Volume 24 Issue 5

HOH-LD-News
Vol. 24, Issue 5
July 30, 2005

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Table of Contents
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- Article 1: Oral VRS Users - A "DeafAndHardOfHearing" Article

- Article 2: SHHH Convention Workshop: Accessible Air Travel in an Age of Terrorism

- Article 3: 123 Reasons (For Not Wearing Hearing Aids) - Part 1

- Article 4: Another Possible iPod Trend: Loss of Hearing

Our advertisers make it possible for us to provide HOH-LD-News as a free service. Please let them know you appreciate their support, and please mention that you saw their message in HOH-LD-News.

- Advertisers in this Issue
First Premium Placement: Harris Communications - CL600 Phone
Second Premium Placement: The Bionic Ear Experience
Third Premium Placement: SUBMISSIONS WANTED FOR GROUNDBREAKING NEW BOOK
Classified Section: One Survey and five Employment Opportunities

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Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
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- Article 1: Oral VRS Users - A "DeafAndHardOfHearing" Article
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In Issue 3 (July 16, 2005) we discussed an EE Times article entitled "FCC Adopts New Rules to Improve VRS for Hard-of-Hearing", and we lamented the fact that this headline misinforms even more egregiously that the normal claim that Video Relay Service (VRS) provides accessible communication to people who are DeafAndHardOfHearing. (We use the term "DeafAndHardOfHearing" to indicate that the term is used as if it were a single word and without thought to its meaning. The term is generally used to indicate that hard of hearing people are incorrectly grouped with Deaf people in a situation that really includes only Deaf folks.) The article included a letter asking the EE Times Editor in Chief to correct the misinformation; we have not received a response.

However I did get three responses from people who claimed that VRS really is for hard of hearing people, because they use it to lipread. Two of the responders were indignant that I could even suggest that VRS doesn't serve people who are hard of hearing!

So I turned to the best source I know for information about living with hearing loss - you! If people are using lipreading as a means of communicating over VRS, you would know. Last week I asked for your feedback on this issue, and specifically for information about non-signers who communicate over VRS by lipreading. I got three very interesting responses, which I'll share in a minute.

I also decided to get the opinions of the people who provide VRS services. Do they consider their services to be appropriate for non-signing lipreaders? I searched the websites of the following VRS providers for answers: Communication Access Center (CAC), CSD, Hamilton Video Relay, Hands On VRS, Sorenson VRS, and Sprint. Here's what I found:

Communication Access Center (CAC)
From http://www.cacdhh.org/video_relay_interpreting_services.html
" This service allows a deaf or hard of hearing person to communicate in ASL to a sign language interpreter using a computer camera."

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)
http://www.csdvrs.org/ - see "What is VRS?"
"With VRS, a caller using sign language can communicate with a live video interpreter by using a video connection."

Hamilton Video Relay
http://www.hamiltonrelay.com/internet/vrs/ - See "General FAQ"
"Who can use Hamilton Video Relay? A: Anyone who uses ASL . . . "

Hands On VRS
https://secure.hovrs.com/abouthovrs/
"Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc. (HOVRS) provides a new communication tool that allows the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community to communicate effectively and naturally with the hearing world through American Sign Language (ASL)."

Sorenson VRS
http://www.sorensonvrs.com/ - See "What is VRS?"
"Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) is a free service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community that enables anyone to conduct video relay calls with family, friends, or business associates through a certified ASL interpreter"

Sprint VRS (I tried to access www.sprintvrs.com, but I couldn't even view the site unless I allowed them to download ActiveX (required for their VRS service) onto my computer. So I found their government VRS site.)
http://www.sprintbiz.com/government/relay/video.html
"Video relay service (VRS) enables American Sign Language (ASL) users to communicate via videoconferencing."

Hmmm . . . Lots of discussion about how hard of hearing people can communicate over VRS using ASL (I noticed over a dozen such claims), but not a word about lipreading.

Thinking that I might have missed those references I went back to each of the sites and searched for the terms "lip reading", "lipreading", "speech reading", and "speechreading". Still no luck! Apparently the VRS providers do NOT claim that lipreaders can use their services.

But what about our readers who responded to my request for information about lipreading using VRS?

Rob Abbot reported that he lipreads the interpreter as she signs. (For those who don't know, an ASL user conveys a lot of information on the face, so watching the face while they sign is standard practice.) So I asked him if he would be able to follow a conversation using lipreading only. I also asked if he would be comfortable discussing a legal or medical (or other equally important) matter in this manner.

He replied, "I consider myself an excellent lipreader and in general conversation, where I know the speech pattern of the person really well and the topic, there is still a good 40 to 60 percent that I just can't get. That means that we have to make assumptions as to what is being said to get the general gist of the conversation. In a legal and medical environment or other critical environment, it would be dangerous indeed."

Nan Asher replied that the agency where she works has a videophone and she has tried to using it to lipread. Here's her report:

"Will the video phone work for hard of hearing people who don't sign? Well, the videophone does have a microphone jack. [A friend] and I have experimented with talking and speech reading using the video transmission. It doesn't work very well. The video is not fast enough for speech reading. Interestingly, the voice transmission is about a second faster than the video. So, if I miss what she says, I can speech read her a second later! However, this leaves us with a disconnected feeling, like watching a movie with the voice/picture choreography off just a tad. We seem to be having a problem with the microphones echoing also. Perhaps we are using the wrong mics and will have to continue experimenting."

Finally Dave Pearson reported that he signed up for CSD VRS, and a technician came out to his house to install the equipment. But when the installer learned that Dave doesn't sign, he removed the equipment and told Dave that someone would contact him!

When no one did Dave contacted them and got an email from Jason Smith, Consumer Relations Manager of CSDVRS. Mr. Smith affirmed that VRS is intended for "deaf and hard of hearing ASL users", and (as stated on the application) people who don't sign are not eligible to receive the free equipment.

Curious I went back to the CSD website and found the application form
(https://ssl.c-s-d.org/vrsdb/freeform.asp), which states:

"To qualify for the equipment:
1. You must be deaf or hard of hearing,
2. Use sign language in order to communicate,
3. Be a legal resident of the United States,
4. Have high-speed internet service."

To summarize:
1. My request for information about people lipreading over VRS failed to produce a single person who does so successfully or knows of someone who does.
2. The VRS companies apparently acknowledge that VRS is NOT a viable technology for lipreaders; at least one company will not provide equipment to anyone who does not sign. (I didn't check the policy of the other providers.)
3. The VRS providers continue to claim that VRS is intended for hard of hearing people, even though they don't claim that it supports lipreading.

The attitude of the relay providers continues to amaze me. I've contacted several of them about advertising their IP relay services to the Oral Hearing Loss (OHL) community. I point out that every Deaf person in the country already knows all about all the various relay options, but almost no OHL folks realize that (for example) they can make a relay call using their computer as a TTY. There's a HUGE market just waiting for one of these providers to seize.

I rarely get a reply to these inquiries, and when I do, the reply is that they don't solicit the OHL market, because so few OHL folks use their services!

Hello??!?!?!

Maybe if they'd quit telling OHL folks to use ASL over VRS, and inform them about a service they could actually use, they'd have better success!

And those of you who claim that VRS is used by lipreaders, please stop! That misinformation perpetuates the myth that OHL folks have access to adequate services, and hinders the development of services that actually do serve them.

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- Article 2: SHHH Convention Workshop: Accessible Air Travel in an Age of Terrorism
By Joan Cassidy
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Editor: What do you need to know as an air traveler with hearing loss? This article contains lots of that information, and the more of it you know, the better off you'll be. And I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn of some of the things that are in the works!

Our thanks to NVRC for their permission to share this article with you. You may share it with others, but be sure to credit NVRC. (See credit at the end of the article.)

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Moderator: Brenda Battat, SHHH

Panelists:
Sandra G. Cammaroto, Transportation Security Administration
Michael T. Spollen, Department of Transportation
David Martin, Delta Air Lines

Michael Spollen, Department of Transportation

Spollen talked about the 1986 Air Transportation Act and how it applies to travelers with disabilities. The four areas are Enforcement, Rule Making, Consumer Education and Outreach. In recent years the Department has investigated 15 allegations that access was not provided, most related to problems of people in wheelchairs being unable to get on or off the planes, no storage for folding wheelchairs etc. The airlines were required to pay civil fines totally $6 million in 2003 and $2 million in 2004. Most of the fines were spent on "offsets" used to directly benefit travelers with disabilities such as website enhancements, extra storage space on planes, advisory groups and staff training.

They are now working on rules that will apply to foreign carriers and other rules regarding the onboard use of medication especially oxygen and additional accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing passengers.

Their website is http://airconsumer.dot.gov or call 202-366-2222 Hot Line 1-800-455-9880.

Any complaint from a disabled individual is investigated. They will send an acknowledgement letter and refer the complaint to the airline which has 30 days to reply. Then they analyze and send a letter to the consumer. They work with airlines to change policy. Sometimes stories are so conflicting they cannot determine if there was a violation. They make a summary sheet of the investigation and try to get the airline to take corrective action. Often they bunch together several complaints before assessing fine.

For the past ten years they have been working on new rules for passengers with hearing loss. They will soon issue draft for public comment. The rules have already been amended ten times.

Sandra G. Cammaroto, Director of Office of Screening Persons with Disabilities,Transportation Security Administration

Before 9/11 the quality of security checks for passengers with disabilities varied between different airlines and airports. After 9/11 they realized the need for a policy that did not compromise security. Hidden disabilities are the toughest to check since the screeners may not know the passenger has a disability until they enter the checkpoint.

Plans for the future:
- Update Enhanced TSA website
- Establish Disability Hotline
- Develop reference materials for screeners
- Develop literature for the consumer in partnership with Air Carriers and Travel Agencies such as a new pocket guide for passengers with disabilities which will soon be available at travel agents.
- They are working on an ASL pilot program with 3D animated software to provide sign language interpreters on screen at checkpoints. The screener will talk into a microphone and the interpreter appears on the screen. They have a pilot program with DePaul University at Chicago Airport.
- Customer Satisfaction Survey: www.TSA.gov. Call Ms Cammoroto at 571-227-1823

David Martin, Delta Airlines Senior Specialist-Disabilities, Customer Advocacy

Delta wants to exceed expectations. He thanked us for our patience in waiting for improvements for deaf and hard of hearing passengers. Many airlines have equipment that is over 20 years old so they are working to bring the "dinosaurs" into the 21st century. Their complaints tell them that access is needed from the curb to the airplane. You can ask for assistance from the Skycaps who check our luggage and a wheelchair is not necessary to get assistance.

There is not enough manpower to provide escorts for everyone with a disability but they do allow all agents to go with you to the boarding gate. Agents have a checklist of their responsibilities. Any uniformed agent in the airport lobby must help if you ask. They are taught to look for indications of a disability and how they can help.

A Complaint Resolution Officer is always on duty. C, R, and O are the most important letters in the airline alphabet. Their Atlanta hub has 200 CRO officers. If you have problems at the airport ask for a CRO officer. They must bring one to you. After a bad experience on a flight you can call back to the CRO desk and they will pass it on and follow up.

At the gates Delta has visual displays which give all the information that is spoken over the loudspeakers. They want you to have a good travel experience but they also want to respect your privacy and try not to draw attention to passengers with a disability. If you want to pre-board just tell the gate agent that you have a disability, they are not allowed to ask for details. However, remember that first on is also last off so let them know if you have to make a connection and they will let you off first.

Flight Attendants have special training and must assist passengers with disabilities of all kinds, visible or not. If you cannot understand the announcements they must repeat them for you or write them down.

Technology:
- Gate information display systems
- Kiosks with computers that can speed up the check in process
- On board safety instructions are captioned
- TDD systems in Reservations, at the airport and through the Telephone Operators
- Assistive Technology Research and Partnering to find best practices
- Web site accessibility

Advocacy
Delta is the only airline with outreach programs, special tours to make sure planes are accessible. They want to exceed the expectations of their customers.

Ghostbuster Rule: If we don't take care of you... who you gonna call?

Q Are extra carryon bags allowed for disability equipment?
A Yes. Delta does not question why you need extra bag and will fit it on the plane.

***************
(c)2005 by Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC), www.nvrc.org. When sharing this information, please ensure credit is given to NVRC.

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Handwave Publications is currently accepting submissions for a groundbreaking new book, "On the Fence: The Hidden World of the Hard of Hearing." We're looking for eye-opening stories from hard of hearing writers, ranging from 2 to 8 pages in length. Poems also accepted. Stories and poems may be empowering, funny, sad, inspiring, angry, triumphant... anything goes! The main criterion is to show the world what it means to be hard of hearing. Deadline is September 30, 2005. For more information, contact Mark Drolsbaugh at (215) 368-8282 TDD or e-mail Handwave@aol.com.
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- Article 3: 123 Reasons (For Not Wearing Hearing Aids) - Part 1
By Richard Wagner
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Editor: I'm sure you all know someone who could wear hearing aids and would benefit from them, but just chooses not to. What reason do they offer for not doing something that would help them communicate? I'm sure some of us have heard some really creative excuses. I know Richard Wagner <rewagner@airmail.net> has, because he's actually compiled a list!

Richard is a freelance pastoral counselor and psychotherapist who has been hard of hearing since age four and deaf since about 1980. He has been very active in the Dallas area chapter of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2002 issue of Hearing Health Magazine. It is reprinted here with Richard's permission. This is part one of three parts.

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Why not just wear a sign screaming defective nerd/loser? If this is your take on wearing hearing aids, take heart: You're not alone.

Of the approximately six billion people who inhabit the earth, 290 million live in the U.S. Hearing loss strikes 10 percent of our population, meaning that about 600 million folks on planet earth have hearing that is compromised to some degree. It is estimated that some 200 million people need hearing assistance in order to understand verbal communication.

Among this vast number are scores who cannot afford hearing aids. Millions of others have them but are not benefiting from them because they have difficulty wearing and/or using them. Millions more refuse to even try. Why?

There are myriad excuses for not wearing hearing aids but keep in mind the difference between an excuse and a reason is simple. The reason is why you do something in clear factual terms. The excuse is what you say because you do not know or will not reveal the real reason.

The 10 Basic Excuses

1. I just don't want to!
2. It is too loud/noisy/distracting.
3. It hurts/is uncomfortable.
4. I don't want to be one of them (i.e., the deaf, defective, hard-of-hearing, different, etc.)
5. I can hear just fine, thank you.
6. The feedback drives me crazy.
7. I can't get used to it.
8. It is not the right hearing device for me. How about .?
9. I keep forgetting to put them in.
10. I keep losing them.

People often give excuses while the reasons have more to do with other concerns, such as vanity and a desire to appear like everyone else. How we are perceived can be a real issue in circumstances influencing romance, work, school and family life. Additionally, some people simply do not have a strong desire to hear. Others fail to believe that they could possibly derive any benefit from those tiny electronic devices. And many people resist their aids because they were not properly trained in how to use them.

No matter how irrational, hurtful or absurd it may seem, people who refuse to wear hearing aids usually feel they have good reasons. By looking closely at those reasons, we may be able to glean a better understanding of why some will not or do not take the leap into better hearing.

Following is a list of various age groups with representative reasons and excuses for not wearing hearing aids. Notice that many of their concerns fit more than one group.

Infants (Often shown behaviorally as their language skills are undeveloped.) The baby may:

1. Cry because aids are too loud.
2. Act as though aid(s) hurts, bothers or irritates the ear.
3. Be frightened by "bad" noises.
4. Squirm and wiggle, making it hard to put them in or keep them in.
5. Learn to take them out.

Toddlers and Kids
Children may say:

1. My hearing aid(s) makes noises inside of me.
2. It is uncomfortable.
3. It makes me look weird. I'm embarrassed to be different.
4. Sammy doesn't have to do this. Why do I have to?
5. I don't hear anything with them on anyway!
6. I don't want you telling me what to do.
7. When I don't wear aids, no one bothers me.
8. I want to take them off.
9. They bother my TV watching/ games/sports/daydreaming, etc.
10. Ohhh, doggie likes my hearies (after giving them to the dog to munch on or putting them in the dog's/cat's/doll's ears).
11. Everyone stares at me when my hearing aids make that noise (feedback).
12. I don't like it - too loud!
13. How come you want me to be quiet and my aids are so noisy?
14. Batteries? Aids? I don't know where they are.

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- Article 4: Another Possible iPod Trend: Loss of Hearing
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We've reported on the fact that today's young people seem to be experiencing hearing loss at an astonishing rate, and that personal audio equipment seems to be contributing to that trend. Newsday recently published an article in which they state that twelve percent of children and teens in the US suffer from noise-induced hearing loss! That's higher than the ten percent benchmark that is normally applied to the general population!

The maximum output of personal audio equipment in Europe is 100 db. While that's loud enough to cause hearing loss, it's nowhere near the 120+ db levels of the unregulated devices in the US.

For the complete article, please point your browser to:
http://www.newsday.com/mynews/ny-hsipod264357628jul26,0,6015310.story

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

Survey on Assistive Listening Devices for Adult (18 and Up) Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Users
Gallaudet University RERC on Hearing Enhancement
https://securedgspp.gallaudet.edu/ald/

Employment Opportunity 1
Director of Outreach Services
Washington School for the Deaf
Vancouver, WA

Employment Opportunity 2
Early Childhood Educator
CID Oral School & Outreach Center
Silver Spring, MD

Employment Opportunity 3
Various Employment Openings
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
Various Southern California Locations

Employment Opportunity 4
Assistant Director
Maryland Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Baltimore, MD

Employment Opportunity 5
Member Services & Information Technology Officer
TDI
Silver Spring, MD

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Survey on Assistive Listening Devices for Adult (18 and Up) Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Users
Gallaudet University RERC on Hearing Enhancement
https://securedgspp.gallaudet.edu/ald/
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On-line survey on Assistive Listening Devices for Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Users (ages 18 and up)

Give us an earful! The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on Hearing Enhancement at Gallaudet University is interested in your experiences with and opinions of assistive listening devices. Assistive listening devices work with your hearing aid or cochlear implant to make it easier for you to understand speech in meetings, at church, at the movies, in classes, and in many other situations.

Are they working for you? What suggestions do you have? The results of this confidential survey will be shared with professionals, companies, and other consumers. Go to https://securedgspp.gallaudet.edu/ald/ to complete the survey. If you have any questions, you may contact the research staff at survey@tap.gallaudet.edu.

This study has been approved by the Gallaudet University Institutional Review Board.

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Employment Opportunity 1
Director of Outreach Services
Washington School for the Deaf
Vancouver, WA
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Opening Date: April 15, 2005
Start Date: August 1, 2005
Bulletin #0105-LL-OC
Exempt Position

This twelve-month Outreach Program Director position reports to the Superintendent and is responsible for coordinating outreach activities to serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students throughout the State of Washington. The individual appointed to this position must be willing to travel. Please contact us about this exciting opportunity!

SALARY RANGE: $70,000 - 76,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

PRIMARY DUTIES (including but not limited to):
- Coordinate a full range of educational planning services and activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students located in school districts throughout the state.
- Supervise and evaluate outreach department staff which includes school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, audiologist, early childhood specialists, communication specialists and more.
- Consult with teachers, school staff, parents and school district personnel to ensure appropriate learning experiences and attend IEP meetings.
- Analyze functional behavioral analysis, behavioral programs and plans. Participate in the admissions process.
- Develop and implement behavioral intervention plans, safety plans and educational programs in collaboration with outreach staff and school personnel to support positive learning environments for students in the classroom.
- Provide case management support.
- Improve professional competence through participation through staff development activities.
- Design and conduct training modules.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by Superintendent.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of principles, techniques, and methods of developing and implementing behavioral support plans.
- Knowledge of the unique educational needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
- Knowledge of Special Education laws, grant writing, and contracting of services.
- Ability to communicate effectively with teachers, school staff, parents, school district personnel and deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
- Ability to use technology effectively.
- Sound personal and professional judgment and ability to work with little or no direct supervision.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
- Possession of a Master's Degree
- Ability to obtain Washington state certification as a School Administrator.
- Previous experience with distance learning methods and techniques.
- Fluency in American Sign Language and in written English.
- Desirable qualifications include three years experience as a school administrator and prior experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
- This position requires travel throughout the state of Washington.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Background inquiries of convictions and pending criminal charges shall be completed on applicants prior to the appointment to positions at the Washington School for the Deaf. Information obtained from background inquiries will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's character, suitability and competence to perform in the position applied for and may result in a denial of employment. Applicants will be required to sign a release authorizing the background inquiry. Failure to do so may disqualify the applicant from employment.
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and copies of credentials to the Human Resources office.
- If claiming Veteran's preference, applicant must submit a copy of DD-214 form.

HOW TO APPLY:
Submit a completed application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and copies of credentials to:

Washington School for the Deaf
Human Resources Office
611 Grand Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661

Applications are accessible on the internet at www.wsd.wa.gov or by contacting the Human Resources office at (360) 696-6525 ext 4326 (V/TTY) or by email at april.rounds@wsd.wa.gov.

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Employment Opportunity 2
Early Childhood Educator
CID Oral School & Outreach Center
Silver Spring, MD
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CID Oral School & Outreach Center seeks an Early Childhood Educator for a teaching position in the preschool department for the 2005-2006 school year. CID is an auditory oral school where hearing-impaired children learn to listen and talk. Candidates should be motivated, organized and flexible, have experience teaching young children, and be willing to work closely with a team of teachers of the hearing impaired. Bachelor's degree and teaching certification in Early Childhood Education is required; Master's degree is preferred. Additional certification in special education is desirable.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience along with excellent insurance benefits, retirement, and a tax-sheltered savings plan. Qualified applicants may send resume, cover letter and salary history to:

Teacher
c/o Human Resources
Central Institute for the Deaf
4560 Clayton Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110

or e-mail to: atighe@cid.wustl.edu

EOE/M/F/D/V

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Employment Opportunity 3
Various Employment Openings
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
Various Southern California Locations
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- Job Developer/Interpreter - Crenshaw
- Community Advocate - Los Angeles, Ventura
- Executive Assistant to the CEO- Los Angeles
- Human Resources Specialist - Los Angeles
- Community Interpreter - Los Angeles
- LIFESIGNS Director - Los Angeles
- Job Developer/Interpreter - Norwalk
- Job Developer/Interpreter - West Covina, Rancho Cucamonga

please go to:
http://www.gladinc.org/jobs.htm

GLAD is an AA/EOE

Thank you for considering GLAD as a potential employer.

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Employment Opportunity 4
Assistant Director
Maryland Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Baltimore, MD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Assistant Director, Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (#ODHH-05-01)
Salary: Grade 16 (Range $38,578 - $59,475)
Closing Date: August 12, 2005
Maryland offers a competitive salary and a very generous leave and health benefits package.

The successful candidate will oversee the daily administrative functions of the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), to include providing delivery of the following services: Awareness/Sensitivity Training and Technical Assistance, Constituent Services and Community Outreach and Education. Responsibilities include representing the ODHH in various settings.

Bachelor's Degree (Masters Degree, desirable) from an accredited four-year college and five years of professional experience in a behavioral or social science field, including three years of managerial experience that involves program development. Training and/or experience in working with deaf and hard of hearing persons. The ability to communicate with individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing, hearing and late deafened is required. A Master's Degree in a Behavioral or Social Science related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

A complete list of responsibilities and minimum qualification requirements can be found at our website www.dbm.maryland.gov. Call 410-767-4720 or email msmith@dbm.state.md.us with any questions.

To Apply: Resumes will be evaluated based on the materials submitted in relation to the position requirements. Therefore, it is important to provide complete and accurate information to describe your prior training and experience. Please include a cover letter with the job # and salary requirements to: Steve Serra, Director, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Application materials may be submitted via email at dbmresume@dbm.state.md.us. This is a Special Appointment position. Resume materials must be received by 5 PM EST on August 12, 2005. EOE

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Employment Opportunity 5
Member Services & Information Technology Officer
TDI
Silver Spring, MD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

General Description: Member Services & Information Technology Officer is responsible for member services, webmaster/layout design activities, and information technology for TDI's publications, websites, and related programs/services.

Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with experience & education
Organization: TDI
Type of Appointment: Full-time
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posting Date: 7/29/2005
Closing Date: 8/12/2005

Duties & Responsibilities:
* Maintain membership database on a regular basis. Resolve member/subscriber service issues.
* Conduct layout/graphic design services for the Blue Book, the GA-SK Newsmagazine, TDI's website, biennial TDI Conference, and any other TDI operations including but not limited to: brochures, membership and subscription application/renewal forms, promotional cards, program books, power point presentations, and video clip productions.
* Assess information technology needs of TDI's operations, develop plans, and implement action to accomplish these needs.
* Represent TDI at various events hosted by consumer, industry and/or government groups.
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Required - Substantial knowledge of techniques, tools, and other resources in database management, online SQL experience preferred.
* Required - Ability to create and layout written material for websites, publications, information and referral program, and outreach/training activities.
* Required - Ability to produce video clips and other interactive features for TDI's in-house and remote websites.
* Required - Substantial knowledge of techniques, tools, and other resources in database management, and information technology.
* Required - Excellent personal interaction skills with diverse individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, deaf-blind or hearing.
* Required - Excellent writing and research skills.
* Required - Excellent computer skills including familiarity with Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, and Access. Experience with Web design and/or database management software preferred.
* Required - Self-starting ability, and planning and organizing skills in nonprofit management environment.
* Required - Experience with user interface web design and architecture.
* Required - Knowledge and application of web accessibility features required by Section 508 and by W3C/WAI.
* Required - Skills in HTML, SQL, and JavaScript development.
* Required - Familiarity with SQL and other database programming languages.
* Preferred - ASP.NET or PHP programming experience.
* Preferred - Familiarity with the latest Internet technologies (Flash, multimedia video).
* Preferred - Knowledge of accessibility regulations, policies and procedures in telecommunications, media, and information technology for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind and their families.
* Preferred - General knowledge of resources in hearing loss at local, state, and national levels in relation to telecommunications, media, and information technology

Training and Experience Requirements:

Preferably a Master's degree in communications, computer science, engineering, mathematics, information technology, or related curriculum and one year of experience; or a bachelor's degree in one of the above fields and three years of experience. Experience in database administration, technical writing, and design documentation.

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

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