Dear Friends,
Recently, there has been numerous attacks on deaf leaders either via
email, newsgroups, blogs, postings, and websites. These people who
attack deaf leaders are just the very reasons that justify the
society's need for agencies like ours as we have the means to connect
deaf people with personal challenges to the right kind of help they
need to be able to lead a safe, healthy, and productive living as
everyone else.
The poll we started last week is producing very interesting results.
A good part of the respondents states they have no idea what's going
on in the deaf community. This reinforces the need for deaf awareness
programs and events.
We have a service animal awareness and fundraising booth at the Pet
Expo event in the Orange County Fairgrounds this coming weekend April
21-23. Our booth will be in the same place as last year. For more
information about the Pet Expo go to our website and click on the
events section.
Don't forget DeafNation Expo is coming up on the 29th of April!
DeafNation Expo is a gathering of deaf and their friends, relatives,
associates, related trades and businesses, organizations. There
will be a lot of chatting, booths, and entertainment. The DeafNation
Expo flyer is at
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/events/DNEXPO2006Flyer_Pomona.pdf and it
is FREE ADMISSION event and if you're in the Southland, you would
enjoy a day with us at this event. Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center
will have an educational booth with lots of freebies there.
Our new ASL classes start in May. Our class fees are much much cheaper
than what is being publicized in the Deaf California News mailing
list. Please take a look at our ASL Class flyer and tell your
friends, associates, and relatives about it.
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/education/flyers/aslclass.pdf
Macy's Community Shopping Day 2006, an in-store shopping event and
fundraiser for charities in the Orange County community, will be held
on May 12, 2006 at Macy's South Coast Plaza. The money will be used
for operating expenses and the fees for our Orange County fair
fundraiser stand which is expected to be around $900 plus the cost of
insurance. We need to sell 8 more tickets to qualify for the share of
the Macy's fundraiser pot.
Finally, the editor is due for a short vacation and the newsletter
will return on May 1, 2006.
OCDAC Communications
[email protected]
-------------< INSIDE NEWS >
With our subscribership from the international communities increasing
at a steady pace, we wish to make this newsletter accessible to them
and the easiest way to accomplish this is by directing them to
http://www.babelfish.altavista.com/ and entering
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ in the website
translation box and the babelfish will help our international
subscribers become strong advocates for the deaf and disability
communities.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is having it's first annual
walk-a-thon on May 20th 2006 at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley,
California. To find out more or to sponsor one of our walkers go to
http://ocdac.choose-a-thon.com/ To walk in the event go to
http://ocdac.choose-a-thon.com/site/page/pg3990-aa93314_93826_93313-
or email [email protected] with your full name and email address.
We are putting together a fantastic golf tournament at a golf course
near our office and the date would be for this fantastic event is
Friday September 22, 2006 and we will have a fantastic game, food, and
prizes for all players.
We have began on our giant Orange County Fair educational booth
planning for this upcoming summer. This year's theme is 'Flower Power'
and its a retro theme. We have submitted the application for our
fundraiser booth. Your prayers are needed to help the fair management
be considerate and allow us conduct fundraising as they know that the
good results will be put into good use to advance positive
relationships between the deaf and the hearing communities.
This weekly newsletter will soon be available in print form to be
mailed out each week. The price is going to be $90 per year for the
print version and the price is highly reasonable due to it's very rich
deaf and disability advocacy content and very little advertising. This
still beats out the other deaf print news. They will also be available
in other alternative formats like floppies, braille, and in large
print for people with vision impairments.
We have a Campbell's product label collection campaign to help us
raise the means to get supplies for our office Start saving your
campbells product labels today and mail them to us on the first week
of each month. We have aproximately 1050 subscribers and if each one
of them accumulates and sends us 900-1000 labels a month, we'd be able
to get lots of new equipment for our office and internal and external
education programs! Lets get those labels coming, the program ends in
June. Our big thanks to those who sent in their labels.
Drastic Social Security rule changes for Title II Old Age, Survivors,
and Disability Insurance and SSI programs renews our calls for
self-reliance ideas for organizations who serve the deaf and disabled
and our very own idea, our California Disability Gaming Initiative
idea and that can be found at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/cdgicinfo.pdf is an idea that
works for Native Americans. Why shouldn't it work for the Disability
communities? The proposed Social Security rules will limit appeals
and create a new process that is less about truth-seeking and more
hostile to applicants.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Take a look at our new magazine fundraiser and this is one of the ways
you can help us do the good work for the deaf and disabled communities.
The URL is http://www.magfundraising.com/GroupPage.aspx?e=788159
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 1/3 >
Call for the deaf
http://www.prestoncitizen.co.uk/display.var.731906.0.call_for_the_deaf.php
St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf has firm grounding in Catholic tradition
http://www.stlouisreview.com/article.php?id=10514
Fury over plan to axe deaf school
http://hamhighbroadway.london24.net/broadway/news/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24\
&category=Newsbroadway&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbroadway&itemid=WeED13\
%20Apr%202006%2016%3A42%3A37%3A230
Silent language seeks recognition
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/04/16/local/doc4441819b704e2653038879.t\
xt
Film fest highlights wider role for deaf
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/local/060416deaffilms.shtml
Own club for the deaf in Sabah
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=41506
A sign of things to come
http://www.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.73390\
9.0.a_sign_of_things_to_come.php
Shahid-Kareena : Eyes wide open
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/shahidkareena__eyes_wide_open/8328-8.html
Montana group to perform with choir
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/04/17/news/local/35-choir.txt
He wants all to sign up for sign language
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=17728
See, hear, speak like them
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060418/asp/calcutta/story_6113650.asp
A sign of praise for deaf teacher
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.729204.0.a_sign_of_p\
raise_for_deaf_teacher.php
Disabled girl wins right to compete
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-te.md.track18apr18,0,5615661.s\
tory?coll=bal-local-howard
-------------< CALIFORNIA DEAFIE HAPPENINGS >
COME TO OUR MEETUPS!
The Orange County American Sign Language Meetup Group -
http://asl.meetup.com/37/ - and the he Orange County Deaf & Hearing
Impaired Meetup Group http://deaf.meetup.com/38/ meets each 3rd
Fridays of the month.
Come to our meetup on Friday April 21, 2006.
The Orange County American Sign Language & Orange County Deaf &
Hearing Impaired Meetup.
When:
Friday, April 21, 7:00 PM
Where:
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
17595 Harvard Ave #B
Irvine, CA
(949) 660-1332
What:
Meet the 2 meetups!
Beginning May a $2.00 donation suggested per person to help us cover
the costs of the meetup membership program. If you give us a $5.00
donation instead, we'll give you an "I Love You" Handsign Stamp
commemorative pin!
We have been considering using our office, especially the classroom,
for our meetups and we have the means to offer snacks for a small
donation to the people that come to the meetups hosted by our office.
The food table will have cold drinks, danish pastry, popcorn, veggies
and dip, chips and dip, flavored coffees, and hot chocolate.
===================================
ASL BINGO!
Come learn ASL while playing bingo!
AT THE OCDAC CLASSROOM
May 27, 2006
4pm to 7pm
$1 per card per game – 7 cards for $5
Great Prizes! Players must be at least 18 years of age.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT ORANGE COUNTY DEAF ADVOCACY CENTER
For more info contact [email protected]
===================================
Our next SSP training class is on May 6, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
This is for people interested in working with the Deaf-Blind. The
class will take place in our classroom at 2960 Main Street A102 ,
Irvine, CA 92614
There is a fee of $20 for this 5 hour workshop as we have to pay for
the room use and printing of the handbook and other materials.
This class is required to work with our Deaf-Blind clients. Please
contact me with any questions.
Beth Koenig
[email protected]
(714) 414-7982
===================================
DEAF SEMINAR SATURDAYS
We are having two 2 hour FREE educational seminars to our community
members.
Disaster preparedness
May 27, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Getting the most from your Sidekick
June 24, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Healthy Hands and Eyes workshop
August 26, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Dealing with creditors
September 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf motorist safety
October 28, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf employment rights
November 25, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Safety at home
December 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Classes take place at the OCDAC classroom. RSVP is required and 8
students maximum per class. Reply back with reservation choices. And
the seminars are always FREE.
===================================
Because of work schedules, some members of our local Deaf and hard of
hearing are unable to join most of regular functions. So, a few have
planned an additional monthly social gathering. This added social
will be on the third Sunday of each month in the food court area of
the PD mall from 6:30 - 9 pm. These gatherings will be in addition to
the third Wednesdays at the mall.
Kay
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Even though most of us working on computers only work on one, the
average American depends on more than 264 computers per day—from the
tiniest microprocessor to the largest mainframe! That is a lot of
people depending on a lot of computers! Think of how much money could
go to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center if 264 supporters bought
one computer each at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where up to 26% of every
purchase is donated to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center! At
www.iGive.com/ocdac, membership is free! So hurry up and visit the
Mall at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where you can shop at 600+ stores for all
your favorite electronics and computers from Dell, HP Shopping, Buy,
Computers4SURE, The Apple Store, SONY, and Gateway!
-------------< DEAF GRAPEVINE >
The Gallaudet University President hunt has been narrowed down to 3
finalists.
1) Jane K. Fernandes - Provost, Gallaudet University
2) Ron Stern - Superintendent, New Mexico School for the Deaf
3) Steve Weiner - Associate Professor, Communication Studies,
Gallaudet University
Editor's Commentary:
The hunt for the next Gallaudet University president has taken the
next step and they've narrowed down to 3 finalists. We have strong
concerns with Ron Stern being chosen as he will likely resurrect the
powers of the Kappa Gamma Fraternity at Gallaudet. No wonder he has a
cuddly and beer stein smashing relationship with the students. Take a
look at the New Mexico School for the Deaf faculty's resumes. Under
Stern's leadership, New Mexico School for the Deaf has become some
sort of a Kappa Gamma fortress. Kappa Gamma Fraternity is pretty
famous for their spooky approaches to certain situations and we can
not afford that kind of zeal in the leadership ranks of Gallaudet
University. Jane Fernandes appears to be the one with the highest
qualifications however she has a strong paternalist approach and that
usually sits well with the big funders these days. We are strong
believers of independence and Jane's paternalist approach would be of
some concern. Jane could easily entertain the funders and help keep
the school alive. Steve Weiner's background and leadership style could
could cause the school to make a lot of interesting news later on.
-------------< BULLETIN >
G'Day!
I'd like to announce about our two DeafNation Expo events in
Greensboro, NC and Austin, TX.
Greensboro, NC April 1, 2006 2,600+ people
Quote from Kevin Earp, Sprint Account Manager
You did it again!! Deaf Nation came to NC and the Deaf Nation did a
Fine job of setting up the show and promoting all of their venders.
Sprint had a wonderful turnout at our booth, and we were packed with
many consumers who were interested in our Blackberry Special! We also
had an opportunity to share with people our Sprint IP via AIM,
SprintIP.com as well as CapTel services and our stable and trusty
Traditional Relay Services. It was an opportunity for Sprint to give
back to the community and share our products with them. I would like
to thank Deaf Nation for their continuing support and we, North
Carolina Citizens, look forward to having Deaf Nation to come back again!
Austin, TX April 8, 2006 2,800+ people
Quote:
Deaf Nation Expo was an outstanding opportunity to meet those in our
local and statewide community to provide information and overviews of
our programs and services. Over 70 individuals visited us, watched
videotapes about domestic violence, signed up for our Newsletters and
Events, and took some of our literature. Thank you for this great
chance to spend time with our peers and consumers!
Mary E Wambach, Executive Director, DAWCAS (Deaf Abused Women Children
Advocacy Services)
"DeafNation Expo, what a profound impact this expo has on the all that
participate. It is a wonderful opportunity for the signing community
to come together. Sure wish this deeply moving gathering was available
more often in the world." Lila Lolling, Deaf Yoga
We are on our way to St. Louis DeafNation Expo next week. We are
already sold out with booths at St Louis, Pomona and Atlanta. We do
have a few slots available in the Fall Expo events. Grab it before
they're sold out again.
Thank you.
Cheers!
Joel Barish
DeafNation, Inc.
www.deafnation.com
FAX: 301.682.7529
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Please visit our bookstore that has related books and different kinds
of assistive living devices at http://store.deafadvocacy.org
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 2/3 >
Trek for work led to tragedy
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3715395
Some crash victims hearing impaired
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3712153
Be sensitive to the disabled, High Court tells school
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1024693
Web site-design rally for disabled makes local debut
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2006/04/17/story8.html
3 Charged With Smoking Pot In Van With Mentally Disabled
http://www.wnbc.com/news/8764826/detail.html
Improve Your Hearing With Vision
http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/04/17/1224212
Helping children hear
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/14346302.htm
Give disabled workers every reason to remain part of your work force
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2006/04/17/focus3.html
Eritrea : Workshop to Encourage Inclusive Education
http://www.andnetwork.com/app?service=direct/1/Home/$StorySummary$0.$DirectLink$\
2&sp=l30185
Hearing-impaired pilot lands in Muscat
http://www.timesofoman.com/newsdetails.asp?newsid=28517&pn=local
Taking "dis" out of disabled
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3720907
Training for disabled vital for society
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/opinion/14367234.htm
Somalia: Rare Opportunity for Hearing-Impaired Children As School Opens
http://allafrica.com/stories/200604110149.html
-------------< ADVOCACY NEWS >
Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization Act (HIMMA), is another
dangerous piece of legislation.
Why is HIMMA bad for people with disabilities?
1) It would undermine state insurance rating laws that currently
prohibit insurers from discriminating against people based on
disability, health status, age, gender and other criteria that help
control health care costs for many Americans.
2) It would override state laws mandating that certain benefits be
contained in private health insurance plans offered in that state. For
example, if a state has a law requiring parity between mental and
physical health care coverage, HIMMA would override the state law and
insurance companies would no longer be required to offer equal mental
health coverage.
3) HIMMA would impede access to health care providers vital to people
with disabilities that state legislatures have deemed necessary in
their respective states.
-------------< DEAF QUOTES >
"You have to really focus and concentrate. It's like you're alone out
there and you have to think about how you're going to do your best"
Kelso High golfer Dehne' O'Connor
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Do you shop at Albertsons or Sav-on stores? You can get a free
community partners card at those stores and then add it to our list of
supporters. A percent of what you buy will go to helping our Deaf
youth program. If you already have a school or other program that you
are supporting, don't worry, you can add your card to support our
program too! There are two ways to add your card. You can email your
First and Last name with your phone number and community partners card
number to [email protected] or you can download and print our
Albertsons / Sav-on Community Partners signup forms at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/AlbertsonsSignup.pdf and have
your friends, neighbors, associates, and relatives sign up as
supporters and then mail the form to the address on the form. To reach
our funding goal we need 25,000 supporters who shop at Albertsons /
Sav-on. And remember to use your community partners card when you shop
at Albertsons or Sav-on.
-------------< COMMUNITY BULLHORN >
PRESS RELEASE - APRIL 15, 2006
From: www.deafsportlawsuit.com
( Note: to translate this material in your language, visit
www.babelfish.altavista.com )
I.C.S.D. or C.I.S.S.?
JANUARY 4, 2005 CISS FUNERAL SESSION ( PHOTO )
DEAF SPORTS ANARCHIST JERALD JORDAN IS LYING AGAIN!
By Rafael PINKHASOV PINCHAS, CISS Ombudsman
SUMMARIES:
*APRIL 6, 2006 ANNOUNCEMENT BY JORDAN
*CISS OMBUDSMAN ISSUES REBUTTAL AND PRESENTS QUESTIONS
* THREE FOOLS - JORDAN, AMMONS AND SONDERGAARD - BURY CISS FLAG ON
JANUARY 4, 2005 ( SEE PHOTO )
*JORDAN RESURRECTS NAME OF CISS
*ICSD/CISS IS NEW RULE VIOLATION
*FOUR ( 4 ) DIFFERENT NAMES FOR ONE ORGANIZATION
New York, USA - Read the following announcement posted on
www.deaflympics.com on April 6, 2006:
ICSD ? CISS ? DEAFLYMPICS ?? Which One?
Some confusion has resulted from the use of ICSD (International
Committee of Sports for the Deaf) to identify our organization. What
happened to DEAFLYMPICS?
At the Melbourne Congress in January 2005, many changes were passed in
our Constitution to change the name of our organization from CISS
(Comité International des Sports des Sourds) to DEAFLYMPICS, pending
approval of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Then, in the summer of 2005, the IOC reminded us that their permission
to use "Deaflympics" only applied as a substitute for "World Games for
the Deaf" and that we could not use it in any other way. We were
unable to persuade them to change this so we had to change our name
back to CISS.
However, since our organization is incorporated with a home office in
the United States (USA), our name must be in English, so we now use
the English translation of CISS. This is similar to the case of the
IOC which is also known as the CIO. Our legal name is now
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) in English and
also Comité International des Sports des Sourds (CISS) in French.
We hope that this explanation removes all confusion. Nothing has
changed except that our name has gone back to ICSD/CISS. We hope that
at some future date, the IOC/CIO will be more flexible in allowing us
greater use of the term "Deaflympics".
Jerald M. Jordan
Chairman,
Legal Commission
The above announcement apparently appeared following this Ombudsman's
latest March 27, 2006 Press Release, in which the issue of an acronym
change for the International Committee of Sports for Deaf such as
ICSD was raised and questioned
www.deafsportlawsuit.com/update94.htm
Mr. Jordan's announcement is perceived as his another sophisticated
and masterful act to cover up his new wrongdoing or new rule
violation/s inside the still-messy and disorganized structure of the
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf.
There are four different statements made by Mr. Jordan, which this
Ombudsman views as questionable, inaccurate and untruthful ones.
First, Mr..Jordan states that "at the Melbourne Congress in January
2005, many changes were passed in our Constitution to change the name
of our organization from CISS ( Comite International des Sports des
Sourds ) to DEAFLYMPICS, pending approval of the International Olympic
Committee ( IOC )."
Ombudsman's rebuttal and questions:
See a historic photo (in the photo album) taken at the floor of the
last, 39th CISS Congress, in which a smiling Mr. Jordan, standing up
along with his cronies Ms. Ammons and Mr. Sondergaard and holding up a
wrapped CISS flag, managed to arrange a propaganda showcase - "a
funeral" session for the acronym of CISS. That is, the CISS and its
green-blue-yellow flag have now become obsolete and that the "CISS
flag is being taken to the Museum" ( source: Minutes Report of the
39th CISS Congress ). Argumentatively, if this name change -
DEAFLYMPICS - was "pending approval of the International Olympic
Committee ( IOC )," as Mr. Jordan stated, then why and for what
purpose did Mr. Jordan himself hurriedly arrange and participate in
"a funeral" of the name of CISS and its flag at the very floor
premises of the 39th CISS Congress in Melbourne on January 4, 2005?
Because the IOC had not yet approved or disapproved the name change -
Deaflympics, was it wise, necessary and obligatory for Mr. Jordan to
organize the most obnoxious event in organization's 82 year-old
history - the "funeral" of the CISS and its flag on January 4, 2005,
was not it?
Second, Mr. Jordan makes another statement such as, "however, since
our organization is incorporated with a home office in the United
States ( USA ), our name must be in English, so now we use the English
translation of CISS."
Ombudsman's rebuttal and questions:
How and under whose orders could the relocation of the organization
to the USA be officially and properly done if this organization
established its home office in this country in 2001 illegally, that
is, in violation of its own CISS Constitution rules 7. 2, 9.2.7 and
9.2.7.10 ( previously known as CISS Constitution rules 8.2, 10.2.7
and 10.2.7.11 )? The fact remains that Mr. Jordan as the Chair of the
Legal Commission allowed to set up the CISS Home Office in the USA
without advance knowledge, consent and approval of the CISS Congress,
which is the supreme governing body of the organization. Mr. Jordan
also ignored the fact that by 2001 the USADSF did not ( and still
has not ) meet its financial debts before the CISS Treasury in full.
In addition, Mr. Jordan evaded to explain whether the USA Trademark
and Patent Office requires the organization to have its
organization's acronym - such as ICSD - in English. Could Mr. Jordan
post up in a website a scanned document from the USA Trademark and
Patent Office by supporting his claim that an English acronym is
required for the organization, etcetera? In any case, this Ombudsman's
steadfast position has been that before officially
incorporating organizaton's new home office in the USA, first and
foremost the USADSF must fully comply with all CISS Constitution
rules, then the CISS Congress delegates must debate and vote on
whether to accept the USA as a new home for its organization's office.
Third, Mr. Jordan goes further by stating that "our legal name is now
International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD ) and also
Comite International des Sports des Sourds ( CISS ) in French."
Ombudsman's rebuttal and questions:
There is no problem with the three wording items - International
Committee of Sports for the Deaf, Comite International des Sports des
Sourds and CISS since all these three names knowingly received
attention, blessings and approvals of the delegates at various CISS
Congresses before. However, the newest wording item in question is
ICSD. Who did give Mr. Jordan the right to use an acronym such as
ICSD? Did the delegates of the last CISS Congress in 2005 ever
propose, debate and vote on such an acronym - ICSD, did not they?
Fourth, Mr. Jordan concludes that "nothing has changed except that our
name has gone back to ICSD/CISS."
Ombudsman's rebuttal and question:
Now note the three differing and confusing versions.
1) On its March 11, 2006 USADSF e-Newsletter release in www.usadsf.org
there is a headline APPLY FOR 2007 US CURLING TEAM, which refers the
statement such as "per regulation of the International Committee of
Sports for the Deaf ( ICSD, formerly CISS )" ( note the three words
"ICSD, formerly CISS" );
2) On March 26, 2006, this Ombudsman attended the celebratory luncheon
in honor of the 100 year anniversary of the Gallaudet University
Alumni Association New York Metropolitan Chapter, in which he met and
conversed with one high-ranking Gallaudet University official who has
close links to Mr. Jordan and Ms. Ammons. That official, in the
presence of many luncheon attendees, informed this Ombudsman that
the acronym of CISS is no longer in use and that, instead, the
organization is now officially and briefly called as ICSD;
3) Now, Mr. Jordan brings up in his announcement the other and new
acronym - a joint one - ICSD/CISS.
Who did present the right version: the USADSF website or Gallaudet
official or Mr. Jordan?
Again, Mr. Jordan chose not to explain in his announcement as to who
did give him the right to use the new joint acronym - ICSD/CISS - and
why such an acronym is being now used in spite of the fact that this
was not proposed, debated and voted at the last Congress in 2005 yet?
Introduction of a new acronym - ICSD/CISS - into light is another
violation of the CISS Constitution rules because the issue of this new
acronym was never brought up in front of the Congress for debate and
approval yet! Moreover, since Mr. Jordan, a slow learner in the
international sports administration matters, was the one who publicly
"buried" the CISS acronym and flag on January 4, 2005, it was again
him who, strangely and amazingly, resurrected or brought back into
existence the wording such as "CISS" recently!
Although Mr. Jordan's statements were vaguely-worded and unspecific,
it is this Ombudsman's opinion that Mr. Jordan, a sly manipulator and
skillful Gestuno orator in the CISS politics, failed, on the whole, to
clarify the still ongoing and highly-questionable status of an ICSD
acronym.
The April 6, 2006 announcement by Mr. Jordan is clearly viewed as his
another new tactic of deception in most recent times.
Several months ago, for example, Mr. Jordan adamantly denied his role
in the 2005 CISS Congress election procedure, in which over 270 votes
were missing or went unused.
For details, visit
www.deafsportlawsuit.com/update82.htm
http://www.deafbase.com/article-print-1141.html
Because of Mr. Jordan's inept, unintelligent, imprudent and not
prophetic handling of the issue of organization's name change, our
world - deaf and non-deaf - is still in a state of confusion or
misunderstanding, that is, many people and organizations do still use
the four different names - CISS, ICSD, ICSD/CISS and Deaflympics - in
identifying one and same organization called International Committee
of Sports for the Deaf.
P.S. It is this Ombudsman's sincerest hope that National Deaf Sports
Associations - Nation Members of the CISS, including Liga Portuguesa
de Desporto para Surdos ( LPDS ), after reading this relevant Press
Release, will bring up a proposal motion about the appropriate and
official acronym use of the organization to the floor of the coming
40th CISS Congress in 2007.
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 3/3 >
For deaf Kelso junior, life's a quiet drive
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2006/04/14/sports/news06.txt
Deaf people´s place of fun
http://english.cctv.com/program/cultureexpress/20060414/102421.shtml
Highland Crest offers services for the deaf
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/GPG0406/\
604150497/1886/GPGlife
Disabled man laid off without notice
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Tuesday/Hotline/20060418101841/Article/i\
ndex_html
Disabled People Get Strategic Push
http://www.planetpowai.com/news%5C16042006002.html
New club focuses on sign language
http://www.athensnews.com/issue/article.php3?story_id=24171
BNP propopes 'British Sign Language' lessons
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=2&newsID=4854
Speech therapist using sign to help kids learn to speak
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16491454&BRD=1282&PAG=461&dept_id=1821\
21&rfi=6
Library offers poetry, infant sign language programs
http://www.md-times.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=12697&format=html
Parliament to hear sign language bill
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411368/695913
BE Hosts Closed-Caption, 4 Channel HD Radio [Stand No N1808]
http://www.broadcastbuyer.tv/publish/article_7494.shtml
New voting machines focus of Rotary meeting
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060418/NEWS01/604180\
329/1001/NEWS
-------------< DEAF FRIENDLY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES >
Begin your journey toward self-sufficiency by becoming a Discovery
Toys consultant! Discovery Toys focuses on learning through play,
with products specifically designed to maximize learning moments, has
proven to be a success as the company has now witnessed an entire
generation grow up with Discovery Toys. Many parents and their adult
children credit DISCOVERY TOYS® products with helping them to develop
core skills and self-esteem, which contributed to their later life
accomplishments and success as adults. Beth Koenig is your Discovery
Toys consultant. Her Discovery Toys website is at
Http://www.discoverthetoys.net and this is a great business
opportunity for people disabilities. Discovery Toys is one of our
supported activities through our Community Business Enterprise Program.
-------------< LETTERS >
I dont like to see anyone who's troublemaker or using someone's name
to make that person look bad while it's not true. Oh my! What kind
of person is that? Sicko! Mentally sick! That person must be
jealous of u for some reasons and is not happy with that person's
life. That person really needs to be taught what is the difference
between sicko (mentally sick) and christ-like person. Oh my! That
person sure knew how to make u look bad. I really never like that
kind of person. Yes I understand that that person really needs to be
taught about what the difference between sicko & christ-like person.
Oh my! I was in a shock. That person sure knew how to make me
believe that person's news or story! Snap that person for being bad
to make me believe that person's news or story! Glad that it's not
true that u were never that bad like that. :-) Oh that person! Snap
that person!
That person needs to be told that that person was doing very horrible
to make u look bad. I really like to meet that person and I would
love to be the one who teaches that person the difference between
mentally sick & christ-like person. Oh my!
It's very sad to see that that person used ur name to make u look
bad. Oh no! Sorry to see that there's one of so many mentally sick
ppl here. Yes I've seen sooooo many mentally sick ppl. When I see
that they were mentally sick, I usually tell them the difference
between mentally sick & christ-like ppl. Ah. :-) Sorry about bad
news that that person is mentally sick for using ur name to make u
look bad. Oh my!
Rayline Dean
-------------< EPILOG >
If you wish to contribute to this newsletter, feel free to send in
news, stories, and opinions relating to the disability community. Your
support in this effort to move the disability community forward will
be greatly appreciated. We will continue to aggressively pursue
justice, fairness, and equality for the disability community as it has
been doing since November 1996. We have chosen
that EDUCATION is the best way to accomplish this objective.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is a community based
organization that puts people with disabilities first in their
advocacy for equal opportunities in safety, health, and productive living.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center provides services for disabled
individuals and their families in our community who need help in
navigating the social services maze. Every day people go without
proper food, shelter, and essential medical care every day due to a
variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries, illness,
age, domestic violence, or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to
hard times, disabled individuals are at the most risk. With the
generous support of people like you, we are able to help many of these
families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but
to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training,
education, counseling, elderly assistance, and temporary housing.
Feel free to forward this email message to anyone and any of your
personal mailing lists so we can get the important messages out far
and wide and encourage them to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
DISCLAIMER: The OCDAC Newsletter is designed to share information of
interest to people with disabilities, their friends, associates, and
relatives and promote advocacy in the disability community.
Information circulated does not necessarily express the views of The
Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The OCDAC Newsletter is
non-partisan. OCDAC Newsletter does not sell advertising space.
To subscribe to this newsletter go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ or send a blank email
to [email protected]
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
OCDAC Newsletter April 14, 2006
Dear Friends,
Whew! The editor had to weather 2 episodes of malicious
rumormongering last week alone. One was a malicious email message
formed out of a CNN article and another was a libelous website on an
angelfire.com . And someone threw a brick through his living room
window. Someone is trying hard to intimidate him. He and the Orange
County Deaf Advocacy Center will not be intimidated. He believes the
imps from the old deaf guard are responsible for the annoyances.
Donations to help with the costs of replacing the window ($45.00 - not
tax deductible) would be appreciated and our fundraising within the
deaf communities has been impacted and would appreciated donations as
well.
It's a sad thing that the deaf community members are being subjected
to ridicule as we're seeing judges shout at deaf people in the
courtrooms. Its like if they have no gist or idea of reasonable
accommodations to deaf people. You can really see a video of Judge
Ralph Eriksson shouting in his bench and it is very offensive and the
deaf community demands an apology to Judge Ralph Eriksson's reckless
behavior in the color of law. It's a mockery of our disability. The
use of C.A.R.T. in this particular situation would be a reasonable
accommodation. The link to this story is in the outside news section.
We have finally developed our new deaf awareness activity coloring
booklets that teaches people about deafness, what people are doing
about it, their special equipment, finger spelling and some sign
language. We are very excited that this new product will help people
learn and understand more about deafness. This development has been
glorified with a gift from a nearby law firm of a working Xerox 5320
copy machine which is a wonderful addition to our educational arsenal.
We have a service animal awareness and fundraising booth at the Pet
Expo event in the Orange County Fairgrounds April 21-23. Next Week.
Our booth will be in the same place as last year. for more information
about the Pet Expo go to our website and click on the3 events section.
Don't forget this coming Saturday we have our SSP training workshop in
the classroom. April 15, 2006 - 12 noon - 5pm - Room 102 - $20.00 fee
- RSVP required [email protected] .
Don't forget DeafNation Expo is coming up in less than 3 weeks!
DeafNation Expo is a gathering of deaf and their friends, relatives,
associates, related trades and businesses, organizations. There
will be a lot of chatting, booths, and entertainment. The DeafNation
Expo flyer is at
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/events/DNEXPO2006Flyer_Pomona.pdf and it
is FREE ADMISSION event and if you're in the Southland, you would
enjoy a day with us at this event. Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center
will have an educational booth there.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is having it's first annual
walk-a-thon on May 20th 2006 at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley,
California. To find out more or to sponsor one of our walkers go to
http://ocdac.choose-a-thon.com/ To walk in the event go to
http://ocdac.choose-a-thon.com/site/page/pg3990-aa93314_93826_93313-
or email [email protected] with your full name and email address.
There is an interesting poster delveloped and distributed by ADAPT (
http://www.adapt.org/freeourpeople/download/wanted-aj.pdf
) due to HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson allegedly being insensitive
to people with disabilities in subsidizing housing. Interestingly the
National Disability Rights Network has "major concerns" that this
unintentionally could incite threats or harm to the Secretary. "If
the intended audience is distracted by the tactics used to promote the
message, the message itself may not be heard." says Kathleen H.
McGinley Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy of the National
Disability Rights Network. ADAPT is demanding an apology from National
Disability Rights Network for that kind of remark.
Our new ASL classes start in May. Our class fees are much much cheaper
than what is being publicized in the Deaf California News mailing
list. Please take a look at our ASL Class flyer and tell your
friends, associates, and relatives about it.
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/education/flyers/aslclass.pdf
Macy's Community Shopping Day 2006, an in-store shopping event and
fundraiser for charities in the Orange County community, will be held
on May 12, 2006 at Macy's South Coast Plaza. We have 200 tickets to
sell. We need to sell at least 100 of the tickets at $10 each. And
we'll need at least 5 or more volunteers on hand as well. Besides a
good operation at Macy's Community Shopping Day would be as good as a
decent birthday gift to the editor from our communities. The money
will be used for operating expenses and the fees for our Orange County
fair fundraiser stand which is expected to be around $900 plus the
cost of insurance. We need to sell 30 more tickets to qualify for the
share of the pot.
OCDAC Communications
[email protected]
-------------< INSIDE NEWS >
With our subscribership from the international communities increasing
at a steady pace, we wish to make this newsletter accessible to them
and the easiest way to accomplish this is by directing them to
http://www.babelfish.altavista.com/ and entering
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ in the website
translation box and the babelfish will help our international
subscribers become strong advocates for the deaf and disability
communities.
We are putting together a fantastic golf tournament at a golf course
near our office and the date would be for this fantastic event is
Friday September 22, 2006 and we will have a fantastic game, food, and
prizes for all players. We are also putting together a walk-a-thon
fundraiser event to take place on May 20, 2006 at the Mile Square Park.
We have began on our giant Orange County Fair educational booth
planning for this upcoming summer. This year's theme is 'Flower Power'
and its a retro theme. We have submitted the application for our
fundraiser booth. Your prayers are needed to help the fair management
be considerate and allow us conduct fundraising as they know that the
good results will be put into good use to advance positive
relationships between the deaf and the hearing communities.
This weekly newsletter will soon be available in print form to be
mailed out each week. The price is going to be $90 per year for the
print version and the price is highly reasonable due to it's very rich
deaf and disability advocacy content and very little advertising. This
still beats out the other deaf print news. They will also be available
in other alternative formats like floppies, and in large print for
people with vision impairments.
We have started a Campbell's product label collection campaign to help
us raise the means to get supplies for our office Start saving your
campbells product labels today and mail them to us on the first week
of each month. We have aproximately 1050 subscribers and if each one
of them accumulates and sends us 900-1000 labels a month, we'd be able
to get lots of new equipment for our office and internal and external
education programs! Lets get those labels coming, the program ends in
June. Our big thanks to those who sent in their labels.
Drastic Social Security rule changes for Title II Old Age, Survivors,
and Disability Insurance and SSI programs renews our calls for
self-reliance ideas for organizations who serve the deaf and disabled
and our very own idea, our California Disability Gaming Initiative
idea and that can be found at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/cdgicinfo.pdf is an idea that
works for Native Americans. Why shouldn't it work for the Disability
communities? The proposed Social Security rules will limit appeals
and create a new process that is less about truth-seeking and more
hostile to applicants.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Take a look at our new magazine fundraiser and this is one of the ways
you can help us do the good work for the deaf and disabled communities.
The URL is http://www.magfundraising.com/GroupPage.aspx?e=788159
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 1/3 >
Judge Shouts In Court, Hearing Impaired Man Sent To Jail
http://www.wftv.com/news/8651272/detail.html
Deaf, Perhaps, But Not Mute
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70585-0.html?tw=wn_technology_1
Deaf awareness open house scheduled
http://www.lrc.edu/news/Releases/2006/Apr-14/Openhouse-deaf.htm
USM gears up for third Maine Deaf Film Festival
http://entertainment.mainetoday.com/variety/060413deaf.shtml
Teaching the deaf and mute to dance!
http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=xtras&subsection=bombayfirst\
&xfile=April2006_extraspecial_standard656&child=extraspecial
Greenfield apartments for deaf seniors model for others
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2006/04/10/story8.html
A handy tool for the hearing impaired
http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/29/stories/2006032919990200.htm
Sound of silence
http://www.thepresstribune.com/articles/2006/04/13/sports/local_sports/01soccer.\
txt
Disabled Rights Group writes to PM
http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/14/stories/2006041420802200.htm
Disabled Workers Suffer From Low Wages
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200604/kt2006041319265211990.htm
Charity shows its commitment to disabled
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/titlesites2/detail.asp?storyid=926&catid=News&off\
iceid=1
Paraplegic sets example for other disabled veterans
http://www.dcmilitary.com/navy/tester/11_15/features/40708-1.html
Disabled scheme boost
http://www.chichester.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=448&ArticleID=1439586
-------------< CALIFORNIA DEAFIE HAPPENINGS >
COME TO OUR MEETUPS!
The Orange County American Sign Language Meetup Group -
http://asl.meetup.com/37/ - and the he Orange County Deaf & Hearing
Impaired Meetup Group http://deaf.meetup.com/38/ meets each 3rd
Fridays of the month.
Come to our meetup on Friday April 21, 2006.
The Orange County American Sign Language & Orange County Deaf &
Hearing Impaired December Green Meetup.
When:
Friday, April 21, 7:00 PM
Where:
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
17595 Harvard Ave #B
Irvine, CA
(949) 660-1332
What:
Meet the 2 meetups!
Beginning May a $2.00 donation suggested per person to help us cover
the costs of the meetup membership program. If you give us a $5.00
donation instead, we'll give you an "I Love You" Handsign Stamp
commemorative pin!
We have been considering using our office, especially the classroom,
for our meetups and we have the means to offer snacks for a small
donation to the people that come to the meetups hosted by our office.
The food table will have cold drinks, danish pastry, popcorn, veggies
and dip, chips and dip, flavored coffees, and hot chocolate.
===================================
ASL BINGO!
Come learn ASL while playing bingo!
AT THE OCDAC CLASSROOM
May 27, 2006
4pm to 7pm
$1 per card per game – 7 cards for $5
Great Prizes! Players must be at least 18 years of age.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT ORANGE COUNTY DEAF ADVOCACY CENTER
For more info contact [email protected]
===================================
Our SSP classes are less taxing to the community.
Our next SSP training class is on April 15, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
This is for people interested in working with the Deaf-Blind. The
class will take place in our classroom at 2960 Main Street A102 ,
Irvine, CA 92614
There is a fee of $20 for this 5 hour workshop as we have to pay for
the room use and printing of the handbook and other materials.
This class is required to work with our Deaf-Blind clients. Please
contact me with any questions.
Beth Koenig
[email protected]
(714) 414-7982
===================================
DEAF SEMINAR SATURDAYS
We are having two 2 hour FREE educational seminars to our community
members.
Disaster preparedness
May 27, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Getting the most from your Sidekick
June 24, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Healthy Hands and Eyes workshop
August 26, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Dealing with creditors
September 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf motorist safety
October 28, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf employment rights
November 25, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Safety at home
December 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Classes take place at the OCDAC classroom. RSVP is required and 8
students maximum per class. Reply back with reservation choices. And
the seminars are always FREE.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Even though most of us working on computers only work on one, the
average American depends on more than 264 computers per day—from the
tiniest microprocessor to the largest mainframe! That is a lot of
people depending on a lot of computers! Think of how much money could
go to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center if 264 supporters bought
one computer each at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where up to 26% of every
purchase is donated to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center! At
www.iGive.com/ocdac, membership is free! So hurry up and visit the
Mall at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where you can shop at 600+ stores for all
your favorite electronics and computers from Dell, HP Shopping, Buy,
Computers4SURE, The Apple Store, SONY, and Gateway!
-------------< DEAF GRAPEVINE >
Gally President Watch at http://www.gallypreswatch.com/
This Gally President Watch forum is very interesting! Here are clips
from the website's introduction.
"Dr. I. King Jordan, the current president of Gallaudet University,
has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2006. " ...
"Thus an important chapter comes to end for the University, and with
it a new beginning. But whether there will be the same fanfare is
unlikely. " ... "The University has constituted a search committee
(http://pr.gallaudet.edu/presidentialsearch/) and to them we leave the
task of actual screening and selection." ... " This forum is of
course also open to those who are not alumni. " ... "This site
aspires to be an alternative to whisperings in school hallways
(especially at Gallaudet), conferring in the nighttime in dimly lit
living rooms, and showering with tortured sentiments of anxiety and
horror. "
The site is all yours!
-------------< BULLETIN >
Budget Deal in House Collapses
Good news this! Leaders in the House acknowledged last night they do
not have the votes to pass their Fiscal 2007 budget resolution.
The deal fell apart when moderate Republicans demanded more
discretionary funding, conservatives wanted more assurances about
changes to the budget process to limit future spending, and
appropriators became concerned that budget process changes would limit
their power.
Majority Leader Boehner may try to revive a deal after the two-week
recess, but it won't be easy.
The House budget resolution is $10 billion below the level needed to
maintain current services and does not include the funds necessary to
extend TMA or fill in the next year's SCHIP shortfall. In addition,
the resolution includes reconciliation instructions requiring
committees to cut $6.7 billion. The Ways and Means Committee is
instructed to cut $4 billion from programs under its jurisdiction.
Budget Chairman Nussle has said Medicare is not the target of this
cut. However, the Ways and Means Committee has the power to determine
how those cuts will be made.
What happens if there is no resolution? There is no legal requirement
Congress have a budget resolution. Without one, by mid-May the House
and the Senate will vote on a "deeming resolution" that will simply
set the overall discretionary amount. (The House and Senate may differ
on that number). Then the appropriators will start working off that
number and begin passing bills. The same disagreements in play during
this week's budget struggle will resurface again in the fall at the
end of the appropriations process.
DIMENET Hot News Network
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Please visit our bookstore that has related books and different kinds
of assistive living devices at http://store.deafadvocacy.org
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 2/3 >
Funding cuts threaten deaf theater groups
http://arts.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1154862.php/Funding_cuts_threate\
n_deaf_theater_groups
Language and the law
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/04/13/1570297.htm
Verizon Wireless Offers New Plan For Deaf And Hearing-Impaired Customers
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=12655
Indiana Deaf players' smiles shine on diamond
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS02/604120540
Big event for deaf hockey players
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2006/04/12/1531123-sun.html
Hearing Impaired Smoke Alarms
http://www.waow.com/news/full_story.php?id=40145
A sign of God for the hearing impaired
http://www.timesunion.com/aspstories/story.asp?storyID=467939
Kaiser's access to disabled under fire
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_3705508
Jamaica to be disabled friendly
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060413/lead/lead7.html
Hospital charges disabled to park
http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.733307.0.hospital_c\
harges_disabled_to_park.php
Parents Claim Schools Staff Mistreated 7 Disabled Students
http://www.kirotv.com/education/8667353/detail.html
Kilpatrick urges fee for disabled bus riders
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/METRO/604130365/1003
-------------< ADVOCACY NEWS >
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer Receives Tony Coelho Award for Work in the
Area of Employment
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today received the
Tony Coelho Award for his work toward expanding job opportunities for
people with disabilities.
"I am honored to receive this distinguished award," Hoyer said. "This
July, it will be 16 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act
was signed into law. Over the years, there is no question that the ADA
has ushered in significant change, and we can be proud of its
accomplishments. However, one area that has not improved enough is
employment."
Hoyer noted that only thirty-two percent of people of working age who
have a disability are employed. As a result, three times as many
individuals with disabilities live in poverty as those without. "I
want to applaud the many private individuals and business leaders who
have worked so hard to reverse these disturbing trends," Hoyer said.
Hoyer said he remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling the
promise of the ADA and expanding opportunities wherever possible.
"With thousands of severely injured soldiers returning home from Iraq,
we have a special responsibility to assure that they will receive fair
treatment as they attempt to return to work and re-integrate
themselves into our communities," he said.
Hoyer expressed disappointment about the Bush administration's lack of
commitment to improving the employment picture for people with
disabilities. President Bush has proposed to cut funding for the
Office of Disability Employment Policy by 57% since FY 2005, and the
EEOC has documented troubling statistics about the number of people
with disabilities in the federal workforce. "Despite all the talk by
President Bush about his 'New Freedom Initiative,' the reality is that
we are losing ground in our national commitment to developing and
implementing strategies for employing people with disabilities."
"There is clearly still much work that remains to be done," Hoyer
added. "I want to assure my good friends in this fight that I remain
committed to this important cause."
The Tony Coelho Award was started by Joyce A. Bender, CEO of Bender
Consulting Services, Inc., in 2001 to recognize The Honorable Tony
Coelho for a life of work enabling people with disabilities to gain
competitive employment. As a former Congressman and author of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, Coelho went on to serve as Chairman
of The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
for eight years.
-------------< DEAF QUOTES >
"Now I love church, all of it," Betty Trimarchi of Temple Baptist
Church being accessible with interpreters.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Do you shop at Albertsons or Sav-on stores? You can get a free
community partners card at those stores and then add it to our list of
supporters. A percent of what you buy will go to helping our Deaf
youth program. If you already have a school or other program that you
are supporting, don't worry, you can add your card to support our
program too! There are two ways to add your card. You can email your
First and Last name with your phone number and community partners card
number to [email protected] or you can download and print our
Albertsons / Sav-on Community Partners signup forms at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/AlbertsonsSignup.pdf and have
your friends, neighbors, associates, and relatives sign up as
supporters and then mail the form to the address on the form. To reach
our funding goal we need 25,000 supporters who shop at Albertsons /
Sav-on. And remember to use your community partners card when you shop
at Albertsons or Sav-on.
-------------< COMMUNITY BULLHORN >
DeafCasting.com Provides One-Stop Source for Talent
Swansea, IL [April 12, 2006] – All too often, actors or actresses who
are deaf or hard of hearing have difficulty gaining access to casting
opportunities for different reasons, says Vikee Waltrip, the founder
of DeafCasting.com. "As an actress, I came to recognize the absence of
a valuable, centralized resource where producers, casting directors
and directors could come to seek out specific talent for roles of deaf
or hard of hearing characters."
From this realization emerged DeafCasting.com. The Web site, created
with the assistance of Davideo Productions CEO David H. Pierce and
artist/actor Chuck Baird, facilitates identification of actors who are
best suited to a role requiring specific skills, such as American Sign
Language fluency. Waltrip explains, "Our database includes people
involved with a variety of show business genres, including films,
television, theater, live entertainment, and non-broadcast video
productions."
Waltrip notes that a key element of DeafCasting.com is that all
contact information will remain strictly confidential. "The only time
contact information will ever be provided is when the talent – an
actor, for instance – has agreed to share it with a specific
individual or party. This is so important because of Internet privacy
and protection of information."
Web visitors who wish to contact performers in the database pay a
small fee to Deafcasting.com, minimizing the cost to actors and
actresses. Waltrip is quick to emphasize, though, that she is not an
agent. "I am in no way an agent or manager. The monies involved for
performances, contractual details and other factors of a role are
between the performer and the producer or sponsor. We only serve as a
starting point."
She adds, "DeafCasting.com is a service that is really critical. I've
seen firsthand how people look for performers for their production or
event and become frustrated that they can't find any. As a result,
they use the same performers again and again. This service will not
only provide a place for talents to be discovered and hired, but also
help ensure that hiring parties have a choice of diverse skills and
talents to accommodate their needs."
Performing groups or individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or
children of deaf adults (CODA) are encouraged to submit their pictures
and information at no charge until December 31, 2006. After that, a
small membership fee will apply. For more information, please visit
www.deafcasting.com or contact [email protected].
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 3/3 >
Tullow to host Irish Deaf soccer events
http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/news/story.asp?j=27719
Special gear helps deaf, blind communicate
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/living/health/14325485.htm
TREE ON DEAF-BLIND GROUP: REPORT SUBMITTED
http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200604101219-1042-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0&id\
=agionline-eng.oggitalia
Priest cleared of abuse charges: The Rev. Murphy will return to St.
Francis Xavier Church in Weymouth
http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2006/04/12/news/news01.txt
Hearing-impaired may drive soon
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20060414a7.html
Columbus Industries opens doors for hearing-impaired
http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&ArticleID=1\
23313&TM=33980.69
UTD professor awarded $1.3M for new hearing impaired technology
http://www.insidetxbiz.com/adminnm/templates/healthcare.asp?articleid=706&zoneid\
=8
High-tech Carson classroom helping hearing impaired students
http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4735422&nav=8faO
Visual, Hearing Impaired Kids Enjoy 'Circus Of Senses
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/entertainment/8514206/detail.html
County to buy 130 voting machines with disabled access
http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_3706149
Third-graders get insight into world of disabled
http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2006/0413/Schools/007.html
Best Buddies volunteer time with disabled
http://www.bsudailynews.com/media/storage/paper849/news/2006/04/13/News/Best-Bud\
dies.Volunteer.Time.With.Disabled-1847527.shtml?norewrite200604140144&sourcedoma\
in=www.bsudailynews.com
HCM City to give free bus tickets to disabled
http://www.vnagency.com.vn/NewsA.asp?LANGUAGE_ID=2&CATEGORY_ID=29&NEWS_ID=195026
Let's clear the hurdles for Scotland's disabled
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=566432006
-------------< DEAF FRIENDLY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES >
Begin your journey toward self-sufficiency by becoming a Discovery
Toys consultant! Discovery Toys focuses on learning through play,
with products specifically designed to maximize learning moments, has
proven to be a success as the company has now witnessed an entire
generation grow up with Discovery Toys. Many parents and their adult
children credit DISCOVERY TOYS® products with helping them to develop
core skills and self-esteem, which contributed to their later life
accomplishments and success as adults. Beth Koenig is your Discovery
Toys consultant. Her Discovery Toys website is at
Http://www.discoverthetoys.net and this is a great business
opportunity for people disabilities. Discovery Toys is one of our
supported activities through our Community Business Enterprise Program.
-------------< LETTERS >
(TO ADD A NOTE)
Last week's reply to the emergency freeway call box question has
prompted a friend who works at Cal-Trans to offer additional
information to our subscribers. And this information pertains to the
freeways inside Orange County.
"I read about your reply to your customer about Call Boxes. that is
good, I add this: For your information, Most call boxes will be
removed on FWY 22, 5 and some areas in 57, 55, 405. It is due to
major road construction and when it is near completion, new call boxes
with tty will be installed. It is
part of Caltran's normal process. North FWY 5 ( pass under huge
bridges of 91) will start its construction soon, there might be some
boxes remove too for a while."
Ron
ADAPT vs NDRN?
Dear Mr. Decker:
Though I know that NDRN is a professional organization with highly
paid lobbyists who drive DC policy, it would be refreshing if NDRN
folks would read the eligibility section of AAA (Who is Eligible for
AAA) before trashing a campaign to get more accessible, affordable
integrated housing. ADAPT has always promoted services that are based
on need not disability label. NDRN is wrong in their assertions about
the eligibility for AAA. It is for people in nursing home and OTHER
INSTITUTIONS. ADAPT different then many DC groups believes that the
identity politics and silo funding has harmed the delivery of
disability services in this country and pit disability groups against
each other. Our efforts in MFP and MiCASSA are just two legislative
efforts that prove our cross disability efforts. Real Choice grants
(a section from MiCASSA) are also cross-disability promoted by ADAPT.
ADAPT is a non-violent activist disability rights organization and
NDRN's suggestion that our "Wanted" poster might incite violence is
totally offensive. ADAPT demands that NDRN publicly apologize for
this irresponsible allusion that we are inciting violence. Yes we are
holding Secretary Jackson accountable for the lack of accessible,
affordable, integrated housing in this country however the "Wanted"
campaign is to get a meeting not to incite violence. Highly paid
professionals may not like ADAPT's "guerilla theater" but to make the
suggestion that free speech posters incite violence is outrageous.
After a decade of working together NDRN's slur is particularly offensive.
Again we demand a written apology from the NDRN BOD and you as
Executive Directer.
For an Institution and Barrier Free America,
The ADAPT Community
-------------< EPILOG >
If you wish to contribute to this newsletter, feel free to send in
news, stories, and opinions relating to the disability community. Your
support in this effort to move the disability community forward will
be greatly appreciated. We will continue to aggressively pursue
justice, fairness, and equality for the disability community as it has
been doing since November 1996. We have chosen
that EDUCATION is the best way to accomplish this objective.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is a community based
organization that puts people with disabilities first in their
advocacy for equal opportunities in safety, health, and productive living.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center provides services for disabled
individuals and their families in our community who need help in
navigating the social services maze. Every day people go without
proper food, shelter, and essential medical care every day due to a
variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries, illness,
age, domestic violence, or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to
hard times, disabled individuals are at the most risk. With the
generous support of people like you, we are able to help many of these
families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but
to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training,
education, counseling, elderly assistance, and temporary housing.
Feel free to forward this email message to anyone and any of your
personal mailing lists so we can get the important messages out far
and wide and encourage them to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
DISCLAIMER: The OCDAC Newsletter is designed to share information of
interest to people with disabilities, their friends, associates, and
relatives and promote advocacy in the disability community.
Information circulated does not necessarily express the views of The
Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The OCDAC Newsletter is
non-partisan. OCDAC Newsletter does not sell advertising space.
To subscribe to this newsletter go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ or send a blank email
to [email protected]
Whew! The editor had to weather 2 episodes of malicious
rumormongering last week alone. One was a malicious email message
formed out of a CNN article and another was a libelous website on an
angelfire.com . And someone threw a brick through his living room
window. Someone is trying hard to intimidate him. He and the Orange
County Deaf Advocacy Center will not be intimidated. He believes the
imps from the old deaf guard are responsible for the annoyances.
Donations to help with the costs of replacing the window ($45.00 - not
tax deductible) would be appreciated and our fundraising within the
deaf communities has been impacted and would appreciated donations as
well.
It's a sad thing that the deaf community members are being subjected
to ridicule as we're seeing judges shout at deaf people in the
courtrooms. Its like if they have no gist or idea of reasonable
accommodations to deaf people. You can really see a video of Judge
Ralph Eriksson shouting in his bench and it is very offensive and the
deaf community demands an apology to Judge Ralph Eriksson's reckless
behavior in the color of law. It's a mockery of our disability. The
use of C.A.R.T. in this particular situation would be a reasonable
accommodation. The link to this story is in the outside news section.
We have finally developed our new deaf awareness activity coloring
booklets that teaches people about deafness, what people are doing
about it, their special equipment, finger spelling and some sign
language. We are very excited that this new product will help people
learn and understand more about deafness. This development has been
glorified with a gift from a nearby law firm of a working Xerox 5320
copy machine which is a wonderful addition to our educational arsenal.
We have a service animal awareness and fundraising booth at the Pet
Expo event in the Orange County Fairgrounds April 21-23. Next Week.
Our booth will be in the same place as last year. for more information
about the Pet Expo go to our website and click on the3 events section.
Don't forget this coming Saturday we have our SSP training workshop in
the classroom. April 15, 2006 - 12 noon - 5pm - Room 102 - $20.00 fee
- RSVP required [email protected] .
Don't forget DeafNation Expo is coming up in less than 3 weeks!
DeafNation Expo is a gathering of deaf and their friends, relatives,
associates, related trades and businesses, organizations. There
will be a lot of chatting, booths, and entertainment. The DeafNation
Expo flyer is at
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/events/DNEXPO2006Flyer_Pomona.pdf and it
is FREE ADMISSION event and if you're in the Southland, you would
enjoy a day with us at this event. Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center
will have an educational booth there.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is having it's first annual
walk-a-thon on May 20th 2006 at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley,
California. To find out more or to sponsor one of our walkers go to
http://ocdac.choose-a-thon.com/ To walk in the event go to
http://ocdac.choose-a-thon.com/site/page/pg3990-aa93314_93826_93313-
or email [email protected] with your full name and email address.
There is an interesting poster delveloped and distributed by ADAPT (
http://www.adapt.org/freeourpeople/download/wanted-aj.pdf
) due to HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson allegedly being insensitive
to people with disabilities in subsidizing housing. Interestingly the
National Disability Rights Network has "major concerns" that this
unintentionally could incite threats or harm to the Secretary. "If
the intended audience is distracted by the tactics used to promote the
message, the message itself may not be heard." says Kathleen H.
McGinley Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy of the National
Disability Rights Network. ADAPT is demanding an apology from National
Disability Rights Network for that kind of remark.
Our new ASL classes start in May. Our class fees are much much cheaper
than what is being publicized in the Deaf California News mailing
list. Please take a look at our ASL Class flyer and tell your
friends, associates, and relatives about it.
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/education/flyers/aslclass.pdf
Macy's Community Shopping Day 2006, an in-store shopping event and
fundraiser for charities in the Orange County community, will be held
on May 12, 2006 at Macy's South Coast Plaza. We have 200 tickets to
sell. We need to sell at least 100 of the tickets at $10 each. And
we'll need at least 5 or more volunteers on hand as well. Besides a
good operation at Macy's Community Shopping Day would be as good as a
decent birthday gift to the editor from our communities. The money
will be used for operating expenses and the fees for our Orange County
fair fundraiser stand which is expected to be around $900 plus the
cost of insurance. We need to sell 30 more tickets to qualify for the
share of the pot.
OCDAC Communications
[email protected]
-------------< INSIDE NEWS >
With our subscribership from the international communities increasing
at a steady pace, we wish to make this newsletter accessible to them
and the easiest way to accomplish this is by directing them to
http://www.babelfish.altavista.com/ and entering
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ in the website
translation box and the babelfish will help our international
subscribers become strong advocates for the deaf and disability
communities.
We are putting together a fantastic golf tournament at a golf course
near our office and the date would be for this fantastic event is
Friday September 22, 2006 and we will have a fantastic game, food, and
prizes for all players. We are also putting together a walk-a-thon
fundraiser event to take place on May 20, 2006 at the Mile Square Park.
We have began on our giant Orange County Fair educational booth
planning for this upcoming summer. This year's theme is 'Flower Power'
and its a retro theme. We have submitted the application for our
fundraiser booth. Your prayers are needed to help the fair management
be considerate and allow us conduct fundraising as they know that the
good results will be put into good use to advance positive
relationships between the deaf and the hearing communities.
This weekly newsletter will soon be available in print form to be
mailed out each week. The price is going to be $90 per year for the
print version and the price is highly reasonable due to it's very rich
deaf and disability advocacy content and very little advertising. This
still beats out the other deaf print news. They will also be available
in other alternative formats like floppies, and in large print for
people with vision impairments.
We have started a Campbell's product label collection campaign to help
us raise the means to get supplies for our office Start saving your
campbells product labels today and mail them to us on the first week
of each month. We have aproximately 1050 subscribers and if each one
of them accumulates and sends us 900-1000 labels a month, we'd be able
to get lots of new equipment for our office and internal and external
education programs! Lets get those labels coming, the program ends in
June. Our big thanks to those who sent in their labels.
Drastic Social Security rule changes for Title II Old Age, Survivors,
and Disability Insurance and SSI programs renews our calls for
self-reliance ideas for organizations who serve the deaf and disabled
and our very own idea, our California Disability Gaming Initiative
idea and that can be found at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/cdgicinfo.pdf is an idea that
works for Native Americans. Why shouldn't it work for the Disability
communities? The proposed Social Security rules will limit appeals
and create a new process that is less about truth-seeking and more
hostile to applicants.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Take a look at our new magazine fundraiser and this is one of the ways
you can help us do the good work for the deaf and disabled communities.
The URL is http://www.magfundraising.com/GroupPage.aspx?e=788159
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 1/3 >
Judge Shouts In Court, Hearing Impaired Man Sent To Jail
http://www.wftv.com/news/8651272/detail.html
Deaf, Perhaps, But Not Mute
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,70585-0.html?tw=wn_technology_1
Deaf awareness open house scheduled
http://www.lrc.edu/news/Releases/2006/Apr-14/Openhouse-deaf.htm
USM gears up for third Maine Deaf Film Festival
http://entertainment.mainetoday.com/variety/060413deaf.shtml
Teaching the deaf and mute to dance!
http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=xtras&subsection=bombayfirst\
&xfile=April2006_extraspecial_standard656&child=extraspecial
Greenfield apartments for deaf seniors model for others
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2006/04/10/story8.html
A handy tool for the hearing impaired
http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/29/stories/2006032919990200.htm
Sound of silence
http://www.thepresstribune.com/articles/2006/04/13/sports/local_sports/01soccer.\
txt
Disabled Rights Group writes to PM
http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/14/stories/2006041420802200.htm
Disabled Workers Suffer From Low Wages
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200604/kt2006041319265211990.htm
Charity shows its commitment to disabled
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/titlesites2/detail.asp?storyid=926&catid=News&off\
iceid=1
Paraplegic sets example for other disabled veterans
http://www.dcmilitary.com/navy/tester/11_15/features/40708-1.html
Disabled scheme boost
http://www.chichester.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=448&ArticleID=1439586
-------------< CALIFORNIA DEAFIE HAPPENINGS >
COME TO OUR MEETUPS!
The Orange County American Sign Language Meetup Group -
http://asl.meetup.com/37/ - and the he Orange County Deaf & Hearing
Impaired Meetup Group http://deaf.meetup.com/38/ meets each 3rd
Fridays of the month.
Come to our meetup on Friday April 21, 2006.
The Orange County American Sign Language & Orange County Deaf &
Hearing Impaired December Green Meetup.
When:
Friday, April 21, 7:00 PM
Where:
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
17595 Harvard Ave #B
Irvine, CA
(949) 660-1332
What:
Meet the 2 meetups!
Beginning May a $2.00 donation suggested per person to help us cover
the costs of the meetup membership program. If you give us a $5.00
donation instead, we'll give you an "I Love You" Handsign Stamp
commemorative pin!
We have been considering using our office, especially the classroom,
for our meetups and we have the means to offer snacks for a small
donation to the people that come to the meetups hosted by our office.
The food table will have cold drinks, danish pastry, popcorn, veggies
and dip, chips and dip, flavored coffees, and hot chocolate.
===================================
ASL BINGO!
Come learn ASL while playing bingo!
AT THE OCDAC CLASSROOM
May 27, 2006
4pm to 7pm
$1 per card per game – 7 cards for $5
Great Prizes! Players must be at least 18 years of age.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT ORANGE COUNTY DEAF ADVOCACY CENTER
For more info contact [email protected]
===================================
Our SSP classes are less taxing to the community.
Our next SSP training class is on April 15, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
This is for people interested in working with the Deaf-Blind. The
class will take place in our classroom at 2960 Main Street A102 ,
Irvine, CA 92614
There is a fee of $20 for this 5 hour workshop as we have to pay for
the room use and printing of the handbook and other materials.
This class is required to work with our Deaf-Blind clients. Please
contact me with any questions.
Beth Koenig
[email protected]
(714) 414-7982
===================================
DEAF SEMINAR SATURDAYS
We are having two 2 hour FREE educational seminars to our community
members.
Disaster preparedness
May 27, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Getting the most from your Sidekick
June 24, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Healthy Hands and Eyes workshop
August 26, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Dealing with creditors
September 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf motorist safety
October 28, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf employment rights
November 25, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Safety at home
December 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Classes take place at the OCDAC classroom. RSVP is required and 8
students maximum per class. Reply back with reservation choices. And
the seminars are always FREE.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Even though most of us working on computers only work on one, the
average American depends on more than 264 computers per day—from the
tiniest microprocessor to the largest mainframe! That is a lot of
people depending on a lot of computers! Think of how much money could
go to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center if 264 supporters bought
one computer each at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where up to 26% of every
purchase is donated to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center! At
www.iGive.com/ocdac, membership is free! So hurry up and visit the
Mall at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where you can shop at 600+ stores for all
your favorite electronics and computers from Dell, HP Shopping, Buy,
Computers4SURE, The Apple Store, SONY, and Gateway!
-------------< DEAF GRAPEVINE >
Gally President Watch at http://www.gallypreswatch.com/
This Gally President Watch forum is very interesting! Here are clips
from the website's introduction.
"Dr. I. King Jordan, the current president of Gallaudet University,
has announced his retirement, effective December 31, 2006. " ...
"Thus an important chapter comes to end for the University, and with
it a new beginning. But whether there will be the same fanfare is
unlikely. " ... "The University has constituted a search committee
(http://pr.gallaudet.edu/presidentialsearch/) and to them we leave the
task of actual screening and selection." ... " This forum is of
course also open to those who are not alumni. " ... "This site
aspires to be an alternative to whisperings in school hallways
(especially at Gallaudet), conferring in the nighttime in dimly lit
living rooms, and showering with tortured sentiments of anxiety and
horror. "
The site is all yours!
-------------< BULLETIN >
Budget Deal in House Collapses
Good news this! Leaders in the House acknowledged last night they do
not have the votes to pass their Fiscal 2007 budget resolution.
The deal fell apart when moderate Republicans demanded more
discretionary funding, conservatives wanted more assurances about
changes to the budget process to limit future spending, and
appropriators became concerned that budget process changes would limit
their power.
Majority Leader Boehner may try to revive a deal after the two-week
recess, but it won't be easy.
The House budget resolution is $10 billion below the level needed to
maintain current services and does not include the funds necessary to
extend TMA or fill in the next year's SCHIP shortfall. In addition,
the resolution includes reconciliation instructions requiring
committees to cut $6.7 billion. The Ways and Means Committee is
instructed to cut $4 billion from programs under its jurisdiction.
Budget Chairman Nussle has said Medicare is not the target of this
cut. However, the Ways and Means Committee has the power to determine
how those cuts will be made.
What happens if there is no resolution? There is no legal requirement
Congress have a budget resolution. Without one, by mid-May the House
and the Senate will vote on a "deeming resolution" that will simply
set the overall discretionary amount. (The House and Senate may differ
on that number). Then the appropriators will start working off that
number and begin passing bills. The same disagreements in play during
this week's budget struggle will resurface again in the fall at the
end of the appropriations process.
DIMENET Hot News Network
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Please visit our bookstore that has related books and different kinds
of assistive living devices at http://store.deafadvocacy.org
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 2/3 >
Funding cuts threaten deaf theater groups
http://arts.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1154862.php/Funding_cuts_threate\
n_deaf_theater_groups
Language and the law
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/04/13/1570297.htm
Verizon Wireless Offers New Plan For Deaf And Hearing-Impaired Customers
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=12655
Indiana Deaf players' smiles shine on diamond
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS02/604120540
Big event for deaf hockey players
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2006/04/12/1531123-sun.html
Hearing Impaired Smoke Alarms
http://www.waow.com/news/full_story.php?id=40145
A sign of God for the hearing impaired
http://www.timesunion.com/aspstories/story.asp?storyID=467939
Kaiser's access to disabled under fire
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_3705508
Jamaica to be disabled friendly
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060413/lead/lead7.html
Hospital charges disabled to park
http://www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.733307.0.hospital_c\
harges_disabled_to_park.php
Parents Claim Schools Staff Mistreated 7 Disabled Students
http://www.kirotv.com/education/8667353/detail.html
Kilpatrick urges fee for disabled bus riders
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/METRO/604130365/1003
-------------< ADVOCACY NEWS >
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer Receives Tony Coelho Award for Work in the
Area of Employment
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today received the
Tony Coelho Award for his work toward expanding job opportunities for
people with disabilities.
"I am honored to receive this distinguished award," Hoyer said. "This
July, it will be 16 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act
was signed into law. Over the years, there is no question that the ADA
has ushered in significant change, and we can be proud of its
accomplishments. However, one area that has not improved enough is
employment."
Hoyer noted that only thirty-two percent of people of working age who
have a disability are employed. As a result, three times as many
individuals with disabilities live in poverty as those without. "I
want to applaud the many private individuals and business leaders who
have worked so hard to reverse these disturbing trends," Hoyer said.
Hoyer said he remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling the
promise of the ADA and expanding opportunities wherever possible.
"With thousands of severely injured soldiers returning home from Iraq,
we have a special responsibility to assure that they will receive fair
treatment as they attempt to return to work and re-integrate
themselves into our communities," he said.
Hoyer expressed disappointment about the Bush administration's lack of
commitment to improving the employment picture for people with
disabilities. President Bush has proposed to cut funding for the
Office of Disability Employment Policy by 57% since FY 2005, and the
EEOC has documented troubling statistics about the number of people
with disabilities in the federal workforce. "Despite all the talk by
President Bush about his 'New Freedom Initiative,' the reality is that
we are losing ground in our national commitment to developing and
implementing strategies for employing people with disabilities."
"There is clearly still much work that remains to be done," Hoyer
added. "I want to assure my good friends in this fight that I remain
committed to this important cause."
The Tony Coelho Award was started by Joyce A. Bender, CEO of Bender
Consulting Services, Inc., in 2001 to recognize The Honorable Tony
Coelho for a life of work enabling people with disabilities to gain
competitive employment. As a former Congressman and author of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, Coelho went on to serve as Chairman
of The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities
for eight years.
-------------< DEAF QUOTES >
"Now I love church, all of it," Betty Trimarchi of Temple Baptist
Church being accessible with interpreters.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Do you shop at Albertsons or Sav-on stores? You can get a free
community partners card at those stores and then add it to our list of
supporters. A percent of what you buy will go to helping our Deaf
youth program. If you already have a school or other program that you
are supporting, don't worry, you can add your card to support our
program too! There are two ways to add your card. You can email your
First and Last name with your phone number and community partners card
number to [email protected] or you can download and print our
Albertsons / Sav-on Community Partners signup forms at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/AlbertsonsSignup.pdf and have
your friends, neighbors, associates, and relatives sign up as
supporters and then mail the form to the address on the form. To reach
our funding goal we need 25,000 supporters who shop at Albertsons /
Sav-on. And remember to use your community partners card when you shop
at Albertsons or Sav-on.
-------------< COMMUNITY BULLHORN >
DeafCasting.com Provides One-Stop Source for Talent
Swansea, IL [April 12, 2006] – All too often, actors or actresses who
are deaf or hard of hearing have difficulty gaining access to casting
opportunities for different reasons, says Vikee Waltrip, the founder
of DeafCasting.com. "As an actress, I came to recognize the absence of
a valuable, centralized resource where producers, casting directors
and directors could come to seek out specific talent for roles of deaf
or hard of hearing characters."
From this realization emerged DeafCasting.com. The Web site, created
with the assistance of Davideo Productions CEO David H. Pierce and
artist/actor Chuck Baird, facilitates identification of actors who are
best suited to a role requiring specific skills, such as American Sign
Language fluency. Waltrip explains, "Our database includes people
involved with a variety of show business genres, including films,
television, theater, live entertainment, and non-broadcast video
productions."
Waltrip notes that a key element of DeafCasting.com is that all
contact information will remain strictly confidential. "The only time
contact information will ever be provided is when the talent – an
actor, for instance – has agreed to share it with a specific
individual or party. This is so important because of Internet privacy
and protection of information."
Web visitors who wish to contact performers in the database pay a
small fee to Deafcasting.com, minimizing the cost to actors and
actresses. Waltrip is quick to emphasize, though, that she is not an
agent. "I am in no way an agent or manager. The monies involved for
performances, contractual details and other factors of a role are
between the performer and the producer or sponsor. We only serve as a
starting point."
She adds, "DeafCasting.com is a service that is really critical. I've
seen firsthand how people look for performers for their production or
event and become frustrated that they can't find any. As a result,
they use the same performers again and again. This service will not
only provide a place for talents to be discovered and hired, but also
help ensure that hiring parties have a choice of diverse skills and
talents to accommodate their needs."
Performing groups or individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or
children of deaf adults (CODA) are encouraged to submit their pictures
and information at no charge until December 31, 2006. After that, a
small membership fee will apply. For more information, please visit
www.deafcasting.com or contact [email protected].
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 3/3 >
Tullow to host Irish Deaf soccer events
http://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/news/story.asp?j=27719
Special gear helps deaf, blind communicate
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/living/health/14325485.htm
TREE ON DEAF-BLIND GROUP: REPORT SUBMITTED
http://www.agi.it/english/news.pl?doc=200604101219-1042-RT1-CRO-0-NF11&page=0&id\
=agionline-eng.oggitalia
Priest cleared of abuse charges: The Rev. Murphy will return to St.
Francis Xavier Church in Weymouth
http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2006/04/12/news/news01.txt
Hearing-impaired may drive soon
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20060414a7.html
Columbus Industries opens doors for hearing-impaired
http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&ArticleID=1\
23313&TM=33980.69
UTD professor awarded $1.3M for new hearing impaired technology
http://www.insidetxbiz.com/adminnm/templates/healthcare.asp?articleid=706&zoneid\
=8
High-tech Carson classroom helping hearing impaired students
http://www.krnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4735422&nav=8faO
Visual, Hearing Impaired Kids Enjoy 'Circus Of Senses
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/entertainment/8514206/detail.html
County to buy 130 voting machines with disabled access
http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_3706149
Third-graders get insight into world of disabled
http://hub.gmnews.com/news/2006/0413/Schools/007.html
Best Buddies volunteer time with disabled
http://www.bsudailynews.com/media/storage/paper849/news/2006/04/13/News/Best-Bud\
dies.Volunteer.Time.With.Disabled-1847527.shtml?norewrite200604140144&sourcedoma\
in=www.bsudailynews.com
HCM City to give free bus tickets to disabled
http://www.vnagency.com.vn/NewsA.asp?LANGUAGE_ID=2&CATEGORY_ID=29&NEWS_ID=195026
Let's clear the hurdles for Scotland's disabled
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=566432006
-------------< DEAF FRIENDLY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES >
Begin your journey toward self-sufficiency by becoming a Discovery
Toys consultant! Discovery Toys focuses on learning through play,
with products specifically designed to maximize learning moments, has
proven to be a success as the company has now witnessed an entire
generation grow up with Discovery Toys. Many parents and their adult
children credit DISCOVERY TOYS® products with helping them to develop
core skills and self-esteem, which contributed to their later life
accomplishments and success as adults. Beth Koenig is your Discovery
Toys consultant. Her Discovery Toys website is at
Http://www.discoverthetoys.net and this is a great business
opportunity for people disabilities. Discovery Toys is one of our
supported activities through our Community Business Enterprise Program.
-------------< LETTERS >
(TO ADD A NOTE)
Last week's reply to the emergency freeway call box question has
prompted a friend who works at Cal-Trans to offer additional
information to our subscribers. And this information pertains to the
freeways inside Orange County.
"I read about your reply to your customer about Call Boxes. that is
good, I add this: For your information, Most call boxes will be
removed on FWY 22, 5 and some areas in 57, 55, 405. It is due to
major road construction and when it is near completion, new call boxes
with tty will be installed. It is
part of Caltran's normal process. North FWY 5 ( pass under huge
bridges of 91) will start its construction soon, there might be some
boxes remove too for a while."
Ron
ADAPT vs NDRN?
Dear Mr. Decker:
Though I know that NDRN is a professional organization with highly
paid lobbyists who drive DC policy, it would be refreshing if NDRN
folks would read the eligibility section of AAA (Who is Eligible for
AAA) before trashing a campaign to get more accessible, affordable
integrated housing. ADAPT has always promoted services that are based
on need not disability label. NDRN is wrong in their assertions about
the eligibility for AAA. It is for people in nursing home and OTHER
INSTITUTIONS. ADAPT different then many DC groups believes that the
identity politics and silo funding has harmed the delivery of
disability services in this country and pit disability groups against
each other. Our efforts in MFP and MiCASSA are just two legislative
efforts that prove our cross disability efforts. Real Choice grants
(a section from MiCASSA) are also cross-disability promoted by ADAPT.
ADAPT is a non-violent activist disability rights organization and
NDRN's suggestion that our "Wanted" poster might incite violence is
totally offensive. ADAPT demands that NDRN publicly apologize for
this irresponsible allusion that we are inciting violence. Yes we are
holding Secretary Jackson accountable for the lack of accessible,
affordable, integrated housing in this country however the "Wanted"
campaign is to get a meeting not to incite violence. Highly paid
professionals may not like ADAPT's "guerilla theater" but to make the
suggestion that free speech posters incite violence is outrageous.
After a decade of working together NDRN's slur is particularly offensive.
Again we demand a written apology from the NDRN BOD and you as
Executive Directer.
For an Institution and Barrier Free America,
The ADAPT Community
-------------< EPILOG >
If you wish to contribute to this newsletter, feel free to send in
news, stories, and opinions relating to the disability community. Your
support in this effort to move the disability community forward will
be greatly appreciated. We will continue to aggressively pursue
justice, fairness, and equality for the disability community as it has
been doing since November 1996. We have chosen
that EDUCATION is the best way to accomplish this objective.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is a community based
organization that puts people with disabilities first in their
advocacy for equal opportunities in safety, health, and productive living.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center provides services for disabled
individuals and their families in our community who need help in
navigating the social services maze. Every day people go without
proper food, shelter, and essential medical care every day due to a
variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries, illness,
age, domestic violence, or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to
hard times, disabled individuals are at the most risk. With the
generous support of people like you, we are able to help many of these
families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but
to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training,
education, counseling, elderly assistance, and temporary housing.
Feel free to forward this email message to anyone and any of your
personal mailing lists so we can get the important messages out far
and wide and encourage them to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
DISCLAIMER: The OCDAC Newsletter is designed to share information of
interest to people with disabilities, their friends, associates, and
relatives and promote advocacy in the disability community.
Information circulated does not necessarily express the views of The
Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The OCDAC Newsletter is
non-partisan. OCDAC Newsletter does not sell advertising space.
To subscribe to this newsletter go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ or send a blank email
to [email protected]
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
OCDAC Newsletter April 5, 2006
Dear Friends,
The South California Association of Deaf Blind had their Easter Party
last Saturday in Highland Park, California and the results were just
grand. Over 30 people came to chat, paint eggs, enjoy food and
drinks, raffle, and even sang birthday song to Chris and Flora. Photos
of this great event are in the newsletter's photo album.
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/photos/browse/c610
Our client service usage has almost doubled from last year as the
preliminary statistical reports are showing. This is why we have been
consuming more of our resources and dealing with increased operational
costs. We now have a trained and qualified volunteer in the office
late into the night to handle our clients that contact our office
while the management is resting in their homes.
We have been invited to do a fundraiser booth at the Family Day picnic
event in Rossmoor, California. This event takes place on may 7, 2006.
And I'm waiting for clarification on what we can sell there whether
it be food or merchandise.
We are seeing the positive results from our educational goodie bags
given away at the OC-Mixer event last month and we hope this will open
us to the possibility of doing this again at the LA-Mixer event thats
coming up this summer.
Our new ASL classes start in May. They will be taught by Arlynn
Tedder who has been an ASL tutor in Golden West College for over 20
years. Our class fees are much much cheaper than what is being
publicized in the Deaf California News mailing list. Please take a
look at our ASL Class flyer and tell your friends, associates, and
relatives about it.
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/education/flyers/aslclass.pdf
The grapevine section has interesting information for those who have
concerns over SSI and SSDI eligibility and determination changes that
have been on the table for implementation.
Macy's Community Shopping Day 2006, an in-store shopping event and
fundraiser for charities in the Orange County community, will be held
on May 12, 2006 at Macy's South Coast Plaza. We have 200 tickets to
sell. We need to sell at least 100 of the tickets at $10 each. And
we'll need at least 5 or more volunteers on hand as well. Besides a
good operation at Macy's Community Shopping Day would be as good as a
decent birthday gift to the editor from our communities.
This weekly newsletter will soon be available in print form to be
mailed out each week. The price is going to be $90 per year for the
print version and the price is highly reasonable due to it's very rich
deaf and disability advocacy content and very little advertising. Last
week we announced the incorrect price for it and our apologies for the
inconvenience. This still beats out the other deaf print news. They
will also be available in other alternative formats like floppies, and
in large print for people with vision impairments.
Beth has been working on the braille embosser and she has been able to
get the embosser to work with the computer and still meets minor
anomolies and she is upbeat she will be able to tackle the anomolies
soon and make this newsletter available in braille.
OCDAC Communications
[email protected]
-------------< INSIDE NEWS >
With our subscribership from the international communities increasing
at a steady pace, we wish to make this newsletter accessible to them
and the easiest way to accomplish this is by directing them to
http://www.babelfish.altavista.com/ and entering
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ in the website
translation box and the babelfish will help our international
subscribers become strong advocates for the deaf and disability
communities.
We are putting together a fantastic golf tournament at a golf course
near our office and the date would be for this fantastic event is
Friday September 22, 2006 and we will have a fantastic game, food, and
prizes for all players. We are also putting together a walk-a-thon
fundraiser event to take place on May 20, 2006 at the Mile Square Park.
We have began on our giant Orange County Fair educational booth
planning for this upcoming summer. This year's theme is 'Flower
Power' and its a retro theme. We have submitted the application for
our fundraiser booth. Your prayers are needed to help the fair
management be considerate and allow us conduct fundraising as they
know that the good results will be put into good use to advance
positive relationships between the deaf and the hearing communities.
We have started a Campbell's product label collection campaign to help
us raise the means to get supplies for our office Start saving your
campbells product labels today and mail them to us on the first week
of each month. We have aproximately 1050 subscribers and if each one
of them accumulates and sends us 900-1000 labels a month, we'd be able
to get lots of new equipment for our office and internal and external
education programs! Lets get those labels coming, the program ends in
June. Our big thanks to those who sent in their labels.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Take a look at our new magazine fundraiser and this is one of the ways
you can help us do the good work for the deaf and disabled communities.
The URL is http://www.magfundraising.com/GroupPage.aspx?e=788159
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 1/3 >
Shared secrets reveal much suffering in silence
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=410863&date=3/25/2006
RIAA Sues Deaf Woman For Downloading Music
http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=18665
National Deaf Poker Tour A Reality
http://www.pokernews.com/news/2006/3/national-deaf-poker-tour.htm
Deaf youngsters at your service
http://www.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.72043\
7.0.deaf_youngsters_at_your_service.php
Deaf, blind schooling costs get scrutiny
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/114386551650910.xm\
l&coll=7
New Miss Deaf Texas crowned
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/040306kvuemissdeaftx-cb.8ade0f0d.html
Visual smoke detectors needed to help hearing impaired
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layou\
t/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1141426213526&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=111287\
6262536
Hearing-impaired program director nearing retirement
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/030906/tp9ch4.htm?date=030906&story=tp9ch\
4.htm
Disabled man left to struggle at rubbish tip
http://www.chichestertoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=452&ArticleID=14091\
89
Jobs proposal to help disabled
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=139921&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29015
Health Net Hosts Disabled Veterans Ski Event at Annual Winter Sports
Clinic in Colorado
http://finanzen.net/news/news_detail.asp?NewsNr=386020
Klang Council ready to cancel parking compounds received by disabled
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Tuesday/NewsBreak/20060404170714/Article/\
index_html
-------------< CALIFORNIA DEAFIE HAPPENINGS >
COME TO OUR MEETUPS!
The Orange County American Sign Language Meetup Group -
http://asl.meetup.com/37/ - and the he Orange County Deaf & Hearing
Impaired Meetup Group http://deaf.meetup.com/38/ meets each 3rd
Fridays of the month.
Come to our meetup on Friday April 21, 2006.
The Orange County American Sign Language & Orange County Deaf &
Hearing Impaired December Green Meetup
When:
Friday, March 21, 7:00 PM
Where:
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
17595 Harvard Ave #B
Irvine, CA
(949) 660-1332
What:
Meet the 2 meetups!
A $2.00 donation suggested per person to help us cover the costs of
the meetup membership program. If you give us a $5.00 donation
instead, we'll give you an "I Love You" Handsign Stamp commemorative pin!
We have been considering using our office, especially the classroom,
for our meetups and we have the means to offer snacks for a small
donation to the people that come to the meetups hosted by our office.
The food table will have cold drinks, danish pastry, popcorn, veggies
and dip, chips and dip, flavored coffees, and hot chocolate.
===================================
ASL BINGO!
Come learn ASL while playing bingo!
AT THE OCDAC CLASSROOM
May 27, 2006
4pm to 7pm
$1 per card per game – 7 cards for $5
Great Prizes! Players must be at least 18 years of age.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT ORANGE COUNTY DEAF ADVOCACY CENTER
For more info contact [email protected]
===================================
Our SSP classes are less taxing to the community.
Our next SSP training class is on April 15, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
This is for people interested in working with the Deaf-Blind. The
class will take place in our classroom at 2960 Main Street A102 ,
Irvine, CA 92614
There is a fee of $20 for this 5 hour workshop as we have to pay for
the room use and printing of the handbook and other materials.
This class is required to work with our Deaf-Blind clients. Please
contact me with any questions.
Beth Koenig
[email protected]
(714) 414-7982
===================================
DEAF SEMINAR SATURDAYS
We are having two 2 hour FREE educational seminars to our community
members.
Disaster preparedness
May 27, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Getting the most from your Sidekick
June 24, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Healthy Hands and Eyes workshop
August 26, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Dealing with creditors
September 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf motorist safety
October 28, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf employment rights
November 25, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Safety at home
December 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Classes take place at the OCDAC classroom. RSVP is required and 8
students maximum per class. Reply back with reservation choices. And
the seminars are always FREE.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Even though most of us working on computers only work on one, the
average American depends on more than 264 computers per day—from the
tiniest microprocessor to the largest mainframe! That is a lot of
people depending on a lot of computers! Think of how much money could
go to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center if 264 supporters bought
one computer each at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where up to 26% of every
purchase is donated to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center! At
www.iGive.com/ocdac, membership is free! So hurry up and visit the
Mall at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where you can shop at 600+ stores for all
your favorite electronics and computers from Dell, HP Shopping, Buy,
Computers4SURE, The Apple Store, SONY, and Gateway!
-------------< DEAF GRAPEVINE >
Announcing the final rule establishing a new disability determination
process for the Social Security Administration
Commissioner Jo Anne B. Barnhart announced that the final rule
establishing a new disability determination process is on public
display at the Office of the Federal Register.
As Executive Director of Disability Service Improvement, I join
Commissioner Barnhart in thanking you for your comments and
suggestions throughout the development of the final rule.
To learn more, I invite you to visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability-new-approach.
I look forward to continuing our dialogue during implementation.
Sincerely,
Mary Chatel
===========================
Editor's Commentary
Drastic Social Security rule changes for Title II Old Age, Survivors,
and Disability Insurance and SSI programs renews our calls for
self-reliance ideas for organizations who serve the deaf and disabled
and our very own idea, our California Disability Gaming Initiative
idea and that can be found at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/cdgicinfo.pdf is an idea that
works for Native Americans. Why shouldn't it work for the Disability
communities? The proposed Social Security rules will limit appeals
and create a new process that is less about truth-seeking and more
hostile to applicants.
-------------< BULLETIN >
April HUD Campaign - 3/06
ADAPT recently announced its "April HUD Campaign" and requested
disability advocates throughout the country to take four specific
actions:
"One of the biggest barriers to getting and keeping folks out of
institutions is the ability to access affordable, accessible,
integrated housing. ADAPT has proposed to HUD Secretary Aflphonso
Jackson a beginning solution to this problem called "ACCESS ACROSS
AMERICA." "ACCESS ACROSS AMERICA" would coordinate the receipt to a
Section 8 voucher when an individual is transitioning out of or is in
jeopardy of going into an institution.
Secretary Jackson has ignored the need for accessible, affordable,
integrated housing for people with disabilities.
To get the attention of HUD and Secretary Jackson ADAPT is proposing
an April HUD Campaign:
1. Go to your local HUD or PHA offices on a weekly basis and
distribute the "Wanted Poster," (a copy of which can be obtained by
emailing [email protected]. ) (Expand the distribution to other
areas if you think it would be effective.)
2. Meet with your local PHA about designating vouchers for folks
transitioning out or in jeopardy of going into institutions.
3. Work with other organization to get their support for "ACCESS
ACROSS AMERICA" and ask them to distribute the "Wanted Poster."
4. Hold some type of press event outlining the drastic need for
accessible, affordable, integrated housing.
For an Institution Free America, The ADAPT Community Passionately fighting
for what does not exist, YET!"
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Please visit our bookstore that has related books and different kinds
of assistive living devices at http://store.deafadvocacy.org
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 2/3 >
Campus hosts second biennial Deaf Studies Today! conference
http://www.netxnews.net/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/02/443088c3a4189
Newspaper for the deaf
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/National/20060403111013/Article/i\
ndex_html
Deaf shuttlers look to sport's inclusion in 1st SEA Deaf Games
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/201328/1/.html
Silent Chemistry
http://www.ntid.rit.edu/media/full_text.php?article_id=493
Good news for hearing-impaired
http://newstodaynet.com/28mar/rf7.htm
This lab promises hope for the hearing impaired
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=173650
Special screenings for the hearing-impaired welcome
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060306/OPINIONS01/603060\
317/1091
Disabled gets arrest warrant over parking
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/National/20060403111210/Article/i\
ndex_html
Shahrizat: Disabled persons should be treated with more dignity
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=13657
Commentary: SAT unfair to learning-disabled students
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/op_commentaries/article/0,2565,ALBQ_19866_4592014,00\
.html
-------------< ADVOCACY NEWS >
Students with Intellectual Disabilities May Be Eligible for Work Study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2006
Students with Intellectual Disabilities One Step Closer To College
Work Study Jobs
Amendment to the Higher Education Act Passed by the U.S. House of
Representatives
WASHINGTON, DC - An amendment introduced by Congressman Pete Sessions
(R-TX) to HR 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005, will
allow students with intellectual disabilities to obtain valuable, paid
work experience in college work study jobs while pursuing
postsecondary studies. The amendment, which passed on a voice vote on
March 29, is a real breakthrough for the growing number of students
with intellectual disabilities who participate in postsecondary
programs at two and four-year colleges and universities. HR 609 is the
bill that will reauthorize the Higher Education Act.
In introducing the amendment, Rep. Sessions stated, "My goal is to
help make it possible for these students to achieve their higher
education goals and attain gainful employment," Sessions continued.
"Greater productivity through employment will provide students with
intellectual disabilities opportunities for greater self-sufficiency,
more independence, and the ability to save for retirement and long
term care." Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the House
Education and the Workforce Committee, and Rep. George Miller (D-CA),
ranking Democrat on the Committee, both spoke in favor of the
amendment. The amendment passed with strong bipartisan support.
Students with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) have made
significant progress under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Today, over 100
postsecondary programs are available (www.thinkcollege.net), offering
students academic, independent living and vocational education and
training, but lacking access to financial aid. This amendment will
help these students pay for their postsecondary expenses, obtain
valuable employment experience, and prepare them for gainful
employment in the community. Federal work-study funds to these
students would be dispersed from current work-study resources and
implemented at the discretion of higher education institutions.
"As a result of IDEA, students with intellectual disabilities have
made great strides. The outcome they want--the finish line, if you
will--is employment and independent living. This amendment will help
these students reach the finish line," said Madeleine Will, Vice
President of Public Policy for the National Down Syndrome Society. "We
are deeply grateful to Congressman Pete Sessions for his leadership
and to Congressmen McKeon and Miller for their support."
Due to provisions in the Higher Education Act, students with
intellectual disabilities and their families usually are not able to
access federal student financial aid (loans, grants, or work study).
While school districts sometimes provide financial support, the
largest source of funds is the students' parents, who are already
stretched thin financially. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
celebrates the success of Congressman Sessions's amendment to the
College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005. NDSS strongly believes
that students with intellectual disabilities should have access to
postsecondary education, and the resulting employment and independent
living opportunities, just as their non-disabled peers do.
About NDSS:
The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization with
more than 200 affiliates nationwide representing the more than 350,000
Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being
the national leader in supporting and enhancing the quality of life,
and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. We
demonstrate this commitment through our education, research and
advocacy initiatives that benefit people with Down syndrome and their
families. To learn more about NDSS, visit www.ndss.org.
====================================
Policy Proposals for Improving SSDI, SSI and Medicaid Work Incentives
Prepared By Jensen and Silverstein
Allen Jensen and Robert "Bobby" Silverstein recently proposed policies
for improving SSDI work incentives (e.g., addressing the cash cliff).
Policies for updating and improving SSI and Medicaid work incentives
are also proposed. These proposals are the product of a research
project funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) through a
sub-award from the Disability Research Institute (DRI) at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Additional funding was
provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The policy proposals developed by the project team (referred to as the
Gradual Reduction Choice Option and Related Policy Proposals)
recognize the heterogeneous nature of the SSDI disability population
and the many variables impacting the ability of persons with severe
disabilities to sustain a substantial level of earnings over a
significant period of time. The policy proposals are designed to
enhance the quality of life and financial independence of SSDI and SSI
beneficiaries and at the same time facilitate net long-range cost
savings (or at least not result in additional costs) to the Social
Security Trust Fund, the U.S. Treasury, and the states.
In a nutshell, the proposals provide SSDI beneficiaries with an
informed choice (which entails tradeoffs) between current SSDI policy
(which includes the cash cliff) and an alternative, which includes a
$1 for $2 gradual reduction in benefits after an initial earned income
disregard of one-half of the dollar value of the monthly Substantial
Gainful Activity (SGA) level and continued attachment to the SSDI
program when benefits are reduced to zero as long as the individual's
severe impairments continue. The proposals also encourage work for
both the SSDI and SSI populations by making the programs' work
incentives similar and thus easier to understand and utilize. In
addition, the project team suggests related policies for enhancing
SSI, Section 1619, and Medicaid work incentives. Finally, the project
team developed a framework for conducting cost estimates of an SSDI
policy which entails a $1 for $2 gradual reduction of benefits as
earnings increase.
Links to the papers prepared by the project staff are as follows:
* SSDI Gradual Reduction Choice Proposal and Related Policy Proposals
- www.dri.uiuc.edu/research/p05-12h/default.htm
* A Framework for Preparing Cost Estimates for SSDI $1 for $2 Gradual
Reduction Demonstration Proposals
www.dri.uiuc.edu/research/p05-12h/default.htm
Contact Information
-------------------
Allen Jensen Robert Silverstein
Director, Director,
Work Incentives Project Center for the Study and
Center for Health Services Advancement of Disability Policy
Research and Policy 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 701
George Washington University Washington, D.C. 20036
2021 K Street, N.W. Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202)530-2319 (202) 783-5111
Fax: (202)530-2336 (202) 783-8250
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Web: www.medicaidbuyin.org www.disabilitypolicycenter.org
-------------< DEAF QUOTES >
"The deaf community can have their say now," Malaysian Federation of
the Deaf president Mohamad Sazali Shaari of the MyDeaf News.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Do you shop at Albertsons or Sav-on stores? You can get a free
community partners card at those stores and then add it to our list of
supporters. A percent of what you buy will go to helping our Deaf
youth program. If you already have a school or other program that you
are supporting, don't worry, you can add your card to support our
program too! There are two ways to add your card. You can email your
First and Last name with your phone number and community partners card
number to [email protected] or you can download and print our
Albertsons / Sav-on Community Partners signup forms at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/AlbertsonsSignup.pdf and have
your friends, neighbors, associates, and relatives sign up as
supporters and then mail the form to the address on the form. To reach
our funding goal we need 25,000 supporters who shop at Albertsons /
Sav-on. And remember to use your community partners card when you shop
at Albertsons or Sav-on.
-------------< COMMUNITY BULLHORN >
Lisa Bothwell Joins TDI Team as CEPIN National Public Relations Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2006
Contact Person: Neil McDevitt
National CEPIN Coordinator
Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network, TDI
[email protected]
www.cepintdi.org
TTY or DL/VP: 301-589-3006
Voice: 301-589-3786
Fax: 301-589-3797
LISA BOTHWELL JOINS TDI TEAM AS CEPIN NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing, Inc. (TDI) announces its appointment of Lisa Bothwell as the
new Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
National Public Relations Specialist.
"TDI and the CEPIN project extend a big welcome to Lisa as the newest
member of the team," said Neil McDevitt, CEPIN National Coordinator.
"Lisa brings a new perspective and an unbeatable work ethic to the
project as we look to the future."
Bothwell recently graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos
with a bachelor's degree in public relations and minor in psychology.
A student body senator and a leader in the American Sign Language
Club, she played a pivotal role in successfully reinstating American
Sign Language classes at Texas State. She was also immensely involved
in planning and coordinating the Deaf World event on campus. Her work
experience stems from her tenure as a copy editor at The University
Star and intern at 10x Media, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Raging
Sky Records.
"We are also fortunate to have Lisa's PR expertise as she works with
our four regional centers and our partners to develop effective
communication vehicles with the larger Deaf, Hard of Hearing and
DeafBlind populations," said McDevitt. "We look forward to having her
manage all of our public relations efforts including a newly revamped
Web site which should be coming shortly."
The purpose of CEPIN brings back memories for Bothwell.
"When Sept. 11 happened, students, faculty and staff crowded around
televisions that were placed in the hallways of the student center so
everyone could watch the story unfold between classes," said Bothwell.
"I saw the airplanes crash into the World Trade Center and got a basic
understanding of what was happening, but I could not understand why or
how since the captioning had been left off."
The televisions did not have a clearly-designated button for closed
captioning and no remote controls were available. She worked with her
university administration to ensure captioning would be readily
available and easily accessible on televisions across campus.
Bothwell is optimistic about the potential growth of this job.
"My goal is to become a resource for emergency responders and the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing," said Bothwell. "I feel I can accomplish that
goal through networking with community leaders across the nation from
both the emergency response and Deaf and Hard of Hearing sectors."
The CEPIN project was established in 2004 when the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security awarded TDI a $1.5 million grant to set up this
model community education course to raise awareness among emergency
responders and Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals about issues both
groups encountered in emergency situations.
###
About CEPIN:
The CEPIN Project is coordinated by Telecommunications for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing, Inc. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
awarded TDI nearly $1.5 million for the two-year CEPIN project, which
focuses on developing model community education programs for emergency
responders and Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers. CEPIN has regional
specialists at four regional centers across the United States. The
regional centers are as follows:
* New England & Great Lakes Region - DEAF, Inc.: www.deafinc.org
* Mid-Atlantic & Southeast Region - Northern Virginia Resource Center
for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons: www.nvrc.org
* Midwest & Southwest Region - CSD Of Oklahoma: www.c-s-d.org
* West & Hawaii Region - Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency:
www.dcara.org
For more information about CEPIN, visit www.cepintdi.org.
* * * *
About TDI:
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. is a
nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes equal access to
telecommunications, media and information technology for individuals
who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Since 1968, TDI has successfully
advocated for a variety of federal legislation to improve the lives of
people with hearing loss, including the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act
of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Television
Decoder Circuitry Act, both of 1990, and the Telecommunications Act of
1996. In addition, TDI advocates for administrative rules and policies
that will provide greater access to wireless technology, as well as
complete and high-quality captioning of television programs. Since its
inception, TDI has promoted equal access to 9-1-1 centers and other
public safety answering points, and is now working to ensure full
access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to information during
natural or manmade disasters and other types of emergencies. TDI
annually publishes a national directory and resource guide, commonly
known as The Blue Book, which is a popular resource book for people
with hearing loss, as well as The GA-SK Quarterly News Magazine. For
more information about TDI, visit www.tdi-online.org.
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 3/3 >
Awareness drive on hearing impaired
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=\
Qatar+News&month=March2006&file=Local_News2006030525216.xml
A handy tool for the hearing impaired
http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/29/stories/2006032919990200.htm
Robot suit to hel(p) disabled mountaineer climb Swiss Alp
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/20060404TDY03002.htm
Disabled groups want more from 9MP
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/National/20060403110924/Article/i\
ndex_html
Bonnie Funk bridges gap between hearing and deaf communities
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=12&screen=news&news_id=48\
611
Pride wants deaf children to watch him
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/angels/2006-03-22-pride-focus_x.htm
Local woman, once deaf, plans to take message of hope to Russia
http://www.enewscourier.com/features/local_story_088205412.html?keyword=topstory
Staring abuse straight in the face
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=410985&date=3/26/2006
A sign of God for the hearing impaired
http://www.timesunion.com/aspstories/story.asp?storyID=467939
-------------< DEAF FRIENDLY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES >
Begin your journey toward self-sufficiency by becoming a Discovery
Toys consultant! Discovery Toys focuses on learning through play,
with products specifically designed to maximize learning moments, has
proven to be a success as the company has now witnessed an entire
generation grow up with Discovery Toys. Many parents and their adult
children credit DISCOVERY TOYS® products with helping them to develop
core skills and self-esteem, which contributed to their later life
accomplishments and success as adults. Beth Koenig is your Discovery
Toys consultant. Her Discovery Toys website is at
Http://www.discoverthetoys.net and this is a great business
opportunity for people disabilities. Discovery Toys is one of our
supported activities through our Community Business Enterprise Program.
-------------< LETTERS >
I heard that California Trans. Authority or somebody is removing all
the emergency call boxes on the freeways. i am an older deaf person
and can not use a cell phone in the event of an emergency with my car.
Do you know how I am to get assistance in the event of a blowout or
accident?
have you heard about this?
I was hoping to read something in your newsletter. I think you are
doing a very good job in this publication and I find many interesting
articles.
Thank you very much for this publication.
Sincerely, Linda Weiand
==================================
REPLY FROM EDITOR
Thank you very much for your letter and kind comments and allow me to
begin my answer with a graft from the Cal Trans website;
Currently, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These
range from the system in Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call
boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte counties, where only a few call boxes
have been installed in particularly isolated areas. Statewide, there
are 15,000 call boxes, lining some 6,300 miles of California highways.
Call boxes throughout California generate more than 100,000 calls per
month. All costs associated with the call box program are paid for by
a $1 annual fee assessed on vehicles registered in the participating
county. Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and regional "SAFE"
agencies ("Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways") jointly
operate the program. Some counties in California, generally in rural
areas, do not have call boxes. The primary reason is that these
counties do not have enough registered vehicles to purchase, operate
and maintain a system of call boxes.
Here in Orange County, California where we have been a part of a
committee that championed the accessibility of the call box programs,
there is a plan to phase out the call box system and the first part we
will be seeing here in the Orange County area is a 50% reduction of
the call boxes in the county.
You bring up a critical issue faced by many deaf people already in
areas that are not served by the call box programs and we hope that we
can count on organizations like Telecommunications for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing, Inc. who has received funding to develop answers to
issues like yours. Their CEPIN Project is funded by The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security focuses on developing model community
education programs for emergency responders and Deaf and Hard of
Hearing consumers. We hope CEPIN can come with simple answers to the
lack of call boxes.
I can make a good contribution to developing answers to this issue.
Right now my hands are full and I don't have the resources to develop
these kinds of things at this time. But keep an eye on this
newsletter in the next few weeks as I may come accoss a simple
solution to the issue youre facing.
Richard Roehm
Editor
-------------< EPILOG >
If you wish to contribute to this newsletter, feel free to send in
news, stories, and opinions relating to the disability community. Your
support in this effort to move the disability community forward will
be greatly appreciated. We will continue to aggressively pursue
justice, fairness, and equality for the disability community as it has
been doing since November 1996. We have chosen
that EDUCATION is the best way to accomplish this objective.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is a community based
organization that puts people with disabilities first in their
advocacy for equal opportunities in safety, health, and productive living.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center provides services for disabled
individuals and their families in our community who need help in
navigating the social services maze. Every day people go without
proper food, shelter, and essential medical care every day due to a
variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries, illness,
age, domestic violence, or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to
hard times, disabled individuals are at the most risk. With the
generous support of people like you, we are able to help many of these
families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but
to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training,
education, counseling, elderly assistance, and temporary housing.
Feel free to forward this email message to anyone and any of your
personal mailing lists so we can get the important messages out far
and wide and encourage them to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
DISCLAIMER: The OCDAC Newsletter is designed to share information of
interest to people with disabilities, their friends, associates, and
relatives and promote advocacy in the disability community.
Information circulated does not necessarily express the views of The
Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The OCDAC Newsletter is
non-partisan. OCDAC Newsletter does not sell advertising space.
To subscribe to this newsletter go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ or send a blank email
to [email protected]
The South California Association of Deaf Blind had their Easter Party
last Saturday in Highland Park, California and the results were just
grand. Over 30 people came to chat, paint eggs, enjoy food and
drinks, raffle, and even sang birthday song to Chris and Flora. Photos
of this great event are in the newsletter's photo album.
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/photos/browse/c610
Our client service usage has almost doubled from last year as the
preliminary statistical reports are showing. This is why we have been
consuming more of our resources and dealing with increased operational
costs. We now have a trained and qualified volunteer in the office
late into the night to handle our clients that contact our office
while the management is resting in their homes.
We have been invited to do a fundraiser booth at the Family Day picnic
event in Rossmoor, California. This event takes place on may 7, 2006.
And I'm waiting for clarification on what we can sell there whether
it be food or merchandise.
We are seeing the positive results from our educational goodie bags
given away at the OC-Mixer event last month and we hope this will open
us to the possibility of doing this again at the LA-Mixer event thats
coming up this summer.
Our new ASL classes start in May. They will be taught by Arlynn
Tedder who has been an ASL tutor in Golden West College for over 20
years. Our class fees are much much cheaper than what is being
publicized in the Deaf California News mailing list. Please take a
look at our ASL Class flyer and tell your friends, associates, and
relatives about it.
Http://www.deafadvocacy.org/education/flyers/aslclass.pdf
The grapevine section has interesting information for those who have
concerns over SSI and SSDI eligibility and determination changes that
have been on the table for implementation.
Macy's Community Shopping Day 2006, an in-store shopping event and
fundraiser for charities in the Orange County community, will be held
on May 12, 2006 at Macy's South Coast Plaza. We have 200 tickets to
sell. We need to sell at least 100 of the tickets at $10 each. And
we'll need at least 5 or more volunteers on hand as well. Besides a
good operation at Macy's Community Shopping Day would be as good as a
decent birthday gift to the editor from our communities.
This weekly newsletter will soon be available in print form to be
mailed out each week. The price is going to be $90 per year for the
print version and the price is highly reasonable due to it's very rich
deaf and disability advocacy content and very little advertising. Last
week we announced the incorrect price for it and our apologies for the
inconvenience. This still beats out the other deaf print news. They
will also be available in other alternative formats like floppies, and
in large print for people with vision impairments.
Beth has been working on the braille embosser and she has been able to
get the embosser to work with the computer and still meets minor
anomolies and she is upbeat she will be able to tackle the anomolies
soon and make this newsletter available in braille.
OCDAC Communications
[email protected]
-------------< INSIDE NEWS >
With our subscribership from the international communities increasing
at a steady pace, we wish to make this newsletter accessible to them
and the easiest way to accomplish this is by directing them to
http://www.babelfish.altavista.com/ and entering
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ in the website
translation box and the babelfish will help our international
subscribers become strong advocates for the deaf and disability
communities.
We are putting together a fantastic golf tournament at a golf course
near our office and the date would be for this fantastic event is
Friday September 22, 2006 and we will have a fantastic game, food, and
prizes for all players. We are also putting together a walk-a-thon
fundraiser event to take place on May 20, 2006 at the Mile Square Park.
We have began on our giant Orange County Fair educational booth
planning for this upcoming summer. This year's theme is 'Flower
Power' and its a retro theme. We have submitted the application for
our fundraiser booth. Your prayers are needed to help the fair
management be considerate and allow us conduct fundraising as they
know that the good results will be put into good use to advance
positive relationships between the deaf and the hearing communities.
We have started a Campbell's product label collection campaign to help
us raise the means to get supplies for our office Start saving your
campbells product labels today and mail them to us on the first week
of each month. We have aproximately 1050 subscribers and if each one
of them accumulates and sends us 900-1000 labels a month, we'd be able
to get lots of new equipment for our office and internal and external
education programs! Lets get those labels coming, the program ends in
June. Our big thanks to those who sent in their labels.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Take a look at our new magazine fundraiser and this is one of the ways
you can help us do the good work for the deaf and disabled communities.
The URL is http://www.magfundraising.com/GroupPage.aspx?e=788159
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 1/3 >
Shared secrets reveal much suffering in silence
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=410863&date=3/25/2006
RIAA Sues Deaf Woman For Downloading Music
http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=18665
National Deaf Poker Tour A Reality
http://www.pokernews.com/news/2006/3/national-deaf-poker-tour.htm
Deaf youngsters at your service
http://www.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.72043\
7.0.deaf_youngsters_at_your_service.php
Deaf, blind schooling costs get scrutiny
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/114386551650910.xm\
l&coll=7
New Miss Deaf Texas crowned
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/040306kvuemissdeaftx-cb.8ade0f0d.html
Visual smoke detectors needed to help hearing impaired
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layou\
t/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1141426213526&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=111287\
6262536
Hearing-impaired program director nearing retirement
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/030906/tp9ch4.htm?date=030906&story=tp9ch\
4.htm
Disabled man left to struggle at rubbish tip
http://www.chichestertoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=452&ArticleID=14091\
89
Jobs proposal to help disabled
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=139921&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29015
Health Net Hosts Disabled Veterans Ski Event at Annual Winter Sports
Clinic in Colorado
http://finanzen.net/news/news_detail.asp?NewsNr=386020
Klang Council ready to cancel parking compounds received by disabled
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Tuesday/NewsBreak/20060404170714/Article/\
index_html
-------------< CALIFORNIA DEAFIE HAPPENINGS >
COME TO OUR MEETUPS!
The Orange County American Sign Language Meetup Group -
http://asl.meetup.com/37/ - and the he Orange County Deaf & Hearing
Impaired Meetup Group http://deaf.meetup.com/38/ meets each 3rd
Fridays of the month.
Come to our meetup on Friday April 21, 2006.
The Orange County American Sign Language & Orange County Deaf &
Hearing Impaired December Green Meetup
When:
Friday, March 21, 7:00 PM
Where:
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
17595 Harvard Ave #B
Irvine, CA
(949) 660-1332
What:
Meet the 2 meetups!
A $2.00 donation suggested per person to help us cover the costs of
the meetup membership program. If you give us a $5.00 donation
instead, we'll give you an "I Love You" Handsign Stamp commemorative pin!
We have been considering using our office, especially the classroom,
for our meetups and we have the means to offer snacks for a small
donation to the people that come to the meetups hosted by our office.
The food table will have cold drinks, danish pastry, popcorn, veggies
and dip, chips and dip, flavored coffees, and hot chocolate.
===================================
ASL BINGO!
Come learn ASL while playing bingo!
AT THE OCDAC CLASSROOM
May 27, 2006
4pm to 7pm
$1 per card per game – 7 cards for $5
Great Prizes! Players must be at least 18 years of age.
PROCEEDS BENEFIT ORANGE COUNTY DEAF ADVOCACY CENTER
For more info contact [email protected]
===================================
Our SSP classes are less taxing to the community.
Our next SSP training class is on April 15, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
This is for people interested in working with the Deaf-Blind. The
class will take place in our classroom at 2960 Main Street A102 ,
Irvine, CA 92614
There is a fee of $20 for this 5 hour workshop as we have to pay for
the room use and printing of the handbook and other materials.
This class is required to work with our Deaf-Blind clients. Please
contact me with any questions.
Beth Koenig
[email protected]
(714) 414-7982
===================================
DEAF SEMINAR SATURDAYS
We are having two 2 hour FREE educational seminars to our community
members.
Disaster preparedness
May 27, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Getting the most from your Sidekick
June 24, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Healthy Hands and Eyes workshop
August 26, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Dealing with creditors
September 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf motorist safety
October 28, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Deaf employment rights
November 25, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Safety at home
December 30, 2006, 10 am – 12 Noon and 1pm – 3pm
Classes take place at the OCDAC classroom. RSVP is required and 8
students maximum per class. Reply back with reservation choices. And
the seminars are always FREE.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Even though most of us working on computers only work on one, the
average American depends on more than 264 computers per day—from the
tiniest microprocessor to the largest mainframe! That is a lot of
people depending on a lot of computers! Think of how much money could
go to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center if 264 supporters bought
one computer each at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where up to 26% of every
purchase is donated to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center! At
www.iGive.com/ocdac, membership is free! So hurry up and visit the
Mall at www.iGive.com/ocdac, where you can shop at 600+ stores for all
your favorite electronics and computers from Dell, HP Shopping, Buy,
Computers4SURE, The Apple Store, SONY, and Gateway!
-------------< DEAF GRAPEVINE >
Announcing the final rule establishing a new disability determination
process for the Social Security Administration
Commissioner Jo Anne B. Barnhart announced that the final rule
establishing a new disability determination process is on public
display at the Office of the Federal Register.
As Executive Director of Disability Service Improvement, I join
Commissioner Barnhart in thanking you for your comments and
suggestions throughout the development of the final rule.
To learn more, I invite you to visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/disability-new-approach.
I look forward to continuing our dialogue during implementation.
Sincerely,
Mary Chatel
===========================
Editor's Commentary
Drastic Social Security rule changes for Title II Old Age, Survivors,
and Disability Insurance and SSI programs renews our calls for
self-reliance ideas for organizations who serve the deaf and disabled
and our very own idea, our California Disability Gaming Initiative
idea and that can be found at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/cdgicinfo.pdf is an idea that
works for Native Americans. Why shouldn't it work for the Disability
communities? The proposed Social Security rules will limit appeals
and create a new process that is less about truth-seeking and more
hostile to applicants.
-------------< BULLETIN >
April HUD Campaign - 3/06
ADAPT recently announced its "April HUD Campaign" and requested
disability advocates throughout the country to take four specific
actions:
"One of the biggest barriers to getting and keeping folks out of
institutions is the ability to access affordable, accessible,
integrated housing. ADAPT has proposed to HUD Secretary Aflphonso
Jackson a beginning solution to this problem called "ACCESS ACROSS
AMERICA." "ACCESS ACROSS AMERICA" would coordinate the receipt to a
Section 8 voucher when an individual is transitioning out of or is in
jeopardy of going into an institution.
Secretary Jackson has ignored the need for accessible, affordable,
integrated housing for people with disabilities.
To get the attention of HUD and Secretary Jackson ADAPT is proposing
an April HUD Campaign:
1. Go to your local HUD or PHA offices on a weekly basis and
distribute the "Wanted Poster," (a copy of which can be obtained by
emailing [email protected]. ) (Expand the distribution to other
areas if you think it would be effective.)
2. Meet with your local PHA about designating vouchers for folks
transitioning out or in jeopardy of going into institutions.
3. Work with other organization to get their support for "ACCESS
ACROSS AMERICA" and ask them to distribute the "Wanted Poster."
4. Hold some type of press event outlining the drastic need for
accessible, affordable, integrated housing.
For an Institution Free America, The ADAPT Community Passionately fighting
for what does not exist, YET!"
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Please visit our bookstore that has related books and different kinds
of assistive living devices at http://store.deafadvocacy.org
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 2/3 >
Campus hosts second biennial Deaf Studies Today! conference
http://www.netxnews.net/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/04/02/443088c3a4189
Newspaper for the deaf
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/National/20060403111013/Article/i\
ndex_html
Deaf shuttlers look to sport's inclusion in 1st SEA Deaf Games
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/201328/1/.html
Silent Chemistry
http://www.ntid.rit.edu/media/full_text.php?article_id=493
Good news for hearing-impaired
http://newstodaynet.com/28mar/rf7.htm
This lab promises hope for the hearing impaired
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=173650
Special screenings for the hearing-impaired welcome
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060306/OPINIONS01/603060\
317/1091
Disabled gets arrest warrant over parking
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/National/20060403111210/Article/i\
ndex_html
Shahrizat: Disabled persons should be treated with more dignity
http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=13657
Commentary: SAT unfair to learning-disabled students
http://www.abqtrib.com/albq/op_commentaries/article/0,2565,ALBQ_19866_4592014,00\
.html
-------------< ADVOCACY NEWS >
Students with Intellectual Disabilities May Be Eligible for Work Study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2006
Students with Intellectual Disabilities One Step Closer To College
Work Study Jobs
Amendment to the Higher Education Act Passed by the U.S. House of
Representatives
WASHINGTON, DC - An amendment introduced by Congressman Pete Sessions
(R-TX) to HR 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005, will
allow students with intellectual disabilities to obtain valuable, paid
work experience in college work study jobs while pursuing
postsecondary studies. The amendment, which passed on a voice vote on
March 29, is a real breakthrough for the growing number of students
with intellectual disabilities who participate in postsecondary
programs at two and four-year colleges and universities. HR 609 is the
bill that will reauthorize the Higher Education Act.
In introducing the amendment, Rep. Sessions stated, "My goal is to
help make it possible for these students to achieve their higher
education goals and attain gainful employment," Sessions continued.
"Greater productivity through employment will provide students with
intellectual disabilities opportunities for greater self-sufficiency,
more independence, and the ability to save for retirement and long
term care." Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the House
Education and the Workforce Committee, and Rep. George Miller (D-CA),
ranking Democrat on the Committee, both spoke in favor of the
amendment. The amendment passed with strong bipartisan support.
Students with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) have made
significant progress under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Today, over 100
postsecondary programs are available (www.thinkcollege.net), offering
students academic, independent living and vocational education and
training, but lacking access to financial aid. This amendment will
help these students pay for their postsecondary expenses, obtain
valuable employment experience, and prepare them for gainful
employment in the community. Federal work-study funds to these
students would be dispersed from current work-study resources and
implemented at the discretion of higher education institutions.
"As a result of IDEA, students with intellectual disabilities have
made great strides. The outcome they want--the finish line, if you
will--is employment and independent living. This amendment will help
these students reach the finish line," said Madeleine Will, Vice
President of Public Policy for the National Down Syndrome Society. "We
are deeply grateful to Congressman Pete Sessions for his leadership
and to Congressmen McKeon and Miller for their support."
Due to provisions in the Higher Education Act, students with
intellectual disabilities and their families usually are not able to
access federal student financial aid (loans, grants, or work study).
While school districts sometimes provide financial support, the
largest source of funds is the students' parents, who are already
stretched thin financially. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
celebrates the success of Congressman Sessions's amendment to the
College Access and Opportunity Act of 2005. NDSS strongly believes
that students with intellectual disabilities should have access to
postsecondary education, and the resulting employment and independent
living opportunities, just as their non-disabled peers do.
About NDSS:
The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization with
more than 200 affiliates nationwide representing the more than 350,000
Americans who have this genetic condition. NDSS is committed to being
the national leader in supporting and enhancing the quality of life,
and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome. We
demonstrate this commitment through our education, research and
advocacy initiatives that benefit people with Down syndrome and their
families. To learn more about NDSS, visit www.ndss.org.
====================================
Policy Proposals for Improving SSDI, SSI and Medicaid Work Incentives
Prepared By Jensen and Silverstein
Allen Jensen and Robert "Bobby" Silverstein recently proposed policies
for improving SSDI work incentives (e.g., addressing the cash cliff).
Policies for updating and improving SSI and Medicaid work incentives
are also proposed. These proposals are the product of a research
project funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) through a
sub-award from the Disability Research Institute (DRI) at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Additional funding was
provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The policy proposals developed by the project team (referred to as the
Gradual Reduction Choice Option and Related Policy Proposals)
recognize the heterogeneous nature of the SSDI disability population
and the many variables impacting the ability of persons with severe
disabilities to sustain a substantial level of earnings over a
significant period of time. The policy proposals are designed to
enhance the quality of life and financial independence of SSDI and SSI
beneficiaries and at the same time facilitate net long-range cost
savings (or at least not result in additional costs) to the Social
Security Trust Fund, the U.S. Treasury, and the states.
In a nutshell, the proposals provide SSDI beneficiaries with an
informed choice (which entails tradeoffs) between current SSDI policy
(which includes the cash cliff) and an alternative, which includes a
$1 for $2 gradual reduction in benefits after an initial earned income
disregard of one-half of the dollar value of the monthly Substantial
Gainful Activity (SGA) level and continued attachment to the SSDI
program when benefits are reduced to zero as long as the individual's
severe impairments continue. The proposals also encourage work for
both the SSDI and SSI populations by making the programs' work
incentives similar and thus easier to understand and utilize. In
addition, the project team suggests related policies for enhancing
SSI, Section 1619, and Medicaid work incentives. Finally, the project
team developed a framework for conducting cost estimates of an SSDI
policy which entails a $1 for $2 gradual reduction of benefits as
earnings increase.
Links to the papers prepared by the project staff are as follows:
* SSDI Gradual Reduction Choice Proposal and Related Policy Proposals
- www.dri.uiuc.edu/research/p05-12h/default.htm
* A Framework for Preparing Cost Estimates for SSDI $1 for $2 Gradual
Reduction Demonstration Proposals
www.dri.uiuc.edu/research/p05-12h/default.htm
Contact Information
-------------------
Allen Jensen Robert Silverstein
Director, Director,
Work Incentives Project Center for the Study and
Center for Health Services Advancement of Disability Policy
Research and Policy 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 701
George Washington University Washington, D.C. 20036
2021 K Street, N.W. Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202)530-2319 (202) 783-5111
Fax: (202)530-2336 (202) 783-8250
Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Web: www.medicaidbuyin.org www.disabilitypolicycenter.org
-------------< DEAF QUOTES >
"The deaf community can have their say now," Malaysian Federation of
the Deaf president Mohamad Sazali Shaari of the MyDeaf News.
-------------< ANNOUNCEMENT >
Do you shop at Albertsons or Sav-on stores? You can get a free
community partners card at those stores and then add it to our list of
supporters. A percent of what you buy will go to helping our Deaf
youth program. If you already have a school or other program that you
are supporting, don't worry, you can add your card to support our
program too! There are two ways to add your card. You can email your
First and Last name with your phone number and community partners card
number to [email protected] or you can download and print our
Albertsons / Sav-on Community Partners signup forms at
http://www.deafadvocacy.org/community/AlbertsonsSignup.pdf and have
your friends, neighbors, associates, and relatives sign up as
supporters and then mail the form to the address on the form. To reach
our funding goal we need 25,000 supporters who shop at Albertsons /
Sav-on. And remember to use your community partners card when you shop
at Albertsons or Sav-on.
-------------< COMMUNITY BULLHORN >
Lisa Bothwell Joins TDI Team as CEPIN National Public Relations Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2006
Contact Person: Neil McDevitt
National CEPIN Coordinator
Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network, TDI
[email protected]
www.cepintdi.org
TTY or DL/VP: 301-589-3006
Voice: 301-589-3786
Fax: 301-589-3797
LISA BOTHWELL JOINS TDI TEAM AS CEPIN NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing, Inc. (TDI) announces its appointment of Lisa Bothwell as the
new Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN)
National Public Relations Specialist.
"TDI and the CEPIN project extend a big welcome to Lisa as the newest
member of the team," said Neil McDevitt, CEPIN National Coordinator.
"Lisa brings a new perspective and an unbeatable work ethic to the
project as we look to the future."
Bothwell recently graduated from Texas State University-San Marcos
with a bachelor's degree in public relations and minor in psychology.
A student body senator and a leader in the American Sign Language
Club, she played a pivotal role in successfully reinstating American
Sign Language classes at Texas State. She was also immensely involved
in planning and coordinating the Deaf World event on campus. Her work
experience stems from her tenure as a copy editor at The University
Star and intern at 10x Media, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Raging
Sky Records.
"We are also fortunate to have Lisa's PR expertise as she works with
our four regional centers and our partners to develop effective
communication vehicles with the larger Deaf, Hard of Hearing and
DeafBlind populations," said McDevitt. "We look forward to having her
manage all of our public relations efforts including a newly revamped
Web site which should be coming shortly."
The purpose of CEPIN brings back memories for Bothwell.
"When Sept. 11 happened, students, faculty and staff crowded around
televisions that were placed in the hallways of the student center so
everyone could watch the story unfold between classes," said Bothwell.
"I saw the airplanes crash into the World Trade Center and got a basic
understanding of what was happening, but I could not understand why or
how since the captioning had been left off."
The televisions did not have a clearly-designated button for closed
captioning and no remote controls were available. She worked with her
university administration to ensure captioning would be readily
available and easily accessible on televisions across campus.
Bothwell is optimistic about the potential growth of this job.
"My goal is to become a resource for emergency responders and the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing," said Bothwell. "I feel I can accomplish that
goal through networking with community leaders across the nation from
both the emergency response and Deaf and Hard of Hearing sectors."
The CEPIN project was established in 2004 when the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security awarded TDI a $1.5 million grant to set up this
model community education course to raise awareness among emergency
responders and Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals about issues both
groups encountered in emergency situations.
###
About CEPIN:
The CEPIN Project is coordinated by Telecommunications for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing, Inc. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
awarded TDI nearly $1.5 million for the two-year CEPIN project, which
focuses on developing model community education programs for emergency
responders and Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers. CEPIN has regional
specialists at four regional centers across the United States. The
regional centers are as follows:
* New England & Great Lakes Region - DEAF, Inc.: www.deafinc.org
* Mid-Atlantic & Southeast Region - Northern Virginia Resource Center
for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons: www.nvrc.org
* Midwest & Southwest Region - CSD Of Oklahoma: www.c-s-d.org
* West & Hawaii Region - Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency:
www.dcara.org
For more information about CEPIN, visit www.cepintdi.org.
* * * *
About TDI:
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. is a
nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes equal access to
telecommunications, media and information technology for individuals
who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Since 1968, TDI has successfully
advocated for a variety of federal legislation to improve the lives of
people with hearing loss, including the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act
of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Television
Decoder Circuitry Act, both of 1990, and the Telecommunications Act of
1996. In addition, TDI advocates for administrative rules and policies
that will provide greater access to wireless technology, as well as
complete and high-quality captioning of television programs. Since its
inception, TDI has promoted equal access to 9-1-1 centers and other
public safety answering points, and is now working to ensure full
access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to information during
natural or manmade disasters and other types of emergencies. TDI
annually publishes a national directory and resource guide, commonly
known as The Blue Book, which is a popular resource book for people
with hearing loss, as well as The GA-SK Quarterly News Magazine. For
more information about TDI, visit www.tdi-online.org.
-------------< OUTSIDE NEWS PART 3/3 >
Awareness drive on hearing impaired
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=\
Qatar+News&month=March2006&file=Local_News2006030525216.xml
A handy tool for the hearing impaired
http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/29/stories/2006032919990200.htm
Robot suit to hel(p) disabled mountaineer climb Swiss Alp
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/20060404TDY03002.htm
Disabled groups want more from 9MP
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Monday/National/20060403110924/Article/i\
ndex_html
Bonnie Funk bridges gap between hearing and deaf communities
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=12&screen=news&news_id=48\
611
Pride wants deaf children to watch him
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/angels/2006-03-22-pride-focus_x.htm
Local woman, once deaf, plans to take message of hope to Russia
http://www.enewscourier.com/features/local_story_088205412.html?keyword=topstory
Staring abuse straight in the face
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=410985&date=3/26/2006
A sign of God for the hearing impaired
http://www.timesunion.com/aspstories/story.asp?storyID=467939
-------------< DEAF FRIENDLY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES >
Begin your journey toward self-sufficiency by becoming a Discovery
Toys consultant! Discovery Toys focuses on learning through play,
with products specifically designed to maximize learning moments, has
proven to be a success as the company has now witnessed an entire
generation grow up with Discovery Toys. Many parents and their adult
children credit DISCOVERY TOYS® products with helping them to develop
core skills and self-esteem, which contributed to their later life
accomplishments and success as adults. Beth Koenig is your Discovery
Toys consultant. Her Discovery Toys website is at
Http://www.discoverthetoys.net and this is a great business
opportunity for people disabilities. Discovery Toys is one of our
supported activities through our Community Business Enterprise Program.
-------------< LETTERS >
I heard that California Trans. Authority or somebody is removing all
the emergency call boxes on the freeways. i am an older deaf person
and can not use a cell phone in the event of an emergency with my car.
Do you know how I am to get assistance in the event of a blowout or
accident?
have you heard about this?
I was hoping to read something in your newsletter. I think you are
doing a very good job in this publication and I find many interesting
articles.
Thank you very much for this publication.
Sincerely, Linda Weiand
==================================
REPLY FROM EDITOR
Thank you very much for your letter and kind comments and allow me to
begin my answer with a graft from the Cal Trans website;
Currently, 29 of the state's 58 counties have call box programs. These
range from the system in Los Angeles County, with more than 4,000 call
boxes, to Humboldt and Del Norte counties, where only a few call boxes
have been installed in particularly isolated areas. Statewide, there
are 15,000 call boxes, lining some 6,300 miles of California highways.
Call boxes throughout California generate more than 100,000 calls per
month. All costs associated with the call box program are paid for by
a $1 annual fee assessed on vehicles registered in the participating
county. Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and regional "SAFE"
agencies ("Service Authority for Freeways and Expressways") jointly
operate the program. Some counties in California, generally in rural
areas, do not have call boxes. The primary reason is that these
counties do not have enough registered vehicles to purchase, operate
and maintain a system of call boxes.
Here in Orange County, California where we have been a part of a
committee that championed the accessibility of the call box programs,
there is a plan to phase out the call box system and the first part we
will be seeing here in the Orange County area is a 50% reduction of
the call boxes in the county.
You bring up a critical issue faced by many deaf people already in
areas that are not served by the call box programs and we hope that we
can count on organizations like Telecommunications for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing, Inc. who has received funding to develop answers to
issues like yours. Their CEPIN Project is funded by The U.S.
Department of Homeland Security focuses on developing model community
education programs for emergency responders and Deaf and Hard of
Hearing consumers. We hope CEPIN can come with simple answers to the
lack of call boxes.
I can make a good contribution to developing answers to this issue.
Right now my hands are full and I don't have the resources to develop
these kinds of things at this time. But keep an eye on this
newsletter in the next few weeks as I may come accoss a simple
solution to the issue youre facing.
Richard Roehm
Editor
-------------< EPILOG >
If you wish to contribute to this newsletter, feel free to send in
news, stories, and opinions relating to the disability community. Your
support in this effort to move the disability community forward will
be greatly appreciated. We will continue to aggressively pursue
justice, fairness, and equality for the disability community as it has
been doing since November 1996. We have chosen
that EDUCATION is the best way to accomplish this objective.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center is a community based
organization that puts people with disabilities first in their
advocacy for equal opportunities in safety, health, and productive living.
The Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center provides services for disabled
individuals and their families in our community who need help in
navigating the social services maze. Every day people go without
proper food, shelter, and essential medical care every day due to a
variety of factors including low wages, job loss, injuries, illness,
age, domestic violence, or divorce. While all of us are susceptible to
hard times, disabled individuals are at the most risk. With the
generous support of people like you, we are able to help many of these
families and individuals not only to meet essential daily needs, but
to work toward a brighter future with programs in job training,
education, counseling, elderly assistance, and temporary housing.
Feel free to forward this email message to anyone and any of your
personal mailing lists so we can get the important messages out far
and wide and encourage them to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
DISCLAIMER: The OCDAC Newsletter is designed to share information of
interest to people with disabilities, their friends, associates, and
relatives and promote advocacy in the disability community.
Information circulated does not necessarily express the views of The
Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The OCDAC Newsletter is
non-partisan. OCDAC Newsletter does not sell advertising space.
To subscribe to this newsletter go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ocdacnewsletter/ or send a blank email
to [email protected]
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