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NATIONAL
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Santa Rosa, CA
FOR SONOMA COUNTY'S DEAF, THE FIRES WERE A SILENT EMERGENCY
While some of the hundreds displaced by flames that tore across Sonoma County in the wee hours of Oct. 9 felt the notification process was less than ideal, there was a community of some 500 deaf people for whom Oct. 9 was like every other night — silent. Once they were finally alerted, often hours after their neighbors, they still struggled to comprehend what exactly was happening until hours later when they encountered hearing people and passed written notes back and forth. / Santa Rose Press Democrat
See Also SMOKE SIGNALS: HOW THE DEAF STAY INFORMED DURING A CRISIS/ The Oak Leaf
San Antonio, TX
WOMAN WHO SHOT DEAF MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER
Jurors deciding the murder case against Michelle Chase watched the defendant make contradictory statements in police videos Thursday before she admitted that she shot a deaf man on the porch of her apartment in 2016, but didn't mean to kill him. Once they got the case, it took the jury three hours to convict Chase, 51, of murder in the fatal shooting of William Farr, 50, after she said the man demanded money from her, then attacked her when she didn’t give it to him. / mySanAntonio.com
Trumbull, CT
CONNECTICUT RELAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR DEAF, HARD OF HEARING
Several agencies have relaunched a program to assist deaf and hard of hearing drivers in Connecticut, according to Trumbull police. The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and Connecticut Council on Organizations Serving the Deaf restarted the Green Envelope Program this month. The envelopes can be found a many police departments across the state, Trumbull police said. / CT Post
Memphis, TN
SPECIAL CARD WILL IMPROVE COMMUNICATION FOR DEAF PEOPLE DURING TRAFFIC STOP
Memphis Police Department is working to improve relationships with the deaf community. In September, a deaf man was shot by police in Oklahoma City while trying to communicate with officers. Deaf Connect in Memphis is now working to prevent a similar incident from happening in the Mid-South. / WMC Action News 5
Long Branch, NJ
FASHION SHOW TO RAISE FUNDS TO BUILD $20M HOUSING COMPLEX
A runway fashion show to raise money for a multi-million dollar home for deaf seniors in Morris County will be held this weekend. Hosted by the NJ Deaf Senior Housing organization, the fifth annual show will be held at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch. The event will be emceed by Donna and Nico DiMarco, mother and brother of “America’s Next Top Model” and “Dancing with the Stars” winner Nyle DiMarco, who is deaf. / Daily Record
Sioux Falls, SD
FIRST SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF CAMP HELD IN SIOUX FALLS
The first School for the Deaf Camp was held Friday in Sioux Falls. Almost 39 deaf and hard of hearing kids from all over the region were at the camp, which focused on self advocacy and allowed them to talk with others that have had the same experiences. "We're just excited for each other to meet, for all the kids to meet each other," Kim Wadsworth, School for the Deaf's director of outreach, said. / KSFY
Longmeadow, MA
SEEN @ THE WILLIE ROSS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY GALA
The Willie Ross School for the Deaf held its Golden Anniversary Gala on Thursday at the Basketball Hall of Fame. The Golden Anniversary Gala brought together the community, board members, dignitaries and alumni to celebrate half a century of educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students. / MassLive.com
Springfield, IL
SUPPORTING THE DEAF COMMUNITY
Saturday, dozens came out to participate in the 4th Annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Walk. The Sertoma Club sponsored the walk. The money raised will go towards helping those in the Deaf community in Springfield. / FOX Illinois
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INTERNATIONAL
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Madrid, Spain
AGBELL LAUNCHES FIRST GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) announced October 13 its global expansion with the launch of Alexander Graham Bell International (AG Bell International) in Madrid, Spain, the first-ever expansion of the 126-year-old nonprofit organization. AG Bell acquired Spanish organizations CLAVE and Fundación Oír Es Clave (Hearing is Key Foundation), which now comprise Alexander Graham Bell International. / PRNewswire
Montreal, QC, Canada
ACCESSIBLE CONCERT A DREAM COME TRUE FOR DEAF MUSIC FAN
Natasha Luttrell is Deaf, but that doesn't stop her from enjoying live music. She was born hearing, and told CBC that she likes concerts because she has memories of sound, and likes feeling the vibrations. As an avid music lover, Luttrell had been hoping for Deaf Finnish rap artist Signmark to come to Montreal and today, her wish was granted. "It's amazing. I cant believe it happened," Luttrell said. / CBC.ca
Dublin, Ireland
DEAF GROUPS SAY THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET NEWS ON HURRICANE OPHELIA
Two prominent bodies representing the deaf have expressed their “deep disappointment and annoyance” at the failure of the emergency coordination group to alert those they represent to the “imminent dangers of Hurricane Ophelia”. The Irish Deaf Society and the Council of Irish Sign Language Interpreters directed their ire at the National Emergency Coordination Group (NEC) and Met Éireann, saying that “neither organization has followed the growing international trend of using sign language interpreters when holding a public briefing session." / The Journal
Belfast, Northern Ireland
CHECK OUT HOW THIS CHARITY IS HELPING DEAF YOUNG PEOPLE
Growing up with hearing loss means dealing with a range of different challenges. But there's a charity, based in Belfast, which is there to support young people from birth until the age of 30. Action Deaf Youth, formerly the Northern Ireland Deaf Youth Association, was set up in 1988 after it became apparent young deaf people were feeling isolated and needed support. / Belfast Live
London, England
THE HIDDEN HEARING AID THAT IS BEING USED TO GIVE DEAF PEOPLE 24/7 SOUND
NHS surgeons are restoring deaf patients’ hearing with a revolutionary ‘bionic ear’ implant with no external parts – making it impossible to tell a person has it fitted. The battery-powered microphone, processor and motor is placed beneath the skin and within the skull near the ear in a complex operation. After six to eight weeks it is switched on – and the patient can hear again. / Daily Mail
Singapore
HOW A DEAF THEATRE ACTOR MADE HIMSELF HEARD ON THE BIG STAGE
On this late Tuesday morning, Ramesh Meyyappan is teetering on the verge of collapse. Or at least his trembling fingers were. The 43-year-old Singaporean is rehearsing for his latest solo performance called Off-Kilter on the second floor of TheatreWorks’ arts space 72-13. Crouching in front of a table, his right hand mimics a person balancing on the edge of a water-filled glass. It tilts precariously as his imaginary character leans forward – before leaping off and seemingly taking flight. / Channel News Asia
Singapore
DEAF IN ONE EAR, PIANO TEACHER AIMS TO GET DEGREE
For almost 20 years, she could not hear properly. And the first time she saw someone playing the piano at five years old, she could only “feel” the melody through the vibrations in the air. Against all odds, Ms Parvinderjeet Kaur pursued her love for music, so much so that next February, she is expected to attain her diploma in piano teaching with the London-based Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. / TODAYonline
Lahore, Pakistan
PARENTS OF TORTURED DEAF, DUMB CHILDREN 'FORGIVE' SUSPECTS
Parents of the tortured deaf and dumb children "forgave" the two suspects in the case, Samaa reported. A court in Lahore heard the torture case on Sunday. The two suspects named Akram and Usman, tied in chains, were produced before a local magistrate. The parents of the two children submitted a written statement stating that they have forgiven the two suspects. Akram and Usman also submitted a bail plea, which got rejected. / SAMAA TV News
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LIFE & LEISURE
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Ames, IA
EMBRACING DEAF: STUGOV MEMBER DISCUSSES INS AND OUTS OF IDENTITY
Kody Olson was born hearing. However, when he was just two years old, an incident at daycare would inadvertently alter his way of life. Olson doesn’t remember specifics, but knows this for a fact: He was bitten by a kid at daycare and contracted bacterial meningitis -- a spinal cord infection -- as a result. And it was only some time later after a bedtime story from his aunt, and a lack of response on Olson’s part, that his family came to the realization: Kody was deaf. / Iowa State Daily
Zeeland, MI
BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN AIMS TO CONNECT DEAF TO RELIGION
Of the 70 million deaf people in the world, less than two percent know God, according to DOOR International. “The printed word makes no sense to them,” said board member Bill McKendry. “As a result they don’t know Jesus, they don’t know God and the Bible makes no sense to them.” That’s why the Zeeland-based nonprofit is now launching a billboard and commercial campaign in West Michigan. / WOODTV.com
Pittsburgh PA
SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF BUILDS BRIDGES WITH HEARING COMMUNITY THROUGH ASL CLASSES
When communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, don’t talk REALLY LOUD because it really won’t help at all. This would seem to be common sense, but it happens all the time, according to deaf people who teach American Sign Language at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Internet
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH DEAF PEOPLE WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW SIGN LANGUAGE
When you don’t know how to connect with a deaf or hard of hearing person, you can complicate the process—or worse, shut them out entirely. If you need to communicate with a deaf person, here’s what you should do. / Lifehacker
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WORKING WORLD
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Tyler, TX
TYLER DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CENTER FACILITATES COMMUNICATION
When the deaf consult with a doctor or an attorney or go to a hospital, the Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center can arrange for a sign language interpreter. “The center facilitates communication and other services for the deaf,” Lonny McKinzie, president of the center’s board of directors, said. A group of deaf people who wanted to have more input into local services for the deaf established the 501c3 nonprofit center in 2012. It serves 23 counties in east and northeast Texas. / Tyler Morning Telegraph
Albuquerque, NM
NEW MEXICO FIRST: DEAF MAN GETS HIS COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE
For the first time, a deaf person in New Mexico earned his Commercial Drivers License. “The reason I wanted to learn to be a truck driver is because when I was young in Cuba, my dad drove trucks. So, he taught me how to do that,” said Fernando Ramirez-Savon. Ramirez-Savon always knew that he wanted to be a big rig driver. However, Ramirez-Savon is deaf, and until recently his hearing impairments prevented him from achieving his dream. / KRQE News 13
Austin, TX
DEAF MUSIC INTERPRETER SHINES AT ACL
The fashion, the food and the photos are all a part of what makes the Austin City Limits Festival one of the hottest tickets in town. Many would argue the number one reason 75,000 people attend every day is the music; by artists from Ice Cube to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. For the deaf community, sign language music interpreters are key to helping them understand the emotion and feeling beyond the music. JoAnn Benfield has interpreted music for four years, but she is even more unique than her colleagues. She is deaf. / KVUE
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Pasadena, CA
HOW A DEAF GIRL WITH NO ACTING EXPERIENCE ENDED UP AS THE STAR IN 'WONDERSTRUCK'
Before Millicent Simmonds was cast in the upcoming Todd Haynes movie, "Wonderstruck," she had no ambitions to be an actress. The only performing she'd done was in school productions back home in Utah. But the filmmaker was determined to find a young deaf girl to play Rose, who is also deaf, in his adaptation of the Brian Selznick book — and Simmonds won the part. / KPCC
See Also JULIANNE MOORE IS 'WONDERSTRUCK' BY THE BEAUTY OF DEAF CULTURE IN POIGNANT NEW DRAMA / USA Today
See Also TODD HAYNES ON 'WONDERSTRUCK' AND EVOLUTION OF DEAF CULTURE IN THE U.S. / Spokane Public Radio
Wheat Ridge, CO
DANCE STUDIO HELPS DEAF STUDENTS FEEL THE BEAT
Inside Feel the Beat dance studio, founder Jari Majewski leads her class in a series of introductory jazz and hip hop moves. The soundtrack inside Majewski’s studio features pop stars such as Justin Bieber and Rihanna. But her students have never heard the hit songs before and they never will. “This kind of program it’s tailored, it’s created, it’s made specifically for deaf and hard of hearing kids,” Majewski said. / KDVR
Cleveland, OH
FAMOUS DEAF ENTERTAINER COMING TO CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
CJ Jones, a movie star and stand-up comedian, will be bringing his unique comedic sensibilities to the Cleveland Heights Conference Center Oct. 30, thanks to the Heights Libraries. His program promises to be a totally different kind of comedy experience. Why? Jones is deaf. / Patch.com
Internet
DEAF SINGER MANDY HARVEY ON FACING HER FEARS
Mandy Harvey will have a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, and it goes way beyond the fact that the deaf singer-songwriter earned millions of fans and a fourth-place finish on the TV series “America’s Got Talent” this past summer. / Aleteia
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SPORTS
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Internet
THIS IS HOW A BLIND-DEAF SOCCER FAN WATCHES A MATCH
Sports fans come from all sorts of backgrounds. Young, old; rich, poor. Some can’t see, some can’t hear. Some can’t see or hear. But they can still enjoy a game. This video that’s blowing up on Reddit shows how one blind-deaf soccer fan takes in a match. I have no idea where it came from or who the people are (the Reddit post says they’re a father and son) but I know it’s really touching to watch. / Sports Illustrated
Frederick, MD
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH CASSIDY PERRY
When did you start playing volleyball and what made you want to try the sport? After playing tackle football for several years in elementary school, my dad encouraged me to try volleyball in middle school. I started to play volleyball in sixth grade and realized that it’s fun. Also, I saw that I could have a future playing volleyball. / The Frederick News-Post
Boston, MA
WOMEN'S SOCCER CELEBRATES DEAF NIGHT WITH ASL COMMUNITY
On the night of the Boston University women’s soccer game against Harvard University Wednesday, the team collaborated with the BU ASL community to host Deaf Night, inviting the community to a night of free food, school spirit and competitive soccer. The BU Deaf studies department collaborated with BU Athletics for the first time in February, said Deaf studies professor Bruce Bucci. Working in tandem with the women’s basketball team, the Deaf community put together the ASL Night. / The Daily Free Press
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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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Virginia TRS Outreach Coordinator
Hamilton Relay currently has a full-time position open for the “Virginia TRS Outreach Coordinator". The position is located in Richmond, VA.
This full-time position is responsible for coordinating and implementing outreach activities designed to promote Traditional Relay Services (TRS) for Virginia Relay. The position requires independent travel throughout the state of Virginia.
Visit www.workforhamilton.com for full job description and application. Position is open until filled.
Hamilton Relay is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
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NORTHEAST ARC IS HIRING!
Do you know ASL? We are looking for employees that want to make a difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, who are also deaf. Positions are available in Lynn, Salem, Swampscott and Beverly, MA. As an employee, you will provide direct care, using various communication skills including gestural, written and Signed English. 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 apply online at www.ne-arc.org.
Compensation: $12-12.50 for per diem shifts and $14-$14.50 for FT shifts.
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NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PITTSBURGH AND GLENSIDE
PAHrtners Deaf Services is a dynamic team of behavioral health professionals serving deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. Located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PAHrtners provides residential and outpatient services to deaf and hard of hearing children, adolescents, and adults. Over 85% of our staff members are deaf or hard of hearing!
PAHrtners is rapidly growing and expanding. Whether you are a high school graduate, recent college graduate, or a professional with many years of experience in the field of human services, we have a career-building position waiting for you! E.O.E.
PAHrtners is looking for dedicated, motivated, and energetic individuals who are fluent in American Sign Language and knowledgeable about Deaf culture to fill the following positions:
Residential Counselors for Deaf Adults with Intellectual Disabilities – Full time, part time, on call; Glenside and Pittsburgh locations. Minimum HS diploma required.
Blended Case Manager – Full time; Glenside and Pittsburgh locations. Minimum HS diploma with 12 credits in social sciences required.
Residential Counselors for Residential Treatment Facility for Adolescents – Full Time; Glenside location. Minimum of one years’ related experience required.
Therapist/Psychosocial Rehabilitation Counselor - Full Time; Glenside location. Minimum BA/BS in human services required.
Training Coordinator – Full Time. Glenside location. Travels to Pittsburgh as needed. Education requirements flexible and based on experience. Must be proficient in ASL.
Outpatient Therapist – Part Time. Glenside location. Must be eligible for LCSW or LPC in PA. Must have MSW or equivalent. Must be proficient in ASL.
Assistant Office Manager – Full Time. Glenside location. Minimum high school diploma with 5 years’ management experience.
Visit our Web page at http://www.pahrtners.com/careers/ to learn more about each position.
Send your letter of intent and resume to:
Joel Skelton, Assistant Office Manager
PAHrtners Deaf Services, 614 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
Email: jskelton@pahrtners.com Fax: 215.392.6065
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Advocates in Framingham, MA is Hiring!
Advocates is seeking talented professionals to join our team, providing health services within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
Awake Overnight Direct Care Counselor: Remain awake, alert and responsive to the needs of the clients throughout the shift, assist clients with morning activities.
• Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent degree, fluency in ASL.
Community Crisis Stabilization BA Level Clinician: Provide mental health and substance abuse services.
• Qualifications: MA and 2 years’ experience OR BA/BS and 5 years’ experience.
Direct Care Counselor: Supervise daily activities, provide support/guidance/role modeling. All shifts available!
• Qualifications: BA/BS; or HS diploma/GED and 1 year experience.
Outpatient Clinician: Provide comprehensive outpatient counseling/therapy to children, adults and families in need of services.
• Qualifications: MSW or MA in related field and 1 year experience in outpatient setting.
Senior Direct Care Counselor: Supervise daily activities, provide support/guidance/role modeling. Coordinate/monitor administrative/clinical functions.
• Qualifications: BA/BS and 2 years’ experience; or HS Diploma/GED and 3 years’ experience.
Skills Instructor - Autism Services: Must be ASL-Fluent! Responsibility for assigned individuals and for the implementation of individuals’ Day Habilitation Services Plans.
• Qualifications: High School diploma or GED and 1 year experience in training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications Include:
• ASL fluency.
• Valid driver's license/reliable transportation.
• Related education (as applicable).
Visit www.Advocates.org/Careers to apply today!
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