him best as the NBA's first legally deaf player, as Allred has 75 to 80 percent hearing loss in both ears. You might also remember him as the person on national TV that was forced into the uncomfortable task of defending a polygamist sect that his family grew up among years ago, but has long since disowned. Now we all need to catch up and begin to regard him as a writer of some renown. / Yahoo! Sports

See Also 'BOOK EM: BASKETBALL GODS / USA Today

St. Peters, MO
FIELD OF DREAMS FOR DEAF CHILDREN
The sounds of baseball are the rhythm of the season. Like an iTunes store for our memories, the melody has been downloaded for more than 100 years. Every summer, those sounds can be heard by anyone passing by these fields in St. Peters, Missouri but not by the players on them. "He was diagnosed actually on the first day he was born," said Sheldon Gasee. Like every kid here, 10-year old Rueben Gasee is hearing impaired. And like every kid here, he loves the game. / KSDK

Internet
MY SISTER IS HARD OF HEARING AND HER NAME IS SUE DOYLE PLAY AT WORLD SERIES OF POKER / YouTube

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

Bolingbroke, IL
BEING DEAF-BLIND DIDN'T STOP HIM
Being deaf and blind didn't stop Brian Hubbard from being a counselor and helping others navigate through life. He developed a brand of counseling called "Empowerment Therapy." Bilateral cochlear implants helped him to improve his hearing, and he became the host of a radio show that covered weekly topics on stress. Brian battled prostate cancer years ago and he was pretty sure he stuffed out that beast. A recent hospital stay for kidney stones proved otherwise - the cancer was back. Last Friday, some unexpected news came: Brian passed away. / Chicago Tribune

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

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

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

Program Manager

Full-time Program Manager position available at People Incorporated, a non-profit organization that promotes and secures independence for people with mental illness. This position is responsible for the selection, clinical supervision and training for designated programs within the Community Support Services Division. Requirements include a master’s degree in a human services field; experience working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing clients, and clients with co-occurring disorders; two years of supervisory experience; deaf/hard of hearing and/or fluency in ASL; licensure required. Please go to www.peopleincorporated.org for more information and to apply.

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

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

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

Video Producer

About Purple Communications:

Purple Communications is one of the nation's largest providers of communication services for the deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled communities. As a leading provider of onsite interpreting services, video relay and text relay services, and video remote interpreting, the Company delivers a wide array of options designed to meet the varied communication needs of its customers.

Purple Communications’ vision is to improve the quality of life of its customers by being their premier provider of high quality, innovative communication services that break down communications barriers.

Role:
Designs and produces innovative and compelling video programs including but not limited to commercials, instructional DVDs, video blogs, online tutorials or promotions, and ASL to English as well as English to ASL translations of company materials; responsible for the department's studio facility and performs related work.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
· Create, edit and format content of video production.
· Determine graphics, sound and lighting needs; sets audio and positions video camera to determine appropriate shots of persons and objects.
· Works with technical subject-matter consultants and trains staff in evaluating and planning various productions.
· Manages and provides instruction to video subjects during production.
· Performs basic troubleshooting, routine servicing, installation, and adjustment of video production equipment.
· Performs other duties as assigned.

Expectations:
· To set an example in appearance, productivity, motivation, attitude, and performance.
· To carry out assigned responsibilities according to established departmental standards.
· To assist others within and outside the department as needed.
· To participate as a team member in the department.
· To perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:
Experience: Three (3) years’ experience of similar or related experience.

Education: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Interpersonal Skills: Fluent in both ASL and English. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Work involves contact with others inside and/or outside the organization, generally providing direction regarding production.

Other Skills: Proficient in MS Office Suite, video production equipment, video artistic styles, techniques, methodologies, and effects. Demonstrated ability to stage and light video productions; operate video cameras, sound recording equipment, portable lighting equipment, editing software, and video switcher. Exceptional project management skills and ability to multi-task.

Contact: www.purple.us

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to subscribe or here to advertise.