Deafweekly December 7, 2011

deafweekly

December 7, 2011
Vol. 8, No. 8

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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NATIONAL
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Washington, DC
MARYLAND-BASED VIABLE COMMUNICATIONS, ITS OWNER AND A FORMER EXECUTIVE SENTENCED FOR ROLES IN $20 MILLION FRAUD SCHEME
The owner and the former vice president for corporate strategy of Viable Communications Inc. were each sentenced last Wednesday to 108 months and 55 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in a scheme that defrauded the Federal Communications Commission of at least $20 million. John T. C. Yeh, the owner of Viable, a Rockville, Md., company, and his brother, Joseph Yeh, the former vice president for corporate strategy, were also ordered to pay $20 million in restitution to the FCC. / US DOJ

Kennewick, WA
JUDGE TOSSES DUI CONVICTION FOR DEAF MAN
A local attorney is heralding Thursday's dismissal of a five-year-old DUI conviction in Benton County District Court as a victory for deaf people. William M. Kral, 33, of Snoqualmie, who is deaf, was arrested in December 2005 on suspicion of DUI and driving with a suspended license, said attorney Moe Spencer. But when Kral was arraigned, no sign language interpreter was available in the courtroom. When he signed a paper waiving his constitutional right to a speedy trial, the interpreter who explained the document to him was unqualified, Spencer said. / Tri-City Herald

Northampton, MA
CLARKE SCHOOLS TO SELL MOST OF CAMPUS IN NORTHAMPTON FOR LUXURY APARTMENTS
The Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech is selling the bulk of its Round Hill campus to a Springfield development group that intends to convert the property into an 80-unit luxury apartment complex. Clarke trustees announced last Tuesday that the school will sell 11.2 acres on both sides of picturesque Round Hill Road to OPAL Real Estate Group. The property includes 11 buildings, all of which will be converted into one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments over the next year. / Daily Hampshire Gazette

Austin, TX
SCHOOL FOR DEAF WINS $130K FOR MAKEOVER
The Texas School for the Deaf will get $130,000 toward a green makeover for the school after winning a competition. The school snagged the grand prize in the Global Green USA Green School Makeover Competition, which means $65,000 for school renovations and another $65,000 worth of technical assistance. TSD student Amy said she thinks this will help people to avoid littering because recycling and trash bins will be set up. / KXAN

Rochester, NY
DEAF WOMEN OF ROCHESTER CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Deaf Women of Rochester (DWR), the country’s first organization formed by deaf women for deaf women, is 30 years old this year. It started in 1981 as a support group sponsored by the Mental Health Chapter of the Health Association of Rochester, hosting workshops to bring deaf women together for support, socialization and personal advancement. The organization grew out of the friendship of Sally Taylor and Vicki Hurwitz, both deaf, who started getting together in the 1970s with a few other deaf mothers to discuss raising children and other interests. / Democrat and Chronicle

Staunton, VA
MERGING OF TWO DEPARTMENTS WILL NOT HELP CLIENTS OF EITHER
I addressed Governor McDonnell's Commission on Govern- ment Reform and Restructuring on Nov. 13 and expressed opposition of deaf and hard of hearing consumers to the proposed consolidation of Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with the Department of Rehabilitative Services. The commission's recommendation to merge VDDHH with DRS does not make sense. It is a very bad idea. / The News Leader

New York, NY
WHAT? ARE YOU DEAF OR SOMETHING?
Guess what? Yeah, some people are deaf. And yet, they're still people, not some weird subhuman species to be ignored because they just don't get it when you talk at them. One of the most intractable problems with police is dealing with people who have a disability, and with shocking regularity, bad things happen. For somewhat obvious reasons, being deaf seems to bring out the worst, and stupidest, in law enforcement. What happened to Timothy Siaki is a good example. / Simple Justice

Thousand Oaks, CA
CLU RECEIVES $1.2 MILLION TO EDUCATE TEACHERS
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.2 million grant to prepare teachers of students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Beginning in January, the grant will enable CLU's Graduate School of Education to prepare 48 new credentialed teachers for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in California public schools over the next five years. / CLU News

Gainesville, FL
DEAF STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM UF PROGRAMS, ACCOMMODATIONS
In many ways, Joanna Byun is an average college freshman. Byun, 19, lives on campus, hangs out with her friends and has dreams of changing the world. But unlike most of her friends at UF, Byun needs an interpreter to help her understand her professors. She is one of 30 hearing-impaired students registered with the Disability Resource Center this semester but only one of three who uses an interpreter. / The Independent Florida Alligator

Washington, DC
GALLAUDET UNVEILS BILINGUAL LOGO
The pair of arcing lines above the new logo for Gallaudet University, unveiled Wednesday, might look like a random flourish of decorative branding. But to the Gallaudet community, they mean a great deal more. Gallaudet leaders believe they have come up with the first university logo to incorporate both English and American Sign Language. The arcing lines, which sweep across the letters of “Gallaudet” and meet in a point, represent the unique sign that corresponds to the university’s name. / The Washington Post

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INTERNATIONAL
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Vancouver, BC, Canada
DEAF COMMUNITY TO LOSE CRITICAL COMMUNICATION TOOL
B.C.’s deaf community is fighting to save a critical video telephone service that allows communication with the hearing world. The service uses a videophone and sign language interpreter to translate and voice telephone conversations between a deaf and hearing person. Telus partnered with Sorensen VRS to undertake the initiative, which was part of an 18-month pilot project launched in B.C. and Alberta. Those who’ve tested and benefited from the new technology say they’ll be plunged “back into the dark ages” when it ends Jan. 15. / 24 Hours Vancouver

London, England
02 STORE PROVIDES HELP FOR BLIND AND DEAF CUSTOMERS
Operator’s Workshop store in central London fitted with hearing loops and ‘personal listeners’ as it hires its first deaf member of staff O2’s new concept Workshop store in Tottenham Court Road has hired its first deaf member of staff. Abigail Gorman (pictured) has been trained in sign language and dealing with deaf and blind customers. O2 hired “deaf-led” consultancy, training and communications service Positive Signs to help with its accessibility program. / Mobile News

London, England
DEAF-BLIND PHOTOGRAPHER IAN TREHERNE IN LONDON EXHIBITION
An artist from Essex who has limited sight and hearing hopes his work will act as an inspiration to others. About 25 photographs by Ian Treherne, from Rochford, are to feature in an exhibition in London organised by the deaf-blind charity, Sense. The 33-year-old has Usher Syndrome, meaning he has deteriorating eyesight and a hearing impairment. He said: "I see less than most people, but I think in some ways it actually makes me see more in life." / BBC News

Belfast, Ireland
SCHOOL FOR BLIND AND DEAF OPENS
The opening of a new school for blind and deaf children near Belfast offers pupils the chance to reach their full potential, its principal has said. Staff at the Jordanstown School said it is the only facility of its kind anywhere in Ireland or Britain and caters for both deaf and visually impaired children. The new building was officially opened by the Duchess of Gloucester, but the school has a history that stretches back to the 1800s. / UKPA

Australia
AUSSIE HONOR AS DEAF TEAM RETURNS
IT is hoped the trial matches between Orange Waratahs and the Australian Deaf Football team can develop into an annual international tournament. The ADF will return to Orange in January next year for a training camp as well as a trial against Waratahs. The two sides met in January this year in a trial where the ADF came out on top 2-0. Deaf Football Australia secretary Brian Seymour said the plans for 2012 are the next step towards an annual event. / Central Western Daily

Brisbane, Australia
ACE TAPS INTO TWITTER TO HELP DEAF ACCESS CRITICAL INFORMATION
Australian Communication Exchange (ACE) has developed Silent Tweets, a free smartphone application as a visual alert system equivalent to audio broadcast. This text-based broadcasting system will circulate emergency warning notifications such as building evacuations or disaster announcements to users within a certain geographical area for the time period relevant to the message. The app will allow individuals and organisations to post critical messages which could be life-saving. / iTWire

Yerevan, Armenia
NEWS ACCOMPANIED BY SIGN LANGUAGE TO BE MANDATORY FOR ALL ARMENIAN TV CHANNELS
All Armenian TV channels should have at least one news program and one kids’ show accompanied by the sign language translation. This amendment to the law on TV and Radio was proposed by Armenian Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan. This requirement was earlier enforced only on Public channel. The order does not apply for those channels, which do not have news or kids programs. However, more than 90% of the Armenian channels have such programs. / Armenia News

Hanoi, Vietnam
SHE BUILDS A BRIDGE BETWEEN TWO WORLDS
She never thought she would ever pick a career that crosses paths with the deaf and hard-of-hearing but the sign language training center she set up in Hanoi has been operating for 6 months now. A graduate from an economics university, Le Thi Thanh Hoa chose to follow a career path that many would say is noble, setting up a sign language center to allow people with hearing impairment and people with normal hearing to understand each other. / TuoiTreNews

Mumbai, India
HEARING-, SPEECH-IMPAIRED THIEF GIVES COPS A TOUGH TIME
Officials of the Juhu police station hadharrowing time recently when they were faced with interrogating a 28-year-old thief, who suffered from congenital hearing loss. However, hard work and clever questioning techniques deployed over a couple of days finally paid off and the accused, Mohammed Salim, has finally confessed. / DNA

New Delhi, India
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE STATUS FOR SIGN LANGUAGE DEMANDED
On World Disability Day, the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People and the National Association of the Deaf have demanded official language status for sign language and training of people to become sign language interpreters at public places. Addressing hearing impaired persons who carried out a silent march at India Gate here on Saturday to protest against the Union government's silence on their concerns, NAD president Zorin Singha, aided by an interpreter, said India was home to over 70 million people with disabilities. / The Hindu

Colombo, Sri Lanka
VIVEKANANDAN RE-ELECTED
Former sports star Shivantha Vivekanandan was elected uncontested President of the Deaf School Past Pupils Association, The School for the Deaf, Ratmalana for the ninth successive year at the 62nd Annual General Meeting held at the Stanley Hall, The School for the Deaf, Ratmalana. Shivantha is a distinguished past pupil of the School for the Deaf, Ratmalana and Maryline High School, Kollupitiya. / The Sunday Times

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LIFE & LEISURE
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Baltimore, MD
HEARING LOSS MAY BE BIGGER THREAT THAN THOUGHT
One in five Americans has significant hearing loss, far more than previously thought, according to new research that has scientists warning of an impending public health threat. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University say the growing number of seniors in the United States are at risk of isolation from their hearing loss and could suffer physical and mental debilitation. / Baltimore Sun

South Boston, VA
DEAF, MUTE TEEN 'A POWERFUL EXAMPLE' TO CADETS
Ready and at attention he stood among his fellow cadets overcome with pride. He couldn’t help but think about how much he has achieved this semester despite his circumstances. Even though the road was rough, and he faced many obstacles, 17-year-old Justin Broxton proved to himself that he can do anything he sets his mind to no matter the limits. Broxton was born deaf and mute. / The Gazette-Virginian

Carmichael, CA
SILENT SLEIGH BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO THE DEAF
Deaf and hard-of-hearing children were able to celebrate the holiday season with their peers on Tuesday during the Silent Sleigh event at Carmichael's La Sierra Community Center. The annual event, now in its 20th year, offers holiday games and arts and crafts for students from 12 surrounding counties and school districts, said Tami Levano, an information and referral specialist for event organizer Nor Cal Services For Deaf and Hard of Hearing. / Patch.com

Storrs, CT
WORKSHOP BUSTS MYTHS ABOUT DEAF CULTURE
Lambda Alpha Upsilon hosted an interactive workshop titled "I am Not Disabled" at the Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center facilitated by UConn's American Sign Language Club President Christopher O'Rourke. "What interests us in doing this workshop is that we have brothers in our fraternity that are deaf, and they are still individuals capable of communicating," Bryant Dominguez, president of Lambda Alpha Upsilon, said. "We wanted to bring more awareness to their culture and the misconceptions associated with it." / The Daily Campus

Evanston, OH
WISH LIST HELPS PEOPLE IN NEED
Raquel Cooper, 8, has been profoundly deaf since age 2 months when she contracted spinal meningitis. She is in the second grade at Evanston Academy a block from her house. She performs academically at grade level in all subjects. "I like gym and social studies the best; we played kickball today," Raquel said. Raquel was chosen to begin the 26th annual Wish List program, a joint effort by the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and Enquirer. / Cincinnati Enquirer

Athens, GA
HELP FOR A DEAF WOMAN COMES FROM FUND
Amanda is deaf and suffers from MS, among other health problems. She couldn’t work and was on disability. As she struggled to make ends meet, she was at risk of having her electricity turned off. A referral was sent to the Athens Banner-Herald Empty Stocking Fund, which provided $289.85 to keep Amanda’s lights on and her house warm during the winter. / Athens Banner-Herald

Grand Junction, CO
LOCAL WOMAN FIGHTS UNDETECTED HEARING LOST
Amy Becktell first saw signs of hearing loss when she was in her teens. By the time she reached her early twenties she was already using hearing aids. "My hearing was progressively getting worse," Becktell said. When she moved into her career, her hearing remained a problem. "I was tired so often from the stress of listening so hard. It was a very exhausting condition," Becktell said. / KJCT

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WORKING WORLD
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Eugene, OR
DEAF DOCTOR GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING DURING 'SILENT COFFEE'
Becoming a doctor is difficult enough, but becoming a doctor when deaf is a whole other ball game. Sue Harnly is the owner of the Eugene Coffee Company. She is also a patient at PeaceHealth Medical Group where she sees Doctor Sharon Meyers. She describes Meyers as a very friendly, personable and professional doctor. What is most unique about her is that Meyers is deaf. “I just wanted to do better,” Meyers said. Meyers is so popular that she has been nominated twice by her colleagues as Eugene Weekly’s best doctor. / KMTR

Tulsa, OK
TULSA BUSINESS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS ACCOMMODATING PRACTICES
A Tulsa business is being recognized for making changes to help a deaf employee. AirFlo Cooling Technologies makes parts for the heating and cooling industry. When a deaf employee was hired they made a number of changes to help him do his job. Governor Fallin says they're an example for all. / KOTV

Memphis, TN
DEAF MENTORS TEACH FAMILIES WITH HEARING-IMPAIRED CHILDREN TO USE SIGN LANGUAGE
The first time Mary-Kathryn Jackson got up to leave the Hewgleys' Germantown apartment, the 3-year-old boy she had just begun to tutor clung to her and cried. Before he met her, crying was about the only way Evan Hewgley-Peterson could communicate. "It was awful," said his stepmother, Lindsey McGarrh-Hewgley. "We didn't know what he wanted." But that has started to change as the family learns sign language with free help from their personal mentor, who is herself deaf. / The Commercial Appeal

Orlando, FL
UCF RECEIVES DEAF GRANT OF $1.1 MILLION
Kids with hearing loss are the targets of a $1.1 million federal grant awarded last month to the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. The grant from the U.S. Department of Education will go toward a new program that will train speech-language pathologists to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing children whose families do not speak English. "It's a wonderful blessing," said Linda Rosa-Lugo, associate professor in the UCF Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. / Orlando Sentinel

Rocklin, CA
PURPLE COMMUNICATIONS RECRUITS FOR MORE THAN 100 POSITIONS, OPENS NEW CALL CENTERS
Purple Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative communications for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled, ends the year with an emphasis on growth and expansion, opening several call centers across the United States and hiring more than 50 video interpreters, as well as hiring several new professional, support and management positions. Currently, Purple is in the process of recruiting more than 100 additional interpreters and professional staff positions. / PRWeb

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Omaha, NE
DEAF TEEN CAN GO TO MOVIES, THANKS TO GRANDMA
Many Omaha metro movie theaters now have technology for the hearing impaired, thanks to an Omaha grandmother. For the first time in his 14 years, Danny Glazer is seeing the movie he wants. “We'll take two tickets for Footloose,” Danny proudly tells the attendant. Danny was born deaf. “With closed captioned,” he adds. / KETV

Internet
FOR A DEAF ARTIST, THE PROCESS OF SOUND ART, TRANSFORMED
Revealing a deeper understanding of what sound means in our world, how it works as “currency” and “ghost,” Performance Artist Christine Sun Kim explores sonic media without the benefit of hearing. She finds how to make its presence more physical, to find greater dimensions of movement, and to make a personal connection beyond what most of us might find in the everyday sense. / Create Digital Music

Internet
FEELING SOUND, PHYSICALLY: 'TOUCH THE SOUND' DOCUMENTS DEAF PERCUSSIONIST
What is sound? What does it mean, and why does it matter? It’s never too fundamental, too basic a question to ask ourselves again when we make music. So, I’ll leave this trailer otherwise largely without comment, except to say, it’s well worth watching (or re-watching). Touch the Sound, produced by German director Thomas Riedelsheimer in 2004, focuses on the work and world of nearly-deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie. See a trailer, below, and excerpt, above. / Create Digital Music

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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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San Antonio, TX
SHE'S FAST OVERCOMING HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Abby McAlpin, 17, who loved the pool even as a toddler, is now a junior and swim team member at O'Connor High, tallying laps until the 2013 Deaflympics. She swims eight miles a day and said she's found her purpose since becoming one of the 20 athletes on the U.S. deaf swimming team this past year. / San Antonio Express-News

Los Angeles, CA
USC TRACKSTER WILKINS PROPELS TEAM USA INTO 2012 DEAF WORLD CUP
USC junior track and field athlete Barry Wilkins is now making a name for himself in another sport...soccer! Excelling in more than one sport while at USC might not be that unusual, but now he is using his athletic training to compete for Deaf Team USA in soccer. Wilkins' two-goal effort in a 5-1 win over Mexico at the Pan American Games on Nov. 26 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela helped propel the USA into the 2012 Deaf World Cup to be played in Ankara, Turkey (July 16-28). / USC Trojans

Waukegan, IL
HEARING-IMPAIRED CHEERLEADER TAKES FLIGHT FOR WAUKEGAN HIGH
It was last spring when Marbella Franco, the girl who never joined a club or played on a team or brought home a boyfriend, summoned her courage and aimed for the pinnacle of high school popularity. She tried out for the cheerleading squad. “I was so scared -- all these people were looking at me,” said Franco, 17. “But I tried out. Then I waited to hear.” But Franco, a Waukegan High sophomore, can’t hear. She has been deaf from birth. / Lake County News-Sun

Mount Helix, CA
PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR HELIX SENIOR CHEERLEADER LILY ESQUER-HORTA
At the CIF quarterfinal football game between Helix and Torrey Pines, the press box announcer took a moment to recognize the 11 senior cheerleaders for the host Highlanders. But when the PA system announced “Lily Esquer-Horta,” the 18-year-old didn’t move. Not a silent protest or inattention, it was a rare instance when she wasn’t prompted by hand signal. Esquer-Horta simply didn’t hear her name. Deaf since birth, Esquer-Horta has missed few moments to shine on the sidelines this season. / Patch.com

Staunton, VA
VSDB BOYS SQUAD IN REBUILDING MODE
Clifton Watson, who is in his second year as head coach of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind Cardinals boys' basketball team, has a major rebuilding job on his hands. With just one player with any depth of varsity basketball experience, the young team will seek to improve as the year goes on. "We are very young and have a lot of inexperience," Watson said through an interpreter. / The News Leader

Henderson, KY
FAITH PROPELS DEAF SWIMMER INTO WORLD SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Pablo Aragon, 16, a resident of Guatemala, and his family made a choice -- they decided to trust. Aragon, the son of a Guatemalan pastor and his wife, is deaf. The disability was discovered when he was 2. During an interview with The Gleaner, the Aragons -- with the help of interpreter Laura Epley -- relayed their journey with Pablo that has currently taken them to preparing for a trip to Europe. That's right. The teenage Pablo Aragon is viewed as the top deaf swimmer in Central America. His skills have earned him a spot in the 2013 World Special Olympics to be held in Hungary. / The Gleaner

Daytona Beach, FL
ROBERT WEAVER WINS INAUGURAL AWARD PRESENTED BY THE NASCAR FOUNDATION
The NASCAR Foundation announced Dec. 2 that Robert Weaver, an 83-year old Talladega, Ala. native, has won the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Weaver, who is known across the Talladega region as the “Ice Cream Man” because of the many treats he delivers to deaf, blind and multi-disabled students, received the most votes among four finalists during a NASCAR nationwide fan vote on NASCAR.com and the mobile voting site developed by Sprint. / SpeedwayMedia.com

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MILESTONES
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Cleveland, OH
REBECCA D. RICHWINE
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Rebecca D. Richwine, 36, of Conneaut, Ohio, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Tulocay Cemetery Chapel, 411 Coombsville Road in Napa, followed by an inurnment in the Tulocay Cemetery mausoleum. Ms. Richwine passed away on Nov. 19, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Cal State Hayward University, where she studied sign language, and became an independent contractor for sign language interpretation. During her time as a sign language interpreter, Becky worked at schools, medical offices, the state hospital in Napa, as well as other personal interpreter jobs. / Napa Valley Register

Pacific Grove, CA
MARY JILL KNISELY
Mary Jill Knisely died at Community Hospital on November 27 shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was born March 27, 1940 in San Bernardino to John and Jeane Hawthorne. Jill's education included the Convent of the Sacred Heart in San Francisco, Fresno High School and Lone Mountain College for Women in San Francisco. Jill worked for the Stockton Unified School District Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program for sixteen years. / RecordNet.com

Minot, ND
HERBERT YOUNKER
Herbert Younker, 86, Minot, died on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, in his home. Herbert was born on Jan. 15, 1925, to Henry and Christina (Neubauer) Younker in Beulah. At the age of 13, he lost his hearing and attended the N.D. School for the Deaf at Devils Lake, graduating in 1945. Herbert then worked for the Devils Lake Journal for two years. He moved to Minot in 1947 and started working for the Minot Daily News. He married Maxine Linson on April 23, 1955, in Stanley. They had three children whom they raised in the home they built in Minot. / Minot Daily News

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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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Technical Sales Engineer, Large Accounts

To apply for this position with Purple Communications, please follow this link and apply through our Careers Page:
http://www.purple.us/job-search.aspx?jobid=214634

About Purple Communications

Purple Communications’ vision is to improve the quality of life of its customers by being their premier provider of high quality, innovative communication services that break down communications barriers.

Job Description

Technical Sales Engineer, Large Accounts
Technical Sales Engineer, Large Accounts combines technical knowledge with sales skills to provide support on a range of products/services to our clients that are deaf organizations of all sizes. The Sales Engineer will be interacting with the Clients’ Operation, HR, and Technical teams. The emphasis of the work varies depending on the level of technical knowledge needed to sell a particular product/service.

Technical sales engineers are a key point of contact for our large accounts providing services to organizations in which there are multiple deaf and hard of hearing users like Universities and educational institutions. The ideal Technical Sales Engineer will provide both pre- and post- sales support. They will drive the technical implementation as a project manager. They liaise regularly with other member of the sales team and colleagues from a range of departments such as Information Technology, Research/ Development, and Quality Assurance.

Fluency in American Sign Language is a requirement for this role.

Typical Work activities

Tasks typically involve:
· Searching for new clients who might benefit from Purple’s products and services
· Develop long term relationships with clients through managing and interpreting their requirements
· Create manage and drive tasks on project implementation
· Providing pre-sales technical assistance, product education, and post-sales support services
· Preparing reports for management
· Meeting regular sales targets and coordinating sales projects
· Support marketing activities by attending trade shows, conferences and other marketing events
· Making technical presentations and demonstrating how a product meets client’s needs
· Liaising with other members of the sales team and other technical experts
· Providing training and producing support material for other members of the sales team

Minimum Qualifications
· Effective communication, written and presentation skills
· Fluent in English and American Sign Language
· Ability to interact with people of varying communications levels, and modify language for audience needs.
· Able to prioritize the work in a multi-tasking environment
· Good team leading ability and managing additional technical resources for meeting the account needs
· Able to make effective presentations or demonstrations in time constrained situations
· Good knowledge of Microsoft Office
· Knowledge of voice and video technologies and protocols
· Knowledge of voice and video integrations
· Knowledge of standard corporate security practices
· Knowledge of TCP/UDP port allocation through corporate firewalls
· Knowledge and experience with network infrastructure device (i.e. cisco switches/routers/firewalls)
· Working knowledge of packet capturing applications (i.e. wireshark)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:

Sitting, standing and walking (95-100%)
Keyboarding (40-60%)
Viewing computer monitor, videophone, and pager requiring close vision
May be required to set up booths at events, requiring balance and lifting up to 50 pounds.
May lift or move boxes (up to 10 pounds)

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Frequent travel to company, customer and vendor sites, including some that are out of state is required.

Education and Qualifications
· 4+ years Sales Engineering experience
· CCNA (security or voice) - preferred

TO APPLY for this position with Purple Communications, please follow this link and apply through our Careers Page: http://www.purple.us/job-search.aspx?jobid=214634

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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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Outreach Specialist (Denver, CO)

Purple Communications is one of the nation's largest providers of communication services for the deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled communities. As a leading provider of onsite interpreting services, video relay and text relay services, and video remote interpreting, the Company delivers a wide array of options designed to meet the varied communication needs of its customers. Purple Communications’ vision is to improve the quality of life of its customers by being their premier provider of high quality, innovative communication services that break down communications barriers.

Brief summary of duties:
The Outreach Specialist will spend up to 80% of their time making contact in the community in order to obtain customers by educating about Purple Communications products and services. The Outreach Specialist will also be responsible for the installation of products and will ensure the follow up of superb customer service, to ensure customer loyalty.

Areas of Responsibility:
• Installation of endpoint devices
• Aggressively drive revenue growth through superior customer service and product knowledge
• Provide technical support in the field (home residence and large accounts)
• Provide and attend workshops and other local Purple events in the community
• Provide onsite customer service support to the community at call centers - a minimum of once a week
• Training and coaching the field reps
• Educate customers on our service
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with customers and the community
• Will manage device inventory to sell to the customers
• Building relationships within the community and with our customers
• Listen to and evaluate customer needs and recommend/develop solutions for customer
• Follow up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualification Requirements:
• Knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture is required
• Active in the community and energetic team player
• Highly motivated, honest and committed
• Knowledge of, and experience with, providing technology support
• Comfortable with teaching others
• Effective teaching and communication skills
• Able to produce reports regarding installation, feedback, etc
• Good time management skills
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of customers
• Strong presentation skills
• Troubleshooting any issue that may arise
• Computer and Software literacy
• Experience with any other video phone devices
• Welcoming and enthusiastic personality
• Is self-assured and confident in a variety of settings. Has a strong belief in own capabilities.
• Able to work a variety of hours/shifts
• Able to travel up to 80% as needed

Physical Requirements:
Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:
• Sitting, standing and walking (95-100%)
• Keyboarding (40-60%)
• Viewing computer monitor, videophone, and pager requiring close vision (40-60%)
• May be required to set up at events, requiring balance and lifting up to (50 pounds), and may lift or move boxes (up to 10 pounds)

Work Environment:
Work is performed in a business office environment. Travel to company, customers and vendor sites, including some that are out of state is required.

To Apply: please go directly to

http://www.purple.us/job-search.aspx?jobid=214619

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