Deafweekly August 23, 2006

deafweekly

August 23, 2006
Vol. 2 No. 42

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 2006 and any unauthorized use, including reprinting of news, is prohibited.

Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly at no charge.

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EDITOR'S NOTE
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There will be no Deafweekly on August 30. Deafweekly does not publish during the last weeks of August and December. I hope you enjoy what's left of the summer and we'll see you back here next month.

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NATIONAL
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SEATTLE POLICE DEFEND TASER USE ON DEAF MAN

A deaf man waiting for his workplace to open was shot several times with a Taser stun gun by two Seattle police officers, reported the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Bob Ross, 56, was seen by Officer Yvonne Tover “apparently trying to get in” the door of Seattle Pottery Supply, where he works, just before 8 a.m. on July 29. Tovar wrote that Ross then “attempted to hide behind a large planter.” Seattle Pottery owner Jim Lunz, Ross’ boss for 29 years, said Ross often sits there when he arrives early. Tovar shot five Taser darts at Ross as he ran away and another officer also used his Taser on Ross. Four officers ended up restraining Ross before co-worker Sarah Takahashi arrived and told them that Ross is deaf. Tovar seemed upset, Takahashi recalled. “She said she just felt sick; she felt horrible.” Seattle police say Tovar’s use of the Taser gun was entirely appropriate. Wrote one supervisor in a review: “The suspect could have avoided this confrontation by remaining calm and still.”

SECOND FORMER EMPLOYEE SUES CALIFORNIA SCHOOL

The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported last week that a second former director of instruction at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside has filed a lawsuit against the school. Tomas Garcia filed his suit July 31 in Riverside County Superior Court, alleging that he was racially discriminated against and denied leaves of absence and tenure. Garcia served as director of instruction between 2001 and 2005 at the 450-student school that serves Southern California. He claims he should have received tenure as a teacher after three years with the school, but instead was told that his contract would not be renewed. Garcia was replaced by Terry Gregerson, who filed his own lawsuit in May in a U.S. District Court, claiming his rights were violated after he spoke up about problems at the school.

WOMAN DIES IN HONOLULU AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR

A deaf woman in Hawaii has died after being hit by a vehicle while crossing the street, reported KHON-TV 2 News. The victim was identified by the medical examiner’s office as Jadelin Nakamura, 47, of Honolulu. Nakamura, described by police as deaf and mute, was in a marked crosswalk when the accident occurred last Saturday night. She was taken to a hospital where she died of her injuries. No information on the driver of the car was reported.

‘JAYWALKING’ TEEN HIT BY CAR, ESCAPES SERIOUS INJURY

A 16-year-old deaf girl escaped serious injury when she was hit by a car in front of Barbara Jordan Technical School in Houston, Texas, said KHOU-TV 11 News. The unidentified student was allegedly jaywalking last Friday around 8 a.m. and the driver was not ticketed because he was not speeding or breaking any laws. The girl was checked out at a hospital, said police, and was found to have no visible injuries.

CALIFORNIA MAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO ASSAULT

Timothy Wayne Harris pleaded not guilty Monday to sexually assaulting a disabled man he was hired to tutor and was being held on $500,000 bail in a Riverside, Calif. detention center, reported CBS-2 in Los Angeles. Harris, a deaf San Diego resident, entered not-guilty pleas to one count of sodomy and two counts each of oral copulation of a disabled person and sexual battery. Harris, 46, tutored the deaf and developmentally disabled man for five months, allegedly molesting him during their time together. The 24-year-old victim came forward after the tutoring sessions ended, said a police spokesman.

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Join the Celebration!

Sprint Video Relay Service is a free service available for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. You now have the freedom to choose your VRS. Sprint offers an easy way to add SprintVRS.tv to your black box:

1. Click DIAL
2. Click SPEED DIALS
3. Click ADD
4. Under NAME enter “1 SprintVRS” (for faster connection)
5. Select IP ADDRESS enter “SprintVRS.tv”
6. Click OK.

Other options: “Spanish.Sprintvrs.tv” and “Sprintvrsvco.tv”

It’s time to Switch to Sprint.
Fast connections! Experienced Video Interpreters! Excellent Spanish and VCO options!
Need more information on SprintVRS, go to: www.sprintvrs.com.

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HANDCUFFED MAN INTERPRETS FOR CO-DEFENDANT

A handcuffed man was called upon to interpret for a deaf co-defendant in an Enid, Okla. courtroom last week, reported the Enid News. John Valentine, 29, used sign language while handcuffed to interpret for Judge J. Bruce Harvey and Marvin Lee Doud, a deaf Ringwood resident. Valentine and Doud, 26, were arrested August 12 after police found two rock-like substances in Doud’s vehicle that tested positive for cocaine content. The two men were given $3,000 bonds and ordered to return to court on October 10. The judge said he would arrange an interpreter for the next appearance.

TDI: NEW FCC POLICY WEAKENS CAPTIONING RULES

The Federal Communications Commission said in an August 7 announcement to broadcasters that it would no longer investigate a TV station that claims it could not use captioning during a local emergency broadcast, claimed TDI in a recent Action Alert. TDI (Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc., of Silver Spring, Md.) said the new policy will weaken TV emergency captioning requirements and put deaf people’s lives in danger. TDI urged community members to send emails to the FCC at fccinfo@fcc.gov and ask for the removal of the August 7 clarification on emergency captioning. To read the full Action Alert, go to www.deafservicebureau.org/TDI.htm.

FORMER GEORGIA OFFICIAL TO BEGIN PRISON SENTENCE

Former Georgia state schools Superintendent Linda Schrenko has been ordered to report to federal prison by September 11 for stealing more than $600,000 in federal funds meant for deaf and honors students. According to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, federal prison officials have not said where Schrenko will serve her eight-year sentence; her attorney has requested a low-security prison in Tallahassee, Fla. because there is no federal women’s facility in Georgia. Schrenko’s trial ended suddenly in May when she pleaded guilty to embezzlement, admitting that she spent $9,300 on a face-lift and used some of the money to run for governor. She told reporters she is making the most of her final days of freedom by visiting the beach and spending time with her family, friends and dogs.

COLORADO SCHOOL GETS $56,000 GRANT FROM HEWLETT-PACKARD

The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind has received a $56,000 grant from Hewlett-Packard, the only Colorado school to receive a grant from HP. According to KOAA in Pueblo, the school has already used the grant to purchase five digital cameras, 15 computers and some video projectors. The equipment was tested out last year, and student Nicholas Elstad said it made a world of difference. “When you don’t have any technology it’s really more work for us, having to write notes,” he said. “But when you have the laptop, you can type it in. It’s much faster.”

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Yoga for the Deaf
multi-level Hatha Yoga Class
Columbia Yoga Center in Howard County MD
requirements: pre-registration, and knowledge of American Sign Language
Sept 19 - Dec 19 2006.
Tuesday nights from 8 pm - 9:30
for pre-registration please visit www.columbiayoga.com
stand taller, breathe better, and smile more -- with yoga!

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INTERNATIONAL
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DEAF STORE SAID TO BE DAMAGED IN GAZA BOMBING

Bombings in Gaza earlier this month damaged a store run by the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, wrote Carol Morton in the Edinburgh (Scotland) Evening News. Morton runs an Edinburgh store called Hadeel, described as the only craft shop outside the Middle East promoting the embroidery and craft skills of Palestinians. Some of the deaf vocational trainees at the Atfaluna store were injured, she said, and £4,000 ($7,550 U.S.) worth of pottery was destroyed. The pottery would have been hand-painted by deaf people and exported, said Morton, but now Israel will not let new supplies come in and has turned back an export shipment at the border. “The situation is dire at the moment,” said Morton. For many, “the traditional crafts they sell are their only means of support.”

U.K. MAN, FRIEND ATTACKED ON WAY HOME FROM PARTY

A 35-year-old deaf U.K. man was hospitalized with suspected brain damage last week after he and a friend were attacked by a gang of six men, reported icWales. The deaf man, a married father of two from Thornhill, Cardiff, was walking to the friend’s house at 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 13 after a celebration with 25 co-workers from a Toys R Us store. The two men were punched and kicked by “smartly dressed men in their 20s” in an apparently motiveless attack. The deaf man suffered bleeding to the brain, while his friend, 22, sustained a broken nose. Both men have called for their attackers to be brought to justice while asking that they not be named. “They could have killed him,” said the friend. “There was no reason for it. It was a brutal and vicious attack.”

SOUTH AFRICAN GROUP EDUCATES WITH COMIC BOOKS

A South African group called the Gay and Lesbian Archives (Gala) is reaching out to the deaf community with a comic book about HIV/AIDS, sexuality, rights and empowerment. According to the Johannesburg Mail & Guardian, the comic book avoids using speech bubbles “because they are meant for the hearing community.” Instead, deaf artist Tommy Motswai and other illustrators used stop frames of sign language along with illustrations of text messages, a common way that deaf people communicate. The 14-page comic, titled “Are Your Rights Respected?”, is part of the South African History Archives at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. There are approximately 500,000 deaf people in South Africa, and 4,000 copies of the comic book will be distributed.

COUNCILLORS SEEK ‘ANTI-SOCIAL ORDER’ ON DEAF MAN

The Oldham Advertiser in England reported last week on efforts of district councillors in Failsworth and Hollinwood to place an ASBO (anti-social behavior order) on a 53-year-old deaf man for allegedly disrupting public meetings. Councillor Jim McMahon has proposed taking the unprecedented step to protect members from John Parker’s “verbal and written abuse,” said the report. Committee chairwoman Barbara Dawson gave a few examples: “He has shouted ‘scum.’ ‘pig ignorant cow,’ ‘bitch’ and that ‘all the kids at Failsworth School are scum.’ None of this can be defended.” Parker explained that most of his frustration stems from a poor sound system in the meeting room. “People with hearing difficulties are at a great disadvantage,” he said. He also said that slapping an ASBO on him would be “a terrible insult and a stain on my good name.”

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR DOCTOR SAID YOU HAD ONLY A WEEK TO LIVE?

Watch "Vital Signs" and see how one man handled this shocking news.

"Vital Signs" is a groundbreaking DVD presented in American Sign Language, combining jaw-dropping cinematography with dazzling ASL narration. Produced by Wayne Betts, Jr., and Chad W. Taylor, this four-minute film is a MUST-SEE!

Ideal for deaf people or those learning ASL, the DVD also offers classifier practice in the features section. All this for only $9.95!

For more information, visit www.mosdeux.com.

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ACTIVISTS PROTEST FEE FOR LIP-READING CLASS

Demonstrators took to the streets of Borehamwood last week to protest the potential loss of their weekly lip-reading class. According to the Borehamwood & Elstree Times, Oaklands College has been running the free class at its Borehamwood campus for about 15 students but announced in June it could no longer subsidize the class due to a change in the government grant system. Janet Zysblat, who has taught the class for 17 years, fears most of her students will not be able to pay the £125 ($235 U.S.) fee. “Many are on a fixed pension and simply can’t afford it,” she said. The class is due to start up in September and needs 10 students but only has five. “I won’t be able to come if it’s a lot of money,” said Doris Norton, 80. “It’s very disappointing.”

U.K. TEEN IS FINALIST FOR NATIONAL LOTTERY AWARDS

A 15-year-old deaf U.K. teen is a regional finalist in the National Lottery Awards 2006, reported the Wimbledon Guardian. Dean Rhodes Brandon, who has been deaf since birth, is one of four finalists in the south east of England to be nominated for the awards, which recognize successful projects funded through lottery proceeds. Dean launched “Your Local Cinema” when he was 9 years old in an effort to increase the number of theaters showing captioned and audio-described films. He continues to help run the project’s website (www.yourlocalcinema.com), which offers information on accessible screenings through email, typetalk, fax, text or post. Dean will find out next month if he has made it to the national finals. “I’m really proud of him,” said his father Derek. “It’s a great achievement.”

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Passages Deaf Travel presents Deaf Freedom Cruise 2007!

Biggest Ever All Deaf Cruise! 4000 have signed up to cruise the Western Caribbean on 10/28/07 to 11/04/07 on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, the BIGGEST CRUISE SHIP IN THE WORLD!

People holding rooms have not made regular payments, so CABINS AVAILABLE AGAIN!! Don't miss your chance to be a part of the biggest Deaf Event in 2007. People from all over the world have signed up to go.

$200.00 per person deposit holds your cabin. Monthly payments required until cruise is paid off June 1, 2007.

www.passagesdeaftravel.com or passagestravel@aol.com.

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MORE CHOICES THAN EVER -
POTOMAC TECHNOLOGY’S NEW CATALOG!

The NEW Potomac Technology catalog is here and filled with all the items you need from TTY’s and Signalers to Books, Novelties and more! Plus, during August we are offering 10% off your first order from the catalog. Just in time for all those back-to-school purchases. Save on top brands & latest models. Call us now at 1-800-433-2838 (V/TTY) or visit online at http://potomactech.com (use code PTECD806 when ordering).

Potomac Technology. Everything You Need Under One Roof.

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*** WIN A T-MOBILE SIDEKICK 3 from i711.com ***

i711 Wireless relay is now available for T-Mobile’s new Sidekick 3! To celebrate, we’re giving away a brand new Sidekick 3 EVERY WEEK, all summer long (12 total!). You’re automatically entered when you register for free at www.i711.com/roadtrip. Enter now and you could hit the road next week with a T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and i711 Wireless relay.

i711.com is Relay & Beyond.

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LIFE & LEISURE
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VARDONS VISIT ‘MAKEOVER’ TEAM TWO YEARS LATER

The Detroit News did a story this week on the Vardon family of Oak Park, Ill., who were featured two years ago on ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Larry and Judy Vardon’s 980-square-foot bungalow underwent a one-week, $200,000 transformation that included electronic technology to help the family communicate with one another and the rest of the world. The Extreme Makeover team was back in Michigan this month to renovate a family’s home in Armada Township, and Larry Vardon visited them with son Lance, 14, who is blind and autistic. (Vardon’s other son, Stefan, 16, wrote the letter that resulted in the makeover.) During the visit, Lance met privately with Ty Pennington, the show’s charismatic host. “When the two met again and hugged, it was very emotional,” said Vardon. “I was speechless.” More on the Vardons can be at www.abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/bios/207.html.

PENNSYLVANIA PROFESSOR PLANS DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEY

Pennsylvania’s deaf and hard-of-hearing residents are the focus of a $25,000 demographic survey being conducted by Jeffrey Weber of East Stroudsburg University, reported the Pocono Record. Weber, a professor of public administration, is distributing 5,000 copies of the survey and will use the results to project broader figures for the overall population. It’s the first time since the U.S. Census of 1980 that the state’s hearing-impaired residents have been surveyed, and Weber expects the results will give policy makers a “clearer sense of the contours of the population and what its needs are.” Weber can be reached for more information at jweber@po-box.esu.edu.

DEAF MISSIONS PUTS NEW TESTAMENT IN ASL ON IPODS

Deaf Missions of Council Bluffs, Iowa announced recently that it is making the entire New Testament available in American Sign Language for the handheld iPod or other MP-4 media players. It’s the latest development from the Omega Project, which has brought together scholars, translators and ASL specialists since 1981 to translate the entire Bible into ASL. The new iPod version “allows deaf people to have a pocket New Testament in their own language,” said the Deaf Mission’s Chad Entinger. A DVD and VHS version are also available. Call 712-322-5493 or visit www.deafmissions.com for more information.

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Bullying Hurts! Stop it!

See Dr. Hodgdon's website for workshop information www.stopdeafbullying.com

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DeafPagers.com now offering GREAT DEALS on Sidekick II and Blackberry 7290!

No credit check required!

Check out our great deals offered by GoAmerica for a low-priced Sidekick II pager, and a FREE Blackberry 7290 device!

FREE auto charger with all approved applications!

Our website is updated every month with new fantastic products designed to match your active modern lifestyle. We offer many accessories for Sidekick II, Sidekick III, and Blackberry devices. In addition to accessories, we offer more than 175 cell phones and pagers from the nation¹s six major service carriers.

Visit www.deafpagers.com

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WCI IS YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL HEADQUARTERS!

Save big with 15% off the Compact/C with rechargeable batteries! It easily fits into a backpack, or pocket for students on the go! Works with today’s digital cell phones or any traditional phone. Or, save 15% on any Simplicity signaler to fit your college dorm room, apartment, or house. Be at class on time with 15% savings on the Wake Assure or Big Time alarm clocks.

Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com. (use code WCID08).

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.

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WORKING WORLD
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UPDATED INTERPRETING BOOK DELVES INTO DEAF CULTURE

A new, expanded second-edition of “Reading Between the Signs: Intercultural Communication for Sign Language Intepreters” was published in June. Author Anna Mindess “delves deep into the various ethnic communities within Deaf culture, and also examines the way that recent technological advances, such as VRS, are affecting the Deaf community and sign language interpreting,” said publisher Intercultural Press, a Boston-based producer of books and training material that help professionals, travelers and scholars understand the meaning and diversity of culture. For more information, visit www.interculturalpress.com.

LAMAR UNIVERSITY TO OFFER STATE’S FIRST ASL DEGREE

Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas said in a news release August 8 that it will begin offering the state’s first baccalaureate degree program in American Sign Language this fall. The program won approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board following four years of work by Lamar’s Department of Communication Disorders and Deaf Education to address the nation’s critical shortage of sign language interpreters. “Attaining approval for this program is a real coup for the university,” said Russ Schultz, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. With many high schools in Texas recognizing ASL as a foreign language, Lamar expects the new program to grow rapidly during the next few semesters. Visit http://dept.lamar.edu/cofac/cmds/ for more information.

BEEKEEPER’S HONEY SWEETENS CALIFORNIA SCHOOL’S COFFERS

A school for the deaf in Sacramento, Calif. has discovered a sweet way to earn some extra cash. Parents, teachers and students have raised more than $10,000 selling honey provided by Vacaville resident Bill Martindale. According to the California Farm Bureau Federation, Martindale started tending bees two years ago after retiring from the Navy and now has 22 colonies and thousands of bees. So far the bees have produced over 700 pounds of honey, and Martindale has donated it all to a school called CCHAT (Children’s Choice for Hearing and Talking), a school that teaches hearing-impaired children to speak and aims to integrate them into mainstream schools. Martindale was inspired by his granddaughter, Kaylie, 6, who was born deaf and graduated this past year “with flying colors.”

DEAF WAL-MART WORKER HIT BY COMPANY’S PAY CAPS

The Associated Press last week used deaf Wal-Mart employee Brad Moore as an example of how company-wide pay caps are affecting individual workers. Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart, with 1.3 million U.S. workers, said earlier this month that it would begin limiting workers’ pay to bring the company in line with other big retailers. An internal Wal-Mart memo last year said the cost of a worker with seven years of experience is 55 percent more than one with a year on the job, “yet there is no difference in his or her productivity.” Moore, a father of two and assistant produce manager at a Tulsa, Okla., Supercenter, is capped out in his current job at $15.54 an hour. “We’re upset because you think you’ve got a plan going,” said his wife, Shannon, a preschool deaf education teacher, “and then you get this.”

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Sorenson IP Relay™ expands communication possibilities for deaf and hard-of hearing individuals by enabling free text-to-speech relay calls with any standard telephone user in the U.S. Sorenson IP Relay calls can be initiated by visiting the Web site at www.siprelay.com from a personal computer, or can be made with a Sidekick, Blackberry, Trço or other mobile device. A trusted Sorenson Communications Assistant (CA) instantaneously facilitates the conversation between the Sorenson IP Relay user and a friend, doctor or business associate. Sorenson IP Relay calls are free for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

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EDGARYWIRELESS.COM ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL SALE!!

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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PHOTOGRAPHER SEEKS ‘100 UNIQUE DEAF INDIVIDUALS’

Darren Frazier of Naples, Fla. wants to photograph 100 deaf individuals from a variety of backgrounds for a photojournalism project that he plans to publish in a book and exhibit in galleries. “Deaf Individuals of Distinction in Today’s American Workforce” is the title of the project, and the goal is to “profile 100 unique Deaf individuals in the United States who embody the essence of leadership, social advancement and innovation in addressing social, educational, economic, technological and political issues at a local, national and international level.” You can nominate up to three people by the October 1 deadline. Read more at www.darrenfrazierphotography.com/ (click “call for nominations”).

DEAF ARTIST TAKES PART IN ‘ALTERED BARBIE’ SHOW

Among 70 artists at this year’s Altered Barbie Show in San Francisco is Debbie Fimrite, a deaf Japanese-inspired artist of 30 years experience who specializes in martial arts dolls and geishas. Fimrite contributed six exhibits and three dioramas to the show, which employed mixed-media, painting, printmaking, photography, video and film to explore the “American Icon” Barbie doll. Fimrite spent several days setting up displays of 30 different altered Barbies, including Deaf Asian Barbie, Deaf Lesbian Barbie and Bushwhacker Barbie (an anti-war demonstrator). More on the show, which runs through Sunday at the Market Street Gallery, can be seen at http://marketstreetgallery.com/ and a view of Fimrite’s work can be seen at www.mesart.com/deafdeb.

GEIGER DOLLS GO ON DISPLAY IN TACOMA, WASH.

Jessica Geiger opened an exhibit of five life-sized human figure sculptures in downtown Tacoma, Wash. earlier this month. “The Human Condition” is on display 24 hours a day at Tacoma Contemporary Woolworth Windows. The exhibit of “outsider/underground sculptures” runs through October 28 and follows Geiger’s participation in “Colors of Compassion,” a fundraiser for the Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project in Seattle. Geiger maintains a website, Geiger Dolls (www.geigerdolls.5u.com/), which features a gallery, news, biography, reviews and more.

CBS SEEKS DISABLED FOR SKETCH COMEDY SHOWCASE

Performers with disabilities who have extensive sketch comedy experience are among those invited to audition for CBS’s Second Multicultural Sketch Comedy Talent Showcase in January. Rick Najera, a writer with “Mad TV” and “In Living Color” will direct the showcase for the second year. “Our first multicultural sketch comedy showcase was a hit and we are excited to have him back,” said Josie Thomas, CBS Senior Vice President, Diversity. The showcase also focuses on African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander actors. Each audition will require a one-minute original monologue. Send pictures and resumes by September 8 to AFTRA, Attn: Ron Thomas, 5757 Wilshire Blvd., 9th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Information on the CBS Diversity Institute can be found at www.cbsdiversity.com.

‘VITAL SIGNS’ NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD

“Vital Signs,” a short film in American Sign Language about a man who is told he has a week to live, has been released on DVD by its producer, Mösdeux. The film, starring Chad W. Taylor and narrator Roger Vass, Jr., “leaves viewers thinking, ‘Whoa, that was deep,’” said Wayne Betts, Jr. Betts co-founded Mösdeux with Taylor to make “high quality films that will bring deaf cinema to the next level,” said a news release. The two decided to make Vital Signs available on DVD after “receiving rave reviews.” The DVD bolsters the four-minute film with bonus features that include an interview with the producers and a section for viewers to “practice their classifiers.” Vital Signs will appear on the upcoming PBS documentary, “History Through Deaf Eyes.” In the meantime, it can be purchased for $9.95 at www.mosdeux.com.

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Back to School Clock Sale at Harris Communications

Be on time for class with a new alarm clock from Harris Communications. A great selection of clocks all on sale at 15% off! Our huge selection includes the new Sonic Alert Sweetheart Clock, the Big Time Alarm Clock, the Sonic Shaker Travel Clock, the Wake and Shake Alarm Clock and much
more. This sale ends August 27, 2006. For more information, go to http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=dw or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com.

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2nd Annual Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament

When? October 11, 2006; 6 PM; Door opens at 12 noon.

Where? Palms Casino and Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Event? No Limit-Texas Hold’Em/ All in. For all deaf and hard of hearing people who wish to
participate. Must be 21 years or older to play.

Prizes? Based on 300 entries, 1st place winner will receive $27,000.

Cost? $300 entry fee per player.

Hosts? Southern Nevada Silver Knights and Southern Nevada Coalition of Organizations of and
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Both are non-profit organizations and the net proceeds
will be donated to worthy deaf community charities.

Comments? Last year the 1st annual tournament was a complete success. Many local deaf poker
tournaments were held across the country because of this success. So far none of them
have not met the magnitude of this one. It has the “major league” status. The “big one”.
Since Las Vegas is the poker capital of the world, no wonder it is so popular here.

Web Site? Go to WWW.poker.deaflasvegas.com. This will give you all the information needed,
such as tournament entry form and Orleans Hotel room reservation form.

E-Mail? Need to e-mail for additional information? Go to lvdeafpoker1@earthlink.Net.

From the Committee: We are anxious to treat all of you to the unique and exciting experience in the world of poker. Come to Las Vegas, the city of awe and thunder. It is your chance to come home
as a winner. See you all in “Viva Las Vegas."

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SPORTS
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JUSTICE DEPT. SETTLES WITH PONY BASEBALL LEAGUE

Justin “Pono” Tokioka, 11, almost gave up on baseball last summer, reported Honolulu’s KHON-2, after PONY League officials barred him from having a sign language interpreter in the dugout. But last Thursday, Pono and his parents, James and Beth Tokioka, celebrated victory after the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement in their case against PONY Baseball Inc. Pono will receive $30,000 in damages and league officials will be required not only to allow but to provide interpreters when needed. The league will also appoint an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) coordinator. Pony Baseball Inc., headquartered in Washington, Pa., has 3,500 baseball and softball leagues with about 450,000 participants throughout the country. A news release on the settlement can be seen at http://releases.usnewswire.com/printing.asp?id=70900.

U.S. TEAM TAKES GOLD AT 2006 PAN AM GAMES

Athletes from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela joined the U.S. for the 2006 Pan American Games for Deaf Youth at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The games ended Saturday, August 5 with the U.S. team taking home the gold in both sports, track and basketball. A heat wave led to the cancellation of track and field events the first two nights, but all activities were completed over the final two days thanks to the efforts of volunteers and referees. The Games began with a parade of athletes and flags and ended with an ice cream party and free shirts for all. “We bid everyone farewell and look forward to the next Pan Am event in Argentina,” said assistant chair Bridget Bonheyo. Results can be viewed at www.usdeafsports.org/2006youth/index.html.

U.S. DOMINATES AS TOP GOLFERS GATHER IN CANADA

Some of the world’s best deaf golfers came together for the 6th World Deaf Golf Championships in Edmonton, Canada, and when it was over the U.S. deaf golfers continued to dominate the rest of the world. The U.S. golfers cruised to the team title despite a difficult cold and windy first day that made scoring difficult. Brandon Babineaux, Bill Roberts and Doren Granberry, all of the U.S., took 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the men’s championships. Australian Linda Davis took first place in the women’s championship, followed by American’s Susan Zupnik and Patty Sue Ploysa. The U.S. swept the senior’s championship, with Wally DeVe, James Hynes and Michael Finneran in 1st through 3rd. Read the full results at http://usdeafgolf.org/championships.htm.

ASPEN CAMP LOOKS AHEAD WITH FUNDRAISER

The Aspen Camp School for the Deaf cancelled this year’s summer programs but the Old Snowmass, Colo. school “is ready to swing into gear again,” reported The Aspen Times. A fundraiser was held last Friday to launch a series of new programs that promote the school’s expanded vision of year-round programming. Among other things, the school will offer retreats for families and employers of the deaf, open its ropes course to the public and establish itself as the winter residence for the U.S. Deaf Ski Team. “We’re wanting to take the Aspen camp to a level of national prominence,” said executive director Judith Cross. The school’s website can be seen at www.acsd.org.

DEAF DISC GOLF PLAYERS GATHER IN PAW PAW

Players and fans gathered in Paw Paw, W.V. July 26-30 for the 6th National Deaf Disc Golf Championships. According to a report from the Deaf Disc Golf Association, they “came to see who could hone the art of throwing round objects into metal baskets.” When it was over, John Buck of West Virginia was the Advanced Men’s Champ and recipient of a $400 chainstar basket donated by the DDGA. Everyone is now looking forward to the 2008 championships in Sipapu, N.M. Read all about it at www.ddga.org.

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EMPLOYMENT
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Non-Profit mental health agency in Edgewater, MD has positions available in Deaf Program. Applicants must be fluent in American Sign Language. Minimum qualifications are a high school diploma or equivalent, AA or BA/BS degree with coursework and/or experience in psychology or human services preferred. Must have valid drivers license.

Interpreter/Mental Health Specialist -- Full Time, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mon-Thurs as Interpreter, other hours as needed for Mental Health Specialist (will include weekends). Interpreter must be able to interpret a variety of situations and be fluent in spoken English. Specialist duties include; coordination of doctor appts., transport clients to appts., medication monitoring, provide daily living skills & job support, and apply crisis intervention.

Rehabilitation Specialist -- Part Time and Full Time; Responsibilities include providing daily living skills support, medication monitoring, transporting clients to appointments, and applying crisis intervention when needed.

Send resume and cover letter to: Arundel Lodge, 2600 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037, fax (410) 841-6045, email: Lmurphy@arundellodge.org.

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Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services

Counselor II/
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf
Lynchburg
Pay Band 4 - Salary Range: $28,987 - $59,492
Position #00829
Closing Date - Open Until Filled***

The Field Rehabilitation Services Division is seeking a qualified VR Counselor for the Deaf to provide comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to eligible persons with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities in the Lynchburg, Roanoke and surrounding areas.

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. Salary is negotiable above the minimum of the pay band based on qualifications. This is a sensitive position, and the successful candidate will be subject to fingerprinting/ background investigation.

Contact Information: Please visit our Career Center at www.vadrs.org for the application process. Save time by applying on-line. You can even save your application for future use! If you don’t have computer access call 804-726-1919 or contact your local VEC office for assistance. ***Applications will be accepted until at least 5:00 p.m., August 30, 2006. Applications received after this date may or may not be considered depending on the applicant pool. Applicants interviewed will be required to sign the application the day of the interview. Resumes may not be substituted for fully completed State applications. Minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY - Reasonable accommodations upon request.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled***
State Form 10-012 Required

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD

GLAD is an Affirmative Action Employer with equal opportunity for men, women and people with disabilities. For more information on the following positions, please go to: www.gladinc.org. The status of all positions is: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Full Fringe Benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions are open until filled.

Deputy Director -- Los Angeles
Community Advocate -- Los Angeles

If interested for any of these positions then please submit resume and application to:

Jeff Fetterman
Human Resources Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
V/TDD: (323) 550-4207
Fax #: (323)550-4204
E-mail: jfetterman@gladinc.org

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OPPORTUNITIES AT FEGS

FEGS is one of the largest health and human services organizations in the country with a budget in excess of $230 million and 3500+ staff.

Our Behavioral Health Residential Division offers excellent opportunities to become a vital member of a multidisciplinary team strongly rooted in the deaf community. We are seeking experienced professionals fluent in ASL to work with disabled deaf population.

SERVICE COORDINATOR

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

B.A. Degree in a Health or Human Service field or an Associate’s Degree in Health or Human Service field with 2 to 3 years experience may be considered. Fluency in American Sign Language required.

DIRECT CARE WORKER

Assists emotionally disabled and deaf individuals with personal care, social skills, money management and life skills in order to maximize their functioning in the community and prevent hospitalization.

High School Diploma is required along with fluency in ASL and 1 year working with the disabled population preferably in a residential, health or treatment related setting.

Send resume to our HR Consultants: HR Dynamics, Inc. (DEPT. JW/ASL) 345 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10014. E-mail: Jwachtel@hr-dynamics.com or fax 212-366-8555. EOE.

Visit our website: www.fegs.org

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