World Without Hearing News
ISSN 1715-2488 On Line Edition
February 2012, Vol. 2
ISSN 1715-2488 On Line Edition
February 2012, Vol. 2
This E-zine can be viewed online at: www.worldwithouthearing.com/ current
World Without Hearing News is published weekly on weekends. Go to our Contact Us page for a free subscription. Previous issues can be accessed at the link below. We are not a news clipping service - all our articles are written by staff or are edited news releases. All articles are copyrighted and may not be reprinted without permission from WWH. Enjoy reading! - Carol Finch, Editor
ADVERTISE IN WWH NEWS
LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
World Without Hearing News is published weekly on weekends. Go to our Contact Us page for a free subscription. Previous issues can be accessed at the link below. We are not a news clipping service - all our articles are written by staff or are edited news releases. All articles are copyrighted and may not be reprinted without permission from WWH. Enjoy reading! - Carol Finch, Editor
ADVERTISE IN WWH NEWS
LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
External Links: Events I Previous Issues I Employment
------------------------------
USA
CALIFORNIA: Lawsuit Against CNN Regarding Newsclip Captioning to Proceed
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a lawsuit will proceed against CNN because CNN does not add captioning to the news clips on its website. U.S Magistrate Laurel Beeler refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by deaf Californians, saying that the case only alleges discrimination in its news delivery and is not an attack on free speech. CNN has closed captioning its TV broadcasts, but online news clips are not captioned. CNN argued that captioning can cause delays and errors. Thomas Burke, a lawyer for CNN, argued that CNN exercised its "free-speech rights when it decided not to unilaterally use closed-captioning technology for Internet videos that would violate its editorial practices." The deaf plaintiffs say that today's closed captioning is fast and accurate and would not impact CNN's news coverage. Current Federal Communications Commission regulations recently ordered captioning for full-length video programs on Internet newscasts, but they do not cover video clips that are only 2 to 3 minutes long. The Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) has posted a captioned ASL update at:www.glad inc.org/.
Advertisement
------------------------------
Waking up is Easier with Bellman & Symfon Alarm Clocks
------------------------------
USA
CALIFORNIA: Lawsuit Against CNN Regarding Newsclip Captioning to Proceed
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a lawsuit will proceed against CNN because CNN does not add captioning to the news clips on its website. U.S Magistrate Laurel Beeler refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by deaf Californians, saying that the case only alleges discrimination in its news delivery and is not an attack on free speech. CNN has closed captioning its TV broadcasts, but online news clips are not captioned. CNN argued that captioning can cause delays and errors. Thomas Burke, a lawyer for CNN, argued that CNN exercised its "free-speech rights when it decided not to unilaterally use closed-captioning technology for Internet videos that would violate its editorial practices." The deaf plaintiffs say that today's closed captioning is fast and accurate and would not impact CNN's news coverage. Current Federal Communications Commission regulations recently ordered captioning for full-length video programs on Internet newscasts, but they do not cover video clips that are only 2 to 3 minutes long. The Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) has posted a captioned ASL update at:www.glad inc.org/.
Advertisement
------------------------------
Waking up is Easier with Bellman & Symfon Alarm Clocks
The Bellman & Symfon Alarm Clocks make waking up easier. With three models, Pro, Visit, and Classic, you can select the clock that is right for you. Find all three models at Harris Communications.
The Alarm Clock Pro wakes you with high-intensity LED lights and a powerful bed shaker that also emits sound from directly under the pillow. This feature-rich clock includes a “smart snooze”, a built-in phone ringer amplifier, and a nightlight function.
The Alarm Clock Pro wakes you with high-intensity LED lights and a powerful bed shaker that also emits sound from directly under the pillow. This feature-rich clock includes a “smart snooze”, a built-in phone ringer amplifier, and a nightlight function.
The Alarm Clock Visit is the most versatile of the clocks. It has all the features of the Pro plus a built-in receiver that allows it to be used with the Bellman Visit™alerting system.
The Alarm Clock Classic is a basic model for the price conscious and has a powerful bed shaker and audible alarm.
For more detailed information on all these clocks, go to http://bit.ly/HarrisComm_
------------------------------
CALIFORNIA: Home Depot Settles Discrimination Complaint
Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center / - San Francisco / – A settlement has been reached in a case brought by deaf and hard of hearing workers in California who claimed they were discriminated against on the basis of their disability. Final approval of the class action settlement was entered by United States District Court Judge Lucy Koh on February 2, 2012. The settlement will resolve Ortiz et al v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., which was filed in a San Jose federal court on June 9, 2009. The suit alleged that Home Depot violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by failing to provide sign language interpreters at key workplace events such as interviews, trainings and meetings. The suit also alleged that Home Depot refused to allow deaf employees to operate forklifts. As part of the settlement, Home Depot will provide sign language interpreters at key workplace events such as interviews, trainings, performance review meetings, disciplinary meetings, safety meetings and mandatory store-wide meetings. Home Depot has also agreed to ensure that visual alarms for emergencies are in place at retail stores where class members are employed and to provide technology devices to improve communication with deaf and hard of hearing associates. Home Depot has further agreed to ensure that class members are eligible for forklift training and certification on an equal basis as their non-disabled counterparts, provided minimum safety requirements may be maintained. “I just wanted to succeed at my job,” said plaintiff Gabriel Ortiz. “I am happy that other deaf workers will not have to sit through meetings without understanding what is being said.” Ortiz praised Home Depot for committing to improve the work lives of people with disabilities. Attorney Josh Konecky, counsel for the plaintiffs, endorsed the settlement as an excellent result achieved through litigation and negotiation.. The settlement is posted at:www.las-elc.org /docs/cases /Home _Depot _Settlement. 2012. 02. 02. pdf
CALIFORNIA: Teachers at L.A. School Accused of Lewd Acts On Students
CNN reports that two teachers at Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles have been arrested on allegations of lewd acts on young students, such as taking pictures of students with spoons containing semen. Teacher Mike Berndt, 61, is accused to taking bondage photos of more than two dozen of his pupils in his classroom and taking lewd photos. Martin Bernard Springer, 49, is accused of fondling two 7-year-old female students in the classroom. The mother of a 5-year-old deaf son, Isadora Arrello, said she was transferring her son to another school at the end of the academic year. Arello expressed fears that her child was especially vulnerable to posible abuse because he is deaf. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's office begain investigating Berndt after a CVS drugstore photo technician alerted police seeing disturbing images of blindfolded children in an order in October 2010. Berndt's public defender has not spoken to reporters about the case, which is set for arraignment on February 21th. The entire staff of the school is being retrained and placed elsewhere. The two cases appear to be unrelated.
NEW JERSEY: NJ School for the Deaf To Get Makeover
Ewing / - Last month's newspaper report of renovations needed at the New Jersey School for the Deaf have prompted some offers of help from the community and beyond, says The Times. The 148-acre campus is over a 100 years old and in poor condition. The library is closed, the only auditorium is also used as a gym, the outdoor track is gravel and dirt and the campus is poorly lit at night. The heating system is inadequate. Princeton architect and neighbour Steven Cohen and Karen Jezierny, Princeton University's director of public affairs, have stepped forward to offer help. The school is also planning fundraising activities to do repairs on the infrastructure.
NEW MEXICO: MNCDHH to Distribute Free Smoke Alarms
CDHH / Albuquerque / – The Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) announced that a new program will kick off on February 15th, 2012 and will provide free smoke alarms to qualified deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and speech disabled New Mexicans. “2011 was one of the worst fire seasons in New Mexico history. In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape,” said Shannon Smith, Interim Executive Director. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, fires represent the fourth largest accidental killer in the United States behind motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drowning. Each year nearly 3,000 Americans die in a residential fire, which averages out to approximately eight deaths per day. Data show that the majority of victims are children and/or the elderly. While kitchen fires are the number one cause of residential fires, most residential fire fatalities start somewhere other than the kitchen. Additionally, the majority of residential fire fatalities occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. “People who are deaf (those with profound hearing loss) or hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can’t rely on sound to alert them to smoke or fire. Because the majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping – and because smoke can put people into a deeper sleep – it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure that they wake up, says CDHH. "There are technologies that appeal to other senses. Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf which use strobe lights to wake the person. For those individuals that require an additional type of notification you can install vibration equipment – like pillow or bed shakers – which are also activated by a signal sent from these specialized smoke alarms,” said Andrew Bond, President of Teltex, Inc. Individuals interested in applying for a free Smoke Alarm can either apply online or download an application from www.cdhh. state. nm. us/ smoke alarm. aspx. To qualify for a free smoke alarm, individuals must be a New Mexico resident, have a documented hearing or speech disability and have a gross household income of less than $50,000 annually.
MICHIGAN: Detroit Public Schools To Close Schools
Detroit Public Schools has announced that will be closing up to 16 schools in order to downsize, says the Detroit Free Press. These campuses will close permanently at the end of the school year and transfer students elsewhere. The Detroit Day School for the Deaf is one of the schools to be closed.
MICHIGAN: Ford Airport Expands Hearing Loop System
Grand Rapids / Ford Airport / - Gerald R. Ford International Airport officials have announced the expansion of the hearing loop system installation at the airport. This system enables individuals with telecoil (T-coil)-equipped hearing devices to have public address system announcements transmitted directly to their hearing aids. This assistive listening service is available on both airport concourses, at all airline gates and holdroom areas, and now in the airport’s Grand Hall. “We are delighted to offer this service to our customers who use assistive hearing devices,” said acting executive director Phil Johnson. “By the direct transmission of gate and flight announcements to T-coil-equipped hearing aids, this hearing loop system significantly enhances the airport experience for the thousands of our customers who have experienced hearing loss. And now, this service is available in more areas of the passenger terminal building.” Additional information about hearing loop systems is available at www.hearingloop.org.
WASHINGTON STATE: Bill Introduced Regarding Interpreter Standards
According to the state's website, the government has introduced house bill 2765, which would require educational sign language interpreters to undergo written and performance assessments. The professional educator standards board will identify a performance standard and publicize when educational interpreter assessments are available. Educational reporters must meet these standards by the beginning of the 2015 school year. The full bill is posted at: http://apps .leg. wa. gov/ documents/ illdocs/ 2011-12/Pdf /Bills /House%20 Bills 65.pdf.
------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL
AUSTRALIA: Mother of Bullied Deaf Son Sets Up Protest at School
Myra Smithers is protesting outside of Glencoe Primary School in order to get suitable education for her eleven-year-old deaf son, Mitchell, says Mandurah Coastal Times. Mitchell has a place at the WA Institute for Deaf Education at Mosman Park in Perth, but the mother says can't afford rent in the area and there is a long waiting list for public housing. Smithers says that it is too far to commute from Mandurah. She refuses to send her son to local schools or Glencoe, where she claims her son was bullied. According to Department of Education South Metropolitan Regional executive director Margaret Collins, an investigation was conducted at the school, and evidence was found of physical intimidation and name calling. She claims that two specialist behavioural phsychologists are working with staff to enhance behavior programs and that the department is working on providing support for Mitchell. “This has included providing a full-time education assistant to support him one-on-one in the classroom and in the school yard, and arranging for a teacher from the WA Institute of Deaf Education to visit him at least once a week,” she said. Collins says that the Department has offered work packages to be mailed to Smithers' home, an escort from his home to the Mosman Park school bus or help with enrolment at another school.
CANADA: Statistics Canada Turns Away Deaf Couple
Fredericton, New Brunswick / - CBC News reports that Statistics Canada allegedly refused to provide a sign language interpreter for a deaf couple to help them participate in a survey about technology. According to their daughter, Melissa Hinds, a Statistics Canada representative came to their home and recruited the couple for a survey by using written notes. The couple agreed to participate with the assistance of a sign language interpreter. A note was dropped off in the mailbox two days later said that there were no interpreting services available. Hinds complained to Statistics Canada and claimed that a manager said, "Well, they can read, can't they?" She says that her parents' rights had been violated, and plans to lodge a formal complaint. Martine Lamontagne, the assistant director for Statistics Canada’s eastern region, said this situation should not have happened and stated she will investigate.
CANADA: Deaf Man Cleared of Assault Charges During G20
Toronto, Ontario / - The Toronto Star reports that Crown attorney Jason Murray has withdrawn charges against a deaf man accused of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest at G20, an informal group of representatives of 19 countries and the European Union meeting to discuss world issues. On June 25, 2010, Emomotimi Azorbo watching a G20 protest in downtown Toronto. When Azorbo did not hear police commands, he and the police got into a physical confrontation. He was arrested and taken to the G20 temporary detention centre. Azorbo says that he was denied access to a sign language interpreter, though the Canadian Hearing Society had offered free interpreting services for the G20 weekend. Miller told the court that Azorbo was not participating in the protest, did not hear police directions and was unable to communicate effectively with officers. Miller also wanted to correct what he says is the media's portrayal of Azorbo as blameless, saying that he was "controntational" with police and pushed officers. Azorbo claims that what police thought was aggression was actually his attempt to defend himself and that the "pushing" was actually his frustrated attempts at communication.
IRELAND: Pensioner's Sexual Abuse Case Delayed
A deaf pensioner who is charged with the indecent assault of two seven-year-old boys will be held in custody until late April, when he will appear for sentencing, says the Irish Times. Judge Tony Hunt of Tullamore Circuit Court, says he is disturbed by the case of John Bracken (74), of Railway View, Clara, Co Offaly. Judge Hunt adjourned the case to balance his disabilities with his offenses. Victims James Fitzgerald, 32, and Donal O'Connor, Clara residents, waived their rights to anonymity and presented victim impact statements that described how the assaults at Bracken's home and other places in the 1980s ruined their lives. Both said they had failed relationships and took alcohol and drugs to ease their pain. The court heard testimony that Bracken did not have the opportunity to learn acceptable social or sexual behavior. David Goldberg SC said that Bracken was called "the dummy" all his life and lived in isolation. His family never learned sign language. Goldberg said that Bracken has offered a profound apology to the victims.
NORTH KOREA: World Federation of the Deaf Signs an Agreement with Disability Organization
WFD / -World Federation of the Deaf has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation with the North Korean disability organization in Helsinki, Finland. Mr Colin Allen, President of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an international disability NGO based in Helsinki, and Mr Ri Kwang Son, the Executive Director of the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled (KFPD) representing persons with disabilities in DPR Korea (North Korea), signed the historic Memorandum of Understanding at a meeting hosted by WFD together with the Finnish Association of the Deaf. The document recognizes that strengthening the cooperation between the two organizations will bring mutual benefit to both parties and also to the world deaf community. It aims to develop cooperation between the two organizations with the view of further improving the living conditions and equal opportunities of deaf people in all fields including deaf education, deaf culture, arts and deaf sports. By sharing its expertise and information WFD directly encourages and supports these processes thus contributing to the development of opportunities for the deaf and of the civil society as a whole in the country. The document signed is the first step for the deaf North Koreans to join the world deaf community as WFD and KFPD combine their efforts to facilitate and promote the foundation of a National Association of the Deaf in DPR Korea (North Korea). The Memorandum of Understanding is the result of over four years of developing understanding by exchanging experiences in deaf work and following a jointly-set agenda while also paying tribute to the articles and the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The former president of WFD, Mr. Markku Jokinen accompanied by the then president of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters, Ms Liz Gibson, paid the first official visit to North Korea in July 2010. Furthermore WFD and KFPD have also co-organized international “GOOD FELLOWSHIP” deaf meetings in Pyongyang since 2009. The next meeting will be organized in summer 2012. Both KFPD ad WFD will continue working with the German NGO Together – Educational Center for Deaf,Blind, and Nondisabled Children Hamhung e.V.
UNITED KINGDOM: Deaf Girl Kept as A Sex Slave for Ten Years, Court Hears
Manchester / - The Daily Mail reports that a court case is now being heard of an elderly couple who forced a deaf and mute girl to be an unpaid maid and sex slave for nearly ten years. The orphaned girl, who was about ten to twelve years old, was trafficked into the UK from Pakistan in 2000 and was repeatedly raped and locked in a cellar where she slept on a concrete floor. Ilyas Ashar, 83 and his wife, Tallet, 66, are denying charges of violence, human trafficking, sexual offences, false imprisonment, violence and benefit fraud. The Ashars allegedly kept the girl in their home on Cromwell Road, Eccles in Salford, Greater Manchester. Prosecuting attorney Peter Cadwaldar told the Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester that the alleged victim was forced in the cellar when she displeased the Ashars, where she would sit and cry for hours. There were no toilet facilities in the basement so she had to bang on the door, hoping they would hear her. The Ashars applied for benefits in her name and kept the money for themselves. The exact age of the girl is unknown, but she is probably between 19 and 21. She was illiterate but was taught to sign her name so that she could obtain benefits, and is average or above intelligence. The case continues.
UNITED KINGDOM: AHL Champions BSL Users' Right To Access Interpreters in Hospital
AHL / - This week, the health think tank 2020 Health revealed that, according to their Freedom of Information requests, the NHS in England spends £59,000 a day – £23million in the last year – on translating documents and providing interpreters. 2020 Health is urging NHS Trusts to stem the flow of translation costs and the TaxPayers’ Alliance said taxpayers would expect their money to go towards treatment for sick people, not on language services. Acting Chief Executive of Action on Hearing Loss, Paul Breckell, responded: "Action on Hearing Loss believes that it is essential that the 50,000 deaf people who communicate by British Sign Language (BSL) have access to high standard BSL / English interpretation services in healthcare settings. "Under the Equality Act 2010, health services must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to be accessible to people with disabilities but, unfortunately, our research shows that 70% of BSL users admitted to accident and emergency departments were not provided with a BSL / English interpreter. "People who are deaf have the right to the same level of service as other patients and, to avoid misunderstandings and frustration in what can often be very emotional circumstances, it is vital that hospitals pay for interpreters that fully meet their individual needs."
------------------------------
HAVE YOUR SAY
This section is an open forum for organizations and individuals to make statements and share various points of view. Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not represent the views of World Without Hearing News. All submissions are subject to editing of length and content. Opinions and Videos Onlinefeatures links to informative and entertaining videos, and blogs and vlogs about current issues.
USA: Congress Supports Updates to 9-1-1 Technology
Columbus, Ohio / PRNewswire / -- Citizens who call 9-1-1 expect prompt assistance. Most get it, but for those unable to talk during an emergency call – either to preserve their own safety or because they've become unconscious or are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired – may find help harder to get. That's because the technology powering many 9-1-1 centers across the country is sorely outdated. Congress took a big step earlier this month towards changing that and ensuring the most reliable, up-to-date emergency technology is made available to all 9-1-1 centers nationwide. On Dec. 1, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology adopted an amendment to H.R. 2629 – also known as the Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act – aimed at upgrading 9-1-1 capabilities and authorizing up to $250 million over five years for new technology, services and training related to NG9-1-1. Next Generation 9-1-1 (or NG9-1-1) refers to the planned enhancement of 9-1-1 services nationwide to allow public safety answering points to receive text messages, pictures, video and even data-only "calls" from smoke alarms, telematics or personal medical devices. NG9-1-1 also requires a single, unambiguous, site-specific address to be matched to every 9-1-1 call – including those coming from apartment complexes, office buildings and mobile home parks. Under current 9-1-1 practices, address ranges or a single address point for a multi-unit structure is all that is typically used, yet that can significantly slow response time. Assigning individual addresses for each unit within a building will result in more precise emergency routing and greatly improve the ability of first responders to locate callers – or devices that generate 9-1-1 calls – in multi-unit structures. "Outdated technology costs lives," said Ron Cramer, president of Columbus-based Digital Data Technologies, Inc., whose company is a leading NG9-1-1-solutions provider. "I applaud Congress for taking up this important issue and for working to ensure life-saving technology is affordable and available to all." The amendment, offered by Representatives John Shimkus (R-IL) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), is expected to go before both houses of Congress for a vote in early 2012.
United Kingdom: Charity Welcomes Department of Healths Commitment to Consider How Proposed Long Term Conditions Outcomes Could Benefit People with Hearing Loss
by Action on Hearing Loss
AHL / - Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) is welcoming the Department of Health’s commitment to consider how the proposed Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy can bring benefits for people with hearing loss. Health Minister, Paul Burstow MP, has recognized the charity’s ‘Hearing Matters’ report as an important step in raising the profile of hearing loss, and confirmed that he has asked officials to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy develops. Mr Burstow, said: “Hearing loss can have a huge impact at both personal and societal levels, and more needs to be done to improve outcomes for people with hearing loss. Hearing loss is not just a health issue, a cross-government approach would bring benefits. “The new Long Term Conditions outcomes strategy, due to be published later in the year, will consider how government departments, local authorities and the voluntary sector can work together to help prevent or delay the onset of long-term conditions such as hearing loss, and provide support at the appropriate times and places in their lives. I have asked officials to work with Action on Hearing Loss to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy develops.” The Department of Health is re-establishing an Audiology Advisory Group (AAG) to be a forum for Action on Hearing Loss and other key stakeholders to discuss how to improve outcomes for patients with hearing loss. To read the Hearing Matters report, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.
Opinions and Videos Online
Does Social Networking Impair Sign Language Interpreter Ethics?
USA: NBC Snubbed Miss Deaf America At Super Bowl
USA: Do deaf employees face firing faster than non-deaf? (Part 1)
USA, California: Deaf kids shouldn't have to go away
Uganda: Talking with Texts: How Cellphones Empower Deaf Children in Uganda
United Kingdom: Living outside the hearing world
------------------------------
WHAT'S NEW
ON THE INTERNET
USA: The Collaborative for Communication Access Via Captioning (CCAC) has posted information on do it yourself captioning. Website: https://sites. google. com/ site / ccacgroup / articles-resources/tools-for-
PRODUCTS: Australia: World-first Theatre Captioning App Launches
The Captioning Studio / - World-first technology will enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy live theatre by accessing live captions on their mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets. The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas and ACT Minister for the Arts, Joy Burch helped launch the GoTheatrical! mobile app, developed by the Australian company The Captioning Studio, at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Senator McLucas said this technology will complement current captioning displayed on screens at the side of the stage at select venues, giving people with a hearing loss the same choices as other theatre-goers. “Enjoying a night out at the theatre is something that many of us don’t think twice about but the fact is there are many Australians who haven’t been able to enjoy this popular past time,” said Senator McLucas. “This new technology builds on the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone can participate fully in the community, regardless of ability. The Australian Government has already committed to $500,000 to improve access to cinemas for people who are deaf, blind, or visually or hearing impaired, which will see captions and audio description available in 242 screens by the end of 2014. “We have provided $1 million for playback devices to improve access to print material in a digital format for people with print disability at selected public libraries across the country, with almost 1,259 playback devices (DAISY players and audio navigators) already in selected public libraries.” The initiative is another step towards reaching the objectives of the National Arts and Disability Strategy agreed to by the Australian, State and Territory Governments. Ms Burch congratulated The Captioning Studio for developing this cutting-edge technology. “The Captioning Studio has made a significant contribution to assisting people with hearing impairment,” Ms Burch said. “In December last year The Captioning Studio won the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2011 Human Rights Business Award for their contribution to inclusion of people with a hearing loss, and in August were presented with the Best Event Captioning in Australia Award at the 2011 National Captioning Awards, hosted by Deafness Forum Australia. They have also launched a national campaign to help promote captioning for people with hearing loss as well as the GoTheatrical! Kids initiative for 2012, making live theatre accessible to school children aged Year 3 to 12 who are deaf or hard of hearing.'
------------------------------
EMPLOYMENT: No new listings. Go to our employment page for older listings
------------------------------
Go to Events
Click Here For Previous Issues
Go to Home Page
See our disclaimer and privacy policy.
© World Without Hearing 2012
If you do not wish to receive mail from World Without Hearing, just reply with “remove” in the subject line.
CALIFORNIA: Home Depot Settles Discrimination Complaint
Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center / - San Francisco / – A settlement has been reached in a case brought by deaf and hard of hearing workers in California who claimed they were discriminated against on the basis of their disability. Final approval of the class action settlement was entered by United States District Court Judge Lucy Koh on February 2, 2012. The settlement will resolve Ortiz et al v. Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., which was filed in a San Jose federal court on June 9, 2009. The suit alleged that Home Depot violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by failing to provide sign language interpreters at key workplace events such as interviews, trainings and meetings. The suit also alleged that Home Depot refused to allow deaf employees to operate forklifts. As part of the settlement, Home Depot will provide sign language interpreters at key workplace events such as interviews, trainings, performance review meetings, disciplinary meetings, safety meetings and mandatory store-wide meetings. Home Depot has also agreed to ensure that visual alarms for emergencies are in place at retail stores where class members are employed and to provide technology devices to improve communication with deaf and hard of hearing associates. Home Depot has further agreed to ensure that class members are eligible for forklift training and certification on an equal basis as their non-disabled counterparts, provided minimum safety requirements may be maintained. “I just wanted to succeed at my job,” said plaintiff Gabriel Ortiz. “I am happy that other deaf workers will not have to sit through meetings without understanding what is being said.” Ortiz praised Home Depot for committing to improve the work lives of people with disabilities. Attorney Josh Konecky, counsel for the plaintiffs, endorsed the settlement as an excellent result achieved through litigation and negotiation.. The settlement is posted at:www.las-elc.org /docs/cases /Home _Depot _Settlement. 2012. 02. 02. pdf
CALIFORNIA: Teachers at L.A. School Accused of Lewd Acts On Students
CNN reports that two teachers at Miramonte Elementary School in Los Angeles have been arrested on allegations of lewd acts on young students, such as taking pictures of students with spoons containing semen. Teacher Mike Berndt, 61, is accused to taking bondage photos of more than two dozen of his pupils in his classroom and taking lewd photos. Martin Bernard Springer, 49, is accused of fondling two 7-year-old female students in the classroom. The mother of a 5-year-old deaf son, Isadora Arrello, said she was transferring her son to another school at the end of the academic year. Arello expressed fears that her child was especially vulnerable to posible abuse because he is deaf. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's office begain investigating Berndt after a CVS drugstore photo technician alerted police seeing disturbing images of blindfolded children in an order in October 2010. Berndt's public defender has not spoken to reporters about the case, which is set for arraignment on February 21th. The entire staff of the school is being retrained and placed elsewhere. The two cases appear to be unrelated.
NEW JERSEY: NJ School for the Deaf To Get Makeover
Ewing / - Last month's newspaper report of renovations needed at the New Jersey School for the Deaf have prompted some offers of help from the community and beyond, says The Times. The 148-acre campus is over a 100 years old and in poor condition. The library is closed, the only auditorium is also used as a gym, the outdoor track is gravel and dirt and the campus is poorly lit at night. The heating system is inadequate. Princeton architect and neighbour Steven Cohen and Karen Jezierny, Princeton University's director of public affairs, have stepped forward to offer help. The school is also planning fundraising activities to do repairs on the infrastructure.
NEW MEXICO: MNCDHH to Distribute Free Smoke Alarms
CDHH / Albuquerque / – The Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) announced that a new program will kick off on February 15th, 2012 and will provide free smoke alarms to qualified deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind and speech disabled New Mexicans. “2011 was one of the worst fire seasons in New Mexico history. In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape,” said Shannon Smith, Interim Executive Director. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, fires represent the fourth largest accidental killer in the United States behind motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drowning. Each year nearly 3,000 Americans die in a residential fire, which averages out to approximately eight deaths per day. Data show that the majority of victims are children and/or the elderly. While kitchen fires are the number one cause of residential fires, most residential fire fatalities start somewhere other than the kitchen. Additionally, the majority of residential fire fatalities occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. “People who are deaf (those with profound hearing loss) or hard of hearing (those with mild to severe hearing loss) can’t rely on sound to alert them to smoke or fire. Because the majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping – and because smoke can put people into a deeper sleep – it is important to have the necessary early warning of a fire to ensure that they wake up, says CDHH. "There are technologies that appeal to other senses. Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf which use strobe lights to wake the person. For those individuals that require an additional type of notification you can install vibration equipment – like pillow or bed shakers – which are also activated by a signal sent from these specialized smoke alarms,” said Andrew Bond, President of Teltex, Inc. Individuals interested in applying for a free Smoke Alarm can either apply online or download an application from www.cdhh. state. nm. us/ smoke alarm. aspx. To qualify for a free smoke alarm, individuals must be a New Mexico resident, have a documented hearing or speech disability and have a gross household income of less than $50,000 annually.
MICHIGAN: Detroit Public Schools To Close Schools
Detroit Public Schools has announced that will be closing up to 16 schools in order to downsize, says the Detroit Free Press. These campuses will close permanently at the end of the school year and transfer students elsewhere. The Detroit Day School for the Deaf is one of the schools to be closed.
MICHIGAN: Ford Airport Expands Hearing Loop System
Grand Rapids / Ford Airport / - Gerald R. Ford International Airport officials have announced the expansion of the hearing loop system installation at the airport. This system enables individuals with telecoil (T-coil)-equipped hearing devices to have public address system announcements transmitted directly to their hearing aids. This assistive listening service is available on both airport concourses, at all airline gates and holdroom areas, and now in the airport’s Grand Hall. “We are delighted to offer this service to our customers who use assistive hearing devices,” said acting executive director Phil Johnson. “By the direct transmission of gate and flight announcements to T-coil-equipped hearing aids, this hearing loop system significantly enhances the airport experience for the thousands of our customers who have experienced hearing loss. And now, this service is available in more areas of the passenger terminal building.” Additional information about hearing loop systems is available at www.hearingloop.org.
WASHINGTON STATE: Bill Introduced Regarding Interpreter Standards
According to the state's website, the government has introduced house bill 2765, which would require educational sign language interpreters to undergo written and performance assessments. The professional educator standards board will identify a performance standard and publicize when educational interpreter assessments are available. Educational reporters must meet these standards by the beginning of the 2015 school year. The full bill is posted at: http://apps .leg. wa. gov/ documents/ illdocs/ 2011-12/Pdf /Bills /House%20 Bills 65.pdf.
------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL
AUSTRALIA: Mother of Bullied Deaf Son Sets Up Protest at School
Myra Smithers is protesting outside of Glencoe Primary School in order to get suitable education for her eleven-year-old deaf son, Mitchell, says Mandurah Coastal Times. Mitchell has a place at the WA Institute for Deaf Education at Mosman Park in Perth, but the mother says can't afford rent in the area and there is a long waiting list for public housing. Smithers says that it is too far to commute from Mandurah. She refuses to send her son to local schools or Glencoe, where she claims her son was bullied. According to Department of Education South Metropolitan Regional executive director Margaret Collins, an investigation was conducted at the school, and evidence was found of physical intimidation and name calling. She claims that two specialist behavioural phsychologists are working with staff to enhance behavior programs and that the department is working on providing support for Mitchell. “This has included providing a full-time education assistant to support him one-on-one in the classroom and in the school yard, and arranging for a teacher from the WA Institute of Deaf Education to visit him at least once a week,” she said. Collins says that the Department has offered work packages to be mailed to Smithers' home, an escort from his home to the Mosman Park school bus or help with enrolment at another school.
CANADA: Statistics Canada Turns Away Deaf Couple
Fredericton, New Brunswick / - CBC News reports that Statistics Canada allegedly refused to provide a sign language interpreter for a deaf couple to help them participate in a survey about technology. According to their daughter, Melissa Hinds, a Statistics Canada representative came to their home and recruited the couple for a survey by using written notes. The couple agreed to participate with the assistance of a sign language interpreter. A note was dropped off in the mailbox two days later said that there were no interpreting services available. Hinds complained to Statistics Canada and claimed that a manager said, "Well, they can read, can't they?" She says that her parents' rights had been violated, and plans to lodge a formal complaint. Martine Lamontagne, the assistant director for Statistics Canada’s eastern region, said this situation should not have happened and stated she will investigate.
CANADA: Deaf Man Cleared of Assault Charges During G20
Toronto, Ontario / - The Toronto Star reports that Crown attorney Jason Murray has withdrawn charges against a deaf man accused of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest at G20, an informal group of representatives of 19 countries and the European Union meeting to discuss world issues. On June 25, 2010, Emomotimi Azorbo watching a G20 protest in downtown Toronto. When Azorbo did not hear police commands, he and the police got into a physical confrontation. He was arrested and taken to the G20 temporary detention centre. Azorbo says that he was denied access to a sign language interpreter, though the Canadian Hearing Society had offered free interpreting services for the G20 weekend. Miller told the court that Azorbo was not participating in the protest, did not hear police directions and was unable to communicate effectively with officers. Miller also wanted to correct what he says is the media's portrayal of Azorbo as blameless, saying that he was "controntational" with police and pushed officers. Azorbo claims that what police thought was aggression was actually his attempt to defend himself and that the "pushing" was actually his frustrated attempts at communication.
IRELAND: Pensioner's Sexual Abuse Case Delayed
A deaf pensioner who is charged with the indecent assault of two seven-year-old boys will be held in custody until late April, when he will appear for sentencing, says the Irish Times. Judge Tony Hunt of Tullamore Circuit Court, says he is disturbed by the case of John Bracken (74), of Railway View, Clara, Co Offaly. Judge Hunt adjourned the case to balance his disabilities with his offenses. Victims James Fitzgerald, 32, and Donal O'Connor, Clara residents, waived their rights to anonymity and presented victim impact statements that described how the assaults at Bracken's home and other places in the 1980s ruined their lives. Both said they had failed relationships and took alcohol and drugs to ease their pain. The court heard testimony that Bracken did not have the opportunity to learn acceptable social or sexual behavior. David Goldberg SC said that Bracken was called "the dummy" all his life and lived in isolation. His family never learned sign language. Goldberg said that Bracken has offered a profound apology to the victims.
NORTH KOREA: World Federation of the Deaf Signs an Agreement with Disability Organization
WFD / -World Federation of the Deaf has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation with the North Korean disability organization in Helsinki, Finland. Mr Colin Allen, President of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), an international disability NGO based in Helsinki, and Mr Ri Kwang Son, the Executive Director of the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled (KFPD) representing persons with disabilities in DPR Korea (North Korea), signed the historic Memorandum of Understanding at a meeting hosted by WFD together with the Finnish Association of the Deaf. The document recognizes that strengthening the cooperation between the two organizations will bring mutual benefit to both parties and also to the world deaf community. It aims to develop cooperation between the two organizations with the view of further improving the living conditions and equal opportunities of deaf people in all fields including deaf education, deaf culture, arts and deaf sports. By sharing its expertise and information WFD directly encourages and supports these processes thus contributing to the development of opportunities for the deaf and of the civil society as a whole in the country. The document signed is the first step for the deaf North Koreans to join the world deaf community as WFD and KFPD combine their efforts to facilitate and promote the foundation of a National Association of the Deaf in DPR Korea (North Korea). The Memorandum of Understanding is the result of over four years of developing understanding by exchanging experiences in deaf work and following a jointly-set agenda while also paying tribute to the articles and the spirit of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The former president of WFD, Mr. Markku Jokinen accompanied by the then president of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters, Ms Liz Gibson, paid the first official visit to North Korea in July 2010. Furthermore WFD and KFPD have also co-organized international “GOOD FELLOWSHIP” deaf meetings in Pyongyang since 2009. The next meeting will be organized in summer 2012. Both KFPD ad WFD will continue working with the German NGO Together – Educational Center for Deaf,Blind, and Nondisabled Children Hamhung e.V.
UNITED KINGDOM: Deaf Girl Kept as A Sex Slave for Ten Years, Court Hears
Manchester / - The Daily Mail reports that a court case is now being heard of an elderly couple who forced a deaf and mute girl to be an unpaid maid and sex slave for nearly ten years. The orphaned girl, who was about ten to twelve years old, was trafficked into the UK from Pakistan in 2000 and was repeatedly raped and locked in a cellar where she slept on a concrete floor. Ilyas Ashar, 83 and his wife, Tallet, 66, are denying charges of violence, human trafficking, sexual offences, false imprisonment, violence and benefit fraud. The Ashars allegedly kept the girl in their home on Cromwell Road, Eccles in Salford, Greater Manchester. Prosecuting attorney Peter Cadwaldar told the Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester that the alleged victim was forced in the cellar when she displeased the Ashars, where she would sit and cry for hours. There were no toilet facilities in the basement so she had to bang on the door, hoping they would hear her. The Ashars applied for benefits in her name and kept the money for themselves. The exact age of the girl is unknown, but she is probably between 19 and 21. She was illiterate but was taught to sign her name so that she could obtain benefits, and is average or above intelligence. The case continues.
UNITED KINGDOM: AHL Champions BSL Users' Right To Access Interpreters in Hospital
AHL / - This week, the health think tank 2020 Health revealed that, according to their Freedom of Information requests, the NHS in England spends £59,000 a day – £23million in the last year – on translating documents and providing interpreters. 2020 Health is urging NHS Trusts to stem the flow of translation costs and the TaxPayers’ Alliance said taxpayers would expect their money to go towards treatment for sick people, not on language services. Acting Chief Executive of Action on Hearing Loss, Paul Breckell, responded: "Action on Hearing Loss believes that it is essential that the 50,000 deaf people who communicate by British Sign Language (BSL) have access to high standard BSL / English interpretation services in healthcare settings. "Under the Equality Act 2010, health services must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to be accessible to people with disabilities but, unfortunately, our research shows that 70% of BSL users admitted to accident and emergency departments were not provided with a BSL / English interpreter. "People who are deaf have the right to the same level of service as other patients and, to avoid misunderstandings and frustration in what can often be very emotional circumstances, it is vital that hospitals pay for interpreters that fully meet their individual needs."
------------------------------
HAVE YOUR SAY
This section is an open forum for organizations and individuals to make statements and share various points of view. Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not represent the views of World Without Hearing News. All submissions are subject to editing of length and content. Opinions and Videos Onlinefeatures links to informative and entertaining videos, and blogs and vlogs about current issues.
USA: Congress Supports Updates to 9-1-1 Technology
Columbus, Ohio / PRNewswire / -- Citizens who call 9-1-1 expect prompt assistance. Most get it, but for those unable to talk during an emergency call – either to preserve their own safety or because they've become unconscious or are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired – may find help harder to get. That's because the technology powering many 9-1-1 centers across the country is sorely outdated. Congress took a big step earlier this month towards changing that and ensuring the most reliable, up-to-date emergency technology is made available to all 9-1-1 centers nationwide. On Dec. 1, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology adopted an amendment to H.R. 2629 – also known as the Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act – aimed at upgrading 9-1-1 capabilities and authorizing up to $250 million over five years for new technology, services and training related to NG9-1-1. Next Generation 9-1-1 (or NG9-1-1) refers to the planned enhancement of 9-1-1 services nationwide to allow public safety answering points to receive text messages, pictures, video and even data-only "calls" from smoke alarms, telematics or personal medical devices. NG9-1-1 also requires a single, unambiguous, site-specific address to be matched to every 9-1-1 call – including those coming from apartment complexes, office buildings and mobile home parks. Under current 9-1-1 practices, address ranges or a single address point for a multi-unit structure is all that is typically used, yet that can significantly slow response time. Assigning individual addresses for each unit within a building will result in more precise emergency routing and greatly improve the ability of first responders to locate callers – or devices that generate 9-1-1 calls – in multi-unit structures. "Outdated technology costs lives," said Ron Cramer, president of Columbus-based Digital Data Technologies, Inc., whose company is a leading NG9-1-1-solutions provider. "I applaud Congress for taking up this important issue and for working to ensure life-saving technology is affordable and available to all." The amendment, offered by Representatives John Shimkus (R-IL) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), is expected to go before both houses of Congress for a vote in early 2012.
United Kingdom: Charity Welcomes Department of Healths Commitment to Consider How Proposed Long Term Conditions Outcomes Could Benefit People with Hearing Loss
by Action on Hearing Loss
AHL / - Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID) is welcoming the Department of Health’s commitment to consider how the proposed Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy can bring benefits for people with hearing loss. Health Minister, Paul Burstow MP, has recognized the charity’s ‘Hearing Matters’ report as an important step in raising the profile of hearing loss, and confirmed that he has asked officials to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy develops. Mr Burstow, said: “Hearing loss can have a huge impact at both personal and societal levels, and more needs to be done to improve outcomes for people with hearing loss. Hearing loss is not just a health issue, a cross-government approach would bring benefits. “The new Long Term Conditions outcomes strategy, due to be published later in the year, will consider how government departments, local authorities and the voluntary sector can work together to help prevent or delay the onset of long-term conditions such as hearing loss, and provide support at the appropriate times and places in their lives. I have asked officials to work with Action on Hearing Loss to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy develops.” The Department of Health is re-establishing an Audiology Advisory Group (AAG) to be a forum for Action on Hearing Loss and other key stakeholders to discuss how to improve outcomes for patients with hearing loss. To read the Hearing Matters report, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.
Opinions and Videos Online
Does Social Networking Impair Sign Language Interpreter Ethics?
USA: NBC Snubbed Miss Deaf America At Super Bowl
USA: Do deaf employees face firing faster than non-deaf? (Part 1)
USA, California: Deaf kids shouldn't have to go away
Uganda: Talking with Texts: How Cellphones Empower Deaf Children in Uganda
United Kingdom: Living outside the hearing world
------------------------------
WHAT'S NEW
ON THE INTERNET
USA: The Collaborative for Communication Access Via Captioning (CCAC) has posted information on do it yourself captioning. Website: https://sites. google. com/ site / ccacgroup / articles-resources/tools-for-
PRODUCTS: Australia: World-first Theatre Captioning App Launches
The Captioning Studio / - World-first technology will enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy live theatre by accessing live captions on their mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets. The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas and ACT Minister for the Arts, Joy Burch helped launch the GoTheatrical! mobile app, developed by the Australian company The Captioning Studio, at the Canberra Theatre Centre. Senator McLucas said this technology will complement current captioning displayed on screens at the side of the stage at select venues, giving people with a hearing loss the same choices as other theatre-goers. “Enjoying a night out at the theatre is something that many of us don’t think twice about but the fact is there are many Australians who haven’t been able to enjoy this popular past time,” said Senator McLucas. “This new technology builds on the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone can participate fully in the community, regardless of ability. The Australian Government has already committed to $500,000 to improve access to cinemas for people who are deaf, blind, or visually or hearing impaired, which will see captions and audio description available in 242 screens by the end of 2014. “We have provided $1 million for playback devices to improve access to print material in a digital format for people with print disability at selected public libraries across the country, with almost 1,259 playback devices (DAISY players and audio navigators) already in selected public libraries.” The initiative is another step towards reaching the objectives of the National Arts and Disability Strategy agreed to by the Australian, State and Territory Governments. Ms Burch congratulated The Captioning Studio for developing this cutting-edge technology. “The Captioning Studio has made a significant contribution to assisting people with hearing impairment,” Ms Burch said. “In December last year The Captioning Studio won the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2011 Human Rights Business Award for their contribution to inclusion of people with a hearing loss, and in August were presented with the Best Event Captioning in Australia Award at the 2011 National Captioning Awards, hosted by Deafness Forum Australia. They have also launched a national campaign to help promote captioning for people with hearing loss as well as the GoTheatrical! Kids initiative for 2012, making live theatre accessible to school children aged Year 3 to 12 who are deaf or hard of hearing.'
------------------------------
EMPLOYMENT: No new listings. Go to our employment page for older listings
------------------------------
Go to Events
Click Here For Previous Issues
Go to Home Page
See our disclaimer and privacy policy.
© World Without Hearing 2012
If you do not wish to receive mail from World Without Hearing, just reply with “remove” in the subject line.
No comments:
Post a Comment