Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

PLEASE HOLD THE DATES!

DEAF AWARENESS MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2024

See attached flyers for the following events:

Sept. 5th at 3:30pm – RICDHH TRS/Tech Access Committee Meeting
Sept. 7th at 10am – Perspectives Deaf Services’ Deaf Awareness Month Fun Day!
Sept. 7th at 10am – Hands & Voices RI’s Fall Bash
Sept. 7th at 1pm – HLAA-RI Summer Social
Sept. 7th at 6pm – Deaf Night Out RI
Sept. 11th at 5:30pm – RI School for the Deaf Board of Trustees Meeting (flyer will be forthcoming)
Sept. 12th at 11:30am – RI Deaf Senior Citizens’ event at Wright’s Farm
Sept. 18th at 6pm – RICDHH Board of Commissioners’ Meeting
Sept. 19th at 1pm – OSCIL Deaf Peer Support Group
Sept. 24th at 2pm – Hamilton’ RCC Training/Presentation (flyer will be forthcoming)
Sept. 25th at 6pm – Gallaudet University Regional Center East’s ASL Story Translation and Performance
Sept. 27th at 12pm – Corliss Institute’s event at C**t State Park

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2024
Oct. 26th at 9am – RI Deaf and Hard of Hearing Cancer Survivors Support Group’s Workshop: Preventive Lung Cancer (flyer will be forthcoming)

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

New Location for HLAA-RI Summer Social

Source: Hearing Loss Association of America – RI State Office

RICDHH NEWS

Public Meeting Notice

Thursday, Sept. 5th, 3:30pm
Telecommunication Relay Services/Tech Access Committee meeting will be held at Public Utilities Commission, Hearing Room A, First Floor, 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick RI. This meeting is open to the general public. ASL interpreters/CART will be provided.

For more information, please contact RICDHH main office, 401-256-5511 TEL/VP or email: [email protected].

Public Meeting Notice:https://opengov.sos.ri.gov/Common/DownloadMeetingFiles?FilePath=\Notices\110\2024\501401.pdf


************************
CDHH Telecommunication Relay Services/Tech Access Committee Members

Alan Nault, Public Utilities Commission
Melissa Rosenberg, Community Outreach Representative, Oakley Home Access
James Litvack, ATEL Program Assistant
Denise Corson, Adaptive Telephone Equipment Program Coordinator
David Mullowney, ASL Specialist, Rhode Island School for the Deaf
Betsy Beach, Adult Education Instructor

RICDHH NEWS

HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day.

Thank you,
RICDHH Staff

Main: (401) 256-5511 V/VP
Email: [email protected]

Interpreter/CART Referral:
(401) 354-7630 V/VP
Email: [email protected]

About RICDHH: www.cdhh.ri.gov/our-commission

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Deaf Peer Support Group

Source: Ocean State Center for Independent Living

ASL vlog: https://youtu.be/XrEiFnrTfP8

BACTERIAL WATER ALERT: Worden Pond in South Kingston, RI

Source: RI Dept. of Health and Dept. of Environmental Management

BACTERIAL WATER ALERT: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Worden Pond in South Kingstown

Press Release: https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/ridoh-and-dem-recommend-avoiding-contact-worden-pond-south-kingstown

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are advising people to avoid contact with Worden Pond in South Kingstown due to a suspected blue-green algae (or cyanobacteria) bloom in the pond. Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can harm humans and animals. Visual evidence of a bloom was detected by the RIDEM. Confirmation samples will be submitted to the State Health Lab.

Use caution in all areas of Worden Pond. Cyanobacteria can sink or float to control their location in the water column. Other factors such as, wind, rain and wakes from recreational activities can affect the location of a bloom. All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided. People should not ingest water or eat fish from the ponds. Pets can also be affected by exposure to the algal toxins and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the water. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

For more information and current advisories, check RIDEM’s website: www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen

Event Highlights from the RI DeafBlind Resources Fair and Social Gathering!

On August 23, 2024, RICDHH had the pleasure of hosting the RI DeafBlind Resources Fair and Social Gathering. It was a fantastic event filled with connections, exploration with learning, and community spirit!

Swipe through these photos to see the vibrant moments from the event, where DeafBlind community members had the chance to meet each other and visit various exhibit tables.

We want to extend a special thank you to:
• Sar Morrison from Protactile Connects
• Jonathan LeJeune from DBCAN
• The CDI/ASL interpreting teams
• All the agencies who joined us
• Grace Felkner, Intern

And a big shout-out to our sponsors:
• Perspectives Corporation
• RI School for the Deaf

Your support made this event a success, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us make a difference!

We hope to touch “tactile” you again in the future!

RICDHH NEWS

ASL version: https://youtu.be/OM5JF6kUzIk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Fills Interpreter/CART Referral Specialist Position

August 21, 2024 - The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) is pleased to announce that the temporary position of Interpreter/CART Referral Specialist has been filled through a staffing agency. The state will post the permanent position at a later date.

We are excited to welcome Maribeth Schneider as the new temporary Interpreter/CART Referral Specialist at RICDHH. Maribeth brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our team. In her previous role, she worked for 13 years as an Administrative Assistant at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa Fe, NM.

Maribeth and her family moved to Rhode Island last fall after her husband accepted a position as Athletic Director at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf. She is thrilled to be joining RICDHH and is eager to contribute her skills to support our community.

“I’m very excited to bring my skills to this team! I look forward to working with everyone at RICDHH and supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Rhode Island,” said Maribeth.

Maribeth grew up in Illinois and has a range of personal interests, including diamond art painting, fishkeeping as an aquarist, spending time at the beach, and cheering for the Chicago Bears.
Maribeth is eager to connect with the community and welcomes any questions or opportunities to support your needs. You can reach her by email at [email protected] or at 401-354-7630 Voice/VP.

About the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) advocates for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Rhode Island, ensuring they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. RICDHH develops communication and accessibility guidelines, promotes favorable legislation, fosters cooperation among state agencies and organizations, and educates consumers, agencies, and employers about equal access as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. RICDHH provides:
• Accessibility and Effective Communication guidelines and policies
• Sign Language Interpreter and Captioning Referral Services
• Emergency and Public Communication Access Program
• Information and Referral Library on topics related to hearing loss
• Legislation and Public Policy
For more information, visit www.cdhh.ri.gov/interpreter-and-cart-services.

ANNOUNCEMENT - RICDHH fills in the Interpreter & Captioning Referral Splst position (Aug. 21, 2024) Michelle Cline, RICDHH Executive Director, is pleased to announce Maribeth Schneider, who will fill in the Interpreter & Captioning Referral Specialist posit...

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Virtual ASL Storytelling Event

Source: Gallaudet University Regional Center – East

Gallaudet University Regional Center - East Presents
(In ASL, English, English Captions, and Spanish)
Red: A Crayon's ASL Story!
From Sally is Sarah Productions
Zoom event hosted by Leon Jerfita
ASL Story Translation and Performance by Deaf Writer, Linguist, and Professor Crom Saunders
Live ASL games and Q&A with Deaf Model and Actor Heba Toulan!
On Zoom, Wednesday, September 25th, 6-7pm (EST)
Register Now at tinyurl.com/RedASLStory
The first 20 families get a free book!
Questions? Please email [email protected]

Centro Regional de la Universidad Gallaudet - Este presenta
(en inglés, leyendas en inglés y español)
Rojo: La historia de un lápiz!
de Sally is Sarah Productions
El evento de Zoom
Juegos ASL en vivo y Q&A con la modelo sorda y actor Heba Toulan!
ASL Story Traducción y actuación del escritor sordo, lingüista y profesor Crom Saunders
organizado por Leon Jerfita
En Zoom, Miércoles, 25 de septiembre, 6-7pm (EST)
Regístrate ahora en tinyurl.com/RedASLStory
(en espanol https://www-eventbrite-com.translate.goog/.../gurc-east...)
¡Las primeras 20 familias reciben un libro gratis!
¿Preguntas? Por favor, envíe un correo electrónico
[email protected]

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Fall Bash 2024

Source: Rhode Island Hands & Voices

Please join Rhode Island Hands & Voices for our 3rd annual Fall Bash on Saturday September 7th 10-2! This is an event you don’t want to miss! We are asking everyone to please RSVP at the google link found below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck__ofs_OU5Cq0d1G7iKcDvDel2E_Pd91idTGfYkMaFZoyNg/viewform?usp=sf_link [docs.google.com]
Please feel free to share with any other families of the D/HH kids. Looking forward to getting our community together.

¡Únase a Rhode Island Hands & Voices para nuestra tercera fiesta anual de otoño el sábado 7 de septiembre de 10 a 2! ¡Este es un evento que no querrá perderse! Les pedimos a todos que confirmen su asistencia en el enlace de Google que se encuentra a continuación.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck__ofs_OU5Cq0d1G7iKcDvDel2E_Pd91idTGfYkMaFZoyNg/viewform?usp=sf_link [docs.google.com]
No dude en compartirlo con otras familias de niños con discapacidad auditiva o diferentes niveles de audición. ¡Esperamos reunir a nuestra comunidad.

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Deaf Awareness Month Fun Day with Perspectives Deaf Services

Source: Perspectives Corporation

RICDHH NEWS

HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Our office will be closed on Monday, August 12, 2024 in observance of Victory Day.

Thank you,
RICDHH Staff

Main: (401) 256-5511 V/VP
Email: [email protected]

Interpreter/CART Referral:
(401) 354-7630 VP
(401) 222-5300 Voice
Email: [email protected]

About RICDHH: www.cdhh.ri.gov/our-commission

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

POSTPONED: HLAA-RI Summer Social

Source: Hearing Loss Association of America – Rhode Island State Office

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

ASL Interpreted AA Meeting

Source: Jen Marsella

RICDHH NEWS

RI DeafBlind Resources Fair and Social Gathering

Friday, August 23rd, 2024
1 – 4PM

Rhode Island School for the Deaf
Cafeteria
1 Corliss Park, Providence, RI 02908

RSVP Required by August 13th
Refreshments provided

Interpreters and CDI will be provided.
For information, contact Grace Felkner at [email protected]

Sponsored by Perspectives Corporation

RICDHH NEWS

RICDHH Press Release: Interpreter/Captioning Referral Specialist

ASL Version: https://youtu.be/clONJQ_kNH4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Holly St. Pierre Announces Departure from the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Providence, RI - July 24, 2024 - The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) announces the departure of Holly St. Pierre, Interpreter/Captioning Referral Specialist, effective August 2, 2024. Holly has been a dedicated member of our team for over 12 years, and her contributions to our mission and community have been invaluable. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Reflecting on her time with RICDHH, Holly shared, "It has been an incredible experience working with you and being involved with this community. Thank you for everything that you have taught me over these 12 years."

As we prepare for this transition, RICDHH seeks qualified candidates to fill the vacant position immediately through a staffing agency. Individuals interested in applying for this opportunity should do so as soon as possible to ensure consideration. Please contact [email protected] immediately.

In addition, the state of Rhode Island will be posting the permanent position at a later date. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to stay tuned for this forthcoming announcement.

About the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH) advocates for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities in Rhode Island, ensuring they have equal opportunities in all aspects of life. RICDHH develops communication and accessibility guidelines, promotes favorable legislation, fosters cooperation among state agencies and organizations, and educates consumers, agencies, and employers about equal access as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. RICDHH provides:
• Accessibility and Effective Communication guidelines and policies
• Sign Language Interpreter and Captioning Referral Services
• Emergency and Public Communication Access Program
• Information and Referral Library on topics related to hearing loss
• Legislation and Public Policy

For more information and job opportunities, visit www.cdhh.ri.gov/interpreter-and-cart-services.

# # #

For further inquiries, don't hesitate to contact [email protected] or (401) 354-7651.

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Source: Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency

July is National Parks and Recreation Month! Celebrate the beauty of Rhode Island’s parks and outdoor spaces. From hiking trails to scenic beaches, there’s so much to explore and enjoy. Remember to stay safe by following park guidelines and respecting wildlife. For a list of RI’s state parks and beaches, visit https://riparks.ri.gov

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Rhode Island School for the Deaf Fundraiser in August

Source: RI School for the Deaf

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

DID YOU KNOW?

RHODE ISLAND DEAF/DEAFBLIND/HARD OF HEARING TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES

FIXED ROUTE BUS TRANSPORTATION
HTTPS://WWW.RIPTA.COM
THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (RIPTA) OPERATES A NETWORK OF BUSES THAT FOLLOW ESTABLISHED ROUTES ON REGULAR SCHEDULES. RIDERS CAN BOARD AND EXIT THE BUS AT DESIGNATED STOPS ALONG THESE ROUTES.
__________________________________

FLEX SERVICE
HTTPS://WWW.RIPTA.COM/FLEX/
FLEX SERVICE OFFERS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN AREAS WITH LIMITED OR NO FIXED-ROUTE SERVICE. PASSENGERS CAN BOARD THE FLEX VAN AT SCHEDULED STOPS OR CHOOSE THEIR OWN PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF POINTS WITHIN THE DESIGNATED FLEX ZONE.
__________________________________

LOCAL VOLUNTEER DRIVER PROGRAMS
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN SOME COMMUNITIES MAINTAIN LISTS OF LOCAL VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS AND OTHER DESTINATIONS. EXAMPLES INCLUDE VILLAGE COMMON, FRIENDS IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY (FISH), AND SOUTHERN RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS.
__________________________________

MUNICIPAL SENIOR TRANSPORTATION
SOME COMMUNITIES OFFER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR SENIORS TO LOCAL SENIOR CENTERS. GROCERY STORES, PHARMACIES, AND OTHER LOCATIONS.
__________________________________

NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
HTTPS://EOHHS.RI.GOV/CONSUMER/TRANSPORTATIONSERVICES.ASPX
RHODE ISLAND'S NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION (NEMT) SERVICES ARE MANAGED BY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT, INC. (MTM). MTM COORDINATES TRANSPORTATION FOR MEDICAID MEMBERS TO AND FROM MEDICAID-COVERED SERVICES.
__________________________________

RIDE PARATRANSIT SERVICES
FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THAT PREVENT THE USE OF FIXED¬ROUTE BUSES, RIPTA OFFERS THE RIDE PROGRAM. THIS ADA-COMPLIANT PARATRANSIT SERVICE PROVIDES DOOR-TO-DOOR TRANSPORTATION AND REQUIRES ADVANCE RESERVATIONS.
__________________________________

TAXIS AND RIDE SHARE
LOCAL TAXI COMPANIES AND SERVICES SUCH AS UBER AND LYFT OFFER TRANSPORTATION FOR A FEE, USUALLY CALCULATED BY THE MILE.
__________________________________

TRANSPORTATION VIA HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
MANY HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, INCLUDING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS, PROVIDE A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE TRIPS TO AND FROM COVERED MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. CHECK WITH YOUR INSURER FOR MORE DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY.
__________________________________

RICDHH NEWS

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) unveiled a special remembrance plaque to honor Steve Florio, former RICDHH Executive Director. Michelle Cline, RICDHH Executive Director was present during this special moment to accept the remembrance plaque.

The beautiful woodwork was made by a Deaf Artist, Sheri Youens-Un of Deafroot. The plaque presentation for RICDHH was taken place during the NASADHH business meeting at the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Conference in Chicago.

Visual Description: 20” by 27” frame with wood cutting on different color of wood that is shaped resembling Steve Florio. It has a signature along with his name sign etched in there. The wording says, “In remembrance of Steven Florio, a visionary leader and co-founder of NASADHH, whose unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of the deaf community in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and across the USA leaves an indelible mark. His legacy of advocacy and empowerment will continue to resonate, lighting the path towards inclusion and equality for all.”

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

HLAA-RI Summer Social

Source: Hearing Loss Association of America – Rhode Island State Office

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Friendly Reminder! RIDSC's Summer Picnic

Source: RI Deaf Senior Citizens

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Governor's Commission on Disabilities Annual Public Forum

Source: Rhode Island Governor’s Commission on Disabilities

RICDHH NEWS

Public Meeting Notice

Thursday, July 11th, 3:30pm
Telecommunication Relay Services/Tech Access Committee meeting will be held at Public Utilities Commission, Hearing Room A, First Floor, 89 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick RI. This meeting is open to the general public. ASL interpreters/CART will be provided.

For more information, please contact RICDHH main office, 401-256-5511 TEL/VP or email: [email protected].

Public Meeting Notice:https://opengov.sos.ri.gov/Common/DownloadMeetingFiles?FilePath=\Notices\110\2024\497448.pdf


************************
CDHH Telecommunication Relay Services/Tech Access Committee Members

Alan Nault, Public Utilities Commission
Melissa Rosenberg, Community Outreach Representative, Oakley Home Access
James Litvack, ATEL Program Assistant
Denise Corson, Adaptive Telephone Equipment Program Coordinator
David Mullowney, ASL Specialist, Rhode Island School for the Deaf
Betsy Beach, Adult Education Instructor

RICDHH NEWS

HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE

Our office will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in observance of Independence Day Holiday.

Thank you,
RICDHH Staff

Main: (401) 256-5511 V/VP
Email: [email protected]

Interpreter/CART Referral:
(401) 354-7630 VP
(401) 222-5300 Voice
Email: [email protected]

About RICDHH: www.cdhh.ri.gov/our-commission

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Friends of Rhode Island School for the Deaf 49th Golf Tournament

Source: Rhode Island School for the Deaf

FRIENDS of Rhode Island School for the Deaf
49th GOLF TOURNAMENT

TUESDAY, August 13, 2024

PAWTUCKET Country Club
900 Armistice Blvd.
Pawtucket, RI 02861

DeafBlind Awareness Week - June 23-30 2024

DeafBlind Awareness Week is celebrated each year during the last week of June, in recognition of Helen Keller’s birthday, June 27, 1880.

To learn more about DeafBlind Awareness Week
https://youtu.be/ya0FDKrgCVE
www.helenkeller.org/deafblind-awareness-week-2024/
www.perkins.org/resources-stories/helen-keller/page/3/
www.biography.com/activists/helen-keller

DEAFBLIND VERSION:

RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CELEBRATES DEAFBLIND AWARENESS WEEK

JUNE 23-30 2024

RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

RIDSC's Summer Picnic

Source: RI Deaf Senior Citizens

FYI: RIDSC will be closed during the month of July and will reopen on Tuesday, August 6th. RIDSC will have picnic on Saturday, August 3rd.

Juneteenth Freedom Day on June 19, 2024

RHODE ISLAND COMMISSION ON THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY

JUNE 19TH 2024

RICDHH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON JUNE 19TH

To learn more about Juneteenth
https://youtu.be/yhessVVnMUU (ASL video)
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth
https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth-digital-toolkit

HEAT ADVISORY ALERT: Cooling Centers (June 18-21, 2024)

Source: RI Emergency Management Agency

Beat the heat this week! Know where your local cooling centers are.
Find the nearest spot to chill out and escape the heat . Look them up on the RIEMA website.

Rhode Island Cooling Centers
https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/cooling-centers

YouTube (Rhode Island CDHH): https://youtu.be/j3vcYJ6u3vM