Volume 28 Issue 11

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:
New Clarity AP-C320 Phone at Sound Clarity
Second Premium Placement:
Clarity C4205 Phone on Sale at Harris Communications
Third Premium Placement:
IHHD Online Educational Opportunities
Fourth Premium Placement:
Switch to Sprint
Classified Section:
Two online stores, one poker tournament, and five employment opportunities

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Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
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Sound Clarity, Inc.
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The new Clarity AP-C320 phone featuring a built-in answering machine, is on sale. You can play back the recorded messages through the amplified handset or the base speaker. The C320 amplifies to 30+dB and has a night light feature, neckloop and headset jacks, extra loud adjustable ringer, and can still provide a maximum of 26dB in case of a power failure. Sale price $129.95 for a limited time. http://www.soundclarity.com/productdetail.asp_Q_id_E_843

Hearing Aid Batteries always shipped FREE anywhere in the U.S.

For more information go to http://www.soundclarity.com/hohnews
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- Article 1: Hurricane Katrina, One Year Later: Independent Panel Recommendations - Part 2
By Cheryl Heppner
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Editor: Have you ever thought about the difficulties you would face during an emergency? The situation would be tough for anyone, and hearing loss compounds the difficulties. A coalition of hearing loss organizations has been lobbying on your behalf to ensure that people with hearing loss are not left out in emergency situations. Here's Cheryl's report on their recommendations.

You are welcome to share this information, but please be sure to credit NVRC. See the credit information at the end of this article.

This is part two of two parts.

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Captioned Radio and Datacasting

- The FCC should provide for a full Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS)/captioned radio system with the ability to send emergency text messages to radio and other displays, and require that all new vehicles available with displays having the ability to show Radio Data Services, receive emergency broadcasts, and generate visual and auditory alerts to the emergency; make aftermarket add-ons available for older vehicles.

- The organizations support comments by entities such as the Association of Public Broadcasting Systems (APBS), which suggested using some of the extra channels available to public digital TV and radio licensees to carry EAS messages. A technology was described that can display up to 80 characters of text on radio receiver digital displays.

- The organizations also support for APBS concept of "datacasting," a one-way broadcast transmission of information in IP format. Datacasts are encoded within the digital television signal and then decoded by an inexpensive receiver that is easily hooked up to a personal computer, laptop or computer network.

Text Messaging

- The organizations support the many other comments discussing the obvious benefits of text messaging on mobile devices as a method of conducting an Emergency Alerting System (EAS), with some focusing on its benefits for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The Independent Panel's Report found that paging systems are more reliable during the Katrina disaster than voice/cellular systems

- The organizations approve of the suggestion for paging devices built into smoke alarms or other household fixtures to alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

- The FCC should ensure the allocation of sufficient spectrum for the provision of text information and messaging.

Telecommunications Relay Services

- The Commission should require all Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) providers to have backup power ready to operate for a minimum of 72 hours. It should also require that all TRS providers have contingency plans for transfer of calls from TRS centers that may be unable to operate due to catastrophic damage or overwhelming volume of calls from other centers. TRS personnel should be deemed essential personnel during emergencies.

- The Independent Panel recommended that the FCC work with the National Communications System ("NCS") to actively and aggressively promote GETS, WPS and TSP to all eligible government, public safety, and critical industry groups. These efforts should be expanded further to include community based organizations (CBOs) who proved to be key in providing food, clothing, shelter and tremendous resources during the aftermath of Katrina. A good model of organizations that should qualify can be found those that belong to NVOAD (National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster).

- The Independent Panel also called for the designation of a secondary back-up public safety answering point (PSAP) that is more than 200 miles away to answer calls when the primary and secondary PSAPs are disabled. These backup PSAPs should be fully equipped and trained to handle various types of calls from deaf and hard of hearing individuals, including the many types of telecommunication relay calls.

- The organizations support recommendations by NENA to address IP-based solutions for EAS. NENA feels that an IP-enabled next generation 911 system will better accommodate those with hearing and speech disabilities and allow direct access the system directly via text devices and IP relay/video relay services, as well as improve the ability for local/state government to directly notify them of emergencies.

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(c)2006 by Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC), 3951 Pender Drive, Suite 130, Fairfax, VA 22030; www.nvrc.org Items in this newsletter are provided for information purposes only; NVRC does not endorse products or services. You do not need permission to share this information, but please be sure to credit NVRC

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Clarity C4205 Phone on Sale at Harris Communications
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Clarity's C4205 is a 2.5 GHz cordless phone with amplification up to 40dB. It features DCP (Digital Clarity Power technology(tm)) that provides intelligent amplification that makes soft sounds audible while keeping loud, sudden sounds bearable. With adjustable volume and tone controls, a super loud vibrating handset ringer, and headset and neckloop jacks, this phone is an ideal solution for those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss

The C4205 phone is now on sale for $179.95 (regularly $229.95). This sale expires September 17, 2006.

For more information, go to
http://www.harriscomm.com/link/?www.harriscomm.com?sr=hlw
or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com
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- Article 2: Hearing Aid Compatibility for Telephone Equipment
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Editor: Confused about what phones are required to be hearing aid compatible? How about telecoil compatible? Here's a fact sheet from the FCC with all the current information.

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Background

The Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) requires that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ensure that all telephones manufactured or imported for use in the United States after August 1989, and all "essential" telephones, are hearing aid-compatible. "Essential" phones are defined as "coin-operated telephones, telephones provided for emergency use, and other telephones frequently needed for use by persons using such hearing aids." These might include workplace telephones, telephones in confined settings (like hospitals and nursing homes), and telephones in hotel and motel rooms. Secure telephones, approved by the U.S. Government to transmit classified or sensitive conversations, and telephones used with public mobile and private radio services, are exempt from the HAC Act.

In 2003, the FCC set a timetable for the development and sale of digital wireless telephones that are compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants, used by the hearing-impaired to improve hearing ability. This timetable increases the number of digital wireless telephones that are hearing aid-compatible. In June 2005, the FCC modified the preliminary handset deployment benchmarks specific to Tier I wireless carriers (i.e., nationwide wireless carriers such as Sprint-Nextel, Verizon Wireless, Cingular, and T-Mobile). The FCC did not modify the preliminary deployment benchmark obligations for handset manufacturers of Tier II or Tier III (i.e., non-nationwide) wireless carriers.

Hearing Aid-Compatibility for All Phones

Whether a phone is hearing aid-compatible depends on the date when manufacturers and wireless service providers are required to be in compliance with the Commission's rules. For 2005, handsets are hearing aid-compatible if they are rated "U3 or M3". For 2006, handsets are hearing aid-compatible if they are rated "U3T or M3T". These ratings indicate the sound quality of the handset when used with a hearing aid and are established by the American National Standards Institute.

A telephone that is hearing aid-compatible has an internal feature that allows the use of telephone-compatible hearing aids. FCC rules require that phones subject to the HAC Act: (1) produce a magnetic field of sufficient strength and quality to permit coupling with hearing aids that contain telecoils; and (2) provide an adequate range of volume.

A telecoil is a small, tightly-wrapped piece of wire that, when activated, picks up the voice signal from the electromagnetic field that leaks from compatible telephones. Users of telecoil-equipped hearing aids are able to communicate effectively over the telephone without feedback and without the amplification of unwanted background noise.

A volume control feature permits the user to adjust the level of sound emanating from the handset or headset receiver. It allows telephones to be used effectively by persons with hearing aids, and by other persons with a hearing impairment who do not use hearing aids.

Rules on Hearing Aid-Compatibility for Digital Wireless Phones

Although analog wireless phones do not usually cause interference with hearing aids or cochlear implants, digital wireless phones sometimes do because of electromagnetic energy emitted by the phone's antenna, backlight, or other components. Therefore, the FCC set specific hearing aid-compatibility rules for digital wireless phones.

The rules are:

For Tier I digital wireless service providers:

By September 16, 2005, each such provider had to make available to consumers, per air interface, four ANSI U3 or M3-rated handsets, or twenty-five percent of the total number of digital wireless handset models offered by the carrier nationwide. Each provider also had to make all of these models available for testing in each retail store it owned or operated.1

By September 16, 2006, each such provider must make available to consumers, per air interface, five ANSI U3T or M3T-rated digital wireless handsets, or twenty-five percent of the total number of handsets it offers nationwide. Each provider also must make all of these models available for testing in each retail store it owns or operates.

For other digital wireless service providers:

By September 16, 2005, each such provider had to include in its handset offerings at least two ANSI U3 or M3-rated hearing aid-compatible handset models per air interface offered. Each provider also had to make all of these models available for testing in each retail store it owned or operated.

By September 18, 2006, each such provider must include in its handset offerings at least two ANSI U3T or M3T-rated hearing-aid compatible handset models for each air interface offered. Each provider also must make all of these models available for testing in each retail store it owns or operates.

For manufacturers of digital wireless handsets for use or imported for use in the United States:

By September 16, 2005, each such manufacturer had to offer to service providers at least two ANSI U3 or M3-rated hearing aid-compatible handset models for each air interface offered.

By September 18, 2006, each such manufacturer must offer to service providers at least two ANSI U3T or M3T-rated hearing aid-compatible handset models for each air interface offered.

For both digital wireless service providers and manufacturers:

By February 18, 2008, fifty percent of all handsets offered must meet the ANSI U3 or M3 hearing aid-compatibility requirement for each air interface offered.

For additional information about the FCC's actions with regard to hearing aid-compatible wireless phones and other steps the Commission has taken to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to telecommunications services, please go to http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro. You may also contact the FCC's Consumer Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY.

For general information on other telecommunications-related issues, you may contact the FCC's Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau in the following ways:

Internet at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb

Consumer Center:
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice
1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY

Mail:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

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You're Career Oriented... Career Driven...and Hard of Hearing or Deaf
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The Institute for Persons Who Are Hard of Hearing or Deaf (IHHD) is a nonprofit Congressionally-funded agency dedicated to facilitating workplace and career advancement for aspiring professionals like you.

IHHD provides important online educational opportunities to share experiences, access top professional leaders, and develop crucial communication and business skills. Choose from a number of programs that cover all aspects of career growth - from starting a business to leadership and advocacy development.

These month-long courses are delivered online using National University's acclaimed state-of-the-art interactive learning system to provide optimal accessibility. Visit: http://cha.nu.edu/ec/formihhd-careerdev.html?ypd002
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- Article 3: Treat Hearing Loss Like Any Other Aging Problem
By Liz Taylor | Aging Deliberately
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Editor: Would people who lose their hearing as they age treat the problem differently if it were treated like any other aging problem? Would that be a good thing? Here's Liz Taylor, a syndicated columnist for the Kitsap Sun, with her thoughts on the topic. And be sure to read about the Lion's AUDIENT program towards the end of the article, especially if you or someone you know needs help purchasing hearing aids!

This article is republished with Liz's kind permission.

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As most of us can attest, our senses change as we get older. Precisely on schedule (my 46th birthday, as I'd been warned), I needed reading glasses. Identifying odors gets harder with age. Salty or bitter tastes are more difficult to detect.

But the hardest-hitting loss is our hearing. More than half of people aged 60 and over are hard of hearing or deaf, and many have trouble acknowledging it. A stigma exists that doesn't with other sensory changes.

"We don't treat hearing loss as a human condition," says Paul Sass, General Manager of Costco's Hearing Center in Issaquah, "but a handicap. We need to educate people to accept help, just like they do eyeglasses."

The average person who buys a hearing aid waits at least five years. The longer hearing loss goes untreated, says Sass, the harder it is to retrain the brain to recognize sound.

"The brain needs time to recognize these new sounds and categorize them, which then allows you to respond appropriately. New hearing aids can involve several months and office visits for this 'train the brain' process to take place."

Untreated hearing loss can have serious consequences. Misunderstandings with friends and coworkers (especially women and children, whose high-pitched voices stop being heard first), increased isolation, family problems - it's plain irritating to be asked, "huh?" several times in ordinary conversation - as well as falls and broken hips due to poor balance.

Besides stigma, however, the biggest barrier to fixing the problem is cost. A pair of digital hearing aids typically runs $4,500 to $5,500. Uncovered by most insurance and Medicare, this fee can be out of reach for many.

Now, there's good news. The Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight & Hearing in Seattle - the largest cornea transplant center in the United States and provider of donated hearing aids and other services for over 40 years - has launched a non-profit program to address this need.

Called AUDIENT Alliance for Accessible Hearing Care, the program provides access to deeply discounted digital, behind-the-ear hearing aids to people (of any age) whose income is above the government's established poverty line, but below the normal standard of affordability.

Translation, if you have $23,500 or less in income per year, you qualify (assets are counted only as they contribute toward your income). To begin, you fill out an easy form with proof of income and mail to the AUDIENT office. In 48 hours, someone will call to arrange a referral to a participating hearing aid provider near you. That's it.

The total cost to you - for two digital hearing aids - is up to $1,040 and includes the fitting fee, ear mold, and three adjustments during a one year limited warranty period (testing fees are paid to the provider). In addition, AUDIENT can arrange low-interest financing.

The service is available nationwide because one of AUDIENT's partners, EPIC, identifies and screens qualified experts in hearing evaluations and treatments throughout the country. The fee is reduced because all of the alliance's partners, including those who test and fit you with a device, have generously agreed to discount their products and services to participate.

For more information, call toll-free (877) AUDIENT or (206) 838-7194, or you can go online to http://www.audientalliance.org.

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- Article 4: Short Takes
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Editor: Here are our picks of some additional stories that you may find interesting. For more, please point your browser to: http://www.hearinglossweb.com/news/curr.htm

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Hormone Therapy May Damage Hearing

Older women taking certain hormone replacement therapy may suffer hearing damage, scientists report. A study of 124 postmenopausal women found that those taking hormone replacement therapy that included progestin had poorer speech understanding than women who were not taking hormones or who were using estrogen only. The findings, by a team led by Dr. Robert D. Frisina at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y., are reported in Tuesday's issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The team previously had reported indications of hearing problems associated with hormone therapy and their new study says progestin is the likely culprit.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14680761/

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DNA Differences Between People With Hearing Loss and Those Without

Drugs to stop old people going deaf may be a step nearer after scientists identified the gene at fault. They found huge DNA differences between people who lose their hearing and those who do not. Now they hope the KCNQ4 gene discovery paves the way for drugs to prevent deafness and bring relief to Britain's 6.5 million over-60s affected. Dr Ralph Holme of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, which funded the study, said: "We are optimistic that people will no longer face the prospect of losing their hearing as they age."

(from mirror.co.uk)

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Au.D.s Now at 23 Percent

September 2006

New data collected by the AFA shows that 23 percent of the audiology profession now holds the Au.D. degree. Two states, Florida at 37 percent and North Dakota at 34 percent, rank highest among the states. Check out the map to see how your state is doing.

http://www.audfound.org/files/2006AUDmap.pdf

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- Classifieds
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Two online stores, one poker tournament, and five employment opportunities appear in this issue. (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.
SAVE 15% ON ITEMS FOR HOME AND SCHOOL
http://www.weitbrecht.com

Potomac Technology - Everything You Need Under One Roof!
HUNDREDS OF ITEMS IN POTOMAC TECHNOLOGY'S NEW CATALOG!
http://www.potomactech.com

Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament
October 11, 2006
www.poker.deaflasvegas.com

Employment Opportunity 1
Various Positions
GLAD
Los Angeles

Employment Opportunity 2
Executive Director
Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)
Portland, Maine

Employment Opportunity 3
Executive Civil Rights Manager
Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)
Portland, Maine

Employment Opportunity 4
Equipment Program Manager
Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)
Portland, Maine

Employment Opportunity 5
Customer Advisor
California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
Burbank, CA

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WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.
SAVE 15% ON ITEMS FOR HOME AND SCHOOL
http://www.weitbrecht.com
-------------------

Back to school savings extended! Through September, all Simplicity products are 15% off. Perfect to alert you to sounds around your dorm room, apartment, or house. Don't miss your classes or appointments with our popular Wake Assure or Big Time alarm clocks, now on sales at 15% off.

Get 15% off the Compact/C portable TTY's with rechargeable batteries! Just put it in your backpack, briefcase or pocket and you're ready to go. Connects to either a digital cell or traditional phone.

Call us now at 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com. (use code WCIHOH906).

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.

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Potomac Technology. Everything You Need Under One Roof.
HUNDREDS OF ITEMS IN POTOMAC TECHNOLOGY'S NEW CATALOG!
http://www.potomactech.com
-------------------

HUNDREDS OF ITEMS IN POTOMAC TECHNOLOGY'S NEW CATALOG!

Just in time for all those back-to-school purchases. Our new catalog is chock full of all the items you need from Amplified Phones and Alerting Systems to Books, Specialty Items, and more! Save on top brands & latest models. Choose any item from our new catalog during September and take 10% off your first order! Orders over $50.00 get FREE SHIPPING.

Call us now at 1-800-433-2838 (V/TTY) or visit online at http://potomactech.com (use code PTECH906 when ordering).

Potomac Technology. Everything You Need Under One Roof.

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Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament
October 11, 2006
www.poker.deaflasvegas.com
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ANNOUNCING--FIRST EVER DEAF PROFESSIONAL POKER DEALER AT A DEAF POKER TOURNAMENT

The Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament is pleased to announce as their guest, a deaf professional poker dealer, who will deal the cards at the 2nd annual October 11, 2006 Texas Hold'em tournament. His name is James "Nino" Kim. He is licensed by the state of Nevada's gaming board and currently employed by the Aladdin Casino/Hotel. James will deal at the final table. Communicating with him is no problem as he uses ASL. Come and play with him and join us to a fun filled tournament.

Based on 300 entries, 1st place winner will get $27,000, entry fee is $300. This tournament will take place at the famous Palms Casino/Resort on October 11, 2006. Doors will open at 12 noon and the tournament will start at 6 pm.

To access our flyers and other information, go to www.poker.deaflasvegas.com and if there are more questions our email is lvdeafpoker1@earthlink.net.

See you all in Las Vegas, the poker capital of the world.

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Employment Opportunity 1
Various Positions
GLAD
Los Angeles
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GLAD is an Affirmative Action Employer with equal opportunity for men, women and people with disabilities. For more information on the following positions, please go to: www.gladinc.org. The status of all positions is: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Full Fringe Benefits unless otherwise noted. All positions are open until filled.

* Deputy Director – Los Angeles, CA

* Case Manager – Los Angeles, CA

* Job Developer/Interpreter – Crenshaw, CA

* Community Health Educator – Community Challenge Grant – Los Angeles, CA

* Community Health Educator and/or Community Advocate – Bakersfield, CA

* LIFESIGNS Dispatcher – Riverside, CA

* Field Coordinator – Los Angeles, CA

If interested for any of these positions then please submit resume and application to:

Jeff Fetterman
Human Resources Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
V/TDD: (323) 550-4207
Fax #: (323)550-4204
E-mail: jfetterman@gladinc.org

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Employment Opportunity 2
Executive Director
Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)
Portland, Maine
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Maine Center on Deafness ("MCD") is a nonprofit organization that serves people throughout Maine who are D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened or speech-impaired by providing resources, advocating for social equality, and helping the general public to better understand and appreciate our constituents' life experience, culture, history, civil rights issues. MCD currently delivers programs in the areas of civil rights advocacy and limited legal services, equipment distribution and sales, communications development, HIV education, and relay service promotion.

The Maine Center on Deafness (MCD) seeks a energetic, seasoned senior manager or executive director with strong leadership and fiscal management experience as well as proven personal fundraising success in a small nonprofit setting to serve as MCD's Executive Director.

The full-time Executive Director manages the operational and fiscal affairs of the agency under the general oversight of the Board of Directors. This position is responsible for leading and directing the efforts of a small staff; developing and implementing agency resources in fulfillment of MCD's mission; serving as primary spokesperson for the agency, advocating for agency priorities, and being an educational liaison to funders, legislators, and community leaders; acting as agency development officer, including accountability for meeting annual fundraising goal; and developing with the board the strategic vision for MCD's future and developing agency resources to meet such goals.

Applicants must possess excellent staff management, fiscal management and budgeting, interpersonal, and written and communication skills. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to motivate, guide and direct a small staff to work as a productive team. Essential is the ability to lead by example and master small details in service to larger vision and to identify and solve problems as they emerge. Regular travel and some overnight travel is required. Experience at senior management level is essential; nonprofit executive directorship is preferred. Experience with MCD's constituency greatly desired. ASL fluency beneficial.

This position reports directly to the Board of Directors. Compensation is competitive, ranging from $40,000 to $48,000 plus benefits based on experience.

Applications will be considered until positions are filled. D/deaf and hard of hearing, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates should send resume, salary requirements, and cover letter to: Executive Director, Maine Center on Deafness, 68 Bishop Street, Suite 3, Portland Maine, 04103 or e-mail to jfawcett@mcdmaine.org. MCD is an equal opportunity employer.

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Employment Opportunity 3
Civil Rights Manager
Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)
Portland, Maine
-------------------

MCD seeks an energetic and experienced civil rights advocate or attorney with program management experience for a contract position of 20 hours per week September 5, 2006 to January 2007. Compensation ranges from $10,000 to $12,600 based on experience. Interest in the full-time salaried Civil Rights Manager position scheduled for hire in January 2007 is desired.

The full-time Civil Rights Manager position is responsible for daily program management, development, refinement; delivery of advocacy services; delivery of legal services as appropriate; leading interagency collaboration and grassroots activism/education; effective management and reporting of program resources including budget, staff and volunteer advocates; contract/grant compliance; and supporting agency fundraising plan. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and contributes to the advancement of MCD's mission and vision. Compensation is competitive, ranging from $28,000 to $36,000 plus benefits based on experience.

Applicants must possess excellent leadership, managerial, interpersonal, and written and communication skills. Experience with civil rights issues in legislative and/or legal setting is a must. Experience with ADA compliance and litigation is greatly desired. Familiarity with ASL, alternative communication modalities, D/deafness, Deaf Culture and hearing loss preferred. Attorneys will be required to maintain an active Maine license.

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Employment Opportunity 4
Equipment Program Manager
Maine Center on Deafness (MCD)
Portland, Maine
-------------------

MCD seeks an energetic and experienced program manager with strong products promotions, marketing, or nonprofit services program manager experience for MCD's Equipment Program.

The full-time Equipment Program Manager position is responsible for daily program management, development, refinement and delivery of telephonic, pager, relay, and life management equipment to D/deaf, late-deafened, and hard-of-hearing clients throughout the state; public presentation of program to clients, task forces, and public; effective management and reporting of program resources including budget, staff and equipment inventory; contract/grant compliance; and supporting agency fundraising plan. Applicants must possess excellent leadership, managerial, interpersonal, and written and communication skills. Applicants must be a self-starter and be able to work productively as a member of small team. Regular travel and periodic overnight travel is required. Experience in sales, marketing, or front-line service delivery is a must. Strong customer service background and experience with MCD's constituency greatly desired. ASL fluency preferred.

This position reports directly to the Executive Director, coordinates outreach activities with other managers, and contributes to the advancement of MCD's mission and vision. Compensation is competitive, ranging from $26,000 to $36,000 plus benefits based on experience.

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Employment Opportunity 5
Customer Advisor
California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
Burbank, CA
-------------------

Seeking Customer Advisor - Bi Lingual - Fluency in ASL & English (FOSC405)

California Communications Access Foundation (CCAF) needs a Customer Advisor who supports the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) in the Field Operations Department.

This position requires good communication skills and fluency in English and American Sign Language.

Summary of essential duties. Other duties may be assigned:

* Act as the initial point of contact for all aspects related to customer service and DDTP equipment/services distribution in the service center.
* Understand and perform all activities related to customer service and on-site service delivery of DDTP telephone equipment/services distribution.
* Process certification information; assess customer needs according to disability type.
* Distribute equipment and provide training of specialized telephone equipment and network services.
* Maintain accurate, ongoing inventory, in order to account for all equipment received and distributed by the Service Center.
* Work with multiple data bases in order to maintain accurate records for inventory and customer records.
* Collect data from customers for use in planning and marketing.
* Perform minor and non-invasive equipment clean-up and testing.
* Perform initial intake, establish new or modify existing customer account.
* Perform all aspects of equipment inventory, including shipment deliveries and returns.
* Receive regular directives and updates from the Customer Advisor Supervisor as relates to DDTP equipment, network services, policies and procedures.

Qualifications
* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills and Abilities

* Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* At least one year's experience with face-to-face customer service and/or training.
* Prior professional experience working with deaf or disabled or Senior Citizen or ethnic minority communities.

Physical Demands

* The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is based in Burbank, California. We provide excellent compensation and benefits package including starting a salary range of $17.41 - $19.00 per hour (DOE), medical, dental and chiropractic coverage, pension plan and 403b retirement plan, plus holiday, sick leave and vacation times. Visit us at www.ddtp.org . If this is the job for you, email your resume and cover letter to jobs@ddtp.org . Please indicate the job order (FOSC405) on the subject line of your email.

CCAF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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- Contact Information and Disclaimers
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