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Last issue's most-read story: THE DEAF PROTEST IN WASHINGTON DC 2015 / CNN iReport
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NATIONAL
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Austin, TX
DRIVER WHO KILLED DEAF TEACHER VIOLATES PROBATION, AVOIDS PRISON
Despite evidence of an alcohol reading on his ignition interlock device and three missed drug tests, 23-year-old Roman Turullos-Gonzalez will remain on probation, avoiding a return to prison. On Friday, Judge David Wahlberg admonished Turullos-Gonzalez for the violations, but ruled they were minor and caught early enough to keep from warranting a return to prison. After pleading guilty to failure to stop and render aid in the 2012 collision that killed Mark Gobble, Turullos-Gonzalez served six-months of “shock probation” in prison before being released to serve the rest of his 10-year sentence on probation. / KXAN
Washington, DC
JUDGE RULES D.C. CORRECTIONS MUST PAY DAMAGES IN CASE OF DEAF INMATE
A federal judge has ruled that the D.C. Department of Corrections will have to pay damages to a deaf former inmate because officials failed to assess what accommodations he would need when he arrived at a corrections facility and because they mismanaged his care. In a 60-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson delivered a stinging rebuke to the department for its treatment of 46-year-old William Pierce, a deaf former inmate who alleged that he was not given appropriate accommodations during his incarceration in 2012. / The Washington Post
Washington, DC
WHEN IT REDESIGNS ITS CAMPUS, GALLAUDET HOPES TO PIONEER ARCHITECTURE FOR THE DEAF
Gallaudet University is using two projects to create the first urban environment designed for the deaf. First, it's redesigning its public spaces, including the 6th Street streetscape, the campus grounds, and a few small buildings. Second, it's developing four large parcels of land that front 6th Street NE. As the world's only university for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Gallaudet has a set of design guidelines the school calls DeafSpace; the redesigns will fit with both that and the 10-year master plan that zoning requires. / Greater Greater Washington
Yosemite National Park, CA
LEFT SPEECHLESS: EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED FOR DEAF VISITORS AT YOSEMITE
When 11-year-old Lily Molina visited Yosemite National Park for the first time, she was stunned to meet a park ranger who spoke her language. Lily is Deaf, and usually relies on her mother Kristal to interpret for her when she visits museums or other attractions. But Yosemite was different. The Molinas first visited in 2011, and when they checked in at the visitor’s center and asked about interpreters, they were amazed at what was available. / Mashable
Washington, DC
WHITE HOUSE RALLY FOCUSES ON DEAF GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT
D eaf people from across the nation were joined by hearing supporters recently at the White House to get rally for attention of the significant needs of deaf citizens. The challenges emphasized by those rallying were lack of equality in jobs, communication and education. The message to Washington was that deaf people want equality in jobs and advancement opportunities, equality so that communication barriers are removed and equality in education for their children. / The Southwest Times
New York, NY
FINALLY, A CRISIS HOTLINE THE DEAF AND HARD-OF HEARING COMMUNITY CAN USE
When Crisis Text Line, the nation's first free, 24/7, nationwide text line, was founded, it was aimed at teens. Today, we're here to support people of all ages and backgrounds. In 2014, one of our crisis counselors received a message that read, "I can't call suicide hotlines because I can't hear, so I was hoping I could use this service." And there are more texts just like it: "I'm deaf and I've been feeling down lately," started one conversation. It turns out that for many people with hearing loss, Crisis Text Line is a lifeline. / The Huffington Post
Gwinnett County, GA
MISSING DEAF MAN FOUND IN DEKALB COUNTY
A missing man that wandered away from his Lilburn home on Tuesday was found Thursday in DeKalb County. Kharka Das, 58, was last seen leaving his home around noon. Das is deaf and also takes heart medication. He is a native of the Asian country of Nepal. Family members said Das used to live in Clarkston and that is where they believe he may have been headed. / CBS46 News
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INTERNATIONAL
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Internet
BIBLE GROUP AND ISIS IN A BATTLE FOR SOULS OF DEAF MUSLIMS
Last March, the Islamic State released a video featuring two hearing and speech impaired traffic policemen in an attempt to get in more deaf Muslims into their ranks. As a response to the new propaganda, a Bible group has stepped up to the plate to keep the deaf and mute from the terrorists. In the video, the two fighters communicated their cause through sign language, convincing the deaf that they can do so much more if they pack their bags and have goals in line with the radical teachings of Islam. / Christian Post
St. John's, NL, Canada
MUN PROF REFUSES TO WEAR DEVICE FOR HEARING DISABLED STUDENT, CITES RELIGIOUS REASONS
A Memorial University student with a hearing disability is upset that one of his professors refused to wear a sound-transmitting device last week during a lecture, and he said she told him it was because of religious reasons. William Sears, 20, says Ranee Panjabi would not wear an FM transmitter system that he needs to hear lectures at the school in St. John's. "I've never experienced an instructor refusing to wear the FM, both at the university and throughout public school," said Sears, a third-year history major. / CBC News
London, England
BBC RIDICULES DEAF TORY MP FOR 'SLEEPING' - BUT HE WAS ACTUALLY TRYING TO HEAR
A screen grab posted on the BBC Newsbeat's Twitter account showing Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke "resting his eyes" quickly went viral. But the red-faced broadcaster has now deleted the tweet and offered its "heartfelt" apologies to the Tory MP after he was forced to defend himself. The 38-year-old said: "I am genuinely slightly deaf and struggle to hear. Seems a shame I get trolled due to being slightly deaf." / Daily Express
London, England
BEING POSITIVE ABOUT MY DEAFNESS INSPIRES THE DEAF CHILDREN I MEET
My day starts at 7am when my travel alarm clock starts vibrating under my pillow. As I am profoundly deaf, I rely on the vibrations to ensure I get out of bed, check emails and plan for the day ahead. After breakfast I am ready to hit the road and travel to the school we are scheduled to visit. I manage the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) roadshow. We have an eight-ton lorry which converts into a classroom and we use it to travel the UK, delivering deaf awareness in schools. / The Guardian
Kent, England
MONKSHILL FARM UNDER THREAT AS ROYAL SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN SUFFERS FINANCIALLY
A farm which has offered an invaluable activity and education centre to children and young people for 20 years is at risk of closing. The John Townsend Trust announced this week that due to a “difficult economic situation”, Monkshill Farm is under threat. The farm, in Waterham just outside of Faversham, provides practical learning opportunities and vocational training for many young people on a real working farm, offering an educational hub for youngsters with disabilities. / KentOnline
Belfast, Northern Ireland
ALLEGED DEAF CHARITY SCAMMER 'HAD £100 HIDDEN IN BRA'
A woman accused of operating a charity scam to steal from elderly victims had £100 ($155 US) hidden in her bra, the High Court heard on Tuesday. Prosecutors said police found the cash on Dinarca Almas after she was stopped on a street. The 21-year-old Romanian national allegedly plundered the purses of pensioners in Donaghadee and Bangor while claiming she was collecting for the deaf. / Belfast Newsletter
Nepal
SEVERAL KIDS AT SCHOOL FOR DEAF IN DOLAKHA HAVE SEVERE AILMENTS
Several children at Bhimeshwor School for Deaf Children in Charikot, Dolakha, were diagnosed with severe ailments when Dr Binod Dangal and his team from Gaurishankhar General Hospital conducted a free health check-up. One of the children, a six-year-old boy, had a hole in his heart and another, a girl, had a tumor in her stomach. There were many other children who needed surgeries and long-term treatment, said Dr Dangal, who has pledged to offer free treatment to the children. / The Kathmandu Post
Singapore
NANYANG POLYTECHNIC CREATES WATCH TO HELP THE DEAF
Students and staff from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) have created a watch that will vibrate and light up when it picks up loud sounds, such as car horns and fire alarms, said NYP, The Goodwater Company, and The Singapore Association For the Deaf (SADeaf) in a joint news release on Wednesday (Sep 16). The BRACER Watch, which has been licensed to The Goodwater Company, is designed to enhance road safety for those hard of hearing. / Channel NewsAsia
Maldives
FATHER OF DEAF TODDLER LOSES MALPRACTICE APPEAL
High Court on Sunday upheld a lower court verdict denying a lawsuit against the health ministry seeking damages for a 3-year-old who lost her hearing due to an injection administered at a regional hospital. The father had sought MVR7.1 million ($465,000 US) in damages after his daughter lost hearing in both ears after the injection. However, the Civil Court in 2009 had ruled in favor of the health ministry. After the ruling was appealed, the appellate court upheld the lower court verdict on Thursday. / Haveeru Online
Dohan, Qatar
SAEED SALEH SET TO BECOME ROLE MODEL FOR DEAF STUDENTS
A Qatari is setting an example for fellow young Qataris to pursue their dreams despite the odds. Saeed Saleh Al Marri, 25 (pictured), is heading to the United States to study at university. He hopes to be the first deaf Qatari to finish higher education abroad. Al Marri will be taking up Computer Science and Programming at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, the first school in the world which offers advanced education for the deaf. / The Peninsula Qatar
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LIFE & LEISURE
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Internet
THE COST OF BEING HEARING IMPAIRED IN AMERICA
I’m 29 and have worn hearing aids since I was a teenager. My hearing aids have been acting up in the last couple of weeks. A lot of people don’t know that hearing aids are covered by very few health insurance plans. I often hear, in response: shouldn’t they be covered similarly to eyeglasses? I completely agree — however, most American insurance companies do not share this belief. / Credit.com
Granville, OH
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT WORKS WITH DEAF CHILDREN IN NICARAGUA
While most of her peers were getting ready for college, Raquel Cuellar ‘18 had different plans, namely, volunteering at Escuela Cristiana de Sordos, or Christian School for the Deaf in Nicaragua. Cuellar, a native of Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, first developed a passion for helping the deaf at the age of 15. While attending church, she became acquainted with a deaf girl named Jennifer. “I wanted to be able to speak to her because no one else could,” Cuellar said, “I thought it would be kind of cool.” / The Denisonian
Columbia, MO
MISSOURI WOMAN USES EXPERIENCE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE DEAF
The deaf community has its own language, culture and set of obstacles, and most hearing people will never interact with it. But Dr. Stephanie Logan was thrust into the deaf community when she lost her hearing at the age of 23. Logan was studying psychology at the University of Georgia when she contracted spinal meningitis. In less than a week, her hearing was completely gone. "I had never met a deaf person and I had never seen sign language before in my life,” Logan said. "I literally had to start all over with communication." / KBIA
Covina, CA
CA HANDS & VOICES DEAF FAMILY PICNIC A SUCCESS
Despite a bit of unanticipated precipitation, 17 families gathered in Cougar Park on Saturday, September 12, as California Hands & Voices hosted its first ever picnic for Microtia Atresia, Deaf and Hard of Hearing families and friends. “Most Californians get scared with even just a little rain, but Californian DHH parents have thicker skin,” proclaimed Yiesell Rayon, the event’s organizer. The picnic was co-sponsored by Cochlear, which provided a face painter and balloon artist. / Canyon News
Baltimore, MD
DEAF PATIENTS SAY IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO COMMUNICATE AT HOSPITALS
Deaf patients are too often unable to communicate with doctors or hospital staff because of a lack of translation services — which can be daunting, and frightening, when dealing with medical care and life-and-death situations, according to advocates for the hearing impaired. The Governor's Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing in Maryland is working with hospitals to improve sign language interpreting services and looking at establishing regulations to ensure that only qualified and perhaps licensed interpreters are used. / Baltimore Sun
See Also LETTER: AN EASY FIX FOR DEAF HOSPITAL PATIENTS / Baltimore Sun
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Do you love to go on a cruise vacation . . . or ever want to go on one?
You can join deaf group cruise or create your own for you and family and/or friends and even groups. This Full Time Cruise Travel Agent is Deaf. You can call 801-331-5235 VP. It is a free service. You can see at www.MyDeafCruise.com to see available deaf group cruises. They are going to Alaska, Hawaii, Caribbean, South America, Etc.
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WORKING WORLD
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Moorhead, MN
MOORHEAD CALL CENTER GROWING, FACING TECH CHANGES
When Jerry Geist was growing up in Devils Lake, N.D., his mom would make phone calls on his behalf. Things changed for the better when he was a teen and a "relay" service became available. Today, Geist, who still relies on the service, works for a relay call center in Moorhead. Started nearly two decades ago, the center is part of CSD, a nonprofit group that serves more than 30 states and is seeking to expand farther. But relay is also changing as new technology, such as email and cellphone text messaging, give deaf people more ways to communicate. / INFORUM
Rochester, VT
FOREST SERVICE COLLABORATES WITH LEXINGTON SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF TO HIRE STUDENT CREW
Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) staff and Lexington School for the Deaf administrators in Jackson Heights (Queens), New York have developed a new partnership that will bring a student crew to the National Forest for one week in September, 2015. Funding for the crew is provided by the U.S Forest Service in support of the 21st Century Conservation Corps, a national effort to put thousands of America’s young people and veterans to work protecting, restoring, and enhancing America’s great outdoors. / VTDigger
Dallas, TX
DALLAS ISD OFFICER LEARNS SIGN LANGUAGE TO COMMUNICATE WITH DEAF STUDENTS
Her sign language name is “Police Kimberly.” Given to her by a deaf seventh-grade student, Officer Kimberly Stangarone said the name, which can only be given by a deaf person, is a sign of honor. But Stangarone, 26, isn’t deaf. She is a Dallas ISD police officer who knows sign language. And she’s one of the only ones, according to the district. / Dallas Morning News
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Seattle, WA
COCHLEAR CONTROVERSY DRAMATIZED IN 'SOUND'
To hear? To speak? To sign? Those are the questions. Deaf children in America are eligible for a procedure that can significantly expand their ability to hear. It is a cochlear implant, and rather than amplify sounds like hearing aids do, it works by directly stimulating the auditory nerve in the brain. By 2012, about 96,000 adults and children in the U.S. alone had undergone the procedure. Yet while many have hailed it as a breakthrough that not only can turn up the volume but also help deaf children develop speech, not everyone is cheering. / The Seattle Times
Internet
FILM REVIEW: PORTRAYAL OF DEAF-MUTE PARENTS 'BORDERLINE OFFENSIVE'
In La Famille Bélier, the heartening story of a young girl realizing her singing talent is tempered by the borderline offensive portrayal of her deaf and mute farming parents (played by hearing actors) as a pair of clowns that serve as the butt of most jokes. Inexplicably enough for this loving household, the couple also find it insulting when they learn that their 16-year-old daughter Paula (Louane Emera) – the only hearing member of the Bélier family of four – sings beautifully and ponders timidly at the prospect of making it as a professional singer in Paris. / South China Morning Post
New York, NY
BAD TV AUDIO: BEYOND THE HELP OF HEARING AIDS
The dirty secret of TV manufacturers is that they don’t care about sound quality. An even darker secret is that consumers don’t seem to mind. Shoppers buy what looks good, without ever listening to the sound. As one industry expert points out, “Nobody ever walked into Best Buy and said “I’m not going to buy that TV. It doesn’t sound good enough.” The result? People can’t understand dialog. / Twice
Los Angeles, CA
THE 'ANTM' CONTESTANTS LEARN ASL FOR DEAF CONTESTANT
'America's Next Top Model' is teaching the remaining models ASL in order to communicate with deaf contestant Nyle DiMarco. (Video) / ETonline.com
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SPORTS
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Birmingham, AL
MEET KAI CHRISTENBERRY, OAK MOUNTAIN'S SILENT STAR
Cornerback Kai Christenberry glanced at a whiteboard on the Oak Mountain sideline, before returning his attention to assistant coach Chris McGaha. McGaha moved his focus to the field, while Christenberry looked around at nothing in particular. McGaha then nudged Christenberry on his back with two hands, delivering a non-verbal message. Special teams... Eagle Pride, go! Christenberry, who is deaf, sprinted on the field. / AL.com
Council Bluffs, IA
LOCAL WOMAN USES MARTIAL ARTS SKILLS TO RAISE MONEY FOR HEARING IMPAIRED
A local woman tests her martial art skills to raise money for those who can't hear. Rebecca Lee is a hearing instrument specialist for Miracle-Ear Omaha. She's trying to raise money for the foundation so that it can provide more hearing aids to children and adults. "A lot of people (are) taking hearing for granted, I mean, even the simple tick of a turn signal in your car. There's quite a few people out there who don't hear that, so I wanted to help them do that," Lee said. Lee said her goal was to break 60 boards in a minute, and she broke 82. / KETV
San Marcos, TX
TEXAS STATE STUDENT MAKES SECTION FOR THE DEAF AT SCHOOL'S FOOTBALL STADIUM
For the first time, a section along the 40-yard-line in Texas State University’s football stands is being reserved for the deaf and those fluent in American Sign Language. As first reported by local station KXAN, the section was devised by Brian Guendling, a former TXST football player and current junior at the university in San Marcos, Texas. “I had the idea of making a section in the stands to make them feel welcome,” Guendling says. “I wanted them to feel included.” / USA Today
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MILESTONES
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Lynbrook, NY
JUDITH ANN BLANKMEYER-VERHEY, 58, EDUCATOR OF THE DEAF
Judy Blankmeyer, born June 22, 1957 was an incredible woman. She grew up in Glen Head attending North Shore High School. From there she went on to Seton Hall University where she graduated in 1981. Later working at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, Judy met Gerald (Jerry) Verhey her husband with whom she was married to for 27 years. / Flinch & Bruns Funeral Home
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EMPLOYMENT
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You can advertise your job openings here for just $20 a week (up to 100 words, 10 cents each add'l word). To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.
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Company: ZVRS
Position: Account Manager
Locations: Check our job posting on website!
Summary: The Account Manager, reporting to the Sales Manager, will be expected to work closely with customers within their assigned area. The Account Manager will also assist the customer with product installation and train on our features and services. After installation, the Account Manager will focus on customer retention. The Account Manager will also provide follow-up training, continued education and introduction of ZVRS’ features and services, both current and new whenever scheduled, requested or necessary. The Account Manager may also be asked to represent ZVRS at presentations, workshops and tradeshows. Apply at: jobs@zvrs.com
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Rochester Institute of Technology
Coordinator - Sunshine Too
Your friend has found job(s) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) that you might find interesting. Located in Upstate New York, Rochester is a metropolitan area that provides a world class quality of life.
Rochester Institute of Technology is a privately endowed, coeducational university with nine colleges emphasizing career education and experiential learning. The RIT student body consists of approximately 14,750 undergraduate and 2,900 graduate students. Enrolled students represent all 50 states and more than 100 countries.
RIT offers degree programs ranging from AS to PhD in over 80 disciplines from fine arts to business to computing and engineering to sign language and liberal arts, to name a few.
To apply: http://apptrkr.com/674134
To view these or any of our jobs, please visit our Career site at http://careers.rit.edu
View details 1969BR - Coordinator - Sunshine Too
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Come Work With The Best!
Northeast Arc has full and part-time positions, working with adult individuals who are deaf, available in Lynn, Salem, Swampscott and Beverly, MA. You'll be working with deaf individuals using various communication skills including gestural, written and Signed English. Do you know ASL? If so, I'd like to speak with you about our direct care positions. We offer an excellent benefits package, paid trainings and the support you will need to become a successful part of our experienced, long-term team of professionals. For additional information or to send your resume, please email Kathy Tracy Ktracy@ne-arc.org.
Compensation: $12 for per diem shifts and $14 for PT/FT shifts.
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Mental Health Clinician – Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Moorhead, Minnesota
$24.00 - $35.37 hourly, $50,112 - $73,853 annually per year.
Our Mental Health Program is expanding! We are seeking a mental health clinician to provide culturally affirmative mental health services to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing consumers living in Moorhead, MN and Northwest Minnesota. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in a behavioral health field such as counseling, psychology, or social work; be licensed or licensed-eligible as a mental health professional (LPC, LPCC, LP, LICSW or LMFT) in State of Minnesota; be fluent in ASL; and have extensive experience in mental health counseling including knowledge of clinical/crisis interventions and psychiatric medications. Minnesota is a great place to live and work offering the best of both large metropolitan areas as well as small town charm. In addition to a rewarding career we offer an excellent benefit and compensation package. To learn more about how you can make a difference, please send your resume to Dr. John Gournaris at john.gournaris@state.mn.us.
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Teacher of the Deaf Job Opportunities
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) is accepting applications for current Teacher of the Deaf vacancies for the 2015-2016 school year:
• English / Language Arts (Secondary)
• Mathematics (Secondary)
• Science (Secondary)
• Distance Learning / Outreach Programs
Interested persons are invited to visit the CSDB website at http://www.csdb.org/, where the official job announcement can be found in its entirety.
Contact information:
Chelle Lutz, Human Resources
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind
33 N. Institute Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
clutz@csdb.org; 719-578-2114; 719-578-2239 (fax)
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A Division of Salisbury Behavioral Health