Deafweekly September 5, 2007

deafweekly

September 5, 2007
Vol. 3, No. 24

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers every Wednesday and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. Please visit our website to read current and back issues, sign up for a subscription and advertise. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2007 and any unauthorized use, including reprinting of news, is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly at no charge.

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EDITOR'S NOTE
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September is "Pay For Your Deafweekly Subscription Month." Don't worry, Deafweekly is still free, just as it's always been since the first issue in October 2004. But if you appreciate the service that Deafweekly provides to you free of charge all year round and would like to express your thanks, a donation would be very much appreciated. Donations of any size will be accepted, but those who contribute $25 or more will receive a free copy of my new book, Deaf Haiku, as a gesture of thanks. To donate through Paypal, please go to our website (www.deafweekly.com) and click on PayPal Donate. Alternately, you may send a donation through the mail to Deafweekly, PO Box 18121, Rochester, NY 14618. Thank you!

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NATIONAL
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SON OF DEAF PARENTS DROWNS WHILE HELPING FRIENDS

A New Jersey teen who planned to become a sign-language interpreter drowned in the Delaware River last week while helping friends free a boat stuck on a sandbar during low tide. Ryan Lewis, 17, went missing around 9 p.m. last Wednesday night after swimming about 50 yards toward his friends, said the Philadelphia Inquirer. His body was recovered Saturday afternoon. Lewis, whose parents met as students at the Katzenbach School for the Deaf, planned to attend Camden County College, said a feature in the West Deptford High School newspaper (page 3). A memorial fund has been established.

CONVICT GOES MISSING AT PITTSBURGH STATE PRISON

A deaf convict failed to return August 25 to a minimum security section of a Pittsburgh, Pa. state prison, reported the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. State police were on the lookout for Bernard J. Davis, 39, described as black, about 5-foot-9, 180 pounds and with the name Poochie tattooed on his left forearm. He is serving time for burglary charges and has been convicted in the past for burglary and trespassing. Information on Davis’ whereabouts can be relayed to the state police in Pittsburgh at 412-787-2000.

WOMAN CLAIMS JAIL NEGLECT LED TO SON’S DEATH

The mother of a deaf Colorado man who died after a suicide attempt in Denver County Jail filed a lawsuit last Tuesday against the city and county of Denver. Debbie Ulibarri’s lawsuit claims sheriff’s deputies failed to make required checks on her son, Shawn Francisco Vigil, 23, reported The Denver Post. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, also claims that jail employees did not accommodate Vigil’s disability by providing access to a TTY and closed captioning. Vigil was booked on August 28, 2005 on suspicion of sex assault and kidnapping and tried to hang himself in his cell one month later. An inmate discovered him, but Vigil died of his injuries.

REWARD OFFERED FOR MAN MISSING 21 MONTHS

Pamela Creech, the mother of a deaf Berkeley, Calif. man missing since December 2005, choked back tears at a news conference last Friday, said the San Jose Mercury News. Rodney Texera, 41, disappeared in Oroville after getting in an argument with a friend, said Berkeley police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss, and left with his backpack toward a grove of trees. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since. A $5,000 reward was announced last week, but stepfather Willis Creech isn’t optimistic. “I don’t think he’s out there,” he said. “He hasn’t taken any money out of his bank account, and it’s loaded.”

WOMAN SUES LAS VEGAS CASINO OVER ACCIDENT

A lawsuit filed by a deaf Las Vegas, Nev. woman against Station Casinos is expected to go before a judge this month, reported KVBC. Lena Morreale’s case centers on an accident five years ago, when she was hit by a speeding truck that made a sudden u-turn. She suffered hand and wrist injuries and lost her job as a typist and part of her ability to communicate. “I need my hands, that’s my livelihood, that’s my life,” she said. A settlement offer from Station Casinos was rejected as insufficient. For Morreale, “it’s a world that won’t ever be the same,” said her attorney, Marina Kolias.

TEXAS CHURCH REPORTS TWO BURGLARIES

The New Life Deaf Fellowship Church in Fort Worth, Texas was the target of two recent burglaries, reported CBS 11. In the first incident, $2,500 worth of lawn equipment and tools for volunteers was stolen from a storage shed. In the second incident, someone broke into the church and took $400 in donated change that was earmarked for a worship garden. The 125-member church is now hoping for an insurance check and Pastor Aric Randolph said there’s only so much that can be done. “If people want to break in,” he said, “they’re going to.”

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSES ADA RESTORATION ACT

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has gone on record opposing the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 (H.R. 3195), said a Justice for All action alert. A letter from the Chamber that urges Members of the U.S. House of Representatives not to cosponsor or support the Act “mischaracterizes” a measure that is simply meant to restore the original intent of Congress in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, said the alert. Community members were asked to voice their displeasure to the Chamber’s national office in Washington, D.C. and to their own regional offices.

COURTROOM GUIDE TO HELP JUDGES DEAL WITH DEAF

Judges throughout Ohio have been given a new reference guide to help them meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing people. According to Gongwer News Service, the Ohio Supreme Court guide will help judges decide when special assistance is needed for defendants, witnesses and jury members. The card has questions judges can ask to determine communication preferences and decide if an interpreter is qualified. It also contains an oath to be administered to interpreters and model instructions judges can use to clarify the interpreters’ role.

FEMA ISSUES GUIDE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The federal government has released “A Reference Guide for Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities in the Provision of Disaster Mass Care, Housing and Human Services.” According to a news release, the guide is the first of a series of disability-related guidelines to be produced by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. “FEMA is committed to ensuring that its programs and emergency operations meet the needs of people with disabilities,” said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison.

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Attention: Film Lovers!

There is Show Me Deaf Film Festival in St. Louis, Missouri on September 27-30, 2007. See the vlog about it. Go to http://deafadvocate.blogspot.com/. It is at our new clubhouse. Order Tickets Now! Limited Seating. Take advantage of special prices! Go to http://www.deafimages.tv for updates and list of movies. Get a free SMDFF poster from there! Gary Brooks is the keynote speaker. Keith Wann will perform on Saturday, September 29th. There are more than 30 films (shorts and features) to watch during the weekend. Come for fun and social! Any inquiries, email at SMDFF@deafimages.tv.

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INTERNATIONAL
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MAN KNIFED TO DEATH FOR HELPING DEAF FRIEND

An England man celebrating his 21st birthday was stabbed to death when he tried to stop a group of bullies from taunting his deaf friend, reported Metro UK. David Haynes was attacked outside a restaurant in the early morning of August 26 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and died during surgery. As floral tributes piled up at the spot where Haynes was stabbed, three men were quickly arrested and charged with his murder. “He stood up to these yobs because he knew what they were doing wasn’t right,” said a friend. “But he paid the ultimate price.”

TEEN GETS 3 YEARS FOR ASSAULT ON DEAF MAN

An Aberdeen, Scotland teenager was sentenced to three years in prison for battering a deaf man, reported This Is Aberdeen. Jordan Milne, 18, punched 40-year-old Timothy Nicholson to the ground and then repeatedly stamped on his head, leaving the victim unconscious with a fractured jaw, and facial, skull and brain injuries. “This was an unprovoked attack on a person with a disability,” said Sheriff Kieran McKlernan. Milne was already on probation for attempting to set his father on fire and admitted to assault and attempted robbery of a girl in June.

RESEARCH GRANT TO FUND HEARING ‘DUMMY’

Researchers at the University of Essex (England) have won a £447,000 ($903,000 US) grant to create a “dummy” consisting of a computer program that can simulate a patient’s hearing ability. According to Scenta, the machine can take the place of a patient during testing to ensure that an accurate aid is created, eliminating the need for patients to return for adjustments. UE Prof. Ray Meddis, head of the research team and 20-year veteran of hearing studies, said the project will allow a more detailed measurement of a person’s hearing loss, leading to “a better idea of what remedies can be applied.”

MOM’S 200-MILE CYCLING TRIP TO HELP CHARITY

Abigail Willis, a 44-year-old deaf mother from Surrey, England, will ride her bicycle 200 miles along the Nile next year to raise money for the National Deaf Children’s Society. She wants to help the NDCS, said the Woking News and Mail, because the society helped her own family when she and her brother were born deaf - and continues to help with her own three deaf children, ages, 15, 17 and 19. (Husband Martin, 49, also deaf, works for an insurance company.) “The training will be tough,” said Willis, who has already made cycling trips in Mexico and Vietnam. With a sponsorship goal of £2,500 ($5,065 US), Willis got a boost in July when a shopping center collection netted over £1,000 ($2,025 US).

WEEKEND BURGLARY LEAVES SCHOOL WITH ‘NOTHING’

A job training center for the deaf in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago was victimized by burglars over the weekend of August 18-19, reported the Trinidad & Tobago Express. Items stolen from the 20-student Deaf Pioneers Life Center included computers, microwave ovens, sewing machines, televisions and more, totaling over 100,000 TTD ($15,975 US). “How can people be so heartless?” asked teacher and interpreter Sharon Henry. “Now we have nothing to assist the students.”

AUSTRALIAN IMPLANT PIONEER NAMED FATHER OF YEAR

Dr. John Quayle, chairman of the Queensland, Australia cochlear implant program since its inception 25 years ago, has been named Father of the Year by the Queensland Father’s Day Council. Quayle, a father of four and grandfather of 10, used the Brisbane award ceremony to criticize “political correctness” that prevents some deaf children from getting the best treatment, said The Age. “We can make the majority of deaf children hear and talk and learn, and for various reasons, we’re not doing it,” he said. The best outcomes occur when intervention such as a cochlear implant is made in the first six months, he added.

COLLEGE FOR DEAF TAKES ROOT IN INDIA

Deaf students in India have a new educational option with the establishment of the Satyabhama Devi College for Hearing Impaired. The college opens this month with 32 seats and courses that include English, computer science, economics and history. It’s the first such college in Orissa and second in the country, said the New Indian Express, and “will provide education through hearing aid, close circuit TV and overhead projectors.”

CANADIAN CROQUET RAISES MONEY FOR CENTER

A “laughter-filled” croquet tournament in Oak Bay, B.C., Canada raised more than $5,000 ($4,745 US) for the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre, said the Oak Bay News. The croque fest attracted 112 entrants in two-person teams with names such as the Rum and Croques. Islanders’ member Rush Dalziel described what makes a good croquet player: “An even temperament ... and people who can hold their alcohol.”

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New! Sony Technology for Teaching and Learning ASL

SANS Inc. is the exclusive licensor and developer of the Sony Virtuoso™ and Soloist Language Learning Instructional Software. With our software plug-ins for ASL and video camera, teachers and students can now easily communicate visually in an instructional classroom. Students are able to view lessons and digitally record their responses. Each student’s work can be saved in a LAN folder, reviewed, and assessed by the instructor at any time --- eliminating the need to lug stacks of video tapes! Contact us at sales@sansinc.com to arrange an on-site demo or visit at www.sansinc.com.

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LIFE & LEISURE
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DRIVE-THRU DEVICE DESIGNED TO AID ACCESSIBILITY

A restaurant in Eau Claire, Wisc. is “serving up a special kind of service to make its drive-thru accessible to everyone,” reported WEAU TV 13. Culver’s Manager Shaun O’Meara says the “real convenient” new service allows hearing-impaired customers to “just drive up and push a button; it rings a bell inside and someone runs out.” The customer is then given an order form to fill out and bring to the window. The $600 system is “taking the barriers down so anyone that wants to can order in the drive-thru,” said O’Meara.

DENVER POST OFFICES TO JOIN IN DEAF AWARENESS

Five post offices in Denver, Colo. are planning special events in recognition of Deaf Awareness Month this month. Postal reps with interpreters will explain how to use a variety of U.S. Postal Service products and services, said an announcement, and registrations will be accepted for tours of the Denver General Mail Facility. The USPS has about 4,000 deaf employees nationwide including 65 in Denver. “This is the first postal event of its kind,” said USPS Deaf Liaison Saundra Calderone. “We are pleased to reach out to the deaf community.”

LEADERSHIP, LIFESTYLE CAMP SEEKS PRESENTERS

Workshop presenters are needed for the Leadership & Lifestyle Camp, scheduled for June 11-15, 2008 in Port Orchard, Wash. Hosted by the Northwest Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, the conference is designed for deaf, deaf-blind and hard-of-hearing lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, intersexes and queers. The registration fee is $255 ($200 for ages 18-25). The deadline to propose a workshop is November 3. To learn more, click here.

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America's funniest ASL comedian!

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WORKING WORLD
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CAPTIONING ON HANDHELD MEDIA FOCUS OF $600,000 GRANT

WGBH in Boston is getting $600,000 from the federal government to help make handheld media accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The three-year grant, from the Department of Education’s National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, will be used to research and develop ways to deliver captioning to iPods, cell phones, PDAs and other mobile devices. “More and more video content is being delivered through handheld media,” said WGBH’s Larry Goldberg in a news release, “yet the 28 million Americans who are deaf and hard of hearing can’t fully benefit from this content.”

UTAH COLLEGE HIRES HUSBAND-WIFE TEAM

Utah Valley State College has hired a husband-and-wife team from Gallaudet University to help build its new Deaf Studies program. Will Garrow and Flavia Fleischer are “going to be the key to the program,” Program Coordinator Bryan Eldredge told NetXNews. “Both of them bring energy; that’s the biggest thing.” Garrow and Fleischer, who met through the U.S. Deaf Ski Association, both enjoy Utah’s outdoor lifestyle and said they are eager to begin their new jobs. Said Garrow: “I’ve told my wife, ‘We’re not moving! This is home.’”

$14 MILLION AD CAMPAIGN SET FOR HEARING AIDS

Amplifon, one of the world’s largest distributors of hearing aids, has hired advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi to lead a $14 million ad campaign. Founded in Italy in 1950, Amplifon is the owner of Miracle Ear, which it acquired in the late 1990s. Saatchi, which has 153 offices in 83 countries, will create television, direct marketing, in-store, print and online campaigns, reported the U.K.’s Marketing Week. “Getting a hearing aid is thought of as a negative experience,” said Saatchi’s Andy Bell. “We want to change the perceptions.”

CALIFORNIA CALL CENTER SET TO CHANGE OWNERS

A call center in Riverbank, Calif. that has changed management four times since opening in 1996 will do so again when Verizon sells the center to GoAmerica, Inc. The center, which employs about 700 relay service operators, will change hands (along with a Memphis, Tenn. call center) as part of GoAmerica’s $50 million cash buyout of Verizon’s relay services division. GoAmerica will continue to operate the center, company spokeswoman Laura Kowalcyk told The Modesto Bee, using Irving, Texas subcontractor Stellar Nordia Services to handle the center’s staffing and operation. The deal is expected to be finalized later this year, she said.

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Save 15% on Simplicity Products for Home and School

Now through September all Simplicity signalers are 15% off. Choose from the complete line of signalers for your home or office. Or, pick up one or two individual signalers to add to your existing system. Perfect to alert you to sounds around your dorm room, apartment or house. Call us now at 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us online at http://www.weitbrecht.com (Use code WCI907D when ordering). Get a copy of our catalog by emailing your request to sales@weitbrecht.com.

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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‘TRAIN GO SORRY’ AUTHOR PENS FOURTH NOVEL

Author Leah Hager Cohen has published seven books in 14 years, said The Boston Globe, but it is her first - “Train Go Sorry,” about her childhood at a New York school for the deaf where her father was superintendent - that is probably still her best known. Cohen’s newest book, “House Lights,” is her fourth novel, to balance out her four nonfiction books. “As a reader, I was never interested in nonfiction,” said Cohen, but a New York agent bluntly told her he “didn’t see anything in my short stories that he could work with.” The agent, Barney Karpfinger, eventually agreed to represent her novels. He now says, “I am encouraging her to stay with her fiction.”

FEMALE FILMMAKERS PLAN FIRST FILM FESTIVAL

Onisha Blagdon and Mei Te have created a new organization, Deaf Women of Silver Screen, and announced plans for the first “Divas of Silver Screen” film festival. It is expected to take place March 21-22, 2008 in Orange County, Calif. Blagdon is a UCLA School of Film and Television graduate and owner of two production companies, Heaven Dragon Pictures and Deaf Everyday. Te is an artist and graphic designer who has done work for many companies. To learn more, visit www.dwss.org/1.html or write to deafwomensilverscreen@msn.com.

SEATTLE MIXED-MEDIA SCULPTOR HAS GALLERY SHOW

Mixed-media artist Jessica Geiger is having a show of her life-size, doll-like sculptures at Vision Gallery in Seattle, Wash. Geiger’s exhibit, titled “Fallen Through the Cracks: Outsiders and Renegades,” offers what said art reviewer Gary Faigin calls an “unflinching portrayal of flawed humanity” with subjects that include “homeless people, abused children, junkies, anorexics and other troubled souls rarely portrayed in art.” The exhibit, free and open to the public, runs through September 28. More about Geiger can be found on her website, www.jessicageiger.com.

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20th Anniversary Celebration Means 20% off all Sonic Alert Clocks!

It’s “time” to celebrate our 20th anniversary in September with 20% off all Sonic Alert clocks! The selection is big and so are the savings. We’ve got digital, analog, portable clocks and more! (use code “PTEC907D” to receive this special pricing). Call us now at 1-800-433-2838 (V/TTY) or visit online at http://www.potomactech.com.

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SPORTS
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BISON RETURN TO DIVISION III WITH 32-13 WIN

The Gallaudet University Bison played their first football game in 12 years as a Division III team last Saturday, beating the Saint Vincent College Bearcats, 32-13, in Latrobe, Pa. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gallaudet “did not show much offense in the first half” but still led 19-0 on two touchdown passes from Jason Coleman to Kevin Alley and a blocked punt that was recovered by Robin Shannon. The Bearcats, playing their first varsity game in 45 years, scored on their first possession in the second half, their first score since 1962. They cut the lead to 19-13 before Gallaudet pulled away. The Bison, subject of a recent Washington Post feature, have gone 16-2 under Coach Ed Hottle since he started two years ago.

MARYLAND, OPPONENT COMBINE FOR 95 POINTS

The Maryland School for the Deaf football team won their season opener last Friday against the Central Maryland Christian Crusaders by a score of 60-35. According to the Frederick News Post, the point total of 95 puts the game among the top five in Maryland prep football history. “I was expecting a lower score,” said MSD Coach Andy Bonheyo. The Orioles were hurt by 17 penalties totaling 120 yards, some that Bonheyo said were unnecessary. “We’re going to review the video tape to see where the mistakes are,” he said.

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Deaf Community Auction - win a trip to Australia!

Looking for amazing bargains on travel, sports memorabilia, housewares, and items made by members of the Deaf community?

Browse through a “sneak preview” of DCARA’s Community Auction to see some of the exciting items up for bid—including a football signed by Joe Montana and a trip for two to Australia and New Zealand!

More items will be added every week—sign up now to receive weekly email updates.

Bidding opens September 10th and closes October 12th.

Open to bidders nationwide—tell your friends and family! Registration open now at http://dcara.cmarket.com !

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COMING EVENTS
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ASHRAM IN NEW YORK TO HOST YOGA RETREAT

Four deaf yoga instructors are coming together to lead the fall Northeast Deaf Yoga Retreat. It’s set for October 11-14 at the Sivananda Ashram in Woodbourne, N.Y. The event is limited to 30 participants. “This retreat is about community, self-discovery, health and healing,” said organizer Lila Lolling. “Come join us as we celebrate life and oneness!” To learn more, visit www.deafyoga.com/nyretreat.

LAS VEGAS POKER TOURNEY SET FOR OCTOBER 13

The third annual Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament, No Limit, Texas Hold Em, is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, October 13 at the world-famous Palms Casino Resort. Robert Brooke of Colorado won the first tournament and $11,620 in 2005, and Hubert Ruessman of Michigan won $15,977 last year. Southern Nevada Silver Knights, a tax-exempt group that aids deaf charities, is running the event with help from sponsor Full Tilt, an online poker company. For full details, visit www.lasvegasdeaf.org/poker.

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MILESTONES
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STEPHEN WOLK, 64, FORMER GALLAUDET PROFESSOR

Stephen Wolk, a research associate and professor at Gallaudet University from 1978 to 1986, died August 6 of heart disease at his home in Rockville, Md. He was 64. Dr. Wolk was born in Philadelphia and earned degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, said The Washington Post. During his Gallaudet tenure, Dr. Wolk learned sign language and taught graduate courses in statistics. He retired in 2004 after managing drug trials for several pharmaceutical firms. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan Wolk; a son, Matthew; and a brother.

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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) and reach nearly 7,000 Deafweekly subscribers. Our website gets an additional 3,000+ page views each week. Start spreading the news! To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

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Pressley Ridge, a nonprofit social services organization based in Pittsburgh PA, has a number of positions open in their Deaf Services requiring ASL fluency. Openings include: Mental Health Specialist, Classroom Teachers, Houseparent, Residential Supervisor, and overnight Counselor. Full details and contact information can be viewed at www.pressleyridge.org/careers or by emailing to bgibbons@pressleyridge.org.

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Warwick Family Services / MCC, Inc,
800 Clarmont Avenue, Suite B
Bensalem, PA 19020
267-525-7000
267-525-7014 ( FAX)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Therapeutic Staff Support—TSS Professionals

Looking for an enticing job that challenges your character and skills? Look no further! Working with children in an apprenticeship role will instill you with new skills that can be used in fields such as: psychology, education, business and government.

You will learn the magical art of healthy working relationships in the classroom, conjuring boundaries with children and learn the valuable trade of managing children’s behaviors.

You will be provided with resources and support from the behavior specialist on a weekly basis. Have strong “people’s person skills? You will find this job to be a good fit, and for those who strive to be a “people’s person” the behavior specialist s will teach you valuable skills to help you be successful in the workplace environment.

TSS candidates must possess a bachelors degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related field and one year previous work experience with children or at minimum 60 college credits and three years work experience with children.

TSS Aide candidates must possess a high school diploma and two years of verified volunteer or paid work experience with children.

All applicants must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL).

Case assignments are generally in a school setting, however some clients require services in the home. Work hours vary from ten to thirty hours per week based on approved client hours and staff flexibility to accept more than one assignment. Work is available in Philadelphia and Bucks County.

For immediate consideration please email your resume to mstoll@warwickfamilyservices.com or via fax to 267-525-7014.

For additional information about our company log on to our website
www.warwickfamilyservices.com.

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Position: HR Director
Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc.
Location: Rocklin, CA

Brief summary of duties:
Hands On is strategically located in a highly competitive market. Our objective of providing communication services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing gives us the opportunity to employ motivated and sincere professionals.
Directs employee and management-focused programs, services and consultation to enhance the organizations performance consistent with company’s established mission, vision, values and leadership traits. Provides direction to senior management on HR strategy and policy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops objectives and directs staff in the research, design and execution of HR related services, programs or initiatives including compensation, benefits, HRIS, safety, security, training, organizational development, employee relations and recruiting.
Oversees and implements programs and policies designed to protect the Company and employee interests in accordance with policies and state/federal laws and regulations.
Develops, tracks and maintains HR related budgets. Ensures departments operate within established parameters.
Interacts with senior management team on organizational development, succession planning, and strategic planning. Mentors senior management with respect to human relations and managing staff.
As necessary, performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Requires 12+ years experience in all areas of Human Resources including Employee Relations, Recruiting, Compensation, Benefits, Strategic Planning and Organizational Development
Demonstrated experience in strategic HR planning and execution

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) preferred

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters degree in business

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with persons contacted in the course of performing assigned duties including Company management, investors, and outside business associates
Strong attention to details
Ability to lead, mentor and influence senior management on a regular basis.
Excellent advocacy and persuasive skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING:
Develops solutions to a variety of complex problems; ensures solutions are consistent with organization objectives

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Manages exempt and nonexempt staff; makes hire, termination, promotion and salary decisions

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Travel to and from company’s multiple call centers

Application deadline: until filled

Our mission is to enhance effective communication. Our dedicated staff is committed to excellence; and strives to delight our customers. Our compensation and comprehensive benefits package are designed to attract individuals with the skills necessary to build a company viewed as a leader in our industry.

Visit us at: www.hovrs.com

Please submit your resume or application to:
Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc.
FAX: (916)435-5878
EMAIL: jobs@hovrs.com

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD

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

- Regional Director - Riverside
- Director of LIFESIGNS - Los Angeles
- Community Interpreter 1 - Riverside
- Community Interpreter 2 (3 positions open) - Riverside
- Lead Dispatcher - Los Angeles
- Community Advocate - Los Angeles
- Community Advocate - Ventura
- Hard of Hearing Specialist - Riverside
- LIFESIGNS Dispatcher - Riverside
- Community Advocate (Part-time) - Riverside
- Community Health Educator - Los Angeles

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

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

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DEAF SERVICES CENTER
MILESTONES COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE, INC
614 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
215-884-9770 TTY/V 215-884-9774 FAX/VP

Deaf Services Center (DSC) offers culturally competent, linguistically accessible treatment for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and in need of behavioral health services. This is an opportunity for a motivated individual to join a dedicated group of professionals who give new meaning to the term teamwork. E.O.E.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (Full Time Position) MA, MS, MSW in field related to human services treatment and minimum of 5 years post masters experience in behavioral health treatment of Deaf individuals. Advanced ASL fluency required. Strong leadership, administrative and supervisory experience required to oversee three programs: Partial Hospital, Case Management and Outpatient Services. Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills (both in person and in writing). Strong ability to manage and complete multiple tasks, priorities and projects. Familiarity with psychiatric treatment models and financial management. Ability to lead, teach, advise and motivate staff and consumers. Ability to establish program priorities, goals and outcome measures and conduct program evaluation and modification as necessary. Ability to develop program policies and procedures that promote consumers’ growth, independence and social relationships. Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with Deaf consumers and their family members, staff, supervisors and government, public and private entities.

Responsibilities include:

-- Regulatory Compliance -Insure compliance with the health, safety, and occupancy regulations and contract requirements of all relevant Governmental and professional accreditation entities. Assure the maintenance of DPW and other licensures as required.
-- Budget -Insures that program expenses are kept within budgetary limits. Work with Vice President/COO and other fiscal management personnel to develop yearly budgets. Work with Program Directors and Assistant Program Directors to ensure budgetary compliance.
-- Supervision -Maintain a supervisory process including both individual and group meetings of all program staff for direction, guidance and support. Communicate agency policies and procedures, client information, and all other relevant information to staff as needed.
-- Personnel -Oversee and recruit, hire and train qualified staff to provide sufficient supervision and support to meet client needs, agency standards, and contractual or regulatory requirements. Develop department/division standards in compliance with agency policies.
-- Liaison - Maintain effective working relationships with clients, officials, families and agency personnel. Insure full participation in an interagency planning process for individual clients as well as for service system development and problem solving. Provide ongoing communication with psychiatric service providers such as the psychiatrist, therapists and specialized consultants or practitioners as well as county and state governmental agencies

We are growing! Come be a part of our Professional TEAM!

Send your letter of intent and resumes to:
Linda Sivigny, Office Manager/HR
Milestones Community Healthcare, Inc. - Deaf Services Center
614 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
Email: lsivigny@salisb.com or Fax: 215-884-9774

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Application deadline: Until filled

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

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

Application deadline: Until filled

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

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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS NEEDED

Position: i711 Relay Specialist
Location: Hackensack, NJ

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

Application deadline: Until filled

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

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