NAD Partners with the IRS to Share Important Information
October 31, 2008
Silver Spring, MD -- The National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
announced that it has partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make sure important information reaches the deaf community. The IRS produced three pilot videos, "Economic Stimulus Payment Basics", in American Sign Language (ASL) along with an English transcript of the content. These pilot videos are available on the NAD website.
"This is the first time that the IRS has produced Public Service
Announcement (PSA) videos in ASL with an English transcript," said Nancy
J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer" "We are delighted to bring you
these video clips.
View the Video Clips
Economic Stimulus Payment Basics (three 30 sec clips) American Sign
Language with English transcripts. (http://blogs.nad.org/advocacy/esp/)
Information about the Economic Stimulus Package can be found at:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html
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About the NAD
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in 1880 by
deaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community to
use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to
have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs
remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. As
a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve, protect,
and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf Americans.
The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a
lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early
intervention, education, employment, health care, technology,
telecommunications, youth leadership, and more. For more information,
please visit www.nad.org.
Gallaudet University's Extension Programs
August 22, 2008
Course offerings can be found at their Official Website for Gallaudet University's Extension Programs.
NAD Mourns the Loss of Frank G. Bowe
August 30, 2007
A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf Release Date:
August 30, 2007
Silver Spring, MD: Frank G. Bowe, Ph.D, LL.D, a long-time member and
supporter of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), died on August
21, 2007.
He served as a Government Affairs consultant to NAD during the past
several years, in addition to his full time work as a professor of
counseling, research, special education and rehabilitation (CRSR) in
Hofstra University's School of Education and Allied Human Services.
Prior to serving as consultant to the NAD, he provided his expertise and
support quietly behind the scenes and opened doors on Capitol Hill,
providing opportunity for the NAD to share its message with our
country's leaders.
Frank served on the faculty at Hofstra University since 1989 and held
the Dr. Mervin Livingston Schloss Distinguished Professorship for the
Study of Disabilities. In 2005, 2006 and during the spring of 2007, he
served as acting chair of Hofstra's CRSR Department. Also in 2005 and
2006, Frank gave invited testimony before the U.S. House of
Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce and conducted U.S
Congressional demonstrations of high-speed broadband communications.
"A true giant is gone, but he paved the way for many generations to
come. Frank Bowe's commitment to accessibility and 'leveling the playing
field'; his wit and humor; and his uncanny ability to encourage others
to action are important elements of his legacy," said Nancy J. Bloch,
NAD Chief Executive Officer. "The American deaf community and disabled
Americans are the beneficiaries of his passion."
An accomplished leader in the disability rights movement, Frank was the
first executive director of the first national cross-disability consumer
advocacy organization, the American Coalition of Citizens with
Disabilities (ACCD). He conceived the nationwide protest that led to
issuance of landmark regulations for Section 504 in 1977. In 1980,
Frank was the first person with a disability to represent any nation in
the planning of the United Nations (UN) International Year of Disabled
Persons. In the mid-1980s, he chaired the U.S. Congress Commission on
Education of the Deaf (COED), which made 52 recommendations for
improving education and rehabilitation. He was director of Research for
the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board ("Access
Board") from 1984-1987 and then regional commissioner for the U.S.
Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration from
1987-1989.
"As a champion of access, Frank Bowe is legend. His broad knowledge base
and his wise counsel over the years guided us in many areas," said
Rosaline Crawford, Director of the NAD Law and Advocacy Center. "Frank
was in the 'Washington beltway information loop' and, as consultant to
the NAD, he kept us current on all fronts, noting areas that needed
attention and places we needed to be, and providing us with the
background and expertise we needed to move forward."
Frank's textbooks, including Making Inclusion Work (Prentice Hall) and
Early Childhood Special Education (Thomson Delmar Learning), are in use
at colleges and universities around the country and in several other
nations. He authored other books, including Handicapping America
(Harper & Row) and Universal Design in Education (Greenwood Publishing),
hundreds of articles in professional journals in public policy, special
education, rehabilitation, and technology, and prepared NAD technical
reports, provided consultation on NAD legislative and regulatory
comments.
Frank earned his doctorate at New York University, his master's degree
at Gallaudet University, and bachelor's degree at Western Maryland
College. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by Gallaudet
University. He was selected as an Outstanding Scholar of the 20th
Century and received a Distinguished Service Award from President George
H.W. Bush in 1992.
The American deaf community is invited to share their tributes and
memories at: www.nad.org/HonoringFrankBowe
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About the NAD
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD), founded in 1880, safeguards
the civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. As a national
federation of individual members, state associations, organizational and
corporate affiliates, the advocacy work of the NAD encompasses a broad
spectrum of areas including, but not limited to, accessibility,
education, employment, healthcare, mental health, rehabilitation,
technology, telecommunications, and transportation. The NAD website
(http://www.nad.org) has a wealth of advocacy information and resources.
ASL Video Clips on CDC
August 30, 2007
Just wanted you to know that the ASL video clips are up on the CDC webpage!! You can view them HERE. If you look at the chart of Public Service Announcements, you will see those that have ASL video clips (there will be a check mark in the ASL column). Please share with your constituents and encourage them to fill in the feedback form that accompanies all the video clips so that we can get a sense of what the viewers think.
DeafTax
March 20, 2007
Schwarz Financial Services LLC has created a new
website - www.deaftax.com to meet the tax return preparation needs of the deaf community.
NAD Announces Upcoming Distribution of Multi-Point Video Conferencing
January 08, 2007
A News Release from the National Association of the Deaf
October 29, 2007
Silver Spring, MD - The National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
announced that they will be the main distributor of VideoSign 3.0, an
innovative multi-point video conferencing software product. The software
will help connect and engage multiple deaf people in video conversations
at absolutely no cost to the user. VideoSign 3.0 is slated for release
early in 2008.
"Finally, we can look forward to using our personal computers and
webcams to engage in video conversations with more than one person at a
time; up to eight people simultaneously," said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD
President. "With VideoSign 3.0, deaf people will be able to engage in
video chats with each other, and include hearing persons and video
interpreters as well. For so many of us who cannot travel for
face-to-face group meetings, the costs savings alone is incredibly
exciting."
Distribution of VideoSign 3.0 will be handled mainly by NAD for six
months after the initial launch, exclusively for the first two months.
Powered by Hands On VRS, this videoconferencing software, which includes
features like AOL Instant Messaging and a missed call directory, will be
available for free download. The NAD welcomes opportunities for
distribution of cutting-edge products offered by other providers;
distribution of such products by the NAD does not constitute an
endorsement.
"Hands On VRS has a long history of providing deaf and hard of hearing
organizations with means of self-empowerment through the use of
innovative communication technologies," said Ron Obray, chief executive
officer and founder of Hands On VRS. "Hands On is thrilled to join
hands with the National Association of the Deaf. This joint effort will
serve as a major resource in our mission to help break down barriers for
the deaf and hard of hearing community through innovative technologies."
State associations and non-profit organizations interested in
distributing VideoSign 3.0 to their members or constituencies should
contact the NAD for details, starting November 1, 2007.
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About National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Established in 1880, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the
nation's oldest and largest consumer-based national advocacy
organization safeguarding the civil and accessibility rights of deaf and
hard of hearing people in the United States of America.
Advocacy, policy, and legislative issues addressed by the NAD cover a
broad range of areas, including education, employment, health care,
human services, rehabilitation, telecommunications, and transportation.
More information is available at www.nad.org
---
About Hands On Video Relay Services, Inc.
Hands On is a recognized leader in Video Relay Services throughout the
country. The company is the second largest VRS provider in the nation.
Hands On VRS has been serving the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
community since 1992 the company is committed to removing communication
barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals while providing
quality services they can rely on. More information is available at
www.hovrs.com
Open Letter to the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, Administration, Campus and External Community on the Gallaudet Presidential Announcement
June 10, 2006
http://www.nad.org/GallaudetOpenLetter3
Posted May 3, 2006
On Monday May 1, 2006, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees Interim Chair Celia May Baldwin announced its selection of Provost Jane K. Fernandes as its 9th president. The announcement quoted Baldwin as saying: “Jane has a deep understanding of how this university works, having served in senior leadership positions here for more than a decade.
On Monday May 1, 2006, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees Interim Chair Celia May Baldwin announced its selection of Provost Jane K. Fernandes as its 9th president. The announcement quoted Baldwin as saying: “Jane has a deep understanding of how this university works, having served in senior leadership positions here for more than a decade.” That same afternoon, Gallaudet students protested the decision. Faculty and staff concerns are also surfacing. The NAD has all along been communicating with students, faculty, staff, and alumni – and others having a vested interest in Gallaudet University. We stand with these concerned stakeholders, who sincerely believe that they are not being respected nor heard.
Last October, the NAD Board of Directors wrote an Open Letter to the Gallaudet Board of Trustees. In that letter, the NAD Board noted the long-standing and positive relationship between the NAD and Gallaudet. The letter continued by articulating priorities and principles important to the NAD. Among those were that Gallaudet’s next president be an individual who can sustain Gallaudet’s historic role as a “beacon of hope for all deaf citizens in the world” and who has “a deep understanding of the challenges faced by deaf people every day in this country and worldwide”. The Open Letter added that “the next president must also be a visionary in promoting academic excellence, as well as committed to diversity in hiring and promoting qualified deaf administrators, faculty, and staff members”.
The NAD also brought together, in a December 2005 a round table with four individuals who represent different segments of our large and diverse community (see http://www.nad.org/gallaudetroundtable) who expressed their hopes and expectations for Gallaudet.
Last month, the NAD wrote a second Open Letter (see http://www.nad.org/GallaudetOpenletter2). In that communication, which was addressed to the Gallaudet University Search Committee, Board of Trustees, campus community and the larger deaf and hard of hearing community, the NAD noted the fact that all three finalists were deaf individuals with records of distinction. This second letter referenced the role of the NAD in advocating for a deaf president even before and during the historic Deaf President Now events of 18 years ago (http://www.nad.org/NAD-DPN). The NAD urged the Trustees to appoint as the next president, a person “able to unite the community behind a common vision and inspire individuals and groups both on and off campus to reach for a noble cause bigger than any single person or issue.” Further, the NAD urged stakeholders to closely scrutinize each candidate according to the Presidential qualifications and expectations as outlined by the search committee—and to communicate their expectations and views to the committee and the Trustees.
We recognize the tremendous level of unrest this week on and off campus. We believe that current furor is fueled by disconnect between the stated goals of the University and the actions of the administration. Specifically, we are troubled by growing evidence that the final decision by the Board of Trustees may not reflect deeply felt values of students, faculty, alumni, and other community stakeholders – values arising from Gallaudet’s unique place in our community and articulated in our previous open letters, as well as in the Presidential Agenda outlined by the Trustees (see http://pr.gallaudet.edu/presidentalsearch/?ID=8140). Tumultuous and rapidly spreading undercurrents among the students and the campus community also seem to be influenced by ongoing issues related to a lack of diversity within campus, distrust of the current administration, perceived low academic expectations, and poor community morale. Progress is also being restrained by the twin chains of bigotry – audism and racism – which deserve attention and action.
We also recognize the unique role of a University community in promoting freedom of speech, respect for diversity, support for vigorous debate, and tolerance for the exercising of civility in response to dissent and strongly expressed discourse. At this time, discussion is warranted and should be not only tolerated, but encouraged. The current unrest reflects the deeply felt values assigned to Gallaudet by students, faculty, staff, alumni and other community stakeholders, values the NAD and others in the national and worldwide community of deaf and hard of hearing people also hold dear. Gallaudet acknowledged, and expressed commitment to such values in the announcement of the search. There, the University stated that it was eager to identify a president with the abilities to “ensure full access and open communication throughout the University.” The Trustees also set as a qualification the ability to “lead the entire Gallaudet community and its students (K-12 and college level) through times of crisis and challenge.”
Accordingly, the NAD calls upon the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, President I. King Jordan, and Provost Jane K. Fernandes to take corrective action with courage and wisdom to resolve in a positive manner the growing discord, divisiveness and disconnect on and off campus. Such decisive action would begin the healing process and enable all involved to move forward. The current leadership must move expeditiously to “unite the community behind a common vision and inspire individuals and groups both on and off campus to reach for a noble cause bigger than any single person or issue.”
Members of the NAD and its supporters are deeply concerned that if this crisis is not resolved immediately and decisively by Gallaudet University, there would be increased risk for long term and permanent impact in the areas of recruitment, enrollment and financial giving.
The NAD is determined to stand firm for the cherished values of our community and for the well-being of the world’s only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing people. This is precisely why the NAD stands with Gallaudet students and the entire community in retaining the true greatness of Gallaudet University and the hope it represents to the nation and the world.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Lange
President
National Association of the Deaf
HOVRS EN ESPAÑOL
March 27, 2006
HANDS ON VIDEO RELAY SERVICES INTRODUCES
“HOVRS EN ESPAÑOL”
Partnership with ASL Services Delivers Spanish-Language Video Relay Service with an Emphasis on the Deaf and Latino Communities
ROCKLIN, CA – March 22, 2006 – Hands On VRS (www.hovrs.com), a leading provider of video relay services, today announced the availability of its newest service, HOVRS en Español. The new service allows a person who communicates using American Sign Language (ASL) to connect to Spanish-speaking friends, family, and co-workers through the video relay services (VRS) offered by Hands On VRS. Hearing Spanish speakers can contact ASL users directly through HOVRS en Español using a toll-free number.
“HOVRS en Español” is being delivered to customers in partnership with ASL Services Inc. (ASLS), one of the nation’s premier sign language interpreting firms and a specialist in addressing the needs of the Spanish-speaking community.
Deaf people can access HOVRS en Español 24-hours-a-day from a web browser, or by using VideoSign 2.5 software on a PC, iChat software on a Mac, or from a videophone. Users simply select the Spanish language option, and are automatically connected to a bi-lingual, an ASLS interpreter who is conversant in American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish. Hearing Spanish speakers can also contact ASL users directly through a Spanish-only, toll free phone number (877-467-4875). Each method provides smooth communication flow between the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing signer using ASL and the hearing contact who speaks Spanish.
“Historically, ASL users who needed to communicate with their Spanish-speaking family or friends have been bypassed by the benefits of VRS communication,” said Ronald Obray, president of Hands On VRS. “We created HOVRS en Español to connect these VRS users to Spanish speakers, and to make this the fastest, highest quality connection possible. ASLS’ nearly 15 years of experience in serving both the Deaf and Hispanic communities is critical to making this a reality for our customers.”
Founded in 1992, ASLS’ unique awareness of both the Deaf and Hispanic cultures, combined with its proven expertise in ASL interpreting, have made it the English-Spanish interpreting service of choice for government, university, medical, and entertainment businesses throughout the southeast United States. ASLS is also a leading provider of interpreting services in Puerto Rico through its sister company, ASLS Latino.
“Hands On VRS is a great partner for ASLS because they are as focused on delivering high quality VRS services, as they are in supporting the Deaf, Hearing and interpreting communities in which they operate,” said Angela Roth, president of ASLS. “The ASLS team shares this passion for delivering a quality service responsibly, and we’re pleased that our Spanish-speaking Video Interpreters are a part of this important communication service.” Angela Roth is also the president of Mano a Mano, the national association of interpreters working in Spanish-language influenced communities.
Availability
HOVRS en Español is available now. Spanish-speaking callers can reach ASL users directly by dialing 877-467-4875 and providing the operator with the ASL user’s extension. ASL users can access the service by visiting www.hovrs.com, from a PC or Mac, or from a Videophone by adding espanol.hovrs.tv to the address book.
To see HOVRS en Español in action, visit the HOVRS en Español booth at the DeafNation Expo in Orlando, Florida, on March 18, 2006. The HOVRS booth will also be demonstrating English VRS and other relay options. See the DeafNation web site for details (www.deafnation.com).
About ASLS
ASL Services, Inc., Inc. is an industry leader in providing professional sign language interpreting services throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. ASL Services, Inc. also provides a full range of community, educational and artistic services as well as interpreting for cruises, major theme parks and conventions nationwide. For more information, visit their website at www.aslservices.com.
About Hands On
Hands On is a leader in providing Video Relay Services and community interpreting services. The company has been serving the needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community since 1992. Hands On is committed to removing communication barriers for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. For more information, visit www.hovrs.com.
(Para la versión en español).
HANDS ON VIDEO RELAY SERVICES PRESENTA
“HOVRS EN ESPAÑOL”
En asociación con ASL Services, ofrecemos servicios en español de transmisión de Video con énfasis en personas sordas y las comunidades latinas.
ROCKLIN, CA – 15 de marzo, 2006- Hands On VRS (www.hovrs.com), uno de los líderes en servicios de transmisión de video, ahora anuncia la disponibilidad de su más reciente servicio, HOVRS en español. El nuevo servicio le permite a la persona que usa el lenguaje de señas americano (ASL) a comunicarse con sus amigos, familiares y compañeros de trabajo hispanohablantes, a través de los servicios de transmisión por video (VRS) ofrecidos por Hands On VRS. Los hispanohablantes oyentes pueden comunicarse con personas que emplean ASL directamente a través de HOVRS en español usando un número de teléfono gratis.
“HOVRS en español” se está distribuyendo ahora a clientes en asociación con ASL Services Inc. (ASLS), una de las principales compañías a nivel nacional en interpretación del lenguaje de señas y especialista en tratar las necesidades de la comunidad de habla hispana.
Los usuarios sordos pueden tener acceso a HOVRS en español las 24 horas del día con un navegador de red o usando VideoSign 2.5 software en una PC, iChat software en una Mac, o desde un videoteléfono. Los usuarios simplemente seleccionan la opción de español, y se les conecta automáticamente con un intérprete de ASLS que sabe el lenguaje de señas americano (ASL) y el español. Los hispanohablantes oyentes pueden también comunicarse con los usuarios de ASL directamente a través del número de teléfono en español gratis al (877-467-4875). Los dos métodos proveen una comunicación clara y fluida entre la persona sorda o de dificultades auditivas que emplea el lenguaje de señas ASL y la persona oyente que habla español.
“Antes, los usuarios de ASL que necesitaban comunicarse con su familia o amigos que hablaban español no tenían los beneficios de la comunicación de servicio de transmisión de video (VRS),” afirmó Ronald Obray, presidente de Hands On VRS. “Hemos creado HOVRS en español para conectar a estos usuarios de VRS con los hablantes del español, y para hacer que ésta sea la conexión más rápida y de mayor calidad. Los casi 15 años de experiencia de ASLS al servicio tanto de la comunidad latina como de la comunidad sorda son fundamentales para hacer de esto una realidad para nuestros clientes.”
Fundado en 1992, ASLS tiene un conocimiento excepcional tanto de la cultura de los sordos como de las culturas hispanas. Esto, en conjunto con su pericia comprobada en la interpretación del lenguaje de señas americano, lo han hecho el servicio predilecto de interpretación para el gobierno, la universidad, los servicios médicos y los negocios de entretenimientos en todo el sureste de los Estados Unidos. ASLS es también uno de los proveedores líderes de servicios de interpretación en Puerto Rico a través de su compañía hermana, ASLS Latino.
“Hands On VRS es un gran socio para ASLS porque está igual de comprometido con ofrecer servicios de VRS de alta calidad, como con apoyar las comunidades sorda, oyente y de interpretación en que trabaja,” dijo Angela Roth, presidenta de ASLS. “El equipo de ASLS comparte este entusiasmo por ofrecer de manera responsable un servicio de calidad, y estamos muy satisfechos que nuestros intérpretes por videoconferencia en español son una parte de este importante servicio de comunicación.” Angela Roth es también presidenta de Mano a Mano, la asociación nacional de intérpretes que trabajan en las comunidades con influencia del español.
Disponibilidad
HOVRS en español ya está disponible. Los usuarios hispanohablantes pueden comunicarse directamente con los usuarios de ASL marcando el 877-467-4875 y proporcionándole al operador el número de extensión del usuario de ASL. Los usuarios de ASL pueden tener acceso al servicio visitando el sitio de Internet www.hovrs.com, ya sea de una computadora PC o de una Mac, o de un teléfono de video tan sólo poniendo espanol.hovrs.tv en la agenda de teléfono.
Para ver HOVRS en Español en acción, visite el stand de HOVRS en español en la DeafNation Expo en Orlando, Florida, el 18 de marzo, 2006. El stand de HOVRS estará también demostrando VRS en ingles y otras opciones de transmisión. Vea el sitio de Internet de DeafNation para más detalles (www.deafnation.com).
Acerca de ASLS
ASL Services, Inc., es líder en proveer servicios profesionales de interpretación del lenguaje de señas en los Estados Unidos y Puerto Rico. ASL Services, Inc. también provee todo tipo de servicios educativos, artísticos y comunitarios además de servicios de interpretación a nivel nacional para cruceros, para los grandes parques temáticos y para congresos. Para más información visite su página web www.aslservices.com
Acerca de Hands OnHands On es líder en proveer servicios de transmisión por video y servicios de interpretación para la comunidad. La compañía le ha servido a la comunidad sorda y de dificultades auditivas desde 1992. Hands On VRS está comprometida a eliminar las barreras de comunicación para las personas sordas o de dificultades auditivas. Para más información, visite www.hovrs.com.
ICE
December 29, 2005
Some things we don't like to think about but this seems like a good idea
ICE - In Case of Emergency A campaign encouraging people to enter an emergency contact number in their mobile phone's memory under the heading ICE (In Case of Emergency), has rapidly spread throughout the world as a particular Consequence of last week's terrorist attacks in London.
Originally established as a nation-wide campaign in the UK, ICE allows paramedics or police to be able to contact a designated relative / next-of-kin in an emergency situation. The idea is the brainchild of East Anglian Ambulance Service paramedic Bob Brotchie and was launched in May this year. Bob, 41, who has been a paramedic for 13 years, said: "I was reflecting on some of the calls I've attended at the roadside where I Had to look through the mobile phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person. Almost everyone carries a mobile phone.
Now, and with ICE we'd know immediately who to contact and what number to ring. The person may even know of their medical history." By adopting the ICE advice, your mobile will help the rescue services quickly contact a friend or relative - which could be vital in a life or death situation. It only takes a few seconds to do, and it could easily help save your life. Why not put ICE in your phone now? Simply select a new contact in your phone book, enter the word 'ICE' and the number of the person you wish to be contacted.
Urgent Message to NAD Certified Interpreters
June 30, 2005
Act Quickly to Retain Your Certification Status - Deadline is Fast Approaching!
By Nancy Bloch, NAD Executive Director
A large number of NAD Level III, IV, and V Certified interpreters have already joined NAD and RID under a special arrangement forged by both organizations in 2003. This dual arrangement requires NAD interpreters to maintain annual membership in both organizations and also maintain their certification through active participation in the RID Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) and Ethical Practices System (EPS). In addition, NAD and RID interpreters in good standing are eligible for waiver from the written portion of the new NAD-RID
National Interpreter Certification test being brought to completion this year.
Quick Action Needed
Some NAD interpreters still are not fully aware that time is running out. The NAD certification status of these individuals will expire at 12-midnight on June 30, 2005. This deadline is final; there will be no reinstatements after this date. Individuals with expired certificates will be required to take the new NAD-RID National Interpreter Certification test. NAD interpreters who have not yet joined have had since January 2003 to take advantage of the dual NAD-RID arrangement, which affords membership in good standing and active certification status. The NAD has been working diligently to reach out to those who have moved and left no forwarding address, or have not provided updated contact information. The NAD also needs to know whenever the last names of interpreters have changed, so that central database corrections can be made. If you know someone who has not yet heard about or is unaware of this certification deadline, please help spread the word.
CMP Deadline Extended
By agreement of both organizations, all NAD Certified interpreters now have until December 31, 2008 to earn eight continuing education units (CEUs). One CEU is equivalent to ten hours. This is the first CMP deadline required for maintenance of NAD certification in good
standing. Thereafter, the standard four-year CMP cycle for completion
of eight CEUs shall be applicable.
Joining is Easy
To take advantage of dual certified membership, go to www.rid.org and select the printable membership application form in PDF format. On it you will see "NAD Certified" membership category for NAD interpreters (includes dual membership in both organizations, with benefits and privileges thereof) at the rate of $115 which is in force through
June 30, 2005, $155 for membership through June 30, 2006. However, members will not be able to earn CEUs until July, 2005. New members desiring to earn CEUs before then can contact Melissa Bowhay. On the next line, "RID and NAD Certified" membership category is offered for those who hold dual certification; maintenance of both certificates is also strongly encouraged. For assistance with the membership form, contact Melissa Bowhay at the RID Membership Department (membership@rid.org).
If you have questions about your NAD certification, contact Kelly Aziz, NAD Interpreter Records (aziz@nad.org).
VIEWS April 2005
2005: Year of Languages
May 16, 2005
Under the guidance and stewardship of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), 2005 will be celebrated as The Year of Languages in the United States. These celebrations will take place in a variety of settings, including elementary and secondary schools and postsecondary institutions as well as at events at the local, state and national levels across America. As the representatives of all aspects of foreign language education, ACTFL and its affiliated organizations are prepared to coordinate a cooperative effort to include all of the various organizations and agencies in the foreign language community. This is an opportunity to focus America's attention on the academic, social and economic benefits of studying other languages and cultures from around the world. This initiative will seek to positively influence the full range of language programs in U.S. schools and communities and the students these programs are designed to serve. The campaign plan will capture the attention and interest of all Americans with the involvement and assistance of teachers, administrators, state, local and federal legislators and government officials, businesses and, perhaps most important, parents.
The goal of The Year of Languages (YOL) celebration is to advance the concept that every American should develop proficiency not only in English, but in other languages as well.
Children's Hearing Help fund
January 25, 2005
CHILDREN'S HEARING HELP FUND:
New Donation Box on Driver's License Renewal
On May 24th Governor Bush signed a new option into law for low income
children to have access to better hearing. A significant barrier to
successful intervention outcomes has become very apparent since the
implementation of the enactment of Florida's Universal Newborn Hearing
Screening Law Statute 383.815.
Following diagnosis, it is not unusual for
some infants to experience delays of 6 months or more prior to hearing
evaluation and hearing aid fitting due to a variety of issues primarily
related to funding and/or parental uncertainty of how to proceed. The new
law authorized the Department of Motor Vehicles to include a $1 donation
check-off box on every driver's license renewal form that allows funds to be
collected to aid families who don't have the means to pay for hearing aids
for children who have been found to have hearing loss.
The Children's Hearing Help Fund (CHHF) will be used to provide assistance
for qualifying families with minor children, from newborns to eighteen years
of age for services such as hearing evaluations, loaner hearing devices,
permanent hearing devices or the ongoing maintenance and replacement of the
devices if necessary until the child reaches eighteen years of age. Hearing
loss is the most common birth defect with three out of every 1000 newborns
being found to have a permanent hearing problem that causes them to be at
high risk for developing communication delays unless early help is provided
to their families. Florida can expect approximately 600 new children to be
confirmed as hearing impaired annually. Approximately 37% of families have
insurance and/or financial resources however insurance rarely covers even a
portion of hearing aids and most families with young children cannot readily
afford to pay for hearing aids, each of which can cost as much as a
refrigerator ($1000-$3000) and may need to be replaced every 3 years.
Approximately 43% of children will have Medicaid coverage that could be
applied to meet the cost of permanent amplification devices and an
additional 20% are found to be from financially needy families that have no
resources available. Therefore many families are faced with trying to
purchase expensive hearing aids, typically 5-6 times before the child
becomes an adult.
Charitable funding sources for families to turn to for assistance with
purchasing amplification for children have historically been very limited.
arly intervention and quality education is necessary to prevent
developmental delays in language and learning. The Children's Hearing Help
Fund will exist in order to provide the necessary funding to enable children
from financially needy families to obtain amplification for their children
(loaner or permanent) within 30 days of recommendation for hearing aid
fitting, when no other funding options are available.
The Children's Hearing Help Fund is administered by the Sertoma Speech &
Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc.
For more information contact: Craig McCart, Executive Director
1-866-999-2443 or visit Website -
www.childrenshearinghelpfund.org
For more information about the HEARING AID LOAN BANK FOR INFANTS AND
TODDLERS please
click here to download the pdf:
* Nationally, three out of every 1000 newborns have a hearing loss. It
is the most common birth defect. * Even mild hearing loss or hearing loss
in only one ear, if
undetected, has substantial detrimental consequences. Research shows that
children with hearing loss in one ear are 10 times as likely to be held back
at least one grade level compared to matched group of children with normal
hearing. Research notes that children identified with hearing loss at birth
are, by the time they enter school, one to two years developmentally ahead
of their hearing impaired peers who were not diagnosed until after they were
six months old. * Before universal newborn hearing screening the average
age at which
children were diagnosed with hearing loss was 2.5 years. Very important
speech-language development occurs significantly earlier and these children
frequently required intensive special instruction throughout all their
school years. * Through identification of hearing loss in the first 3
months and by
working with the parents and caregivers to communicate effectively with
their child thereby preventing delays in language, cognitive and social
development these early identified children have the opportunity to develop
on par with unimpaired peers. Without amplification and early intervention
services by 6 months of age, lifelong delays in communication and learning
may be expected. * By the time a child with hearing loss graduates from
high school,
more than $400,000 per child can be saved in special education costs if the
child is identified early and given appropriate educational, medical, and
audiological services. * Only by continuing consistent use of appropriate
and well
functioning amplification, can children with hearing loss continue to have
the opportunity to access teacher instruction in classrooms using their
remaining hearing. When the hearing aids of a school-age child need to be
replaced or repaired, every day that the child is unable to hear optimally
can be like a day they are absent from school!
Information and statistics courtesy of the National Center for Hearing
Assessment and Management - Utah State University (NCHAM) or the National
Institute on Deafness and Communicative Disorders (NIDCD).
UPS Pays $10 million in Class Action Suit
February 28, 2004
By JULIANA BARBASSA
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - United Parcel Service Inc. will pay $10 million and ensure deaf employees and applicants full access to workplace safety information and promotion opportunities under a proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit. The Monday agreement - which includes $4.1 million for plaintiffs' attorneys - ends a trial of a class-action lawsuit claiming UPS, the nation's fourth-largest private employer, discriminated against more than 900 current and former hearing-impaired employees.
"I'm hopeful that deaf employees will not be held back anymore," Babaranti Oloyede, one of the plaintiffs, said through an interpreter.
In a trial that began in April, hearing-impaired plaintiffs testified that they were routinely excluded from workplace information, denied opportunities for promotion and exposed to unsafe conditions due to lack of accommodation by the delivery company.
"I've been working there for 12 years now and for all those years UPS didn't provide interpreters, a telephone for emergency news, closed captioning, training videotapes or emergency signals like flashing lights," said Oloyede, 45, who works in UPS' Oakland office. "We had many meetings, like a meeting about anthrax, and I didn't have an interpreter, so I didn't know what was going on."
Company officials denied discriminating against hearing-impaired employees and on Monday said UPS has tried to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.
"UPS has long been a positive work environment for those with disabilities and we're proud of our record thus far," said Peggy Gardner, spokeswoman for the Atlanta-based company. "We feel the measures called for in the settlement are only going to make a positive work environment even better."
Plaintiffs' lawyers disagreed, saying UPS was forced to settle by its cavalier attitude toward the disabled workers.
"Their defense was basically that deaf people should be happy to have a job," attorney Todd Schneider said. "I was shocked, the court was shocked, and that's why we settled."
Under the proposed settlement, UPS would set aside $100,000 to track promotions and ensure that deaf employees and job applicants have access to certified interpreters. The company would also provide text telephones and vibrating pagers to alert deaf employees to emergency evacuations.
The settlement resolves all issues in the case except for UPS' policy precluding deaf people from any driving positions. Other companies, such as the U.S. Postal Service, permit deaf employees who have demonstrated safe driving skills to drive delivery vehicles under 10,000 pounds. That issue will be resolved in court.
The proposed settlement requires court approval after notice is distributed throughout the country and a fairness hearing is held. The parties hope for final approval by the end of the year.
Pagers Become Lifeline For Deaf
February 28, 2004
(AP) When Cary Barbin's car broke down at 2 a.m. on a remote road in New Jersey, pulling out a cell phone and calling the auto club wasn't an option. Like his parents, grandparents, and millions of other Americans, he's deaf.
But Barbin wasn't helpless. He took out his BlackBerry wireless pager and typed an e-mail to a hearing friend, who called the tow truck.
Barbin, 35, researches technologies for the deaf at Gallaudet University, a Washington-based school for the deaf and hard of hearing, but he didn't have an e-mail pager just because he's a techie.
Cell phone-size messaging gadgets like the BlackBerry and the T-Mobile Sidekick have caught on quickly with the deaf since being introduced a few years ago, giving them freedom to move around and communicate like never before.
"I talk to my friends almost everyday with the pager. It is really great!" said Bryan Blaisdell, a deaf 15-year-old in Pascoag, R.I. He uses his Sidekick to message his parents for rides, and can stay in touch with them when he's out, things that would have been hard or impossible a few years ago.
The pagers have become even more important to the deaf than cell phones are for the hearing, since the deaf can't use regular phones or pay phones.
"Before, you were set to a strict plan that was set in advance. There was no way to change the plan if somebody was running late," said Joe Karp, director of marketing at Wynd Communications, one of a couple of companies that specialize in selling wireless services to the deaf.
Wynd, which is based in San Luis Obispo, Calif., started out selling e-mail pagers to corporate travelers. But in 1997, the company got an e-mail from a deaf lawyer, who pointed out that the pagers were great for the deaf.
"We began to explore the opportunity, and found that there was a decent-size market - 28 million deaf or hard of hearing in the U.S.," Karp said.
This month, Wynd introduced a service that makes its pagers more useful in communicating with the hearing. Users can now send text messages to human operators, who call a hearing recipient on the phone and read the message. The recipient can then tell the operator to send a message back to the deaf person's pager.
The human operator is part of a state-mandated relay service designed for older equipment known as TTY machines. These can send and receive text messages through regular phone lines. Of course, lugging around these machines, which look like electronic typewriters, and plugging them into phone lines hasn't been an attractive option for the deaf.
In some ways, the pagers even take the part of the radio for the deaf. Users can subscribe to services that send news and traffic reports, or tips on where closed-captioned movies are playing. The pager network in New York helped the deaf understand what was happening during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Barbin said.
In one important area, however, the e-mail pagers fall behind cell phones in usefulness - you can't use them to call 911 directly. Like Barbin, in emergencies the deaf typically e-mail or message a hearing friend or family member, and have them make the call.
Deaf people can call 911 from cell phones with TTY features, but since cell phones are of little use to the deaf otherwise, they're not very popular.
"The whole area of messaging and 911 needs to be examined, and the emergency number professionals in the U.S. are beginning to do so," said Judy Harkin, director of the Technology Access Program at Gallaudet.
The police department in Sacramento, Calif., may be showing the way. It started accepting "911" e-mails in February.
The service is intended for the city's deaf, but it clearly fills an unmet need. Deaf people from as far away as Los Angeles and Texas have sent in e-mails asking Sacramento police to relay emergency information to their local authorities, according to dispatcher Vera Hill.
"It's something that gives the deaf community a good feeling, being able to contact us at all times," she said.
By Peter Svensson
Originally published by www.cbs.com