Archive
A Miracle!
Just wanted to congratulate "D & M" who are members of our hearing loss group here in Wales.
On Dec. 16, 2008, "D's" new Cochlear Implant was turned on. He received it in November. According to a note that I received from his wife, "D" can now hear after 40 years of not really being able to. Imagine that! You spend 40 years of your life not hearing the spoken word and then thanks to the technology that is now available, you can once again hear!
We wish both of them the very best and look forward to hearing the latest stories from "D" on once again living in the hearing world. Congratulations!
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
The Packers Blitz Show
How many of you rely on Closed Captioning when watching television? I've been trying to help out some people in the area that are having some issues with this. So far, after working on it for the last two months, I have gotten no where.
There are quite a few in the hearing loss world out here that watch the Packers Blitz show on Sundays. Unfortunately, there is no closed captioning on this particular program.
I've contacted Fox 6 and I really have to give credit to Tom Pipines. He's contacted me personally and tried to get me in touch with the people that can possibly answer my questions. So far, we are still in limbo on this issue. I've also contacted Time Warner Cable and they are pointing the finger at Fox 6. But, if you go through the FCC, they point to Time Warner Cable. At this point, there is a lot of 'not us' being said and so one of my resolutions for 2009 is to get to the bottom of this.
I've looked into filing a complaint with the FCC, but never knew all of the 'rules' for doing this. It is a very complex process and after reading all of the information, I am certainly not surprised that there are not more complaints filed. There are time limits as to when you can file the complaint and you have to fill out lots of paperwork with very precise information. A real turn-off to those that just want to be able to 'watch' a TV show.
Then, you run into the programs that are closed captioned and it is quite obvious that whomever is typing the transcript/conversation never took a typing class. The words are mis-spelled or not even close to what is actually being said. Or, it is so far ahead of what the program is actually talking about, that you lose the meaning of the topic or scenario. And, then when there is a weather emergency, most of our TV stations start scrolling information at the bottom of the screen which then competes with the closed captioning to the point where you can't follow any of it.
So, that's my beef on this particular subject. When I finally get some concrete answers to this, I'll let you know.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Lake Country HLAA January Meeting
For those of you interested, our hearing loss group will be meeting this Thursday at 6:30pm.
Date: January 8, 2008
Place: Wales Community Center located at 216 W. South St. in Wales, WI
Time: 6:30pm
Topic: Lions Camp in Rosholt, WI http://www.wisconsinlionscamp.com/ Speaker: Margaret Buth
We meet every month (2nd Thursday). All of the meetings are free and families and friends are also invited.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
The Remodel
As some of you know, we have 4 kids with the oldest living down in Florida. We were down there over the Holidays and while staying at the condo( www.royalmansions.com ) , decided to finally remodel it. Being the cheap person that I am (just ask any of my kids!), I decided to handle the painting and minor repairs myself. After all, Brian and I have fixed up 7 houses over the years of being homeowners. This is only 780 sq. ft. No problem!
With gas prices so low, I decided to drive to Cape Canaveral, FL. It has been years since I've done a road trip solo. But, the anticipation of being free to roam and on my own, was.... at the time, exciting. After driving 11 hours the first day, the excitement was waning... My butt was permanently indented in the car seat, the tunes on the radio were hard to find (Mountains of Tennessee), and for some reason, I was starting to talk out loud to myself. I'm a pretty social person and since we've always got things going on at home as well as the business, it's been a while since I didn't have anyone else to talk to. Sure, it made the hearing issues minimal, but there were times on this 3 day drive that I was stopping at a convenience store just to experience human contact.
Upon arrival, our tile installer had completely cleaned out the entire unit. I arrived to bare concrete floors, no bathroom and none of my 'stuff' where it normally is. Luckily, we have air beds, so, after securing the key to our POD out in the parking lot, I found enough beach towels to cover the floor and set up my bed. Having worked in Biloxi, MS a couple of years ago after Hurricane Katrina, 'roughing' it was not a hard jump for me to take. But, at least that time, there were also lots of other people to interact with.
I spent the first day finding the best deals on some of the furniture that we were going to need to replace. When we bought the unit back in 2003, the original furnishings from 1989 were still there. Over the years, we had upgraded a few things, but the sleeper sofa was definitely in need of replacement since it now sagged in the middle and no one was brave enough to even attempt to sleep on the thing. The unfortunate thing in this process is that this now meant that I would be spending more time in the car going from place to place. I had looked on the internet while still in Wales to see who was having sales on what, so that helped to narrow it down a bit. Six hours later, mission accomplished! And, I really talked the arms off of the sales people. I'm sure they thought that I was one of those crazy people from the North...
Next stop, the paint store. Usually, Brian takes care of this step. Do you know how many different kinds of paint there are? Luckily, the local Ace Hardware store had a great employee in the paint department to help me out. Here in Florida, we have little storms called hurricanes on occassion. This means that wind driven rain will find any opening in a building to get wet. We recently installed a hurricane proof patio door as well as a new entry door, so this has cut down on the water damage tremendously. It's kind of like when we have to keep shoveling the snow off of our roofs up in Wisconsin. You just never know where the water is going to come from.
Left Ace with 4 gallons of primer that also had stain guard in it to cover the water stains from over the years. Also, had a nice collection of rollers, paint trays, brushes and tape. By this time, I was feeling absolutely 'in charge'. It didn't matter that Brian had always been the one to handle the rollers. I was convinced that I could handle this 'little' project. Little did I know...
Day 2 was the start of painting. How many of you have heard of 'popcorn' ceilings? Did you know that if you attempt to paint these things, it just does not work? After getting the damaged areas scraped and applying spackle, I realized that the popcorn part has a mind of it's own. You can roll it one way, but when you go to bring the roller back towards you, all of the popcorn comes with it. Before you know it, you are covered with this stuff. It sticks to everything including your hair. But, lo and behold, the trusty guy at Ace had a solution for me. There is a popcorn mixture that comes in a small container that you add water to. The trick is getting it back on the ceiling. Rags don't work, rollers are laughable, and no, you can't take a putty knife and just spread it on. All of the styrofoam type balls in it jump all over the place and when you add in gravity, fall upon you, the floor, the freshly primed walls, windows, ect. Of course, they have no problem sticking to these things. It's amazing how much damage a little 12"x18" area of popcorn can inflict... And, whatever you do, don't use a hose on the vacuum cleaner to try and get them off of the walls, floors and windows. The vacuum cleaner filter and hose do not like them. (Sorry, Dear....the vacuum that we bought over the Holidays will probably need to be replaced...)
I finally developed a technique of taking a brush, putting the mixture on it and then 'laying' it on the ceiling until it stuck. This is no time to get particular about how many little balls there are and trying to place them an even distance apart. To match the paint color of the ceiling, I just added some paint to the mixture in place of the water. So far, it looks like it will work. But, with the humidity that we have down here right now (of course, it's going to rain for the next 3 days...) it also takes quite a while for all of the paint to dry. It's only in the 60's, so turning on the A.C. is not a good idea. Ceiling fans are good, but I'm really looking forward to a low humidity day to push things along a bit. And, I got here before the tile guy, so that I could get all of the walls painted before he puts down all of the tile. Not quite sure if this theory is going to work...
I'm now on day 4. The airbed has sprung a minor leak and needs to be pumped up halfway through the night. I'm still using the bathroom in the pool area and my oldest son took pity on me and offered me the use of his unit. But, he has a renter coming in on the 19th. I went over there last night and ate my salad. After using his shower, I actually sat in a nice comfortable chair! Ah, what a life! Did I tell you that I'm saving a lot of money by doing this....
If you happen to see my husband or other three kids up in Wisconsin, take pity on them. They are in very cold temps and definitely missing out on a lot of fun down here in Florida. I wonder how much it would be to find someone to finish this....
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
The Remodel Part II
My, how things change in a week! Thought you might like to hear of the continuing adventures with this 'little' project.
Spent 10 hours a day painting and repairing walls and ceilings. I now have muscles that I forgot about. The front desk staff is also getting used to me showing up twice a day just to hear someone else talk! I have been negligent in putting in my hearing aids first thing in the morning since I'm by myself and even came up with a pretty good excuse.... Don't want to get paint on them.... I know, an unlikely scenario since it would be pretty hard to spill paint into your ear. But, what the heck.
They have some really cool insects down here in Florida. I have a very large dragonfly type bug that has taken up residence and I finally gave him a name. He's totally harmless and even knows to stay off of the wet paint. No, I haven't lost my mind, but it's nice to have someone/something to look out for since the rest of the family is either up in Wisconsin or down in Ft. Lauderdale. The airbed is not as bad to sleep on now and I've gotten quite used to timing my visits to the pool areas' bathroom. There are only 2 things in the condo. The refrigerator and the stove. Both are on wheels, so they are very easy to move.
I am impressed with the POD out in the parking lot. We had some rain a couple of days ago and everything stayed very dry inside. There are even little vents under the roof so that it doesn't get too hot inside. Found an upholstery place and learned a lot about getting furniture spruced up. They have our diningroom chairs and we will finally be getting rid of the Florida pink fabric on them. The color scheme is coming together and I must admit, it's been fun finding the best deals on accessories for each room. With the current economy, if you are looking to refurbish your house, now is definitely the time to do it. I've been trying to frequent the little Mom and Pop owned stores vs. the big franchises. They have great service and really know what they are talking about. For those of you that have not ventured out of Wisconsin, there are many different cultures down here with a lot of the condo owners being known as snowbirds. I know that we have owners from Germany in our complex and I took some time out to get to know them a bit. They don't speak much English and it was uncanny how much the situation resembled what those of us with hearing loss do in a conversation. I couldn't understand them very well and they had the same problem with me. But, by using lots of hand gestures and repeating lots of things, we were able to get to know each other. We even had dinner one night out in the picnic/grilling area and boy, can they cook! Our Wisconsin brats are bland compared to what they had from Germany.
We also have quite a few TV people here for the Delta Launch that was supposed to go up on Thursday, but got 'scrubbed' until Saturday night. Our complex is right on the ocean and you can literally see the launch pads. So, we have quite a few visitors that come here when a launch is scheduled. With the last Shuttle launches to end by 2010, the media is very interested in getting as much information on all of the launches as well as covering them. It looks like they do a lot of work to just get ready for the events and then spend a lot of time waiting. Lots of equipment and preparations.
I've also met quite a few people with hearing loss. No, not all of them are retirees. We have exchanged a lot of information as well as tips and I've also learned some new ways of dealing with some of the frustrations. No matter where you live, hearing loss is a universal problem with lots of deficiencies that need to be addressed. I have listened to the talk radio show hosts down here and you would think that with all of the monies being appropriated for all of the 'new' programs being initiated by the new administration, someone would think about the challenges that those with hearing loss deal with everyday. So far, it does not look like any of that will be looked at. So, here we are, continuing to try and function and be a part of society while dealing with the daily frustrations of not being able to hear well. Lots of talent being overlooked from many very intelligent people.
I am currently down at my sons' home in Hollywood, FL for the weekend. As you may recall, his wife, Lindsey is expecting their first child (and our first grandchild) this coming June. I've never been able to come for a visit on my own and it's really neat to have both of them all to myself. And, I have a real bed to sleep in complete with my own bathroom! Eureka! It's going to be a nice break from the remodeling. We are going to do a little looking around of the area and even go to Lauderdale by the Sea which is were I spent a few vacations as a child. The traffic down here in the Miami area is very different from Wisconsin. Everyone is is a big hurry. Speed limits are pretty much ignored. So, what the heck, I joined the rest of the crowd and make record time getting here. I know, this is not a good example for my kids... But, it sure was fun!
I think I'm going to like having adult children to visit in the future....
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
R.I.T. High School Writing Contest
R.I.T. in Rochester, NY is having a contest for Students in grades 11 & 12. If you are interested in this, please go to the link below. You could win a trip to R.I.T. or substitute it with the $500 award.
http://www.rit.edu/news/?r=43627
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Technology for the D/HOH Traveler
For the HOH/Deaf travelers out there, check out the latest technology that may help to make your trip a bit easier!.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2008/tc20081222_585171.htm
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
'Living Impaired Cartoons'
How many of you have wondered why we don't have a comic strip that depicts the life of living with hearing loss? With so many of us out here, you would think that this would have been done years ago...
Well, there is a pretty neat guy that has been 'dabbling' in this for quite a while now. The problem is that there is no one out there in the media world that will publish him. Imagine that! Obviously, the media does not know how many D/HOH there are. Talk about biting off the hand that feeds you!
I've been in contact with Pete and he has graciously given me permission to post the links to his cartoons. If there are any interested publishers out there, you can also contact Pete via his website (link is also posted here). Just another example of the many talents of some of us in the D/HOH world...
Cartoon Links: http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-deafness&tid=4455 http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-deafness&tid=4559Pete's website:
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
State of Wisconsin Announcements /Job Postings
Just got these from Carolyn Small at the State of Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Madison. Thought I'd pass them along for those of you that are interested!
**Job Opening: Educational Interpreter, Chippewa Falls School District. Apply by February 1, 2009. Position summary available at http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/includes/content/employment.asp#other.
**Job Opening: Sign Language Interpreter – 2nd Semester Only, School District of Beloit. Position begins January 26, 2009. (Note: as of today, this position is still posted). Position details at http://wss.sdb.k12.wi.us/employment/default.aspx.**February 8, 2009: DHH Family Winter Potluck & Sledding Party, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass & your sleds. Beverages, plates, napkins, utensils provided. Hosted by Rod & Dawn Koplitz at their home south of Eau Claire. If interested in attending, please call 715-878-9488 or email koplitz5@hotmail.com for address and directions.
**February 9, 2009: I-Sign Club Deaf Social BINGO night at Northcentral Technical College, Rooms E101-102 (near the cafeteria), Wausau, WI, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Families, students, D/HH, hearing welcome. Prizes, snacks provided.
**February 15, 2009: Former Wisconsin student, Luke Adams, appears on “The Amazing Race.” For information go to http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/.
**Soulstice Theatre Company seeking two young actors (age 18 – 25), one male and one female, for a May production of “Children of a Lesser God.” The ideal candidate would be partially deaf. Both speak. Both read lips. An expert in ASL will be on staff for rehearsals. An alternative would be to cast two hearing actors who have an understanding of the deaf culture and have had exposure to American Sign Language. For more information, contact Char Manny at 414-431-3187 or charsoulstice@att.net; http://www.soulsticetheatre.org.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
What does HLAA do for those with Hearing Loss?
We are preparing for the HLAA annual Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) training to take place at San Diego State University early in February. Thirty people applied, and 17 have been selected. The applicants are of very high quality this year and from diverse fields. The focus will be on HAT in the workplace and how to advocate for it.
· We met with the Hearing Industries Association (HIA) to prepare for an HLAA presentation at their annual meeting in AZ in February. Two thirds of the attendees will be CEOs of hearing aid manufacturers and the rest executive directors and presidents of hearing care professional organizations such as ASHA, AAA, ADA (association of Doctors of audiology), and IHS (International Hearing Society). Editors of professional hearing industry magazines have also been invited. Brenda Battat will present on HLAA and what is important in hearing health care for consumers with hearing loss
· The walk website is up with the new walk logo. Check it out at www.walk4hearing.org Florida is the very first of the 2009 walks. Their kickoff was on January was 24th with 100 people attending. They have outreached to audiology students who are getting involved. More than 20 walks are scheduled for 2009. We encourage audiologists and hearing aid specialists to participate in walks in their communities, and have sent a promotional article on the 2009 walk to ASHA, AAA and IHS to publish.
· HLAA has been reappointed to the Federal Communications Commission Consumer Advisory Committee
· Communication Services for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD) has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the FCC using funds that were appropriated by Congress last year for DTV outreach. The grant will be used to launch a national awareness campaign about the transition to digital television (DTV). The project is expected to last six months and CSD hopes to aggressively work with several other national groups and organizations such as HLAA, NAD, TDI, and others to reach America's 31 million deaf and hard of hearing people. For more information and updates, visit the CSD Web site at www.c-s-d.org.
· HLAA and other leaders from the hard of hearing and deaf communities met with members of President-Elect Obama’s Transition Team. They presented a consensus document on the issues impacting people with hearing loss. The document will be on the HLAA website and available soon at the following site: change.gov/open_government/yourseatatthetable
· There are almost 300 registrations so far for the Nashville convention. Please promote the convention to chapters in your area of the country, reminding them that if money is an issue to apply for the Rocky Stone scholarship. So far we have only received one application.
· The Hearing Aid Tax Credit Bill will be reintroduced this year by Rep. C. McCarthy [D-NY]. It is already picking up a lot of energy. Rep. M. Thompson [D-CA] who wears hearing aids and is on the key Ways and Means Committee and has come out in support of the Bill.
· Air travel is one of our priorities for 2009. A new easier to use online complaint form for airline travel complaints can be found at: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm When filing a complaint please be sure to include all the information that is asked for. We have received several complaints that are unusable due to lack of basic information such as flight number, airline, etc.
· The winner of the Nintendo Wii™ is Louisville, KY chapter member, Mimi Kiley, a young adult! She is very excited about attending her first convention. Registrants for the convention who signed up by December 31, 2008, were entered into the drawing for the Wii™.
· HLAA supported the delay of DTV - with conditions. To read our position on this go to the HLAA website: http://www.hearingloss.org/advocacy/television.asp#dtvdelay We will be a subcontractor on the Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD) FCC project providing a Help Center for consumers with hearing loss who are having difficulty with the transition from analog to digital TV. We will make sure people with hearing loss know about the Center, publicizing it through our online sources and in HLAA magazine and refer email/callers with problems.
· Please keep the HLAA corporate membership category in mind and promote it to corporations you may have contact with or send me ideas of companies to solicit. The benefits are: logo on the corporate member page on HLAA website http://www.hearingloss.org/ with a link to their company web site and articles in the HLAA magazine talking about their industry and the trends – all for $300.
· Attended the monthly meeting of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance (DHHA) – a coalition of consumer and professional organizations related to hearing loss issues. HLAA has been a member for over 20 years. The focus of the coalition for 2009 is 1) Health Care reform 2) Infant hearing screening legislation reauthorization 3) Federal appropriations. DHHA now has a website: www.dhhainfo.comKareem Dale, liaison to President Obama’s Transition Team was an invited speaker to the DHHA meeting. He urged all disability groups to work together for change and to resolve any philosophical differences for effective outcomes. There is rumor that he will be appointed as the Special Assistant to the President on Disability Policy – the first time ever such a position has been named.We worked with members of the DHHA to draft a document on Health Care Reform. The document includes the following foci: Access to Care; Health Disparities; Research and Development; Health Information Technology; Prevention and Primary Care; Workforce Issues. We also worked with DHHA on a letter to the new secretary of Health and Human Services to introduce him to DHHA and the issues we want him to address. These include: Medicare and Medicaid Program; Early Hearing Detection and Intervention; Awareness of Hearing Loss and Its Causes; Deafness and Hearing Loss Research.
· A Web chat was held January 13. Our own Deanna Baker was guest speaker on CART and captioning. To view the transcript, go to the HLAA website. The next web chat is scheduled for February 17 at 7 P,M, (EST) with HLAA board member and medical advisor Paul Hammerschlag, MD, FACS (Otologist/Neurotologist) who will discuss "Medical and Surgical Intervention for hearing loss"
· Special Notice: New York State Chapter Coordinator Joe Gordon has announced his decision
to retire from this position effective February 1, 2009. For over 12 years Joe has been dedicated to the development of the strong New York affiliate network. In 1999, he received the HLAA Keystone Award, a special honor for outstanding achievement and contributions to the success of the organization. Joe has been an effective advocate at local, state and national levels and received the HLAA Advocacy Award in 2006. HLAA is deeply appreciative of Joe's service and will miss working with him on chapter development, but pleased he will continue as an active advocate/educator and member of HLAA.
· HearingLossNation is a non-profit online social network community designed specifically for HoH individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. HLAA member Patrick Holkins moderates the discussions for young adults. We have purchased the domain name for HearingLossNation. See more about this on the HLAA website.
· We started monthly chats/trainings on January 27th with state chapter coordinators and state leaders. The first meeting was casual with no specific agenda beyond getting everyone familiar with logging into and using the chat room and bringing burning questions they would like answered. Subsequent meetings will be geared to goal setting, outreach and other topics for growing and strengthening chapters.
· We met by phone with Bill Corwin, president of the Clarke School for the Deaf. Their original campus is in Northampton, MA where he is based is 140 years old. It is a school for birth through 8th grade with residential facilities. They now have five campuses. Clarke has audiology clinics for children and adults. They sell ALDs and have started aural rehabilitation clinics for adults after they have a cochlear implant. They are interested in marketing their aural rehab programs through HLAA and are also very interested in getting involved in our walks in cities where they have campuses. Bill will attend the convention to get to know HLAA better and to meet with members and board members. We also talked about HLAA members mentoring Clarke students.
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Minnesota HLAA News
For those of you living in Minnesota, here's the link to the latest news from the Twin Cities Chapter. This group really knows what it's doing! By going to this link, you can access all of their newsletters that they have for their area. Another great way to find out what is going on in the D/HOH world!
http://www.hlaatc.org/news.html
If you are looking to find resources in the State of Minnesota, please click on the link below. This will take you to the column on services available for residents of Minnesota.
If there are any other chapters out there that have websites with information for a particular state, feel free to send me an email and I'll get them up in a column for you.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Disaster Relief in Kentucky
Even though the media has pretty much moved on to other things, there are still several places down in Kentucky that need relief workers. Elmbrook Church is once again organizing groups to go down there and help out. They work in partnership with Samaritan's Purse. If you would like to lend a hand, please contact Mary Ann Lee via her Elmbrook Church email below.
I was with this organization shortly after Katrina down in Biloxi, MS. It is truly amazing how much work a very small group can get done. I drove through Kentucky last week and the devastation from the Ice Storm is truly incredible. There will be areas that do not have power for weeks to come. They have even evacuated some small towns due to lack of services.
Have a great week!
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We have taken a huge leap of faith and registered a team of 6 men to leave on Sunday, February 15 for a week in Kentucky (an 8-1/2 drive). If God is calling you to help, please contact Mary Ann Lee. You can reply to this email, or use mlee@elmbrook.org, or phone her at 262-796-5758.
Thanks!
Pam and Mary Ann
From Samaritan's Purse:
Volunteers Needed To Respond In Kentucky
Samaritanʼs Purse volunteers from across the United States have completed more than 100 work orders from people in the Midwest who are in need. But as we finish our work in Poplar Bluff, MO, we will begin to set up a new Disaster Relief site in Madisonville, Kentucky. We will be scheduling volunteers from February 16 through the end of the month.
We are looking for volunteers with chainsaw skills, ability to clear debris, and a heart to serve the Lord. |
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
A new one for the History Books!
It's hard to believe that today is only Feb. 10th. It's 60 degrees outside and most of the snow and ice have melted.
Last December, my mother-in-law gave me 50 bulbs. She knows how much I enjoy planting and working with plants and flowers and thought I could use some more. She lives in Central Illinois and down there, you can, on occasion, plant bulbs in February. Up here in Wisconsin, that is almost impossible. Until today!
I actually found one flower bed that was thawed out enough to get these babies in. They had been in my refrigerator for the past 4 weeks. It will be interesting to see what happens in a few months. So, for the first time ever, I've planted tulips, daffodils and crocus bulbs in February. And, yes, I did get rid of a few weeds while I was digging holes....
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Ideas for teachers of D/HOH students
Just got this information from the State of Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing office in Madison, WI. Feel free to share it with the teachers that you know!
WISCONSIN TEACHER CREATES TODHH BLOG AND LISTSERVE With so many teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students being either itinerant or located in rural areas, feelings of isolation and “What should I do in this situation?” can become overwhelming at times. Thanks to the “new” concept called “blogging,” D/HH teachers can now be contacted through just a few keystrokes. Logging onto the Internet and finding www.todhh.blogspot.com will put you in touch with what’s happening in the field of deafness locally and nationally. It’s a place where teachers can share ideas, concerns, questions, or stories. If you’re looking for another way to get connected, try joining the deafeducators listserv. Located on Yahoo, it’s a way to quickly send an email and get feedback from all of the other members. Have a questions, concern, or need a quick teaching idea? This is the place to go – it’s a discussion forum that’s immediate through email. To sign on, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/deafeducation/.
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
D/HOH Events in WI, OR, PA & TN
**April 4, 2009: Fox River Valley Association of the Deaf Dart Tournament at Route 15 Sports Bar, W6278 Greenville Drive, Greenville, WI 54942. Door will open at 11:00 a.m. for registrations and warm-up; Tourney will start at 1:00 p.m.; $10 per player. Chairperson: Larry Golly. For info contact FRVAD75@yahoo.com.
**July 22-26, 2009: 12th Biennial Deaf Women United (DWU) Conference in Portland, OR sponsored by Deaf Women of Oregon and SW Washington (DWOW). Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing women from all over the USA and Canada are welcome. DWU or DWOW members register by December 31, 2008 for the early bird rate of $225. Go to http://www.dwu.org or http://www.dwow.org for more information.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Wisconsin, Illinois & Minnesota events/workshops/classes
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Lake Country HLAA Chapter 2008 Wrap-up
Here's a brief wrap-up of what our Hearing Loss Association of America Chapter in Wales did for 2008. We are all looking forward to an exciting 2009!
Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at the Wales Community Center in Wales, WI. We are open to the public with no fees being charged to be a part of our group. When we met for the first time in April 2008, we had 17 in attendance. As of Dec. 2008, we have 32 in the group.
Topics that we discussed, had speakers for or learned more about included:
Cochlear Implant personal Stories
State of Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
TEPP Voucher program
Milwaukee Rep. Theater Assistive Listening Devices for their performances
Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Audiology Services
Wales/Genesee Fire Department - Communication with the D/HOH
Equipment available for the home/office for those with hearing loss
Watched and Supported several members of our group as they got hearing evaluations and in some cases hearing aids or Cochlear Implants!
As you can see, we've been busy! It's been great to meet all of the 'local' D/HOH and learn more about the positive aspects of living with hearing loss. See you in 2009!
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
What is GeoCaching?
How many of you are looking for a new way to spend some time outdoors, look for 'treasure' and learn a new game? Have you ever heard of geocaching? It's a neat way to spend a few hours with your kids, family or friends. I've posted the link to one of the more popular sites where you can enter your address/zip code and see where there are some treasures to be found. For those of you that have a little treasure hunter in you, this might be just the thing to add some fun to your life.
All that you need is a GPS device and access to the internet. The most important rule is, once you find the treasure, don't take the container with you! You can leave your own treasure behind and then go online and log your find.
This is one of the few games where it really doesn't matter if you have good hearing or not. And, it's kind of neat to see what others have left! So, if you have some time and want to start a new hobby, check out geocaching. Who knows, you might be able to find some of the more elusive treasures in your neighborhood!
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
'Let Kids Hear Bill' needs your help!
As many of you know, we tried to get a similar bill passed last year and unfortunately, due to the strong lobbying by the insurance companies, it failed. Now, we have another opportunity to help all of the kids in Wisconsin who have hearing loss. Please read the article below and if you can, contact your representatives to voice your opinions.
Who knows, there may be a child in your life, that really appreciates your time and effort!
Have a great week!
The 2009 legislative session started in January, along with the bill that would require hearing aids and cochlear implants to be covered by group and individual insurance plans in Wisconsin.
Thanks to many legislators, especially Senator Lassa and her staff Jessica Kelly, the bill is back and is better than ever! The bill this year is different than last session. We are excited to say that the bill is much stronger. In many instances, the language is streamlined and concepts are defined clearly so as to avoid confusion after the bill becomes law. Some of the substantive changes include:
1) coverage of children up through the age of 18 years old;
2) coverage of treatment including services, diagnosis, procedures, surgery and therapy;
3) defines "cochlear implants" to include all implantable devices; and
4) removes language from the bill last session that would have required families to pay back the cost of hearing aids and cochlear implants if they voluntarily left the insurance company before a years time.
There are two versions of the bill that are identical. One has been introduced in the Senate, and one in the Assembly. The links to the bills are:
The Senate version of the bill (SB 27) was introduced by Senators Lassa, Hansen, Lehman, Risser, Taylor,
Erpenbach, Vinehout, Darling, S. Fitzgerald, Coggs and Kapanke; cosponsored by Representatives Cullen,
Bernard Schaber, Schneider, Sheridan, Berceau, Hilgenberg, Hraychuck, Vruwink, Mason, Black, Pasch,
Sherman, Pocan, Jorgensen, Sinicki, Stone, Krusick, Smith, Seidel, Montgomery, Parisi, Turner, Grigsby,
Richards, Zigmunt, A. Williams, Soletski, Hixson and Dexter. The bill has been directed to the
Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue.
The committee is headed by Erpenbach, and also includes Carpenter, Robson, Lassa, Lazich, Kanavas,
and Darling.
The Assembly Bill (AB 16) was introduced by Introduced by Representatives Cullen, Bernard Schaber,
Schneider, Sheridan, Berceau, Hilgenberg, Hraychuck, Vruwink, Mason, Black, Pasch, Sherman, Pocan,
Jorgensen, Sinicki, Stone, Krusick, Smith, Seidel, Montgomery, Parisi, Turner, Grigsby, Richards,
Zigmunt, A. Williams, Soletski, Hixson and Dexter; cosponsored by Senators Lassa, Hansen, Lehman,
Risser, Taylor, Erpenbach, Vinehout, Darling, S. Fitzgerald, Coggs and Kapanke. It has been directed to
the Committee on Insurance headed by Cullen. Also represented on the committee are Molepski,
Ziegelbauer, Parisi, Berceau, Hebl, Nygren, Suder, Vos and Roth.
If your legislator is a sponsor or a co-sponsor of the bill, thank them for their support, but still let them know how you or someone you know will be positively impacted by the bill.
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Imagine what would happen if you ran a business this way?
Irregardless of your political affiliation, I thought that this piece from UTube pretty much sums up what all of our elected officials are doing. I can't imagine the mess that we would be in if we ran our business this way...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvnwOjDjnH4&feature=channel_page
For those of you that are interested, here's the link to the bill that was passed 2/13/09 by the House. You may want to get a cup of coffee first...
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c111:9:./temp/~c111hn4E1S:e582:
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Learning Opportunities for those working with the D/HOH
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**The Transition Coalition at University of Kansas’ Special Education Department offers a series of free on-line transition trainings that you can access at any time. Teachers, family members, service providers all are welcome to access these resources. You will need to register and get a password plus to a “pre-test” before starting any module (this is a research project and they have to measure pre/post efficacy). The site is www.transitioncoalition.org.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
HLAA Live Webchat
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We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Through the Looking Glass Scholarships
Are you a High School or College student? Do 1 or both of your parents have a disability or medical issue? If you answered yes to both of these questions, here is another scholarship opportunity for you!
http://lookingglass.org/scholarships/index.php
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Question for you!
I've been following the latest news on the 'Housing Bailout' and have a question for those of you that are much better at the financial side of mortgages than I.
If we are going to 'renegotiate' some of the mortgages for those that are in financial trouble, how does the PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) figure into all of this? I'm assuming that PMI will cover the difference between what the home is worth and how much the remaining mortgage owed is? There are a lot of people out there that bought at the high end of the bubble, didn't put any money down and pay PMI as part of their monthly mortgage payment. Does this mean that PMI is now going be picking up billions of dollars in lost value? If so, why are we not hearing anything on the MSM about this additional cost that will ultimately be passed on to all of us taxpayers?
I'm also predicting that someone in the insurance industry will, in the very near future, be offering an insurance product to all of those that buy real estate that could be very similar to a life insurance policy. This would 'protect' your investment should the value drop dramatically. Another way of creative financing in order to get those that do not own real estate into the fray that alot of other people are already in. Just my thoughts on the subject!
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Ponzi scam targets the D/HOH
http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE51J0AG20090220
Thanks to Jeff Blackwell for sending me this link today. We've all heard about Maduff and Stanford, but very few know of this one. I just can't stress enough that if you are looking to invest, please keep in mind that 'if it seems too good to be true, it probably is'.
With the economy the way that it is now, we are all looking for ways to minimize the damage to our assets. Unfortunately, it does not look like there is a lot of 'policing' going on via our government. Your best defense is to talk to those that you trust, check out any information and don't make hasty decisions.
If you want to check out your financial advisor or Broker, here's a link to do that.
http://www.finra.org/Investors/ToolsCalculators/BrokerCheck/index.htm
If any of you have any other suggestions on good ways to check the financial side of things out, please feel free to post them in the comment section. And, keep in mind, that I'm not a 'financial expert' in any of this. But, it does really irk me that there are people/companies out there that will take advantage of just about anyone to make a buck...
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Where is all of the Economic Stimulus Plan money going?
For those of you interested, here's the link to what I think is the best summation of where all of the money is going. Just click on the State that you are interested in and a pdf fact sheet will come up with all of the breakdowns on it.
http://dpc.senate.gov/dpc-new.cfm?doc_name=fs-111-1-24
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Free Hearing Aid Battery Offer
Energizer Batteries have recently come out with a new perforated pack design and wants consumers to try it out! Please click on the link below to get your free hearing aid batteries!
http://offers.energizer.com/perfpack/
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Milwaukee/Racine HLAA meeting for March
Hello All!
The Milwaukee/Racine HLAA Chapter meets at the Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in West Allis, WI. If you have any questions, please contact Jean at szaboshhh@yahoo.com or Caroline at carolineludka@yahoo.com
Our special news of our HLAA Milwaukee-Racine Chapter is NOW in the process of organizing a Walk 4 Hearing in the spring of 2010. We will discuss dates and locations of where the WALK 4 Hearing will take place in Milwaukee. We need your participation to make this event a success!
Enjoy your weekend!
Jean Szabo and Caroline Ludka
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
How to find out if a product is recalled.
For those of you looking for something to do this chilly Monday morning...
Pretty neat website that lists all new recalls on EVERYTHING weekly. Sure beats finding out about it later because the manufacturer didn't send you something in the mail...
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Wisconsin Family Voices Leadership Seminar (It's Free!)
For those of you out there that are interested in becoming more proactive in a child or young adult's life who is living with a disability, this may be of interest to you. The deadline has been extended to March 2, 2009. All lodging, meals and the seminar is free. Those fees are being picked up by the sponsoring organizations. Click on the link below to learn more.
http://www.wfv.org/fv/2009Leadership.pdf
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Next HLAA live webchat - Ear Molds!
I know! A very strange title for those of you that don't live in the hearing loss world.
Don't forget to join the live webchat on March 19, 2009 at 7:00pm Eastern time. The topic will be "Everything you ever wanted to know about ear molds, but were afraid to ask'. More information can be found by clicking on the link below. You can also submit questions ahead of time if you wish. This link will also take you to the previous live webchat transcripts if you want to get caught up on other topics.
http://www.hearingloss.org/Community/schedule.asp
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Miss Deaf Wisconsin Pageant Candidates
The Miss Deaf Wisconsin Pageant will be held in Delavan, WI June 18-27, 2009. The pageant conducted every two years is to promote young Deaf women from across Wisconsin to have an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and portray their beliefs as young, intelligent women of tomorrow. The winner will represent Wisconsin in the Miss Deaf America Pageant July 7-11, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information and application instructions, go to http://www.wi-deaf.org/web2/images/mdw/MissDeafWisconsinPageant2009.pdf
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Wisconsin Lions Camp looking for Summer Staff for 2009
The Wisconsin Lions Camp has offered quality programs for Wisconsin youth and adults with disabilities since 1956. In order to run the summer camp program, summer staff are needed for the positions of male and female counselors, program specialists (swimming, boating, crafts, nature, music & outdoor living, challenge course), healthcare staff (RN’s, LPN’s, graduate nurses and nursing assistants) and other support staff. Anyone who is 18 and older and interested in a summer experience can apply. To apply for staff positions and/or to find out about summer programs offered, go to www.wisconsinlionscamp.com.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Univ. of Washington looking for Summer Academy Candidates
The next deadline to apply for the 2009 Summer Academy is Friday, February 27 at 5:00 p.m. PDT. The Summer Academy seeks to find the top 10 deaf and hard of hearing students, ages 18 and over, who excel in and enjoy math, science and/or computing. The program is fully funded by the National Science Foundation—tuition, room and board, and transportation will be provided at no cost to selected applicants! The application form can be submitted online at www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/dhh/academy .
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Articles and Publications on D/HOH Issues
http://blogs.nad.org/president/ NAD Announcement on Budget Threats to Schools for the Deaf
If you are sending me more links on things of this nature, I will be devoting one column per month to them. Please have your information to me by the 15th of each month so that I can include them in next column. Thanks!
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Resources & Information for Families
**April 29, 2009: Parent Leadership Conference, “Building Partnerships for Student Success,” Monona Terrace, Madison, WI. Parents, teachers, administrators, other school staff, community members from any district or school seeking to improve through Family-Community Partnerships should attend. Go to http://dpi.wi.gov/fscp/ for information.
**April 30 and May 1, 2009: The Circles of Life Families Conference, Madison, WI. For families who have children of any age with disabilities or special needs or the professionals who support and provide services for them. Go to http://www.wfv.org/circle/ for more information.
**WESPDHH Outreach newsletter for February/March available at http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/documents/Outreach%20Newsletters/Feb-March.pdf. Note change of information re: the April 21 PST meeting in Fond du Lac.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Learning Opportunities/Some with CEU credits
Special Thanks to the State of Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the following:
**Deaf Initiative in Technology (DiiT) 2009 Summer Workshop Schedule: http://www.rit.edu/ntid/ics/diit/. All workshops are held at the national Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY.
**March 9 – May 13, 2009: “Introduction to the Deaf Community” via the Internet. This two-credit or 3.0 CEU-course is an introduction to the American Deaf community and culture. Topics include terminology, basic anatomy and etiology, audiology, hearing aids and other devices, language and communication, and cultural perspective and the impact of hearing loss on people’s life experiences and identities. Course #10-533-142-IN, computer #65395. Register by phone at 1-888-NTC-7144 or use the Internet: www.ntc.edu. Payment in full must be made at time of registration. Registration deadline is February 27. For more information, contact the instructor: Carol Vandenbusch at Ext 1425 or vandenbusch@ntc.edu.
**March 20 – 21, 2009: “Demand Control Schema” Workshop presented by Robyn Dean sponsored by WisRID in Madison, WI. Information and registration instructions can be found at www.wisrid.org. Click on “Events” then “Calendar.” Register NOW. Accommodation requests must be postmarked by February 27, 2009. Hotel reservations should be made early—state boys basketball is in Madison the same weekend!) Send questions to mlrose1@charter.net.
**April 1-3, 2009: Rehabilitation and Transition Conference, Kohler, WI. http://www.rfw.org/RehabConference/2009/RehabConference.htm.
**April 17, 2009: Transition Workshop & Wounded Warriors Workshop hosted by University of Illinois and sponsored by the Office for Civil Rights. High school students with disabilities, parents, educators, disability service providers, secondary education guidance counselors, and veterans are all invited to attend. For more information as it becomes available go to http://stemmidwest.org/default.asp?contentID=558.
**April 17-18, 2009: The Anointed Interpreter Workshop 2009 sponsored by the Deaf Ministry of Abundant Life Apostolic Church, Oconomowoc, WI. Workshops include “Creating Conceptual Accuracy in Religious Interpretation” with Chuck Tripi; “It’s the How, Not the What – Preparing for the NIC Interview” with David Evans; “Making Music Meaningful” with Sue Tyrrell and Laura Lord; “Lights…Camera…Action” with Renee Thomas. Complete information and registration materials at www.alc1.org/deaf/workshop. RID CEUs have been applied for.
**April 21, 2009: DHH Teacher Update: Mental Health for Students Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Holiday Inn, Fond du Lac, WI. This update session will address the mental health needs for students who are deaf and hard of hearing and will provide suggestions, resources and hands on opportunites to write IEP goals to support mental wellness. All Wisconsin DHH teachers are invited to attend.
**April 30 & May 1, 2009: “Circles of Life” Conference for families of children with disabilities and the professional who support them at Madison Marriott West, Middleton, WI. Brochure available at http://sharedwork.org/documents/COLbroch.pdf. Registration packet available at http://sharedwork.org/documents/COLreg.pdf. Registration and Hotel reservations due March 27, 2009.
**May 1-3, 2009: ASL Weekend at Wisconsin Lions Camp. The only 2-day ASL and Deaf Culture immersion experience in Wisconsin is hosted by Wisconsin ASLTA and WisRID. For more information, go to www.aslweekend.org.
**May 5-7, 2009: Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG) 2009 National Training Conference at the Gallaudet University Kellogg Conference Hotel in Washington, DC. Conference website is available at http://www.dhhig.org/ntc. Click on “Workshops” at the website to view workshop descriptions. Deadline to register is April 20, 2009 or until conference capacity is exceeded.
**May 8-10, 2009: Teen Getaway Weekend for high school age students at Mount Morris Camp, Wautoma, WI. A great opportunity for high school students throughout Wisconsin to meet one another and build self-esteem and leadership skills. Teen Getaway Weekend registration materials now available at http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/documents/TGW_2009_Registration_packet.pdf.
**May 15, 2009: Midwest Alliance Transition Forum – Madison (Location to be announced), 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. A panel including students with disabilities, disability resource specialists, and program coordinators talking about supports and services that are available for students as they transition from High School to Postsecondary Education. Parents, students, and community members are invited to attend. Please register for yourself and any other people who will be accompanying you at http://tinyurl.com/d8uj2c.
**June 8-10, 2009: National ADA Symposium, Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, MO. Keynote speaker: Senator Tom Harkin. For more information on the symposium: http://www.adasymposium.org/.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Job Opportunities in the D/HOH Fields
**Educational Interpreter Substitutes, Kewaskum School District, Kewaskum, WI. For more information contact Sue Burgard, Pupil Services, Kewaskum School District, 262-626-8427 ext 8013; Email sburgard@ksd.k12.wi.us.
**Indiana School for the Deaf currently has job openings/postings for several positions (position listed followed by its posting number): Nurse (intermittent) 561742; Charge Nurse 561757; Audiologist 561743; Teacher Asst (Intm-Preschool) 561754; Teacher Asst (Intm-Elementary) 561752; Teacher Asst (FT – High School) 561751l ; Food Service Worker 561756. Applicants must submit an Indiana State Application via the Indiana State Personnel website at http://www.in.gov/jobs. If you have any questions please contact Carole Morgan, Human Resource Department at 317-920-6340 V/TTY; Email cmorgan@isd.k12.in.us. Website: http://www.deafhoosiers.com.
**Educational Interpreter – Jakarta, Indonesia, August – June 2009/2010 School Year. This exciting position would provide educational interpreting for a 12 year old deaf boy attending a private English language-based school. Although the salary is not commensurate to that received in the U.S., private housing, flights, visas’ fees, transportation to school, and medical health insurance from the USA is provided making it possible to enjoy life and travel within Indonesia. Candidates must have a strong sense of adventure, be confidant but flexible, and able to work with a high degree of independence, as well as being skilled as an interpreter, having had experience working with deaf children. Both male and female candidates are encouraged to apply. For more information and application procedures, please inquire by email. Applications will be received until a suitable candidate is found. Contact Greg Zolkowski, Jakarta International School, gregzol78@gmail.com.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Upcoming Events
**February 26 – March 15, 2009: “A Look in the Mirror – the memoir of a Deaf performer” written and performed in ASL by Nic Zapko at Dreamland Arts, 677 N. Hamline Avenue, St Paul, MN 55104. Voice interpretation by Patty Gordon and Susan Boinis. “A Look in the Mirror” is a hard-hitting true story of loss, despair, and redemption. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. For information, location/directions, and/or to purchase tickets, go to http://www.dreamlandarts.com/. Scroll down on left side to “A Look in the Mirror.” (Recommended for ages 13+)
**February 27-March 1, 2009: Wisconsin School for the Deaf Midwest Regional Academic Bowl. Top three teams plus one wild-card team will compete in the national championships at Gallaudet University, April 25-28.
**March 12-13, 2009: 4th Annual Statewide Professional Conference at the Madison Concourse Hotel. For any professional who works with students, ages birth to 21, who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and deaf with additional disabilities. See detailed flyer at www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov.
**March 14, 2009: La Crosse Social Deaf Club St Patrick’s Day Potluck/Meeting at La Crosse Community Policing Center, 713 St James Street, La Crosse, WI; 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Hot/cold potluck and free coffee or bring your own beverage. Wear green or Else! Important meeting topics.
**March 17, 2009: Annual Senior Americans’ Day at UW-Eau Claire Davies Center from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost is $26 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, door prizes, and exhibitor hall with more than 40 vendors. For more information, contact LaVone at 715-836-3636.
**March 21, 2009: From the Director and Producer of Forget Me Not and Wrong Game: “The Legend of the Mountain Man” showing at Kaukauna High School, Entrance C2, 1701 Country Road CE, Kaukauna, WI 54130; $10 admission; Net proceeds benefit Fox River Valley Association of the Deaf. Tickets/info: Faye Peters, FRVAD75@yahoo.com.
**March 22, 2009: Deaf Culture Presentation by Joel Mankowski at Divine Savior Lutheran Church, 3200 Hwy K South Hartford, WI 53207 in the Church Fellowship Hall, 1:00 p.m. For more information go to www.divinesavior.us.
**March 28, 2009: DeafNation Expo Minneapolis at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A, 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403; 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information on DeafNation Expo, map to the Minneapolis Convention Center, and hotel information go to http://expo.deafnation.com/. DeafNation Expo is the foremost touring trade show for, by, and about Deaf people. DeafNation provides exhibitions and entertainment at no charge to the public.
**April 4, 2009: Fox River Valley Association of the Deaf Dart Tournament at Route 15 Sports Bar, W6278 Greenville Drive, Greenville, WI 54942. Door will open at 11:00 a.m. for registrations and warm-up; Tourney will start at 1:00 p.m.; $10 per player. Chairperson: Larry Golly. For info contact FRVAD75@yahoo.com.
**April 5, 2009: Wild Game Feed, Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church, 3110 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI. Sunday worship at 9:45 a.m. Game Feed at 12:00 p.m. Meal plate charge is $10 per person (including drawing for 10 cash prizes). Proceeds to to church raising fund. Everyone welcome.
**April 11, 2009: La Crosse Social Deaf Club Easter Dinner at La Crosse Community Policing Center, 713, St James Street, La Crosse, WI; 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Ham and coffee provided, you bring hot/cold potluck and your own beverage. Meeting & games planned.
**April 18, 2009: HLAA Statewide meeting, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Portage County Library, Stevens Point, WI.
**April 23, 2009: CDHH 6th Annual Gardens Luncheon featuring Betty Adelman of Heritage Flower Farm. Visit http://www.cdhh.org/ for details. Tickets now on sale!
**April 30 and May 1, 2009: WSD Spring play, “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare at Delavan-Darien High School Auditorium, 150 Cummings St, Delavan, WI 53115. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for elementary – high school students and senior citizens (65+). Performance times are 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. both days. For reservations, contact Kari Wicinski at drama.club@wsd.k12.wi.us.
**May 8-10, 2009: “Teen Getaway Weekend for High School Students” at Mount Morris Camp, Wautoma, WI. http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/documents/save%20the%20date%20Teen%20Getaway%202009.pdf for more information.
**May 9, 2009: La Crosse Social Deaf Club Pizza Night at La Crosse Community Policing Center, 713, St James Street, La Crosse, WI; 4:30 – 10:30 p.m.; Bring the coupons for Pizza Hut, Dominoes, or others. Cost for pizzas will be announced; No hot/cold potluck; No coffee! Beverages will be available to buy. Meeting & games planned.
**May 14, 2009: UW-Milwaukee ITP Graduation at 7:00 p.m. (tentative) in the UWM Ballroom. More details will follow.
**June 9, 2009: CDHH “Tasting Tuesday” at Milwaukee Ale House. Visit http://www.cdhh.org/ for more information.
**June 18-20, 2009: WAD Conference will be held at Wisconsin School for the Deaf, Delavan, WI. Volunteers are needed. Contact Jenny Gember at jennygem@gmail.com if you are interested in helping. Vlogs detail the 2009 WAD Conference at www.youtube.com/wadconference2009 and also on the home page of WAD’s website at www.wi-deaf.org.
**June 18-21, 2009: HLAA to celebrate 30th birthday at Convention 2009 in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Register early for a chance to win a Nintendo Wii. For convention information, go to www.hearingloss.org.
**July 7-11, 2010: 50th Biennial NAD Conference-Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Marriott. Watch this space for updates.
**July 22-26, 2009: 12th Biennial Deaf Women United (DWU) Conference in Portland, OR sponsored by Deaf Women of Oregon and SW Washington (DWOW). Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing women from all over the USA and Canada are welcome. DWU or DWOW members register by December 31, 2008 for the early bird rate of $225. Go to http://www.dwu.org or http://www.dwow.org for more information.
**July 25, 2009: La Crosse Social Deaf Community picnic at Copeland Park on Copeland Avenue and Clinton Street, La Crosse, WI; 11:00 a.m. - ????? More information will be posted as it is received.
**August 1-6, 2009: RID National Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Go to www.rid.org for more information.
Have a great week!
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Federal Signal Lawsuits
Don't get me wrong here, but I am definitely having a problem seeing how these firefighters/emergency personnel can even think of suing the manufacturer of the sirens that are installed and used on their emergency vehicles.
I'm all for having people monetarily reimbursed for defective products that cause a life changing injury, but come on! I know that when I was with the fire dept., we were all exposed to the loud noises made by these sirens. But, we also tried to take some precautions such as not standing in front of the speakers, wearing protective headsets while riding in the fire engines, ect. We all know that there are many times when we were working on a patient and en-route to the medical facility with the sirens going that we would be exposed to the noise. After all, how are we going to hear our patient if we have our headsets on?
I feel bad for these firefighters that now have to deal with living with hearing loss, but there are also many other professions where if you are employed there long enough, you will risk having a health issue later in life. You've made the choice to work in this environment knowing full well the risks and hazards. I'm not really sure how an emergency vehicle can make its' presence known if they do not have their sirens going while in traffic.
It's time that we all take some responsibility for our actions/decisions instead of finding ways to make money off of others.
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
Enjoy NASCAR? Read this before you go.
It's good to see that NASCAR is finally acknowledging that their sport does cause hearing loss. If you are one of the thousands that love attending these events, please look into getting some hearing protection to wear while there. You'll enjoy being able to hear later in life!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/orl-sportsnascar15021509feb15,0,7188276.story
Have a great week!
Copyright 2009 Tami Klink
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
We encourage your comments but will strive to remove discussion that contains personal attacks, racial slurs, profanity or other inappropriate material as outlined in our guidelines. We post-moderate comments on most content, but may choose to pre-moderate some comments so please be patient if you don't see yours appear right way. We also ask for your help by reporting comments you think are inappropriate.
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