deafweekly

 

May 26, 2010
Vol. 6, No. 30

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 2010 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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Indianapolis, IN
MOTHER, DAUGHTER RUN OVER DURING CAR WASH FUNDRAISER
Tragedy struck a weekend fundraiser for the Indiana School for the Deaf. A mother and her 15 year-old daughter were struck by a car while volunteering at a school fundraiser, and police say the driver hit them on purpose. That driver, 43 year-old Derek Dewitt, faces charges of attempted murder for running the two down near 56th Street and Kessler. It happened around 5:20 p.m. Saturday. Police say he made a statement indicating he intentionally ran over 41 year-old Tina Boozer-Carter and her 15 year-old daughter. / WXIN

Sharpsburg, MD
TRAIN DEATH OF HARD-OF-HEARING MAN CALLED ACCIDENT
The Washington County Sheriff's Office says a freight train's fatal collision with a hearing-impaired man near Sharpsburg was an accident. Thirty-two-year-old Omar Burkholder of Sharpsburg was killed by a Norfolk Southern train Friday afternoon. Police say Burkholder was walking south beside the tracks on a curve between Sharpsburg and Shepherdstown, W.Va. They say the train driver tried to slow down and sounded the horn, but family members told police Burkholder wouldn't have heard it. / The Capital

Milwaukee, WI
FATHER MURPHY'S VICTIMS SHARE HORRORS
A victim of a pedophile priest in Milwaukee shared his story with Mike Jacobs. The victim, Steven Geier, was one of the many boys assaulted by Father Murphy at St. John's School for the Deaf. Geier was just 9 when he arrived at St. John's. He was first abused when he was about 13. With the help of a translator, Geier told us what happened that horrible night... and so many nights after. / WTMJ

San Francisco, CA
LAWSUIT: CALIF. FAILS TO ACCOMMODATE DEAF WORKERS
Deaf and hard-of-hearing state employees in California are regularly denied sign language interpreters for meetings and have been left behind during emergency evacuations because of a failure to accommodate their disability, according to a lawsuit filed Friday. "Our investigation reveals a systemic breakdown," said Joshua Konecky, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. "Deaf employees describe a haphazard and patchwork environment for requesting and securing accommodations, if they get them at all." The problems have resulted in workplace "isolation, exclusion, prejudice and overall pervasive discrimination," the suit says. / Lake Wylie Pilot

Boston, MA
DISABILITIES GROUP FAULTS MASS. ON WATER CRISIS
An advocacy group for the disabled today filed a federal civil rights complaint with the Department of Justice over the state’s handling of a drinking water crisis earlier this month. The complaint made by the Disability Policy Consortium says the state wasn’t prepared to adequately respond to the needs of disabled and elderly people when a water main break left nearly 2 million eastern Massachusetts residents under an order to boil their water for several days. The complaint also alleges the state did not provide sign language interpreters at press conferences or captioning for video clips posted on the state website. / Boston Herald

Buffalo, NY
WIDER OPPORTUNITIES, RIGHTS FOR DEAF SOUGHT
Patricia Tadak wants to see an assisted living facility for deaf senior citizens built in Western New York. Eileen Wuest wants deaf and blind citizens to have the same rights as everyone else. David Wantuck wants deaf athletes to be able to play professional sports. Those were just a few of the hopes for the future expressed Friday during a conference of the Deaf Community Alliance Network in Buffalo. More than 70 people who are deaf, hearing impaired or who work with the deaf gathered in the Hyatt Regency Buffalo to discuss the need for more comprehensive services for deaf and hearing-impaired Western New Yorkers. / The Buffalo News

Staunton, VA
VA. SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BIND BREAKS GROUND FOR MAJOR NEW BUILDING
For years, the Staunton community feared the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind would be consolidated elsewhere in the state, ending a tradition of service that started in the 1830s and includes a period when the Staunton campus housed wounded Civil War soldiers. But last Wednesday, it was time to celebrate completion of part of the consolidated VSDB-Staunton's more than $71 million renovation. It was also time to break ground for the centerpiece of the project -- an almost 60,000-square-foot education building that will house VSDB's middle and high school program. / Richmond Times-Dispatch

Danville, KY
KSD GRADUATES 16 IN DANVILLE CEREMONY
“Define yourself. Define your own realities. Once you do that you can change the world.” That’s what Ryan Commerson told the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s 16 seniors at its graduation ceremony Friday. Commerson is an activist and filmmaker from Michigan who received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Gallaudet University. Commerson encouraged students to create their own realities, telling them it’s impossible to ever be 100 percent prepared for the “real world” but that they are the ones who are in control of their realities. / Advocate-Messenger

Marion County, FL
TEXTING TO 911 NOW POSSIBLE ON MARION
In Marion County there's now an alternative to 911. Deputies were worried that crime victims wouldn't always be able to call in an emergency. So now, they're making it possible to text for help. In 2009, the Marion County Sheriff's office received 127,926 911 calls, but officials believe they need to provide another option to those who need help. The way the sheriff's office sees it, there's a whole new generation of people who would rather not make phone calls; they prefer to text. "We realized from recent research that people are texting more," said Judge Cochran, Marion County Sheriff's Office. / WFTV

Salem, OR
FANS OF SCARY INDUSTRY FIND FUN IN SALEM
The inaugural West Coast Haunters Convention took place last weekend in Salem. The three-day event, which ended Sunday, was held at the Oregon School for the Deaf and orchestrated by Ed Roberts, a dormitory counselor for the school. At least 200 people attended the convention, which Roberts hopes to make into a regular event. Roberts also is the mastermind behind the school's "Nightmare Factory," an annual fall production that draws about 8,000 people and is the school's biggest fundraiser. / Statesman Journal


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ASL/ITP Faculty Across the U.S. Are Using the Sony Virtuoso™ and Soloist® ASL Software Suite.

One ASL/ITP Lead Faculty in TX comments: “With the Sony Soloist software I now have the ability to record video and audio for multiple students at one time as opposed to the old way --- one at a time with a camcorder. It’s really nice for my students to have digital recordings of their voiced and signed interpretations to help them build resume portfolios.” Contact SANS Inc. at sales@sansinc.com for a product preview CD or to arrange a demo or visit at www.sansinc.com.

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INTERNATIONAL
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London, England
DEAF PARENTS/FAMILIES WANTED FOR CH4 JO FROST TV PROGRAM
Deaf Parenting UK is working in partnership with the production company that makes Channel 4’s Jo Frost’s TV programs. She is well-known for her previous programs including Super Nanny. We are keen to find Deaf Parents/ families to take part. JO FROST is looking for parents in need of expert advice to take part in the returning series of Channel 4’s Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance. Are you Deaf parents or is your child deaf or hard of hearing? Have you struggled with their behaviour or that of their siblings as a consequence? / Deaf Parenting UK

Aberdeen, Scotland
ANGER OVER DEAF SOCIETY CONTRACT DECISION
Aberdeen City Council was accused last Friday of “picking on” vulnerable groups after it ruled against renewing its contract with a lifeline service for deaf people. The decision not to continue supporting the Aberdeen and North-East Deaf Society will lead to the closure of its Smithfield centre, it was confirmed. The council agreed to end the society’s contract, deciding instead to extend its contract with the Grampian Society for the Blind to include services for the deaf. The deaf society has supported thousands of people since it began 115 years ago. / The Press and Journal

Bristol, England
CUTS THREATEN SURVIVAL OF BRISTOL'S DEAF STUDIES UNIT
The internationally renowned Deaf Studies department at Bristol University faces closure within two years after a 75 per cent budget cut was announced by bosses. The Centre for Deaf studies (CDS) has been a trailblazer for deaf studies and sign language since opening more than 30 years ago and produces around 20 per cent of the country's new interpreters every year. While Bristol University says there is no proposal to shut the whole centre, staff say the massive cuts announced earlier this month as part of £15m of savings university-wide, would make it impossible for it to continue. / The Independent

London, England
LAUREN: I'M TERRIFIED OF GOING DEAF
"Over The Rainbow" hope Lauren Samuels fears that hearing loss could end her singing career. The 22-year-old, aiming to land the role of Dorothy in tomorrow's BBC1 final, grew up partially deaf and wore two hearing aids until she was 18. Her hearing then miraculously improved, but doctors warned it might not stay. The Londoner told TV Biz: "They don't know if it will deteriorate again. Of course I'm worried, it would be catastrophic." / The Sun

London, England
WILLIAM ROACHE BREAKS SILENCE OVER HEARING TRAUMA
William Roache, who plays Coronation Street's Ken Barlow, has launched a nationwide search for hard of hearing high achievers to enter the Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards, admitting he has secretly been battling serious hearing difficulties throughout the past 50 years. William is talking about his hearing problems for the first time as he launches the 2010 Specsavers Sound Barrier Star Awards, which recognise achievement or courage in people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Anyone can nominate themselves, a friend or family member for the award. / Coronation Street Blog

Durham, England
STUDY SHOWS MORE DISABLED STUDENTS ARE DROPPING OUT OF UNIVERSITY
Student Rosie Watson felt humiliated and let down when her tutors failed to take into account her deafness. Although when she began her anthropology degree course at Durham University Watson was assessed and given the help of a note-taker and a laptop, she says tutors and lecturers humiliated her and failed to take her needs into account. When she raised the issue, she was offered counselling to help her adjust to university life. "[One tutor] tapped on the loop [of her hearing aid system] and shouted down it "Rosie can you hear me, Rosie" and I was made to feel humiliated, especially when other students laughed at this," Watson says. / Guardian

Jerusalem, Israel
SIGNING OFF ON THEIR RITE OF PASSAGE
In a unique ceremony Monday morning at the Beit Yaakov synagogue in Jerusalem’s Ramat Eshkol neighborhood, 52 deaf and hearing-impaired children celebrated their bar and bat mitzvas. Proud parents, family and friends looked on as the children experienced the rite of passage with the aid of the Judaic Heritage Program for Israel’s Deaf and Hearing Impaired (JHPIDHI), sponsored by the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel. / The Jerusalem Post

Nairobi, Kenya
ARTIST 'HEARS' WITH EYES, CARVES A LIVING
Alfred Kemboi has never seen a lion in real life and he cannot hear its roar even when he watches nature documentaries. But, when he put final touches to a wooden lion sculpture, it looked like something of a life. Born with hearing disability 24 years ago, Kemboi says he ‘hears’ with his eyes what his ears miss and he brings out the snarling expression of a roaring lion in the carving. Recently he made a crisp sculpture of the Eldoret North MP (William) Ruto making a speech gesture, just from watching him speak in public rallies. The minister was so impressed he paid him Sh9,000 ($113 US), says Kemboi. / The Standard

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
DEAF NEED EDUCATION ABOUT LAW
In response to a recent spate of arrests of deaf people in HCM City, the Disability Resource and Development (DRD) held a special seminar on Sunday to explore ways to educate the deaf about the law. Lawyers and social workers recommended that agencies expand the existing sign language for the deaf to include signs about the law and develop educational aids such as picture books, as many of the city's deaf are also illiterate. Recently local media published a number of articles about an increase in crimes committed by hearing-impaired people. Most participants agreed that deaf people could not communicate with the community at large, police or the court system. / VietNam News

Quezon City, Philippines.
DEAF CFA STUDENT GRADUATES CUM LAUDE
Jemima Ming A. Go, Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Visual Communication, surpassed the challenges of being deaf and graduated cum laude in the 99th Commencement Exercises held on April 25, 2010. At the University of the Philippines Diliman commencement exercises, Chancellor Sergio Cao quoted Jemima’s profile in her thesis, which described her as “part of the deaf community and aims to connect deaf individuals to the hearing world through their skills and talents so that better understanding and acceptance will be achieved! It was around the time she was in elementary school that Jemima realized she was different from other people. / UP Alumni Relations


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LIFE & LEISURE
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Cambridge, MA
MIT PROFESSOR DEVELOPS BETTER WAY TO FIT HEARING AIDS
“A lot of people with hearing aids are likely walking around with hearing aids that don’t fit, because they don’t know what they’re supposed to feel like,” says Douglas Hart, MIT professor of mechanical engineering. Hart has patented a new way of scanning the ear canal with 3-D imaging technology — a process that is much faster, easier and more accurate than the plaster-mold technique. He plans to market the technology to hearing-aid manufacturers first, but believes it could also be useful to build fitted earphones for MP3 music players, or custom-fit earplugs for military personnel and other people who work in noisy environments. / MIT

Galesburg, IL
FIRE PROTECTION FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are so important, they are required by law. But what about people who are unable to hear? How can they be protected? Those were questions Carol Monical, office manager at Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living, had for Capt. Dan Foley of the Galesburg Fire Department. Monical is deaf. “Tests have shown that about 40 percent of deaf people don’t wake up from strobes,” Foley said. / The Register-Mail

Miami, FL
RAINBOW ALLIANCE FOR DEAF SEEKS TO OVERCOME BARRIERS
South Florida Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf, SFRAD is dedicated to the “social, cultural and educational welfare” of the hearing impaired community. Its president, Jordan Isea is only twentyeight years old but carries himself and the organization with a seasoned commitment beyond his years. The group began one year ago when Isea got together with a few other deaf LGBT friends in Broward County. “I saw the benefits of a similar RAD organization in Houston,” Isea said from his home in Miami. “After seeing nothing happen for three years, I decided to work with some people in reestablishing a prominent deaf LGBT organization in the area. / South Florida Gay News

Jacksonville, IL
SIGN CLUB VISITS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Imagine a classroom where the teacher and students are speaking another language — one the visiting students know only a little about. Now imagine that communication is completely silent. Members of the Ottawa Township High School Sign Club got a taste of what the world is like for the hearing impaired when they visited the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville earlier this month. "They learn the same things and they learn them the same way, but they do it with sign instead," said OTHS sophomore Abby Ragsdale. / The Times

Olathe, KS
DEAF SCHOOL'S MOCK TRIAL PROVIDES MUCH BIGGER LESSONS
For a day, the students at the Kansas School For the Deaf got to play and pretend in a very real courtroom. As the mock attorney asked if a witness had problems with communication, students were able to merge fiction with real life. The students were in a Johnson County courtroom Tuesday for a mock trial and a chance to learn lessons about equal rights and social respect. The students were in the courtroom after reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" and adjusting the scenes to fit the issues they face. / KCTV


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WORKING WORLD
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Washington, DC
UNIVERSITIES SEEK MORE HEALTH CARE JOBS FOR DEAF
The health care industry offers few high-paying job opportunities for the deaf, but that could change in the next few years. Expanding health care career opportunities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will be the mission of a group of higher education experts from the National Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester and Gallaudet University in Washington. The group, which hopes to issue its findings within 18 months, was announced Wednesday at the Capitol Hill offices of Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport. / Democrat and Chronicle

Stanford, CA
AIMING TO CURE DEAFNESS, STANFORD SCIENTISTS FIRST TO CREATE FUNCTIONAL INNER-EAR CELLS
Deep inside the ear, specialized cells called hair cells detect vibrations in the air and translate them into sound. Ten years ago, Stefan Heller came up with the idea that if you could create these cells in the laboratory from stem cells, it would go a long way toward helping scientists understand the molecular basis of hearing in order to develop better treatments for deafness. After years of lab work, researchers in Heller’s lab have found a way to develop mouse cells that look and act just like the animal’s inner-ear hair cells — the linchpin to our sense of hearing and balance — in a petri dish. / Stanford

New York, NY
QUEENS COLLEGE PROFESSORS GET $800K GRANT
Six Queens College science and math professors’ research on software for deaf individuals and alternative energy landed them more than $800,000 dollars from the U.S. National Science Foundation, which awarded the teachers with Faculty Early Career Development Awards. Matt Huenerfauth, a computer science professor who was hired in 2006, was recognized for his research on improving assistive technology for people with disabilities. Huenerfauth and members of his lab study how to design computer programs to translate English text into on-screen animations of American Sign Language in order to make information available online to deaf individuals. / YourNabe.com

Charlottesville, VA
DEAF STUDENT PURSUES DREAM OF BECOMING A DOCTOR
The commencement ceremony at University of Virginia held a special meaning for one student who graduated with a degree in chemistry despite being deaf. Now that her undergraduate career has come to a close, Jasmine Saleh continues to over come her disability with plans to attend medical school. "My four years here at UVA have been so wonderful," said Saleh. "My parents cried when they found out I was deaf. They thought I would never get into college," said Saleh. / WVIR

Valley Center, CA
STUDENT IS FIRST DEAF USD GRADUATE
It wasn't always easy, John-Paul Damante said, but making his way through four years of college to become the first deaf student to graduate from the University of San Diego probably will not be the biggest accomplishment of his life. For now, though, the 22-year-old Valley Center resident is proud of himself -- within reason. Damante joins his fellow graduates in ceremonies Sunday at USD, having earned a degree in communications studies with a minor in theater arts. / North County Times

West Lafayette, OH
SCHOOLS LEARN TO LISTEN TO THE DEAF
Ridgewood Middle School special education teacher Linda Ondayko spends the day teaching her students. But one day per week since October, she's changed roles to become the student in the new afterschool American Sign Language Club. The club was formed shortly after the school's first hearing-impaired student who required a full-time interpreter joined his local peers at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year. / Zanesville Times Recorder

See Also INTERPRETER THRILLED BY SCHOOL'S INTEREST / Zanesville Times Recorder


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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Hartford, CT
WADSWORTH EXHIBITION CELEBRATES CO-FOUNDER OF AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
The American School for the Deaf and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art collaborated to create an installation celebrating Laurent Clerc titled “Connections Gallery: American School for the Deaf,” which will be on view through June 6. Clerc is a prominent figure in the history of deaf culture and Hartford. Clerc came to America from France in 1816 to help co-found the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, the oldest school for the deaf in the United States. / West Hartford News

Ashland, OR
DEAF STUDENTS GET BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT OSF
About 60 deaf and hard of hearing students in the Southern Oregon Education Service District got the opportunity to meet a professional actor who faces similar challenges. The students traveled to Ashland Monday to get a behind the scenes look at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival with Actor Howie Seago, who is in three plays this season at OSF. His acting resume is extensive. He is passionate about his profession. He's also deaf. / KDRV

Chicago, IL
WHY I'LL BE LEARNING SIGN LANGUAGE -- ROGER EBERT'S JOURNAL
After spending a couple of years avoiding sign language, I received this message from James Mottern, the director of "Trucker," which told me things I needed to hear: Dear Roger, When I was at the festival I spoke with Chaz about sign language and she told me that on your blog you wrote about why you did not want to learn it. I have looked but could not find anything about it. This is none of my business, but -- ahem -- that has never stopped me in anything before, so... / Chicago Sun-Times


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SPORTS
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Frederick, MD
TAYLOR HELPS TURN MSD INTO TRACK CHAMP
Maryland School for the Deaf's boys and girls track teams last weekend each won their fourth straight ESDAA crowns. Much of the Orioles' recent success in track comes from a man who was just passing through in 2004, but ended up taking the track coaching job at the request of the school's superintendent. Six years ago, Ronnie Taylor was headed to Boston from South Carolina in search of his next coaching job when he stopped to meet with an acquaintance, MSD superintendent James Tucker, who offered him the Orioles track job. "I thought I would give a try," Taylor said. / The Frederick News-Post

Staunton, VA
VSDB ATHLETE MAKES SCHOOL HISTORY IN SPORTS, ACADEMICS
When it comes to both athletics and academics, Cyron Stokes has reached plateaus not achieved by any other student in the 171-year history of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind. In basketball, the deaf all-American holds the all-time school scoring record of 1,824 points. And academically, while being the top student in his class, he is the first athlete at the school ever enrolled in advanced placement calculus. Although he excels in basketball, Stokes doesn't limit his activities to that sport. He will graduate with four letters in basketball, but also three in soccer and two in track. / The News Leader

Mooresville, NC
'NASCAR NOW' PROFILES DEAF NASCAR FAN
For the average NASCAR fan, the roar of the engines is as much a part of the race as the checkered flag. But for Ann Howell-Davis, the day is more about feeling than hearing. She is a member of Deaf NASCAR Fans and her day at the track is unique. NASCAR Now, ESPN2’s NASCAR news and information program, continues its month-long series on NASCAR fans in the episode airing Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m. ET. In this week’s installment of the series “The Face of The Fan,” Howell-Davis takes viewers to her race - a race that doesn’t have to be heard to be enjoyed. / Catchfence


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MILESTONES
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Vero Beach, FL
COLLETTE RAMSEY BAKER, 91, FOUNDED DEAFNESS RESEARCH FOUNDATION
On May 9, this remarkable woman passed away at 91 with her adoring husband and devoted companion of 22 years, Maurice Baker, constantly at her side. She was born in 1918 in Waverly, Tennessee. After living with a substantial hearing loss for many years, at age 35 she had her hearing completely restored with an early fenestration operation. In gratitude, just over 50 years ago she founded the Deafness Research Foundation (DRF), for which she became widely known and respected, and was listed in Who's Who for Women. / The New York Times


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COMING EVENTS
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Cincinnati, OH
DEAF ZOO DAY 2010
The 8th Annual Deaf Zoo Day will take place on Saturday, June 26th from 9:00am until 4:00pm, rain or shine. This event gives Deaf and hard of hearing individuals a chance to enjoy the zoos exhibits and interact with zookeepers through sign language interpreters, otherwise not available throughout the year. Last year over 300 members of the Deaf Community, from all over the tri-state attended this event, making it the largest Deaf Zoo Day in the United States. / The Enquirer


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READER COMMENTS
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ATHENS READY FOR 2013 DEAFLYMPICS?

I was just surfing around today as we were planning to go to the Athens 2013 Deaflympics. So I was trying to do some research on the 2004 Olympic venues and check out accommodation options and things like that...

As I got further into my research - I began to wonder if the Deaflympic organization is even aware of the situation with the former venues. Apparently - most (if not all) of the venues are closed and off limits to the public. Athens was saddled with nearly 15 billions in debt after the Olympics. Many of the venues are apparently abandoned and in disrepair and damaged by graffiti. The links may be old - but I could not uncover more updated evidence to indicate otherwise.

I am bringing this to your attention merely as something that Deafweekly may want to look into and before any Deaf attendees make any further plans...

Abandoned, derelict, covered in graffiti and rubbish: What is left of Athens' £9billion Olympic 'glory' / Daily Mail

After The Party: What happens when the Olympics leave town / The Independent

Athens post-Olympics legacy: Empty spaces, unsightly venues, uncertain tomorrow / Cityscapes

-- Mark


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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). Start spreading the news! To place your ad, send the announcement to mail@deafweekly.com.

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EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT GLAD, INC.

* Community Advocate - Bakersfield, CA
* Community Advocate - Riverside, CA
* Community Interpreter - Los Angeles, CA

To learn more about these positions, please visit our website, www.gladinc.org.

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Rochester Institute of Technology
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
NTID Access Services
Director/Assistant Dean for Access Services

The Director/Assistant Dean for Access Services provides strategic leadership to and direction for the Institute’s access service functions serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students, faculty/staff and visitors.

PhD or EdD in educational administration/leadership, special education, communication needs/assessment and similar programs.
Minimum ten years experience in management responsibilities in secondary and/or post-secondary education.
A superior level of knowledge and skill in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.
Ability to implement both strategic and tactical plans for Access Services.
Ability to effectively collaborate with institutional and external research and development programs.
Ability to demonstrate competencies using shared governance processes and/or participative involvement in decision-making opportunities.

The Rochester Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of protected classes and 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 send an application.

See detailed job description at our website under the IRC #38360. Your application and any relevant documentation such as resume and cover letter should be uploaded via this website http://mycareer.rit.edu in order to be considered for any positions you are interested in.

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ADVOCATES INC.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing or “fluent in ASL ( American Sign Language) and knowledge of Deaf Culture” this is required to work at one of these programs

Advocates is a Human Service agency that is looking to hire two Case Managers to work in our two Quincy programs. At these two programs, the staff and clients are either Deaf or Hard of hearing. In order to work at one of these programs you must be Deaf/Hard of Hearing or “fluent in ASL (American Sign Language) and knowledge of Deaf Culture” this is requirement to work at one of these programs. Please send your resume to snathan@advocatesinc.org or go to our website at www.advocatesinc.org and apply online.

The Case Manager is responsible for documentation and maintenance of assigned consumer records, including all areas of the Individual Service Plan (ISP), medical concerns and appointments. Also should be proactive and must focus on individual advocacy, empowerment, and community integration.

Essential Functions:
1. Provide case management for two or more individuals in the program as identified by supervisor and advocate for the needs of the individuals.
2. Report to the shift on time and remain alert and responsive to the needs of the individuals throughout the shift.
3. Participate in the development of the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and program specific interventions for individuals.
4. Develop, implement and monitor interesting, creative, and person centered goals with individuals.
5. Complete monthly reports: progress reports, data collection summaries.
6. Attend trainings as assigned; maintain necessary certifications (CPR/First Aid, SOLVE, MAP, HR/DPPC).
7. Advocate for the rights of the individuals; ensure that individuals are treated with dignity and respect; uphold the human rights of all individuals.
8. Provide skills training and support to the individuals as identified in the ISP, including but not limited to the areas of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) routines, behavioral treatment plans, community integration activities, communication and health care
9. Provide a safe, homelike living environment for the individuals.
10. Assist individuals with home maintenance and perform cleaning duties as assigned.

Qualification/Education/Experience:
1. BA/BS in related field, or equivalent of two (2) years related experience.
2. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
3. Basic computer knowledge.
4. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and ability to use good judgment.
5. Demonstrated commitment to the principles and practices of consumer empowerment and community integration.
6. Sensitivity to the needs of the population we support
7. High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere
8. Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.

Advocates' philosophy is based on common values and principles that guide the delivery of all of the services we provide. We believe that all individuals have the right to pursue their personal goals and to contribute to the community. We believe they are entitled to receive accessible services; to live in decent and affordable housing; to be treated with dignity and respect; and to live in inclusive and diverse communities. The employees of Advocates and the recipients of the services we provide work together with the community to ensure that these universal rights are promoted and protected.

Advocates offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 410(k) plan and a six-week holiday/vacation package.

Advocates is an EOE committed to employing a diverse workforce.

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Two new DS therapist- Adults & Children at BJC Behavioral Health in St. Louis, MO.

Therapists will work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental & emotional disorders. Flexibly to work within various structures in the community mental health system.

Job duties includes, therapy, intakes, clinical case management, triage/crisis intervention and EAP therapy. Must have a Masters or Doctorate in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology. Need a LCSW or LPC, 2-4 years experienced required. Fluent in sign language

Please forward resumes to Mark Stansberry, Executive Director, BJC Behavioral Heath, 1430 Olive, Suite 400, St. Louis MO 63103

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