Volume 21 Issue 11

HOH-LD-News
Vol. 21, Issue 11
December 11, 2004

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Table of Contents
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- Article 1: Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants Not Allowed!
- Article 2: National Council on Disability Urges ADA Changes
- Article 3: Captioned Emergency Broadcasts
- Article 4: BBC educates producers about background noise on TV
- Classifieds
- Contact Information and Disclaimers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 1: Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants Not Allowed!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: I've been around long enough that I don't shock easily. But this letter regarding the banning of hearing aids and cochlear implants at the Deaf Golf Championships really threw me for a loop - until I realized that it must be a hoax! So I checked it out and was astonished to learn that it's FOR REAL! Don't believe it? Check it out for yourself at http://www.deaflympics.com/sports/regulations.asp?ID=3 (See Item J.)

You may sign the referenced petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/239862263

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lauri writes:

I am a serious and very good golfer. My handicap is 10. I love competition and I love to win. Last year for the first time I entered the U.S. Deaf Golf Championships. I was told that I could not wear hearing aids during the tournament. I was shocked. I immediately felt discriminated against. Here is my story.

My name is Lauri and I live in Michigan. I am profoundly deaf, 90 dB loss, and have been since birth. I wear only one hearing aid, on my right ear, due to a disorder called recruitment. I have worn a hearing aid on this ear since early childhood but because of the severity of my hearing loss I still have to read lips to understand what people are saying.

In July of 2003 I went to the U.S. Deaf Golf Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina. It was my first time entering the tournament. On the first day of the tournament, one of the committee told me that I could not wear hearing aids. I was shocked and upset. I was trying to focus my mind on getting ready to play golf instead of being upset. I asked her, "Why?" She said, "Because we now come under The Committee International Sports for the Deaf (CISS) rules and regulations." I flew all the way to North Carolina and paid to rent a Condo along with a couple of deaf friends, and now you are telling me that I cannot wear hearing aids. Her reply was "It's in the entry form". I never found this regulation in the entry. She knew I was quite upset so she went to talk to the officers. When she returned I was told that they will allow me to wear hearing aids this time, but next time I would not be able to.

Fortunately I made the top five and therefore qualified to represent the U.S. Women's team at the Deaf World Golf Championships, to be played in Stockholm Sweden in July of this year. I was quite upset when I was informed that we were not allowed to wear hearing aids during the Deaf World Golf Championships, also because they now come under CISS rules and regulations. I had to drop out the U.S. Women team. I accessed the CISS now renamed to CISS/Deaflympics Regulations on the Internet and found the regulations under General Information, item J, which reads:

"Athletes taking part in the Deaf World Championships shall be forbidden from using any hearing aids or cochlear implant aids during competitions."

I do not understand this rule. If a deaf person chooses not to use hearing aids for their entire life, then they participate in activities without hearing the associated sounds. They play golf without hearing the sound of hitting the ball. Their learned skills are developed by using other sensory perceptions. On the other hand, a deaf person who chooses to wear hearing aids uses the sounds of hitting the ball to help orient themselves. In a tournament played under the above regulations, who would have an advantage? A person playing under their normal circumstances or a person made to play under unfamiliar ones? The same regulations also state that deaf would be defined as a hearing loss of "at least 55dB" That means a person without a hearing aid and a 55db hearing loss could actually have better hearing than a profoundly deaf person with a hearing aid. If a person has a 55dB loss, they can hear something without hearing aids. It's still an advantage over someone with a 90dB loss. I feel that this rule is unfair because it gives an advantage to one player over another and is discriminatory. Would you not permit a person to wear glasses? Would you not permit a person with prosthesis to play in the game?

Because of this outdated and unfair rule I felt compelled to relinquish my place on the U.S. Women's golf team. Again, I am a deaf person who has chosen the OPTION to wear hearing aids. I should not be discriminated against for that choice. The sad and unfortunate fact is that this discrimination is being levied by an organization that certainly should know better and be more understanding about new technology and its impact on options for deaf people. Children are learning to listen and speak using hearing aids and cochlear implants all over this country.

Until the United States and World Deaf Golf Championship are included in the CISS/Deaflympics I believe its rules and regulations should be kept separate. I believe that it is time for us to move forward and not dwell in the traditions of the past. After all this is the 21st Century and we have made great progress in minimizing acts of discrimination.

I corresponded with the President of CISS/Deaflympics about this situation last September. She replied back and recommended that if I wished for this rule to change I would have to ask the U.S. Deaf Golf Foundation to submit a proposal to World Deaf Golf Federation (WDGF) who would then submit it to her. She would then put it on the agenda for discussion at the January 2005 Congress in Melbourne. I complied with these directions and contacted the President of the U.S. Deaf Golf Foundation, his reply was as follows:

During its annual meeting on October 9, the U.S. Deaf Golf Foundation (USDGF) Board of Directors discussed the issue of not allowing competing deaf and hard of hearing golfers to wear hearing aids nor cochlear implants at the U.S. Deaf Golf Championships and the World Deaf Golf Championships. This rule has been in effect for many years with the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), of which USDGF is a national sports organization, and ComitÃ(c) International des Sports des Sourds, CISS (The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf). The USADSF is affiliated with CISS. Also, USADSF is affiliated with the World Deaf Golf Federation (WDGF). The USDGF Board has decided not to take further action on this issue. We intend to fully enforce this requirement for those who participate in future U.S. Deaf Golf Championships, as well as the World Deaf Golf Championships. However, we encourage you to express your views directly with USADSF, WDGF, and CISS.

I was surprised and very disappointed at his response. I spoke to a lawyer who works for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and civil rights about rejecting hearing aids/cochlear implant during U.S. Deaf Golf Championships. I believe that they broke ADA law because we are playing in the United States. He said, "They are non-profit organizational, which means they can make whatever rules they want to."

I am not giving up my rights. I can't live without my hearing aids. It is a part of my life. They should not be allowed remove a part of me. The next United States Deaf Golf Championships will be held in July of 2005. The top five scorers will qualify for the World Deaf Golf Championship in Edmonton, Canada in 2006. I need your support so please contact these organizations. You can reach the President of United States Deaf Golf Foundation and the President of CISS/Deaflympics. Please feel free to submit any questions or comments; you can reach me at supporthrngaids@aol.com.

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO CONFIRM YOUR SUPPORT TO THE USE OF HEARING AIDS/COCHLEAR IMPLANTS DURING U.S. AND WORLD DEAF GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS. Please pass the word. Thank you!

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- Article 2: National Council on Disability Urges ADA Changes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: Over the last few years the federal government has been very successful at restricting rights granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The National Council on Disabilities is now calling for new legislation to restore the original intent of the ADA. Thanks to NVRC News for this story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following is an article by Eileen Putman, an Associated Press writer:

An independent federal agency wants President Bush to propose changes in the nation's landmark disability act, citing Supreme Court decisions it says have reduced the status of disabled people "to that of second-class citizens."

The National Council on Disability, which advises Congress and the president, said in a report being released Wednesday that legislation is needed to restore the original intent of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

The council proposed an "ADA Restoration Act," which it likened to the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, passed by Congress to broaden the civil rights law enacted two decades earlier.

Specifically, the council said Congress should bar discrimination against anyone "on the basis of disability," a change from the current wording, which bars discrimination "against an individual with a disability."

The latter wording tends to be narrowly construed and has often resulted in judges trying to decide whether someone actually has a life-altering disability and thus qualifies for protection, the council said.

"All Americans are potentially susceptible to discrimination on the basis of disability, whether they actually have physical or mental impairments and regardless of the degree of any such impairment," said the council report, which was sent to Bush.

The 1990 law signed by Bush's father was intended to ensure equal rights for the disabled and has brought a host of changes in workplaces, transportation, communication and other aspects of American life. Among other things, companies must make reasonable attempts to accommodate workers with physical impairments, while buildings, transportation and other public facilities must be accessible to all.

The council cited "negative court decisions" that have narrowed or cut back the influence of the law. The cases include:

-Sutton v. United Air Lines Inc., 1999. The Supreme Court found that severely myopic twins who had unsuccessfully sought pilot jobs with United Airlines were not actually disabled because their vision could be corrected by eyeglasses.

-Toyota Motor Mfg. v. Williams, 2002. The Supreme Court said a Toyota assembly line worker with carpal tunnel syndrome, fired because of her poor attendance record, was not entitled to protection under the disability act because it was not clear that she had substantial impairment of "any major life activity."

-The court used a similar rationale in a 1999 case, Albertsons Inc. v. Kirkingburg, in which a driver for Albertsons was erroneously certified as meeting visual standards for truck drivers; when the error was discovered, Albertsons fired him and refused to rehire him even after he obtained a waiver from the standards. The court ruled the driver had not shown the alleged disability affected a major life activity.

-Murphy v. United Parcel Service, 1999. The high court ruled against a UPS mechanic who was fired because his blood pressure exceeded health guidelines. The man had challenged his firing on grounds his high blood pressure was a disability, but the Supreme Court disagreed because the man could function normally with the help of blood pressure medication.

For more information: http://www.ncd.gov The report is currently available in PDF format at www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2004/pdf/righting_ada.pdf

Source: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DISABILITY_LAW

?SITE=MITRA&SECTION=POLITICS (Long URL and may appear on more than one line in this message. Copy
and paste the entire URL into your browser)

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 3: Captioned Emergency Broadcasts
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Editor: We've reported on efforts to improve emergency captioning following the San Diego wildfires and the Washington DC sniper attacks. Now we learn that people are working to improve emergency captioning in hurricane-prone Florida. It's great to see so much successful local advocacy on this important issue.

This story is reprinted with permission.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the newsroom of the Olathe News, Olathe, Kansas, Thursday, December 2, 2004

by Leonard Hall

When Hurricane Charley hit Florida several months ago, emergency broadcasts and news went out through the local television stations warning the hearing viewers about the changing direction of the hurricane. Many hearing people left their homes for nearby shelters.

Unfortunately, most of these local emergency broadcasts were not captioned and many deaf people were not aware of the change in the course of Hurricane Charley when it hit Punta Gorda, Florida, south of Fort Meyers, Florida.

Some deaf people were unaware of the approaching hurricane and did not leave their homes to go to a designated shelter. Some deaf people fled their homes in the midst of the most dangerous part of the hurricane when their homes were being ripped apart by the winds.

One advocate said that deaf people were seeing the picture of Charley coming up to Charlotte Harbor and getting in their cars to flee the hurricane. The deaf people had no clue how fast the hurricane was moving and were not receiving information about what was being broadcast on the local television news.

Many of these deaf people are late-deafened senior citizens who relied a lot on closed captioning to understand what was being said on the television shows. Approximately 30% of all senior citizens have a moderate to severe hearing loss.

Most national networks and cable television programs have closed captioning, but many locally produced shows do not.

In Florida, a deaf man and two non-profit agencies serving the deaf community have filed formal complaints with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) against the local television station in the Fort Meyers, Florida area.

The problem is that the reporters in the field and weather reporters don't have scripts. They usually provide their own broadcast. There was no way to provide the scripted captioning that most local television stations use.

The solution demanded by many in the area deaf community is real- time closed captioning. This is a service where someone somewhere sits and listens to the station's newscast. They type in everything that is said and the script appears verbatim on the television screen.

What about our local television stations in the Kansas City area? The most common weather emergency broadcasts involve severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. The stations do a good job of putting those little corner weather maps showing the counties under weather warnings.

However, many deaf people have missed the winter weather forecast for heavy snow and ice warning, since these are usually verbally provided on the weather portion of the television news.

Under FCC rules, stations must make the emergency weather information being said on television available to the deaf and hard of hearing people during emergencies. By 2006, all television stations in the top 100 markets will need to offer real-time captioning.

By 2006, the deaf community will be in better shape to understand the emergency weather broadcasts.

(Leonard writes a weekly column for the deaf community and can be reached at Legalnetwk@aol.com.)

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--------------- Captioned Movie Directory ---------------
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Want to know what captioned movies are
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or Victoria or Vancouver, BC
point your browser to:
http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/lcl/lcl.htm
and click on your city!
Updated Weekly!
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 4: BBC educates producers about background noise on TV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: Bothered by background noise in movies and TV shows? Is the background music so loud that even your hearing friends can't understand the dialog?

The folks in Great Britain have the same issues, and they're doing something about it! Here's the report, reprinted with permission from RNID.

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RNID News, London, November 25, 2004

BBC educates producers about background noise on TV

The BBC has responded to complaints about the amount of background noise on TV by making a film for programme makers.

It demonstrates to TV producers how a simple adjustment in sound levels can greatly improve the enjoyment of many viewers.

Rebecca Pain, BBC Communications Project Manager, said, "BBC Information receives approximately 4,000 complaints each year about this issue. The majority of complainants find that high volumes of background sound/music can be distracting and it spoils their enjoyment of television programmes. This is not a problem confined to those with hearing difficulties."

The film gives an example of a producer who made changes to background sound.

"Producer Tim Dunn, who made a programme called The Divine Michelangelo, was shocked to receive quite a lot of complaints about background sound when part one of the programme aired, so he amended the levels, and was pleased to get a positive response from those who had complained."

RNID's Head of Parliamentary and European Affairs, Mark Morris, said the BBC had consulted with RNID before making the film.

"We are delighted that the BBC is starting to address this problem. There's still a long way to go, but at least producers will increasingly have no excuses for not understanding the discomfort that excessive use of background noise so often causes."

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- Classifieds
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six Employment Opportunities appear in this issue. (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

Employment Opportunity 1
Director of Student Services
Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB)
Gooding, ID

Employment Opportunity 2
Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC)
Fairfax, VA

Employment Opportunity 3
Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist
D.E.A.F., Inc.
Allston, MA

Employment Opportunity 4
Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
San Leandro, CA

Employment Opportunity 5
National Coordinator, Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
TDI (formerly Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.)
Silver Spring, MD

Employment Opportunity 6
Public Relations Specialist, Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
TDI (formerly Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.)
Silver Spring, MD

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Employment Opportunity 1
Director of Student Services
Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB)
Gooding, ID
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STARTING DATE:
(Anticipated) April 1, 2005

SALARY RANGE:
Negotiable-Commensurate with education and experience

BENEFITS:
Comprehensive fringe benefit package

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Master's Degree in Education (Deaf or Blind preferred), or Business Administration with direct school operations experience
* Three years teaching experience (Deaf or Blind preferred)
* Experience with personnel supervision and evaluation systems, problem solving, complaint resolution, and policy development
* Administrative Certification in field of Education
* Fluency in sign language or Braille communications

DUTIES:
Administer all programs within Student Services, including:
* Cottage Life Program (Residential environment)
* Student Health Center (Nursing staff & care providers)
* Students and Campus Staff Transportation (Land & Airlines)
* Student Activities (After school training and recreational)
* Post Secondary Transition Program (Job & Life skills training)
* Summer Work Experience Program

LOCATION:
ISDB is located in Gooding, Idaho (pop. 3,500), a small farming community at the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. The city of Gooding is a quiet, family oriented community. Abundant recreational and professional growth opportunities are available within a short driving distance. For more info about ISDB check our website at: www.isdb.state.id.us

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Submit:
1. Letter of application
2. Copies of certification
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Official transcripts
5. Resume

DEADLINE:
Open till filled

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Human Resources Department at 208-934-4457 (V/TTY)
or send email to: sherry.hann@isdb.idaho.gov
Successful candidate will be required to furnish a background check within three months of employment as per Idaho Code 33-130.
Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. If you need special accommodations to satisfy testing requirements, please contact the HR Department.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Hire and train qualified staff to supervise students.
2. Conduct annual staff evaluation system based on job performance and growth.
3. Healthy, clean, and safe living environment for students who stay on campus during the week.
4. Comprehensive medical program to meet the needs of individual students.
5. Transportation program for students when they travel to and from school, including coordination of airline schedules and cost analysis.
6. Athletic program for boys and girls from elementary through high school.
7. Recreational program.
8. Student organizations in Cottage Life Program.
9. Employment program that provides opportunities for successful work experiences for high school students during summer vacation. Also, placement of seniors after graduation.
10. Guidance/counseling program for students as needed and required by state policies.
11. Budgets as assigned and provide input as budgets are developed.
12. In-service programs for staff in Students Services Department.
13. Comprehensive school activity calendar.
14. Behavior modification program in Cottage Life Program.
15. Public relations.
16. All other assigned duties at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Typical tasks performed:

1. Provide management, organization, guidance, and leadership for the Department of Student Services.
2. Develop appropriate relationship with students, parents, and staff.
3. Maintain good relations with the public.
4. Foster interdepartmental cooperation.
5. Provide appropriate environment for students served.
6. Communicate effectively with Superintendent and Administrative Leadership Team.
7. Develop departmental goals in accordance with laws, policies, regulations and the mission of ISDB.
8. Develop personal goals to meet employment needs and personal life needs.

Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB)
Serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind and Visually Impaired Students of Idaho Since 1906

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Employment Opportunity 2
Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC)
Fairfax, VA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

General Description: The specialist conducts emergency preparedness outreach, training, networking, and empowerment for consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing. He/she develops collaborative relationships with first responders, organizations, agencies, and public officials on the local, regional and state level in preparation for, coping with and/or recovery from natural disasters or manmade calamities.

Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with experience & education
Organization: Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC)
Project: Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
Type of Appointment: Full-time, contingent on project funding
Location: Fairfax, VA
Posting Date: 12/10/2004
Closing Date: 1/14/2005

Duties & Responsibilities:

* Plan, develop, and implement activities and resources for the emergency preparedness information program and services with NVRC for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast USA region.
* Provide advocacy, information and referral, and training to consumers, families, service providers, and government officials to enhance awareness, readiness, and community participation in emergency preparedness for consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing.
* Travel within the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast USA region, and other regions as needed. Plan, develop, and implement workshops for deaf and hard of hearing citizens, and their community contacts.
* Consult with regional, state, and local officials in identifying and removing technological and non-technological barriers to emergency information.
* Work with public safety officials and other community contacts to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people receive appropriate emergency preparedness, response and recovery services, as well as to have opportunities to participate in activities by the emergency preparedness community.
* Advise on language/communication barriers as well as optimal utilization of new and emerging technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of emergency preparedness for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind, and their families - desirable
* Substantial knowledge of techniques, tools, and other resources in preparation for, coping with, and/or recovery from natural or man-made disasters - desirable
* General knowledge of local, state, national organizations and resources in areas of emergency preparedness and homeland security - desirable
* Excellent personal interaction skills with diverse individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind or hearing.
* Excellent presentation skills.
* Ability to create informational materials and resources.
* Knowledge of existing accessibility laws and technologies.
* Excellent computer skills including familiarity with Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point or equivalent software.
* Skilled in written communication with the general public.

Training and Experience Requirements:

Preferably a Master's degree in a human services field, public safety, public relations, consumer/public education, project management, emergency management or related curriculum and one year of experience; or a bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and two years of experience. Experience working with the deaf and hard of hearing is preferred.

How to Apply:

All applicants must submit a letter of interest and a resume to the contact person at the community service center indicated on the position announcement. Applications must be received at the agency by 5:00 p.m. on or before the closing date. Email submissions are welcome. No phone calls please.

Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC) selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Contact:

Cheryl M. Heppner, Executive Director
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons
3951 Pender Drive, #130, Fairfax, VA 22030
TTY: (703)352-9056; Voice: (703)352-9055; Fax: (703)352-9058
www.nvrc.org nvrcinfo@nvrc.org, cheppner@nvrc.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Employment Opportunity 3
Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist
D.E.A.F., Inc.
Allston, MA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with experience & education
Organization: D.E.A.F., Inc.
Project: Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
Type of Appointment: Full-time, contingent on project funding
Location: Allston, MA
Posting Date: 12/10/2004
Closing Date: 1/14/2005

Duties & Responsibilities:

* Plan, develop, and implement activities and resources for the emergency preparedness information program and services with D.E.A.F., Inc. for the New England and Great Lakes region.
* Provide advocacy, information and referral, and training to consumers, families, service providers, and government officials to enhance awareness, readiness, and community participation in emergency preparedness for consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing.
* Travel within the New England and Great Lakes region, and other regions as needed. Plan, develop, and implement workshops for deaf and hard of hearing citizens, and their community contacts.
* Consult with regional, state, and local officials in identifying and removing technological and non-technological barriers to emergency information.
* Work with public safety officials and other community contacts to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people receive appropriate emergency preparedness, response and recovery services, as well as to have opportunities to participate in activities by the emergency preparedness community.
* Advise on language/communication barriers as well as optimal utilization of new and emerging technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Training and Experience Requirements:

How to Apply:

D.E.A.F., Inc. selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Contact:

Sharon Applegate, Executive Director
D.E.A.F., Inc.
215 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
TTY: (617)254-4041; Voice: (617)254-4041; Fax: (617)254-7091
www.deafinconline.org sapplegate@deafinconline.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Employment Opportunity 4
Regional Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
San Leandro, CA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with experience & education
Organization: Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
Project: Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
Type of Appointment: Full-time, contingent on project funding
Location: San Leandro, CA
Posting Date: 12/10/2004
Closing Date: 12/17/2004

Duties & Responsibilities:

* Plan, develop, and implement activities and resources for the emergency preparedness information program and services with DCARA for the West Coast & Hawaii region.
* Provide advocacy, information and referral, and training to consumers, families, service providers, and government officials to enhance awareness, readiness, and community participation in emergency preparedness for consumers who are deaf and hard of hearing.
* Travel within the West Coast & Hawaii region, and other regions as needed. Plan, develop, and implement workshops for deaf and hard of hearing citizens, and their community contacts.
* Consult with regional, state, and local officials in identifying and removing technological and non-technological barriers to emergency information.
* Work with public safety officials and other community contacts to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people receive appropriate emergency preparedness, response and recovery services, as well as to have opportunities to participate in activities by the emergency preparedness community.
* Advise on language/communication barriers as well as optimal utilization of new and emerging technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Training and Experience Requirements:

How to Apply:

DCARA selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Contact:

Kathy Say, Chief Operating Officer
DCARA
14895 East 14th Street, Suite 200, San Leandro, CA 94578
TTY: (510)483-6914; Voice: (510)483-0753; Fax: (510)483-1790
www.dcara.org kathy.say@dcara.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Employment Opportunity 5
National Coordinator, Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
TDI (formerly Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.)
Silver Spring, MD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

General Description: The Coordinator directs CEPIN project efforts and initiatives for production of services and resources in information, public policy, and technology for the four regional emergency preparedness centers. This position also oversees provision of information and resources in emergency preparedness and homeland security on the Internet, via the websites of TDI and the four centers.

Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with experience & education
Organization: TDI (formerly Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.)
Project: Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network, TDI
Type of Appointment: Full-time, contingent on project funding
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posting Date: 12/10/2004
Closing Date: 1/7/2005

Duties & Responsibilities:

* Plan, develop, and implement activities and resources for the CEPIN project in conjunction with the four community service centers across America.
* Supervise the project staff, specifically the Public Relations Specialist, and the Webmaster. Provide training, support, and resources in program and services for the regional specialists at the four CEPIN centers.
* Oversee the emergency preparedness activities of four participating community service centers in advocacy, information and referral, and training to consumers, families, service providers, and government officials.
* Travel throughout America to attend/present workshops at national, regional, and state levels to deaf and hard of hearing citizens, and their community contacts.
* Consult with government officials in identifying and removing technological and non-technological barriers to emergency information.
* Work with public safety officials and other community contacts at national level to develop and promote "best practices" to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people receive appropriate services, as well as to have opportunities to participate in the community.
* Advise the regional specialists and others on language/communication barriers as well as optimal utilization of new and emerging technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of emergency preparedness for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind and their families.
* Experience in program administration or project management (including supervision of staff).
* Substantial knowledge of techniques, tools, and other resources in preparation for, coping with, and/or recovery from natural or man-made disasters.
* Excellent personal interaction skills with diverse individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind or hearing.
* General knowledge of local, state, national organizations and resources in areas of emergency preparedness and homeland security.
* Excellent writing and presentation skills.
* Ability to create informational materials and resources.
* Knowledge of existing national accessibility laws and technologies. .
* Excellent computer skills including familiarity with Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point or any other equivalent software.

Training and Experience Requirements:

Preferably a Master's degree in a human services field, public safety, public relations, consumer/public education, project management, emergency management or related curriculum and five years of experience; or a bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and eight years of experience. Experience working with the deaf and hard of hearing is preferred.

How to Apply:

All applicants must submit a letter of interest and a resume to TDI. Applications must be received at the TDI office by 5:00 p.m. on or before the closing date. Email submissions are welcome. No phone calls please.

TDI selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Contact:

Claude L. Stout, Executive Director
TDI
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 604, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-3803
TTY: (301)589-3006; Voice: (301)589-3786; Fax: (301)589-3797
www.tdi-online.org tdiexdir@aol.com

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Employment Opportunity 6
Public Relations Specialist, Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
TDI (formerly Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.)
Silver Spring, MD
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General Description: The Public Relations Specialist assists in development of curriculum and educational material for the CEPIN project. He/she promotes local, regional and national activities of the CEPIN Project by TDI and its partnering centers to stakeholders and the general public.

Duties & Responsibilities:

* Plan and implement publicity campaigns and develop informational materials for the CEPIN project in collaboration with the four community service centers across America.
* Provide public relations support and resources for the regional specialists at the CEPIN centers.
* Support National Coordinator and the regional specialists in their consultations with government officials in identifying and removing technological and non-technological barriers to emergency information.
* Assist National Coordinator in developing and promoting "best practices" to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing people nationwide receive appropriate services, as well as to have opportunities to participate in the community.
* Conduct research and follow-up efforts toward resolution of language/communication barriers as well as optimal utilization of new and emerging technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of emergency preparedness for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind and their families - desirable.
* General knowledge of local, state, national organizations and resources in areas of emergency preparedness and homeland security - desirable.
* Ability to create project-wide written material for postings on the Internet, publications, information and referral program, and outreach/training activities.
* Ability to oversee production of video clips and other interactive features for TDI's and the four centers' websites.
* Substantial knowledge of techniques, tools, and other resources in public relations to enable the CEPIN project to meet its objectives.
* Excellent personal interaction skills with diverse individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind or hearing.
* Excellent writing and research skills.
* Knowledge of existing national accessibility laws and technologies. .
* Excellent computer skills including familiarity with Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point or any other equivalent software.

Training and Experience Requirements:

Preferably a Master's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related curriculum and three years of experience; or a bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and six years of experience. Experience working with the deaf and hard of hearing is preferred.

How to Apply:

Contact:

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