Volume 40 Issue 13

HOH-LD-News
Vol. 40, Issue 13
Sept 26, 2009

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Table of Contents
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- Article 1: Microsoft's Accessibility Efforts, Part 1

- Article 2: Cochlear Introduces the New Nucleus 5 System

- Article 3: FCC Reports on Informal Consumer Complaints

- Article 4: Short Takes

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:
YOUR AD HERE
Second Premium Placement:
Big Savings on Bellman(r) Domino Pro
Third Premium Placement:
Hearing Aid Repairs from Hearing Haven
Classified Section:
One Online Store, one Free Telephone Captioning Service, and four Employment Opportunities

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Contact information and disclaimers are at the end of this newsletter.
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If you're interested in getting your message out to people who are hard of hearing or late deafened, and to the people who serve them, you might consider a premium ad in this newsletter! Our rates are surprisingly affordable and we reach the movers and shakers in the hearing loss world. And this newsletter (unlike some of the others) is strictly "opt-in", which means that everyone who receives it WANTS to receive it!

For more information please point your browser to: http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/pub/nsltr/hln/adv.htm
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- Article 1: Microsoft's Accessibility Efforts, Part 1
By Cheryl Heppner
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Editor: I have a real love-hate relationship with Microsoft. I love some of the stuff they do and hate some of the other stuff they do. Putting a lot of effort into accessibility is definitely in the first category.

Here's Cheryl Heppner with her report on those efforts. This is part one of two parts.

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Sean Hayes of Microsoft Corporation is known for his expertise in the area of developing captioning technologies for the internet. His focus is on making internet-delivered media accessible. He's with Microsoft's accessibility business unit, which has been a corporate function for three years and includes accessibility outreach and policy. Originally it was part of the Windows group, which still deals with the technology parts of accessibility.

Microsoft's vision is to enable everyone to meet their full potential regardless of their challenges. One of the things they are passionate about is improving what they call the natural user interface. As we move into new worlds with computer applications, they seek to keep the entire spectrum of disability needs in the forefront so no one gets left behind.

Sean gave the example of sustaining an injury that renders your arms useless for a few months. You have to learn to adapt, or more importantly have the computer adapt to you. Corporate ethics are involved, and a desire to do the right thing, but it's good business too. A study Microsoft commissioned in 2003 by Forrester Research found that 57% of the population surveyed could benefit from some accessibility features that were put into Windows.

Inclusive Innovation

Microsoft uses a term called "inclusive innovation" that goes beyond universal design. Sean sees universal design as a process but not necessarily an outcome. He showed approaches to what could be called a bicycle to illustrate that there is no one-size-fits-all or universal bicycle everyone can use.

One of the ways Microsoft addresses this is with a user needs matrix. When designing products, they develop scenarios with different people who might use the product, like stay at home moms with two children or someone running a small business. The accessibility group created a number of personas with various kinds of disabilities. They take all those personas and look at aspects of product design such as a text screen, determining whether there would be a barrier.

This approach, Sean said, can get creative juices flowing and be a powerful model. Product groups are encouraged to think this way in their designs to get a wide range of inclusion when the product is brought to market.

Silverlight's Access Features

Silverlight is a plug-in that goes into an internet browser. It enables a rich application environment, and one of the things you can do with it is high quality audio and video streaming. Sean showed a Silverlight media player embedded in an HTML page. The first thing it did was display captions. It also could provide audio description and switchable sign language translation. The media player has buttons labeled with international symbols for closed caption, audio description and signing.

Something of particular interest for people with hearing loss is the ability to separate the audio foreground from the audio background. With the Silverlight player you could have separate volume controls for each, and if you are having trouble understanding speech you can mute or eliminate the background sounds.

An individual with visual impairment who can't make use of a mouse can operate Silverlight from the keyboard. If you have hearing and vision loss, you can adjust the caption size and color or the background behind the captions.

TV vs. Internet

Moving on from traditional television broadcasts to the internet, Sean said, certain things can be done that TV can't do. When you're streaming on the internet, you can pause to get other information and then resume the video. You can also capture a full text transcript that gives both the audio description and the transcript of what is going on, or stop and go back to catch something you missed.

Sean demonstrated a template for a product called Expression Encoder. This is a tool for generating video experiences, which had its third release in July. You select your video and audio assets, encode them, and select how you'd like the interface to look from a menu of templates. Fill in the information and it will generate the whole Silverlight experience that you can then copy to your website, ready to go.

Demonstrating Microsoft Expression Encoder

Sean Hayes of Microsoft demonstrated the company's Expression Encoder. Using an advertisement, he selected and began to fill in various templates.

With the caption file, he selected W3C time text. "As bad as you might think captions are in the US, in the rest of the world they're all over the map," he said. Some countries have no captioning at all. Others do it a completely different way than in the US. But the internet is an international medium so we can't have specific technologies for captioning for each country. W3C has been working on captioning standards called "time text" and Sean is co-chair of that working group. The standard will cover how you author and exchange caption data. [NVRC Note: W3C is the World Wide Web Consortium -- http://www.w3.org/].

Next Sean incorporated an ASL file. This was a video of someone who had watched the non-ASL file and provided continuous ASL translation. It was filmed against a green background so it could be overlaid on the video. Sean also added audio description, a timed text file with markers that direct when the audio description files are appropriate to play.

You can select from other choices for appearance, such as whether you want the video to play automatically when you go to a web site, which can be a bad choice because it can interfere with screen readers. Once the features are selected, you hit the encode button. This takes all the components you have selected and puts them together.

The template and all of the code is an open source project that you can get if you'd like to use it for your own projects.

It's Easy - Why Isn't It Everywhere?

All this technology looks so easy, so why isn't all of the media on the internet accessible? Sean asked the question he knew would be on everyone's mind, and his answer was that there are multiple formats and proprietary tools to deal with, particularly for generating captions. Captions usually go through an intermediate broadcast standard. As an example, a broadcast of the TV program "House" uses specific tools and delivery. If you buy or lease content from NBC or BBC, the accessibility data they give you will be in only some formats.

An additional hurdle is that there are many playback environments. You may be playing the video on your computer or on a handheld device. Or you may be using the TV and a set-top box or watching through a game machine like Xbox and a web browser.

"We can't just say 'let's have CaptionMax build me a set of caption files and I'll just run with that.'" Sean said. A request to NBC for a series comes with no guarantee you will get any of the caption data that was on TV. If a TV show is a live production, the caption files may not have been saved. There may be no record of which company did the captioning. Or it may be that captions came from the cable provider. The entity with IP (internet) rights for the program may not have the IP rights for the captions that were generated when it was shown on TV.

"We don't know where that data is, and it's expensive to recreate it," Sean said. He also does not have the right under IP rules to do captioning; studios are upset if third parties provide captions for their material because there is an IP revenue stream in the captions.

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(c)2009 by Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC), 3951 Pender Drive, Suite 130, Fairfax, VA 22030; www.nvrc.org. 703-352-9055 V, 703-352-9056 TTY, 703-352-9058 Fax. You do not need permission to share this information, but please be sure to credit NVRC.

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- Article 2: Cochlear Introduces the New Nucleus 5 System
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We've been hearing rumors about the new Cochlear Nucleus 5 system for some time, and it's been available in Europe for a short time. It's now available here in the US, as well. Here's a press release describing many of the features.

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Global leader in hearing solutions, Cochlear has launched a new cochlear implant system that is designed to give patients best hearing performance, with the world's thinnest cochlear implant.

Like everyone, people with impaired hearing want to lead an active and connected family and social life, without worrying that their hearing will hold them back. This means, for example, being able to hear clearly in different situations, communicating in groups without being distracted by background noise, talking easily on the telephone.

The Cochlear Nucleus 5 System is a new solution that not only meets those needs; it exceeds them, setting a new benchmark in the field of cochlear implant technology. With this complete system, Cochlear now offers patients of all ages a hearing solution that is easy to use, faster to fit, thinner, smaller, more robust, and designed for best hearing performance. The new, wireless remote assistant makes it convenient and easy for the user to monitor and adjust the sound processors during use.

Professor Gerard O'Donoghue, Professor of Otology and Neurotology at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in Nottingham, and cochlear implant surgeon, commented: "The launch of the Cochlear Nucleus(r) 5 System represents a quantum leap forward in hearing implant technology.

"The new slim design makes for minimally invasive surgery techniques and reduces operating time, which is highly advantageous when implanting infants and young children. Many young children are now receiving implants simultaneously in each ear, so that reducing operating time has never been more important. The new design also means that the implanted electronics can barely be seen beneath the skin, which is cosmetically very pleasing."

The Cochlear Nucleus 5 System comprises four components, each developed in close collaboration with leading surgeons around the world, each at the cutting edge of cochlear implant technology.

Nucleus CI500 Series cochlear implant
Thin, strong, precise

The Nucleus CI500 Series is the world's thinnest cochlear implant. At only 3.9mm, its new, sleek design is 40% slimmer than our previous generation cochlear implant. This not only makes it less obtrusive, it also offers more convenience during surgery.

The Nucleus CI500 Series cochlear implant is 21/2 times stronger, allowing children and adults to live a full and active life. It leverages over 25 years of experience in developing the world's most reliable cochlear implants. Cochlear is a global pioneer in implant reliability, applying the learning from each implant generation to the next.

Precise stimulation to the cochlea is essential for optimal performance. Only Cochlear Nucleus implants have 22 half banded platinum electrode contacts, providing focused stimulation to the spiral ganglion cell region of the cochlea. The pre-curved, flexible electrode with Softip aids gentle insertion.

Nucleus CP810 Sound Processor
Performance, design, confidence

The Nucleus CP810 is Cochlear's smallest and slimmest sound processor, ergonomically designed to be more secure and comfortable to wear. The modular design means it can easily be adjusted to fit children and adapted to withstand the bumps and knocks that are a part of every child's life.

The new Auto Telecoil, a unique and patented feature, is available only on the CP810 Sound Processor. Instead of manually activating a Telecoil, the user simply picks up the phone and puts it to his or her ear.

The Nucleus CP810 Sound Processor is built on a titanium foundation, tested for performance and reliability. It is more water resistant than ever before², allowing users to enjoy good hearing in more situations, indoors and out. Furthermore, two state-of-the art omni-directional microphones capture more detailed sound and provide enhanced directional hearing.

Nucleus CR110 Remote Assistant
Monitor, control, manage

More than a remote control, the CR110 Remote Assistant is the only bi-directional remote assistant available that gives complete, wireless control of the CP810 Sound Processor, allowing patients to manage the sound processor functions easily; and for parents, it offers the additional confidence that they can adjust or monitor the processor for their child, without having to interrupt concentration or play.

The inbuilt troubleshooting guide makes it easy for the user to check that all is working well, without the need to visit a clinic.

Patients with two CP810 Sound Processors only need one remote assistant as this can control both the left and right sound processor at the same time.

Cochlear Nucleus Custom Sound(tm) Suite 3.0
Easier, flexible

Cochlear Nucleus Custom Sound Suite 3.0 simplifies programming through a more efficient workflow and improved user interface to leave more time to counsel patients. Fewer steps - Custom Sound 3.0 enables the configuration of a single MAP with the four default SmartSound 2 environments and writing the programmes to the processor with one click instead of 13.

Bilateral programming has been greatly simplified with Custom Sound 3.0 - both sound processors can be programmed simultaneously with a single screen.

Custom Sound 3.0 will support all legacy implants and processors as well as the Hybrid system.

Lifelong solution

Today, when choosing a cochlear implant, seven out of ten people globally choose Nucleus from Cochlear for its leading technology, superior reliability and lifetime commitment to customers.

Cochlear's commitment to backwards compatibility ensures that patients are not left behind as science progresses. When new technologies are developed, Cochlear gives Nucleus users the opportunity to upgrade their processor and improve their hearing, without the need for additional surgery.

A complete system: the new benchmark

The Cochlear Nucleus 5 System sets the new benchmark with a unique combination of breakthrough, world-leading technologies:

• The world's thinnest cochlear implant

• A small, slim sound processor with automatic phone detection

• Complete wireless control for the user, using the remote assistant with inbuilt troubleshooting tool

• Advanced software for simplified programming of the sound processor

Moreover, like all Cochlear solutions, this system is designed to accommodate future technological advances.

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- Article 3: FCC Reports on Informal Consumer Complaints
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Editor: Here's the FCC's unofficial announcement of informal complaints logged with the Disability Rights Office (DRO) during the first quarter of 2009. I'm wondering if others will find these results as surprising as I did!

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The Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) announces information regarding informal consumer complaints processed by the Disability Rights Office (DRO) during the first quarter of the calendar year 2009. DRO processes informal complaints in the following five categories: (1) access to telecommunications services and equipment (Section 255) (47 U.S.C § 255), (2) telecommunications relay services (TRS) (47 U.S.C § 225), (3) closed captioning (47 C.F.R. § 79.1), (4) accessibility of video programming providing emergency information (47 C.F.R. § 79.2), (5) and hearing aid compatibility (47 U.S.C. § 610). For the first quarter of 2009 (January 01, 2009 through March 31, 2009), DRO received the following number of informal complaints, by subject matter, implicating the Commission's disability access rules: 22 informal complaints raised Section 255 issues; 60 informal complaints raised TRS issues; 142 informal complaints raised closed captioning issues; 2 informal complaints raised accessibility of video programming providing emergency information issues; and no informal complaints (zero) raised hearing aid compatibility issues.

On February 1, 2008, CGB launched a new database tracking system for informal complaints, the Consumer Complaint Management System (CCMS). CCMS utilizes the Form 2000C for all disability access informal complaints regarding the five categories listed above. Consumers can access this complaint form at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/form2000c.html. The Commission receives many inquiries and complaints that do not involve violations of the Communications Act, a Commission rule, or a Commission order. The existence of a complaint does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing by the company at issue. For more information regarding access to telecommunications for people with disabilities and other related matters, visit the DRO website at: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro.

A copy of this document will be available during regular business hours at the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, S.W., Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C. 20554. This document and copies of subsequently filed documents in this matter may also be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor at, Portals II, 445 12th Street, S.W., Room CY-B402, Washington, D.C. 20554. Customers may contact the Commission's duplicating contractor at their website: www.bcpiweb.com or call 1-800-378-3160 or 202-488- 5300.

To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY). This News Release can also be downloaded in Word and Portable Document Format (PDF) at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/.

For further information regarding this informal complaint information, contact Cheryl King, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Disability Rights Office: (202) 418-2284 (voice), (202) 418-0416 (TTY), or e-mail Cheryl.King@fcc.gov.

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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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The Biological Mechanisms of Hyperacusis

Hyperacusis, or recruitment, is characterized by an abnormally strong reaction or reduced tolerance to ordinary environmental sound. Hyperacusis can reduce the quality of life. Patients with severe hyperacusis avoid going to parties, restaurants, and even meetings, since the environment is just "too loud" for them. Some people with this condition will leave their homes only if wearing ear plugs. The prevalence of hyperacusis in the general population is about 9%-15% (Herraiz et al., 2006). Hyperacusis can occur along with a variety of disorders including acoustic trauma, stapedectomy, Williams syndrome in children, migraine attacks, facial paralysis, and tinnitus. The mechanism underlying hyperacusis is unclear and as yet there is no treatment.

http://tinyurl.com/nqbpw6

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How good is the typical hearing aid fitting?

Hearing aid verification and validation may be underutilized, according to recent surveys of dispensing audiologists (Strom, 2006) and ASHA-certified audiologists (ASHA, 2008). Hearing aid verification is the process of confirming prescribed electroacoustic performance of hearing aids, usually gain and maximum output, in the wearer's ear; validation is the process of confirming the benefits provided by amplification to the wearer.

http://tinyurl.com/ydjpgwm

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Cancer Drug Shrinks Benign Tumors That Steal Hearing

Last year, Edith Garrett could no longer hear her mother's voice or the sound of a dog barking. She was 22. Four years earlier, Garrett learned she had neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a condition characterized by tumors in the nervous system. The benign tumors, acoustic neuromas, damaged the eighth cranial nerve in one ear. The result: increasing hearing loss with no prospect of a cure. Having already lost 92 percent of her hearing, the college student from Atlanta signed on for an experimental treatment -- a drug therapy federally approved to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors. The treatment involved infusions of bevacizumab, a drug marketed as Avastin that is sometimes used to treat advanced cancers. Dr. Scott Plotkin, a neuro-oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, who led the trial, was looking for a medical option for his NF2 patients with acoustic neuromas. Not only do the tumors threaten hearing loss, but so can the current therapies, surgery and localized radiation.

http://tinyurl.com/ydfmzm5

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- Classifieds
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One Online Store, one free Telephone Captioning Service, and four Employment Opportunities (Ads appear after this brief table of contents.)

WCI. Your Single Source for Assistive Technology
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Free Telephone Captioning Service
www.PhoneCaption.com

Employment Opportunity 1
Exciting Career Opportunities at GLAD
Various Southern California Locations

Employment Opportunity 2
Various Employment Opportunities
Georgia School for the Deaf
Cave Spring, GA

Employment Opportunity 3
Various Employment Opportunities
Deaf Services Center
Glenside, PA

Employment Opportunity 4
Project Coordinator, Statewide Behavioral Health Systems Development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coloradans
Mental Health Center of Denver
The Center of Excellence for Mental Health Care
Denver, CO

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WCI is offering two neckloops at 10% off during the entire month of September. As a convenient solution for better sound quality the Williams Sound T-Coil neckloop can be used in conjunction with hearing aids that have a T-coil or T-switch. For hands free home and cell phone conversations, the flexible Artone neckloop can be used with any phone that has a 2.5mm jack. Call 1-800-233-9130 (V/TTY) or visit us at http://www.weitbrecht.com/specials.html?WCIH909 for more details. (Use code WCIHH909 to order)

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Employment Opportunity 1
Exciting Career Opportunities at GLAD
Various Southern California Locations
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Exciting Career Opportunities at GLAD

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.

* Administrative Assistant - Cypress, CA (OCDEAF)
* Job Developer/Interpreter - Pacoima, CA
* Community Interpreter - 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
Various Employment Opportunities
Georgia School for the Deaf
Cave Spring, GA
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Currently accepting applications for the following positions:

Assistant Director for Residential Services - see http://www.hearinglossweb.com/res/emp/gsd2.htm
Assistant Director of Instruction (12 mth. position)
Teacher - Graduation Coach (10 mth. position)
Teacher - High School Math (10 mth. position)*
Teacher - Middle School Language Arts (10 mth. position)*
Teacher - Middle School Science (10 mth. position)*
Teacher - Reading Content Specialist - Pre K-12 (10 mth. position)*
Accountant Paraprofessional (12 mth. position)
Housekeeper (12 mth. position)
Job Coach (hourly paid)
Instructor - Residential Services (12 mth. position)
Residential Advisor (10 mth. position)*
Secretary I (12 mth. position)
Speech Language Pathologist (10 mth. position)*
Substitute Teachers (hourly paid, based on credentials)
Systems Support Tech (IT Assistant) (12 mth. position)*

* 10 month employees work 200 days (10 months) but receive payroll checks during each of the 12 months of the year.

For more information about these positions, visit the Georgia Department of Education web site at http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/pea_hr_jobsearch.aspx

Download Job Applications at:
http://www.spa.ga.gov/word/jobinfo/stateapp-emp.doc

Completed applications may be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed to:

Denise Clark, Personnel Office
Georgia School for the Deaf
232 Perry Farm Rd. SW
Cave Spring, Georgia 30124
denise.clark@doe.k12.ga.us
Fax: (706) 777-2240

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Employment Opportunity 3
Various Employment Opportunities
Deaf Services Center
Glenside, PA
-------------------

Deaf Services Center (DSC) is a dynamic team of behavioral health professionals serving Deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. We take great pride that our program is strongly Deaf centered with about 85% of our staff being Deaf or hard of hearing. Our staff environment is one of incredible teamwork and mutual support. As a result, we are rapidly growing with new programs and expansions of our existing programs. Whether you are a high school graduate, recent college graduate or have many years experience in the field of human services we have a career building position waiting for you! DSC is looking for dedicated, motivated, energetic individuals who are fluent in American Sign Language and knowledgeable about Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community to fill the following positions:

PROGRAM DIRECTORs: INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES: (Full time) This position oversees the case management services for clients who reside in the community. Responsibilities include: day to day management and supervision of case management; coordination of services and programs with other service agencies; manage program expenses accordingly with budget; provide supervision, crisis management, training and coordinate scheduling for case managers; participate in meetings with Deaf Services Center programs as well as other programming service providers. Qualifications: a bachelor's degree in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, anthropology, political science, history, criminal justice, theology, counseling, education, or be a registered nurse and 5 years of mental health direct care experience preferably in a case management setting, must have 2 years of supervisory experience. Fluency in American Sign Language required.

STAFF INTERPRETER: (Full time preferred) Responsibilities include: Interpret for emergencies (physical and psychiatric), mental health evaluations, groups, staff meetings and sessions, home visits with deaf adults and children. Also interpret for in internal office and community meetings with both hearing and deaf professional staff. Must be able to work with a team of hearing and/or deaf interpreters and be a team player. The qualified candidate shall possess: AA degree with minimum 2 years of Interpreting experience with Deaf individuals. Knowledge of mental illness and/or developmental disabilities is a plus. Must be willing to travel throughout the SE counties and be flexible to do some evenings and weekends when needed. Current national certification and PA State Reistered through ODHH are preferred. Full/part time position available (Note: Full time includes complete benefits package, pt does not include benefits.)

OFFICE COORDINATOR: (Full time) Responsibilities include: Prepare and process personnel files, organize & monitor training activities, maintain training records, compile various reports, memos and minutes, maintain HR database, and complete payroll items. Provide technical assistance with various office equipment and trouble shoot facility/maintenance issues when needed. Assist with providing consultation to supervisory staff on issues surrounding human resources related issues, policies and procedures. Assist in licensure/audit activities for all programs. Assist with supervising & training support staff. The qualified candidate shall possess: Bachelors Degree in business administration, human resources management or related field with 6 years of administrative experience. Must have strong skills in Microsoft office software.

RESIDENTIAL COUNSELORS: (various positions available) This position provides direct client services including encouraging client independence in areas such as skills in daily living and community integration. The qualified candidate shall possess: HS + 1 year related experience or AA; valid drivers' license; advanced fluency in ASL; minimum of 2 years experience with Deaf Community; demonstrated competency in independent living skills; ability to teach, advise and motivate Deaf Consumers; strong interpersonal skills. Duties: Provide supported living and training to Deaf consumers with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities living in the community; promote consumers' independence and social relationships. Positions open for weekend and evening shifts.

Send your letter of intent and resumes to:
Linda Claypool, Office Manager/HR
Deaf Services Center
Email: lclaypool@salisb.com or Fax: 215-884-9774

DEAF SERVICES CENTER
614 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038
215-884-9770 TTY/V 215-884-9774 FAX/VP

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Employment Opportunity 4
Project Coordinator, Statewide Behavioral Health Systems Development for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Coloradans
Mental Health Center of Denver
The Center of Excellence for Mental Health Care
Denver, CO
-------------------

Salary: Commensurate with experience and credentials.

Date Posted: 8/27/09

Status: Exempt - Grant funded position by Colorado Statewide Strategic Use Fund. Employment conditional on continued funding.

Hours: Prefer fulltime but will consider part-time depending on availability of qualified candidate and credentials.

Position Summary: Works in conjunction with the implementation team of the Colorado Deaf and Hard of Hearing Mental Health and Substance Abuse Action Plan to design and implement a capacity building project with the vision of enhancing access to behavioral healthcare services for deaf and hard of hearing Coloradans and their families. Responsible for identifying and coordinating team of technical consultants needed to successfully accomplish all aspects of the project.

Job Requirements

Education: Masters or Bachelors in behavioral health, human services, or healthcare related discipline. Masters preferred.

Experience: Project coordination and management, collaborative planning on implementation efforts, leading design, development and delivery of training programs, experience using auxiliary services including sign language interpreting and CART services as well as communication access technology such as videophones and captioned phones. Prefer experience in coordinating or providing technical assistance and at least four years experience in providing direct clinical services to deaf or hard of hearing persons and their families.

Skills: Strong knowledge of the diverse linguistic, culture, psychosocial, access and communication needs of the deaf and hard of hearing populations. Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as project management, planning organizational skills. American Sign Language proficiency preferred.

How to Apply:

Send your resume & cover letter via email: resumes@mhcd.org
Or, fax to: 303-758- 5793
MHCD 4141 East Dickenson Place Denver, CO 80222 303-504-6500 (TTY) 303-299-6089

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

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