Aug. 2017
  DAS Insider 
 
August 2017
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Board of Directors

President
Michael Cross

Vice President
Christina Manning

Treasurer
Komani Lundquist

Secretary
Patty Tadak

Amy Crockford
Catherine Dines
Ryan Dunn
Scott Gentzke
Jeanette Grimaldi
Nanette Harmon
Cathie Kersten
Sharon LeRoy
Deborah Long
Kristin Miller
Aaron Saykin
Mark J.F. Schroeder
Mark Smith
Sue Wantuck

Emeritus Members
Alice Guinane
Kathy Hoffman
Pamela Rohring

Executive Director
Pamela Kefi

DAS Staff
Stacey Allen
Tori Anderson
Jodie Chibi
Mary Clark
Carole DeRade
Nelson Gannon
Alyssa Girod
Janet Kuhn
Michael Lackey
Conchetta LoPresti
Gloria Matthews
Andrea Russell
Petra Saunders 
Annual Supporters 
James H. Cummings 
Foundation 
Frank G. Raichle 
Foundation 
Quick Links...
Message from the Executive Director

Dear Community Supporters,

It's hard to write a message for our newsletter this month without reflecting on the recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia that put the spotlight on racism and discrimination in our country.

Deaf Access Services is founded on the principles of diversity, equity and fairness. We work hard each day to ensure that all individuals in our space, services, and in the larger community, are experiencing equal access to life in Western New York. When one group seeks to deny rights to another, there is a major human rights impact and this is something that the Deaf community is all too familiar with.

Deaf Access Services is always considering ways that we can do a better job in our advocacy for language access but our work in this area starts right in our
agency . Promoting Deaf leadership, ensuring a signing environment and including community input in all of our planning are critical objectives that will minimize discrimination against the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions about our services, or if you have any feedback or ideas about how we can be an even more inclusive environment.
 
With humility,
Pam Kefi, Executive Director  
Michael Cross, Board President
 
"If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity"- John F. Kennedy 1963
A Night at the Bison's

In lieu of of Annual Picnic, we will hosting "A Night at the Bison's" on Wednesday, August 30th.

Our Deaf Community we will be participating too!
  • 1st Pitch- Joseph Brzezowski, Buffalo-Niagara Deaf Events
  • National Anthem - Signed by Amy Heider Julius
  • 5 Inning Stretch "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" - Interpreted
So click on flyer to buy your tickets!  
 ASL Classes - begin the week of September 11!

Click on flyer to register 
 
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!

DAS NEWS
Announcing Health Home Services! 
Beginning September 2017


Do you have Medicaid and have health concerns?

Health Home provides care management services to Medicaid recipients to help make sure their medical, mental health, and substance abuse services are being met.

Health Home makes sure everyone involved in an individual's care is working well together and sharing the information that is important in supporting a person's overall health goals. Health Home service will also be able to assist in coordinating your social service needs.

For more information, please contact either:

Andrea Russell, Community Navigator  [email protected] OR
Petra Saunders, Director of Community Services [email protected] 

Monday, September 4, 2017
our office will be closed.

Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 9am - 4pm.
Want to be an Independent Contract Interpreter for DAS?

We are currently conducting Assessments!

Contact Mary Clark, Interpreting Services Coordinator, [email protected]


Already a Certified Interpreter?

Contact Nelson Gannon, Director of Interpreting Services,
Opportunities at DAS  

 

  • Job Coach (per diem)
  • ASL Teachers(contractors)
  • Volunteers
  • Interns

To apply please click Opportunities

Hard of Hearing Peer Support Group

Upcoming Meetings & Dates: August 30, 2017 - Bison Game!

 

If you are interested in learning more about this group, please contact, Gloria Matthews at [email protected]

Community News
National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline 
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing!
To learn more, please read the press release .
DYK -  VRS in Buffalo-Niagara International Airport!
sponsored by Sorenson
August is National Back to School Month

With Back to School around the corner, check out this month's Eat Smart New York  Newsletter.
 
Let's start the new school year off healthy!

Looking for Individual Education Plan (IEP) organization resources?
Look no further... Click here
B.I.G Annual Summer Picnic

B.I.G. hosted their Annual Picnic on
Friday, August 4, 2017.

Despite the rainy weather, the picnic went on and was a success. Many thanks to all who came out to support and braved the elements!
  
 
Deaf Awareness Week


National Affiliates Conferences 2017-2018
 
Council de Manos
Oct. 26-28, 2017
Los Angeles, California
http://www.councildemanos.org/2017-conference.html

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)
March 18-20, 2018
Denver, Colorado
http://ehdimeeting.org/Reg.cfm?pg=reg

Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD)
April 22-24, 2018
St. Augustine, Florida
https://www.ceasd2018.org/

Sacred Circle
2017
http://deafnative.com

All proceeds go towards our Community Services programs!
Thank you for your ongoing support, business and loyalty!
If you wish to contribute to our monthly E-Newsletter, please contact us at [email protected]