[WADNet Post] Apr 29: General WI News

GENERAL WI NEWS
--  Deaf411 Launches "Deaf Friendly Cities in the US" Project
--  Action Alert: Telephone Numbers for VRS NOW!
--  Deaf Bilingual Coalition
--  ASL/ Videophone Partner Wanted
--  Vlog: Let Our Voices Be Heard! (How???)
--  Disability Check SCAM WARNING
--  WiKODA Blog Update
--  STFIL Go Forward Newsletter
--  May 1-2: Mapping Communities Workshop Milwaukee
--  May 2: Deaf Culture Day 2008
--  May 2 & 3: ASL Seminar
--  May 2-4: ASL Weekend
--  May 9: Governor's TRS Advisory Council Meeting
--  May 10: Deaf Success Presentation: Robert Schleifer
--  May 17: Friends Together Again Reunion
--  May 18: Ricky Byington Fundraiser
--  Jun 7: STFIL General Meeting
--  Jun 27-30: DBC Education Conference in Milwaukee
--  Jun 30: Volunteers Needed for Family Learning Vacation
--  Jul 19: NTC Reunion
--  Jul 24-27: WiKODA Family Camp
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Deaf411 Launches “Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S.” Project

What does a city need to accommodate Deaf residents?
NEW YORK CITY (Deaf411) – April 28, 2008 – Moving to a new town can be a stressful experience for anyone. Challenges are greater for people with hearing loss who seek businesses, restaurants, and social networks that are accessible to them. It is estimated there are 28 million Americans who have a hearing loss.
This research project, “Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S.”, announced today is a first step towards meeting the need for a comprehensive network of information to assist with relocation planning. By identifying services and businesses that are considered “deaf-friendly” or are “communication accessible”, potential consumers who may be deaf or have a hearing loss, will have the tools critical to making informed decisions.
Deaf411, a marketing and public relations company, has launched an internet video website with an online survey. This survey is part of their research to compile a report of “Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S.” which will be made available to interested consumers free of charge.
This research will involve identifying criteria of what a deaf person living in any city needs in terms of accessibility and general services; compilation of services and resources needed in that city, identifying and listing cities with proven track records of providing such services; attitudinal considerations, and other factors involved in determining what constitutes an ideal city that is fully accessible.
Areas covered in this project will include employment, government, business, and community services and opportunities. In the video at www.deaf411online.com/6.html, Michel Swafford describes some factors that a consumer who is deaf or has a hearing loss face when they move to a new city. Findings of the online survey and correlating research will provide a powerful tool for professionals and businesses with clientele who are pre-dominantly deaf or have a hearing loss.
The project is expected to take six months. More information on the “Deaf-Friendly Cities in the U.S.” project, the online survey, and the upcoming report is now available at www.deaf411online.com/6.html. 

   (Contributed by: Deaf411 News Service)

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Action Alert: Telephone Numbers for VRS NOW!
I wanted to take a few moments to tell you about my vlog that was just posted today at http://bobdaniels.com/vlogs.html. It's about real telephone numbers for VRS. It would be great if you would take the time to watch my vlog, and then share your thoughts with the FCC on how you feel about telephone numbers for VRS.
Please share this site with as many people possible to get word out about what we can do to make changes in telephone numbers for VRS. Time is of essence. You will be making a big difference in the future of videophones for all VRS users! 

   (Contributed by: Jack Cassell, WADNet Reader)

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Deaf Bilingual Coalition

http://www.deafbilingualcoalition.com/

   (Contributed by: SLAD)

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ASL/Videophone Partner Wanted
Tom lives on the east side and has a passion for fishing. He would like to find a fishing buddy. As an experienced fisherman, Tom would be able to mentor someone less experienced. Tom is a friendly man and communicates with sign language. Tom has people at his house for a couple of hours each day to help him around the house, but he would really enjoy having a fishing buddy to hang out with and talk about the big ones that got away. Despite Tom's physical limitations, he gets around pretty well thanks to his determined and independent spirit. Tom also likes hunting, gardening, woodworking, cats, the sci-fi channel, and fixing things (bikes, for example). His beverage of choice is definitely coffee. Tom would love to spend some time with a person who would be willing to take the time to get to know him and perhaps discover some mutual interests. Someone who signs (ASL) would be an additional bonus but not absolutely necessary. Since Tom has a video phone he would be interested in video phone conversations if you do not have the time or interest in getting together.
Please email Emma at eczarapata@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx or call 608-249-1585 and ask for Emma 

Thank you,

Emma Czarapata
Community Builder
Options In Community Living

   (Contributed by: Emma Czarapata, Options in Community Living)

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Vlog: Let Our Voices Be Heard! (How???)

Let Our Voices Be Heard! (How?) by Melvin L. Patterson - ASL - YouTube Video
at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6SBimoIFqc&eurl=http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/7498/ 

   (Contributed by: SLAD)

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Disability Check SCAM WARNING

WARNING!!
If you get email from National Council on Disability with subject "YOUR DISABILITY CHECK"
DO NOT OPEN THAT. IT IS A SCAM! The letter has spelling and grammar errors. The person is using his own private email address instead of the one that belongs to NCD. NCD does NOT have information about this on their website -- so it is NOT APPROVED by NCD
Again, DO NOT READ that EMAIL. DO NOT REPLY. DO NOT GIVE INFORMATION THEY ASK FOR. DELETE THE EMAIL. 

You can see an example of the scam letter at http://www.wi-deafdir.info

   (Contributed by: Jim Powell, WADNet Reader)

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WiKODA Blog Update
WIKODA (http://www.wikoda.blogspot.com/) now has more new information. There are some information you need to know. One, the deadline to register your child for KODA Camp is May 15th. This is to ensure a spot as well as for us to know how many counselors we will hire. Two, the pictures of the campground are posted. 
Karen

Watch WIKODA!  Support us!

   (Contributed by: Karen Dishno, WiKODA)

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STFIL Go Forward Newsletter
The Statewide Task Force on Interpreter Licensing has released the second issue of its Go Forward newsletter.
To view the PDF newsletter, go to: http://www.wi-deaf.org/images/documents/stfil/GoForwardv1n2.pdf 

A vlog will be coming soon.
(Contributed by: Joel Mankowski, Statewide Task Force on Interpreter Licensing) 

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May 1-2: Mapping Communities Workshop Milwaukee
Mapping Wisconsin Communities Workshop: An Introduction to GIS and Community Analysis 
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Milwaukee: May 1st and 2nd, 2008 (One day workshops. Students choose which one day to attend.) View Detailed Workshop Info (If you are unable to follow the link, please visit www.nur-online.com to get all related information) 

Audience: Beginners, anyone interested in mapping their community

Participants will learn to use ArcGIS 9.2 to do the following:

Creating thematic maps
Participants will learn to create thematic maps of their own data, and display spatial trends in information. 

Address mapping (geocoding)
Participants will learn to map addresses of their clients, their projects or incidents such as crime and disease. 

Download and map Census & American Community Survey data
Participants will learn to extract and map current Census data such as poverty, race, language, population, 
transportation, education and workforce characteristics.
Participants will also learn to:

Conduct spatial queries
Download free shapefiles
Create well designed maps
Mapping techniques transferable to all other communities. Exercises are designed for beginners. Intermediate Excel skills required. 

Materials
+ Comprehensive workbook (75 pages), which includes the presentation, exercises and reference worksheets, 

+ ArcGIS (ArcView 9.2) software 60-day trial CD set,
+ Thirty day free access to new 2005 Tiger/Line geography files (converted to shapefiles) which include streets, zip codes, school districts, voting districts, census tracts and many other useful geographies
+ Thirty day free access to our Analyzing Your Community: Local Demographic Analysis Online Workshop 

What People Are Saying
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation - Milwaukee: "Great information and great course. Worth a day away from the office."
State of Wisconsin, Dept. of Administration - Milwaukee: "A solid introduction to an incredible technology."
Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections - Milwaukee: "This was a great class. The instructor was great."
City of Milwaukee Health Dept. - Milwaukee: "Great information. Learned all the basic information in one day. Hands-on exercises were good and valuable"
New Urban Research, Inc. is a national social research organization specializing in quantitative and spatial community analysis. New Urban Research, Inc. 33232 NE 33rd Ave Portland, Oregon 97212 | 877.241.6576 | www.nur-online.com 

   (Contributed by: Gina Clemmer, New Urban Research, Inc.)

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May 2: Deaf Culture Day 2008

Deaf Culture Day
Friday May 2, 2008
9am - 3pm
The Gateway Technical College Interpreter Technician Program and The Silent Connection are hosting the 6th annual Deaf Culture Day Celebration on Friday May 2, 2008 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. 

Location:
Gateway Technical College
Student Commons - 100 Building
FREE Admission and Food provided

A PDF Flyer is available in WAD's website on the Community Calendar.

   (Contributed by: Alyson Urdahl, WADNet Reader)

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May 2 & 3: ASL Seminar
Gateway Technical College Interpreter Technican Program and The SIlent Connection proudly present: 
ASL Acquisition in the Classroom and
Diversity within the Deaf Community
Friday May 2nd 5 - 9pm and Saturday May 3rd 8am - 2pm
Gateway Technical College - Elkhorn Campus - Room 112
Presenter: Francisca Rangel
Coordinator of ASL and Deaf Studies at Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University 

To reserve your seat:
Email your name, address and phone number to Mary Mair at mairm@xxxxxxx by April 25th. 

RID CEU's applied for through WISRID.
Flyer can be seen on WAD website (www.wi-deaf.org) Community Calendar on May 2nd & 3rd dates. 

   (Contributed by: Alyson Urdahl, WADNet Reader)

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May 2-4: ASL Weekend

Wisconsin ASLTA & WisRID's ASL WEEKEND May 2-4, 2008!!!
ASL Weekend is an annual event designed to provide an ASL/Deaf Culture immersion experience by providing participants with a "no talking" Sign Language only environment. Workshops abound for students, parents, interpreters (community based and educational), Deaf and ASL Teachers. Check out these topics!
* Bridging the Gap of English and ASL Using Narrative Skills (advanced for ASL Teachers) 
   * Introduction to Sociolinguistics (Advanced for ASL Teachers)
   * Mars vs Venus (anatomy signs)
   * Finance Terminology
   * Tapping into the Deaf Community's Expertise
   * Basic 5 Parameters of ASL
   * Idioms - Bane of the Bilinguals
   * Preparing the Deaf Student for College
   * Developing identity in a K-12 Setting
   * EIPA
   * Techniques for Interpreting Science Class
   * Using Props in an Educational Setting
   * Is Mental Health Interpreting for you?
   * You Hear Voices? (advanced mental health)
   * Working with Deaf Senior Citizens
   * ASLTA - How it works
   * AND MORE!!!!
Early Bird Registration deadline is April 21st. Check out the event and weekend information at www.aslweekend.org For questions, contact Theresa at thschmechel@xxxxxxxxx or call at 262-257-0625 or vp at 65.29.25.44 

   (Contributed by: Stefanie Saltern, WisASLTA)

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May 9: Governor's TRS Advisory Council Meeting
The next Governor's TRS Advisory Council meeting will be on May 9, 2008 in West Allis from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. The location of the meeting will be Center on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH) Building, 10243 W National Ave. When you enter the main entrance of the CDHH Building, the conference room is on the Lower Level (one up from the Basement) and is on the same level as Audiology. 


Jack R. Cassell
WTRS Contract Administrator
Wisconsin DOA Building
101 East Wilson, 8th Floor
Madison, WI 53707-7844

800-901-8389 [Phone]
608-266-2164 [Fax]
165.189.92.64 [Videophone]
608-267-6934 [Text Phone Only & VP 200]

   (Contributed by: Jack Cassell, WTRS)

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May 10: Deaf Success Presentation: Robert Schleifer

Robert Schleifer, Deaf Actor/Acting Coach

Saturday, May 10, 2008

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

St. Francis Deaf Borgia Center
8033 West Addison Street
Chicago, Illinois  60634
This is part of our year-long presentation series focusing on the inspiration, success, achievement and leadership of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. He will share with us his experiences as an actor and he appeared nationwide in many prominent theater productions. 

This is a FREE presentation!
Voicing will be interpreted for hearing families.
Captioning will be provided for hard-of-hearing attendees.
Snacks will be provided!

Check our website at www.embracedeafculture.org!

Any questions, email Michele Cunningham, Program Chair at cdhhcc@xxxxxxxxx
CDHHCC is a 501 © 3 nonprofit organization.
Donations are always appreciated!

Thank you to St. Francis Deaf Borgia Center for lending us their space!

   (Contributed by: Michele Cunningham, CDHHCC)

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May 17: Friends Together Again Reunion

You are invited
to the
Minnesota Deaf Sports/Recreation Reunion
May 17, 2008!
More details available (including PDF flyer) in Community Calendar on WAD site ( http://www.wi-deaf.org ) on May 17, 2008 date. 

   (Contributed by: Melissa Erdman, Friends Together Again)

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May 18: Ricky Byington Fundraiser

Ricky's Fight for Life: "Breathing Comes With a Price"
Ron Byington's son, Ricky, needs a double lung transplant, which could cost as much as $543,900. 
Here are Ricky's words:
"Well it's finally time to take the next step in my journey. My path that God has laid out for me now involves getting a double lung transplant. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when I was born. I've been told once before that I have one year left to live and that was when I was 19. I was wheelchair bound and not so full of life on the transplant list. Then somehow, I bounced back. I was put on hold on the list. That lasted another 11 years which brings me to today. Back on the list again. This time though I think it's my time to actually get the transplant. I have things I want to do. I want to bike ride for hours. I want to walk the trails. I want to see the great pyramids of Gaza. Yet after everything, I still believe I am extremely blessed. My family and friends have made my life full of great memories. That I will cherish forever. I'm not sure I'd have this type of outlook on life if I didn't have CF."
You can read more about him at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rickybyington. 

A fundraiser is being held to help Ricky!

May 18, 2008
starting at 2:00PM
Admission: $5.00
KBII Wind Lake
Kelly's Bleachers II
7805 S. Loomis Road
Wind Lake, WI

Featuring live music from
Three-time WAMI and Sheperd Express Winners:
The Toys

Left On Sunset (LOS - www.leftonsunset.com)

Speed of Sound Professional DJ Services

FOOD, BEER, SILENT AUCTION, VOLLEYBALL
Flyer on WAD website on May 18 date.

Unable to attend but want to donate?
You can send a check to:

Ricky Byington Lung Transplant Fund
Tri-City National Bank
12745 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: (262) 783-0044
(or any branch of Tri-City National Bank - just mention "Ricky Byington Lung Transplant Fund") 

   (Contributed by: Ron Byington, WADNet Reader)

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Jun 7: STFIL General Meeting
You are welcome to come to our next State Taskforce Interpreter Licensure general meeting: 

Saturday, June 7th, 2008

10am to 4pm

NCTC - North Central Tech. College - E101
1000 W. Campus Drive
Wausau, WI  54401

Come on and learn more about the processing and all.

   (Contributed by: Faye Peters, WADNet Reader)

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Jun 27-30: DBC Education Conference

DBC Education Conference
Deaf Bilingual Coalition

"Sign from the Start.....Success for a Lifetime"

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hyatt Regency
June 27-30, 2008
“DBC advocates on behalf of Deaf infants’ and children’s rights to American Sign Language” 

www.deafbilingualcoalition.com
www.deafbilingual.blogspot.com
deafbilingual@xxxxxxxxx
Conference includes Workshops, Entertainment, and Food. The Conference is Free!!
Register Today: Flyer and registration form are available on the WAD Community Calendar under June 27-30, 2008, at www.wi-deaf.org 

   (Contributed by: Tami Hossler, Deaf Bilingual Coalition)

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Jun 30: Volunteers Needef for Family Learning Vacation

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FLV 2008!
The Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is currently seeking volunteers to join us for Family Learning Vacation 2008, August 15-17, at the Lions Camp in Rosholt, WI, where your time and talents will help to create a memorable weekend of fun and learning for families with d/Deaf and hard of hearing children from throughout Wisconsin.
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of activities during the weekend, including working directly with children while parents are attending educational sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for Interpreting, Education or Speech-Language Pathology students, parents and families with older children with hearing loss, or anyone with experience working with children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing.
If you are one of the many volunteers who have helped at FLV in the past, then you know the wonderful experiences that FLV brings to children, parents, friends, staff and volunteers. This special annual event is not possible without our committed volunteers, and we hope you will join us again this year to share your knowledge and skills with others.
If you would like to be a volunteer at FLV 2008, please call 414-604-7202 (V) / 888-742-7651 (TTY) or email kmalak@xxxxxxxx for a volunteer packet. All volunteer applications must be received by June 30. 

Kerry Malak

Communications Director

Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

www.cdhh.org


   (Contributed by: Kerry Malak, CDHH)

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Jul 19: NTC Reunion UPDATE
REMINDER !!! NTC REUNION IS COMING NEAR..... WE STILL HAVE SOME LIST OF MISSING PEOPLE'S ADDRESS, THOSE WHO ATTENED TO NTC FROM 1970 - 1990... IS THERE ANYONE THAT YOU KNOW WHO ATTEND TO NTC THAT WE MISS THEIR NAME OF THE LIST THAT WE DID NOT KNOW FROM THE YEAR BETWEEN 1970 TO 1990.., IF THEY ARE INTERESTING TO BE PART OF THIS REUNION..... JUST LET US KNOW WE WILL BE HAPPY TO SEND THEM THE INFORMATION OF THE REUNION EVENT WITH THEIR NAME, ADDRESS OR EMAIL ADDRESS... I JUST WANT TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS IS THE LAST LETTER FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE REUNION AND THE DEADLINE IS MAY 31 2008... IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR COMMENT, PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMITTEE, BARB ANHALT, SCOTT RETZELFF OR CATHY MORRISSEY , WE WILL HAPPY TO HELP YOU WITH ANY INFORMATION ABOUT REUNION..... 

REMINDED YOU THAT DEADLINE IS MAY 28 2008!

THANK YOU

Cathy Morrissey     nuttycathy1@xxxxxxx

Barb Anhalt     barbhalt143@xxxxxxx

Scott Retzelff    retzleff@xxxxxxxxxxx
We all are looking forward to see you in July at Marathon Park!!!! 
   (Contributed by: Catherine Morrissey, NTC-Wausau Reunion Committee)

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Jul 24-27: WiKODA Family Camp

July WIKODA Camping
What: First Annual WI KODA Family Camping
Where: Peninsula State Park Campground, Door County
Meadow Group Site (MGC Group Camping, limited to 60 people)
Date: Thursday, July 24th to Sunday, July 27th, 2008. Check in time: after 3 p.m.
Cost: Depending on # of people, if 60 people, $35 per family for 4 days (Must have a state park sticker, can purchase at campsite $7 per night OR $25 per year)
On campsite: Bike trails, beach, boat ramp, pit/flush toliets, hiking trails. 

Contact Info: Sarah Peeks, peeks_05@xxxxxxxxx
For more information, go to http://www.wikoda.blogspot.com/2008/01/july-camping-info.html
Must RSVP to Sarah ASAP. Sarah will collect money and send out information as needed. FYI, it's a first pay, first serve system to be fair to everyone. I cannot hold spots for everyone who doesn't pay in advance.
Waiting list is a possibility for those families who needs to cancel at the last minute. A payment will hold your spot! 

   (Contributed by: Karen Dishno, WiKODA)

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Leslie Riggs
WADNet Post Editor & Listserv Administrator
Wisconsin Association of the Deaf
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