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I.A.D. Newsletter:
Colleagues-
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U. S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) are sponsoring a historic day-long Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities. Representatives from many agencies (including FEMA and DHS) will be reviewing resumes prior to the event, and inviting prospective candidates for interviews. For additional information, please go to: http://www.usajobs.gov/DisabilityHiringEvent.asp .
Please pass this on!
Marcie
Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
Department of Homeland Security/ FEMA
202.212.1537 (office)
202.285.9231 (cell)
marcie.roth@dhs.gov
The bill, S.B. 1352, which amends existing law (section 49-121 of Idaho Code) and adds and defines the rule relating to texting while driving. Yesterday, the bill had its second reading. Third reading will be done sometime this week.
In the bill, the amendment, basically, bans drivers from texting on the road and failure to comply shall constitute inattentive driving. It is a lesser degree than reckless driving. Anyone convicted of inattentive driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to jail for not more than 90 days and/or may be fined not more than $300 dollars.
There are a lot of deaf and Hard of Hearing people on the road who depend on their wireless devices to communicate through texting including the drivers. There are several deaf people who were killed or seriously injured on the road because they were distracted for a few seconds at a time that lead to an accident.
If this bill is being enacted by the legislature, it is very important that you are aware of the new policy and let others know about it.
If you have any question or concern about this bill, please let me know.
Executive Director
Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
(208) 473-2122
www.cdhh.idaho.gov
Dear friends and supporters of CDHH-
I have an exciting news:
Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will merge into Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR).
CDHH was one of the councils and commissions that the Governor has recommended for a four-year phase out of its General Fund appropriation. In an effort to look for alternative funding options to the General Fund, CDHH has agreed to explore restructuring under Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). VR administrator, Dr. Michael Graham and I have met on this issue and both of us agreed that this is a best viable option to ensure that CDHH would remain operational.
Under this structure, CDHH will continue to stay at its current location at the Westgate building. CDHH will remain independent and will report to the board. A separate budget unit or function specifically for CDHH will be established in VR's budget in order to track the council budget dollars- separately from VR's budget. Fortunately, under this new agreement/structure, the state legislature will continue to appropriate us with a smaller amount of money and this qualifies us to receive match federal dollars.
This morning, Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) has voted on the motion to appropriate $130,300 to CDHH for FY 2011. These allocated dollars will be utilized to draw match federal dollars.
This is a win-win for all of us: the deaf and hard of hearing community and the state. I personally foresee several new and great opportunities this merger would bring to the community and to the state.
I want to thank Dr. Graham and IDVR, CDHH board members, the legislators and the Governor for their support in making this happen.
Ultimately, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the deaf and hard of hearing community and the public for their gigantic support. Numerous letters and/or messages were sent to the legislators and the Governor's office and I believe every single one of them made a difference. They were great substantiations of the need for the Council.
It is a good day, indeed.
Cheers,
Steven Snow
Executive Director
Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
(208) 473-2122
www.cdhh.idaho.gov
Spud Chapter of Gallaudet University Alumni Association
The Gallaudet University Alumni Association (GUAA) was founded in 1889 in
Washington, D.C. and represents both the University and its alumni. The GUAA maintains an alumni network throughout its 52 chapters. Gallaudet's alumni do much for the University. They maintain and attribute to the education that they received at Gallaudet University, and they support their communities through involvement in their local GUAA Chapter and/or other organizations.
The Spud Chapter of GUAA, one of the 52 chapters in the states, was founded in 1962 by the first president, Glenn Bauman in Gooding, Idaho. The Spud Chapter consists of five members serving three-year terms. The executive board meets occasionally to discuss issues and plan activities. Meetings for the members take place twice a year.
There were several activities that the Spud Chapter had implemented and hosted during fall 2009. To name a few, they had hosted events such as ASL Films, Purple demonstration and DPHH.
On September 26th, American Sign Language (ASL) movies - “Legend of the Mountain Man” and “Gerald” were tremendously enjoyed by the deaf and hearing audience. These movies were performed by deaf actors, using ASL. Before and after the showings, the attendees had an opportunity to socialize with friends, visit the exhibit booths and concession stand in the lobby. Awesome films!
On October 16th, Deaf Professional Happy Hour (DPHH) was implemented for the first time in Twin Falls. The goal for the Deaf community is to keep in touch with their friends as well as meet new friends on a third Friday of every month. About 35 deaf and hearing people showed up at Pandora’s in October. Then this event drew about 55 people at La Fiesta’s in November. A great turnout!
On November 14th, two Purple Communications, Inc. representatives from Ogden, Utah and Boise, Idaho gave a presentation and demonstration. The GUAA members and Deaf community had a hands-on experience to view the Purple Netbook and obtained information about its new technology device. Refreshments were sold during the event. Remarkable tool for communication!
The executive board and committee are in process of implementing a Senior Citizen Center in Twin Falls, planning another fundraiser and/or social event, and setting up a scholarship fund for Deaf/Hard of Hearing graduating seniors going to Gallaudet University or any four-year university. All proceeds from the previous and future fundraising events go toward the Spud Chapter scholarship fund.
Janice Finch – ‘85, Twin Falls – President
Deanne Montgomery – E ’84, Jerome – Vice-President
Cami Wilding – E ‘98, Gooding – Secretary
Ken Anderson – ‘91, Gooding – Treasurer |