Monday, February 23, 2009

Deaf Professional Happy Hour

February 27, 2009 at 5:00pm

The Village Tavern
9390 Montgomery Rd.
Montgomery, OH 45242
513-793-7882 (voice)

Deaf Health Fair - April 4, 2009!

“Celebrating Our Culture of Courage”


The DHFC is a group of Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Hearing individuals focusing on education and support systems for deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing communities in the prevention of health-related problems.

Topics such as Cancer, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Mental Health Issues, Civil Rights, Dental Care, Communications Technology, Faith, plus other topics will be offered. We will have booths, Interpreters, SSP’s and Real-Time captioning.

FREE:
All Workshop Sessions
Childcare
Materials
Box lunch - for those who send registrations before March 26, 2009

Registration: 8 am to 9 am Events: 9 am to 4:30 pm

PARKING: There is no charge for parking in the CCM Garage. If you park in other garages there will be a charge


For more information contact:
Betty Rosenberger University Hospital
513-584-3785 TTY/FAX Betty Rosenberger
513-584-5052 Voice 234 Goodman ML 0707
Betty.Rosenberger@Healthall.com Cincinnati, OH 45219

Sponsored by: University Hospital, University of Cincinnati Disability Services, Sorenson Communications, Cincinnati Bell, Relay Ohio (Sprint), Relay Kentucky (Hamilton)

If you would like a registration form, please contact CDonnellon@HearingSpeechDeaf.com

Thursday, February 19, 2009

ASL Tax Tips

Silver Spring, MD - The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is again partnering with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make sure that important tax information reaches the deaf community.

Last year, the IRS produced seven public service announcement (PSA) videos, “Economic Stimulus Payment Basics,” and a short 1040-A Instructional video in American Sign Language (ASL), open captions and voice over. The NAD partnered with the IRS in 2008 to distribute this information.

Now, during the 2009 tax season, the IRS has produced a new ASL PSA series entitled, “Tax Tips”, with open captions and voice over.

“We are pleased, once again, to make this new and important information available to deaf and hard of hearing Americans across the country,” said Nancy J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer.

Please check back often for new video updates between now and April 2009.

Watch the ASL Tax Tip videos by clicking each topic:

Direct Deposit (TRT- :44)
IRS can deposit your tax refund directly into your bank or checking account, even if you move or change your name.

Top Return Mistakes (TRT- 1:02)
Mistakes will slow down the processing of your federal tax return. E-file and let the system double check your return for you.

E-File (TRT - :49)
Electronically file your federal tax return and find out how you can get our refund much faster than mailing in a tax form.

Careers at the IRS (TRT - :55)
Are you interested in getting a job in accounting, customer services or collections? Consider working for the IRS, one of the world’s largest financial institutions.

Undelivered Refunds (TRT - :48)
Millions of dollars in tax refunds can’t be delivered to thousands of taxpayers. Most times, that’s because IRS has the wrong address, so the postal service can’t make the delivery. Find out how you can get your refund.

Standard Deduction for Non-Itemizers (TRT - :43)
This year homeowners who don’t itemize may get a bigger standard deduction.

IRS e-File Requires e-Signature (TRT- :50)

New information! e-Filed returns must be electronically signed.
For more information, go to the IRS website.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Free Tax Preparation

Free tax preparations At The Hearing Speech & Deaf Center
March 4 from 10:00am – 2:00pm

Certified trained tax preparers ready to do all that boring complicated paperwork for you! FREE!

Where?: The Hearing Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati
2528 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219

Call or send an email to Melissa Shaffer to make an appointment.

Sign language interpreters will be provided.

mshaffer@hearingspeechdeaf.com

Voice – (513) 221-0527 ext. 170
(513) 221-3300 video phone/tty

The Amazing Race


Check out the Margaret and Luke video from The TV Show "The Amazing Race." Luke is the first Deaf contestant on the popular TV show on CBS Sundays at 8:00pm.

Their biography is here.

Bryan Hraban

Please come and say Good Bye to: Bryan Hraban

Bryan is moving to Wisconsin to be closer to his children. Please come by and receive/give your HUG from/to Bryan. He will be leaving the end of this month


Where: Cincinnati State: Room 342 (Same room where Live Lab is being held)
Old Bldg (MAIN) and parking is free.

When: Saturday, February 21, 2009

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Feel free to bring an appetizer to share if you would like.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy

Biden honors a movement at the Special Olympics

Yesterday Vice President Biden honored what he called the "movement" for the rights of the disabled.

To do so, he visited a premiere institution of that movement, the Special Olympics, being held this year in Boise, Idaho. And as meaningful as the medals he awarded to the figure skaters there were, even more significant was his assurance that the cause would always have an advocate in this White House, announcing Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy.

Vice President Biden and Kareem Dale


Photo credit: Vice President Joseph Biden announces that Kareem Dale, 3rd from left, has been appointed Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy during the Winter Special Olympics site at Boise State University Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 in Boise, Idaho. White House photo by Sharon Farmer.

Dale, who has been with President Obama for years and is partially blind, said he was "just humbled and honored for the faith the president and vice president have shown in me."

The Vice President praised Dale and emphasized the importance of the position: "He is going to have absolutely direct access to the president. What we’re trying to do is make sure that not only do we deal with getting support for what you’re seeing happening at these Winter Games, but also to make sure that persons with disabilities are in position to also be in the work force, so they don’t have to choose, like many have to do now, between staying in a job that’s a dead-end job that they don’t like, or else leaving a job that they like because it’s the only way to get health care."

He continued, "Look, this is a movement. What started off as an avenue and an outlet and a recognition for athletes has turned into a worldwide movement. This is about to change the attitude, change the attitude of governments, change the attitude of individuals.

"It’s a big deal. I started off in the civil rights movement. This is a civil rights movement. This is a movement to make sure that we guarantee that all peoples in the world have the opportunity to succeed to the degree they are capable."

Reporting CC Complaints to the FCC

As you can see from previous posts here, there is some confusion about reporting closed captioning problems to the FCC. You can report complaints online to the FCC at this link.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Reporting Closed Caption Problems

From the National Association for the Deaf...

"Yesterday’s announcement about reporting closed captioning problems was not correct. The new complaint procedure is not fully approved, and will not be effective until later this year (maybe June 2009).

I apologize for any confusion and inconvenience.

For now, closed captioning problems and complaints must be filed with your TV station, cable or satellite TV service provider. If you are not satisfied with the response from your TV station, cable or satellite TV service, you can send your complaint to the FCC. For more information about filing closed captioning complaints now, go to the FCC website."

Friday, February 13, 2009

DTV Information in Sign!

What is the switch from analog TV to Digital TV (DTV)? What does this mean for me? Will my TV work? Learn all about it in sign language! DTV in Sign

Closed Caption Complaint Procedure

From the National Association for the Deaf....

Good news!! Now you can file a complaint with the FCC if you find a problem with Closed Captions. Here is the information from the FCC website:

TIPS ON FILING CLOSED CAPTIONING
COMPLAINTS

The FCC's closed captioning rules require consumers to first complain in writing to their TV distributor, such as your cable or satellite TV service, or to the TV station if you receive television via an over-the-air antenna, before contacting the FCC. Due to specific time limits established in the closed captioning rules, complaints should be filed as soon as possible after you experience the closed captioning problem.

The street address for your cable or satellite TV provider is usually on the back of your bill, or you can call the Customer Service number and ask for the company's main or headquarter street address. Addresses for TV stations are generally found in the phone directory. Letters should be addressed to the General Manager or CEO of the company. If your distributor has an e-mail address for the customer service department, this e-mail address is also generally on the back of your bill.

Closed captioning complaints should be very specific. Include the following information in your written complaint to the TV distributor:

* Your name, full address, daytime phone/TTY number, and any other contact information, such as an e-mail address if available, so they may contact you if any clarifications are needed
* The name of the television program(s) you experienced closed captioning problems with
* The name and number of the channel(s) the show was on (For example- Channel 3, The Art Channel)
* The date(s) and time(s) you experienced the problems with closed captioning
* A description of the closed captioning problem. For instance, "no closed captioning during entire show," "closed captioning disappeared 5 minutes after the program began," "closed captioning was garbled throughout the show," "the words were unintelligible such as 'axuy' and '&8777**edz'" or "the closed captioning was not in sync with the audio."

EXAMPLE: "On Monday February 6, 2006, I was watching Channel 52 (XYZ Channel), and the show "The Bad Guys" at 9 p.m. had no closed captioning, and during the re-run on Wednesday February 15, 2006, at 9 p.m. on Channel 52 (XYZ Channel) the closed captioning only appeared in the last 15 minutes of the program."

If you are unsatisfied with the TV distributor's response to your complaint, or the TV distributor does not respond within about 45 days, then quickly contact the FCC with all of the complaint information listed above as well as your contact information. You must provide the FCC with full and specific details, including a copy of your original written complaint that you sent to the TV distributor, and their response, if any.

You can also provide the FCC with any further information you think appropriate (e.g., copies of the TV schedule showing the CC logo for the program you saw without closed captioning or written out examples of garbled or missing closed captioning, videotapes if available, etc…).

Send all of this information to the FCC at 445 12th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20554, Attn. CICD/CGB. The complaint package you send to the FCC must also be sent to the TV distributor to let them know you have now complained to the FCC.

For further information on the FCC's television closed captioning please see our Factsheet.

Here are the closed captioning regulations. The complaint procedure is in the regulations at 47 CFR Part 79.1(g).

Scroll to the bottom of this page to find the button to file your complaint online.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

All About Deaf Kids Fair

The Deaf Institute is offering "All About Deaf Kids Fair"

Deaf Institute, a non-profit faith-based organization, is planning their 7th All about Deaf Kids Fair on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the campus of Cincinnati Christian University. The fair will be held in the Worship/Ministry building from 10 am-4 pm. This year’s theme is “Home…Where Your Story Begins.”

The purpose of the fair is to provide families with deaf and hearing members:
1) a free fun deaf/hearing-family-friendly day, including lunch;
2) activities and entertainment involving both deaf and hearing presenters which promote family communication and participation;
3) networking opportunities with families experiencing similar challenges;
4) networking opportunities with organizations which provide encouragement, equipment, & expertise in challenging areas these families face.

The activities and entertainment will focus on the fun and variety of ways to blend American Sign Language and English into the visually-rich art of story-telling. Storybook rooms, “My Story corners, Deaf games, family crafts, and mime-time will be available to encourage making family memories.

This fair, though free to the families, is possible through caring community organizations and groups partnering with the Deaf Institute.

If you have any further questions, please contact: Pam Eubanks, family ministry representative for the Deaf Institute. pam@deafinstitute.org or 513-307-8100.

All About Deaf Kids Fair “Home…Where Your Story Begins”
Saturday, March 7, 2009 10 am – 4pm pm
On the campus of Cincinnati Christian University 2700 Glenway Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45204

President Signs DTV Delay Bill

Statement of President Barack Obama on Signing the DTV Bill
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release February 11, 2009

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama signed S.352, a bill to postpone the DTV transition date to June 12th to allow for more time for the American consumers to prepare for the switch from analog television.

"During these challenging economic times, the needs of American consumers are a top priority of my administration. This law, which was crafted in a bipartisan way and passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, ensures that our citizens will have more time to prepare for the conversion. Millions of Americans, including those in our most vulnerable communities, would have been left in the dark if the conversion had gone on as planned, and this solution is an important step forward as we work to get the nation ready for digital TV. My administration will continue to work with leaders in Congress, broadcasters, consumer groups and the telecommunications industry to improve the information and assistance available to our citizens in advance of June 12."

New Church with Sign Language interpreters!

First Baptist Church of Cold Spring (Kentucky)
4410 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY
(859) 441-6184
Pastor Ronny Raines
firstbaptist@fbccs.com



Interpreted Sunday Services beginning March 1, 2009
8:30am or 11am service
Sunday School Class 9:45-10:45am
Please contact Meg Deckert for interpreter
Mdeckert00@aol.com

If you know of a church with sign language interpreters, please send the information to CDonnellon@HearingSpeechDeaf.com so we can get the word out. Thanks

Cochlear Implant Recipient Group

University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center
Hearing Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati
Cochlear Americas Listening Workshop

Bring your cables and your questions.

Join us for a casual workshop designed to provide you an opportunity to learn more about your cochlear implant. You’ll have one on one time with Cochlear representatives and other Nucleus Recipients.

Ally Sisler-Dinwiddie, Cochlear Awareness Manager (bilateral implant recipient too) will answer questions about SmartSound2, Assistive Listening Devices, Bilateral Implantation, Phoning with Confidence, and Best Practices for music enjoyment. You’ll also have the chance to get hands on experience. Come share your experiences and ask your questions with others who understand.

Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2009
6:30-8:30 PM

WHERE: Hearing Speech and Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati
2825 Burnet Avenue (4th floor conference room)
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
Phone: 513-221-0527 ext.182

WHO: Nucleus Cochlear Implant Recipients and family

RSVP: Carole Donnellon
(513)221-0527 ext.182 or CDonnellon@HearingSpeechDeaf.com

Captioned Movies

Regal Cinema – Open Captioned
Deerfield Towne Center
5500 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

Pink Panther 2
Friday, February 13 at 12:35 pm
Saturday, February 14 at 3:05 pm
Sunday, February 15 at 12:35pm and 9:45pm
Monday, February 16 at 12:35 and 7:30pm

He’s Just Not Into You
Tuesday, February 17 at 3:30pm and 9:35pm
Wednesday, February 18 at 12:30pm and 6:45pm
Thursday, February 19 at 3:30pm and 9:35pm

AMC Theater at Newport On The Levee – Closed Captions
1 Levee Way
Newport, KY 41071

Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG)
Thursday, February 12 at 1:10pm, 3:45pm, 6:00pm, 8:25pm and 10:55pm

He's Just Not That Into You NEW! (PG-13, No Passes)
Friday, February 13 at 12:45pm, 3:45pm, 6:45pm, and 10:05pm
Saturday, February 14 at 12:45pm, 3:45pm, 6:45pm, and 10:05pm
Sunday, February 15 at 12:45pm, 3:45pm, 6:45pm, and 10:05pm
Monday, February 16 at 12:45pm, 3:45pm, 6:45pm, and 10:05pm
Tuesday, February 17 at 2:35pm 5:35pm and 8:35pm
Wednesday, February 18 at 2:35pm 5:35pm and 8:35pm
Thursday, February 19 at 2:35pm 5:35pm and 8:35pm


Showcase Western Hills – Closed Captioned
5870 Harrison Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45248

Taken (PG-13)
Thursday, February 12 at 12:50pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm and 7:45pm

Showcase Cinema De Lux – Closed Captioned
7860 Mall Road
Florence, KY 41042
The Uninvited (PG-13)
Thursday, February 12 at 12:05pm, 2:00pm, 3:55pm, 6:55pm and 9:20pm

Taken (PG-13)
Friday, February 13 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm, 10:00pm and 12:15am
Saturday, February 14 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm, 10:00pm and 12:15am
Sunday, February 15 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm and 10:00pm
Monday, February 16 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm and 10:00pm
Tuesday, February 17 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm and 10:00pm
Wednesday, February 18 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm and 10:00pm
Thursday, February 19 at 12:55pm, 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:35pm and 10:00pm


Springdale Cinema De Lux 18 – Closed Captioned
12064 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45246

Taken (PG-13)
Thursday, February 12 at 3:15pm, 5:30pm, 7:45pm and 10:00pm
Friday, February 13 at 1:00 pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45 pm, 10:10pm and 12:20am
Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45pm, 10:10pm and 12:20am
Sunday, February 15 at 1:00pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45pm, and 10:10pm
Monday, February 16 at 1:00pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45pm, and 10:10pm
Tuesday, February 17 at 1:00pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45pm, and 10:10pm
Wednesday, February 18 at 1:00pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45pm, and 10:10pm
Thursday, February 19 at 1:00pm, 3:15pm, 5:35pm, 7:45pm, and 10:10pm

Monday, February 9, 2009

DTV Switch - Lots of Info!

What does the switch to DTV mean to you? Check out this website with tons of links and information:

DTV

Cochlear Implant Recipient Group

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2009
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Hearing Speech & Deaf Center
2825 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
513.221.0527

Guest Speaker: Ally Sisler-Dinwiddie, AuD, CCC-A
Cochlear Awareness Network Manager
Bilateral Cochlear Implant Recipient

Topic: Casual workshop designed to provide you an opportunity to learn more about your cochlear implant. Dr. Sisler-Dinwiddie will answer questions about SmartSound2, Assistive Listening Devices, Bilateral implantation, phoning with confidence, and best practices for music enjoyment. You'll also have the chance to get hands on experience. Come share your experiences and ask your questions with others who understand.

Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

RSVP: Carole Donnellon 513.221.0527 ext 182 or CDonnellon@HearingSpeechDeaf.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009

DTV - Will Your TV Work?

On June 13, 2009, some TV's will no longer work.

To check if your TV will work, enter your TV make and model on this website:
Will my TV work?


This website has lots of answers about the switch, including answers about closed captions:
Answers about Closed Captions and DTV.

Open Captioned Movie Schedule

Deerfield Towne Center Stadium 16
5500 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040


Taken

Fri, Feb 6 ~ 12:40 pm
Sat, Feb 7 ~ 2:50 pm
Sun, Feb 8 ~ 12:40 pm and 9:30 pm
Mon, Feb 9 ~ 12:40 and 7:10 pm

Univited

Tues, Feb 10 ~ 4:40 pm and 9:45 pm
Wed, Feb 11 ~ 1:30 pm and 7:35 pm
Thurs, Feb 12 ~ 4:40 pm and 9:45 pm

DTV Delayed!

House Votes to Delay Switch to Digital Television

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 4, 2009
Filed at 4:29 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress voted Wednesday to give consumers four more months to prepare for the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting.
The House voted 264-158 to postpone the shutdown of analog TV signals to June 12, to address growing concerns that too many Americans won't be ready in time for the Feb. 17 deadline that Congress had set three years ago. The Senate passed the measure unanimously last week and the bill now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature.

The delay is a victory for the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress, who maintain that the previous administration mismanaged efforts to ensure that all consumers -- particularly poor, rural and minority Americans -- will be prepared for the switchover.

The Nielsen Co. estimates that more than 6.5 million U.S. households that rely on analog TV sets to pick up over-the-air broadcast signals still are not ready. People who subscribe to cable or satellite TV or have a newer TV with a digital tuner will not be affected.

"The passage of this bipartisan legislation means that millions of Americans will have the time they need to prepare for the conversion," the White House said in a statement. "We will continue to work with Congress to improve the information and assistance available to American consumers in advance of June 12, especially those in the most vulnerable communities."

Wednesday's vote came one week after House Republicans blocked the bill when it was in a special fast-track vote that required two-thirds support to pass. This time, the bill passed the House under a regular floor vote, which only requires a simple majority.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Hearing Loss Association Meeting

Southwest Ohio Chapter

Invites you to join us – All are welcome

Saturday, February 7, 2009: 2:30 PM to 5 PM
Our speaker will talk for about 45 minutes and have time for questions.
There will also be some time to socialize with others who are hearing impaired.
.
Mason Public Library*
200 Reading Road
Mason, Ohio 45060

Topic: Nuts and Bolts of Hearing and Balance

Our speaker is Janet A. Stein, M.A., CCC-A;
She is an Assistant Clinical Professor, Audiology Practicum Coordinator/
SupervisorCommunication Sciences and Disorders Department; University of Cincinnati

Mrs. Stein will talk about the components of a hearing screening and what it means to you

Free and Open to the Public

We provide a loop system, signers and real time closed captioning for our meeting.

* Directions to Library:
It is on Reading Road/42 north of Tylersville on the right before the road curves right.
For information contact Arlene Mason 513-683-5855 or email us at hearinglossassociation@yahoo.com

In case of inclamate weather the meeting will be cancelled, we will send out an email if this occurs or folk can call 513-683-5855 for update

The Hearing Loss Association of America - www.hearingloss.org is the nation’s largest
organization for people with hearing loss. We are a local chapter with monthly meetings.

Our members include those who are hearing impaired and those who love them.

Future topics:
Sunday, March 8, Tinnitus: What’s the latest? - Tinnitus and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
Saturday, April 11, Hearing Aids -- what are the expectations?