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Hello DAS Supporter,
We hope you are enjoying the fall weather, we know what's next!
We have much to share with you.
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Message from Board Member: Christina Manning
My name is Christina Manning, and I am the new Vice President of the Board of Directors for Deaf Access Services (DAS). I may be a new face and name to most of you, but my journey with DAS and the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities began long before I joined the board over two years ago. The truth is that I have been immersed within these communities for as long as I can remember. From taking part in DAS' Silent Dinners, to attending plays and other events held by St. Mary's School for the Deaf, the Deaf and Hard of H
earing Communities have been a constant throughout my life. Now, as an adult, I am much more aware of how these communities are impacted by the hearing community, and visa versa.
Through my career as a Registered Nurse with two larger area organizations, I have been a witness to the needs of this population, as well as the misunderstandings, stigmas, and general lack of knowledge from the Hearing community. As a board member, it is my goal to be an educator and an advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities within Western New York. With the help of DAS, the people of WNY are able to receive interpreting services, obtain adaptive equipment, have job placements and job coaching, take ASL classes, partake in
Deaf-friendly events, and provide assistance in so many other areas that are direly needed.
Over the last few years, DAS has been gaining momentum with their mission to bridge the gap between the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and
Hearing communities in WNY. As a board member, I am dedicated to ensuring that this momentum continues into the future. Providing new and different services, creating innovative opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing populations, holding fundraising and awareness events, and connecting with surrounding communities, are just some of the ways I hope to lengthen our stride.
I am honored and excited to be part of this new Deaf Access Services.
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Board Member Recognition: Hon. Mark J.F. Schroeder
"Making a Difference in Our Community Award"
Buffalo Comptroller Mark J.F. Schroeder has been a staunch advocate for adult education since he was first elected to public office in 2001. During his time in city, county, and state government, Schroeder founded a storefront school that offered free GED classes and computer training, advocated for more funding for adult education in the state legislature, and refinanced debt that saved the Buffalo City School District more than $100 million in interest costs.
After 25 years in the private sector, Schroeder was elected to the Erie County Legislature in 2001. Shortly after taking office, he founded the South Buffalo Education Center, a storefront school on Seneca Street that provided free G.E.D. classes, as well as computer and vocational training. More than 500 students earned their G.E.D since the school first opened its doors, and thousands more took advantage of the free training and educational programs. The South Buffalo Education Center currently continues its mission as part of South Park High School.
Schroeder was elected to serve in the New York State Assembly in 2004, and used his position in the state capital to advocate that more resources and attention be devoted to adult education across the state. He also served as the chairman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism, creating an inclusive panel of mental health professionals, autism advocates, and concerned parents with the mission of providing for better care for those afflicted with the disorder.
In 2011, Schroeder was elected Buffalo Comptroller, a role in which he took an aggressive approach in refinancing the Buffalo City School District's old debt at lower interest rates. This effort has yielded more than $100 million in savings by drastically reducing interest costs on the district's capital borrowing. He has also provided tours of Buffalo's major economic development projects to the Council on Occupational Education in order to assist the Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division's efforts to gain accreditation.
A lifelong Buffalo resident, Schroeder graduated from Public School #72 and Bishop Timon High School, before earning an Associate's degree from Erie Community College and a Bachelor's degree from Empire State College.
Editor's Note: Congratulations Mark, we are proud to have you on our Board of Directors!
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Intern Corner: Rachel Bailey
Hello! My name is Rachel Bailey and I am a Senior at Niagara University. I am double majoring in Spanish and Liberal Art with a focus in American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies and Psychology with a minor in French. My future goal is to become an Interpreter.
At the end of last semester, my professor, Nanette Harmon, and I discussed the possibility of having an internship in the fall. We decided that Deaf Access Services (DAS) would be a great place for me to be. This semester I have learned the ins and outs of being involved in a business. I learned so much about ASL, planning an event, and scheduling interpreters. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to immerse myself and sharpen my skills.
The staff were wonderful to work with and encouraged me. I cannot wait to take the skills I learned at DAS and apply them to my future career in interpreting.
The connections I have made will benefit me in the future. I am very appreciative for all that DAS has offered me and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Editor's Note
: Rachel, we appreciate all your hard work and effort you helped put in especially for the Gala! We wish you all the best.
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Gratitude from the Community:
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| Richard Fritz |
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"From: Richard Fritz
To: DAS
My gift to the school and services that gave me more that I can ever repay.
Special thanks to all my teachers and staff who helped me get Cap-Tel phone, door bell, smoke detectors etc. Thank You All!"
Editor's Note: You are welcome and we are happy to have helped you!
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Richard Fritz, a student and client,
wanted to express his gratitude to
DAS by donating
BARRON'S E-Z American Sign Language book.
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In Memoriam
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April 1967 -
November 2016
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Laura M. Dudley died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, November 5; she was 49 yrs old. She leaves behind a husband, Pat, and daughter, Caroline, as well as her parents, siblings, and in-laws.
Laura was the
Director of Human Resources at St. Mary's School for the Deaf and friend of DAS and its Staff.
We extend our deepest condolences to Laura's family, friends, and colleagues; she will be surely missed.
"Do a little more than you're paid to. Give a little more than you have to. Try a little harder than you want to. Aim a little higher than you think possible, and give a lot of thanks to God for health, family, and friends."
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DYK: Videophone NOW Available Downtown!
 The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central library location offers its patrons access to a Z20 videophone.
The Z20 is a wide-screen, all-in-one video phone. It connects to ZVRS video relay services and allows individuals who use ASL to send calls to anyone. The videophone is located in the Assistive Technology Room (ATR) on the first floor of the library. The room provides privacy for persons making calls. To use the videophone simply sign-in at the Computer Services desk. For additional information, please call the library at 858-8900.
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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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Amazon Smile:
Shop online at Amazon and have a percentage of your
purchase go towards Deaf Access Services!
#StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/16-1433932 for your holiday gifts and Amazon donates to Deaf Access Services Inc.
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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Toronto Trip: A Recap!
On October 22, 2016, we hosted our first ever Day Trip, and it was to Toronto, Ontario! Despite the traffic and border crossing delays,
the trip was a SUCCESS!
On our first stop, SIGNS Restaurant, the food was great and people enjoyed ordering and communicating in Sign Language.
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After lunch, we headed to the Deaf Culture Centre for a presentation and exhibit of the Deaf Artist they support, along with their various artwork. We concluded with a tea tasting!
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Deaf Culture Centre (DCC)
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Lastly, we capped off our trip with a tour of
The Historic Distillery District,
the home of
The
Gooderham and Worts Distillery.
In the 1860s, this
was the largest distillery in the world, once exporting to the world market, over 2 million gallons of whiskey! The tour was very informative and our guides brought it all to life. As we toured the building complex, we enjoyed chocolate and beer tasting along the way!
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The Distillery District
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A special THANK YOU to Charnell Williams and Sue Dougherty, who volunteered some of their trip time to interpret for us.
With all the positive feedback, we look forward to having another Day Trip in the late Spring/early Summer...Stay Tune!
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Editor's Update: November 2016, SIGNS Restaurant was experiencing
some
Funding
issues, however funding has been received and SIGNS is looking forward to welcoming in 2017!
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Ready to Lend a Helping Hand? | New York Gives Day
New York Gives Day!
We are asking our community members, students, clients, past interns, including our very own staff and board of directors to take a selfie and write a brief statement about:
What does DAS mean to me?
Don't want to take a picture, that's OKAY! We'll accept written responses.
All entries will be posted on our profile page for
#NYGivesDay!
Share and share alike
. Online days of giving are successful because of our own networks. Help us grow our network by sending this email to your network and ask your friends to do the same.
Be socially (media) active. Use your social media networks: post on Facebook, tweet about the New York Gives Day, and share your love for your particular passion, whether it's education, health care, animals, or the arts. Ask others to do the same.
Become a fundraising champion. Everyone loves a champion, including us! We really need fundraising champions to help drive people to our New York Gives Day profile on November 29. Contact us for more information on how to become a fundraising champion.
Thank you in advance for support!
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Home Weatherization
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Spring Gala 2017
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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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NEW - DAS Public VP
This new set up creates a comfortable and private space for personal calls and making appointments.
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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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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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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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