A Further Leave of Absence

My dad died tonight.

NYC ASL Interpreted Broadcast of Sandy Update

*** Update thanks to gerbilonwheels**** "Click the CC button to see the closed captions on the video. Below that you'll see the bar with like, dislike, etc. On the far right is an interactive transcript."

I looked for CC at very beginning as I always do, and it is not working. But there is the transcript. It isn't labeled "transcript" opening, you have to click that print icon..which I thought was something for printers (which I don't have here at home). Thank you, Gerbilonwheels!

+++ please see my note at the very bottom of this post +++

This is a FABULOUS demonstration of how media should provide camera coverage for the ASL interpreters to communicate the message to the deaf and hard of hearing citizens who sign. PENNSYLVANIA MEDIA PEOPLE, please pay attention to how this is done. (Governor Corbett, Pennsylvania had an ASL interpreter and the media totally ignored her and cut her out of the picture. Media needs education.)

While the ASL is excellent, where are the captions for the deaf and hard of hearing who do not know sign language? There are no captions for them!! These would be the deaf who were not afforded the education to learn sign, the deaf who lost hearing later in life, such as our senior citizens and our young returning soldiers who have lost their hearing from the war, just a few examples.



Let's have inclusion and start using total communication to reach all our citizens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=20HjI9UNPKA

+++ btw... I'm recovering from surgery and the pain meds have caused me to be rather incoherent with my words and typing. I apologize. I need to get back to resting and healing, and leave the blogging for when I am fully recovered.

Immediate ASL Sign Language Interpreter Positions

Reposted from Signing Time's LeeAnn Mason:

Kim Bass shared the following with me. Please follow up with her if you can help:

Hello,

I have an immediate need for Sign Language Interpreters in TX, VA, MI, WA, and CA. These are full time positions for the 2012-2013

school year during school hours working one on one with a student. You will work in an exceptional location and have a great working schedule for the year.

New Graduates are encouraged to apply!

Are you available? If you are not available, do you know of someone who is?

We help with relocation, housing assistance, 401K, Medical/Dental/Vision, Sign on Bonus , Weekly Pay, Direct Deposit and much more.

Send your resume and cover letter today

Texas is 3.0 or higher EIPA BEI or National

Virginia is 3.5 EIPA or National

Michigan is 3.5 EIPA or higher or National

California is 4.0 EIPA or Higher or National

Washington 3.5 EIPA or National

Natalie B. Ross
National Account Executive
Sunbelt Staffing
Local: (813) 261-2265
Toll Free: (866) 212-9143

Fax:(877)831-8511
natalie.ross@sunbeltstaffing.com
www.sunbeltstaffing.com

Surgery and Frankenstella

Apparently I've the perfect "Frankenstella" look for Halloween, complete with drug induced stagger, glazed eyes and slurred speech. :-) surgery was successful, and I'm ok. I'll be answering each of your messages personally when I am have my strength and sobriety back. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, I am very appreciative.

Official Press Release for "Show Us the Captions!"

"Show Us the Captions" official press release page is here: http://t.co/rOUtZkrK

Come join us for caption advocacy.  Check the list to see if there is an event near you. If not, it's not too late to create one in your area.

I'll be at the King of Prussia location on December 2nd at 1:30 with the Hearing Loss of America Association of Pennsylvania: http://xpressivehandz.blogspot.com/2012/10/attn-people-of-pennsylvania.html
#showusthecaptions

Prayers Welcome

We found out today that my surgery Monday will be at 10:00 am and last for 2 and 1/2 hours, both doctors will be performing the surgery. Prayers for the surgical team, my family, and myself will be most welcome. :-)

Tiffany Currier's ASL Interpretation of "Somebody That I Used to Know"

Tiffany is one of my favorite interpreters on YouTube. Be sure to check out her other videos. The link is below the video.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U92lcCNh1Q

The original Gotye video is visually artsy, but no captions:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UVNT4wvIGY

Signed Stories App Collaboration with Keith Wann, Peter Cook and ITV

I saw a post by Keith Wann on FaceBook this morning announcing a Signed Stories app for children. I sat down tonight and took a look. It was listed in the ITunes store, and free to download. There are several free stories, as well as some that can be purchased. They also provide a list of stories to come.

Before we begin we are given a choice of BSL (British Sign Language) or ASL (American Sign Language). Once downloaded, we are given a free story to download, which goes into our "bookshelf". At the bottom of our screen we are given choices, "bookshelf" "store" "A-Z dictionary" and "settings".

This FABULOUS app has audio, captions, signs and illustrated cartoon videos! LOVE THIS! I experienced "Three Billy Goats Gruff" as never before! 

This wonderful app is a collaboration with ITV, Keith Wann and Peter Cook. Read more about it here: http://www.appsplayground.com/apps/2012/10/16/itvs-signed-stories-app-has-sign-language-stories-for-kids/

Here is an example they uploaded onto Youtube to check out.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M_Hj8UmJUI&sns=fb

See screen shot here:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/signed-stories/id550966811?mt=8&affId=2078443

It's time for the Surgical Hiatus

Those of you who follow my blog are already familiar with the story behind the "medical leave of absence" I'm taking these next few weeks. If you've missed the story how I went to get hearing aids and ended up having to have surgery, you can read about that here: http://xpressivehandz.blogspot.com/2012/10/i-went-to-get-hearing-aids-and-found.html 

I have been incredibly tired this year, at least I now know the reason why. With surgery coming up next Monday, I have decided give myself permission to take time off and just rest, rather than trudge through and force myself to keep up with my regular schedule and activities.

I am going to take this time to relax in my little nook and make something beautiful with the time I have on my hands.

Last week, I took a knitting class at the  Lancaster Yarn Shop in the Kitchen Kettle Village at Intercourse, Pennsylvania. It must have been market day, the buggy traffic was pretty heavy, the drive a little longer than usual to that end of the county. It was a lovely drive, regardless, but it did make the day rather long. I was worn out when I got home, but very pleased to have learned how to make something beautiful.

The instructor, Wendy was very patient with me. She not only taught us how to do the stitches in the pattern, but also how to read it. I used to crochet, but after learning how to make this interesting scarf and feeling the texture of  the beautiful yarn, I may very well have been won over to the craft of knitting. 

This week, I'll be sleeping as much as I need, and that has been a lot lately. Rather than fight it off, I'm going to listen to my body's needs, lay down and rest, read and knit. 

The only thing on my calendar this week will be the Hearing Loss Association meeting in Lititz tomorrow, Tuesday, at 10:00 at the Brethren Village in the Fellowship Hall. This month, Alan Kutner will be discussing the very cool new Sony Access Glasses and the upcoming #showusthecaptions event we are hosting in December. 

Monday the 22nd is when my surgery is scheduled. I will be under the doctor's care until November. I am giving myself permission to attend to my needs, rest and to graciously and appreciatively accept  help from those around me.

In the meantime, I may be re-posting a few earlier write-ups, if I'm up to it. For now, here's where you will find me. This is my knitting corner.

Attn: People of Pennsylvania - Come Join Us

Hello, Fellow Pennsylvanians!

Please share this information with all the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people you know. This is a national event to promote captioning, and to educate the public what is available for people who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, and experiencing hearing loss. Hearing Loss Association of Pennsylvania is hosting this event. If our local people would like to come out and support theaters to provide access and devices, this is a GREAT opportunity to unite together and be visible for the cause. We must be sure to let Alan Kutner know by November 15 that glasses are needed so they know how many to have on hand for the event.

Here's to technology advancement and accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people everywhere!

HLA - PA Participating with Show Us the Captions!

SHOW US THE CAPTIONS! 

DECEMBER 2, 2012
What:      See a movie enjoy captions!

Where:   Regal Cinema - UA King of                            Prussia Stadium16 IMAX, 

              300 Goddard Blvd. King of                            Prussia, Second Floor Balcony
   

When:   Sunday, December 2, 2012,
                  1:30 p.m. 

On Sunday, December 2, 2012 we will be meeting at the Regal Cinema King of Prussia, a theater that now provides captioned glasses so you won’t miss a word of the performance.  Alan Kutner, chair of the HLA-PA Movie Captioning Committee, will explain how the glasses work. HLS (Hearing Loop System) and an ASL interpreter will ensure that the presentation is accessible to most everyone with a hearing loss. 

You can select your own movie to attend which starts on or after 1:45 pm. (You are responsible for purchasing your own movie ticket.)  After the performance, there will be light refreshments and your feedback.   

Only a limited number of devices are available so please RSVP as soon as possible to Alan Kutner to reserve yours.  Let Alan know the number of devices you wish to reserve by email at kutner@hla-pa.org. (If you do not have email, you may call Alan at  610-449-3643.)  The deadline for replying is Thursday, November 15, 2012.  Please note that captioning works on both 2D and 3D movies. 

Hearing Loss Association of PA (HLA-PA) is working together with Collaborative for Communication Access via Captioning (CCAC) towards the common goal of greater access to captioning.  

http://www.hla-pa.org/

http://ccacaptioning.org

Show Us the Captions is on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/ShowUsTheCaptions

Do you tweet? Share your event and see what others will be tweeting  on Twitter. Use the hashtag #showusthecaptions

Netflix Agrees to Caption All Content by September 2014

I am so pleased to see Netflix agree to caption all their content by September 2014. However, it is still disconcerting to me that they are doing this only because of legal issues, rather than because it's simply the right thing to do: provide equal access and be inclusive for everyone.

Read more about the case: http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=766199 and also http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20072619-38/netflix-sued-by-deaf-group-over-lack-of-subtitles/

#captionTHIS

Engage - Interesting New App for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

My friend, Stephanie Jo Kent (check out some of her research work from November's #DEMX 2011 here http://www.reflexivity.us/wp/?s=demx ) asked me if I had heard of this new App, Engage. It is supposed to link the Deaf and Hard of Hearing up with events and activities wherever we may live. I downloaded the app, but it wouldn't work unless I fill in all the fields regarding my personal information. Because someone close to me works for the Office of Attorney General often warns me not to give out too much information on online forms such as this one, I am hesitatnt to provide such information, or open email from unfamiliar people. As I looked at the fields that required input befor the app would work, it had the appearance of behing very "phishy". I would think it would be a great app if the more "personal" information could be bypassed when signing up. The idea of this app is fantastic, otherwise.  What do you think?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzm2PgoWPtI&feature=player_embedded#!

HLA - PA Participating with Show Us the Captions!

SHOW US THE CAPTIONS! 

DECEMBER 2, 2012
What:      See a movie enjoy captions!

Where:   Regal Cinema - UA King of                            Prussia Stadium16 IMAX, 

              300 Goddard Blvd. King of                            Prussia, Second Floor Balcony
   

When:   Sunday, December 2, 2012,
                  1:30 p.m. 

On Sunday, December 2, 2012 we will be meeting at the Regal Cinema King of Prussia, a theater that now provides captioned glasses so you won’t miss a word of the performance.  Alan Kutner, chair of the HLA-PA Movie Captioning Committee, will explain how the glasses work. HLS (Hearing Loop System) and an ASL interpreter will ensure that the presentation is accessible to most everyone with a hearing loss. 

You can select your own movie to attend which starts on or after 1:45 pm. (You are responsible for purchasing your own movie ticket.)  After the performance, there will be light refreshments and your feedback.   

Only a limited number of devices are available so please RSVP as soon as possible to Alan Kutner to reserve yours.  Let Alan know the number of devices you wish to reserve by email at kutner@hla-pa.org. (If you do not have email, you may call Alan at 610-449-3643.)  The deadline for replying is Thursday, November 15, 2012.  Please note that captioning works on both 2D and 3D movies. 

Hearing Loss Association of PA (HLA-PA) is working together with Collaborative for Communication Access via Captioning (CCAC) towards the common goal of greater access to captioning.  

http://www.hla-pa.org/

http://ccacaptioning.org

Show Us the Captions is on FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/ShowUsTheCaptions

Do you tweet? Share your event and see what others will be tweeting  on Twitter. Use the hashtag #showusthecaptions

Video of Sony's Access Glasses for Theaters

Here is a glimpse what the new Sony Access Glasses are like. This video is presented by Regal Cinema, however, they list names of other theaters that currently have them available as well. Pretty cool, isn't it? Be sure to check out the links at the botton of the page how you can be part of Show Us the Captions campaign at theaters this November and learn about the woman behind the campaign, one of Oticon's Advocates of the Year, Sarah Wegley.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsckbFwU2SQ

Sarah's blogspot http://speakuplibrarian.blogspot.com/2012/09/show-us-captions-is-going-national.html

 Be sure to check out the Show Us the Captions! Facebook page to learn more https://www.facebook.com/ShowUsTheCaptions

#showusthecaptions

Halloween Signs

Can you believe Halloween is just around the corner? Here are a few signs from Signing Time, demonstrated by Rachel Coleman. You will see variations to many signs, depending on where you live. One variation of "Trick or Treat" is the combination signs of  "candy" + "knock".



https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLC7022089EB1202B0&feature=player_embedded&v=ODGc1K_tifQ#!

For those of you who live near Mount Hope in Manheim, Pennsylvania, the Renaissance Faire puts on a wonderful Halloween weekend each year for the children to come trick or treating. It's fun for the parents, too. There are 3 weekends for trick or treating to choose from, and if you order online, you can get discount tickets!
http://www.parenfaire.com/faire/weekend10.php
Click that link to find out a bout a "spooktacular" Halloween for the whole family!

My FREE Caption Call Phone Arrived! You Can Get One, Too

My CaptionCall telephone has arrived! We had a few glitches getting it hooked up. It requires an internet connection AND a landline phone number.

There are some GREAT features that come with this phone. One of them is the captioned answering machine. People call my iPhone and leave voice messages, but  I never get them ... because I'm deaf. With the CaptionCall, I'll never miss those messages again! Of course, the only downside is I have to be home to read those since it is a land line, but that is better than not getting messages at all.

Also love that it saves all my calls, everything anyone says during each call is typed and saved so I can go back and see what was said, word for word. Some people may not like that you have a record of the conversation you had with them, but this is wonderful if you ever have one of those "I never said that" kind of conversation. I wish I had one of these about 10 years ago for this very purpose. 

While you are having a conversation and the person you're talking with gives you a phone number, the computer will check that number to make sure it is the correct one. How cool is that? You don't have to worry if you wrote the number down correctly either, because there it is on the screen. You can also save the number of the person who called simply by touching the "add contact" on the screen.

This phone can be customized to your audiogram. By simply moving the lines on the touchscreen, you can tailor the frequencies to match your hearing loss so the phone automatically boosts those frequencies you don't hear. AMAZING!

A wonderful option this phone has, that some other captioned phones don't is the wireless choice. With this feature, I can put the phone right here on my coffee table next to the computer. Or over at my desk. Though it is wireless, that doesn't mean it's cordless. It has to have power to run, so you do need an electrical outlet nearby in order for it to work.

To get a FREE CaptionCall phone of your own, go to https://www.captioncall.com/CaptionCall/Default.aspx and if you sign up for one, please use my code as a referral: CEN70189



You will find testimonials by  Leslie, Ruth, Shirley and Don over on the CaptionCall channel of how this phone has helped them with their hearing loss.
http://www.youtube.com/user/captioncall?feature=results_main

I Went to Get Hearing Aids and Found Out I Need Surgery

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

John Lennon put this so eloquently.

I was in the process of putting all my plans together for this autumn,  scheduling the classes I would be teaching, preparing for college courses to complete my degree, and some fun adventures planned in between. I was looking forward to attending a wedding and seeing our friends.

As I was preparing to return to college, I decided I would need a new pair of hearing aids. I had an appointment with a Dr. of Audiology near my home. She asked me about some of the symptoms I was experiencing. Because they are related to hearing loss, she sent me to an otolaryngologist. 

During the initial exam, the otolaryngologist checked how my thyoid felt. He decided to have an ultrasound done on the thyroid in addition to having an MRI done to check things around my ears.

The good news, there is nothing new going on with my ears.

The ultrasound, however, showed a few things going on in my neck. Besides having a thyroid much larger on one side than it should be, there is also a nodule on it. There is also a mass growing up behind the thyroid along the nerve and around my windpipe.     
  

I've put all my plans on hold for the moment, cleared out my calendar for the rest of the year to take care of this. I have been extremely tired this year, not feeling myself, and now I know why. I was thinking the other day as tired as I am. I am looking forward to the rest, though I wish it were under different circumstances.

My daughter is sooo fabulous! When I told her about the surgery to remove the thryriod and the nodule, as well as the mass growing along my nerve and around my windpipe, she simply asked, "Is that good or bad?" She grounded me by asking that question. I answered, "It's only bad if it stays in there. It's good if it all comes out."

So, am I worried? No. It's all good. With the thoughts and prayers of my family and friends lifting me up, I know I am in good hands all around, especially within the hands of the God of All Comfort.

Fabulous Husband and I will be sending a nice flower arrangement to my audiologist. I am exceedingly grateful she referred me to the otolaryngologist. She may well have added many years to my life. It's interesting how I went to get hearing aids and found out I need surgery.