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Hello DAS Supporter,
As with the changing of the season, we at DAS have undergone changes as well.
On
September 30, 2016, Sharon L. Hanson retired from her position as Executive Director. We want to extend our
Thanks and Appreciation to her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
As of
October 3, 2016
, Our new
(returning)
Executive Director, Pamela Kefi started. We are excited to Welcome Pam on board!
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Welcome Back Pamela Kefi!
I am thrilled to be back at Deaf Access Services (DAS). Since I left in December of 2011, so many changes have occurred; from staff changes to new programming. In spite of the differences, it still feels like coming home. I attended the DAS Picnic this summer and it was nice to be welcomed back so warmly by the community. The first week has been very encouraging and everyone has been helpful in bringing me back up to speed.
My immediate objective is to have many "Learning Experiences". I want to understand the needs of the community as well as the wishes and advice from you, our local experts; members of the WNY Deaf/HH Communities and friends and allies. My role as the leader of DAS, requires me to be familiar and responsive to the interests in WNY and to ensure that we are practicing and adhering to standards that preserve Deaf language and culture while also creating access for the Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and Deaf-Blind individuals who are seeking assistance and services from DAS.
I look forward to conversations with all of you and opportunities to connect and grow together. Please feel free to reach out to me at the office or look for announcements about Conversations with DAS that we will schedule over the next few months.
Honored to be back,
Pam
Click here to read the Kefi Returns Press Release.
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News From the Board:
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| (L to R) Evy Salvato-Rood, Marvin Wuest, Sharon Manning |
Marie Bartolotta (not pictured) serves on the Board for 6 years (2010-2016) was a Treasurer then Vice-President of the Board.
Dina Capizzi
(not pictured)
served 2 years (2014-2015) as Chair of Interpreter Advisory Council.
Sharon Manning served 9 years (2007-2016). She was on the Finance Committee.
Evy Salvato-Rood served 6 years (2010-2016) on the Development Committee.
Marvin Wuest served 6 years (2010-2016) on the Finance Committee as well.
We extend our warmest Well Wishes to our former Board Members and
Thank them for all they have done in supporting DAS and the communities we serve.
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| Amy Crockford |
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Joining the Board of Directors (2016-2019) is Amy Crockford. She is an American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor at Erie Community College, SUNY Brockport, and SUNY College of Buffalo (Buffalo State College).
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Hon. Mark J.F. Schroeder |
Also joining the Board of Directors (2016-2018) is the Honorable Mark J.F. Schroeder. A former County Legislator and NY Assemblyman, Mark is a well-known and respected leader in Erie County. He is currently the Comptroller for the City of Buffalo.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Amy and Mark, and look forward to working with them!
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In Memoriam
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| Kevin T. Milligan, Sr. |
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Kevin Milligan passed away earlier this year on January 25, 2016 at the age of 79.
Kevin was well-known for being a Deaf athlete and a Hall of Famer. He also played varsity basketball at Gallaudet, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Education. After Gallaudet, Kevin pursued his graduate studies at Lewis and Clark College. Kevin returned to his alma mater, St. Mary School for the Deaf (SMSD), as a Certified Teacher of the Deaf, and work there until his retirement in 1991. Kevin was an active positive role model and help nurture many of his students at St. Mary's.
Kevin served as a Board member for both the Buffalo Club of the Deaf (BCD) and DAS. He along with his wife, Millie, have been longtime supporters of DAS and the WNY Deaf Community.
Kevin is also the recipient of the Ernest L. McElroy Memorial Award. This award was given to Deaf individuals who worked to improve the lives of other Deaf Community members in the Buffalo area.
We continue to extend our condolences to the Milligan Family and their host of friends.
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Daniel F. Pordum, Jr.
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Daniel F. Pordum, Jr., a well known hearing member of the WNY Deaf Community, passed away after a short illness on September 3, 2016. He was 54 years old. Dan, a stand-up comedian, in WNY and Canada, was known for his work at Rob's Comedy Playhouse.
An avid supporter of Deaf Access Services, Dan served as a member of the Board of Trustees and as President of the Board for several years. He was the hearing son his late Deaf parents, Daniel F. Pordum, Sr. and Therese (Teri) Makula Pordum.
His mother was a former Board member and an instrumental supporter in the creation of Deaf Adult Services, now known as, Deaf Access Services. One of her many contributions to the agency was the establishment of The Teri Pordum Fund aka Special Interpreter Fund (SIF). SIF helps to provide interpreting services for events that are not protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), such as baptisms, funerals, and weddings.
Our sympathy go out to his family; uncles, Frederick (Jane) Pordum, Francis (Rachel) Pordum and aunt Virginia Antos. To his many nieces, nephews and cousins, and especially to his long time nanny, Jean Rice and close friend, Rob Lederman.
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Carol A. Zobel's
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Carol A. Zobel departed on September 19, 2016.
Carol worked in the Educational Resource Center on Deafness at St. Mary's School for the Deaf and taught Sign Language for the Kenmore-Tonawanda Adult Education program. Later, she became an office manager for a Retirement and Investment firm.
Carol was the Board of Directors' 1st Secretary, when DAS became an independent agency from Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center in 1993. Carol later became DAS' 2nd President with Tracy Sawicki, Terri Henderson and possibly Katherine Cole, serving respectively as Executive Directors.
We extend our Deepest Condolences to Carol Zobel's family, friends and all who have known her over the years.
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New App!
1) From your mobile device internet browser, go to: http://readydl.com/ready-erie
2) Select "App Store" if you're using an iPhone or "Google Play" if you're using an Android smartphone
3) Click on "Get"
4) Launch the app
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Disability Awareness Month
- Tues., 18th,6-8pm, Parent Network of WNY- Individualized Education Plan Workshop @Parent Network, 1000 Main St., Buffalo,716-332-4170.
- Wed., 19th, starting at 9am in 1 hr. increments & following Wednesdays thereafter, SABAH-Ice Skating @ Riverside Rink, 2601 Niagara St., Buffalo, contact Carrie Drabik, 362-9600.
- Wed., 19th, 11am-2pm, Deaf Access Services represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Wed., 19th, 2pm-5pm, WNY Independent Living-Meet the Candidates Day @ 3108 Main St., Buffalo.
- Thurs., 20th, 10am-1pm, Disability History Awareness Day @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Thurs., 20th, 12:30pm, WNY Employment Consortium-Business Awards Luncheon NDEAM @ The Columns, 2221 Transit Rd., Elma, RSVP by 10/3. $25/person; $225 table of 10.
- Thurs., 20th, 6-8pm, Parent Network of WNY-Effective Communication: Helping Families & Professionals Work Together Workshop @ South Park High School, 150 Southside Pkwy., 332-4170.
- Fri., 21st, 8am-3pm, DDAWNY Transition Committee Presents REACHING FOR THE FUTURE: A Transition Conference @ Acqua Restaurant, 2192 Niagara St., $25., register by 10/14, Peg, 332-4170.
- Fri., 21st, starting at 9am in 1 hr. increments & following Fridays thereafter, SABAH-Ice Skating @ Riverside Rink, 2601 Niagara St., Buffalo, contact Carrie Drabik, 362-9600
- Fri., 21st, 11am-2pm, WNY Independent Living, Inc. represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Sat., 22nd, 9am-12pm, Disability Awareness Trainer, Dave Whalen- Fire, Home, and Car Safety Awareness Day for Families with Young Children with disabilities @ Heritage Centers, 777 Maryvale Dr., Cheektowaga, pre-register by 10/8 by calling 1-888-696-9211.
- Sat., 22nd, board bus at 9am; return 8pm, Deaf Access Services-Day Trip to Toronto @ Tri Main Center, 2495 Main St., Buffalo. $70 prepaid by 10/18, contact Gloria @ 730-5011.
- Mon., 24th, 11am-2pm, Summit Education represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Tues., 25th, 11am-2pm, National Federation of the Blind represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Tues., 25th, 6-8pm, Parent Network of WNY-Pathways to Graduation Workshop @ Parent Network, 1000 Main St., Buffalo, 716-332-4170.
- Wed., 26th, 11am-2pm , Alberti Center represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location.*
- Thurs., 27th, 11am-2pm, People, Inc. represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Fri., 28th, 10am-1pm, Career Fair @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location. *
- Sat., 29th, 8:30am-2pm, Diocese of Buffalo-Enlighten, Empower & Energize, Support for People with Disabilities @ Newman Ctr., UB North Campus, $15 includes lunch, Dennis Mahaney, 847-8393.
- Mon., 31st, 11am-2pm, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS represented at Outreach Table @ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Downtown Central Location.*
Note: Agency Representation & Events will be held at the Buffalo-Erie County Public Library - Downtown, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo,are design
ated in
BLUE.
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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| DeafHope - Deanne Bray's Rude Awakening |
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Toronto Trip
Saturday,
October 22, 2016
(Rain or Shine)
DAS
will be hosting its 1st EVER trip to Toronto, ON.
See who is coming along for the ride too!
You have 3 ways to register:
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Deaf Male Actors Wanted! FINAL CALL!
 Niagara University Theater Department is currently seeking 2 Deaf Male Actors for their 2016-2017 production of Susan Zedar's "Mother Hicks."
Males must be between the ages 18 to 33 who use ASL.
If you are interested OR know of any young deaf male who would be interested, please share this with them.
Open Auditions will be held in October or November.
Rehearsals will begin early February of 2017 and will run 6 evenings a week. The play will run mid to late March of 2017.
Please see the following dates:
- March 20, 21, 22 - Tech Week (dress rehearsals, practiced performances and more)
- March 23, 24, 25 & 27 - Public Performances
- March 25 & 26 - Afternoon Matinee (performances)
- March 23, 24, & 27 - 10 am Morning (School) Performances
Interpreters will be provided for the rehearsals and show productions.
**Please mention you heard via DAS INSIDER. Thank You**
For more information, please contact:
Steven Braddock: sbraddock@niagara.edu
Director of Theatre
(716) 286-8329
Department of Theatre & Fine Arts
Niagara University
P.O. Box 1913
Niagara University, NY 14109
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Job Opportunities at DAS!
We are still hiring for the following positions:
- Job Coach
- Sign Language Teachers (prefer daytime hours)
To apply please click Career Opportunities
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Shop online at Amazon and have a percentage of your purchase go towards Deaf Access Services!
All you have to do is type in http://smile.amazon.com select Deaf Access Services as the charity of your choice and SHOP!
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DYK: We have a Satellite Office!
Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing, live in Niagara County, NY and looking for a job? Well, look no further!
DAS' Employment Services now has a satellite office at Independent Living Niagara County (ILNC) located at 746 Portage Rd. Niagara Fall, NY.
For an appointment, please contact:
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Looking to become an Independent Contract Interpreter?
DAS is currently conducting
Interpreter Assessments
For an Assessment appointment, please contact:
Already a Certified Interpreter? Please contact:
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Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
Can be used by:
Legal, Law Enforcement and Medical Professionals to communicate easier with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals
For more information please contact:
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 24, 2016 and Friday, November 25, 2016 we will be observing the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Regular business hours, 9:00am - 4:00pm, will resume on Monday, November 28, 2016.
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All proceeds go towards our Support Services programs.
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Thank you for your ongoing support, business and loyalty!
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Sincerely,
Community Relations
Deaf Access Services |
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