DEAF WORKERS OF ORANGE COUNTY PROJECT -- DEAF WORKERS WEEKLY BULLETIN -- April 10, 1999 Greetings, I want to make a short commentary on Steve Emmons' "Hear Me Out" story on Ian Patterson which was published in last Sunday's LA Times on Section E. Ian Patterson, one of the first of the CI patients who sent shockwaves around the globe with his famous "Ba ba ba ba" photo in the early 80's, no longer utilizes the implant and now prides his deafness. He had been resisting the use of his CI implant since he was 7 years old. The story goes on to tell about him, his life and his work. While I applaud the media is giving the disability community more exposure, I am dismayed to find something disturbing in the story itself. A graft on it reads: "Maybe your voice sounds funny and you look weird because you're excited, and they dont understand that," said Ian through signs interpreted by his mother. "INTERPRETED BY HIS MOTHER" ?!?!?!?!? The Los Angeles Times threw the concept of effective communications out the window with this story. I am saddened and angered that the LA times sends a confusing message to the public that it's ok to use family members as interpreters. We the deaf advocates constantly have to put up nasty fights to encourage people to use independent interpreters for effective communication. This guestre by the LA times completely let us down. This could create ripple effects in zones this paper is delivered as people like doctors, psychologists, police officers, lawyers, and other people who work with people with hearing disabilities using communication could be reading this and make it harder for them to accept the fact that we do need qualified interpreters for effective communication. Last month OCN television ran a story on a deaf couple being affected by MedPartners demise which is one of the failing insurers. The tape shows the reporter using an interpreter, Alicia Speare of Special Task Interpreters for the Deaf, to communicate with the deaf couple. This story was properly handled and sets an example for others to follow. I've sent the Los Angeles times a letter demanding that future stories involving people with hearing disabilities be made utilizing qualified interpreters whenever communications with individuals with hearing disabilities is needed for the stories. I faxed that along with a sheet with 8 business cards of interpreters serving in the LA/OC areas. I have been chosen as a delegate for the upcoming California Democratic Council Convention to be held in the LAX area from April 30 through May 2. I have a strong ADA agenda as well passing out horror stories of patients who's appointments have been reduced to veterinary science by doctors that refuse to hire interpreters. Dont forget to watch this movie tomorrow on CBS "Blue Moon" which airs from 9pm - 11pm EST. Sharon Lawrence and Jeffrey Nordling star as a couple trying to cope with a deaf daughter and tough times for the family business. Check your TV guides or www.tvguide.com for local channel information and times. Richard Roehm ---- SANTA ANA COLLEGE DEAF-HARD OF HEARING CLUB HAS PIZZA NIGHT PARTIES And you are all invited! This is a fundraiser pizza party for the Santa Ana College Deaf-Hard of Hearing Club and the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. Raffle and prizes will be offered. Come on over and support 2 deaf organizations while having a great time! April 29, May 27, June 10 at Shakeys Pizza at Garden Grove. 10752 Garden Grove Blvd. West of Garden Grove and Euclid intersection. 6pm - 10pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! ---- DEAF WORKERS ISSUES AGENDA FOR 1999-2000 1) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT - Conservatives continue to push for weakening legislation. Our latest battles in this arena have not been on the floor of Congress, but in the courthouses. Gannett and Dillery both emerged victorious in the latest assaults on this law. We will soon be seeing a deluge of cases challenging this law in the upcoming months. We must stand vigilant and united to crush any attempts to weaken this law. We also must lobby for increased funding for enforcement of this law. California will soon enact it's own version of this law so they can become active enforcers due to poor funding of federal enforcement programs. 2) DISABILITY ORGANIZATION COMPETENCE - We have a good number of Deaf and disability organizations in the State of California that are no longer competent to serve the community. They continue to draw state funding and use them for 'photo opportunistic events' to mask their incompetency. We need to create more 'watchdog' organizations within the state of California to monitor Deaf and disability organizations and to help them get up to speed in service. Image is nothing. Service is everything! 3) SOCIAL SECURITY - Social Security Trust Fund still stable and not in immediate danger. Social Security Trustees projected that the Social Security Trust Funds will not be exhausted until 2034. Personal Savings Account proposals are to be opposed. 4) MEDICARE - Medicare Trustees projected that the life of the Medicare Trust Fund has been extended until 2015. No privatization! Privatization would add Medicare to companies that are permitted to discriminate against people. Medicare program, as it is now, is a successful program vastly approved by the elderly and disabled. 5) CAMPAIGN FOR FAIR MINIMUM WAGE - We need to raise the minimum wage. Proposal expected to be introduced this year. 6) PATIENT'S BILL OF RIGHTS - Patients' Bill of Rights would guarantee patients greater access to information and necessary care including access to needed specialists and emergency rooms, guarantee a fair appeals process when health plans deny care, expand choice, protect the doctor-patient relationship and hold HMOs accountable for decisions that end up harming patients. Health care reform must take place to end the profits over patient care agenda by the insurance industry. Right now it's almost like people believing they are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, have to contact their insurance agent first before calling 911! Sign the petition at www.atlanet.org and ask your federal representatives to support S.B. 6 and H.R. 358. 7) NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE - 43 million Americans, mostly workers dont have health insurance and access to adequate or any health care. Proposals introduced to be paired with health care reform. 8) TAXES - Recent tax reduction proposals favor the wealthy Americans. Tax cuts should be targeted to help people to help others like business tax incentives for modification costs to make business more accessible to people with disabilities. 9) EDUCATION - One of the big fights in the federal legislatures will be in this field this year. We need more teachers and better schools. Vouchers out! California education is a mess! 10) LABOR - Conservatives will continue to push legislation designed to weaken organized labor and undermine worker rights. They will try to weaken and even end OSHA which is an important tool that protects workers from injury. They will also push legislation to weaken labor's effectiveness at organizing and at the polls. We must join our labor friends and allies in fighting these anti-democracy efforts. 11) AFFIRMATIVE ACTION - Conservatives pushing to eliminate action programs that have helped promote equal opportunity for all Americans. Opposition to proposals that turn back the clock on minorities, women, and disabled must remain strong all times. 12) CENSUS SAMPLING - Issues must be resolved by June 1999 otherwise Census 2000 will be damaged beyond repair. Present disagreement is to whether try census sampling or traditional head counts. We believe that the correct way is the procedure that will guarantee the best results regardless of the political outcome. It is time for a more accurate outcome. ---- ORANGE COUNTY DEAF ADVOCACY CENTER TO SELL DEAF WATCH 'VIGIL CANDLES' The blue candles with a nice label in fingerspelling will remind anyone that sees it, lit up or not, the hard work our advocates have put in to make society a better place to live in. The candles are made by the volunteers at the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The candles sell for $7.00 each plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Total is $12.00. Proceeds go to the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. The money will be used for office expenses. Money orders for $12.00 should be made to "Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center" and sent to 1001 N. French St. #4, Santa Ana, California 92701-3769 and please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. ---- UNITED PUBLIC WORKERS SETTLES DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT By Ian Lind Star-Bulletin The United Public Workers agreed this week to pay $48,750 to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of two deaf union members. The settlement was approved Wednesday in Honolulu by Federal Judge Susan Oki Mollway, and was announced today by the EEOC. Under the terms of the settlement, UPW will pay $32,500 to Jason Nomura, a janitor with the state Department of Education, and $16,250 to Roberta Chiwa-Tanaka, Head House Parent at the Statewide Center for Learning Disabilities. The payments must be made with 30 days. Nomura and Chiwa-Tanaka had asked the union to provide sign language interpreters so they could understand information presented at special union meetings, but the union repeatedly refused. Court records show the requests began as early as 1992, when the Americans with Disabilities Act first went into effect. Nomura and Chiwa-Tanaka went to the EEOC after local agencies were unable to convince the UPW to provide the sign language assistance. Federal law requires employers and unions to make reasonable accommodations for members or employees with disabilities. In addition to the cash payments, the union agreed to provide training for its employees in the use of the Hawaii Telecommunications Relay Service, and at least two hours of training annually on the responsibilities to union members under federal law. "This is a significant victory for union members and for the disabled who want to participate in union activities," said William R. Tamayo, regional attorney for the EEOC in San Francisco. "We hope this consent decree sends the message to unions in Hawaii and nationwide that they must comply with the ADA," said EEOC District Director Susan McDuffie. Attorneys for the union had argued that the state, as employer, was responsible to provide interpreters at special union informational meetings held twice a year during working hours. This was rejected by Mollway in a preliminary ruling. "Although UPW does not agree with the court's ruling, it has chosen not to continue to contest the court's interpretation," this week's consent decree states. Marcia Mitchell, senior trial attorney for the EEOC, said today that this was the first case of its kind in the nation, but only because the UPW is the only union to have refused assistance to its disabled members. "We're perplexed, and very surprised this went on for four years," Mitchell said. "We expected to achieve this settlement soon after the case was filed." Under the terms of the consent decree approved by the court, the UPW must mail a special issue of its newsletter to all members within 45 days announcing the settlement and explaining the rights of union members. Mitchell said the settlement applies not only to deaf members, but to other individuals with disabilities. UPW will be under court supervision for three years, and is required to submit evidence that it has complied, including copies of invoices for interpreter services and signatures of each person providing training on the ADA or attending annual training sessions. ---- DEAF WATCH NEWSLETTER TO "FARM" DEAF CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE We have acquired a limited number of Governet campaign management software CD's for free distribution to people with hearing disabilities who are considering running for public office. This software handles many aspects of campaign management. Also included in the free CD is the Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 browser and the Adobe Acrobat 3.0 Reader. System requirements : Windows 95 on a minimum 486 processor with at least 16 megabytes of RAM. If you are interested in this free campaign management software, send a self addressed 9" by 6" or similar sized envelope with a minimum of 77 cents postage affixed. Send to: Deaf Watch Newsletter, c/o Richard Roehm, 1001 N. French #4, Santa Ana, Ca, 92701-3769 You are not required, but you may want to include a small donation to "Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center" to help with the costs of developing schematics of low cost Hotel/Motel ADA accessibility kits for guests with hearing disabilities. Receipt will be sent with the Governet CD. ---- AFFILIATION OF RAD TO NAD: WHAT DOES IT SAY? >Commentary by Gary Wolford Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) is an international organization representing on North America. Two regional organizations have a place on RAD's Executive Board. They are Deaf Gay and Lesbians of the West (Deaf GLOW) and Rainbow Eastern Region (RER). RAD also extend Executive Board membership to International Deaf Leather (IDL) and Deaf Queer Resource Center (DQRC). Deaf GLOW, RAD, and/or RER often have local affiliates in the United States of America and Canada. Besides most local organizations, all organizations mentioned in the paragraph above represent more than one nation. RAD represents all nations within the North American continent while Deaf GLOW and RER represent sections of North America. DQRC represents the global deaf queer community with its webmaster living in the United States. International Deaf Leather (the only one of its kind in the world) has had most of its events in the United States. On the opposite spectrum, National Association of the Deaf (NAD) represents the United States of America. They are headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, participating in the American political system and fighting to promote deafness mainly in the United States. By affiliating with NAD, RAD provides no benefits to its chapters apart from the United States. Does this say that the American government is more important and superior to that of other North American governments? Perhaps not. It may, however, be a sign. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf is more American than Canadian, Mexican, or even Cuban. When an international organization begins to show favor toward one nation, all members should be upset. If a government shows favor to one religion or political party, strife and war is inevitable. Is RAD setting itself up for problems? RAD's affiliation to NAD may be the most damaging act in its history. The process of affiliation generally happens this way: local affiliates to regional, regional affiliates to national, national affiliates to international, international to global. Sometimes, one level may be skipped. For example, NWRAD to Deaf GLOW, Deaf GLOW to (no national deaf queer organization), Deaf GLOW to RAD. That is how the process is should work. National Association of the Deaf is a national organization. NAD should affiliate itself to RAD. Currently, RAD works the opposite way. RAD is associated with a national organization, leaving out non-United States nations. By affiliating with NAD, RAD begins to leave other interests (that is, Mexican, Canadian, etc.) as secondary. RAD will then treat non-US citizens like second-class citizens. Organizations like Deaf GLOW, NWRAD, and RER should be in an uproar about this. Why would these three organizations, representing Canada, Mexico, and other North American nations together, affiliate with RAD? Is the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) manipulating our leaders in RAD? It is quite possible. They accepted affiliation from an international organization. They have had the President of RAD spend hundreds of dollars to attend NAD and set a booth. In exchange for money, they will provide Deaf Queer Americans a voice. This American-based organization elected to allow a representative of deaf queer North Americans to an American-based organization. NAD has duped RAD. If anything, they may look upon our deaf queer organization as an immature, undeveloped organization. To whom does RAD affiliate? World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an example. They are a global organization. This organization serves deaf members of the global community. If anything, deaf queer people in other parts of the world need our voice more than NAD. In conclusion, it is damaging and an injustice that the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf affiliates with the National Association of the Deaf. The leaders of RAD must realize that they are representing deaf queers not only in the United States but also in Canada and Mexico. They must make their decisions based on equal membership, not favoritism toward one country over the other. The leaders of RAD must bring honor back into its administration as an organization representing North America, not the United States. In New Orleans, representatives/delegates must approach this affiliation with disgust and must demand that RAD not be affiliated with NAD. Submitted by: Gary Wolford ---- SURVEY ON DEAF FINANCES YIELDS SURPRISING RESULTS We have just completed a little study on the different finances available to deaf people in different areas of the world. The International deaf participants were, in alphabetical order: Henri Corderoy du Tiers -- Paris, France; Raymond Lee -- London, England; Bernard LeMaire from Brussels, Belgium; and Antonio Martinez from Barcelona, Spain. Two questions were asked for the survey. 1.) How much money does an unemployed deaf person receive from the government in your country?... and, as an example... 2.) Could a person who earns about $1,198.00 in American money (not taxed by the other government) live in your city? Here are the responses, converted to American dollars, for convenience... 1.) In the United States, in CALIFORNIA ONLY, the amount of SSI government benefit is $670.00 for an unemployed deaf person. In Los Angeles, the rent for a "room" (single, bachelor) apartment is between $550.00 - $650.00. This leaves almost no money at all for food, clothing, utilities, transportation, or any other expenses. In the other states of the United States, the amount for SSI for a deaf person is around $350-$400 per month, with extra "Food Stamps" coupons (not cash) given for the person to buy food only. This leaves no money for a person to get an apartment, or for any other costs, unless they go to work. In the United States, if a deaf person receives government benefits, and lives with their parents or other people to save money (does not contribute to the household expenses equally), then the SSI benefits are reduced by 1/3. 2.) In Belgium, the government benefit for an unemployed deaf person is 44,500 FEB, or $1,194.03. The deaf person can get some additional benefits, too. The rent for an apartment in Brussels is 17,000 FEB, or $456.12. This leaves $737.91 per month for food and other costs of living. 3.) In France, the government benefit for an unemployed deaf person is 4,000 FFR, or $660.01. The rent in Paris, for one room in a house, for example, is between 2,000-3,000 FFR, or $330.02 - $495.03. This leaves between $164.98-$329.99 for food and other costs of living. 4.) In Spain, the government benefit for an unemployed deaf person is 30,000 Spanish pesetas, or $195.17. The government gives a very small benefit, plus additional training so the deaf person can then find a regular job as soon as possible. The rent in Barcelona is very low, and a person who earns about $1,000 per month can live anywhere in Spain, except for the highest-cost areas. The person receiving only government assistance, however, needs to still get a job to pay the regular costs of living. 5.) In London, the basic government benefit is $308, plus an additional "disabled assistance" of $530 = $830.00. The deaf person receiving these benefits can also work a little, under limitations of income, to bring the monthly amount up to around $880.00. The rent in London for a single apartment is usually between $384.00 - $480.00 per month. Rent in the higher-class areas, such as Kensington, is around $768.00 per month. For a person getting only the government assistance, and not working, this would leave between $350.00 - $446.00 for costs of living. *********************************************** RESULTS OF SURVEY... 1.) BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: After paying for rent, a deaf person would have $737.91 left for other daily living expenses. 2.) LONDON, ENGLAND, UK: After paying for rent, a deaf person would have between $350.00 - $446.00 left for other daily living expenses. 3.) PARIS, FRANCE: After paying for rent, a deaf person would have between $164.98 - $329.99 for other daily living expenses. (This may not be enough to pay for all of the daily living expenses for one month). 4.) UNITED STATES (LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA): After paying for rent, a deaf person would have $20 - $120 for other daily living expenses. (This is not enough to pay for even the most basic daily living expenses for one month). 5.) UNITED STATES (OTHER STATES), and also BARCELONA, SPAIN: A deaf person would not have enough money to pay for rent or daily living expenses, from the government benefits alone. In these areas, the unemployed deaf person is in the same financial situation as an unemployed hearing person. (Via Paulette Caswell) ---- NEZ'S CYBER MALL SUPPORTS THE DEAF COMMUNITY Nez's Cyber Mall is a fundraiser project that will help support the newly created Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. This mall has been designed with accessibility in mind. All commissions generated by sales activity within this mall will be used to support the Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center. Nez's Cyber Mall can be found at: Http://www.i-sphere.com/eyedeaf/deafmall.htm ---- POSITION VACANCY NOTICE DATE: March 23, 1999 POSITION: Administrative Program Manager II (Management Service) Reports to Superintendent, MSD NATURE OF WORK: Directs and coordinates all fiscal operations for the agency, including accounting, budgeting (operating and capital), and procurement, and establishes and oversees the implementation of agency fiscal policies and procedures in accordance with State and federal laws, regulations, and policies; directs the agency’s information technology systems; directs the agency’s Medical Assistance Program; serves as the agency’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS) coordinator and is responsible for planning and overseeing implementation of the various system modules; meets with agency top management to provide data, projections, and information; participates in the development of short and long term educational programs and facilities master plan, and identifies and facilitates the financial resources needed to realize those plans; reviews Legislative audit reports and recommends to the Superintendent responses to audit findings; represents the agency before State fiscal, budget and facilities control agencies; along with the Superintendent, presents the agency’s operating and capital budgets and related information before the Governor and Legislative budget committees; assists the Superintendent in the design, development and drafting of proposals, contracts, regulations and legislation to facilitate financial and resource objectives for the agency; oversees the daily operation of Frederick Campus support services (Maintenance, Housekeeping and Dietary); chairs MSD’s Health and Safety Committee; and performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with sufficient credit hours in required subjects for admission to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination and eight years of full-time employment or its equivalent in administrative, professional or technical work, three years of which must have involved supervision of other employees or exercising responsibility for program development. Applicants may substitute additional graduate level education in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or public administration at an accredited college or university at the rate of 30 semester credit hours for one year of the required general experience. Excellent interpersonal skills required. Strong writing skills required. Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word preferred. SALARY: $44,307 - $57,798 State pay grade 20 TO APPLY: Interested persons are to submit a letter of application, resume, official transcripts, and three recent employment-related letters of reference (including one from a current or most recent supervisor) to: Ms. Eva Staubitz Maryland School for the Deaf Post Office Box 250 Frederick, Maryland 21705-0250 CLOSING DATE: Application materials for initial round of interviews must be postmarked/faxed on or before April 14, 1999. Application materials received after April 14 may be considered for future interviews. Applicants must show willingness to learn American Sign Language. Applications will be prescreened before candidates are invited for personal interview. An applicant appointed to this position will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. An applicant appointed to this position must apply to the Maryland State Police for a criminal background investigation at their own expense. (Maryland Code, Family Law Article I, Sections 5-560 - 5-568.) Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs ---- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. RESPONSIBILITY: Primary responsibility for management and administration of the DHHS. Specific duties include program and personnel management, resource development, fiscal planning and management, and grant writing, among others. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree with experience in deaf/hard of hearing related services or equivalent extensive work experience. Fluency in American Sign Language is required. SALARY RANGE: $35-45,000 dependent upon work experience and education. Deadline for resume submissions is June 13, 1999. Send letter of application, resume/vita and three references to: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. 730 N.Main, Suite 6, Wichita, KS 67203 Email: WDHHS@POSTOFFICE.SWBELL.NET Phone: 316-264-8881 V/TTY Fax: 316 264 6655 ---- Job Openings, Union Researchers: The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HERE) is recruiting full-time research analysts in several cities throughout the United States. The HERE research department conducts in-depth research into companies, industries and issues relevant to the Union's agenda. The Department also helps to develop and implement strategic campaigns in support of organizing and bargaining struggles in the hotel, food service, and casino gaming industries. Qualifications include: * Strong demonstrated commitment to labor/social justice organizing; * Investigative research experience, including industry, corporate and issue research; * Familiarity with basic financial concepts and financial analysis; * Demonstrated ability to research, strategize, and implement plans in the context of a campaign; * Significant work or volunteer experience with progressive/activist organizations; * Excellent writing and communications skills; * Ability to handle multiple projects and tight deadlines; * Ease with working in a team environment; * Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, social science, economics, urban planning or business. Salary is negotiable on the basis of experience; excellent benefits. Please send resume and cover letter to: Recruitment, HERE Research Department, 1219 28th St. NW, Washington, DC 20007-3389, Fax: 202-333-6049. No phone calls please. ---- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, Inc. The Board of Directors of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, Inc. (LVCIL), has begun a search for an Executive Director to oversee the organization's staff of nine, insure development of programs & resources, provide leadership & awareness about disability issues on both the local and state level, and actively seek funds to support LVCIL's mission. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Position available: August 5, 1999. Send cover letter, resume, and references to: LVCIL Search Committee 919 S. Ninth Street Allentown, PA 18103 or FAX: 610/770-9801 ============================================================== DEAF WORKERS OF ORANGE COUNTY Orange County, California Richard Roehm President Internet : Deaf@activist.com Deaf_Workers_OC@usa.net Website Nesmuth@worldnet.att.net Http://www.i-sphere.com/eyedeaf/dwoc.htm =============================================================== Feel free to redistribute this newsletter in it's entirety and if you are planning to add a mailing list as a subscriber then let me know for my records. Thank you. =============================================================== Deaf Workers of Orange County will continue to aggressively pursue justice, fairness, and equality for the Deaf Community. =============================================================== Education is the best gift that lasts a lifetime! 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