Annual Deaf Tea September 17 in the Hall of Flags, at the Augusta State House

Awardees from Yarmouth, Westbrook, North Berwick, Bridgton will be recognized AUGUSTA — In celebration of Deaf culture, the heritage of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf literature, art and folklore, Governor Paul R. LePage has issued a proclamation designating the week of Sept. 19 through 25, 2015, as Deaf Culture Week. “Deaf Culture Week and the annual awards recognize the important contributions members of this community make to Maine,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “I congratulate and thank all of the awardees for their achievements. Their work not only benefits people who are deaf or hard of hearing but also reminds us all of the many ways we can give back.” The Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened will hold its 24th Annual Award Ceremony and Tea on Sept. 17, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Hall of Flags at the State House. This year, the commission will present awards in six categories to individuals who have contributed to Deaf culture in Maine. Award recipients are: Clifton F. Rodgers Award ~ Lifetime Achievement Award — John Dunleavy, Rochester, NY Ginny Hewes Award ~ Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award — Julie A. Novack, North Berwick Special Commendation Award — Maine Deaf Senior Citizens, Westbrook Promoting ASL, Deaf Culture and Deaf People Award — Catherine J. Lushman, Yarmouth Outstanding Citizenship Award — Karla R. Madore, Westbrook Citizenship Youth Award — Taylor Gagnon, Bridgton Christine “Coco” Roschaert will give the keynote address. Coco was born Deaf with Usher Syndrome in Canada. She graduated from Gallaudet University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and now works as an international advocate for DeafBlind rights. She is also a motivational speaker on DeafBlind issues, and her talks include her personal life stories. She has made more than 200 presentations around the world. The Division of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened, part of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) in the Department of Labor, works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. “I encourage employers to diversify their workforce by including people with disabilities,” said the Governor. “The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services can facilitate that through vocational rehabilitation, training assistance and advice for employers.” For more information about hiring people with disabilities or identifying job training resources for people with disabilities, visit your local CareerCenter, call 1-855-ALL-HIRE (TTY users call Maine Relay 711) or visit http://employmentforme.org.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS, Home Repair Assistance is Available!!

Maine Home Repair Network is offering homeowners of single family homes deferred/forgiveable loans and grants to help you make much  needed repairs to your home,

 

Covered Repairs Include:

Roofing

Siding

Trim Wrap

New Windows or Doors

Electrical

Plumbing

Heating

Septic System Replacement

Water Treatment Systems

Handicapped Access

Structural Repairs

For more information on programs that may be available to help you make these important repairs to your home, please call:

 

York County Community Action

1-800-965-5762 X 2927

Wentworth Douglass Hosts Communication Access, Technology and Support Expo.

Learn more about services and support available for those who are visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, and speech impaired in our community.

Wentworth Douglass Hospital on Rt 108 in Dover, NH will host a Technology and Support Expo in their building on Thursday, May 14th beginning at 10 am.

For more information, please call Wentworth Douglass Hospital at  (603)-740-2334

This Event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ASL interpreters will be available to assist

Enjoy interactive displays with equipment and technology, information, refreshments, and more! The following will be onsite:
• CapTel Caption Phone Services
• Lifelong Assistive Technology
• @New Hampshire Association for the Blind
• NH DHHS: Communication Access/Hearing Assistive Technology
• NH Division of Emergency Services & Communications
• NH State Library - Services to Persons with Disabilities...
• NH Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program
• Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc.
• Relay NH
• Sight Services for Independent Living
• VA Medical Center Visual Impairment Services
• Wentworth-Douglass Communication Services
• Wentworth-Douglass Social Services: Advance Care Planning for NH & ME