Deafweekly November 14, 2007

deafweekly

November 14, 2007
Vol. 4, No. 1

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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This issue marks the beginning of Deafweekly's fourth year of publication. I am glad to have the third year behind me as it was not an easy one. I would like to thank the readers, sponsors and advertisers for their patience and kind words of support as we look forward to better things in the coming year.

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NATIONAL
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ILLINOIS SENIOR SHOT DEAD BY POLICE

An 80-year-old Illinois man who was shot and killed by police on October 16 was extremely hard of hearing and may not have heard the officers tell him to drop his rifle, said the Rockford (Ill.) Register Star. Vaughn “Curly” Fitzgerald was killed by officers Cheryl Buntjer and Jeffrey Oberts after he shot Byron Starks, 34, and pointed the rifle at them. “Everyone’s just sick to their stomach,” said Bill Ongenars, a friend of the victim. “Everyone that knows Curly is upset.” First Deputy States Attorney Chuck Prorok, questioned about Fitzgerald’s hearing loss, said a police officer “has to act upon the information he or she had at the time he or she takes action.”

COUPLE CHARGED WITH STARVING DEAF, BLIND SISTER

A Georgia couple are charged with allowing the woman’s 30-year-old deaf and blind sister to starve to death, said ABC News. Police on October 21 found Christine Baxter’s 46-pound body in the front yard of the Augusta home of Jeanne, 47, and Buel Peterson, 52. The Petersons were initially charged with involuntary manslaughter but now face murder charges. Both are being held at the Richmond County jail. Police found cockroaches, human and animal feces, a 200-pound pig and several dogs and cats in the home, which was later condemned. “I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life,” said Capt. Calvin Chew of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

ASL EXPO STAFFER DIES AFTER SCOOTER ACCIDENT

Devin Henry Barnes of Riverside, Calif. died October 27 of brain injuries following a scooter accident in St. Augustine, Fla. Barnes, 40, a deaf father of two, was in Florida to help organize the ASL Expo in Kissimmee on October 13. He was remembered by ASL Expo director James Kittell as “a source of strength, inspiration and unwavering friendship for me and many people.” To read more and view a video of Barnes, click here.

ELDERLY OHIO WOMAN ROBBED IN HER HOME

Four men have been arrested in the robbery of an elderly deaf Ohio woman. James Gaito, 25, believed to be the ringleader, was arrested November 2 in West Virginia, while Walter Winland Jr., Brandon Woods and Matt Knollinger were arrested earlier, about two weeks after the incident. They are charged with stealing the purse of an unidentified 81-year-old woman in her Saint Clairsville home. They were caught, said WTRF, after attempting to cash a check from the victim’s checkbook at a local bank.

UNIVERSITY TARGETED IN NAD COMPLAINT

The University of Northern Virginia was targeted in a complaint filed October 23 by the National Association of the Deaf on behalf of a deaf graduate student whose request for interpreters went unheeded. The complaint, filed with the U.S. Justice and Education departments, allege the university violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Noting that the school refunded the student’s tuition and fees instead of providing interpreters, NAD attorney Michael Stein said, “These schools cannot escape their legal obligations simply by issuing refunds.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. CHARGED WITH DISCRIMINATION

Two unidentified deaf residents of Washington, D.C. have filed a class action lawsuit against the D.C. government, saying it fails to provide reasonable accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens. As a result, said an Associated Press report, thousands of residents are routinely denied access to D.C. services, benefits, activities and programs. One plaintiff claims she has been unable to receive full Medicaid benefits because she cannot communicate with city workers. The nonprofit Equal Rights Center is also a party to the suit, which was filed October 12 in U.S. District Court.

FAMILY FIGHTS SCHOOL OVER TRANSCRIPTION SERVICE

A California couple who won a legal battle to have Glendora High School provide real-time transcription service to their 17-year-old deaf daughter now face a similar fight on behalf of their 15-year-old son. Last month, the school district dropped its appeal of a judge’s decision in favor of Samantha Solorzano, but officials say they won’t provide the service to her brother, Victor, prompting the family to file another lawsuit. The district claims the students don’t really need the service, which costs about $60,000 per year. “It almost borders on malicious ... to battle it again,” the Solorzano’s attorney, David M. Grey, told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

HOSPITAL BARS WOMAN WITH SERVICE DOG

A deaf woman in Hawaii claims Tripler Army Medical Center turned her away when she sought emergency treatment because she had her service dog with her. Elizabeth Vonack, a military dependent who was suffering from an asthma attack, was kept outside the hospital for three hours before giving up and driving to Hickam Air Force base. Tripler staff “wouldn’t even let me stay in the waiting room,” Vonack told KGMB. Vonack showed ER workers her service dog ID, but the dog did not have a service vest on. Hospital officials said it’s the owner’s obligation “to assure the animal is properly identified.”

CALIFORNIA COUPLE ORDERED TO PAY FOR CLEANUP

Tulare (Calif.) County officials are demanding reimbursement of $3,885.90 from a deaf couple for clearing trash off the residents’ property. The money paid for labor, equipment costs and dump fees to remove three travel-trailers, car parts, tires and other debris, said the Visalia Times-Delta. But Albert and Frederica Remmer, who live off Social Security income, say they can’t afford it. “We’re broke,” said Frederica after a county Board of Supervisors meeting last week. The board waived $9,000 in fines and said the couple could pay off the debt over time. “Eventually, the county will be paid for their efforts,” said a code compliance official.

WASHOE, FIRST SIGNING CHIMP, MEMORIALIZED

A memorial service was held Monday for Washoe, said to be the first chimpanzee to learn sign language. Washoe died October 30 of natural causes at The Chimpanzee and Human Communications Institute at Central Washington University’s Ellensburg campus, reported the Associated Press. Born in Africa around 1965, Washoe had a vocabulary of about 250 signs and taught sign language to three younger chimps at the institute. Critics, however, doubt that Washoe and other primates learn true language skills. Harvard scientist Steven Pinker suggests they simply learn to perform certain acts in order to receive rewards.

SCOGGINS RESIGNS AS HEAD OF KENTUCKY COMMISSION

Bobbie Beth Scoggins is stepping down November 30 after 14 years as executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Scoggins, the current National Association of the Deaf president, will return to Texas with her husband, Jim, said The State Journal. Commission Chairwoman Patricia Freeman said Scoggins has had a great impact in her work. “Everything she has been involved in has been exemplary,” she said. Scoggins admitted to having mixed feelings about her decision. “I feel the joy of moving on and the heartache of leaving a wonderful group of friends,” she said.

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INTERNATIONAL
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CANADIAN MAN, 84, STRUCK, KILLED BY TRAIN

An elderly Canadian man whose hearing aid might not have been turned up was struck and killed by a train October 20 in Vegreville, Edmonton. Paul Phillips, 84, was walking to a store and had crossed the tracks but turned around and headed back home when he was hit by a train at about 11:20 a.m. He was thrown across the street, where he hit John Cameron, 18, who sustained serious injuries. Phillips’ survivors include a twin sister and 105-year-old mother. “He wore a hearing aid on his left ear,” neighbor Ed Ahlstrom told the Edmonton Sun. “He could’ve not had it turned up properly.”

UK WOMAN IN LINE FOR TOP BUSINESS PRIZE

A deaf UK woman who started a business last year to teach babies sign language is a finalist for disabled entrepreneur of the year, an award that carries a £50,000 ($103,577 US) prize. Julie Ryder, 37, a mother of two from Bacup, England, started TalkFirst Baby Signing to sell puppets and other props and offer training to help toddlers communicate through signs and gestures. “Signing ... is a great relief for a frustrated baby and frazzled parents,” she told the Manchester Evening News. The competition winner will be announced at a London ceremony on November 29.

AUSTRALIAN PLEADS GUILTY TO VET CLINIC THEFT

A deaf Australian man pleaded guilty Monday to breaking into a veterinary clinic on two occasions and stealing drugs and over $2,600 ($2,313 US), reported Sunshine Coast Daily. Jared Benjamin Warden, 27, told police he gave all the cash to his boyfriend, a much older man, who was waiting outside. Warden, a longtime volunteer at the clinic, knew where the key to the safe was kept and set off fireworks to make it look like the safe had been blown up. He was ordered to repay the money and sentenced to 18 months in prison, though he was given immediate parole.

CHINESE JUDGE USES TEXT MESSAGES FOR DIVORCE

The divorce of a deaf couple in China made headlines last week because much of it was processed through mobile phone text messages. Three months ago, Wang Hong asked for a divorce from her husband of four years, but Zhang Hai did not agree. “It is hard for disabled people to get married and I wanted to make it work,” he said. Family and friends tried unsuccessfully to get Wang to change her mind. Eventually, Judge Xue Lixin helped the couple, both in their 40s, to reach a consensus. “In the end we found the case involved over 20 pages of communications and we sent 200 text messages,” Xue told China Daily.

INDIAN FILM SEEKS SPOT IN WORLD RECORD BOOK

A newspaper in India reported last week that a film titled Snehanjali is up for a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records as “the only movie with a deaf-and-dumb actor in the main lead.” Actor Dhruv Sharma, who has speech and hearing disabilities, “played the role of a normal guy with perfection, lip-syncing the dialogues and songs,” said Mangalorean.com. Certification has been submitted to the Guiness Book and “recognition is expected,” sources said. The report noted that Dhruv is married, drives a car and does routine work, “just like a normal person.”

INTERPRETED MEETING SAID TO BE A ‘FIRST’

A governing council in Bahrain claims to be the “first in the world” to provide sign-language interpretation of its meetings, reported the Gulf Daily News. Bahrain’s Shura Council spent six months setting up the system and held a practice session with members of the Bahrain Deaf and Mute Society, who were said to be very happy with the initiative. “This will even make it possible to appoint deaf and mute council members,” said an official. The interpreter was included with Bahrain Television’s coverage of the session, which “will now be a regular service for dead [sic] and mute viewers.”

TWO MEN PUSHED OFF SPEEDING BUS

Police arrested the driver and conductor of a private bus in Kolata, India two weeks ago and charged them with throwing two deaf men off a speeding bus. According to The Statesman, the men were traveling with Nandini Sengupta, “director of a deaf and dumb institute.” When the three tried to get off the bus, the conductor refused to stop. Sengupta managed to get off but the bus sped away with Babi Mukherjee and Satyabrata still aboard. When Sengupta began running after the bus, the conductor threw the men out. “Both landed on Ms. Sengupta, who then hit the pavement,” said the report. She was hospitalized with several injuries.

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LIFE & LEISURE
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MONTANA TEACHER WINS $162,190 IN STATE LOTTERY

Debi Knuth, a teacher at the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind, won $162,190 in the Montana Lottery on October 26. Knuth’s husband, Mike, told her the good news over lunch, said the Great Falls Tribune, and she “almost fainted in her vegetable and rice soup.” Knuth, a MSDB teacher for 32 years, said she’ll spoil her new grandbaby and help her mother with assisted living expenses but has no plans to retire. “I still wake up in the morning and love what I do,”she said.

DOCTORS GIVE THUMB TO 4-YEAR-OLD GIRL

A 4-year-old deaf girl in Pittsburgh, Pa. who was born without a right thumb has undergone a series of surgeries to fix her hand. “You take the index finger and separate it from the rest of the hand, and it gives you a thumb that looks pretty close to a normal thumb,” Dr. Mark Baratz of Allegheny General Hospital told WTAE. Grace was adopted from Korea in 2005 by Nancy Benham, coordinator of the parent-infant program at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and her husband. With the new thumb, said Benham, “her signing, her communication has dramatically improved [and] her personality has really just blossomed.”

SCHOOL’S HAUNTED HOUSE COMES TO AN END

A Halloween tradition of 16 years came to an end this year when the Washington School for the Deaf decided to cancel its annual haunted house. A 10-member committee debated the matter for months after learning the building that houses the production needs to be demolished, reported the Vancouver Columbian. “Pouring all that money into it for just one year didn’t make sense if we were going to lose that space next year,” said Nancy Sinkovitz, the school’s residential services director. The haunted house averaged 1,300 visitors and raised about $7,000 each year.

ED DRUGS LINKED TO SUDDEN HEARING LOSS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning men who take erectile dysfunction drugs that the medications could cause sudden hearing loss. After an April report of a man who experienced hearing loss while taking Viagra, the FDA found 29 cases of sudden hearing loss in men taking Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. In most cases the hearing loss was limited to one ear, and in about one-third of the cases the loss proved temporary. The link hasn’t been proven, reported WebMD Medical News, but the FDA alert was warranted by the “strong relationship” between using the drugs and sudden hearing loss.

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WORKING WORLD
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$1.5M GRANT AWARDED FOR DRUG, ALCOHOL TREATMENT

A three-year grant worth $1.5 million has been awarded to Wright State University to provide drug and alcohol treatment to deaf and hard-of-hearing Ohio residents. Columbus-based CSD-Ohio and Dayton’s Deaf Community Resource Center will team up with the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services and Wright State’s Boonshoft School of Medicine to develop programming with the money, said the Dayton Business Journal. Programming is anticipated to be ready by early January, said a Wright State spokeswoman.

DELAWARE SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH LOCAL HOTEL

A partnership between the Delaware School for the Deaf and a local hotel has proven beneficial for both parties, said a University of Delaware report. The Courtyard Newark-University of Delaware provides part-time jobs and training to several DSD students, with hotel staff and school mentors offering support for the students. The program provides “a great learning experience for not only the students but my team as well,” said hotel Director of Operations Tracy Holmes. The hotel plans to continue the partnership, with many employees saying they want to learn sign language.

WELLNESS CENTER WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

The American Psychiatric Association honored Rochester, N.Y.’s Deaf Wellness Center with its Bronze Achievement Award at a conference last month in New Orleans. The award was accepted by Robert Pollard, director of the center, which is housed at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Last year more than 2,500 patients contacted the center and over $3.4 million from 30 grants were awarded for research. The center also won an award this summer for its work in training deaf people to become mental health professionals, reported the Democrat and Chronicle.

DEAF FIREFIGHTER MAKES NEWS IN OHIO

The Mount Vernon (Ohio) News ran a feature last week on Kasey Holland, who earned an Ohio fire card in January and now volunteers as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Holland, 21, was diagnosed with a hearing loss as a toddler and attended a school for the deaf, but credits her parents for “never treating me like I was different.” Fellow firefighters and EMTs, who have made adjustments to aid communication, say Holland does her job well. “She’s a hard worker,” said firefighter Mike Neely, “especially for being as young as she is.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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OUTDOOR MURAL CELEBRATES SIGN LANGUAGE

A reception was held Sunday afternoon in Hollywood, Calif. for artist Julio Sims and his public artwork “Orpheus,” which depicts five deaf actors from Los Angeles signing, “Where does my voice touch you?” The mural, measuring 4' x 18', is displayed on the side of a building on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and St. Andrews Place. Two of the five signs were created using an accordion-like surface, allowing viewers to see two different images depending on where they stand. Sims, a painter, sculptor and installation artist, created the piece for the Los Angeles One Percent for the Arts Program. To view pictures of the mural, click here.

NEW DIRECTOR ON THE JOB AT NTD

The National Theatre of the Deaf has appointed Aaron Kubey as its new Executive Director/President, said an NTD news release. Kubey, a paralegal in a New York law firm and artistic director of the New York Deaf Theatre, began his new job last week. A Chicago native, Kubey was the first deaf student at the Theatre School at DePaul University, where he earned a BFA in 2006. He has also worked with Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles and the Centerlight Theatre in Chicago. He takes over for Paul Winters, who served as executive director for four years. A NYTheatre.com interview with Kubey from April can be seen here.

MATLIN HELPS TEXAS CENTER RAISE $70,000

Marlee Matlin shared her life story with more than 300 people as the keynote speaker at a fundraiser in Corpus Christi, Texas on October 11. The event raised $70,000 for educational and recreational programs at the local Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, reported KIII. The actress spoke of winning an Academy Award 20 years ago and starring in various TV and movie roles. Afterwards, she signed autographs and spoke with her fans. “She’s a delightful person,” said Benna Timperlake, the deaf center’s executive director.

AUTHOR FOLLOWS UP WITH ‘EYES OF DESIRE 2'

Fourteen years after compiling the anthology Eyes of Desire: A Deaf Gay & Lesbian Reader, Raymond Luczak has come out with Eyes of Desire 2: A Deaf GLBT Reader. According to Out In America, the new book includes stories, interviews, poems and more from over 85 deaf and hearing people from around the world. “It was time to follow up to see whether the deaf GLBT community had changed since then,” said Luczak, a longtime New Yorker now living in Minnesota whose credits include 13 stage plays and seven books. Eyes of Desire 2 may be purchased from Luczak’s new company, Handtype Press.

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WCI. Your Single Source for Assistive Technology

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America's funniest ASL comedian!

You have seen him all over the internet with short clips featuring - Ice Ice Baby, VRS comedy, Deaf Driver, and the most popular "Deaf Technology Ruined Pizza Night"...and now you can own the full 80 minute DVD. Keith Wann performs "Watching Two Worlds Collide" with a voice interpreter for deaf-impaired. Own this DVD and share the laughter with your Deaf and Hearing family and friends. Paypal payments through the website http://www.keithwann.com/ and also sign up for the newsletter. Email Keith@KeithWann.com for more information and performing requests. To see more clips www.myspace.com/keithwann.

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SPORTS
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NEW MEXICO FALLS, 60-37, IN FOOTBALL STATE FINALS

For the second straight year, New Mexico School for the Deaf’s 6-man football team went all the way to the state championship game. Unlike last year, however, when the Roadrunners beat San Jon 66-59 for the state title, this year’s team fell to Lake Arthur, 60-37, at Santa Fe last Saturday. “I’m scratching my head, trying to think of what I did wrong,” NMSD head coach Robert Huizar told the Santa Fe New Mexican. “Nothing clicked.”

MARYLAND FOOTBALL GOES UNDEFEATED AGAIN

The Maryland School for the Deaf football team completed its second straight undefeated season by beating Poolesville last Friday, 54-7. The Orioles (11-0) have now won 28 games in a row, going back to a 30-28 overtime loss to Avalon School in 2005, said the Frederick News Post. Ryan Bonheyo led the team with 192 yards on 15 carries, scoring two touchdowns, while Joseph Solano rushed for 91 yards on five carries. Quarterback Brandon McMillan completed two of six passes for 101 yards.

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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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COMING EVENTS
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DEAF, INC. TO MARK 30TH ANNIVERSARY

DEAF, Inc., which serves the deaf community in Eastern Massachusetts, will hold a special celebration to mark its 30th anniversary this Friday, November 16. Although a news release did not give any indication of where or what time the event will be held, it did say the public is invited to the “invitation only” event. For more information, write to 30thAnniv@Deafinconline.org.

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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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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.

-- Community Interpreter - Bakersfield
-- Community Interpreter -Los Angeles
-- Community Advocate - Los Angeles
-- Community Advocate - Ventura
-- Community Advocate - Riverside
-- Hard of Hearing Specialist - Riverside
-- Administrative Assistant - 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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Job Coaching Positions in Northern New Jersey

Allies, Inc., is looking for a high energy person, fluent in American Sign Language with extensive knowledge of deaf culture and issues pertaining to being deaf or hard of hearing in the work place. The successful candidate should also possess excellent computer and writing skills. Associates degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred. FT & PT positions available. NJ Driver’s license and own transportation required. Competitive salary and great benefits. Contact Alyse Betso at 609-689-0136 extension 147 or e-mail Abetso@alliesnj.org.

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JOB OPENING
TRS OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Staffed in Baltimore, MD

Hamilton Relay Services Division in Maryland currently has a full time position open for “TRS Outreach Coordinator”.

This position will be staffed in Baltimore, MD.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Position summary: Position is responsible for providing and gathering information which will help improve the quality of the relay service and the number of customers served by Maryland Relay. Individual will devote 100% of their time to Maryland Relay specific business and will be required to travel throughout the state of Maryland as needed.

Applicants with the ability to communicate through the use of American Sign Language are preferred. An Associate or Bachelor's Degree or comparable work experience along with a minimum of three years public relations experience is preferred. Strong written, analytical and interpersonal skills as well as a driver's license and ability to travel alone are required. Direct work experience with a Telecommunications Relay Service is also preferred. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals may send all inquiries and/or resumes to www.hamilton.net/employment.html to the attention of Cindy Blase in Human Resource Department by November 26, 2007.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Hamilton Relay, Inc. is a division of Hamilton Telecommunications based in Aurora, NE. Hamilton offers a competitive wage. Contact our HR Dept. at: 800.821.1831 or at: www.hamilton.net/employment.html.

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Program Coordinator

National Deaf Academy, a state of the art residential treatment facility serving Deaf children, adolescents and adults in a behavioral health setting, has an immediate opening for a Program Coordinator. A Master’s degree in counseling, Deaf education, social work and/or a related field is required. Must be licensed in Florida or license eligible from another state. This candidate must be fluent in ASL, English and have a strong knowledge of Deafness and Deaf Culture, as well as have good resources within the Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing community.

The Program Coordinator will carry a caseload of 5 and oversee our adult enhancement program, independent living skills program and expand our vocational program.

Competitive salary and excellent benefit package.

Send resume to:
Director of Human Resources, National Deaf Academy, 19650 US Hwy 441, Mt. Dora, FL 32757
Email: btashlein@nda.com
V: 352-735-9500 TTY 352-735-9570 Fax 352-735-4939 EOE

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ORGANIZATION: Nevada Association of the Deaf (NVAD) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center (DHHARC) is a statewide advocacy, resource, telecommunications distribution, and direct service center offering advocacy, referral and community education services throughout Nevada. The Headquarter is in Carson City with centers in Las Vegas, Reno and Elko.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Type of appointment: Full-Time
Location: Position available in Carson City, Reno or Las Vegas
Posting date: October 23, 2007
Closing date: November 30, 2007

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Responsible for leadership and management oversight of satellite offices
Responsible for strategic planning, advocacy and leadership direction of Deaf Community on behalf of the Association for the benefit of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Citizenry of Nevada and as approved by the Board of Directors. Develop plans identifying budgetary, fundraising and grant writing concerns for new programs and current programs; Submit funding proposals
Work with governmental, for profit and non-profit entities in developing and collaborating on programmatic goals that will focus on interagency agreements and shared social responsibilities on services that will be of benefit to deaf and hard of hearing individuals serving individuals from cradle to grave.
Responsible for coordinating, protecting and enforcing educational, interpreting, social services, legal and other related advocacy services and access to services statewide benefiting Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations.
Work with funding/budgetary partners in developing budget and executing fiscal goals for the association
Work with state legislation in developing and implementing programmatic and legislative goals
Be prepared to meet and justify performance outcomes and measure outcomes based on activities of DHHARC in the field
Ability to demonstrate Integrity, Ethics and Moral Leadership is required as the head of the agency
Analyzes Program Needs to develop or modify new/existing programs; Confers with DHHARC and other entities (such as PUC, ODS) and legislative bodies on strategic and budget needs of community programs in question
Plans and develops outreach and programmatic development needs of the organization as it pertains to community education, social services and community as it pertains to deafness, education, social services and other impacted areas as it pertains to deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Responsibilities as assigned by Executive Committee, or Board of Directors of NVAD (Nevada Association of the Deaf)

SALARY: $55,350 - $57,564 DOE, plus customary benefits.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
3-5 years of management experience specializing in employee relations, staff training and development and resource management
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and measuring outcome by objectives
Excellent interpersonal skills
Fiscal experience and management experience required
Advocacy; Social Services/Human Services; and Non-Profit management experience preferred

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Masters in Public Administration or related field preferred; Bachelors of Arts/Science in related Human Services discipline required.

TO APPLY:
All applicants must submit a letter of interest, a resume and three letters of reference to DHHARC at: 1800 Highway 50 East Suite 205, Carson City, NV 89701

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 PM ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE (November 30, 2007)

DHHARC selects applicants for employment based on job related knowledge, skills and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

For further information contact NVAD Board Chair David Daviton at 775-887-1060 V/TTY/VP.

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POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: CASE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

ORGANIZATION: Nevada Association of the Deaf (NVAD) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center (DHHARC) is a statewide advocacy, resource, telecommunications distribution, and direct service center offering advocacy, referral and community education services throughout Nevada. The Headquarter is in Carson City with centers in Las Vegas and Reno.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Type of appointment: Full-Time
Location: Position available in Las Vegas
Posting date: November 14, 2007
Closing date: November 28, 2007

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Individual will conduct advocacy activities that will ensure a higher quality of life for its clients and promote equitable access to Health/Medical, education, social, employment and legal services. Individual will also provide communication assistance/translation services as well as ensure that appropriate information pertaining to individual client’s needs are accurately met. Individual will provide accurate Identification/Assessment of individual Client’s telecommunication needs and will conduct appropriate equipment distribution tailored to the needs of the client. Will provide expertise in the field as needed. Will coordinate training/mentoring activities for general public and the client NVAD-DHHARC serves. Conducts developmental and implement program activities for DHHARC. Participate in Technology/equipment distribution responsibilities of the Center. Willingness to conduct Outreach/education responsibilities as assigned. Willingness to travel is essential as well as work evening and weekend hours when needed. Ability to work independently as well as a team is essential.

SALARY: $36,244 - $37,694 DOE, plus customary benefits.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of advocacy techniques
Knowledge of Civil Rights Laws
Maintain effective record keeping practices
Two years experience working with deaf and hard of hearing populations in a social service sector setting
Knowledgeable about diversity and needs within the Deaf and HOH populations
Knowledge of all telecommunication equipments, Relay systems and services
Familiar with evaluation and assessment methodologies
Familiar with (or willing to learn) Case-management practices.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s of Arts Degree Preferred, but will accept Associate of Arts Degree with 3 years of experience working with Deaf and HOH populations
Fluency in ASL

TO APPLY:
All applicants must submit a letter of interest, a resume and three letters of reference to DHHARC at: 1800 Highway 50 East Suite 205, Carson City, NV 89701

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 PM ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE (November 28, 2007)

DHHARC selects applicants for employment based on job related knowledge, skills and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

For further information contact NVAD Board Chair David Daviton at 775-887-1060 V/TTY/VP.

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LEXINGTON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
Lexington School for the Deaf / Center for the Deaf
30th Avenue and 75th Street, Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11370
(718350-3143 (Voice/TTY) F (718) 3072 (FAX)
mentalhealth@lexnyc.org

POSITION AVAILABLE
CICM Case Manager
Children's Intensive Case Management Program (CICM)

Overview: The CICM program provides support services to children or adolescents with a psychiatric disability, and their families, where at least one family member is either deaf or hard of hearing. Intensive Case Managers (ICM) work intensively with a child's family and coordinate with teachers and other helping professionals to develop and carry out an individualized comprehensive service plan.

Responsibilities:
-- Carry out case management responsibilities (linkage and referral) within the Children's Intensive Case Management program.
-- Provide support for deaf and hard of hearing children up to 18 years of age and their families who have histories of mental illness and reside in the New York City metropolitan area.
-- Work to coordinate services between Mental Health Center, other Lexington affiliates and schools and agencies throughout the NYC area.
-- Ensure the provision of quality service for clients within the framework of managed health care systems.

Administrative:
-- Maintain and follow policy and procedures of the Lexington Center and ensure compliance with the regulations and requirements of City and State Departments of Mental Health.
-- Assist with program audits.
-- Liaison with community mental health and social service agencies, as needed.
-- Participate in mental health community coalition meetings and clinical conferences with MH clinicians.
-- Attend profession al workshops and seminars.

Qualifications:
-- B.A. degree
-- Four years of related mental health experience or NYS teaching certificate. (A master's degree in human services field may be substituted for two years of experience).
-- Knowledge of deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.
-- American Sign language skill required, Spanish speaking preferred.

To Apply, Email Resume to: jobopportunities@lexnyc.org or fax at (718) 350-3332

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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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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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