Announcements 2008

Madonna University will be holding a forum and information session on Saturday, May 10, 2008: 10:00 am - Noon. Explore Madonna University's plan to provide BA degree option for interpreters in northern Michigan. For more information, see this flyer.

Hearing Aid Tax Credit Website

With the unveiling of www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) in collaboration with the Hearing Industries Association (HIA) makes it easy for all Americans to send letters to their Senators and Representatives in support of tax credit legislation (HR2329/S1410). The goal - millions of letters to the Hill in support of this legislation. We want to bring this issue to the attention of every Senator and Representative on the Hill. Letters from all hearing industry stakeholders, their customers, their patients and their readers will do that.

Visit the web site and let your voice be heard at: www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org

Scholarship Opportunity

MSPSPHI proudly presents its first scholarships. There are two (2) scholarships available each for $300. The scholarships will be awarded to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are a Junior or Senior in a Michigan high school. The scholarships will be awarded based on academic strides/improvements, community involvement and/or active leadership but not high academic achievement or financial need. The scholarship may be used towards university/college tuition, trade school, leadership camps and/or deaf/hh camps.

For more information, read this flyer.

New Book: “Abby Gets a Cochlear Implant”

This beautifully illustrated children’s picture book details the process of how Abby gets a cochlear implant. Abby wears purple hearing aids, has a progressive hearing loss and her family chooses a cochlear implant for her. The story goes on to describe hearing testing, cochlear implants, and the steps a family would take to explore this option of habilitation for their child who has hearing loss.

This book is a delight for families and children alike.

Abby Gets a Cochlear Implant
Book sells for $11.95.

BLACKBERRY CURVE 8330 is coming out SOON!

--- Announcement from an E-Michigan Donating Sponsor ---

It will be available later this month online at www.sprintrelaystore.com.

What is different with this Blackberry Curve 8330?
   - 2.0 megapixel camera for digital pictures and video recording
   - high speed USB 2.0
   - increased internal memory
   - built-in GPS hardware and GPS Map software
   - 1GB external memory card included

Check with your local Sprint Relay representative
for more information or visit www.blackberrycurve.com.

NEW Lions Club for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

Did you know there used to be a Deaf Lions Club in Wayne and Monroe Counties? The club existed for 11 years!

Lions District 11-A-1 is forming a new Lions club for families of Deaf and hard of hearing people, Deaf and hard of hearing people, and hearing people also.

Click here to learn more...

Sub Teacher Needed in Muskegon Area

Muskegon Public is in need of a substitute teacher for their elementary D/HH classroom. Their teacher is out at least until mid-May, and perhaps until the end of the year. They are looking for a "signing substitute teacher" or an interpreter who can sign for a non-signing sub. Please pass information on to anyone you feel may be qualified to fill this position.

Please contact:
Millie Jackson, Special Ed. Supervisor
Muskegon Public Schools
231-720-2061
mjackson@mpsk12.net

Federal Laws Providing Rights to Individuals with Hearing Loss

The document below is a list of Federal Laws related to the rights of people with hearing loss. This document was distributed by the Hearing Loss Association.

Click here to read the document.

ASL Info Regarding Digital TV in 2009

In 2009, there is an important change for people who use an antenna to watch TV. Learn more on this YouTube video in ASL (sorry, no captions).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9_rBBtCm6o

CSDVRS 1st Annual Deaf Artist Contest

Entries due by May 31, 2008

CSDVRS believes it is your relay service, its about you. CSCVRS wants to put your personal deaf related artwork on display in CSDVRS offices across the country!

Introducing the First Annual Deaf Artist Contest!

We want to see your artistic work that showcases deaf culture and communication freedom. The contest has four specific entry age groups. Each age group winner will receive a Visa Gift Card. A Best of Show award winner will be selected from all of the entries received.

Click here for more information.
Questions? contact artcontest@csdvrs.com

Marlee Matlin on Dancing with the Stars

The Academy Award winning Deaf actress, Marlee Matlin, will be on the television show "Dancing with the Stars." The show premieres on ABC at 8:00 pm on Monday's and Tuesdays.

You may use CDRVRS to place your vote for Marlee.

Click here for mini-poster.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women Needed
Research on Unwanted Sexual Experiences

Stephanie Logan is a deaf doctoral candidate at the University of Missouri in Counseling Psychology.

She is conducting a study on the coping strategies of deaf and hard of hearing women who have had any unwanted sexual experiences (anytime in their lifetime). This study is important because very little research has been conducted in this area for deaf and hard of hearing women.

Participation will require completing a brief (about 20 minutes) anonymous (private) online questionnaire.

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. Participation in this study is confidential.

This research has been fully approved through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Missouri.

If you are a deaf or hard of hearing woman who has experienced an unwanted sexual experience in your lifetime and you agree to participate, please follow the web link at the bottom. Otherwise, use the X at the upper right corner to close this window and disconnect.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=5M7lRv8iFhTYNMKIj1wotA_3d_3d

If you would like further information about this research project, please feel free to respond to this letter via phone or e-mail.

Stephanie Logan, M.B.A.
Doctoral Candidate
University of Missouri
16 Hill Hall
Columbia, Missouri 65203
slogan@tmail.com
(573) 445-5005 office (TTY)
(575) 445-5088 fax

Camp for Deaf/HH Students at U of M
Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics- Entry Point Camp

A 2-day non-residential camp is being offered this summer through the University of Michigan Women in Science Program. The camp will be held Thursday, July 24th and Friday, July 25th. The camp is for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who will complete the 9th, 10th or 11th grade by June 2008, and is for both boys and girls. It will provide an opportunity to learn about various fields of science and engineering. A limited number of scholarships will be available for over-night accommodations for participants and their parent who are not within commuting distance.

For more information see this application.

NAD Seeks Talent to Showcase at the 49th Biennial NAD Conference

Silver Spring, MD – The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is looking for deaf talent for a competition to determine the most theatrically presented material in American Sign Language (ASL) during ASL Live! on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 during the 49th Biennial NAD Conference in New Orleans! Loosely based on the popular TV program, American Idol, this evening of great talent and fun will be hosted by former Miss Deaf America, Lauren Teruel Ridloff.

The evening will feature ten talented semi-finalists who will exhibit their creativity in the use of the American Sign Language in front of a large audience and three judges. It will be the audience and the judges who will ultimately decide the winner.

Performers will be judged on ASL translations, ASL delivery, performance and originality. Performances can include ASL poetry, ASL storytelling, ASL monologues or an ASL interpreted "songs".

The ten (10) semi-finalists will be selected from submitted audition videos by a panel of judges.

Click here to read the guidelines for interested performers (contestants).

Learn more about the NAD at www.nad.org

Interpreters of All Levels!
Gain Experience and CEUs at the DeafBlind Transition Camp

Applications are being processed for RID CEUs and QA Units for the DeafBlind Transition Camp 2008 (DBTC), June 22 - 25, 2008. The DBTC will run much like the American Association of the DeafBlind (AADB) Conference and the DeafBlind Workshops (DBW) in terms of activities and supports needed. Like the DBW, this is an immersion training. Interpreters of all levels, including students, non-credentialed and those needing continuing education, are all welcome to register! This is an event designed to teach you skills for supporting students who are DeafBlind. The number of people accepted for the workshop will be dependent upon the number of campers who request interpreters.

The registration materials can be found on DB Central’s website, www.dbcentral.org.

Communication Contest of Deaf & Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) Youth Contest Sponsored by Michigan District Optimists Clubs

Deaf and hard of hearing youth, up to and including 12th grade, who live in Michigan's lower peninsula are encouraged to enter this contest. Participants must prepare a four minute presentation in ASL, spoken language, or a combination. This year's competition asks: “Why Me? Why Not?”

For more information see the flyer and the application form below.

Click here to view the flyer and
Click here for the application form.

To find a local optimist club that may be sponsoring the CCDHH competition, or to register your paperwork, please contact K. Gaita: kgaita@gmail.com

Traverse City Performance: National Theater of the Deaf

Dates: April 9th & 10

The National Theater of the Deaf, will be performing in Traverse City, MI as part of Traverse City's Young People's Theater Series on Wednesday, April 9th and Thursday, April 10th. Their show Beware the Brindle Beast and Other Stories will be held in Lars Hockstad Auditorium within Central Grade School at 301 Seventh Street, Traverse City. Two shows each day are at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) is a touring theatre company of Deaf and hearing actors that performs in a beautiful and unique theatrical style that it created. That style, which has been referred to as “poetry for the eye and the ear”, links the visually expressive American Sign Language with the spoken word, allowing audiences to see and hear every word. Whether to a live audience in a theatre or to a television audience throughout the country, NTD performances do more than just entertain the audience. They entertain and educate. They offer mainstream hearing society glimpses of the beauty and power of Deaf culture that it may otherwise miss. NTD’s performances also challenge stereotypes on communication, language, and disability. In so doing, they promote diversity and inclusion within society as a whole.

For reservations please e-mail Karen Smith at Ksmith5770@aol.com, or call (231) 590-5615 for additional information.

Job Opportunity: Outreach Specialist

CSDVRS is now accepting applications for Outreach Specialist positions in the Michigan area. This position is a part-time, contract basis with responsibilities of meeting people, making house calls, hosting events, providing presentations and/or workshops to promote CSDVRS. Responsibilities also include “one on one” training with customers on how to use CSDVRS and other services available at residences or businesses.

Qualifications:
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and relate with diverse members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
• Excellent Customer Service Relations skills
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• First-rate leadership in the Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing Community is a plus

Flexible hours, excellent pay rate, and best of all….you make your own schedule!
Apply today to be a part of an exciting and energetic team and work with CSDVRS!

For more information see: http://csdvrs.com/about/jobs.aspx

If interested, please contact Shannon Odneal CSDVRS Sales Manager by e-mail,
sodneal@csdvrs.com.
We look forward to working with you!

CSDVRS Offers vMeeting

--- Announcement from an E-Michigan Donating Sponsor ---

Introducing our brightest idea yet that will change the way you make a conference call, forever.

Imagine being able to participate in a business conference call or even hold a board meeting without having to travel! You can have a family conference call to plan a family vacation or even meet with your child’s teachers at one time.

Meet vMeeting from CSDVRS, your virtual solution to conference calling from your own videophone. vMeeting is the solution for bringing multiple parties, both deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals into the same telephone conversation. Using a conference bridge, you’ll be able to communicate through video interpreters with everyone who joins the meeting!

For more information about setting up a vMeeting for you or your organization, email us at sodneal@csdvrs.com and we will assist you.

NEW DVD in ASL
Your Pregnancy: What to Expect

A 3 DVD series designed specifically for pregnant deaf women has just been released. The series is for anyone needing to learn more about the wonderful 9 month process they are going through. It is called "Your Pregnancy: What to Expect."

Watch this intro video and learn about this new resource for pregnant deaf women. This is also a good resource for interpreters.

http://www.signsforintelligence.com/pregnancy/

FCC ONLINE DISABILITY COMPLAINT FORM
Easier Form for Media and Telecommunications Complaints

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revised their online complaint Form 2000 so that consumers with disabilities may find it easier to alert the FCC of accessibility problems in telecommunications and media, including filing of captioning complaints.

You may access the FCC Form 2000C DISABILITY ACCESS COMPLAINT which you can get to at https://esupport.fcc.gov/sform2000/formC!input.action
OR by clicking on Form 2000 at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html

When you get to this page, first click on YES to the "security" question, and then scroll down to blue FORM 2000C in the middle of the page, and then fill out the information they ask for. Remember to scroll down and click SUBMIT at the bottom of the page to make sure the FCC gets the information. Retain the Acknowledgment Number they send back as this will be your complaint number that can be used to track your complaint later.

You can also use this form for HDTV captioning complaints, Relay Service complaints, Section 255 Complaints, and for Access to Emergency Information on TV complaints! TDI recommends that you file one type of complaint at a time with this form. For example, fill out the form for a complaint on TRS or VRS relay service, and then submit a new form for a captioning-related complaint.

BIG BLOWOUT SALE
on Sprint Relay Wireless Devices!

--- Announcement from an E-Michigan Donating Sponsor ---

Double Rebate Offer.
Time limited Offer!!!

BlackBerry 8703e $249.99 - $100 - $100 = $49.99
Blackberry 8830: $279.99 - $100 - $100 = $79.99
Treo 755p: $299.99 - $100 - $100 = $99.99
Palm Centro: $149.99 - $50 - $100 = $0
Rumor by LG: $99.99 - $50 - $100 = $0

All come with car adapter/charger.

This offer is not valid at any retail stores or Sprint.com website
All purchases must be made through Sprint Relay Store or authorized Sprint Relay representative.
For rebate details, go to http://www.sprintrelaynews.com/blowout/

SPRINT RELAY STORE ~ Order Online at www.sprintrelaystore.com

NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC ’08)

April 3-5, 2008 – Austin, TX
National Association of the Deaf

OPEN TO DEAF PEOPLE 20 YEARS AND OLDER!

If you are a deaf adult (age 20 years and older) who wants to develop leadership skills for your workplace or for community involvement, this is the conference for you!

CUT OFF DEADLINES:
• Conference registration must be received at the NAD by Wednesday, March 12, 2008
• Hotel reservations must be made with the hotel by Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Visit www.nad.org/NLTC for conference specifics, including registration and hotel information. Registration includes all meals!

FCC Workshop on Digital Television with Focus on People with Disabilities

February 28 Workshop will be show live in an open-captioned webcast.
Click here for more information.

SOCIAL POLICY GRADUATE INTERNSHIP
For Graduate Students Focusing on Social Policy and Disability

The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) has established the Eileen Sweeney Graduate Internship. Graduate students aspiring to a career in social policy with a focus on disability are urged to apply for this 12-week summer semester internship. A student will be awarded the internship based on nationwide recruitment and a competitive selection process. Application Deadline: March 1, 2008.

http://www.nasi.org/info-url_nocat3815/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=437729

Share Your Story on the Consumers Union Website
"Here Us Now"- Internet, TV & Radio, Phones & Cell Phones

Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports has, generally, not tested products and filed reports on features that are important to people with hearing loss. However, Consumers Union has established its “Hear Us Now” project that gives voice to consumers who are experiencing problems in the following categories: Internet, TV & Radio, Cable & Satellite, Phones & Cell Phones, and Media Ownership.

If you are experiencing problems regarding telephone, cable and internet services, or equipment, you are invited to “Share Your Story” by going to http://www.hearusnow.org/other/share. The form at that website will enable you to tell about your experiences in dealing with problems, and perhaps solving them, in the listed categories. If you submit a story, Consumers Union may edit it for clarity and return it to you for your approval before publishing your story. Also, by accessing this website, you may learn from the experiences of other consumers.

If people with hearing loss use this communication resource offered by Consumers Union, visibility into the issues faced by this population can be increased. Perhaps, if a sufficient number of stories are submitted, Consumers Union may take an interest in testing and reporting on telecommunications products and services regarding their use by people with hearing loss.

Orientation & Mobility Techniques for Deaf-Blind Travelers
“SAME BUT DIFFERENT”

April 13 – 18, 2008
Registration Deadline - Friday, March 14, 2008

The techniques of orientation and mobility were designed for persons who are blind and hearing. The modifications and adaptations of these techniques are the challenges of the O&M Specialist working with travelers who are deaf-blind. This seminar includes strategies for curriculum modifications, communicating with the public, effectively working with interpreters, and street crossing techniques for travelers who are deaf-blind. An overview of the deaf-blind population and insight into deaf-blind culture will be explored. The participants will acquire the tools, strategies and resources needed to teach a comprehensive O&M program to deaf-blind adults who have a language and are not cognitively delayed. CEU credits and Certificate of Completion are available.

Presenters will include mobility specialist Dona Sauerburger, Monica Godfrey (HKNC), David Miller (The Seattle Lighthouse), and Gene Bourquin (HKNC).

Participants should be members of one of the following categories who are currently teaching or supervising in their field:
* Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS)
* Nationally Certified Cane Instructors (NOMC)
* Agency-trained mobility instructors with 5 years of experience under a certified specialist
* Dog guide trainers

If you are uncertain about applicant qualifications, please contact the National Training Team at HKNC Six day seminar, lodging and meals, resource book: $550.00 HKNC is located less than one hour from New York areas airports. For inquiries regarding registration and accommodations contact Sr. Bernie Wynne ntthknc@aol.com 516 944-8900 EXT 233 (NTT department administrative assistant)

For seminar content and clinical questions contact Gene Bourquin at oandmhk@msn.com or Monica Godfrey at monicagodfrey@hotmail.com

Financial Aid for Interpreter Certification Tests

The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Board of Directors established a Daniel H. Pokorny Memorial Fund in June, 1990. Since that time, scholarships have been awarded to eligible members who wish to take the certification tests but are unable to afford the testing fee.

Click here for the application with further information.

Study Abroad for ASL Users
3-weeks in Italy

The Siena School for Liberal Arts, located in Tuscany Italy, offers a unique 3 week study abroad experience in Summer 2008 for American Sign Language users, Deaf and hearing. These two distinct programs give ASL users an opportunity to learn Italian Sign Language in a formal setting.

The Language and Culture Program for Deaf Adults brings Deaf Italians and Deaf Americans together for a fantastic opportunity for cultural and linguistic exchange. Americans learn Lingua Italiana dei Signi (Italian Sign Language or LIS) and written Italian, while the Italians learn American Sign Language and written English. Students are housed in apartments in the city center for a full opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills.

The Summer Program for LIS and Deaf Studies brings hearing students who know ASL from all over America to learn LIS, written and spoken Italian and Italian Deaf culture. Outside the classroom, students stay with local hearing families and are completely immersed in Italian culture and language. Students are also required to complete or participate in a final project which gives back to the Deaf community; last year's students assisted with documenting the life history of two Deaf women.

The programs are geared towards college students and, if prearranged with the home institution, have the opportunity to earn college credit. All classes are taught by native users. In addition to classroom activities, the programs have a variety of opportunities to interact with the local Deaf community. Students also go on excursions to various museums, landmarks and other events where using LIS and Italian are reinforced.

For information regarding the Deaf program, please visit: http://www.sienaschool.com/new-projects/language-for-deaf-adults.aspx

For information regarding the hearing program, please visit: http://www.sienaschool.com/new-projects/summer-program-in-lis-and-deaf-studies.aspx

For information on the Siena School for Liberal Arts, please visit: http://www.sienaschool.com

If you would like to receive brochures, have questions and/or comments, please email s.allen@sienaschool.com.

Free Telesign Seminar

ADA and Other Laws Surrounding Deaf, Hearing Individuals and Interpreters February 5, 2008 8:00 PM EST

Guest Speaker: Billy S. Allen, M.S.W., A.P.P.,

Registration Deadline –Sunday February 3, 2008.
http://www.telesignseminars.com/files/TSSFlyer_%20ADA.pdf

For more details, or to register for this and other exciting teleconferences, please visit us at:

http://www.telesignseminars.com/

**What is TeleSign Seminars?

BIS is proud to announce TeleSign Seminars, a FREE program enabling Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons to actively participate in educational seminars through our Video Relay Interpreters on your video screen and hearing participants as well.

Participants can listen and/or participate in seminars by dialing into a pre-set "bridge line" that connects a large number of people into one seminar call. The sign language interpreter interprets for the presenters or lecturers who sometimes may have guest speakers that provide a seminar and discussion among the audience. This can be done from the comfort of your home without the cost and hassle of travel, lodging and time. The seminars are always up to date with the latest information from leading experts in their field: business, marketing, banking investments, mental health, wellness, nutrition, real estate, interior design, Deaf culture, Video Relay Services, Video Remote Interpreting and much more.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@telesignseminars.com

Seeking 2 Resident Care Aides for MSD Dormitory

Two Resident Care Aide positions at the Michigan School for the Deaf and Blind have been announced on the Civil Service website to recruit both internal and external candidates. The closing date is February 6, 2008. Check department bulletin boards or the Civil Service website for information on this position. Please help us find the highest quality candidates from diverse backgrounds by alerting your colleagues and networks of this opportunity. For your convenience a direct link to the vacancy announcement is:

http://web1mdcs.state.mi.us/vacancyweb/VacancyInqCheck.asp?ID=20338

Money for Youth to attend HLA Convention 2008 Rocky Stone Scholarship

The Hearing Loss Association (HLA) Board of Trustees established the Rocky Stone Scholarship Program to encourage young people with hearing loss to attend Hearing Loss Association of America annual conventions. Founder Rocky Stone was a staunch believer in our conventions where people could learn and benefit from mutual support. He believed lives were changed after attending a communication accessible convention focused solely on people with hearing loss.

For more information about the scholarship and nomination form, go to www.hearingloss.org/convention/RSScholars.asp. The deadline to apply for Convention 2008 in Reno, Nevada, is April 11, 2008.

NAD Leadership Training Conference Geared to Up-and-Coming Leaders

A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf

January 23, 2008

Contact:
Anita B. Farb
Director, Communications and Operations
National Association of the Deaf
www.nad.org/contactus

Silver Spring, MD – The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) will host its first annual training conference specifically geared to young up-and-coming deaf leaders.

The NAD Leadership Training Conference (NLTC ‘08), will be held April 3-5, 2008 in Austin, Texas, with the theme of Moving Forward Through Proactive Leadership. Key conference objectives are as follows:

Managing transition from traditional to inclusionary leadership
Mobilizing diverse communities through collaboration on core advocacy issues
Understanding trends and challenges in leading nonprofit organizations
Linking local/state advocacy efforts to national issues of relevance

The conference, conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), takes place on the campus of the Texas School for the Deaf.

“NLTC ’08 demonstrates our commitment to expanding the pool of leaders nationwide, through provision of annual training opportunities” said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD president. “We are grateful to our primary sponsors - the Texas School for the Deaf and the Texas Association of the Deaf – for their support in planning, providing meeting space, transportation, and assisting with the many details.”

More than 100 participants are expected to attend the two-day conference, featuring plenary and breakout sessions on topics ranging from “Characteristics of Effective Leaders”, “Promoting Diversity through Listening and Respect”, “Nonprofit Legal and Financial Accountabilities”, “Ways to Get Creative with Fundraising” to “Proactive and Responsible Communication using Blogs and Vlogs”, and more.

NLTC ’08 program, registration, and hotel information can be found at: www.nad.org/NLTC.

2008 Summer Academy for Advancing Deaf & Hard of Hearing in Computing

The 2008 Summer Academy is an academically challenging program designed for deaf and hard of hearing students with skills in math and/or science who may be considering computing as a career, either in industry or academia, and are ready to enter or are in college. We will be looking for up to 10 of the top deaf and hard of hearing students in the United States. Admission is extremely competitive, based on an assessment of ability in computing, and enthusiasm to participate in an intensive experience in all things computing.

The Summer Academy is a 9-week program, beginning June 19 and ending August 23, 2008. Tuition, room, board, transportation and participation in sponsored activities are provided at no cost to accepted students.

To learn more, download the brochure or visit the web site at: http://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/dhh/academy/

Chuck Baird, Artist and Entertainer, in Michigan

The Deaf Arts Festival is hosting an evening with Chuck Baird on February 1, at Madonna University. February 1-3, Chuck will be conducting an art workshop for deaf and hard of hearing youth in middle and high school that same weekend at Holley Family Village in Brooklyn, Michigan.

Chuck Baird, the premier painter and entertainer, can reach into his huge bag of experiences of having three older deaf sisters, being a student in the school for the deaf, his life long artist adventures, being a scene painter and actor for the National Theatre of the Deaf, as well as his travels throughout the United States, Europe and Asia to enlighten and entertain. With his incredible impromptu wit, his stories will make you forget yourself and become fascinated in his program.

See these flyers for information about both programs.
Evening with Chuck Baird Flyer
Chuck Baird Workshop Flyer

Good Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle for Adults Sponsored by Deaf CAN

Sandria Graham is a deaf professional dietitian. She will be offering a FREE workshop at the library in Farmington Hills on February 13, at 7:00 pm. Learn how to stay healthy! This workshop will be in ASL and all are welcome.

Click here to read the flyer.

Presidential Debates Captioned Online

To see the recent Presidential Debates with captions, visit the T audiobook web site at:
http://www.taudiobook.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=page&id=20&chapter=0

Filing a Complaint with the FCC
Telephones and Wireless Phones Must be Hearing Aid and CI Compatible

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules requiring telecommunications equipment manufacturers and service providers to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities, if such access is readily achievable. These rules implement § 255 of the Communications Act.

The FCC’s rules cover all hardware and software telephone network equipment and customer premises equipment (CPE). CPE is telecommunications equipment used in the home or office to originate, route, or terminate telecommunications, including telephones, fax machines, answering machines, and pagers. The FCC’s rules cover basic and special telecommunications services.

The Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 requires that the FCC ensure that telephones manufactured or imported for use in the U.S. be hearing aid-compatible. Upon the later emergence of digital wireless phones, the FCC, in 2003, set a timetable for the deployment of these types of phones that are compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Information about the existing timetable can be found on the FCC web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac.html.

Members of the public have the right to complain to the FCC of any alleged violation of these requirements. The template below will can be used to make filing a complaint easier.

DeafBlind Transition Camp 2008

Please see the flyer below for an exciting opportunity for DeafBlind teenagers who are considering college. This year, the camp will be open nationally. The camp is being provided free of charge through grants and contributions. Interested teens will only need transportation to and from Michigan State University. Watch for registrations by the end of January 2008. See the DB Central web site for updates: www.dbcentral.org

Click here to view the DeafBlind Camp 2008 flyer.

Click here for more details.

Paid Online Survey ($100)

A market research company located in New York City is conducting an online study about relay services for the hard of hearing and deaf community. The study is being conducted strictly for market research purposes and will begin on Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 and run through Thursday, January 10th, 2008. The total time needed to take part is only 90 minutes and offers an honorarium of $ 100.00. Participants will log on to an online bulletin board at least twice a day at any time that is convenient for them to do so and will answer posted questions or respond to follow-up questions from a moderator. For the convenience of both the moderator and participants, neither party will have to be logged on at the same time.

Participants will be sent a prescreening questionnaire and via e-mail or fax. This study is for people 21-64 years of age who use relay services.

Contact information and company website are listed below.

Louve Steele
Research Associate
+718.222.5600 x 214
us toll free 877.361.2517
lsteele@recruitingresourcesllc.com
http://www.recruitingresourcesllc.com

NTID Educational Design Resources Chairperson Search

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) has a unique job opening: the Department of Educational Design resources is seeking a Department Head/Manager.

The Department of Educational Design Resources (EDR) enhances the realization of NTID's missions through applying instructional, technical, and design expertise as well as related training. Through such efforts, EDR supports NTID's emergence as the international leader in the innovative application of instructional technologies to deaf education.

The Department consists of 14 full time professional staff, 2 faculty, 20 student workers, and has a budget of 1.6 million dollars. The members of the department provide NTID with instructional design, graphic design, educational technology, video, photography, training, and electronic resource expertise, as applied to educational, marketing and communication solutions. The department head reports to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and is a member of an 11 person academic affairs leadership council comprised of department chairs.

Click here for a document highlighting the job responsibilities, qualifications and submission information.

Michigan Coalition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

The next Coalition meeting is slated for January 14, 2008 at 9:45 am. The meeting will be held at the Farmington Hills Main Library at 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. This meeting is hosted by Deaf CAN, who is also providing the interpreters.

To learn more about the Michigan Coalition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People see About Us.

info@michdhh.org

Funded by: