Volume 28 Issue 4

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:
Clocks and Hearing Aid Batteries from Sound Clarity
Second Premium Placement:
Clarity(r) C200(tm) Trimline Phone Now 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 one employment opportunity

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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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Sonic Alert has introduced two new alarm clocks with bed shakers: The Sweetheart clock and the Analog clock. The Sweetheart clock is shaped like a heart and the Analog clock is like an old time clock with hands for the hours, minutes and seconds. Check them out and other Sonic Boom alarm clocks at www.soundclarity.com. All of the Sonic Alert clocks come with the most powerful bed shaker.

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

For more information go to http://www.soundclarity.com/hohnews
or contact us at mailto:info@soundclarity.com
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- Article 1: Perspective
By Denise Portis
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Editor: Have you ever wondered what life is like for kids raised by parents with hearing loss? Do they feel like a parent's hearing loss has made a big impact on their lives? Do they think that a parent's hearing loss has made their life tougher? You can be sure that Denise Portis will have an interesting and thought-provoking perspective on the topic. Thanks to Denise for permission to share her thoughts with you!

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Webster's dictionary is a book I keep on my desk in my home office, simply because it is in frequent use as I have teenagers at home who argue constantly about whether or not they used a word correctly. We are big on vocabulary and take quizzes in "Reader's Digest", challenge each other daily, and always see what Yahoo posts for their "word for the day".

Today as I began a new entry in my hearing loss journal, I looked up the word "perspective". I was astonished at the number of definitions for the word, many of which I have never used. Numerous definitions had to do with how one physically views an object, and it took me awhile to find my way to the definition from which I normally use the word. "A point of view; the capacity to view things in their true relation or relative importance".

Perspective is a funny thing. Influences that can greatly vary one's perspective include age, gender, childhood, life's successes and failures, faith, and personalities.

This morning I happened to get a note on my sidebar, that my daughter's blog had been updated. Kyersten is sixteen years old, and is the oldest of two. She had updated her family's biography page which, of course, included the four members of our family. At first glance, I was delighted to see she hadn't included the menagerie of animals we own. I always hate to see all of our critters identified in one long, "oh my gosh they have a small zoo" list!

Under each family member's name, Kyersten had written a very brief bio, including important things like occupation, hobbies, etc. I read what she wrote about "Mom", and then read it again more slowly.

She never mentioned my hearing loss.

I began losing my hearing at the age of twenty-five, and was deaf by the age of thirty-seven. Kyersten has only known me as a late-deafened adult, as she was born two months before my first "good grief you really do have a hearing loss audiogram". Even though I have a cochlear implant now, she always faces me when she speaks. She and her brother learned to do so as toddlers. Since I don't always have my CI on, I have not tried to break them of this habit. Besides, we know so many people with hearing loss it is not a bad habit! Making eye contact and speaking clearly are good skills to have. When I don't have my CI on, they tap me and begin signing.

As I re-read her blog update for the third time, and pushed my now COLD coffee away, I found myself having difficulty digesting the fact that her perspective of who "Mom" is does not include hearing loss.

I realized that my own perspective of who I am, very much includes the fact that I am deaf. That's not something I struggle with, or find myself wishing were different. But I consider myself a late-deafened adult.

My first conscious thought in the morning, is the fact that everything is silent and shouldn't be. It has taken me almost four years to re-focus, so that I am not overcome with anxious thoughts in that silence. As a matter of fact, I am comfortable enough with my deafness to not have to reach for my CI when my feet first hit the floor in the morning. I enjoy coffee, breakfast and some "alone time" for about an hour prior to opening the Dry N' Store for my CI and HA.

Yet, when the magnet of my CI coil connects and I "hear" - my world seems to right itself. I "hear", and my heart's desire is to hear. Hearing with a CI does not mean I hear everything. I still have to work very hard to communicate well, and there are hearing environments that are impossible.

Although my perspective of who I am includes deafness, I would not change the fact that I am. My life's experiences have culminated into what is "me". We are constantly changing, and hopefully growing. I take my life's motto very seriously, "Getting by was never our destiny. We were meant to be profoundly effective!" (Borrowed from best-selling author Beth Moore's books). Yes, I am deaf and now have a CI. But I yearn to make a difference "in spite of".

Kyersten gave no thought to including "deaf" as she chose words and phrases to describe her mom. Somewhere along the line, I must have done something right. That she doesn't view me as one who is defined by a disability, must mean that somewhere - somehow - I have not let hearing loss cripple me. I am her quirky, active, mother who loves her, with some very normal AND some very strange hobbies. Now if I can just convince her not to let the world know that I am the "queen of mis-spoken idioms and colloquial expressions"!

Perspectives. As unique as individuals themselves.

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Clarity(r) C200(tm) Trimline Phone Now at Harris Communications
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The C200 is a trimline phone ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. It features Clarity(r) Power(tm) technology, which makes sounds louder, clearer and easier to understand. Features include amplification up to 26dB, a large, backlit keypad and a bright visual ring indicator.

For more information, go to
http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=18731
or contact us at mailto:info@harriscomm.com
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- Article 2: HLAA Convention Exhibit Floor - Part 1
By Cheryl Heppner
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Editor: Here's the first of several parts of Cheryl's reports on the exhibit floor at the Hearing Loss Association of America convention. Cheryl notes that there's no significance to the order of presentation - whatever is on top of the pile gets reported on first.

You are welcome to share this information. Please see the notice at the end of the article for attribution information.

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Featured: Phonak, Williams Sound, Federal Communications Commission

Phonak - I talked with Jay Sheehan, Phonak's FM Specialist. Listening systems are indispensable in situations that are challenging for hearing aids alone. New for Phonak is MyLink, part of a wireless FM system that is compatible with all hearing instruments that have T-coils (telecoils), including custom products. It can also be used with all Phonak FM transmitters: EasyLink, SmartLink SX, TelCom, and Campus SX. Individuals with two T-coil equipped hearing aids can use one MyLink for both hearing aids.

MyLink is a neckloop attached to a small, thin silver receiver. The receiver transmits the FM signal to the T-coils in a hearing instrument. The receiver's LED displays at the top show operating status. The side has a volume control, which can't be accidentally activated, and an on/off switch. To save energy, MyLink goes into sleep mode when there is no active FM transmitter present.

If the MyLink is used with Phonak's SmartLink transmitter, it can receive a command that starts it scanning for different FM transmitters in use. The rear of the receiver has a quick guide that explains the green and orange LED signals in case you forget what they mean. The bottom of the receiver has sockets for headphones for use by people with normal hearing using headphones with a 2.5 mm stereo jack. The bottom also has a socket to connect to a power supply that will charge the Li-ion battery. It takes two hours to fully recharge the battery, and a full charge gets more than 12 hours of operating time.

Jay tells me that the cost of the MyLink varies from approximately $1,000 to $1,200 depending on where you live.

Almost every behind the ear hearing aid can now use Phonak's universal multi-frequency FM receiver through a direct audio output jack at the bottom of the hearing aid. Cochlear implants from all three manufacturers and bone anchored hearing aids can also use Phonak FM systems.

Also new is the iLink, which incorporates an FM receiver in the hearing aid.

For more information: www.phonak.com

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Williams Sound - Mike Hartmann of Williams Sound will be introducing its infrared system for TV viewing in August, and I saw the prototype of a cordless amplified phone the company plans to roll out next year. The phone can amplify to about 36 dB. The base unit incorporates an answering machine and an amplified ringer. The phone can also vibrate to alert you to a call.

The Williams Sound Pocketalker, a personal amplifier, has been very popular through the years. Last year, the company introduced a new Ultra model with a newer, more modern design. This compact unit amplifies sounds closest to the listener while it helps to reduce background noise. It's intended for situations like one on one conversations, small group listening, television listening, and listening in a car. The Pocketalker has adjustable tone and volume control. Batteries last for about 100 hours and it comes with a 5-year warranty. A neckloop can be plugged in the top and used with a T-coil equipped hearing aid.

Another popular Williams Sound product is the Ringmax, which can make your phone ring very loudly. Along with increasing the volume, you can also choose one of four tones that is easiest for you to hear. The RingMax can amplify up to 98dB, can be easily mounted on a wall, and includes a flashing ring indicator. It comes with a one-year warranty.

Among other products are the SoundPlus TV infrared listening system, the Teletalker amplified telephone, and the Hearing Helper transmitter/receiver personal FM system intended for use in classrooms and at job trainings.

For more information: www.williamssound.com

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Federal Communications Commission - Pam Williams and Bill Cline represented the FCC at a display of numerous fact sheets. All of these fact sheets are also available online.

The newest one is the one-page Tips on Filing Closed Captioning Complaints, which you can find at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/tips_on_filing_cc_complaint.html

This fact sheet tells you where to send your written complaint, how to find the address, and information you should include in the complaint. It tells you what to do if you are not satisfied with the response to your complaint, or if you get no response in about 45 days.

Other fact sheets on IP Relay Service, Video Relay Services, Accessibility of Digital Wireless Phones to Individuals with Hearing Disabilities, Accessibility of Emergency Video Programming to Persons with Hearing and Visual Disabilities -- and more -- can be found at the FCC's Disability Rights Office website. Choose a topic from the "DRO Index" at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/links.html

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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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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: Gallaudet President Selection
By Leonard Hall
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Editor: If you're not a hearing loss news junkie like some of us, you may have missed the ongoing discussion regarding the selection of Jane Fernandes as the next president of Gallaudet University. For some history, please point your browser to http://www.hearinglossweb.com/Issues/Identity/gal06/gal06.htm

Here's Leonard Hall with his thoughts on the matter. This article is republished with Leonard's kind permission.

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At the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) conference in California last month, Gallaudet University President I. King Jordan in the opening ceremony speech described the selection process of Dr. Jane Fernandes as Gallaudet's ninth president.

The Gallaudet Board of Trustees announcement of Fernandes as president last spring caused a major protest on the campus in Washington DC. Deaf students set up a tent city for several weeks at the end of the semester to continue the protest.

Jordan pointed out that few individuals understand the unique governance system of universities and colleges where volunteers on the governing body make the decision pertaining to selection of the president.

For Johnson County Community College (JCCC), members of the board of trustees are elected to their positions for a four year term. It would be wise for JCCC Board to learn from Gallaudet experience in selecting JCCC next President.

The majority of Gallaudet Board of Trustees are deaf. For Jordan's replacement, a presidential selection committee was established of which 13 of the 17 members are deaf. Of the 24 applicants for the job, 21 were deaf or hard of hearing. There were 6 deaf semifinalists, and 3 were either a woman or people of color. The committee recommended 3 finalists, including one deaf woman and two deaf men.

The Board deliberated for two days before making the final decision. Jordan stated that it was difficult, perhaps impossible, for anyone outside of the search process to understand how thorough and comprehensive the process was. The committee and board assured everyone that the search process was fair.

Jordan pointed out that often there will be people who are disappointed and surprised with the search process and many may not agreed with the decision that is final. Jordan went out to talk about the major changes in the world for Gallaudet and deaf people, including the critical fact that more than 80% of the deaf children now attend public schools.

The audience reaction to Jordan's speech was mostly positive. Later in workshops and one public rally, the student protestors explained their causes in carrying on the protest. The public rally attracted less than 100 of the 1600 deaf people attending the national conference. In one meeting, a student asked the deaf audience how many graduated from state schools for the deaf and less than 1/3 raised their hands.

Jordan stated that a continuing protest hurts Gallaudet; Gallaudet must ensure that transition to the next president is orderly and civil and can't send the message that protestors, not the Board, govern the University.

The eyes of the world are on Gallaudet again and the people involved must prove that they can do what is fair, right, and consistent with the best practices in higher education.

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

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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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New Approach on Deaf Literacy Heartening

Advocates are heartened that a system of teaching deaf children English is beginning to take hold, despite fears among many in the deaf community that it diminishes their culture. Advocates say a phonetically based technique called cued speech can improve literacy rates among deaf students even if not used primarily for speaking. They point out that the average 18-year-old deaf high school graduate reads on a third- or fourth-grade level.

http://tinyurl.com/mcdf7

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Flying start for the deaf

Editor: Looking for a fundraiser that's a bit out of the ordinary? Then check out what the folks at RNID are doing!
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WOULD-BE superheroes are being invited to fly through the air. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) is inviting adventurous people from Cambridgeshire to sign up for a skydive and help change the world for deaf and hard of hearing people. Taking place at weekends at airfields near Peterborough and Chatteris, the RNID super skydives from approximately 10,000 feet are the ideal opportunity for Superman wannabes to fly through the air and raise money for charity. The skydiving is free to prospective fundraisers who raise a minimum of £375 for RNID, the national charity representing nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK.

http://tinyurl.com/nqr4l

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Blast-Related Ear Injury in Current U.S. Military Operations

In the 16th century, the French surgeon Ambroise Paré reported "... a great thunderous noise, large bells or artillery, and thus one often sees gunners losing their hearing whilst drawing the machinery because of the great agitation of the air inside the ear which breaks the aforementioned membrane and moves to the bones known as ossicles out of their natural position: so that the air is implanted or absorbed within the sinuses of the mastoid cavity and the patient has a continuous noise and air within the ear." (Mudry, 1999). Five centuries later, noise-induced hearing loss and ear injury continues to be inextricably linked to military service, particularly in time of war.

http://tinyurl.com/l6tnm

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

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.
SPECIAL DEALS ON ALARM CLOCKS AT WCI!
http://www.weitbrecht.com

Potomac Technology - Everything You Need Under One Roof!
WIN A SIMPLICITY SIGNALER FREE!
http://www.potomactech.com

Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament
October 11, 2006
WWW.DEAFLASVEGAS.COM/POKER

Employment Opportunity 1
Various Opportunities
GLAD
Various Southern California Locations

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WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.
SPECIAL DEALS ON ALARM CLOCKS AT WCI!
http://www.weitbrecht.com
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SPECIAL DEALS ON ALARM CLOCKS AT WCI!

Choose from two different alarm clocks on sale during July. The Sonic Alert Travel & Bedside Clock features a large easy to read display and powerful 12-volt shaker. Regularly $34.95, this month it's only $27.95! The SBP-100 Sonic Shaker portable clock includes travel case, pillow clasp and one-year warranty. Retail price is $29.95 but it's only $24.95 this month! Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us online at http://www.weitbrecht.com.

To receive a copy of our catalog, email sales@weitbrecht.com

WCI. Providing Solutions for People with Hearing Loss.

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Potomac Technology - Everything You Need Under One Roof!
WIN A SIMPLICITY SIGNALER FREE!
http://www.potomactech.com
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WIN A SIMPLICITY SIGNALER FREE!

Summer is heating up and so are the savings at Potomac Technology starting with 15% off all Clarity phones. Then add FREE SHIPPING to any purchase over $50.00. And if that weren't enough, your name will be entered for a chance to win a free Simplicity LTW Phone and Doorbell combination signaler. Call us toll free at 1-800-433-2838 (V/TTY) or visit us online at http://www.potomactech.com for details (use code PTEC706H for free shipping).

And to request our catalog just email us at info@potomactech.com

Potomac Technology. Everything You Need Under One Roof!

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Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament
October 11, 2006
WWW.DEAFLASVEGAS.COM/POKER
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Deaf Poker Craze

No Limit Texas Hold'Em is the most popular of all poker games. This game is so exciting is that any player can bet ALL of his money at any time [or go ALL IN]. This will occur in Las Vegas, reputed for fast, risky and sinful behaviors.

With deaf poker tournaments gaining so much popularity and attention, it has become a large impact on the deaf society. It is a venue whereby players can participate and enjoy playing the game. For sure, without doubt, interest for deaf poker is spreading and has taken over Las Vegas and other parts of the country.

With this interest the deaf community here in Las Vegas hosted a highly successful tournament in October of last year at the famous Palms Casino Resort. The committee have received many positive responses from the players and they showed great interest in attending the next tournament which is scheduled for October 11, 2006; again at the Palms Casino Resort. The past experience by the players were unequal to anywhere in the world except here in Las Vegas, the poker capital of the world.

The Las Vegas host welcome all of you to the 2nd annual Las Vegas World Deaf Poker Tournament, October 11, 2006 at the Palms Casino Resort. All net proceeds will be donated to charities for the deaf communities.

For all information about this tournament, go to the web site- WWW.DEAFLASVEGAS.COM/POKER.

Join us for this fantastic experience and a chance to go home as a winner.

See you all in Vegas,
Committee

Co-sponsored by Southern Nevada Silver Knights and Southern Nevada Coalition of Organizations of and for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This tournament is in association with the DeafNation, Inc. poker tour.

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Employment Opportunity 1
Various Opportunities
GLAD
Various Southern California Locations
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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.

* LIFESIGNS Director - Los Angeles
* Network I.T. Administrator - Los Angeles

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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- Contact Information and Disclaimers
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