Volume 21 Issue 12

HOH-LD-News
Vol. 21, Issue 12
December 18, 2004

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Table of Contents
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- Article 1: DHHCAN Report on Emergency Communications
- Article 2: Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project
- Article 3: U.S. House of Representatives Now Looped
- Article 4: Captioned Emergency Broadcasts - Clarification
- Classifieds
- Contact Information and Disclaimers

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Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 1: DHHCAN Report on Emergency Communications
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Editor: Have you noticed more attention being paid to the issue of emergency communications for people with hearing loss? I think a lot of that is due to the efforts of Cheryl Heppner, NVRC, and DHHCAN. Here's a press release on a national report that addresses this important issue.

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Further Information: Cheryl Heppner cheppner@nvrc.org

National Report Says Emergency Communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People Gets Failing Grade

(WASHINGTON - December 10, 2004) A national report issued today calls attention to serious weaknesses in the nation's emergency preparedness infrastructure that compromise the safety and security of 28 million Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing. The report, "Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Communication Access: Lessons Learned Since 9/11 and Recommendations" is the work of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN), a coalition of 16 national organizations of, by, and for deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind individuals, and the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC), a regional education and advocacy center with headquarters in Fairfax, VA.

One top priority identified by the report is the need for an effective system to receive emergency information that does not depend on the ability to hear. A second priority calls for active involvement of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind in emergency planning processes, equipment testing, disaster exercises, training of public safety and security personnel, and community volunteer activities such as the Citizen Corps.

Recommendations to address these and other priorities are intended to build a national network. This network would have a knowledge bank of individuals and organizations to offer technical assistance, research, education, training, planning, advice and consultation, and development of model programs and services to tackle a wide range of needs.

"The Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Communication Access report represents an extensive summary of personal experiences by individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing on the fateful day of September 11, 2001 and thereafter under different circumstances," said Claude Stout, Chair of DHHCAN.

"We urge policymakers, technical innovators, and first responders to take heed of the recommendations in the report, and initiate action to fully involve all stakeholders in the processes of preparing for, coping with, and recovering from natural and man-made disasters," he said. "We are deeply grateful to Cheryl Heppner for her exemplary contributions in leadership and authorship, and over 2,000 individuals around the country who offered their testimonies as material for this report".

Excerpts from the report's Executive Summary:

- Hearing loss has a major impact on communication in emergencies because it is impossible to depend on auditory information. Sirens, shouted warnings, calls from rescue workers trying to locate people in rubble, knocks on doors to give urgent information, quick phone calls to give a heads-up about a developing situation, radios, public address systems - all can be useless. Captioning of television and Internet news and coverage for text messages is not a given. Without effective systems, deaf and hard of hearing individuals do not know that there is an emergency, cannot learn what steps must be taken to protect themselves and others, and have no access to critical resources in the aftermath of an emergency.

- Developing an effective emergency communication system for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing will help everyone. In an emergency, many people with no hearing loss have difficulty hearing. The combination of stress and noise such as high winds, explosions, screams, or the roaring of a fire can make it impossible to hear well.

- Other weaknesses identified in the nation's emergency preparedness planning make it imperative for quick action to ensure that individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind are actively involved in community, regional, state, and federal emergency planning processes, equipment testing, disaster exercises, Community Emergency Response Team trainings, Citizen Corps activities, training of public safety and security personnel, and other activities. The involvement of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind will tap into their tremendous talents and quickly help to increase understanding of their needs in a wide variety of areas.

- Emergency planners are setting up systems across the U.S. that do not take into account the unique needs of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind. History has repeatedly shown that redesigning and adapting equipment, programs and services without taking these needs into account is almost always more expensive and rarely as effective.

The report is available in PDF version at the following websites:
National Association of the Deaf
www.nad.org/DHHCANer
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons
http://www.nvrc.org/MediaLibrary/DHHCANEmergencyReport.pdf
Telecommunications for the Deaf Inc.
http://www.tdi-online.org/tdi/emergencypreparedness/emergencypreparedness.htm

For a text version, contact cheppner@nvrc.org.

ABOUT DHHCAN
Established in 1993, DHHCAN serves as the national coalition of organizations representing the interests for deaf and/or hard of hearing citizens in public policy and legislative issues relating to rights, quality of life, equal access, and self-representation. DHHCAN also provides a forum for proactive discussion on issues of importance and movement toward universal, barrier-free access with emphasis on quality, certification and standards.

DHHCAN ORGANIZATIONS
American Association of the Deaf-Blind: www.aadb.org
American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association www.adara.org
Association of Late-Deafened Adults: www.alda.org
American Society for Deaf Children: www.deafchildren.org
Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf: www.ceasd.org
Communication Service for the Deaf: www.c-s-d.org
Deaf Seniors of America: www.deafseniors.org
Gallaudet University: www.gallaudet.edu
Gallaudet University Alumni Association: http://alumni.gallaudet.edu/
National Association of the Deaf: www.nad.org
National Black Deaf Advocates: www.nbda.org
National Catholic Office of the Deaf:
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf: www.rid.org
Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.: www.tdi-online.org
USA Deaf Sports Federation: www.usadsf.org
The Caption Center/WGBH: http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/mag/

ABOUT NVRC
Founded in 1989, NVRC's mission is to empower deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families through education, advocacy and community involvement. Its primary service area is the metropolitan region of Northern Virginia. It has been a national leader in research on the experiences of deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened and deaf-blind in emergencies.
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons: www.nvrc.org

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Have the news delivered directly to your email-box!
The NADezine is short, 2x a month, and contains broad
information about the work of the National Association
of the Deaf -- advocacy/lawsuits, NAD Conference
information, job market and more. Membership in the
NAD is not required.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NADezine/join

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- Article 2: Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project
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Editor: I often speak about hearing loss at community centers, service organizations, senior centers, etc. One recent engagement was at one of the local Lions Clubs. As part of my preparation, I did a little research on their Affordable Hearing Aid Project. We reported on this program a year or so ago, and it's certainly time for an update. Here's a Lions Club fact sheet with current information on this wonderful program.

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The Problem of Hearing Impairment

The World Health Organization estimates that 250 million people worldwide suffer from severe hearing loss. Global hearing aid sales for 2002 were estimated at 6 million units. In the United States, there are 28 million Americans with a hearing loss. Of those Americans who need hearing aids, seven million cannot afford them. In 2002, the average price for a hearing aid in the United States was $1,600. Pricing is not affordable for many users, and many insurance companies often do not cover hearing aids. Additionally, the "low-priced" hearing aids advertised often are poor in quality and provide low user satisfaction.

The Lions-AHAP Solution

To address these problems, LCIF has partnered with Project Impact to develop and manufacture the world's highest quality, affordable hearing aid - branded as the "Lions Affordable Hearing Aid." LCIF has provided $600,000 in Core 4 funding since 2001 to support the design/development phase and to initiate manufacturing. Additionally, LCIF has funded clinical trials in Washington State and additional field-testing of this aid in Michigan, Mexico and South India. The clinical trial confirmed that the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid is of superior quality and compares favorable to aids costing US$1000 and more.

Through the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project, LCIF is now distributing the "Lions Affordable Hearing aid" at a cost of only $90-$120 (depending on volume ordered) to Lions hearing programs and individual clubs. Clubs in areas without a Lions hearing program will work with local audiologists to test and fit low-income patients. The price of $90-$120 does not include the provision of hearing tests and hearing aid fittings, which clubs and Lion hearing programs need to arrange with an appropriate local hearing professional. LCIF is encouraging hearing professionals to provide discounted services for these low-income patients, with clubs helping the patients cover these costs.

The Lions Affordable Hearing Aid has received FDA approval as well as the CE Mark for distribution in Europe. The first model now available is a digitally-programmable Behind-The-Ear design. A fully digital version, and smaller In-The-Ear models, will be available in late 2004.

What can Lions clubs do?

Local Lions clubs can become involved by recruiting audiologists and covering whatever costs the patient cannot afford. LCIF will be making the aid available to all Lions hearing programs and to individual clubs not covered by such programs. To qualify for participation, Lions programs and clubs will be required to income-qualify patients to ensure that low-income patients benefit. Guidelines for this are available from LCIF.

Can individuals Lions purchase the hearing aid?

Individual Lions can purchase the currently-available aid at a higher introductory price of $150, but they will be required to secure the services of a local hearing professional to fit the aid. Proceeds from Lions sales will be used to subsidize distribution of the hearing aid in developing countries.

For more information, contact: LCIF Humanitarian Programs, Telephone 630-571-5466, ext 615.

LCIF
300 West 22nd Street
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

E-mail: lcif@lionsclubs.org

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-------------- Hearing Loss Web Resource Directory -------------
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Looking for an amplified phone? How about a hearing aid?
Whether you just want some information or are looking for the
right place to buy products or services, take a minute to visit
the Hearing Loss Web Resource Directory. Our goal is to provide
a comprehensive listing of national and local resources of
interest to people with hearing loss. Please check it out at
http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/res.htm

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- Article 3: U.S. House of Representatives Now Looped
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Editor: For several years we've been enthusiastically reporting on David Myers' "Let's Loop America" campaign. I don't know if Dr. Myers was involved in this latest development, but it sure wouldn't surprise me! Here are his comments on the looping of the U.S. House of Representatives chambers.

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News flash! This just in from the just-elected president of SHHH's newest chapter (Grand Rapids), a real dynamo who is a former Michigan state legislator (and who is arranging for the looping of the State of Michigan's House and Senate chambers as part of the spread of hearing aid compatible assistive listening here in Michigan).

Congressman Ehlers, to whom he refers (and whom I know from his days as a physicist at a nearby college), is a member of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus. We've corresponded about the spread of loop systems here in west Michigan and he's fully apprised of the rationale for such.

Based on our prior conversations about this rumored installation, I can tell you that Vic is referring to the main chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives (in which the President will be giving his State of the Union address next month) . . . and, therefore, a signature installation (*the* signature installation?) of hearing aid compatible assistive listening.

Dave Myers
www.davidmyers.org
www.hearingloop.org

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Hi Everybody

Congressman Vern Ehlers informed me yesterday that a hearing loop system has been fully installed in the United States House of Representatives, and will be operational when Congress convenes on January 4. The only problem the installers had was interference with the voting system wiring that was resolved. Please spread this good news to anyone that might be interested.

Vic

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- Article 4: Captioned Emergency Broadcasts - Clarification
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Last week's article entitled "Captioned Emergency Broadcasts" contained a couple of sentences that are not entirely clear and may lead to misunderstanding current captioning law. The article stated:

"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."

The first statement is correct. Current FCC rules require that ALL spoken emergency information must also be presented in a visual form understandable by people with hearing loss.

The second statement is technically correct, but perhaps a bit misleading. Beginning in January 2006 all new programming (with a few exceptions) will be required to include real time captioning. This is true regardless of the size of the market.

The third statement is probably also true, but also misleading. Because current law requires that all emergency information be available to people with hearing loss now, there is no augmented law that takes effect in 2006. In reality, however, a lot of emergency information is currently not available to people with hearing loss. If stations caption emergency information (along with everything else) starting in 2006, that will be an improvement.

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- Classifieds
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One Event and seven Employment Opportunities appear in this issue. (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

Event 1
Jewish Deaf Congress Conference 2005
Tampa, Florida
July 3 to 10, 2005

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 7
Educational Interpreter positions
Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Jericho and Bennington, VT

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Event 1
Jewish Deaf Congress Conference 2005
Tampa, Florida
July 3 to 10, 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Something exciting is coming to Tampa, Florida in 2005!

It will be a conference of a different kind!

It will be Jewish Deaf Congress Conference 2005 at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Hotel (a 4 star property) from July 3 to 10, 2005.

For the first time in JDC history we will have a HANDS-ON conference on Jewish wines, Jewish jewelry, Jewish roots, Jewish cooking and much more.

Participants will be actively involved in activities. Jewish Deaf people and their non-Jewish friends are more than welcome to join & learn "how to do it" while having fun too.

The hotel rates are only $89 a night, no matter how many people in a room. So come and share room with your friends. (psssst, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay averages $165 a night and its an incredible deal)

Additional information and details can be found at:
www.jdc2005.com
See the website to see what's happening!

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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

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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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Employment Opportunity 7
Educational Interpreter positions
Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Jericho and Bennington, VT
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Jericho, VT
Full-time in Jericho, VT for High School
Start date January 3rd, 2005

Part-time Bennington, VT for K-6 grades
2 hours per day

Qualifications: Fluency in American Sign Language and English; educational interpreting experience; completion of Interpreter Training program preferred; understanding of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students; knowledge of child development.

Please send resume to:
Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,
209 Austine Dr.,
Brattleboro, VT 05301, 802-258-9519

email:bmassey@austine.pvt.k12.vt.us

Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is an EOE

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- Contact Information and Disclaimers
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