Deafweekly November 23, 2011

deafweekly

November 23, 2011
Vol. 8, No. 6

Editor: Tom Willard

Deafweekly is an independent news report for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that is mailed to subscribers on Wednesdays and available to read at www.deafweekly.com. These are the actual headlines and portions of recent deaf-related news articles, with links to the full story. Minor editing is done when necessary. Deafweekly is copyrighted 2011 and any unauthorized use is prohibited. Please support our advertisers; they make it possible for you to receive Deafweekly.

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Last issue's most-read story: PROSECUTORS: MAN KILLED GIRLFRIEND IN 1981, WAS UPSET SHE WAS PREGNANT / Chicago Sun-Times
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NATIONAL
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Bridgeview, IL
MAN FOUND INNOCENT OF KILLING DEAF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRLFRIEND IN 1981
Gary Albert, pudgier than his 1981 yearbook showed him and wearing glasses, walked out of the Bridgeview courthouse Monday night a free man, acquitted of the cold case murder of his pregnant, 15-year-old deaf girlfriend. Jurors who heard five days of evidence against Albert, who 30 years ago was an 18-year-old deaf student at Hinsdale South High School, decided in less than an hour that he did not kill Dawn Niles as prosecutors had charged. “Mr. Albert, you are free to go,” Judge Joan M. O’Brien told the 49-year-old. / Chicago Sun-Times

Arlington, TX
HEAD OF ARLINGTON SCHOOL FOR DEAF CHILDREN DEPARTS
The superintendent who has helped Jean Massieu Academy, a charter school primarily for deaf children and their families, improve its financial and academic standing with the state has departed the charter school for undisclosed reasons. School board members this week declined to comment on whether Kathi Johnson, who was hired initially as principal for the 2008-09 school year, was terminated or left voluntarily. / Star-Telegram

Montgomery, AL
JUDGE ALLOWS $30M TRANSFER FROM FUND FOR DEAF, BLIND
A Montgomery judge Monday threw out a lawsuit that sought to stop the transfer of $30 million to the state education budget from a fund intended to help the deaf and blind communicate. State lawmakers, supported by the administration of Gov. Robert Bentley, voted to transfer the money from the Alabama Dual Party Relay Fund to help balance the education budget during this tough financial year for the state. Alabama Public Service Commissioner Terry Dunn called the transfer a "backdoor tax increase," and said that he was disappointed in the decision. / Montgomery Advertiser

Raleigh, NC
BLIND, DEAF SCHOOLS MIGHT REMAIN OPEN
The state education department sidestepped a legislative directive to close one of the three residential schools for blind and deaf students and will instead pitch a plan to consolidate administration. State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson outlined a proposal Monday that would keep the three schools largely unchanged. / The Charlotte Observer

Staunton, VA
NEW DORM, OLD MEMORIES
It's been a long time since Angel Negron and Don Brown were kids sneaking into the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind and running around campus. But when they visit, it feels like yesterday. Although they were never students, but kids growing up down the block from the Staunton campus, they consider it home. The event that brought them, and a handful of VSDB alumni and former teachers together, was the dedication Wednesday of the new deaf dorm, Kiser Hall. / The News Leader

Salt Lake City, UT
MOTHER GOES DEAF AFTER DELIVERING CHILD
Imagine waking up in the hospital after giving birth and not being able to hear anyone around you. For one Utah mother, it became reality after delivering her third child. The terrifying scenario happened to Heather Simonsen, who started to recognize her hearing fading with her first two pregnancies. With her third child, Simonsen went suddenly deaf overnight after delivering the baby. "It's very discombobulating and disconcerting," Simonsen said. "I didn't know what was wrong." / KSL

Rochester, NY
RIT PROFESSOR CALLS OCCUPY ARRESTS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
An RIT professor who was arrested as part of the Occupy Rochester protests is calling these arrests unconstitutional. As someone who is partially deaf, Patti Durr, of Brighton, also feels that police weren’t properly equipped to deal with deaf individuals. Durr said that the Rochester Police Department handcuffed her from behind. “It should be protocol to handcuff deaf individuals from the front to allow for signing. I had requested this numerous times as did others on my behalf to no avail,” she said. / Gates-Chili Post

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INTERNATIONAL
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Christchurch, New Zealand
MOJO SET TO MAKE HISTORY
She's named after the Muddy Waters song "Got My Mojo Working" but she's never heard the blues classic. Mojo Mathers is poised to become New Zealand's first deaf MP. The Christchurch-based mother of three is number 14 on the Greens' party list and its candidate for Christchurch East. The 45-year-old was born profoundly deaf after oxygen was cut to her as newborn baby during a difficult birth. / Stuff.co.nz

Queensland, Australia
POSSIBLE CHANGES TO STARTING PROCEDURES FOR DEAF
Deaf track and field athletes currently remain at significant disadvantage because athletics, unlike swimming, has refused to allow the use of strobe light mechanisms to signify a start. Deaf runners have had to either anticipate the start or simply react as soon as their able-bodied rivals have, immediately placing them at a disadvantage. But that might now change because of Deaf Sport Australia's successful discrimination claim to Human Rights Commission involving Sekou Kanneh, an 11-year-old with undisputed sprinting ability. / Herald Sun

Beijing, China
MOVIES TO ACCOMMODATE DEAF, BLIND
The government has recently taken steps to increase the production of films that have special accommodations for those with visual and hearing impairments, said Liu Binjie, director of the General Administration of Press and Publication, on Tuesday. "We aim to produce 10 to 20 films a year that are suitable for people who have these disabilities," he said at a news conference. "A civilized nation and developed society should care for everybody, including the disabled." / China Daily

Kozhikode, India
PLEASE, HEAR US!
Hundreds of deaf women complained that the Centre's decision to limit short messaging services ( SMS) has hit them badly as it was a means to communicate with their friends. They were attending the Deaf Women's Convention, organized by the Kozhikode District Association of the Deaf as part of its silver jubilee celebration on Sunday. Even though the government increased the number of messages, which could be sent in a day to 200 following protests, the participants felt that it was not enough. / Times of India

Gaza
DEAF IN GAZA: LEARNING TO MAKE THEMSELVES HEARD
RT’s Nadezhda Kevorkova went to the Strip, where the construction of the school for the deaf started a year ago. Though the building is still unfinished, classes are already running for 150 young women and 50 young men. They study in separate buildings. Another school has been built nearby, so the children here do not feel isolated. / RT

Nairobi, Kenya
DEAF BEAUTY QUEEN TO FIGHT FOR THE DISABLED
When she strode on the stage alongside other beauty contestants, her radiant smile and confident pose was an assurance that Vivian Awuor was headed to modelling stardom. Vivian acknowledged the applause from the crowd, even as she could not hear what her fans were saying. Vivian can neither talk nor hear. But one thing is for sure: she has the beauty and the will to be a model. At least that was the verdict of the judges after the beauty contest at the School of Monetary Studies auditorium last Sunday. / Daily Nation

Middlesbrough, England
PLEA TO SAVE THE MIDDLESBROUGH DEAF CENTRE
The closure of a deaf centre in Middlesbrough would have a devastating effect on the lives of its users, it has been claimed. Middlesbrough Deaf Centre has been earmarked for closure as part of the council’s wide-ranging cost-cutting plan. More than 80 people attended a highly-charged public meeting at the centre in Park Road South last week to discuss the proposal. / Evening Gazette

Glasgow, Scotland
HATE CRIME DVD LAUNCHED IN SIGN LANGUAGE
Deaf people who have experienced hate crime are being urged to report it with the help of a new DVD in British Sign Language. Glasgow Community and Safety Services (GCSS) and Strathclyde Police have teamed up with the British Deaf Association (Scotland) to produce a DVD for Deaf people. Produced in British Sign Language (BSL), the film highlights the different ways in which anyone who experiences a hate crime can report it to police and assures them their complaint will be treated seriously. / Glasgow City Council

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Drum roll please .....

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LIFE & LEISURE
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Redwood City, CA
ANOTHER ARGUMENT FOR LEARNING SIGN LANGUAGE
More and more, students can take American Sign Language for foreign language credit at colleges and universities in the US. At the University of Oregon, no less than 29 members of the football team, the Ducks, have been taking the classes and not because they are, as the stereotype goes, in search of “gut” classes that they don’t have to show up for. By the students’ own account, ASL is a demanding class that requires that your constant attention. / Care2

Hudson, TX
HUDSON COUPLE MAKES DECISION TO GET A COCHLEAR IMPLANT FOR 3-YEAR-OLD SON
Three-year-old Jaxon Baxter traces letters on the shirt of his dad, Daniel, with one hand while gesturing with the other. His mom, Meagan, explains he’s signing the letters. It’s a day like any other in the Baxter household, except Jaxon, born with a genetic defect manifesting itself as deafness, can hear more clearly with the help of a cochlear implant. It was turned on for the first time last week. / The Lufkin Daily News

Boston, MA
EAR GENE DISCOVERY ADVANCES TREATMENT FOR DEAF
Researchers have found long-sought genes in the sensory hair cells of the inner ear that, when mutated, prevent sound waves from being converted to electric signals -- a fundamental first step in hearing. The team then restored these electrical signals in the sensory cells of deaf mice by introducing normal genes. The study paves the way for a test of gene therapy to reverse a type of deafness. / Children's Hospital Boston

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WORKING WORLD
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Huntington Beach, CA
DEAF LIBRARY CLERK SUES H.B. ALLEGING WRONGFUL TERMINATION
A deaf woman with cerebral palsy is suing the city of Huntington Beach, saying she was wrongfully fired from her job as a library clerk. A response from the city lists more than 25 reasons the city is not responsible for the woman's firing, including saying the woman displayed violence in the workplace and did not go through proper channels to report any alleged discrimination or harassment. Merrie Sager, a 32-year employee of the Huntington Beach City Library, was accused of throwing a book, yelling and making an inappropriate hand gesture, which was used as an excuse to fire her in August of last year, according to the lawsuit. / The Orange County Register

Boulder, CO
SCHOOLS LACK INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF STUDENTS
As states raise the requirements for educational interpreters for deaf children in schools, some students are left without qualified translators in school. The 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act for the first time defined the role of an educational interpreter, but allowed states to establish standards for interpreters in schools, says Brenda Schick, a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder. "When states started implementing minimum standards for interpreters, there were quite a few interpreters who did not meet those standards," Schick says. / USA Today

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Springfield, MA
COURT DELAYS FINDINGS ON DEAF USERS' NETFLIX ACCESS
Netflix can stay claims that it failed to provide equal access for the deaf and hard of hearing, pending an investigation about close-captioning for Internet media, a federal judge ruled. The National Association of the Deaf sued Netflix, the leading American provider of online streaming media, in June for not providing equal access to its Watch Instantly on-demand service. It alleges that Netflix has refused to make close-captioned text available for the deaf and hard of hearing. / Courthouse News Service

Rochester, NY
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT!
Deaf Girl Amy was 27 years old when she started to lose her hearing. Fast forward 15 years and she has written a book that covers everything from The Top Ten Rules for New Deafies, De-Mystifying Audiograms, Do's and Don'ts for Family and Friends to The Pros of Being a Deafie. The book was written specifically for people who suffer from late onset deafness. / Deaf Girl Amy

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Abused in Wisconsin? If you, or someone you know, were sexually abused as a child at St. John’s School for the Deaf in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we have an important message for you: Because the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has declared bankruptcy, you may now be able to bring a claim — even if previously you were told you could not. However, because there will be a limited amount of time the courts will allow for you to bring a claim, you must act now or you may be forever prohibited from doing so. Go to www.AbusedinWisconsin.com Today! Jeff Anderson & Associates

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SPORTS
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Utica, NY
MATT HAMILL AND UFC OWNER DONATE TO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IN ROME
Local mixed martial arts fighter Matt Hamill gave back to the community on Thursday, with money raised during the world premiere of the movie based on his life - "The Hammer." The film had its world premiere at the New Uptown Theatre in Utica in October. Hamill donated some of the proceeds from the premiere to the New York State School for the Deaf in Rome. On top of the $600 check that Hamill presented, the UFC's owner, Lorenzo Fertitta donated an extra $5,000 to the school. / WKTV

Eugene, OR
QUARTERBACK BENNETT GETTING THE WORD OUT AT OREGON
Bryan Bennett recently stopped to chat with a woman selling Bibles on campus at Oregon, and his reason for stopping had nothing to do with religion. He wanted to practice his conversation skills because the woman was deaf. Bennett is adept at calling in all of Oregon's ridiculously productive plays as the backup quarterback, but he recently started American Sign Language classes and having his first, official chat with a hearing-impaired stranger was exhilarating. / LA Daily News

New York, NY
METS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS, MESSAGE FALLS ON DEAF EARS
While most teams are working frantically to convince the gems of the free agent market to join them for a press conference, introducing them as an organization's newest, best hope, the Mets gathered for a press conference at Citi Field on Wednesday afternoon with slightly smaller ambitions. The message, no matter how the Mets tried to hype it up, fell on deaf ears. / The Record

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MILESTONES
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Twin Cities, MN
OBITUARY: VINETTE DOREE, 86, ADVOCATE FOR THE DEAF
She was a pioneer in creating and expanding the use of such services as interpreters, closed captioning and TTY. Vinette Fern Doree was born deaf and lived at a time when children like her had to leave their families to attend special schools and when the deaf were often ridiculed and exploited. She spent a lifetime combating those stereotypes and improving services for deaf Minnesotans by working for new policies, better laws, more interpreters and extra funding. / Star-Tribune

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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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Mental Health Specialist - Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
$19.33 - $28.35 hourly / $40,361 - $59,195 annually

We are seeking a mental health professional to provide mental health services to deaf & hard of hearing consumers living in St. Cloud and Central 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 in Minnesota (LPC, LPCC, LP, LICSW or LMFT); be fluent in ASL; and experience in mental health training and counseling including knowledge of clinical/crisis interventions and psychiatric medications. In addition to a rewarding career we offer an excellent benefit and compensation package. To learn more about how you can make a difference send your resume to John Gournaris at john.gournaris@state.mn.us.

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Due to an expanding program we are looking for dedicated professionals to provide support and services to Deaf & Hard of Hearing students. We are now interviewing all qualified applicants for the following positions.

Counselor
Time Base: Full Time
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Qualifications: Qualified for state and /or national licensure as a School Counselor or Mental Health Counselor.
Knowledge of Secondary Disabilities preferred.
Fluency in ASL or willingness to achieve this level.
Knowledge of testing tools/materials.
Collaborative skills to work with students, clients and staff.
Knowledge of current educational law and special education procedures.
Responsibilities: Provides individual and group counseling to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students. Provides consultation to consultants and staff regarding the client’s needs.
Work as a member of School Mental Health Team.

Nursing Position (RN and/ or LPN)
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Time Base: full time, part-time and per-diem

Residential Advisors:
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Time base: All shifts; including Overnight shifts & weekends
Qualifications: Bachelors Degree or High School Graduate & 21 years of age
Effective communication skills to include ASL.
Willingness to receive CPR, First Aid and Restraint Training.
Willingness to learn behavior management techniques
Understands the uniqueness and development of Deaf & Hard of Hearing students.
Responsibilities: Enhance social and interpersonal relationships among the student
Assist in the development and implementation of proactive, preventative residential programs which help students develop into healthy well- rounded individuals.

Speech - Language Pathologist
Location: Brattleboro, VT, part -time

Educational Interpreters
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Time Base: Full-time & part-time.

Please send letter of interest & resume to:
Kelly Therieau
ktherieau@vcdhh.org

209 Austine Dr
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-258-9510
Fax# 802-258-9574

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ASL Proficiency Evaluator, ASL Diagnostic and Evaluation Services, Gallaudet University
Job Number: HR-11096
Salary Range: $49,000-$87,900

Provides interviewing and rating in accordance with the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI); participates in the development, implementation, and administration of tools, protocol, and/or procedures used in a comprehensive multiple-measures evaluation system; conducts semi-annual re-ratings of taped interviews as part of a systematic reliability check; participates in periodic retraining in interview techniques and rating procedures; participates in other research activities to maintain the quality of the evaluation system; keeps abreast of trends and research in the field of first and second language teaching, learning, acquisition, and evaluation.

Requirements:
Master's degree in linguistics, ASL, 1st and/or 2nd language teaching and learning, bilingual education, or related field. A minimum three years experience in ASL instruction and/or evaluation. Experience with developing and/or using ASL assessment tests. Knowledge of the linguistic structure of ASL and English. Knowledge and experience working with individuals with diverse educational, language, and cultural backgrounds. Ability to use judgment and tact with regard to sensitive issues and confidential matter. Ability to work well as an active, contributing member of a team as well as ability to work independently and demonstrate self-reliance and self-initiative. Experience producing written reports, proposals, and other documents related to research, best practices, learning and evaluation. Ability to use various software programs for project and program efficiency. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in ASL and English. A proficiency level of 4+ or better on the ASLPI. As part of the interview process, applicants will be given one work related question and will answer that question in writing. This English writing sample will be provided to the Gallaudet University English Department for analysis and determination of skills level.

To apply, send cover letter, completed Gallaudet University application (located on this web site: http://www.gallaudet.edu/HRS/Employment_Opportunities.html) and resume to:
Gallaudet University, Human Resources Services, 800 Florida Avenue, NE,
College Hall, room 106, ATTN: Job #11096. Washington, DC 20002

Faxed documents (202-651-5344) or emailed documents (personnel.office@gallaudet.edu are accepted.

Thank you for your interest in this position. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Video Engineer

CSD has multiple platforms for video conferencing (Vidyo and NEFSIS) and is working to consolidate the service to a single Polycom system. The video core consists of Polycom Videoconferencing equipment; Polycom RMX 2000 Bridge, CMA 5000 Gatekeeper and VBP 5300e & VBP 6400s for registered and unregistered Internet connections.

Desktop equipment consists of Polycom (V700 and HDX4000), Tandberg (340 and 150) and older, legacy IP-based videophones (such as D-Link DVC1000 and Sorenson VP200). Software clients consist of Polycom PVX and a host of deaf-friendly software-based videophones (Z4 and P3, et al). If you have experience with this type of equipment, please apply on line at: https://ssl.c-s-d.org/hr/OnlineApplication/

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