Deanne Bray stars in an informative video produced by Deaf Hope, outlining the basics of domestic violence. Learn about the war zone of domestic violence, reflect on the sad truth that every year more women die from domestic violence than soldiers die in the Mideast, and commit to educating your own daughters about domestic violence.

Shira Grabelski Opens Up: Take a few minutes to watch this video straight from the heart of a Deaf woman who is also a Little Person. Shira’s forthrightness and honesty about how she identifies herself will pull you right in and remind you that whatever identities define us, the bottom line is, we are all human and the same. Thank you for your candid and open words, Shira. You have brightened more people’s days than you may realize!

Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Advocate

3 Part- Time positions for Deaf Advocates in Iowa available; from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013

Trained Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Advocate will provide direct services to Deaf /Hard of Hearing victims in the State of Iowa. Advocate will provide direct services in person, through video phone, secured AIM and text communications. Advocate will work as on needed basis within the limits of the grant.

Responsibilities

Provides comprehensive 1:1 peer consulting through a victim based platform.

Provides assistance in safety planning, filing of order of protection, and assistance with other victim service forms.

Provides outreach information, referrals to appropriate needed services and advocacy in securing American Sign Language interpreters for services.

Provides support to court related hearings, shelter placements and other referred collaborative hearing settings

Provides accurate documentation of daily interaction, appropriate reporting of services, filing appropriate documents and following up as needed.

Provides advocacy during office hours directly, as needed through video phone or text messages.

Educates through outreach, presentations, trainings and workshops.

Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent communication skills.

Must be able to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.

Experience with Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired customers required.

Must have own transportation – regular travel required.
Willing to work evenings and weekends.

Ability to work in a bilingual-bicultural team environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent proven work history in advocacy work or working with Deaf/Hard of hearing community.

Demonstrated ability to communicate fluently in American Sign Language and other communication modes.

Must have strong commitment to innovative thinking, problem solving and implementing system advocacy for deaf/hard of hearing adults.

Must have strong ability to work with complex cases, free of biases and independently.

This position is part-time 20 hours/week

Apply Online! https://ssl.c-s-d.org/hr/OnlineApplication/

You Are Worth It: A warm thank you to Alison Aubrecht of Facundo Element for taking the time to make the video below in honor of National Suicide Prevention Week. The video recognizes the significant impact of audism and oppression on the mental health and well-being of Deaf people. Our counselors at ASC and researchers elsewhere can attest to this sad reality – oppression lies at the root of many mental health issues Deaf people experiences, including depression, anxiety and PTSD. It is important that the Deaf community continues to address oppression by working to remove it from everyone’s lives.

Tags: suicide, oppression, audism, Deaf, psychologist, therapist, counselor, social worker, mental health, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ASC, ASCDEAF, Facundo Element, Alison, prevention

To the NAD Delegates for the Upcoming 2012 Conference:

Alternative Solutions Center (ASC), a Deaf-owned and operated psychotherapy practice serving the Deaf community, is pleased to share our endorsement of Sheri Ann Farinha for NAD President.

Although there are many wonderful candidates running for NAD Board positions, Sheri’s history of advocacy for Deaf civil rights stands out. This is a cause close to our hearts – and those of our clients – whose stories remind us everyday how far we have to go in securing access to high-quality mental health services, education, employment, and so on, for members of our Deaf community.

With the combination of her longstanding commitment to activism and advocacy for the Deaf community and her charismatic leadership style, Sheri will make an exceptional President. She has earned the respect of many of us, with her willingness to use social media to communicate openly with the community. Sheri has our confidence that she will lead with the same dedication and accessibility she has consistently demonstrated in her professional and volunteer roles.

NAD delegates, we trust that you will acknowledge the outpouring of support for Sheri and cast your votes in her favor for NAD President.

Sincerely,

Candace A. McCullough, PhD
Sharon M. Duchesneau, LCPC

For more information, visit Sheri Ann Farinha’s

Website: http://www.sheriannfarinha.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/303047126455009/