Listen Up!

September, 2009

Inside this Issue

Director's Corner

Greetings from Ben Driscoll

It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director at AFTHI. My first day of work was July 27th and I am excited about the opportunity to work with AFTHI's Administrative Assistant Kate Doty, our Board of Directors, funding sources and, most importantly, YOU, members of the community. Good leadership is important to any organization, and it will forever remain my policy to listen to and learn from AFTHI members and "soon to be members." Immediately, my #1 priority will be to carry out AFTHI's mission. Programs and services are intended to benefit the community and your input, suggestions and support certainly enhance our ability to serve you. AFTHI will always be an organization that we all can be proud of.

I cordially invite you to telephone, write, e-mail or, best yet, to stop by the office and introduce yourself. The real strength of a community agency is in its members.

Best wishes.

Bennet F. "Ben" Driscoll, Jr.

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Fair Access for the Deaf

The New York State Fair Aug 27 - Sept 7 in Syracuse is offering Sign Language Interpreters every day!

Many exciting events for the whole family will be interpreted. Free interpreters will be on call from noon to 6 pm. Take an interpreter with you. See what you want. Select youyr own schedule. Use a text phone/pager from anywhere on the fairgrounds. See pictures and info about interpreted events, learn the new way to get an Interpreter On Call, view a complete schedule online print it out and bring it with you. At the Fair, get a detailed public schedule at the Guest Relations Booth - across from the Main Gate. FAD interpreters also have copies. Look for their bright blue shirts.

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It’s That Time Again!

Your 2009 Membership Dues are Due! Benefits of paying the membership:

Knowledge that you are helping the Association — Priceless!!

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Hearing from You!

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. would like to hear from you. Please forward hearing loss experience stories and/or items that you would like for us to consider including in future Listen Up! newsletters.

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Holiday Celebration (December) & Be A Hear-O (March/April) Events

Kate and Ben would like to hear from individuals  interested in helping with the planning and scheduling of this year's Holiday Celebration and/or AFTHIs  annual Be A Hear-O fundraiser. Please telephone, email or stop by the office if you are able to help; the more the merrier.

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Community Outreach and Awareness Initiatives

On August 11th, at the invitation of Jim and Sandra Clark, I met and presented at the Glens Falls Lions Club's monthly luncheon. Also,  in attendance was AFTHIs Administrative Assistant & Lion Kate Doty. Immediately after lunch, Sandy and I raced to Clifton Park for the monthly meeting of the Aging & Disability Network of Saratoga County. Mr. Sim Goldman, an attorney with Disability Advocates, presented an update on the Americans with  Disabilities Act. I am looking forward to many future opportunities throughout the Tri-county and neighboring communities to share information about and promote AFTHI programs and services. Please contact our office if you would like to schedule a presentation.

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Let your Voice Be Heard Listen Up! Readers

Today and not tomorrow is a wonderful time to contact your US Senators (Chuck Schumer & Kirsten Gillibrand) and Congressional Representatives (Scott Murphy or Paul Tonko) to ask where they stand on hearing health care issues? What is their position and how will they vote on:

Remind Congressmen Murphy or Tonko that The Affordable Health Choices Act, HR 3200 contains language that advocates for the deaf and hearing impaired would like to see in the final bill:

"Well baby and well child care and oral health, vision, and hearing services, equipment, and supplies at least for children under 21 years of age."

Finally, don't forget to mention HR 3101, the 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act to provide access to the internet for people with hearing loss as well as for people who are blind or low vision.

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Dr. James C. Marsters, Deaf Pioneer, Dentist and Inventor Dies

NTID News

Dr. David C. Marsters, a California orthodontist who was instrumental in the development of text telephones (TTYs) died in Oakland on July 28th. He was 85.

"He was an icon in my eyes," said Alan Hurwitz, president of the National Technology Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology.

Dr. Marsters most outstanding contribution to the Deaf community started in 1964, when he worked with two other deaf men, Robert Weitbrecht and Andrew Saks, to advocate for changes that would allow deaf persons to communicate with TTYs from home and work. Before that, deaf persons were limited to communicate in person, by letters or by phone with the help of hearing friends or family members.

Chronicled in the book A Phone of Our Own: The Deaf Insurrection Against Ma Bell, by Harry G. Lang, Weitbrecht made history by calling Dr. Marsters with the first long distance TTY phone call on a traditional telephone line. Their communication was garbled at first. But after some adjustments were made, their typed words were clear and concise: "Are you printing me now?" Weitbrecht asked Marsters. "Let's quit for now and gloat over the success."

This teletype communication was made technically possible at that time by the development of an acoustic coupler that would carry signals through phone lines. The three men also worked to overcome the barriers to TTY communication established by telephone corporations, which at the time prohibited direct connections to telephone lines. They founded Applied Communications Corporation in Belmont, California and obtained discarded teletype machines, repaired them and gave them to deaf people to use with the acoustic modems. They also educated the Deaf community about this new technology and partnered with other organizations to make TTYs a reality. Thick telephone directories of TTY users were eventually published and local organizations were formed to allow deaf persons to meet, communicate and disseminate the technology across the country. TTYs liberated persons, allowing them for the first time to independently communicate with others in different locations.

Born in Norwich, New York, Dr. Marsters became deaf as an infant. He graduated from the Wright Oral School for the Deaf in New York City in 1943 and earned a bachelor's degree from Union College in Schenectady. He applied to dental schools but was repeatedly told a deaf person could not become a dentist. Undaunted after three years, he was eventually admitted to New York University of Dentistry on a provisional basis with the understanding they would provide no special accommodations, his family said. He graduated with a DDS degree in 1952, becoming one of the first deaf dentists in the country.

An accomplished pilot, Dr. Marsters would fly in his private plane and often provided dental services to patients who could not afford care. Although there were other deaf pilots, most would avoid flying to airports that required radio communication. Dr. Marsters, who spoke, radioed control towers and announced his proximity to the airport. He would ask the tower to give him clearance to land using signal lights, said his son.

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American Sign Language (ASL) Class

AFTHI is working hard to schedule an ASL Beginners Class for this Fall Season beginning in later September or early October. Long-time AFTHI board member and ASL Instructor Richard "Corky" Corcoran continues to experience health issues that will prevent him from participating in the next class. Efforts to recruit another instructor are underway.

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About Us: Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. (AFTHI)

AFTHI is a charitable not-for-profit corporation, founded in 1986 and is governed by a community Board of Directors. Our mission is to provide service and support to improve the quality of life for persons with hearing loss of all ages.

The agency primarily serves Warren, Washington & Saratoga Counties (commonly referred to as the Tri-County area), as well as residents of Albany, Columbia, Greene, Hamilton, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie Counties.

It is the agency's philosophy that needless loss of hearing must be avoided in persons of all ages, and that people who experience hearing loss be aware of available resources which will enable them to function as independently as possible.

Your Gifts Make A Difference!  The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit corporation under the Internal Revenue Service Code. Your contributions are fully tax deductible and are most appreciated. If you would like to make a gift "in memory of" or "in honor of" a friend or loved one, we will notify the appropriate person of your thoughtful gift. You can also remember the Association in your will. Your generosity will make an important difference in the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children and adults.

Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. Board of Directors

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Office For The Aging—Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties

On August 5th, I attended and presented at the Warren-Hamilton County OFA's Advisory Committee meeting in Bolton Landing. In the October edition of Listen Up!, I will be pleased to further discuss the partnership and relationship that AFTHI has enjoyed with OFA in each county these many years.

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Please play an active part in our Fund Raising Efforts

AFTHI will be participating in two fund raising efforts to support regional programs and services. AFTHI will take orders for "Exterior Only" car washes for $9.00 and Full Service "Inside and Out" for $18.00 redeemable at Hoffman Car Wash locations throughout the Greater Capital Region, including sites in Queensbury and Saratoga Springs. AFTHI will receive 50% of its total sales.

Additionally, AFTHI will sell Bon-Ton Community Day Books. The cost of the book is $5.00 and contains many valuable money saving coupons that can be used on the Bon Ton’s annual Community Day, which will take place on Saturday, November 14th beginning at 6:00am.  AFTHI will receive 100% of its total sales.

Both of the Hoffman Car Wash tickets and Bon-Ton Community Day booklets may be purchased at the AFTHI offices at 71 Glenwood Avenue in Queensbury on Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM till 4 PM. For additional information please contact us at 518-761-0054 or office@afthi.org.

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Loan Out Center

A wide variety of devices are available for people with hearing loss, and new and better technology is constantly becoming available. We have many of these devices available. We can show you how to use them and you can take them home for a real test run. When you know what works for you, we can connect you with reputable vendors and financial assistance to purchase just what you need.

We can help you with:

Our office is equipped with a videophone and a captioned Telephone (CapTel). Interested consumers can schedule an appointment to try either or both of these pieces of equipment.

Our friendly staff can help you find the technology you need and the know-how to use it. We can also connect you to the financial resources to get the help you need.

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Alfred Z. Solomon Saratoga Springs Lions Health Fair

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club recently announced that its third annual health fair will be held on Saturday, November 7th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs. Admission to the fair is free. This year's event is sponsored by a grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Foundation. The event has drawn over 40 exhibitors in each previous year.

This year's event looks to focus on providing clinics and health oriented services which address the health and well being of area residents. The AFTHI will demonstrate some of devices available at its Queensbury offices and at Saratoga Hearing, as well as discussing programs and services offered to the public.

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club was formed in 1925 and is dedicated to supporting the needs of the Saratoga Springs community in the areas of sight, hearing, diabetes and youth. In a typical year, the club donates over $15,000 toward youth oriented activities, programs and organizations. Mr. Grady Aronstamm, a member of the AFTHI Board of Director, is a member of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.

Lions Clubs throughout the Tri-County region have long been generous supporters of the Association for the Hearing Impaired. A detailed description of the Lions Hearing Conservation Society (LHCS) will appear in the October edition of Listen Up!

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Tri-County United Way: Investing in the caring communities of Warren, Washington & Northern Saratoga Counties since 1923

The Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc. is again this year proud to be a Community Partner of the Tri-County United Way. Funding from the United Way allows AFTHI to provide necessary and valuable programs and services.

The Tri-County United Way's annual Kick-off Luncheon will be held at the Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park on Wednesday, September 23rd. Throughout the "Campaign," I will be scheduling myself to join United Way representatives and other member organizations at "around-the-clock" presentations held at the facilities of area employers. In addition to the Association for the Hearing Impaired, the list of other community partners includes:

Your donation stays local and helps many neighbors in need, giving them the support to improve their lives each day. For additional information, please contact the Tri-County United Way: 696 Upper Glen Street, Queensbury, NY 12804; phone (518) 793-3136; or E-mail: info@tcuwny.org. Contributions may be made to their General Fund or directly designated to the Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc.

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AFTHI and Camp Mark Seven

Thanks to our funding sources, memberships and private contributions, this year, again, AFTHI was able to assist a young girl from Saratoga County attend Camp Mark Seven's program for deaf children (ages 9-12) during the week of August 9-15.

Camp Mark 7 (CM7), located at 144 Mohawk Hotel Road, Old Forge, NY 13420 is a privately owned camp under the jurisdiction of the Mark Seven Deaf Foundation Board. CM7 offers a variety of programs during the summer time suited for deaf and hearing individuals. A description of the Summer 2009 Programs includes:

More information can be found at the camp's website: www.campmark7.org

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Public Television Program Promotes American Sign Language & the Deaf Community

In an email to AFTHI on 08/06/09 from Sara McKay, a local ASL instructor and Director of Accessibility Services at Adirondack Community College

Dear ASL Friends,

Last spring, I attended the ASL Festival at Northeastern University in Boston. While I was there I learned about a Deaf TV show that was starting. The link to their website is: www.cpmtv.org

I hope that you get a chance to check it out. There is one episode to watch. For the ASL students reading this email, it is a good   opportunity to practice your receptive skills. You can watch it with the sound on and then watch again with the sound off. Or test yourself by watching it first with no sound. See how much you can understand! It's also good to watch for people interested in a career in interpreting. You can listen to learn how the interpreters phrase the signer's sentences and story. You'll see that it is not "word by word" or "sign by sign."

CPM-TV is an umbrella organization of NIEVA (National Institute for Educators through Visual Arts). Founded in 2003, central to NIEVA's mission is the belief that ASL is a legitimate language that empowers its users and is a conduit through which education, culture and integrity is proliferated.

NIEVA's mission involves both promoting the individual growth of native users of ASL, and enhancing community interaction by working   to dissolve the barriers and misunderstandings that devide the ASL culture from the world at large. NIEVA strives to do this through an array of outlets including media productions, community events, and educational workshops.

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Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation's leading organization representing people with hearing loss. According to the National Center of Health Statistics, 36 million (17%) of American adults have some degree of hearing loss making it a public health issue third in line after heart disease and arthritis.

On a national level, HLAA provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. HLAA is working to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss and raise public awareness about the need for prevention and the need for regular hearing screenings throughout life.

The HLAA impacts on communication access, public policy, research, public awareness, and service delivery related to hearing loss. HLAA brings consumers and policy makers together to learn about communication access at the national, state and local levels. HLAA staff works at the national level to affect legislation that impacts people with hearing loss, whether its funding for hearing aids and cochlear implants, communication access to telecommunications or in public places, or other important issues.

For additional information, including membership benefits, please visit the HLAA web-site: www.hearingloss.org

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Theater News

New York State Theatre Institute, Albany, New York
Productions to be Interpreted:

The New York State Theatre Institute's Telephone: (518) 274-3200

Proctors Theatre
The following performances will be signed:

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September Calendar

Contact Us

We welcome your calls and emails.
Ben's email is director@afthi.org
Kate's email is office@afthi.org

Listen Up! is the newsletter of the Association for the Hearing Impaired, Inc., Bennet F. Driscoll, Jr., Executive Director. Listen Up! is published monthly and made available in print and on-line editions. If you wish to change your subscription, please visit the links provided below, or call the Association's office at 518-761-0554.