Monthly CommunicatorNew Jersey Department of Human ServicesDivision of the Deaf and Hard of HearingMay 2005Vol. 26No. 5Richard J. Codey, Acting GovernorJames M. Davy, CommissionerBrian C. Shomo, Director

DDHH Second Conference a Big HitThe DDHH held its second annual conference “Best Practices In Technology For People With Hearing Loss” at the Trenton Marriott on April 7. The program featured keynote speaker Phil Bravin from Communication Services for the Deaf (C.S.D.) in Sioux Falls, S.D. several speakers, and an exhibit hall full of organizations displaying the latest in technology. An article in the June issue of the Monthly Communicator will further report on the proceedings of the conference.

Organization Book Republished The DDHH is in the process of reprinting the booklet, “Organizations Serving People With Hearing Loss in New Jersey.” It includes many resources of interest to our consumers and providers. The most recent edition can be viewed at: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/Publications/DDHHorgbk.pdf

If you would like to be added, deleted, or edited, kindly submit the updated information to the editor at: ira.hock@dhs.state.nj.us before May 31. If we do not hear from you, the same information will be repeated.

Artificial Larynx DevicesThe NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is including an Artificial Larynx Device in its Equipment Distribution Program. This apparatus is used by some people who have had their larynx surgically removed due to cancer. If anyone is interested in details of this initiative, please contact DDHH at 800-792-8339 V/TTY.

Correction:On page two of the April Monthly Communicator, the DDHH toll free number was listed incorrectly for the Equipment Distribution Program. It should be 800-792-8339 V/TTY. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Readers Note: The Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing realizes that the Monthly Communicator (MC) may not always be received as quickly as we would like. Therefore, it is always posted promptly on the DHS’ DDHH Web site for your perusal. Please check the Web site for the MC and other DDHH publications at: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh

Although this is a monthly publication, the July and August issues are combined. The deadline for submissions for this issue is June first.

The subsequent issue will be September, with an August first deadline.

Monthly Communicator

Director: Brian C. ShomoEditor: Ira C. Hock

NJ Department of Human ServicesDivision of the Deafand Hard of HearingPO Box 074Trenton, NJ 08625-0074(609) 984-7281 V/TTY 800-792-8339 V/TTY (609) 984-0390 Faxira.hock@dhs.state.nj.uswww.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh

The Monthly Communicator is published by the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a state agency. DDHH provides information, referral, and advocacy to service recipients. Information or articles provided by others does not imply endorsement by DDHH or the State of New Jersey. There are currently 8,500 copies of the MC distributed monthly.Deadline for submissions: First of the month for the following month’s edition

Educational Interpreter Professional Development Center (EIPDC) Focuses on Phase IISubmitted By Cynthia L. Williams, MSW, Union County College and Joan Cohen, Project Coordinator, Camden County College

On January 1, 2005 the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, awarded the Educational Interpreter Professional Development Center (EIPDC) continuation grants to Union County College, Plainfield Campus and Camden County College, Blackwood Campus.

Phase I of this project focused on planning and implementing services specifically designed to meet the professional development needs of the educational interpreters currently employed by school districts in New Jersey. Services included: a) assessment of interpreting performance skills for sign language, cued speech and oral transliteration; b) development of performance skills improvement plans; and c) professional development activities for the purpose of improving the interpreting performance skills of educational interpreters.

Phase II of this grant program will focus on the implementation of services designed to support educational interpreters in meeting the certification requirements established by the New Jersey State Board of Education on December 3, 2003. Each EIPDC will continue to implement services to those educational interpreters who did not participate in Phase I, as well as an expanded group of

professionals. The EIPDC will expand its program and services to support all educational interpreters in meeting the 15 semester hour credits of professional education coursework required for the New Jersey Educational Interpreter certification. New services will include: a) review of transcripts to determine whether the educational interpreter should pursue the academic or performance route to certification; b) the provision of the five 3 credit courses required by N.J.A.C. 6A9-13.18, which include:

Methods of Teaching for Educational Interpreters Child Development for Educational Interpreters Language Development for Educational Interpreters Ethics and Laws for Educational Interpreters/Legal and Ethical Issues for Educational Interpreters Deaf-Blind Interpreting and Interpreting Strategies

This semester, Union County College, Plainfield Campus, offered the Educational Interpreting Program Course, “Methods of Instruction” and Camden County College, Blackwood Campus offered “Legal and Ethical Issues for Educational Interpreters” and “Language Development for Educational Interpreters.” Both colleges will continue to offer the required coursework.

If you are an educational interpreter or would like to become an educational interpreter, Phase II offers enrollment and assessment at no charge. Contact the EIPDC offices for further information, Camden County College, Blackwood Campus (856) 227-7200 ext.4650 Voice, www.camdencc.edu/EIPDC or Union County

College, Plainfield Campus, (908) 791-4935 Voice, www.ucc.edu/EIPDC

Getting to Know . . . Nancy YaroshBy Traci Burton, Field Representative, DDHHQ. First, our readers want to know about our new Division of Vocational Rehabilitation contact person. Would you please describe what you do for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)?

A. In my role as Program Planning Development Specialist, I act as the Coordinator of DVRS’ services to clients with hearing loss.

I keep abreast on all issues affecting the Deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened adults and people with cochlear implants. I also act as an advisor to the counselors who work with those with a hearing loss. For example, recently a counselor asked for guidance in working with parents who were a bit overprotective of their deaf child. Their concerns were limiting his participation in school activities that he really could handle, so he was not becoming as independent as he could be. I also do a lot of revisions for evaluations and services and help develop new policies. Right now, I am analyzing guidelines for working with people who have cochlear implants. Also, I try to keep up with all the new technology - which is difficult to do.

Q. I can empathize with having to stay on top of technology because that is also part of my job. So, do you attend technology conferences?

A. Well, I am pretty new to this job so I have not been to any technology conferences yet. However, we are trying to set up a small technology program within the state. We now have Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) in each of the DVRS offices so the counselors will be able to show clients how to use them and how the devices can help them in their daily lives. We also have two resource programs, Fair Lawn and SEED, which provide vocational assessment, placement, training and support services to DVRS clients. They use ALD’s at these programs so we are hoping that staff will teach those with a hearing loss about how these devices can make their lives easier and more productive.

Q. There was a small technology demo center just recently set up at SEED. Is that correct?

A. Yes, actually there two technology demo centers. SEED which is in South Jersey at Camden County College, Blackwood Campus and Fair Lawn in Bergen County.

Q. Are they open to the public?

A. People can use either site but in order to be able to go to one, the person must be a client of DVRS.

Q. If someone was interested in going to either SEED or Fair Lawn, what would they have to do? Who would they contact?

A. They would contact their local DVRS office to see if it is appropriate to open a case and to attend one of these programs.

Q. Very exciting! You provide training for DVRS counselors, is that correct?

A. At DVRS, there are counselors who specialize in working with people with a hearing loss. These counselors have quarterly meetings that are opportunities to interact and share ideas on how to improve services for those with a hearing loss. For example, one counselor works with Freedom Communication, a firm that sells ALD’s. She would call Cliff, the owner, to discuss a situation about a client having a hard time at work - being sure to preserve the person’s privacy, of course. She would describe what the client does at work and how his communication problems are making his job difficult. Cliff would think about it for a few days and come up with some ideas to resolve the problems. Then, in the quarterly meeting, that counselor will share that idea with the other counselors. We also have guest speakers so counselors can keep up to date on new issues.

Q. Since you have a hearing loss, it must make an impact on the counselors and how they understand. They see you at the meeting with your ALD and now they have a live picture.

A. Yes, it’s true. They see that I have hearing loss and they see that I use the ALD, interpreters, and CART and how

these tools can potentially help their clients. They also see that I use “low tech” solutions, too. For example, in my office, I have angled a mirror on my desk that helps me know when someone is entering my room. The mirror you see is not for decoration!

Q. It’s not for vanity, it’s for function!

A. There you go. You got it!

Q. If any of our readers want to obtain additional information, what is the best way to learn what may benefit them on the job?

A. There is a DVR office in every county. So if they have any questions about technology or they want to learn how it can help them on the job, they can go to any DVR office in their area. (Please refer to the list below from the Web site; http.//www.nj.gov/labor/dvrs/vrsindex.html.)

Q. Nancy, thank you so much! I’m sure our readers will greatly benefit from this information

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services’ Offices.(Central) TRENTON135 East State StreetP.O. BOX 398, 08625-0398THOMAS G. JENNINGS, Director(609) 292-5987, (609) 292-8347 (FAX)(609) 292-2919 (TTY) dvradmin@dol.state.nj.us

NEWARK (Essex)990 Broad Street, 2nd FloorNewark, NJ 07102JUDY GOLDMAN, Manager(973) 648-3494, (973) 648-3902 (FAX)(973) 648-2733 (TTY) dvrnewar@dol.state.nj.us

BRIDGETON (Cumberland, Salem)40 E. Broad Street, Suite 204, 08302-2881LINDA DEJOHN, Manager(856) 453-3888, (856) 453-3909 (FAX)(856) 453-3923 (TTY)dvrbridg@dol.state.nj.us

NEW BRUNSWICK (Middlesex)506 Jersey Avenue, P.O. Box 2672, 08901MARY MCNAMARA, Manager(732) 937-6300, (732) 937-6358 (FAX)(732) 545-8147 (TTY) dvrnewbr@dol.state.nj.us

CAMDEN (Camden)2600 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, 08104-3290JOHNNIE BATTLE, Manager(856) 614-2500, (856) 614-2538 (FAX)(856) 614-2504 (TTY) dvrcamde@dol.state.nj.us

PATERSON (Passaic)370 Broadway, 07501-2195JOAN LYNYAK, Manager(973) 977-4285, (973) 279-5895 (FAX)

(973) 523-1474 (TTY) dvrpater@dol.state.nj.us

ELIZABETH (Union)65 Jefferson Avenue, 4th FloorJOHN MORENO, Manager 07201-2306(908) 820-3112, (908) 965-2976 (FAX)(908) 820-3132 (TTY)John.Moreno@dol.state.nj.us

PLEASANTVILLE (Atlantic)2 South Main Street, Suite 2, 08232MELVIN CRAWFORD, Manager(609) 813-3933, (609) 813-3959 (FAX)(609) 813-3958 (TTY) dvratlcy@dol.state.nj.us

HACKENSACK (Bergen)60 State Street, 2nd Fl., 07601-5471REED PURCELLA, Manager(201) 996-8970, 201-996-8880 (FAX)(201) 487-6348 (TTY) dvrhack@dol.state.nj.us

SOMERVILLE (Somerset, Hunterdon)75 Veterans Memorial Drive, Suite 101, 08876-2952MARY MCNAMARA, Manager(908) 704-3030, 704-3476 (FAX)(732) 545-8147 (TTY) dvrsomer@dol.state.nj.us

MORRISTOWN (Morris)7 Sussex Avenue, 2nd Fl. 07960-3886HOWARD CARROLL, Manager(973) 631-6304, (973) 631-6309 (FAX)

(973) 539-3665 (TTY) dvrmorri@dol.state.nj.us

THOROFARE (Gloucester)Gloucester Regional Service Center215 Crown Point Road, Suite 200 08086-2153EDWARD GREEN, Manager(856) 384-3730, (856) 384-3777 (FAX)(856) 384-3778 (TTY) dvrdeptf@dol.state.nj.us

JERSEY CITY (Hudson)438 Summit Avenue, 07306-3187AVA REINFELD, Manager(201) 217-7180, (201) 217-7287 (FAX)(201) 217-7290 (TTY) dvrjercy@dol.state.nj.us

TOMS RIVER (Ocean)1510 Hooper Avenue, Suite 120, 08753-2225DIANE TOMARCHIO, Manager(732) 255-0836, (732) 255-0899 (FAX)(732) 255-0873 (TTY) dvrtomsr@dol.state.nj.us

HACKETTSTOWN (Sussex, Warren)223 Stiger StreetSuite A, 07840-1217HOWARD CARROLL, Manager(908) 852-4110, (908) 813-9745 (FAX)(908) 852-0213 (TTY) dvrhackn@dol.state.nj.us

TRENTON (Mercer)Labor Station Plaza, P.O. Box 95928 Yard Avenue, 08625-0959

LAWRENCE FOGG, Manager(609) 292-2940, (609) 984-3553 (FAX)(609) 984-1568 (TTY) dvrtrent@dol.state.nj.us

NEPTUNE (Monmouth)60 Taylor Avenue, 07753-4844SUSAN RAKOCI, Manager(732) 775-1799, (732) 775-1666 (FAX)(732) 775-1711 (TTY) dvrneptu@dol.state.nj.us

WESTAMPTON (Burlington)795 Woodlane Road, 08060EDWARD GREEN, Manager(609) 518-3948, (609) 518-3956 (FAX)(609) 518-3957 (TTY) dvrburli@dol.state.nj.us

WILDWOOD (Cape May)3810 New Jersey Avenue, 08260MELVIN CRAWFORD, Manager(609) 523-0330, (609) 523-0212 (Fax)dvrwildw@dol.state.nj.us

2005 Summer Camps for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/infotogo/142.htmlThis Web site list identifies camps, family learning vacations, and remedial clinics for deaf and hard of hearing children. Some programs are designed for the entire family. Most camp programs require a small fee to accompany the

completed application. Contact the camp sponsor directly for more information about their program. If you are aware of other camp programs for deaf and hard of hearing children that are not on this list, please e-mail Clearinghouse at Infotogo@gallaudet.edu

Something special is happening at Evangel Church Vacation Bible school. Deaf children and children of deaf parents may come to our construction site and find out what’s “Building Character Like Jesus” is all about from Tuesday - Thursday, July 5 - 7, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Evangel Church, 1251 Terrill Road, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. Register and get a free picnic supper at 5 p.m! For more information and to get registration form, contact Pastor Nancy Tonnessen at (908) 322-9300 Voice or pastornancy@evangelchurch.com.

Religious AccessTwo churches now have Assistive Listening Devices available as follows:St. Peter the Apostle, 94 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Ask anyone at the front altar for the device.St. Matthias Church, JFK Blvd., Somerset, NJ 08873. They are available as you enter in the vestibule at the front door.

Available JobsSubstitute Educational Interpreter for the Deaf - High School, Berkeley Heights School District

Please send letter of interest and resume to: Sandra Gogerty, 345 Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922; or Fax to (908) 464-3282 or e-mail to sgogerty@bhs.k12.nj.us if interested.

Janitorial Positions Available at Fort Dix and McGuire Air Force Base:Earn up to $11.25 an hourHealth/Welfare benefits available to those who qualifyMust have a clean criminal background checkMust be able to work independentlyTransportation may be available to those who qualifyPublic transportation is available on NJ Transit, Route 317Various shifts available

For further details, please contact Gail Jugan, Evaluation Coordinator, Occupational Training Center, 130 Hancock Lane, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, Phone: (609) 267-6677, ext. 117,Fax: (609) 265-8418, e-mail: Gjugan@otcbc.org

Hearing Aid Assistance - National ProgramsDisabled Children’s Relief FundP.O. Box 7420Freeport, New York 11520http://dcrf.com/Provides disabled children with hearing aids and other assistive devices.

Easter Seals

230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800Chicago, IL 60606(312) 726-6200 Voice(312) 726-4258 TTY(312) 726-1494 Fax(800) 221-6827http://www.easter-seals.org/Over 400 local service centers with varying services; some assist low-income adults and children with hearing aids and other rehabilitative devices.

The Hike Fund, Inc.c/o Hike Board Secretary10115 Cherryhill Pl.Spring Hill, FL 34608-7116(352) 688-2579 Phone/Faxceterrill1@aol.comhttp://www.missouriiojd.org/HIKE/Provides low-income children between 0-20 years with hearing aids and assistive devices.

Miracle Ear Children's FundP.O. Box 59261Minneapolis, MN 55459-0261(800) 234-5422http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/star/program.html?id=18Assists low-income children and families with purchases of hearing aids from this manufacture.

Optimists ClubOptimist International Youth Program

(314) 371-6000 Voice(314) 371-6006 Fax(800) 500-8130www.optimist.orgHelp Them Hear ProgramContact Your Local Optimists ClubProvides aids and services to hearing impaired youth.

Starkey Hearing Foundation6700 Washington Avenue SouthEden Prairie, MN 55344(866) 354-3254 Voice(952) 828-6946 Fax(800) 648-4327http://www.sotheworldmayhear.org/home/index.phpAssistance for low-income children and families in purchasing hearing aids.

Travelers Protective Association Scholarship Trust for the Deaf & Near-Deaf3755 Lindell BoulevardSt. Louis, MO 63108(314) 371-0533 VoiceProvides assistance for mechanical devices, medical care, and/or specialized education or treatment, to those who demonstrate financial need. US citizens only. Grants may be used to purchase hearing aids, assistive listening equipment, or may help with the cost of a cochlear implant.

Lions Club International

300 West 22nd StreetOak Brook. IL 60523-8842(630) 571-5466 Voicehttp://www.lionsclubs.org/en/content/programs_hear.shtmlAssists low income individuals with purchasing hearing aids.

Quota International1420 21st Street NWWashington, DC 20036(202) 331-9694http://www.quota.orgAssists low income individuals with purchasing hearing aids.

Sertoma International1912 East Meyer BoulevardKansas City, MO 64132-9990(816) 333-8300 Voicehttp://www.sertoma.org/Assists low-income persons with purchasing hearing aids.

Communicator Signboard

The Hearing SocietyFirst Baptist Church of WestfieldPO Box 2534, Westfield, NJ 07091 has office hours from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursdays only.Classes in Basic Sign Language are from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.Lip Reading is from10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

Free to members of the society. Our annual luncheon will be some time in May. Please call if you would like more information. Our last class will be on May 26th and classes will resume in September.You may contact us at (908) 233-0266 V/TTY.

Join Us For a Tour of theHistoric City of BurlingtonRegularly Scheduled ToursApril Though December 4Friday, Saturday and Sunday11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Info: (609) 386-3993 Voice and ask or leave message for Dorothy; if interpreter is requested, please give three dates.Tour Rates 2005$5 per person, $4 senior citizens and children under age 12$4 per person group - 10 people or more,$8 per person combo (city & county)Include name of group and how many.Groups should register in advance.

Deaf Senior Citizens of Northwest Jersey DAWN, Inc. is sponsoring a monthly social for allDeaf Senior Citizens of Northwest Jersey. Non-seniors and interpreter students are welcome! Friday, June 3

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes, NJ 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Guest Speakers (1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Jeanne Maglione, MS, RD, Senior Manager and Lori Sacco, BS, RD, Nutrition Advisor, Educational Outreach, Solgar, Inc. Topic: Nutrients and the Aging Baby Boomer - A Touch of Gray Discuss physiological changes and review basic nutrients and their relationship to changesassociated with aging. Learn how nutrition affects aging, healthy lifestyles and longevity. Question and answer following presentation. ASL/Voice Interpreter will be provided. Parking is available in church lot. Refreshments will be served. If you need any other type of special accommodations,call the office at the numbers listed below at least two weeks prior to the event. Info: Lila Taylor, Deaf Outreach Specialist, ltaylor09@aol.com; DAWN, Inc., 400 S. Main St., Suite #3, Wharton, NJ 07885; info@dawninc.org; (973) 361-5666 Voice, (973) 361-7086 Fax,(973) 361-6032 TTY, 888-383-DAWN

20th InternationalSHHH ConventionWashington, D.C.June 30 - July 3, 2005 Self Help for Hard of Hearing People 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 1200 Bethesda, Maryland 20814

(301) 657-2248 Voice, (301) 657-2249 TTY,(301) 913-9413 Fax

Treasure IslandApril 30 - June 11This adaptation utilizes actors who are hard of hearing as well as actors who are deaf.All performances will use sign language as well as the spoken word to illuminate this fascinating tale.For Tickets call (732) 548-0582 voice$12.50 (all seats)Buy one get one free when you mention this ad in the Monthly Communicator.Forum Theatre314 Main StreetMetuchen, NJ 08840www.forumtheatrecompany.comWe are still seeking actors who sign. Please call Ellen at (732) 548-4670 Voice.

Gingo NightHosted by Deaf MinistrySaturday, June 11 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.Game starts at 7:30 p.m.Two new games A door prize for Father’s Day!$7 per person if paid in advance, $10 per person if paid at doorSt. John of God School Gym, 1145 Delsea Drive (Route 47) Westville, NJ 08093

Bring a friend! No outside food & beverages allowed.Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. No early birds please!If paying at door, cash only. Food will be on sale until 7:00 p.m.Desserts will be on sale during intermission.Info: (856) 795-6481 V/TTY, (856) 482-5657 Fax, deafministrynj@yahoo.comMake a check/money order payable to Deaf Ministry and mail with your name, address,and e-mail address to: 525 Doe Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034Please note: Adults only (21 years old and up) Please mail no later than June 4.No Children. No Refunds.

N W J A D(Northwest Jersey Assn. of the Deaf, Inc.)Wallyball & Swim Fun Night!For Adults, Teens & Kids!Saturday, June 11, 2005 6:30 p.m. to 12 MidnightSpa 23 & Racquetball Club381 RT. 23 South, Pompton Plains, NJCost: per person - (pay at door only)$5 - Teens 13 to 18 Yrs, $10 - Adults 19 yrs & up:Wallyball, Racquetball & SwimmingFREE - 12 years and under: Swimming only$5 - Spectators (Fans): Watch Games & No SwimmingPool hours: 7 to 11:00 p.m. with two lifeguards & interpreter

Chairperson: Joey Garth Info or directions: www.nwjad.org, nwjad@nwjad.org

North Jersey Community Center of the Deaf, Inc.proudly presents“Punch for Money”Knights of Columbus, 39 Washington Street, Lodi, NJSaturday, June 25 at 7 p.m.Games start at 8 p.m.$1,000 in cash to be given away based on 200 people attending*Refreshments on Sale * NJCCD Bank Nite * 50/50 ChancesChairperson - Alice Teger, Co-Chairperson - Phil EspositoDonations in Advance:Members and Non-Members same price - $10 each, At door - $12 eachTo order tickets in advance, make a check or money order payable to NJCCD, Inc. and mail to: Alice Teger, 130 Glenn Avenue, Norwood, NJ 07648, with a list of names provided.Tickets will be given at door. Deadline is June 19.Info: Alice Teger at 8254@wyndtell.com or (201) 767-8737 Fax

Calendar of Events 2005

Saturday, June 4DDHH 21 AnnualDeaf and Hard of Hearing

Awareness DayFeaturing CJ JonesSix Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJTickets info: Lauren LercherGATickets@aol.com

DDHH Office ClosedMay 30, July 4, September 5