Strike It For Deaf Kids
Bowl A Thon

When? April 12, 2008
Where? Beaver Vu Bowl
Time? 12:30—4 pm

Raise money to help for
Deaf Kids and Teens Camp
KODA (Kids of Deaf Adult) Camp

If you are interested in playing or donating,

go to http://www.dcrcohio.com/

and click Bowl A Thon

More Information:
Contact Michelle Anthony
manthony@dcrcohio.com
Voice or VP 937 227 3272

Summer Camp for Girls with Hearing Loss

Girls with hearing loss who are entering7th, 8th or 9th grade in September 2008 and who are interested in science,technology, engineering, and math can attend TechGirlz, a career explorationcamp from Aug. 3 to Aug. 9 at Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

Girls will learn and think about jobs and careers in science and technologyby building their own computer to take home, discovering the secrets of roller coaster design, investigating a crime scene and becoming a commander on a simulated mission to Mars. They also meet other girls with similar interests.

Camp activities are presented in English and in sign language, are certified by the New York State Department of Health and incorporate National Science Education standards. The cost is $650 and includes tuition, housing in a residence hall on campus and meals and snacks for the week. Parents areinvited to opening and closing activities.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.rit.edu/NTID/TechGirlzNR call (585) 475-7695 (voice/TTY) or e-mail: TechGirlz@ntid.rit.edu. Registration deadline is May 31.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and for providing unparalleled support services for students with hearing loss.

RIT is home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, where more than 1,100 students with hearing loss from around the world study, live andsocialize with 14,700 hearing undergraduate students on RIT's Rochester,N.Y., campus. U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked RIT amongthe nation's leading comprehensive universities. Visit: www.rit.edu/NTID.

Deaf Expo in Columbus, Ohio

When? March 8, 2008

Where?
The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
Lausche Building
717 East 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211

Time? 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Parking? Free

Ticket? Click here

ASL EXPO is a trade show targeted to the sign language community, with an emphasis on bringing together the deaf and the hearing communities. The purpose of the EXPO is to educate consumers, establish material visibility, and generate sales leads for exhibitors of all kinds, including video relay services, interpreter services, wireless communications, ASL video distributors, and any other businesses that want to market their products and services to deaf and hard of hearing consumers.

The people who will attend ASL EXPO 2008 include:• Sign language users including the deaf and hard of hearing.• Their friends and families.• Other people who know, teach or work with the deaf and hard of hearing.

Deaf Movie - April 1, 2008

Playwright Stephen Sachs has adapted his original play, Sweet Nothing In My Ear, for a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie set to air on CBS in April.

The television version of Sweet Nothing, now shooting, is directed by Emmy Award-winning Joseph Sargent and stars Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin and Golden Globe winner Jeff Daniels.

In Sweet Nothing in My Ear, Laura, who is deaf, and Dan, who is hearing, are an attractive young couple happily married for nine years. Their son Adam was born hearing, but by age six has also become deaf. When Dan decides to pursue the possibility of a cochlear implant for his boy- a tiny computer chip inserted in the brain that would allow him toregain his hearing - a divisive wedge is driven between husband and wifethat threatens to shatter their marriage.

Deaf Teen Dancing!

As you know from my earlier post this morning, Deaf actress, Marlee Matlin is going to compete on the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars” beginning on March 17, 2008.

How can a person who can’t hear the music learn to dance? You can find out at The Hearing Speech and Deaf Center’s Deaf Teen Club.

On Friday, March 14 from 7:00 – 9:00PM at the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA, we are giving free dance lessons to TriState teenagers with a hearing loss. The free event is open to all Deaf and hard of hearing teenagers.

Come for the dancing, stay for the fun!

Please contact me at 221.0527 ext 182 (voice) or CDonnellon@HearingSpeechDeaf.com for more information or to register.

We give you a ride if you can’t find transportation.

It's A "Go" for Marlee Matlin

Deaf Matlin dances in Mills' footsteps on next round of 'Dancing'

by Gary Strauss, USA TODAY

Heather Mills competed with a prosthetic leg on Dancing With the Stars. Next up: a woman who can't hear the music.

Marlee Matlin says she's not worried. The Oscar-winning actress (Children of a Lesser God) is one of 12 celebrities announced Monday for the latest round of ABC's hit ballroom dance show, premiering March 17 (8 ET/PT).

Mills, who wowed Season 4 viewers and Dancing's judges with gutsy performances, "really made an impression," says Matlin, who has severely limited hearing. "She really raised awareness of what someone with a physical disability can do."

Matlin hopes she'll boost the image for the nation's 26 million deaf and hearing-impaired. "Deaf people can do anything except hear. My deafness will limit my ability only if I let it," says Matlin, 42.

Matlin's career has largely been defined by dramatic roles, including her current run on Showtime's The L Word. She hopes Dancing viewers will see her lighter side.

Learning ballroom dance might not be as hard as some would believe, she says. "Seeing as I haven't let my it affect my acting, I don't think I'll have more difficulty than other cast members," she says. "You try to imagine what it's like when you can't hear the music. I'll let my partner be my music."

Digital hearing aids help her distinguish some sounds. "Imagine yourself in the shower with the door closed and you can kind of hear the stereo in the next room at a reduced volume," says Jack Jason, her producing partner and interpreter.

Matlin's husband, Kevin, and four preteen children are big fans of Dancing With the Stars and were excited she had been asked to appear. She also consulted her friend, director/choreographer Anne Fletcher (Hairspray, 27 Dresses). "Anne said, 'You've got the moves,' " Matlin says. "Then it was me telling the producers, 'OK, you've got me.' "
Matlin says she's more worried about a pratfall than her limited hearing. "The stairs at the front of the stage — I'm thinking heels, stairs, and I start to sweat."

Matlin and other celebrity competitors are in Chicago today to meet and tape The Oprah Winfrey Show episode airing Thursday.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-02-18-dancing-with-the-stars_N.htm

Changes to TV - Be Sure Yours Will Work!

Digital TV on Its Way –
Prepare for the Switch to Get the Picture

Big changes are coming in television broadcasting. On February 17, 2009, all full power television stations are required to stop broadcasting in analog and continue broadcasting in digital only. This is known as the DTV transition.

Some consumers are asking why they need to switch. First, all-digital broadcasting will give needed communications channels to police, fire and emergency rescue personnel. It will also allow for new wireless services for consumers. In addition, since digital is more efficient than analog, it allows stations to broadcast several programs at the same time, instead of just one program with analog. This means broadcasters can offer consumers more choices. Digital also allows broadcasters to offer improved picture and sound quality, including high definition (HDTV) programming.

It is also important to know that the end of analog broadcasting does not mean that consumers must purchase new TVs, and you certainly don’t need an HDTV to watch digital broadcasts. If you currently receive over-the-air programming on an analog television using a broadcast antenna, either through “rabbit ears” on your set or an antenna on your roof, you will only need a digital-to-analog converter box to continue watching broadcast television on that set after February 17, 2009. These boxes will cost approximately $40 to $70, and will be available in stores beginning in early 2008.

To help defray the cost of digital-to-analog converter boxes, each U.S. household can request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the purchase of eligible boxes. This coupon program is being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). For more information on the coupon program visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.

If you watch over-the-air programming on a DTV (a TV with a built-in digital tuner), you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box. Also, an antenna you use to receive analog broadcasts should work for receiving digital broadcasts, both on a DTV and on an analog TV connected to a digital-to-analog converter box.

If you subscribe to a paid television service such as cable or satellite TV, you will not need a digital-to-analog converter box, and the TVs connected to your paid service will continue to receive local broadcast programming. However, consumers are advised to check with their providers to see if they will need any additional equipment in the future.

For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322) or visit their DTV Web site at www.dtv.gov.

Deaf Movie!

CBS will have movie called
"Sweet Nothing In My Ear"
played by Marlee Matlin
on
April 1, 2008.

Playwright Stephen Sachs has adapted his original play, Sweet Nothing In My Ear, for a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie set to air on CBS in April. The television version of Sweet Nothing, now shooting, is directed by Emmy Award-winning Joseph Sargent and stars Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin and Golden Globe winner Jeff Daniels.

In Sweet Nothing in My Ear, Laura, who is deaf, and Dan, who is hearing, are an attractive young couple happily married for nine years. Their son Adam was born hearing, but by age six has also become deaf. When Dan decides to pursue the possibility of a cochlear implant for his boy - a tiny computer chip inserted in the brain that would allow him to regain his hearing - a divisive wedge is driven between husband and wife that threatens to shatter their marriage.

Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin may go Dancing With the Stars

According to Entertainment Weekly's Hollywood Insider blog, deaf actress and Oscar winner Marlee Matlin may be appearing on the next edition of ABC's Dancing With the Stars. As EW mentions, having Matlin guest star on the dancing competition would not be surprising since the series has been trying to "defy casting expectations and prejudices." DWTS fans will recall that Heather Mills, who wears a prosthetic leg, appeared in the fourth season of the show.

Since the network is not ready to confirm the cast of the upcoming season of the show, it is impossible to know for sure if Matlin will indeed be on the show. The magazine contacted Marlee Matlin's publicist but the latter referred them to ABC. ABC should reveal who will be donning dance shoes for the sixth installment of the series sometime this month since the show is set to premiere on March 17.

ASL Idol

Deadline is near! Sign up now if you would like to be involved in the ASL Idol competion:
If you want a chance to win some cash money, sign up to perform in the ASL Idol 2008 Fundraising Competition. Fill out the attached participation form and go ahead and started practicing for auditions.
Student Category Winner Receives $200.00
Community Category Winner Receives $300.00
Plus .......you will have FUN! Sign up by February 9th!


Not interested in performing......just want to come and watch.......
Tickets are on sale now! Buy tickets before March 14th for $8.00 and Tickets sold at the door for $10.00! (no exceptions) Don't delay! Buy your ticket today! Our host is Mike Halishak and we will have three judges
Spread the word...............................this is going to be GREAT! See you there!

Call or email Vickie Walker of CSD of Ohio if you need more information:
vwalker@c-s-d.org or 877-781-6670.

Deaf Town Hall Meetings!

What: CSD Montly meetings open tothe deaf and hard of hearing community. Learn and discuss variety of topics with each other and experts. ASL and spoken English interpreting provided.

Where: Hearing Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati
4th floor Community Room
2825 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45219

Time: 5:30 - 7:00PM

Thursday February 14, 2008 - Federal Income Tax Prep

Thursday, March 6, 2008 - How to vote for US President

Thursday, April 3, 2008 - IEP: Individual Education Plan, Your rights as a parent

Thursday, May 1, 2008 - ADA: Americans with Disability Act (law)

Thursday, June 5, 2008 - Mail; Important or Junk, which?

NTID Students Comment on ASL Super Bowl Ad

Check out this news videa from Rochester, NY. They visited NTID and captured some students comments on the ASL Super Bowl commercial.

http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=57843&rnews_story_type=18

AG Bell Comments on ASL Super Bowl Commercial

AG Bell Speaks Up on Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial
AG Bell's Board President, Karen Youdelman,
and Executive Director, Alexander T. Graham,
spoke up about Pepsi's upcoming Super Bowl commercial featuring a deaf storyline.

In a letter written to PepsiCo corporate executives, Youdelman and Graham stated, "Although we appreciate Pepsi's efforts to encourage new promotional ideas from your rank-and-file employees and your willingness to celebrate diversity, we would be remiss if we did not call your attention to the fact that...your advertisement perpetuates a common myth that all people who are deaf can only communicate using sign language."Youdelman and Graham then called upon PepsiCo to continue "...to educate the public...and promote appreciation for those individuals that go above and beyond to overcome the absence of something many of us take for granted - the miracle of sound."AG Bell encourages its members to contact us at info@agbell.org <mailto:info@agbell.org> or Pepsi directlywith your comments.

NAD Position Statement on ASL

NAD Board of Directors Approves New ASL Position Statement
A News Release from the National Association of the DeafRelease Date: February 1, 2008

Contact:Anita B. FarbDirector, Communications and OperationsNational Association of the DeafEmail: www.nad.org/contactus

NAD Board of Directors Approves New ASL Position Statement
Silver Spring, MD – The Board of Directors of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) approved a new position statement on American Sign Language (ASL) at its January 2008 meeting in Santa Fe, NM.

The NAD reaffirmed its stance that acquisition of language from birth is a human right for every person, and that deaf infants and children should be given the opportunity to acquire and develop proficiency in ASL as early as possible. ASL is recognized as the sign language of the American deaf community.

"This ASL position statement now brings us full circle and draws upon the original values of our founders,” said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD President. “Since 1880, the NAD has worked tirelessly to preserve, protect, and promote ASL as human right. The NAD also strongly believes in the right of deaf children to achieve linguistic fluency in both ASL and English so that they can become fully participating, contributing, and productive members of American society.”

To view the full position statement in ASL and English, visit www.nad.org/ASLposition.
About the NADThe National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in 1880 by deaf leaders on the belief in the right of the American deaf community to use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and to have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs remain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to promote, protect, and preserve the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf Americans. The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention, education, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more. For more information, please visit www.nad.org.

Be on MTV!

MTV's True Life Calls for Deaf Cast MTV's long-running, award-winning documentary series True Life is looking for people between the ages of 14 and 28 who are deaf or hard of hearing that would like to share their stories. For more information, visit www.gigantic.tv or submit your name, location, contact number and a photo to casting@gigantic.tv .