ODHH Net Installment #497, January - 2010 In this Installment: CALENDAR: EVENTS/SAVE THE DATES/WORKSHOPS is updated with each installment. Reminders pages include SUPPORT FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, and JOB OPPORTUNITIES. - HLAA NEWS - NAD NEWS - NEWS FROM MINNESOTA - MODEL COMMUNITIES PROJECT: MINI-GRANT COMPETITION - LEGISLATIVE NEWS – STATE AND FEDERAL - ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST - SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS/PARENTS/FAMILIES—NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS - LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES—NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS - JOB OPPORTUNITIES—NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS - CALENDAR: EVENTS/SAVE THE DATES/WORKSHOPS - REMINDERS: - Support for iNDIVIDUALS/Parents/Families - Learning Opportunities - Job Opportunities HLAA NEWS **Walk4Hearing program surpassed its fundraising goal of $1 million for 2009! Dedicated volunteers organized Walk events in 21 cities across the country, with more than 4000 people participating. Join HLAA-Wisconsin in a 5K Walk4Hearing on May 16, 2010 at Veteran’s Park on the Milwaukee Lakefront. Alliances, sponsors, team leaders, and walkers are lining up! Gather at 9:30 a.m. Walk at 10:00 a.m. Visit www.walk4hearing.org for more Walk information. #497 NAD NEWS **Call for workshop and commission presentations: The NAD is seeking proposals for exciting, informative, and forward-looking education, training and public policy presentations at the 50th Biennial NAD Conference to be held at the Philadelphia Marriott-Downtown hotel, July 6-10, 2010. The conference theme is “Celebrate Our Heritage.” Presentation deadline is February 15, 2010. Details available at http://www.nad.org/node/528. #497 NEWS FROM MINNESOTA **Target Field, home park of the Minnesota Twins is possibly the most accessible venue in the U.S. for people with hearing loss. A press release last month announced that some walk-in ticket windows are hearing aid compatible; ticket sellers’ faces are fully visible for the benefit of lipreaders at all walk-in ticket windows; all seats, even the worst in the house, have clear sightlines to the captioning boards—no more neck craning! **The first of two Public Access Video Phones (PAVs) is up and running and the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) airport in the Humphrey Terminal on Level 1 outside the security area at the far end of baggage claim. The next PAV will be installed before the end of the year at a central location in The Mall within Lindberg Terminal. Metro Airport Commission’s budget for 2010 includes the purchase of 14 more PAVs to replace existing outdated TTY payphones at both terminals. Also, the expanded visual paging system has been under construction and is expected to be completed and launched in January 2010. Once this happens, visual paging will be visible on all CNN television monitors and JCDecaux digital monitors, as well as the common area flight information display monitors (one per bank) throughout the airport. In cases of emergency, the visual paging system will switch to full-screen alerts. MSP Airport management recently participated in a demonstration of ClickAndGo Wayfinding Maps technology providing accessible navigation information to Blind and DeafBlind travelers and consumers. The technology is currently being implemented and piloted at the University of Minnesota. **All Minnesota state websites to be accessible by 2011. **Visual history project planning is underway by the Minnesota Commission of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in celebration of its 25th anniversary. **Members of the deafblind community have struggled to gain equal access to transit and other forms of transportation in their communities. Thanks to the Minnesota DeafBlind Association with support from MCDHH, officials are listening at long last! MODEL COMMUNITIES PROJECT: MINI-GRANT COMPETITION Do you or someone you know have a passion for seeing people with disabilities included in your community? The Model Communities project, funded by the Wisconsin Medicaid Infrastructure Grant through the Department of Health Services is looking for people with innovative ideas on how to make their community more welcoming and inclusive of all people, including people with disabilities. The goal of the Model Communities project is to discover promising approaches to include people with disabilities more fully and naturally in school, work, and community activities. When all people in the community are included, relationships are built that lead to a better quality of life. Each mini-grant will be accompanied by a stipend of up to $1000. These funds can be used to carry out the activities of your project. All funds must be spent by December 31, 2010. A minimum of ten awards will be made. For details and application instructions, please contact Jennifer Neugart, Department of Health Services/Office of Independence and Employment, 608-266-8778; Jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov. #497 LEGISLATIVE NEWS – STATE AND FEDERAL **Interpreter Licensure Update (SB 389): Work continues. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled soon. #497 **AARP has agreed to support the federal Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit which would provide a $500 per-ear income tax credit for eligible hearing aid purchasers. #497 ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS OF INTEREST http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/news/releases/09/12_11_09 Gene discovered in childhood language disorder provides insight into reading disorders http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/from-a-clearwater-garage-a-signing-santa-takes-wishes-from-the-deaf/1058660 Signing Santa http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20091212/NEWS01/912120318 Michigan State University takes no action on deaf program http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/321694 Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind lays off 22 staff to cut budget http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/towns/index.ssf/2010/01/harrison_residents_dvd_series.html DVD series offers sign language instruction for young children (1/01) http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/1393628.html Deaf teacher inspires her students http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/D345A6599513E12F8625769500145B1F?OpenDocument More Missouri students are learning sign language at school http://www.kansas.com/news/story/1114510.html Audiologist creates program for families of children who cannot hear http://www.thestar.com/sports/gthl/article/742979--sound-no-barrier-to-young-players Sound no barrier for two brothers playing hockey http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/deaf-linguistics-professor-a-trailblazer-at-u-of-m-80327747.html Linguistics professor who cannot hear studies foreign sign languages http://www.nad.org/blogs/bobbie-bethscoggins/nad-action-2009-review-and-onwards-2010 News from NAD http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20091223/NEWS01/912240301/1008/NEWS01/U%2Bof%2BL%2Bhopes%2Bto%2Blessen%2Bcritical%2Bneed%2Bfor%2Binterpreters%2Bfor%2Bdeaf University of Louisville works to decrease interpreter shortage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qDzvP3CASE Rare video on YouTube: Closed Captioned History http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=c63235405ddb20a55ad225edc&id=c02d952190&e=8c7c781494 Healthy Hearing newsletter distributed 1/12/2010 http://newsok.com/decline-in-braille-use-threatens-literacy/article/3430908 Decline in Braille use threatens literacy http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=211c913a75ed166d7e011c936&id=0100b154f3&e=66003b0ea2 Hearing Journal – January 2010 http://www.islandpacket.com/lowcountrylife/story/1097000.html Private non-profit pre-school uses auditory/oral approach http://cjonline.com/news/local/2010-01-12/board_approves_school_of_deaf_reorganization Kansas Board of Education approves re-organization plan for state school for deaf and blind http://www.deafweekly.com/ Deaf Weekly – January 14, 2010 SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS/PARENTS/FAMILIES—NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **Wisconsin Sound Beginnings (WSB)has hired Connie Stevens as the state’s new Guide By Your Side Follow-Through (GBYS FT) Coordinator. Connie will work with providers and families to address the issue of lost to follow-up. Her efforts will focus on families whose babies are referred for further hearing screening and possibly diagnostic testing, after the initial in-hospital newborn hearing screening. Connie is a WSB Birth to Three Consultant, founding board member of Wisconsin Families for Hands and Voices, former Parent Educator for Shore to Shore, and current GBYS. Contact Connie at 608-266-0917; connie.stevens@dhs.wisconsin.gov. #497 **Marathon County Victim Witness Crime Response Program: Being the victim of a crime can be a devastating experience. Victims are often left confused and fearful, not knowing where to turn for help. Staff in the Marathon County Victim Witness Crime Response Program are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to offer emotional support, information on victims’ rights, information regarding the status of the criminal investigation and referrals to community services. If you are a victim or witness of a crime and need assistance, please contact Jayne Wood, 715-261-7825 or through law enforcement. Interpreters are available if needed. (Editors note: For other Wisconsin Counties, see the Office of Crime Victim Services website at http://www.doj.state.wi.us/cvs/referrals/county.asp?type=. Click on your county for links to services available.) #497 LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES—NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS **Professional development for ASL Interpreters: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Continuing Education/UW-Extension is offering one and two-day programs designed for all hearing, working sign language interpreters, those who wish to earn RID National Interpreter Certification, ASL interpreters in mental health, medical, legal/social service, and K-12 settings, and interpreters working in emotionally-charged or stressful settings. Programs currently scheduled: March 20, 2010 – ASL/English: Interpreter Skill Development taught by Patty Gordon; May 1, 2010 – ASL Interpreting…and More: How to Interpret the Paperwork, Navigate the Process, and Find Support taught by Julie O’Brien and Kristin Scheibe; June 17-18, 2010 – In the NIC of Time! Preparing for the NIC Interview Exam taught by David Evans; June 19-20, 2010 – It Requires More than Skill! Preparing for the NIC Performance Exam taught by David Evans; October 14, 2010 – Mental Health Interpreting: A Holistic Model taught by Arlyn Anderson; October 15, 2010 – Peer Support and Consultation for Interpreters Working in Highly Charged Settings taught by Arlyn Anderson. RID CEUs are available for all programs. To register and for complete program descriptions, class locations, course objectives, instructor biographies, and course fees, please visit http://www.uwec.edu/ce/education/?????/index.htm or call 715-836-3636 or toll-free 866-893-2423. #497 **NIC Prep Courses all available online. Go to www.terpsavvy.com for details and course information. #497 **Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL classes and Communicating with Kids in Sign classes begin in January. Get more information or register by calling 414-604-2200 or visit www.cdhh.org. #497 JOB OPPORTUNITIES—NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS Be sure to visit your county Job Center for job opportunities. Many Job Centers offer free workshops to assist job seekers. To find the Job Center nearest you, go to http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory/. Information for workers is available at http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/. A listing of Job Fairs is posted at http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/jobfairs/. Disability Navigators are available at all Job Centers to assist job seekers with disabilities. A Disability Navigator may cover several Job Centers in a geographic area. Contact a Job Center in your area to find who the Disability Navigator is for that Center and how to contact and/or set up an appointment. **Various Employment Listings: http://www.deafdigest.com, check both Blue and Gold Editions. Published weekly. **HireSignLanguage (http://www.hiresl.com) is the latest job board site operated by ASL MEDIA, LLC (http://www.aslmedia.com). HireSignLanguage is the most flexible job board for both job seekers and employers. It boasts more features than any other deaf-related job board with tools to make job searching increasingly more efficient. **National Association of the Deaf (NAD) calls for candidates for a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The NAD CEO Search Committee has developed a CEO profile and position announcement available at http://www.nad.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=235&qid=496671. The NAD encourages community participation in the CEO search effort. Names of prospective candidates can be submitted to Search Committee Chair Kirsten Poston at csc@nad.org. Interested persons should review the CEO profile and position announcement for instructions on submission of applicant materials no later than Monday, March 1, 2010. #497 **Deaf Mentors needed for following areas: Eau Claire, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Rhinelander, Lac Du Flambeau, and Wausau. Must have own transportation, be able to communicate with hearing adults who know very little sign language, and be able to interact with young deaf children. This job pays $16.345 per hour and mentors are reimbursed for their mileage. Deaf Mentors are assigned to families who live in their area. Contact Bonnie Eldred, deafmentor@wesp-dhh.wi.gov; 262-728-7104 TTY; 262-725-0252 VP to request job description, application materials, or to ask questions about the position. Deadline to submit an application is January 15, 2010. Qualified applicants will be required to interview February 2-6, 2010. #497 **Clinical Instructor of American Sign Language: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Minimum requirements of this position are a Master’s degree in a related field of study, at least 3 years ASL teaching experience at the secondary/post secondary level, American Sign Language Teacher Association Certification, native or near-native competency in American Sign Language, knowledge of American Sign Language linguistics, Deaf history and Deaf culture. This is a 12-month probationary appointment. Salary is commensurate with experience. To apply, visit www.jobs.uwm.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51121. A completed application will include letter of application, vita/resume, transcripts, a list of three references. Additionally, submit name and email of individual who has supervised you and can evaluate your teaching. Review of applications will begin January 30, 2010 and continue until position is filled. Position start date is August 1, 2010. #497 **Captionist (C-print or CART) needed for CESA #1 in Brookfield, WI. Go to http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/postings.cfm for complete information. Position was posted December 18, 2009 and will remain open until filled. #497 **Summer Staff: Wisconsin Lion’s Camp, Rosholt, WI. Positions available for male and female counselors, program specialists (swimming, boating, crafts, nature, music & outdoor living, challenge course), healthcare staff (RN’s, LPN’s, graduate nurses and nursing assistants) and other support staff. Anyone 18 years of age or older and interested in a summer experience may apply. Staff and camp applications are available online at www.wisconsinlionscamp.com. #497 **Web Developer (Sioux Falls, SD) for CSD. Job announcement available at http://www.c-s-d.org/default.aspx?pageid=29&jobid=322. Position is open until filled. #497 CALENDAR: EVENTS/SAVE THE DATES/WORKSHOPS **Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI. Sign Language interpreted performances at http://www.overturecenter.com/accessibility.htm. **Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Interpreted Performances: http://www.milwaukeerep.com/tickets/calendar.asp. **Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Interpreted Shows: www.foxcitiespac.com. **University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire Forum & Artists Series: http://www.uwec.edu/activities/forum/index.htm; http://www.uwec.edu/activities/artists/index.htm. All Forum events will be signed for the deaf and hard of hearing. Artist series events may/may not be interpreted depending on the performance. Assisted listening devices and large print programs are also available upon request. For information about these or other accommodations for special needs, please call 715-836-4833. ** Commonweal Theatre, Lanesboro, MN Interpreted Performances: www.CommonwealTheatre.org. Patrons in need of interpreter services will receive a 50% discount on all tickets courtesy of the Commonweal and VSA arts of Minnesota. **Listing of Minnesota performances presented in ASL or Captioning available at www.vsaartsmn.org/theater.html, www.accesspress.org, www.mrid.org, and www.TCDeaf.com. #493 **January 17, February 21, March 14, 2010: Water Tower View Open House, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., 3983 South Prairie Hill Lane, Greenfield, WI 53228. Refreshments will be served. Water Tower View apartments are designed with technology and programs that remove communication barriers. #497 **January 25 – April 28. 2010: “Advanced Skills – Preparation for WITA and EIPA Online course plus a one day seminar on March 20, 2010. 3.0 RID CEUs, 2 technical college credits. Registration deadline is January 22. Course number 10-533-129-IN; Class #66666; http://elearn.ntc.edu (click on “Course Catalog to search for this course). For additional information contact Beth Kind, 715-803-1082, bkind@ntc.edu. #496 **January 23, 2010: Cancer benefit for Jill Loing family in Muskego. See flyer at http://www.wisdeaf.org/wp/2009/12/16/cancer-benefit-for-jill/. #497 **February 1 – March 26, 2010: “Introduction to Interpreting for the Deaf” – A career exploration class with online delivery. 1 credit. Course number 10-533-141; Class number 66667; Registration deadline January 25; http://elearn.ntc.edu (click on “Course Catalog to search for this course). For more information contact Beth Kind, 715-803-1082, bkind@ntc.edu. #496 **February 6, 2010: Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament hosted by Fox River Valley Association of the Deaf at Checkered Flag Sports Bar & Grill, N225 Stoney Brook Road, Appleton, WI 54915. Sign up at 3:00 p.m. Fee is $10/person. See flyer on WAD website at http://www.wi-deaf.org/web2/. #497 **February 13, 2010: La Crosse Social Deaf Club, All you can eat Chinese dinner at Super Buffet, 206 Copeland Avenue, La Crosse, WI; 4:30 p.m. Adults (age 12 and over) are $9.97 plus tip. #497 **February 15, 2009: Deadline for Wisconsin Labor History Society High School Essay Contest for 2009 – 2010 School Year submissions. For complete details and requirements, please see http://wisconsinlaborhistory.org/Essay%20Flyer%2009-10%20Final.pdf. #495 **February 18 & 19, 2010: 7th Annual Wisconsin Transition Conference, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Conference information and registration available at www.wsti.org. Morning and afternoon preconference sessions will be offered on Wednesday, February 17. #489 Registration is now OPEN! Conference Early Bird rate of $250 available until December 23, 2009 and pre-conference Early Bird Rate of $75. One graduate credit is available through Viterbo University for full-time attendance at the conference at a cost of $250. You can register for the graduate credit at the conference. Full conference brochure will be available soon. #495 **February 20, 2010: WisASLTA workshop, awards banquet, and entertainment at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan. Go to www.wisaslta.org for details and registration form to be mailed by February 5. #497 **February 25, 2010: “A Conversation with Friends” workshop designed for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing held at Secondary Technical Center’s Restaurant, 802 E Central Entrance, Duluth, MN. Supper served from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; Panel presentation 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. This workshop features a panel discussion with three individuals who have various degrees of hearing loss. This is an opportunity to hear from individuals with hearing loss and learn accommodation choices, communication and technology options for helping your child. Register by February 19 for food planning with Curt Leitz, 866-750-4421 or curtl@lifetrackresources.org or with Sue Hite-Kirk at dhhs.duluth@state.mn.us. Please indicate total family members attending, number and age of children participating in activities, any special accommodations/dietary requests. Sign language interpreters and captioning services provided. Sponsored by Minnesota DHHS and Lifetrack Resources~Minnesota Hands & Voices. #497 **March 8 – May 14, 2010: “Introduction to the Deaf Community” via the Internet. Two technical college credits and/or 3.0 RID CEUs available; Course number 10-533-142-IN; Class number 66665. http://elearn.ntc.edu (click on “Course Catalog to search for this course). For more information contact Beth Kind, 715-803-1082, bkind@ntc.edu. #496 **March 11 – 12, 2010: Save the Date for WESP-DHH Annual Professional Conference at the Concourse Hotel, Madison, WI. This conference is specifically designed for professional (teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing, special education teachers, Birth to 3 providers, educational interpreters, speech-language therapists, audiologists). Online registration coming soon. Save the Date Flyer posted at http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/events/outreach/PC_Flyer_Save_the_Date_2010.pdf. #496 **March 13, 2010: La Crosse Social Deaf Club St. Patrick’s Potluck beginning at 4:30 p.m. Bring your own beverage and games. La Crosse Community Policing Center, 713 St. James Street, La Crosse, WI 54603. #497 **March 30, 2010: Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) and Midstate Independent Living Consultants (MILC) present “The Sign Song Dancers” at 1:30 p.m., Ben Franklin Junior High School, 2000 Polk Street, Stevens Point, WI. The Sign Song Dancers are a performance group that travels to different public schools throughout the state of Wisconsin, signing and dancing to music. The performers are Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School students at the WI School for the Deaf in Delevan, WI. They come from all over the state and are a diverse group. It is an interactive performance that lasts approximately 45 minutes and is great exposure to Deaf Culture. You will have the opportunity to see and interact with successful deaf students. This event is FREE to the public. #497 **April 15, 2010: CDHH Annual Gardens Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at The Astor Hotel, 924, E Juneau, Milwaukee, WI. Guest speaker this year will be Arlena Schott, host of the TV program “Garden Wise.” **April 15 – 18, 2010: TERPexpo, Minneapolis, MN. Details at www.terpexpo.com. #494 **April 30, 2010: Professional development opportunity, “Listening for Life: Techniques and Strategies for Optimal Listening and Spoken Language Outcomes” sponsored by CDHH. Presented by Warren Estabrooks, President and CEO of WE Listen International, Inc. Location TBD . Watch this space for updates or go to www.cdhh.org. #497 **April 30 – May 2, 2010: ASL Weekend at Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt, WI. Save the Date flyer: http://www.wisdeaf.org/wp/2009/11/24/asl-weekend-save-the-date/. ASL Weekend is seeking presenters. Please see flyer and contact Katy Schmidt at katymschmidt@gmail.com. A “Call for Presenters” flyer is available on the WAD website. Volunteers are also needed to help. Contact Scott Baughman for more information at sbaugh@charter.net. ASL Weekend Retreat is open to any interpreters/ASL signers, ASL students, parents of Deaf child, Deaf, and CODA’s. No voice is allowed during this event and is an ASL zone. #496 **May 16, 2010: Walk4Hearing in Milwaukee. Watch this space and/or go to www.hlaa-wi.org for more information as it becomes available. Sponsors, volunteers, and WALKERS are needed! #493 **June 17 – 20, 2010: HLAA National Convention at Hilton Milwaukee City Center and Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, WI (Yes—that’s correct—Wisconsin!). Convention details available at http://www.hearingloss.org/convention/index.asp. #494 **June 20-23, 2010: National ADA Symposium, Hyatt Regency, Denver, CO. As session details, activities, and registration options develop, they will be posted at www.adasymposium.org. Developments and updates will also be posted on Twitter, www.twitter.com/ADASymposium. #492 **July 6-10, 2010: 50th Biennial NAD Conference-Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Marriott. Check out the schedule, find out who is going, learn about local attractions, and much more at http://www.nad.org/philly. **July 25 – 27, 2010: National Summit on Disability Policy 2010: ADA 1990 – 2010 Retrospective and Future Policy Directions, Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC. For details, go to http://www.neweditions.net/ncd2010/index.html. #494 CHECK OUT THESE SITES FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, CLASSES, ISSUES AND INFORMATION, ADVOCACY, AND MUCH MORE: - American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): www.asha.org/default.htm; ASHA is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 127,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Click on “The Public” for resources. - Association of Late Deafened-Adults Inc. (ALDA): http://www.alda.org/index.php; ALDA’s mission is to support the empowerment of late-deafened people. ALDA-Southern Wisconsin meets in Janesville. Chapter contact is Jessica Congdon, mjcongdon@sbcglobal.net; Blackberry email jcongdor@sprint.blackberry.net; 1-866-207-4503 Home VP. - Audiology Online: www.audiologyonline.com; Source of news, information, training and education offerings (live E-seminars, recorded courses, text-based courses) from many manufacturers of hearing aids, cochlear implants, batteries, etc. Many courses are free. - Better Hearing Institute (BHI): www.betterhearing.org; The Better Hearing Institute is a not-for-profit corporation that educates the public about the neglected problem of hearing loss and what can be done about it. New to their site (7/09) is a seven topic mega-blog that offers the latest hearing health news and provides a forum for people to discuss hearing concerns and personal stories and challenges. - Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH): www.cdhh.org; Provides comprehensive programs and services that enhance communication and promote independence. Located in West Allis, WI. Also home of UniversaLink. - DAWN (Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network): www.dawninfo.org; Provides current information on state disability issues, state budget, legislative activity, national disability issue links. Hearing aid legislation is currently included in their “Take Action” box. - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance (DHHA): www.dhha-wi.org; Provides opportunities for leadership and personal growth within the Signing (Deaf) community while respecting culture, language, and a visual environment. - Deaf Bilingual Coalition (DBC): www.deafbilingualcoalition.com; Promotes the basic human right of all deaf infants and young children to have access to language and cognitive development through American Sign Language (ASL). National organization website at www.dbcusa.org. - Deaf Empowerment (DE): www.deafe.org; Provides services among Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the Fox River Valley area of Wisconsin. - Disability Law Lowdown website: www.ASL.DisabilityLawLowdown.com. ASL podcasts that allows subscribers to see native Deaf speakers signing the show’s content. For the fastest viewing the ASL podcasts are available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/disabilitylawlowdown. Disability Law Lowdown is provided by the Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC). - Hearing Healthcare: www.healthyhearing.com for helpful information on hearing aids, hearing loss, cochlear implants, tinnitus, and more. - Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): www.hlaa-wi.org is the site for information on state chapter meetings and events; www.hearingloss.org is the national site. HLAA-WI publishes a quarterly newsletter that is sent out electronically. You do not have to be a member of HLAA to receive the newsletter. However, we need your name and e-mail address. If you wish to receive our publication, please contact Brenda at bjoyhlaa@charter.net. - Let Them Hear Foundation (LTHF): www.letthemhear.org provides hearing services for underprivileged American youth; education, insurance advocacy for cochlear implants, and research. - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): www.nidcd.nih.gov/index.asp; Provides research information, health information & topics, news & events including information on communication methods and devices for people with hearing loss. - PACER Center: www.pacer.org; The mission of PACER Center is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. - Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet): www.pepnet.org is a national network of regional centers providing resources, information, in-service training, and expertise to enhance educational opportunities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. - Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI): www.svri.uwstout.edu/; Provides solutions to positively impact the future of persons with disabilities and others in the community through education, research, and services. Archived newsletters and publications from SVRI may be available on their website. - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): www.fda.gov/default.htm; Provides consumer health information. Enter topic in “Search” engine. - Video Relay Services Consumer Association (VRSCA): www.vrsca.org; A communication forum for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing persons who use Video Relay Services (VRS). - Wisconsin American Sign Language Teachers Association (Wisconsin ASLTA): www.wiaslta.org is the site for information for the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Sign Language Teachers Association. ASLTA is the only national organization dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching of ASL and Deaf Studies at all levels of instruction. - Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD): www.wisdeaf.org is the site for information on state chapter meetings and events; www.nad.org is the national site. Click on “Read the WADNet Post” for information, community events, interpreted worship schedules, captioned movies, job openings, and more. - Wisconsin Educational Services Program Deaf and Hard of Hearing Outreach (WESPDHH Outreach): www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/ provides a variety of programs and services to students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind, their families and the educational teams and school districts that serve them, regardless of the student's educational placement or communication modality. A WESPDHH Outreach newsletter is available on their website. - Wisconsin Kids of Deaf Adults (WIKODA): www.wikoda.blogspot.com Support and activities for children who have Deaf parents. - Wisconsin Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (WisRID): www.wisrid.org is the site for state information and events; www.rid.org is the national site. REMINDERS: SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS/PARENTS/FAMILIES **Girl Scouts for girls with special needs: Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. has a unique way to reach girls in the Chippewa Valley. Girl Scouts offers a troop designed especially for girls with special needs. This troop gives girls the opportunity to remove barriers that may be keeping them from becoming a Girl Scout. Opportunities offered to girls with a variety of specials needs including wheelchair-bound, non-verbal, autism, Aspergers, Down syndrome, ADD, ADHD, and more. This program is open to all girls, targeting grades 3-7. The cost for the program is $15. This cost includes annual membership dues and program registration fees. Financial assistance is available to any girl that would otherwise be unable to participate. For additional information or questions, contact Kelsie Oswald or Rebecca Rohrman at the Girl Scout Service Center, 715-835-5331 or 888-432-9823 ext 5518 or email koswald@gsnwgl.org or rrohrman@gsnwgl.org. #496 **Help with research on Hearing Aid Compatibility of cell phones: The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) has launched its 2009 Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) Survey on the compatibility of cell phones with hearing aids and cochlear implants. You can complete the survey online at http://www.wirelessrerc.org/news/take-the-2009-hac-survey.html. This is the 4th year in a row this survey has been conducted. Each year the Wireless RERC publishes a report on hearing aid compatibility. You can view the latest report at http://www.wirelessrerc.org/publications/HAC-Report_2008_2009-06-10.docx/view. #494 **Midwest Alliance Outreach announces Fall 2009 events and opportunities for high school & college level students and alumni with disabilities in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. For high school students and first year college students – become a Midwest Alliance Mentee (stipends available); For college students – become a Midwest Alliance Mentor (stipends available); Many Fall events scheduled. Details found at www.stemmidwest.org. #494 **H1N1 flu information presented in ASL: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/deaf.htm. #494 **Cochlear Implant Information Website: Tina Childress, M.A., CCC-A has developed a website as part of her work at the Illinois School for the Deaf. It is a wonderful resource site for professionals working with students with cochlear implants and for anyone who has a cochlear implant or is considering one. The website has a section that compares the resources and services offered by each of the three cochlear implant companies and a section containing pictures of the different cochlear implant processors available from each company. User guides are available. To access this new website, go to http://www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd/outreach_services_CISupport.html. #493 **National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth Updates Website updated in July at www.ncwd-youth.info. #492 **The Let Them Hear Foundation (LTHF) announced creation of a new Special Education Resource website for parents of children with disabilities and for professional who would like to learn about the special education services that are available to children with disabilities (http://www.letthemhear.org/articles-main.php). **Hand-N-Hand of Northeastern Wisconsin, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides support and facilitates resources for families with children experiencing hearing loss. Playgroups and parent/community education classes are offered on Monday nights from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., 411 St John Street, Green Bay. Located at the corner of St John St & Jefferson St inside St John’s School. If you have questions about HNH please contact Jenny Geiken at 920-434-6226 or jlgeiken@earthlink.net. Information may also be available at www.hnhnew.org/. **Touching Families – A Support Group for Parents of Children who are deaf or hard of hearing meets in Eau Claire. For more information please contact Carol Thompson, simplycarol@charter.net; 715-838-9158. REMINDERS: LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES **The Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE) parent/youth leadership training is the only known program in the country to simultaneously train youth with disabilities in transition ages 15-20 along with their parents. Up to 25 youth and their parents attend 5 weekend sessions throughout a school year to learn effective self-advocacy, communication strategies, and resources and options for students in transition. For the 2010-2011 school year YiPPE is seeking proposals from school districts, communities, parent groups or agencies that would like to host a Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment training. A limited number of YiPPE trainings will be provided. If you have a proposal and/or would like more information about YiPPE, please contact Martha DeYoung, 608-742-8814 Ext 255 or email deyoungm@cesa5.k12.wi.us. YiPPE proposals need to be submitted by March 17, 2011. #496 **The University of Tennessee Rehabilitation Counseling Program is seeking Master’s students to apply for the Deafness Concentration. Funding is available in the form of RSA Traineeships. Students in the Deafness Concentration will pursue 48-hours of coursework in rehabilitation counseling. Other requirements must be fulfilled. Application deadline is April 15, 2010. Admission decisions are made by May 15. For more information contact Patrick L Dunn, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Counselor Education, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, A523 Bailey Education Complex, Knoxville, TN 37996; Phone 865-974-8013; Email pdunn4@utk.edu. #496 **Signs of Development: Home of WWWorkshops for interpreters at http://www.signs-of-development.org/. New: Signs announces Distance Mentoring! For more information, send an email to mentor@signs-of-development.org. Put “Mentor wanted” in the subject line. **TERPexpo (Denver, New Orleans, Irvine, CA, Providence, RI, Minneapolis, Norfolk): Peter Cook will be presenting “Narrative Development of Personal Storytelling in ASL.” Other topics include: “Interpreting and SSP’ing with DeafBlind Consumers,” “The Caller Says What? VRS Interpreting,” and “Giving Regards to Broadway.” CEUs available. All information at www.terpexpo.com. #494 **Fireside Training Series: Ongoing trainings sponsored by Dynamic Communications, Inc and ASL Interpreting Services in Minnesota are designed to help newly certified interpreters or soon to be certified interpreters who want to learn more on a particular area of interpreting. Each month will focus on a different series topic. For more information, go to http://www.aslis.com/home.html and click on “Community Calendar.” Classes are held at Dynamic Communications/ASL Interpreting Services Office, 6517 Hunter Rd, Corcoran, MN 55340. Parking is free. This is a home office in a residential area. **The Transition Coalition at University of Kansas’ Special Education Department offers a series of free on-line transition trainings that you can access at any time. Teachers, family members, service providers all are welcome to access these resources. You will need to register and get a password plus to a “pre-test” before starting any module (this is a research project and they have to measure pre/post efficacy). The site is www.transitioncoalition.org. REMINDERS: JOB OPPORTUNITIES **B-6 Services Coordinator, Western Region of Wisconsin: Seeking a motivated and collaborative self-starter to assist in the implementation of a Pilot Project in the Western Region of Wisconsin (as set forth by the Department of Health Services), with the goal of improving access to and provision of services for children who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind and their families. This part-time position will be based out of the CESA 10 office in Chippewa Falls, and will be responsible for service coordination and the establishment of a team of service providers for the entire Western Region. Knowledge and/or experience with DHH is preferred. Interested applicants can send letter of introduction, current resume/qualifications and 3 references to: Human Resources, CESA 10, 725 W Park Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 no later than December 31, 2009. Interviews will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2010 at CESA 10. For more information about the goals and activities set forth for this exciting and innovative pilot and/or to obtain a complete job description, please contact Sherry Kimball, sherry.kimball@wesp-dhh.wi.gov or 608-266-7032. #496 **On-site Interpreter, Goodwill Great Lakes. This is a permanent 20 hour position covering 3 days per week. Illinois license level Intermediate or higher required. Work with over 50 Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults. If interested in this position, apply online at www.goodwillsew.com. (Click on “Working at Goodwill.” This position is Requisition #09-0518 posted 11-18-2009.) #496 **Educational Interpreter, full-time for 2009 – 2010 school year, Lancaster Community School District. This position will assist deaf students in regular education and special education classroom environments, will interpret for and assist students with hearing impairments and implement instructional information for optimum learning experiences. Fluency in ASL skills is a requirement. A Department of Public Instruction 884 Educational Interpreter license is required. Employment application available at www.lancastersd.k12.wi.us. You can also contact Mary R Green, PhD, Director of Instruction and Special Education, 925 West Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813; 608-723-2175 Ext 107. #496 (Editor’s note: deadline to apply not posted.) **Program Coordinator – Sports & Rec, Duluth, MN: Courage Center Duluth is happy to announce the expansion of services in the Twin Ports. Candidates interested in applying for the new program coordinator position should follow the link to the position description on the Courage Center website. http://www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/coordinator_sportsandrec_duluth.aspx. (Editor’s note: Advertising for the position began on October 9; no deadline to apply given in ad.) #494 **Program Director-Instructor – Goshen College, IL: Growing American Sign Language and Interpreting major/minor at Goshen College seeks full-time Program Director/Instructor. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Faculty responsibilities begin Fall semester of the 2010-2011 academic year. PhD preferred, Master’s degree required in linguistics, education, sign language interpreting or a related field; ASLTA certification or working toward certification. For further information and to apply, please see the position announcement at www.goshen.edu/employment. #493 **CSDVRS is hiring! Find out about available job opportunities with CSDVRS at http://csdvrs.com/about/jobs.aspx for the job listings. **Various positions available with Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD). All available positions are regular, full-time, non-exempt, full fringe benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions open until filled. For a listing of available positions, requirements, and application instructions go to www.gladinc.org. Click on “Job Opportunities” at the top of the homepage. **Free database of job candidates with disabilities seeking employment now available. For information go to http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/ODEP20090290.htm. #488 For more information on ODHH: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/sensory/ To request inservice training, contact an ODHH Regional Coordinator: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/sensory/Staff/stafflisting.htm To apply for TAP: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/sensory/TAP/TAP.htm Send submissions of announcements, articles, and other information to: Carolyn Small Carolyn.Small@wisconsin.gov Fax: 715-836-2535; Write: CAROLYN SMALL at top of cover sheet or announcement