Volume 21 Issue 2

HOH-LD-News
Vol. 21, Issue 2
October 9, 2004

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

- Article 1: Explain to Me What it Sounds Like
- Article 2: RNID Guidelines for DDA Speak Louder than Words - Part 1
- Article 3: Governor Vetoes Children's Hearing Aid Bill
- Article 4: Open-Captioned Film Festival
- Article 5: Relay Calls from Your Pager
- Classifieds: Two Travel Opportunities, one Education Opportunity, and one Employment Opportunity
- Contact Information and Disclaimers

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

----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------- Sound Clarity, Inc. ---------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
See the latest technology at Sound Clarity, Inc.

A new Voice Dialer allows hands-free automatic dialing AP5000.
A new Uniden cordless phone with two handsets, amplified to 30 dB
A new Pillow Vibrating Alarm Clock, great for travel, 1/2" thick
Many more specials and products for hearing loss

Hearing Aid Batteries always shipped FREE anywhere in the U.S.
Ray-O-Vac Proline $27.95 for 40 batteries or $49.95 for 80.

For more information go to http://www.soundclarity.com/hohnews
or contact us at mailto:info@soundclarity.com
---------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 1: Explain to Me What it Sounds Like
By Denise Portis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: I'm on a bunch of email lists that focus on hearing loss, and I often see postings that I want to share with all of you. I always seek permission before doing so, and most people are very gracious about granting it; Denise Portis has done so every time I've asked, so you may remember other articles she's written.

I was going to comment on the several lessons in this story, but I decided that different people may see different lessons. So, without further rambling, here's Denise!

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

Earlier this week I was talking to a friend of mine while outside work after classes. We were just talking about unimportant trivia; the kind of chit-chat that co-workers/moms/teachers tend to find themselves talking about when they find someone who "gets" them.

Some geese flew overhead. I spotted them immediately as they were in my line of vision, and I had already looked up to watch them fly by. However, my friend pointed and said, "My! Aren't they noisy?" Without skipping a beat, I said, "Explain to me what they sound like...." Her face immediately turned ashen and her lip even trembled as she grabbed my arm and wailed, "I'm SO sorry! I didn't even stop to think!" Well, honestly I couldn't have been more surprised! "EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE" is a common phrase in my household. I ask it all the time!

If my hubby says, "gee the microwave sounds funny".... I say, "Explain to me what it sounds like...." (I don't ask for detailed description as he might do something AWFUL like take it apart to pretend he can fix it!)

On a hike with the family when first arriving in Maryland, my son pointed to a Baltimore oriole (his first ever) and said, "How pretty they sound!" I said, "Explain to me what it sounds like...."

When my daughter says her cats purr sounds like it has a cold, I say, "explain to me what it sounds like...."

I say it all the time! I don't mean anything by it; simply put.... EXPLAIN TO ME in words. There are so many things I can't remember WHAT they sound like, even though I know I've heard them before.

I've been using the vacuum cleaner since I was a kid (wasn't my mom a slave driver?). But I can't hear the vacuum cleaner today unless I lay on the floor and "hug" it. (Don't laugh! It's what I do after it is explained to me what it sounds like! I can still FEEL!)

So my friend's watery eyes and quivery lip took me by surprise! I squeezed her arm and said, "Sandy, I'm not upset! I automatically ask for an explanation in words. You didn't do anything wrong! Be my ears -- EXPLAIN IT TO ME."

So.......... she did.

Denise Portis
Frederick County SHHH
Frederick, MD

----------------------------------------------------------------
---------------NAD Book on Your Legal Rights ------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
"Legal Rights: The Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People"
Safeguard your civil rights! Learn about deaf and hard of
hearing rights in the workplace, in the hospital, in the legal
system, and more.

Download the NAD Store catalog from:
http://www.nad.org/store/index.html

For more information contact Donna Morris at sales@nad.org
TTY: 301-587-6283 Voice: 301-587-6282 FAX: 301-587-4873
----------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 2: RNID Guidelines for DDA Speak Louder than Words - Part 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: The British equivalent of our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Interestingly, it sounds like the Brits have the same sorts of problems getting organizations to comply that we have in the US. This article presents a set of easy and inexpensive guidelines from RNID that organizations can use to become compliant.

Reprinted with permission from Online Recruitment (onrec.com)

This is part one of two parts.

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

The deadline for organisations to be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is upon us. Many organisations remain in the dark about their obligations under the Act and it is not until discrimination cases are brought to court, that the requirement for 'reasonable adjustment' will be tested.

RNID, the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, is helping businesses 'take reasonable steps' stipulated by the DDA by drawing up 13 cost-efficient criteria which can easily be implemented. RNID is confident that by fully following these guidelines, organisations will meet their obligations under the DDA for deaf and hard of hearing customers and staff.

Organisations meeting these criteria could be awarded an RNID Louder than Words kite mark. This logo will brand the organisation deaf friendly and highlight to one in seven of the public with a degree of hearing loss that they can confidently do business with you.

1. Train staff to communicate effectively with deaf and hard of hearing people

If frontline staff do not have basic deaf-aware skills, it is giving the impression that the service or product you offer will not consider their needs either.

There are a number of deaf and disability awareness training courses available. RNID has been funded to run free training for small businesses and information of whether you are eligible is available from 020 7296 8060 or training.services@rnid.org.uk. You can also download some communication tips from http://www.rnid.org.uk/html/leaflets/communication_tips.htm.

In addition, the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACPD) runs disability awareness courses and e-learning programmes and further information is available on www.cacdp.org.uk.

2. Prepare a clear, visible and easy-to-read deaf aware policy

Sound policies can protect an organisation by providing clear and consistent guidelines for staff to follow.

Organisations should review all their policies such as customer charters and equal opportunity policies to ensure that accessibility for disabled people is included wherever possible. This could for example be a clause saying that communications support (see point 7) is available. RNID provides a consultancy service to help organisations review policies to ensure they are inclusive.

3. Provide easily available and accessible information about products and services

For many people who use sign language, English is a second language with a completely different grammar. Complex sentences and difficult vocabulary will isolate many deaf people.

Organisations can very easily make information accessible by keeping all written material in plain English, making provision for contact by e-mail and ensuring that advertisements are not exclusively on the radio. RNID can also provide advice to organisations who would like to make their websites more user-friendly.

4. Install appropriate equipment correctly and regularly update and test it

There is a range of equipment that could greatly improve deaf people's experience of the organisation. For example, induction loops make hearing aids more effective and further information is available from http://www.rnid.org.uk/html/factsheets/equip_induction_loops
_and_infrared_systems_in_public_places.htm. These need not be expensive and a portable loop system costs as little as £140.

Other technologies are available as well as equipment to help with safety requirements such as flashing fire alarms. A list of equipment organisations can consider is available from: http://www.rnid.org.uk/html/leaflets/equipment_for_deaf_people.htm

5. Ensure a good listening environment which is well signed and well lit

Many deaf and hard of hearing people rely to some extent on lip reading and by placing the light in front of a reception area could improve the environment for lip reading. Offering a quiet meeting room, away from an open plan office, will help reduce background noise for person wearing hearing aids.

This is something that can cost organisations very little while making a dramatic difference to the experience a deaf person has of the organisation.

6. Establish clear health and safety procedures

Any warning signal such as a fire alarm, needs to be visual as well, such as with a flashing light.

All health and safety procedures must be written in plain English and as far as possible, illustrated as well. Emergency exits should be clearly marked. This would obviously be beneficial to all customers and staff and not just those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

----------------------------------------------------------------
------ Hearing Loss Network: Serving Southern California -------
----------------------------------------------------------------

Looking for hearing loss help in Southern California?

Hearing Loss Network is here to meet your needs. We provide coping and communications workshops, computer classes, a speakers bureau, an advisors bureau, and community outreach. And let us know if there's a needed service that isn't being provided. We'll see what we can do to help!

Email info@hearinglossnetwork.org or
visit us at www.hearinglossnetwork.org
----------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 3: Governor Vetoes Children's Hearing Aid Bill
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: Those who have been following the Hearing Aid Insurance Legislation (HAIL) efforts know that the California legislature passed a bill requiring health insurance companies to include hearing aid coverage for children. Sadly, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill (sigh).

The following story is reprinted with permission from the Los Angeles Daily News, September 24, 2004

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

By Alex Dobuzinskis Staff Writer

BURBANK -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill championed by a Burbank woman that would have required health insurance companies to help pay for children's hearing aids.

SB 1158 was introduced by Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena, at the urging of Susan Grafman, 39. Her medical insurance did not cover the cost of hearing aids for her two sons and she had to pay $7,600 for the devices.

"While I want children with hearing impairments to have hearing aids, I am concerned that increasing the cost of health coverage by mandating benefits, if even by a small amount, would have the far more serious consequence of leaving some children without (any) health insurance whatsoever," Schwarzenegger wrote to members of the Senate in vetoing the bill Wednesday.

Grafman said she was surprised by the veto. The state's Medi-Cal and Healthy Families programs cover hearing aids and the rich can pay for them, but the "middle class is left out of the loop struggling to pay for hearing aids for their children," she said.

Grafman expects to work to support another version of the bill if it is introduced.

Alex Dobuzinskis, (818) 546-3304 alex.dobuzinskis@dailynews.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 4: Open-Captioned Film Festival
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: What a great idea! An open-captioned film festival! Sponsored by InSight Cinema and Krikorian Premiere Theatres, the event lasts all weekend at two southern California theaters. For those of you who complain that open-captioned films are only offered at inconvenient times, these are Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoon and night. Here's hoping for a great turnout!

For additional information (like if you want to arrange something like this in your area ;-), contact Nanci.Linke-Ellis at:
(310) 452-8700 tel
(310) 452-8711 fax
nanci.linkeellis@insightcinema.org

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

InSight Cinema Partners with Krikorian Premiere Theatres to present its first Open-Captioned Film Festival.

Santa Monica, CA - Krikorian Premiere Theatres in association with InSight Cinema will have its first open-captioned film festival over the weekend of October 8, 9 & 10th in two Southern California locations, Monrovia and Vista, California.

Krikorian Premiere Vista Metroplex 15 and Monrovia Cinema 12 will be running similar film slates concurrently and will include such films as: THE VILLAGE, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZEKEBAN, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, FAHRENHEIHT 9/11 (Monrovia) and STEPFORD WIVES (Vista).

Open-captions resemble English subtitles. They are 98% verbatim, and include full digital sound and audio prompts for ringing telephones, music lyrics, shotguns and narration. InSight Cinema was founded in 2002 by Nanci Linke-Ellis as a 501c3 non profit dedicated to bringing the Big Screen Movie-going Experience to deaf and hard of hearing audiences throughout the United States.

"Open-captioned presentations are really for everyone's full movie-going experience," says Nanci Linke-Ellis, Executive Director of InSight Cinema. "Not only for the deaf community, but for baby boomers who may not yet need a hearing aid, but miss much of the dialogue amidst the loud music and sound effects. Our audience also includes the hard of hearing, seniors, English as a Second Language students and Adult Literacy groups."

"We are extremely pleased to bring open-captioned films to our communities," said Randall Blaum, Director of Marketing at Krikorian Premiere Theatres. "Part of the strength of this program is based on playing the best in mainstream films. We have a solid slate, and we are excited to bring them to a new segment of movie enthusiasts."

The Krikorian Premier Monrovia Cinema 12 Theatres is located at 4l0 South Myrtle Street, Monrovia, CA 91016. Krikorian Premier Vista Village is located in North San Diego County at 25 Main Street, Vista, CA 92803.

Tickets are $5 per show or a full weekend pass for $20. They can be purchased in advance at the box office or on the Internet at www.kptmovies.com. For more information on the open-captioned film program and InSight Cinema, visit www.insightcinema.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Article 5: Relay Calls from Your Pager
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor: We all know that new technology is making communication easier for people with hearing loss. The ideal situation would be if everyone had a device that allowed him to transparently communicate with everyone else, without having to worry about what kind of device the other person had. We're still a long ways from that, but we're moving in that direction.

Here are portions of a press release regarding the capability to place and receive relay calls using a Blackberry pager!

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

From the newsroom of the Business Wire, Thursday, October 7, 2004 .....

MCI Expands Wireless IP Relay Services to Business Customers; Support for BlackBerry Enables Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Employees to Make 'Wireless Calls'

ASHBURN, Va. -- MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) today announced the launch of the first wireless IP-Relay communication service targeting deaf and hard-of-hearing business customers, making it possible for them to communicate using a BlackBerry Wireless Handheld(TM) from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM; TSX:RIM).This service turns a BlackBerry Wireless Handheld into a "wireless phone," enabling the hearing impaired to communicate "on the go" with anyone, anywhere in the U.S by utilizing the SkyTel nationwide, wireless data network.

[snip]

In minutes, software can be downloaded to a BlackBerry 957(TM) making it possible to place and receive relay calls. Once enabled, users simply click on the Wireless IP-RELAY.com icon and are connected with a Relay Operator. Users simply type what they want to say on the wireless device and the operator facilitates the call. The software also features keyboard shortcuts, font size and style options plus the ability to make sequential calls.

"MCI is utilizing the SkyTel wireless data network, its connectivity to other wireless networks, and the BlackBerry wireless platform to deliver innovative solutions like Wireless IP-RELAY.com services to our business customers and their deaf and hard-of-hearing employees," said Bruce Deer, president of SkyTel "MCI's leadership delivering IP Relay services, coupled with its expertise serving the business market, makes us an obvious choice for companies who want to implement the most reliable, mobile communications available today."

There is currently no charge to use Wireless IP-RELAY.com for calls anywhere in the United States. However, normal connectivity rates charged by wireless carriers may still apply.

[snip]

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

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

Two Travel Opportunities, one Education Opportunity, and one Employment Opportunity appear in this issue. (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

Travel Opportunity 1
Florida Tours & Entertainment
Cruises and Tours 2005

Travel Opportunity 2
Cruise for CI Users
From Los Angeles to Hawaii
January 19 to February 3, 2005

Education Opportunity 1
Play Therapy and Sandtray Training
Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars

Employment Opportunity 1
Community Services Consultant
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Wake, NC

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Travel Opportunity 1
Florida Tours & Entertainment
Cruises and Tours 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ASL Interpreter Service (ASLIS) provided
Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) for our hard of hearing clients available

Costa Rica - Nature's Museum June 9-18, 2005 ASLIS + ALD
$2,819.00 per person, dbl. occ., land and air Early Booking Bonus: $50.00 per person

Eastern Caribbean Cruise July 2-9, 2005 ASLIS
Coincides well with FAD's 40th Biennial Convention in Miami ending on July 2, 2005. Starting at $1,128.00 per person, dbl. occ., cruise only

Dream Tour of Ireland August 1-12, 2005 ASLIS + ALD
$2,990.00 per person, dbl. occ., land and air Early Booking Bonus: $50.00 per person

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise September 5-15, 2005 ASLIS
Coincides well with the Deaf Seniors of America National Conference in San Francisco ending on September 5, 2005. Starting at $1,389.00 per person, dbl. occ., cruise only

Canadian Rockies Train Tour October 9-17, 2005 ASLIS + ALD
$2,981.00 per person, dbl. occ., land and air Early Booking Bonus: $50.00 per person

Sierra Madre Express November 10-17, 2005 ASLIS + ALD
$3,295.00 per person, dbl. occ., land and train Early Booking Bonus: $50.00 per person

Visit our web site for more details: www.kerstinstravel.com

Do you want to receive our newsletter? Subscribe at kerstin@kerstinstravel.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Travel Opportunity 2
Cruise for CI Users
From Los Angeles to Hawaii
January 19 to February 3, 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

15 Day Cruise-Hawaiian Islands for Adult Cochlear Implant Users
*****SPECIAL FARE FOR THIS CI USER GROUP CRUISE
Leaving from Los Angeles January 19 to February 3, 2005

Join Auditory Verbal Therapist William and Carol Beitzel for an unique experience combining CI therapy with social interaction on a cruise. Learn to develop and enhance your effective comfort level skills using your cochlear implant. Come along with your spouse/SO for fun/relaxation while participating in an exciting complimentary individual/group therapy program.

Contact Bill at wave307@shaw.ca .

Cruise starts at $2099 USD (pp/dbl.occ)

Info/book-contact Evelyn Sinclair at CRUISE WORLD, INC. 101-1090 Waverley St., Winnipeg, MB,CANADA R3T 0P4
1-204-925-2120 or 1-800-463-2120
FAX 1-204-475-7171
EMAIL evelyn@cruiseworld.mb.ca

LUNCHEON AND TOUR AT ADVANCED BIONICS CORP.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Education Opportunity 1
Play Therapy and Sandtray Training
Chesapeake Beach Professional Seminars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHESAPEAKE BEACH PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS
is interested in offering play therapy and sandtray training to deaf and hard of hearing clinicians who provide mental health services to children and families.

Interpreters using American Sign Language available.

If you work at a facility where there are a number of deaf and hard of hearing clinicians or you have access to a number of such clinicians, we could have the training at your facility.

Please get in touch with us immediately to talk about possibilities.
E-mail: cbps@radix.net.
website: www.cbpseminars.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Employment Opportunity 1
Community Services Consultant
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Wake, NC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Agency Information: www.dhhs.state.nc.us/
Position: Community Services Consultant
Working Title: TANC Specialist
Vacancy Number: 00044
Salary Grade: 66 Salary Range: $26,781 - $42,608
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Type of Appointment: Perm Full-Time
Location: Wake
Closing Date: 10/18/2004
Number of Positions: 1

Description of Work
The role of the Telecommunications Specialist is to provide information and consultation to Deaf, Hard of Hearing and consumers about their telecommunications and equipment needs and the technology available to them. The specialist will assist the NC Telecommunications Access of North Carolina program in promoting the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP) and to coordinate outreach activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers, assessing and evaluating their telecommunications and equipment needs; public speaking; networking with local and national organizations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing; outreach work; training for consumers in telecommunications equipment usage; ability to communicate in American Sign Language

Training and Experience Requirements
Four-year degree and three years of experience in a community, business, or government program, preferably in the field of education, social work, public health, or public relations; or an equivalent of training and experience.

How to Apply:
All applicants must submit a State Application for Employment (PD-107) to the contact person at the Human Resources Office indicated on the vacancy announcement. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing a state application. Applications must be received in the appropriate Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Postmarked applications will not be accepted.

Job postings and the State application for Employment (PD-107) may be found at public libraries, local Employment Security Commissions, DHHS Human Resources Offices, or at: http://www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs/gnrlinfo.htm

Contact Person: Dianna Simmons

Contact Agency: DHHS-SV DEAF/HEARING

Contact Address:
319 CHAPANOKE ROAD SUITE 108
RALEIGH, NC 27603

Contact Phone: 919-661-4810
Contact Fax: 919-773-2993

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Contact Information and Disclaimers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are very interested in your comments concerning the content and format of this newsletter. We want this publication to be useful to you. Please send your comments and suggestions to: hearinglossweb@hearinglossweb.com

Visit our Website at: http://www.hearinglossweb.com

To subscribe to this newsletter. Email
HOH-LD-News-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Yahoogroups will respond with a subscription email.

To unsubscribe to this newsletter, email
HOH-LD-News-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com. Yahoogroups will respond with an unsubscription email.

Archives for this newsletter are on our website at:
http://www.hearinglossweb.com.
Click on "HOH-LD-News" in the header.

Advertising information for HOH-LD-News and Hearing Loss Web is available at http://www.hearinglossweb.com/Misc/adv/adv.htm.

Publication of articles or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services offered, nor of the companies that offer them.