Deafweekly December 14, 2011

deafweekly

December 14, 2011
Vol. 8, No. 9

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: GALLAUDET UNVEILS BILINGUAL LOGO / The Washington Post
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Editor's Note: This is our final issue of 2011. We will return on January 4, 2012. Happy Holidays from Deafweekly!

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NATIONAL
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Internet
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YEHS AND VIABLE OUTCOME
I contacted all three lawyers: John Yeh’s lawyer (Paul F. Kemp), Joseph Yeh’s lawyer (Stanley Reed), and Viable’s lawyer (Timothy Sullivan). As of publication time, only Mr. Kemp had graciously agreed to provide a public comment on behalf of John Yeh. If I hear back from either Mr. Reed or Mr. Sullivan later, I will update this post with their comments. In other news from the sentencing hearings ... / clercjr

Phoenix, AZ
PHOENIX PD: DEAF PARENTS ARRESTED FOR ABUSING YOUNG SON
A Phoenix couple has been arrested for child abuse after their 7-week-old son was found to have severe injuries during a recent hospital visit. In a police interview, detectives say 30-year-old Taylor Basilio admitted to shaking the boy on three separate occasions and told police that he had a "bad anger problem." According to the police report, Basilio and his wife, who are both deaf, were struggling to care for the boy and get enough formula for him. / abc15.com

Honolulu, HI
ACCUSED ATTACKER CLAIMS HE IS DEAF
The man accused of trying to sexually assault a woman near Punahou School made his initial court appearance Friday morning. But those proceedings were postponed. Ferdinand Bermejo is accused of sex assault and kidnapping. He stood before a judge, but apparently cannot hear the charges being read against him because he is deaf. So his initial appearance was postponed until Monday when a sign language interpreter can be brought in. / KHON2

St. Paul, MN
RAMSEY COUNTY OFFICIALS EXPECTED TO REVIEW SETTLEMENT WITH DEAF ACTIVIST
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners was expected yesterday to review a settlement with Douglas Bahl, a deaf activist who accused the county of failing to provide an American Sign Language interpreter when he was jailed five years ago. Bahl sued the county and city of St. Paul after a 2006 traffic stop in which Bahl was pulled over for running a red light and subsequently arrested. In the federal lawsuit, Bahl claimed he was "seriously beaten, arrested and isolated in jail for three days with no adequate or effective means of communicating with jail staff or of communicating with his family or other people outside the jail." / Pioneer Press

Halifax Co., VA
DEAF JROTC CADET OVERCOMES OBSTACLES TO SUCCEED
One JROTC cadet in Halifax County has managed to go without the ability to hear, and two weeks ago, the cadet won winning multiple awards for his service. Justin Broxton, 17, is a deaf high school student and JROTC cadet. "That's my rank. I'm a PFC," said Broxton. You might ask yourself, how does someone who's deaf march alongside those following verbal commands? / WSET

Gainesville, FL
THE SIGNING GATORS, THE STUDENT SIGN-LANGUAGE CLUB, CAN SIGN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT UF'S COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
University of Florida senior Samantha Cutler spent six semesters either learning or helping to teach American sign language, so she was excited to cap her experience by signing the national anthem at the commencement ceremony where she graduates next week. But she and other members of the Signing Gators, the student sign-language club, were told late last month that they wouldn’t be allowed to do so. UF reversed that decision Thursday, which group members declared as a victory for hearing-impaired individuals and others who want to see the anthem signed. / The Gainesville Sun

Tyler, TX
EAST TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER, HHS ENTER INTO RESOLUTION AGREEMENT OVER SERVICES FOR DEAF PATIENTS
HHS' Office for Civil Rights and East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, based in Tyler, Texas, have entered into a resolution agreement under which ETMC will ensure that deaf or hard-of-hearing patients will be screened and provided with sign language interpreter services when necessary. A deaf patient alleged she had not been provided a sign language interpreter while receiving prenatal care at ETMC Crockett (Texas) Hospital. / Becker's Hospital Review

New Orleans, LA
LAW FIRM ACHIEVES COMPENSATION FOR MURPHY OIL WORKERS
After twelve years of litigating against the Murphy Oil Corporation in Chalmette, La., the Louisiana Supreme Court has denied Murphy Oil's final effort to deny six of its former employees compensation for occupational hearing loss caused at its Chalmette refinery. Most of the former employees worked at the refinery for more than 25 years and were unaware that they had developed hearing loss from their work at Murphy Oil. / Business Wire

Rochester, NY
RIT ADDS VIDEO-CONFERENCING CENTER TO NTID
The opening of a high-tech video-conferencing center will enable Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf to bring advances in learning and social interaction to the hearing-impaired community. Nearly $700,000 worth of teleconferencing equipment was installed in the TelePresence Center at NTID. The center was made possible by a research grant from San Jose-based Cisco Systems Inc. / Democrat and Chronicle

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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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INTERNATIONAL
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Wellington, New Zealand
FIRST DEAF MP TO JOIN PARLIAMENT
The Green Party is celebrating the election of Mojo Mathers as their 14th MP after the counting of special votes increased the Green's share of the party vote and number of MPs to a record high. Ms Mathers said she was delighted at the result and was looking forward to the first day of Parliament on 20 December. Ms Mathers will be New Zealand's first deaf MP and the fifth in the world. / NZ Herald News

See Also CONSERVATIVE APOLOGIZES TO DEAF MP OVER 'GOOF' / NZ Herald News

Perth, Western Australia
DEAF, BLIND ... SOON HOMELESS
An Erskine family fear their deaf and blind daughter will be locked out of her disability support accommodation if they bring her home for Christmas. Toni Atkinson, 42, has complicated intellectual disabilities and a multi sensory disability. She shares a home with two women in Sea-scapes and is supported by professional staff. There have been ongoing disputes between Midway Community Care and Toni’s parents Tim and Moira, which came to a head when Midway advised they planned to cease services for Toni. Despite attempts at mediation, Toni’s parents claim their daughter must vacate her home no later than December 23. / inmycommunity

Ingleburn, NSW, Australia
INGLEBURN FIREFIGHTER AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO DEAF
An Ingleburn firefighter was recognised with a NSW Government Community Service Award on Wednesday for his service to the local deaf community. Campbelltown state Liberal MP Bryan Doyle presented Louis Hese with the award for his continuing work to develop fire alarm strategies for the deaf or hearing impaired. “In 2006, Mr Hese identified the need to develop smoke detectors to protect people who are deaf/hearing impaired,” Mr Doyle said. / Macarthur Chronicle Campbelltown

Beijing, China
MORE DEAF KIDS FROM POOR FAMILIES TO GET ARTIFICIAL COCHLEA EMBEDDED FREE
Sixteen thousand more deaf children from low-income families are expected to have artificial cochlea embedded free between 2012-2015, under a program funded by China's Central Government. This is the second such government-funded program organized by the China Disabled Persons' Federation. During the period of 2009-2011, the government paid for the embedding of artificial cochlea for 1,500 poor kids with hearing disabilities, and for their follow-up rehabilitative training. / People's Daily

Manila, Philippines
DEAF MAN FOUND DEAD IN BUTUAN
A deaf man with a mental illness was found dead in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte Monday afternoon. The victim, identified as Alexander Pacaldo, was found in a grassy portion of a coconut farm in Barangay Cabcabon at 3:20 p.m. The farm was owned by a certain Ledio Malinao. / ABS-CBN News

Calgary, AB, Canada
'DEAF AND DYING' CALGARY MAN ALLEGES COP ASSAULT
Paying a traffic ticket became a horrifying experience for a sick and mute Red Deer man who claims he was assaulted by an Alberta sheriff. Bill Berry, a 52-year-old cancer survivor who breathes through his neck with a tube, went to the courthouse to pay a traffic ticket Friday when he said a sheriff began shouting at him. "I (tried) to explain with hand gestures that I can't speak -- he grabbed me and threw me to ground," he said. "Is this the way to handle a dying deaf mute for walking in the wrong door?" / London Free Press

West Norfolk, England
VOLUNTEERS TO HELP DEAF NEEDED
More volunteers are needed to help people with hearing problems. With one in five people hard of hearing, the need for organisations like the West Norfolk Deaf Association (WNDA) could scarcely be greater. WNDA is a charity that provides a hearing support service to NHS hearing aid users. Working alongside audiology staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, hearing aid clinics provide outreach services in local communities, saving them from having to travel to attend hospital appointments. / Lynn News

Berks, England
DEAF-BLIND GIRL OFF SCHOOL AFTER TEACHERS BAN GUIDE DOG
A deaf and blind teenager is off school after teachers banned her guide dog from the dining hall. Molly Watt, 17, says she was left to eat alone in a separate room because another pupil who uses the canteen is allergic to her black labrador, Unis. The A-Level student has since been signed off sick and has not been to school since November 3. / Mirror

Glasgow, Scotland
DEAF TEENAGER CONFESSED TO MURDER BID IN TEXT MESSAGE TO POLICE
A deaf teenager who confessed by text message to trying to murder a 12-year-old boy by repeatedly stabbing him has been detained. Gareth Young used a mobile phone to tell police he had stabbed the child and hidden the knife in a cupboard. The 16-year-old was sentenced to four years detention at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday after he admitted trying to kill the child, who cannot be named. / STV News

Kingston, Jamaica
DEAF J'CANS WANT INTERPRETERS AT POLITICAL DEBATES
Deaf citizens have requested that signing interpreters be present at the upcoming national political debates so that deaf persons may understand the issues involved in the upcoming election. Organizers of the debates are considering the request and have asked representatives of the deaf community to assist them in providing the interpreters if given the go-ahead, the Observer was told. / Jamaica Observer

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Need help making your selection? Check our online holiday gift guide for gift ideas.

*Sale ends December 22, 2011. Certain product exclusions may apply. Free ground shipping in the contiguous United States only.

For more information, go to http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_DW121111 or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com

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LIFE & LEISURE
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Fresno, CA
SANTA'S SILENT SLEIGH VISITS DEAF CHILDREN
It's a holiday tradition in Fresno ... the Silent Sleigh came to town Wednesday morning. About 200 deaf and hard of hearing children from around the Valley got to enjoy the rare opportunity to communicate with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's the 25th anniversary of Silent Sleigh, hosted by the Air National Guard. / KGPE

Beckley, WV
SIGNING SANTA ALL EARS FOR DEAF CHILDREN
It was a merry morning for hearing impaired children all over Raleigh County. Jolly Old St. Nick made a special visit to the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center. And Santa didn't need words to spread holiday cheer. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Santa Claus signed. "Everybody is just so happy," Langston Pinnex exclaimed. "I just feel so excited! I'm just so excited! It is just amazing." / WVNSTV

Hickory, NC
TOP 20 HEARING LOSS CAUSING TOYS THIS CHRISTMAS
Will your child or infant have a “Silent Night” this Christmas all because his Christmas toys contributed to his hearing loss? Well, that’s the concern of the Sight and Hearing Association as they bring you this year’s Noisy Toys List of 2011 in time for the holiday season. Hearing loss caused by noisy toys this Christmas ranks equally among other toy hazards including choking, lead paint and harmful plastic chemicals. / Emaxhealth

Anderson, IN
FATHER CREATES SILENT BLESSINGS DEAF MINISTRIES TO HELP OTHER FAMILIES
When Marshall Lawrence’s daughter, Rachel, was approximately 2 years old, he finally realized she was deaf. Plunging them into a culture they knew little about, the family quickly learned that not many resources are produced with deaf children in mind. Rather than simply bemoan their fate, Lawrence established Silent Blessings Deaf Ministries and began creating a program to fill the gap. / The Herald Bulletin

Murrieta, CA
CONGREGATIONS REACH OUT TO DEAF WORSHIPPERS
Last Saturday, as the worshippers arrived at St. Martha Catholic Church in Murrieta, officials were preparing an afternoon of the standard Catholic fare: lunch, confession, Mass, a message about "Encountering Christ" by one Father Shawn Carey, on loan from the Archdiocese of Boston. But there was a twist: Nothing in the retreat would be conducted in English. Prayers, blessings, a discussion of the season of Advent -- all would be delivered via American Sign Language. / North County Times

New York, NY
IS MERCEDES-BENZ'S FLAGSHIP NYC DEALERSHIP MAKING ITS NEIGHBORS DEAF?
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan's 330,000 square-foot dealership is a model of quiet efficiency. Towering windows cast golden afternoon sun serenely across acres of luxury cars. Outside? Local residents say it's a train wreck. Some say the building's six exhaust vents are so loud, they're making them deaf. / Jalopnik

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WORKING WORLD
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Sheboygan Falls, WI
'DEAF PEOPLE CAN DO THINGS'
There's a startling "before-and-after" quality to the projects done by Jeff Mauer, owner of 72 Handyman, Sheboygan Falls. Take the kitchen remodel Mauer did for Brad Schoenemann and Tina Weiterman's Oostburg home. "We love it," Schoenemann said. "We'll definitely have him come back." When Mauer saw Schoenemann's words, signed by an American Sign Language interpreter, his face lit up with a big grin. / Sheboygan Press

West Aurora, IL
WEST AURORA NAMES SIX TO ALUMNI HALL OF HONOR
The West Aurora High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor will honor six more graduates in the spring. The 2012 Hall of Honor inductees, announced Monday, include Raymond W. Reed, ’64. Reed was a dedicated advocate, counselor, educator and administrator whose own progressive hearing loss enhanced his commitment to assisting others who were deaf or hard of hearing. / Aurora Beacon News

Vashon, WA
STATE AGENCY USES DOOH TO TURN ADA COMPLAINT INTO REVENUE STREAM
For the Washington State Ferries system, the challenge of responding to an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint has turned into a golden opportunity for the cash-strapped public agency to turn its digital signage messaging system into a positive revenue stream. A hard-of-hearing commuter missed several announcements, and his complaint prompted the organization to launch a pilot program with digital signage firm Four Winds Interactive that strengthened its visual messaging to customers. / DigitalSignageToday.com

Chicago, IL
THIS WEEK'S CHICAGOAN: JOSH GARRETT, SIGN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
"When I was in sixth grade, I was in choir at school, and we had to sign a song. I think it was 'Somewhere Out There.' I thought it would be the dumbest thing ever, but it was fascinating. My mom bought me a sign-language book, and that's how I started. I was interpreting in church at age 16. I was awful. Now I have my national interpreting certification." / Chicago Reader

Washington, DC
DEAF PANAMANIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN VISITS KDES
Diego Lombana, the only deaf parliamentarian in Latin America, visited with a Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) fourth grade class while on a delegation visit from Panama to Gallaudet University. As an elected member of the Asemblea Nacional (National Assembly), Lombana has supported legislation to promote the recognition and use of Panamanian sign language. / KDES

New York, NY
BARNES & NOBLE TAPS LEXINGTON CENTER FOR THE DEAF TO RECRUIT HOLIDAY HELP
Clients of the Lexington Vocational Services Center for the Deaf who are seeking to hone their skills in customer relations and build work experience have been recruited to provide free gift wrapping services for Barnes & Noble customers. In exchange, they will have the opportunity to raise funds to benefit services for deaf workers. / Queens Gazette

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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New York, NY
SPEAKING OUT THROUGH ART
The first season of the American reality show Work of Art: The Next Great Artist enjoyed a good run on TLC earlier this year. It showcased the efforts of 14 budding artists competing for a chance at a solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, as well as the $100,000 cash prize. The second season, which is currently screening in the US, has among its contestants a Malaysian-born artist residing in New York. Leon Lim, 31, is born deaf, a condition that he has embraced and turned to his advantage, tuning his concentration into the visual, rather than auditory, world. / The Sun Daily

Houston, TX
DEAF ACTORS TELL CHRISTMAS STORY IN HOLIDAY PLAY
"This year our Christmas drama is entitled Hillbilly Christmas," says Pastor of Woodhaven Baptist Deaf Church Pastor Arthur Craig. A “Hillbilly holiday play?” That isn't the only way this show is unconventional. This Christmas play is put on for and by Houston's hearing impaired. / MyFoxHouston

Great Falls, MT
MONTANA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND STUDENTS SHOW MUSIC THROUGH SIGHT
The lack of clapping as kids finished each of their Christmas-themed songs in the gym at Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind on Sunday afternoon wasn't considered a rude gesture. Instead, as students from the school's Expressions of Silence choir finished performing and signing to one popular song after another, hands did indeed go in the air -- but the fingers waved wildly to sign what the hearing world considers applause. / Great Falls Tribune

Eugene, OR
DEAF CHOIR BREAKS THE SOUND BARRIER
Life for Larry Spiva, the only deaf child in a large family of musicians and singers, was tough. But as he watched his siblings perform on stage over the years, his love for music grew. “He can feel the vibration with the way they played their music,” voiced Spiva’s interpreter while he signed. “So, he enjoyed it because he could feel it.” / KVAL

Tonawanda, NY
DEAF PARENTS PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE
The parents of Holmes Elementary School student actress Esther MacDonald are incredibly proud of their daughter’s performance in the lead role of the school’s production “Sleeping Beauty, Kids." Donald and Maria MacDonald have played an important and active role in helping Esther prepare for her lead part. Their support is profound, inspirational, heartfelt, and in some respects limited because of their lifelong disability: both have been deaf since birth, and can only communicate with Esther and the rest of the “Sleeping Beauty, Kids” crew through a sign language interpreter. / metroWNY

Lexington, VA
ROCKBRIDGE BALLET PERFORMS WITH DEAF AND BLIND STUDENTS
A truly special holiday performance is taking place this weekend in Lexington. The Rockbridge Ballet is putting together a show with students from the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton. The performance is supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. / WDBJ

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SPORTS
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Indianapolis, IN
COLTS PLAYER USES SIGNING SKILLS TO CONNECT WITH YOUNG FANS
A Colts player used a personal skill to connect with young fans Tuesday. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson has spent most of his life doing two things - making life miserable for quarterbacks and using sign language. "My dad, he's deaf. I grew up signing the whole time," Anderson said. / WTHR

San Antonio, TX
UPBEAT SWIMMER ACHIEVES WORLD SUCCESS
Though the crowd's cheers reverberated across the Portuguese natatorium, Abby McAlpin, 17, didn't need to hear them to propel herself through the water toward two silver medals and a bronze during the World Deaf Swimming Championships earlier this year. McAlpin, 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. / San Antonio-Express 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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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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R·I·T
STAFF POSITION POSTING FORM
Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:
JOB TITLE: Sr. Financial Analyst
IRC54578

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

NTID Finance and Budget is a business unit within the college of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT. This department is charged with the performance and management of the financial processes associated with the preparation and execution of NTID’s $90 million operating budget.

Assists in all aspects of managing the daily activities of the College of NTID’s budget, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures of RIT and NTID, as well as the Department of Education. In conjunction with the Assistant Vice President, is specifically responsible for the development, coordination and monitoring of NTID’s operating budget.

• Develop annual operating budget based on current salary recommendations, current and new academic and operational initiatives, and revenue forecasts

• Monitor fiscal performance against plans for accuracy and completeness, identifying concerns and areas of opportunity. Direct departmental staff assistants in monitoring and balancing their budgets and provide technical assistance to that end

• Provide analysis and reporting on performance of NTID’s operating budget; perform financial analysis for management decision making for the allocation of resources in current and future operating budgets

• Monitor all charges, direct and indirect, assessed by RIT for services provided to NTID. Analyze all costs from RIT departments for accuracy and reasonableness

• Maintain standardized and periodic reporting processes and operating budget formats that are integrated with RIT’s enterprise (Oracle) system; provide monthly updates of expenditures versus plans, revenue forecasts, grant, designated fund and reserve fund activities. Query the Oracle General Ledger and interpret the data for use in reporting formats. Disseminate and explain variances

• Maintain detailed records pertaining to NTID grant activities including distributions of F&A returns to NTID departments

• Audit NTID departmental expenditures. Provide technical assistance in interpreting budgeting and accounting policies and procedures. Assist in formulating spreadsheets and databases to manage departmental budgets and operations and pertinent details to constituents

• Provide direct support to operating areas within NTID related to operating, capital, grant and restricted accounts to enhance the overall efficiency of the financial management of NTID

• Coordinate year end closing procedures for both RIT’s June 30 closing and NTID’s September 30 closing

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration required; CPA or MBA preferred

• Comprehensive knowledge of sound financial management, budget practices and accounting principles required with five to seven years experience preferably in a not-for-profit or higher education setting

• Ability to work independently in analyzing and resolving complex financial problems

• Intermediate to Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite products required; experience with Oracle financial applications preferred

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required

• American Sign Language skills and knowledge of Deaf culture or commitment to learn required

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online at http://apptrkr.com/220796 search for IRC54578. Submit a cover letter, a vita; and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references.

Deadline: December 31, 2011

The Rochester Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All individuals with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the university’s continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences are encouraged to make application.

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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 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.

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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