Mar. 2017
  DAS Insider 
 
In This Issue
Board of Directors

President
Michael Cross

Vice President
Christina Manning

Treasurer
Komani Lundquist

Secretary
Patty Tadak

Amy Crockford
Jeanette Grimaldi
Nanette Harmon
Cathie Kersten
Sharon LeRoy
Deborah Long
Kristin Miller
Aaron Saykin
Mark J.F. Schroeder
Sue Wantuck

Emeritus Members
Alice Guinane
Kathy Hoffman
Pamela Rohring

Executive Director
Pamela Kefi

DAS Staff
Stacey Allen
Carole DeRade
Nelson Gannon
Michael Lackey
Conchetta LoPresti
Gloria Matthews
Andrea Russell
Petra Saunders 
Annual Supporters

James H. Cummings 
Foundation 
Frank G. Raichle 
Foundation 

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Greetings from DAS

Dear DAS Supporters and Community Members,

We are excited about our up and coming Spring Gala, DAS Goes Hollywood: Celebrating Silence in Film!

If you wish to make a donation or sponsor our event, please contact us at communications@wnydas.org.

Spring ASL Classes will start the week of April 24 after our Spring Gala. Details to follow soon.

Message from Board Member: Amy Crockford 

In August 2016, I received a message online from a wonderful WNY interpreter by the name of Karen Gambino. She encouraged me to apply fo a position on the DAS Board.  She stated that she thought of me and I was very appreciative of her saying so.  I wanted to become a part of DAS to develop my sense of self as a Deaf community member. I am surrounded by many wonderful hearing people everyday; however a part of me felt disconnected without other Deaf community members that I could interact with and use sign language for communication outside of my profession a an ASL professor at several local colleges.  My experience with DAS has be positive thus far. I have met other Deaf community members that I would not have done so had I not taken the chance to become a Board member.  In addition, several professionals at DAS have provided me with the chance to teach in the community again as I have done in years past.

I have been on the DAS Board for 7 months now as it is my first term.  I believe in the mission at DAS because it is demonstrating the need for sign language to help eliminate the communication barriers between the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and the Hearing Communities here in WNY.  If DAS continues to show the WNY community that the connection between Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Hearing cultures is possible in multiple ways, we can only improve and become a place of people come to for assistance and trust in guidance through this thing called life. I see DAS with a bright future and many positive changes for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities of WNY.  DAS serves to make many connections by trying to bridge the gap between the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing communities. DAS works to break down communication barriers with the instruction of American Sign Language. With the support services DAS offers, Deaf people need not to feel alone but yet inspired to know there are interpreting, advocacy, ASL instructions, and employment services out there. I look forward to serving on the DAS Board in the next serveral years to come. Thank you for reading!

- Amy Crockford, American Sign Language Professor and DAS Board Member
DAS 3rd Annual Spring Gala



We are proud to announce we have gained Kirisits & Associates, CPAs as a Silver Sponsor and Sorenson VRS as a Bronze Sponsor!  Thank you for your support!

We also have 2 Supporting Sponsors:
  • SMSD Foundation
  • The Seneca Resorts & Casino

Thank you for all of your support!

 

What is your favorite silent film? Who is your favorite Deaf Actor/Actress?

 

Let us know at communications@wnydas.org!

Locations, Dates and Times are:

Newstead Public Library -
33 Main St., Akron, NY 14001
Dates: March 28
Time: 3:35pm - 4:45pm

Clearfield Public Library -
770 Hopkins Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221  
Dates: Fridays - March 24, & 31
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Please register via Eventbrite.com or click on flyer.  Thank You. 
 
New!
Community Advocacy schedule

In order to accommodate the various needs of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients, effective, January 6, 2017, Mondays and Fridays have been set aside to better assist those needs.

Please contact Andrea Russell, Community Services Navigator,  arussell@wnydas.org OR Stacey Allen, Administrative Assistant, sallen@wnydas.org, to schedule your appointment. 
 
Ways to Support DAS

Please show your commitment this year by sending a donation to Deaf Access Services, and help us continue to provide the services that many people depend on for their communication (Interpreting/CART), employment and social services access.
 
Additionally, if you shop  on Amazon under their Amazon Smile program, 5% of your purchase will be donated to DAS!

Just type in http://smile.amazon.com, select Deaf Access Services as the charity of your choice, and SHOP!

Looking to become an Independent Contract Interpreter for DAS?
We are currently conducting
Interpreter Assessments

If you are a Certified Interpreter OR would like to schedule an Assessment, please contact:
Carole DeRade cderade@wnydas.org
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:
Nelson Gannon: ngannon@wnydas.org
Community News
There are appointments still available in April! If you haven't filed yet, you still have time!  
Community Events
Community Want Ads
Opportunities at DAS  

 

  • Job Coach (per diem)
  • Sign Language Teachers - Contract
  • Temp. Office Assistant
  • Staff Interpreter
  • Volunteers
  • Interns

 

To apply please click Opportunities

DAS NEWS

All proceeds go towards our Community Services programs.
Thank you for your ongoing support, business and loyalty!
Sincerely,
Community Relations
Deaf Access Services