Community Newsletter
January 22, 2021
|
|
IMPORTANT SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
|
Peter Bailey,
Head of School
|
|
|
Update from PSD
With the recent increase in the number of cases in the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, we will have virtual learning for the first week of January and then have staff and students return to campus on Monday, January 11, 2021.
Masks in public spaces and when people cannot maintain social distancing are required. PSD will limit access for any nonessential visitors or volunteers, and cancel activities involving external groups or organizations until further notice.
|
|
The PSD Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Harvey J. Corson (PSD Class of 1959) was nominated and voted unanimously to become an Emeritus Trustee of the Board.
Dr. Corson served as a Trustee of the School for 12 years in various positions on the Board, including the role of the Chair, before his term ended in June 2020. Peggy Steele, the Chair of the Board, stated, "Harvey has bee... See More
|
|
With deep regrets, we share this sad news about one of our School Psychologists, Michael P. Ralph, who passed away 12/17/2020. He was with PSD for the total of 18 years until his recent passing. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his wife and daughter.
From L to R, Peter Bailey , Michael Ralph’s daughter, and Michael Ralph standing. They took a picture together by a dessert auction winner. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's Family.
|
|
Biden-Harris Inauguration in ASL
American Society for Deaf Children
|
|
COMMUNITY EVENTS, ACTIVITIES
AND INFORMATION
|
|
Registration for Winter ASL Classes is Now Open!
Learn ASL from Deaf Instructors
Classes begin January 25, 2021
|
|
ASDC Webinar - Deaf Culture 101
This class is designed to introduce you to the unique aspects of Deaf culture and gain a broader understanding of the diversity within the Deaf community.
Day: Monday, January 25, 2021
Time: 8-10 PM (Eastern Time)
Teacher: Edna Johnston
Platform: Zoom (See sidebar for details)
Cost: $20*
*ASDC members, save $5 on registration!
|
|
PA Relay/PA Captioned Telephone webinars.
All are welcome!
PA Statewide Webinar January 2021
PA Relay Webinar:
A Focus on Speech & Captioning Services February 2021
*************************
Scholarship info for Deaf and/or HOH high school students. Guidelines and application attached!
Eligibility Criteria
1. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or has difficulty speaking.
2. Applicant must be a resident of one of the following states: CA, DC, GA, ID, IA, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MT, NM, PA, UT, VA or WA.
3. Applicant must complete and submit application, essay, letter of recommendation and signed talent release form to be eligible.
4 Scholarship will be awarded to the selected applicant in each state after the Hamilton Relay Scholarship Committee reviews all applications submitted on or before the posted deadline. Click below for guidelines and application.
Application Deadline January 30, 2021
|
|
Warren “Wawa” Snipe
Performing at Super Bowl LV!
February 7, 2021
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is proud to announce Warren “Wawa” Snipe will perform in ASL the National Anthem and America the Beautiful as part of the Super Bowl LV pregame at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, February 7, 2021! Read more.
|
|
Learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program
Free webinar for individuals with disabilities, families and professionals.
A PA ABLE Savings Program account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. The state and federal tax-free investment options are offered to encourage Eligible Individuals and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life.
To help you learn about the important features and benefits of PA ABLE, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is hosting free webinars.
Some of the topics that we will discuss include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the federal and state tax benefits of PA ABLE, and how PA ABLE account interacts with current benefits.
with ASL interpreter
|
|
Opened: 12.23.2020 and Closes: 02.18.2021
Awarding $2,000 scholarship for individual already enrolled in college/university
|
|
PA Department of Labor & Industry Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
ANNOUNCEMENT
2021 DHH Summer Academy: Now Accepting Applications!
for Deaf/Hard of Hearing & DeafBlind
High School Students
Application deadline April 1st
Parent orientation July 8th
Virtual Academy July 12-22, 2021
|
|
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
AND INFORMATION
|
|
“Life and Deaf” Life and Deaf Brings Disability Inclusion to the Sitcom World Life and Deaf is a Disney+ series in the works that’s already drawing interest and anticipation from subscribers. The comedy series will star Marlee Matlin, known for The West Wing, Switched at Birth, and The L Word. Matlin is also the only deaf actress to win an Academy Award for her role in Children of a Lesser God. Read more.
|
|
Pennsylvania Relay is excited to announce the launch of our desktop Real-Time Text Trial!
We are looking for testers in Pennsylvania to participate in a free trial that meet the following criteria:
- Deaf or combined Deaf & Low Vision
- Have high speed internet
- Willing to complete online surveys sharing your experience
- Willing to use the device for 90 days
This trial will test first-of-its-kind technology that brings Real-Time Text (RTT) capabilities to a digital desktop phone. RTT phones may be a replacement for TTY machines and an enhancement to Video Relay Service. RTT allows both parties to communicate with both voice and text at the same time which allows for a smoother, more real-time experience.
|
|
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) will launch a one-year pilot program offering no-interest, no-fee financial loans between $100 and $7,000 to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older adults for the purchase of needed assistive technology devices and services that help them remain independent, safe, healthy, and connected during the pandemic. Read the official press release here. See links below.
|
|
FAQ: COVID-19 Vaccine
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
about the vaccine.
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (PhilaOEM) has a text alert system all about COVID-19. Text COVIDPHL to 888-777 to receive updates to your phone. Message and data rates may apply.
|
|
Download the COVID Alert PA App
The COVID Alert PA app notifies you if you have had a potential exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The more Pennsylvanians that download the app, the more successful we will be in stopping the spread of the virus.
|
|
Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.
|
|
Melissa Draganac-Hawk, President, NAD
NEW! COVID-19: Video-Based Telehealth Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients
PA Department of Human Services
Emergency Assistance Program
Has your family lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
|
|
We’ve created a COVID-19 Unmet Needs survey for any of our Liberty affiliated consumers to complete (or a staff member/attendant to complete on behalf of consumer). We are not guaranteeing these items to be available/delivered but will try our hardest to match needs and deliver items. Please take the survey HERE.
|
|
Whether you love someone who is deaf, are deaf yourself, or just want to learn ASL language, this program is for you. We’ve tailored our lesson plans to fit your specific needs. To learn more, click on the categories at the website that best fits your situation.
|
|
The National Deaf Center has a wide range of materials that are great for working with the deaf population. Please visit the website:
|
|
Cap4Kids Updated Link to the website for services and resources including food, housing, utility, self care, etc.
Happy New Year, good bye 2020.
And much more….
All content can be translated into over 30 languages by clicking at the top of the page’s drop down and Cap4Kids is mobile friendly. Just download to your homepage.
|
|
Serving Berks County and surrounding communities since 1989
Keep up with the latest updates from Abilities in Motion.
|
|
The holidays and relationships go together. Catch up with your friends and family with the fun of BuzzStickers, now with 10 new stickers for even more fun! However you communicate, Sorenson is there for you because relationships are everything. To get started, check out this tip on how to download BuzzStickers!
https://youtu.be/2fCY52xFB5Q
|
|
You may be eligible for no-cost telephone captioning from CaptionCall.
ASL Interpreted Facebook videos
|
|
NFL: Add Closed Captioning to all NFL Videos
Please sign this petition so I can present it to the NFL and provide my family, along with countless other deaf football fans, the benefit of enjoying the same content that I and millions of other football fans enjoy on a daily basis. Read more....
|
|
PA Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing |
|
Melissa A. Hawkins MS, MHR | Director
PA Department of Labor & Industry | Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
1521 North 6th Street | Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone & TTY: 800-233-3008 (PA only) | Phone & TTY: 717.783.4912
|
|
Catholic Deaf Philly
Our Daily Hope – Vlog Reflection
Sr. Kathleen Schipani, IHM
Director, Office for Persons with Disabilities & Deaf Apostolate
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia PA 19103
215.587.3913 phone /267.507.1215 video phone
|
|
Consider a gift today to help PSD continue the important work we do for our Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students.
United Way #737
Combined Federal Campaign #87714
or click below.
We thank you for your support!
|
|
Please forward comments and announcements for posting considerations to:
|
|
Content Disclaimer
The information contained in the e-newsletter is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the newsletter or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the e-newsletter for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this e-newsletter. Through this e-newsletter you are able to link to other websites that are not under the control of PSD. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
