Houston Deaf Network » Articles

Deaf Awareness Week NEEDS You!

Billy Koch — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:12:14 +0000

Are you a deaf individual who grew up from a different culture? From another country? If so – please contact us at daw@deafhouston.org. We are looking for individuals who come from different backgrounds who can present what their deaf culture is like. So if you have something you would like to share please contact us. The event would be on Monday – September 13, 2010.

sComm announces beta testing of new and revolutionary cellular text communication technology

Incognito — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:58:58 +0000

Live Mobile Text allows faster live dialogue with patented split-screen

Raytown, Missouri – July 7, 2010 – sComm, developer and manufacturer of UbiDuo, the face-to-face communicator, announced the UbiVia, the next generation of cellular text communication on smartphones. Beta testing of the new product was launched at the National Association of the Deaf conference, taking place this week in Philadelphia, PA and will be offered exclusively to BlackBerry® smartphone users to start.

The UbiVia, which is downloaded on smartphones, allows users at both ends of the conversation to read what each other types in live real-time, on a split-screen display. This results in faster and simultaneous conversations, eliminating the need to take turns talking or wait for a response from the other person. This new form of communication is faster than instant messaging (IM) or SMS.

“The UbiVia establishes new standards of texting and experience never available or offered before on cell phones,” says Jason Curry, CEO of sComm. “When you call someone, it will ring like a cell phone, and you will have the option of accepting or rejecting the incoming text call. You also have audible, visual and vibration alert options.”

The UbiVia will run on BlackBerry smartphones available through all four major carriers in the United States – AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon. sComm is now recruiting current BlackBerry smartphone users to participate in UbiVia beta testing trials; the last stage before going on the market. Product information and UbiVia beta tester sign up is available at the UbiVia website at www.myubivia.com.

About sComm
sComm, which stands for “simultaneous communications,” is a privately-held company in Raytown, MO founded in 2002 to design its first product, the UbiDuo, a dedicated communicator that facilitates face-to-face text-based communication in businesses, government, agencies and social settings. Information about sComm and the UbiDuo is available at www.scomm.com.

sComm was a recipient of the Technology Company of the Year Award by the Missouri Department of Economic Development in 2006, and the Inclusion for Universal Design Award from the Governor’s Council on Disability in 2006, and is a member of the BlackBerry Alliance Program.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

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FREE VPAD!

Incognito — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:01:34 +0000

My name is Myo Htut. I am your local Representative and responsible for VPAD and Ojo videophones’ installations. I am here to remind you that I am still serving for you. Since ViableVRS is now operated by Snap!VRS, I have good news to share with you. Our services and products are improving for the excellent qualities of your needs.

VPAD/VPAD+
If you don’t have VPAD, this is your chance to apply for FREE VPAD. But be aware that you will be only qualified for one first generation VPAD. VPAD+ have been suspended due to FCC investigation. It could take awhile. But no worries, VPAD+ will be on sale again.

VPAD offers:

- an innovative 10-inch touch screen interface,
- a built-in multi-colors flasher so you don’t miss any calls,
- the capability to be hooked up to a TV,
- Ethernet,
- SD memory card diver,
- USB port,
- Headset-microphone inputs

Swap Program
If you have Ojo, we can swap your Ojo to VPAD.

If you’re interested, call our customer support from any videophones.

Customer Support: 866-949-7627
E-Mail: info@snapvrs.com
Snap!VRS: www.snapvrs.com
ViableVRS: www.viable.net

Have a good one!

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Deaf Awareness Week Meeting – July 17, 2010

Billy Koch — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:34:36 +0000

Our next meeting will be on July 17th at the Multipurpose Center off West Grey – address is 1475 West Gray Houston, Texas 77019. The meeting will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. We have less than 2 months left until Deaf Awareness Week! See you there!

Billy Koch – DAW 2010 Chairperson

Ready, Set, Work! (Ages 16-18)

Incognito — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:54:11 +0000

Hands-on workshop for deaf students (Ages 16-18) to teach skills and tips to find and maintain employment.

Topics covered in Workshop:
• Professional Readiness
* Determining your Career Plan
* Dress for Success
* Cleaning Up Your Electronic Self
* Getting Your Paperwork Together
* Disability Disclosure

• The Job Hunt
* Where to Search for Jobs
* Applying for Jobs
* Interviewing Successfully

• Keeping the Job
* Probationary Periods
* Developing Good Work Habits

• Communication/Social/Interpersonal
* Communication Strategies
* Communicating on the Job without an interpreter

And More!

When/Location:
August 9t h – 12t h , 2010
Texas School for the Deaf (TSD)
Austin, Texas

Room/Board:
Students will stay on campus at TSD. Meals will be provided by TSD. Students
will be supervised on campus at all times.

Registration:
First come, first serve basis. Open to all high school deaf students 16-18 years old. Maximum number of participants: 25 students.

**All classes will be signed**

For more information please contact Shelley Oishi, Work Training Specialist at
Shelley.oishi@tsd.state.tx.us or call and leave a voice message 800-970-2036.
Videophone: 512-861-0221

Mayor Parker to attend Deaf PIP meeting

Incognito — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:15:06 +0000

The Houston Police Department Deaf Positive Interaction Program (PIP) meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 6 at 7:30 PM at Woodhaven Deaf Baptist Church (9920 Long Point). Jeff Anderson, Executive Director of Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, will speak about the deaf initiatives MOPD has been focusing on throughout the city.

Special Guest: Mayor Annise Parker
Mayor Parker is now attending PIP sessions throughout the city. She has chosen to come to the Deaf PIP meeting as her first one. Let us welcome her.

Please come to this meeting to hear about the work the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has been doing for the deaf community. If anyone wants to volunteer to bring a dish or refreshments, please contact Officer James Sobota at James.Sobota@cityofhouston.net.

If you ahve any questions or concerns, please contact Office James Sobota at James.Sobota@cityofhouston.net
TDD: (713) 308-9071
Voice: (713) 308-9079
Woodhaven Deaf Baptist Church
9920 Long Point
Houston, TX 77055

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Houston Softball Teams Fares Well in Regionals

Billy Koch — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:03:58 +0000

Houston was well represented at the Southwest Softball Association for the Deaf softball tournament in Gulfport, Mississippi. Houston sent three teams to Gulfport with hopes of winning the tournament. This tournament was the first ever tournament where two regions merged into one tournament so the tournament included teams from the Southeast Softball Association for the Deaf as well.

The teams – Houston Heat (coached by Amy Mata), Houston Thunderz (coached by Calvin Kermit), and Houston Xtremes (coached by Billy Koch). The Houston Heat fared quite well for their second year in existence – they finished the tournament 1-3 with an exciting win over Corpus Christi. The Thunderz finished the tournament 1-2 with also an exciting win over Corpus Christi.

The Houston Xtremes an underdog, in the tournament expecting to finish 3rd behind the favorites – Austin Toons (last year’s reigning Champion), and the SouthernBoyz. The Xtremes played a hard tournament playing three potential Top 6 teams in the Nation (Carolina, Toons, and SouthernBoyz) and fared quite well. The Xtremes finished 2nd in the regionals for the 2nd straight year and retained their fight to finish in the Championship game. Granted they finished short of their goal of finishing as the Regional Champions – but they took all the right steps of moving forward and keep moving up.

Zachary Reagan (Xtremes) and Justin Ashton (Xtremes) were named 1st Team All Stars

Terrell Brittian (Xtremes) and Eric Garrison (Thunderz) and Bernard Latchley (Thunderz) was named 2nd team All Star

Billy Koch (Xtremes) was named Manager of the Tourney

So now the Xtremes next stop is to head to Portland, Oregon for the National Softball Association for the Deaf Tournament on August 5 -8, 2010. But we are looking for donations and contribution from the community to help us get there. We need to raise about $3,000 to go to Portland so far we have raised $1,000 and need to raise $2,000 more. So if you would like to donate or contribute to the team for the Xtremes to represent HOUSTON to go to Nationals please feel free to contact us at coach@houstondeafsoftball.com.

DAW 2010 Meeting – June 26th 10am – 12pm

Bradley Porche — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:30:32 +0000

Our third meeting of the year to prepare for DAW 2010 will be held at Houston Community College – San Jacinto Building 2nd floor, Suite L321 from 10am to 12pm. on June 26th (Saturday).

If you are interested in volunteering and assisting please feel free to show up the meeting, or email us at daw@deafhouston.org. We’re looking forward to making 2010 a successful DAW event! And we can’t do it WITHOUT you!

Houston Community College
San Jacinto Building
2nd floor Suite L321
1300 Holman
Houston, Texas 77004
June 26th, 2010
10 am – 12pm

Please email brad.porche@ghdc.us for parking decal before Tuesday 6/22/10.

See you folks there!

Texas STAP Voucher

Incognito — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:50:52 +0000

Got a Texas STAP Voucher? Look no more! We are here to serve you. We can help you get a pager from Sprint, ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, etc.

We aim to put a smile on your face and a pager in your hands! Need an Amplified Phone or TTY? We can help!

Contact our friendly staff at:
Morayo Communications
6420 Hillcroft Street, Suite 209
Houston, TX 77081

VP/Voice: 866-552-4660
Fax: 713-777-4055
mc@morayocomm.com

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Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz visiting TSD Graduation.

Billy Koch — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:04:23 +0000

Come one, come all! See attached. We are hosting Gallaudet President Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz who will be in town for TSD’s graduation! Let’s show him what Austin’s GUAA chapter is made of…and let’s have fun while we’re at it.

GUAA – Austin Chapter invites you and your immediate family to brunch with Dr. Hurwitz

June 5, 2010 – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Austin Deaf Club – 8818 Cullen Ln, Austin

Torchy’s Tacos served – $5.00 Cash per person

RSVP by 6/3 (Thursday) - AustinGUAA@gmail.com

Bring extra cash for drinks. Questions – email jdbusenbark@yahoo.com

No children except for infants and high school age.