Deaf Service Bureau of West Central Florida

Emergency Electric Bill Payment Assistance available for Hillsborough County residents

2012-09-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hillsborough County’s Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) has funds immediately available to assist senior citizens and low-income households with payments of their electric bills.

Qualifications

Households that include senior citizens may qualify for Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) funds if they meet the following criteria:

· Have a total household gross income below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (guidelines available on the County’s Social Services webpage.)

· Have at least one member that is 60 years or older

· Reside in Hillsborough County

· Are a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S.

· Have a recent past due or final notice energy bill

Low-income households can qualify for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds if they meet the following criteria:

· Have a total household gross income below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (guidelines available on the County’s Social Services webpage.)

· Are responsible for paying their home heating or cooling bills

· Reside in Hillsborough County

· Are a U.S. Citizen, qualified alien or permanent resident of the U.S.

Additional requirements may be necessary for eligibility determination. Applicants will be informed of these requirements at the time of application.

How To Apply

Applicants will need to bring the following information with them:

· Proof of income for all household members for the last 30 days. This proof can be a pay check stub, employer letter, public assistance check, Supplementary Security Income check, unemployment check or a pension check stub.

· Proof of home energy obligation or electric bill

· Picture identification

· Proof of Hillsborough County residency, such as: valid driver’s license with current address, a letter from your landlord or mortgage company, voter’s registration card, etc.

Applications are accepted at any local Neighborhood Service Center listed below.

Neighborhood Service Centers Locations and Phone Numbers

· Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center, 3402 N. 22nd St. in Tampa, 813-272-5220

· Plant City Neighborhood Service Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave. in Plant City, (813) 757-3871

· SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. S.E. in Ruskin, 813-671-7647

· University Community Resource Center, 13605 N. 22nd St. in Tampa, 813-975-2153

· West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave. in Tampa, 813-272-5074

Hillsborough County’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are federally-funded programs offered by the Department of Family and Aging Services. For more information, contact one of the above neighborhood service centers or 813-272-6770.

Watch the movie trailer for Deaf Jam to be inspired

2012-09-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Deaf Jam Trailer from DeafJamdoc on Vimeo.
Aneta Brodski, a deaf teen living in New York City, discovers the power of American Sign Language poetry. As she prepares to be one of the first deaf poets to compete in a spoken-word slam, her journey leads to an unexpected collaboration.

Disability in America by the numbers infographic

2012-09-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

4 reasons to use Twitter in your job search

2012-09-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

In the current job market everyone needs to get creative to land a much coveted job. Utilizing new tools like social media and specifically Twitter can give you a leg up over the competition. Here are 4 reasons why Twitter can help you find new employment:

Twitter is free! As a result employers use it to avoid paying a hefty fee to recruiting firms.
All big companies are on Twitter: Scanning all the job offers from companies you would like to work for only requires you to follow them. This simplifies your job search and might even give you first dibs when applying for a job since most new listings are announced on Twitter first.
Twitter is more effective than job boards since you can actually have a conversation with a hiring manager and start building a relationship before you even meet the person for an interview.
No discrimination against people with disabilities or other minorities since your tweets only reveal as much as you want to share.

Ultimately, you should be careful to maintain a personal but yet professional image on Twitter if you choose to use it as tool for your job search.

Share of new hires with disabilities reported as highest in 20 years

2012-09-12T05:15:00.001-07:00

Washington, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that in FY 2011, federal employees with disabilities represented 7.41 percent of the overall workforce and 11 percent when the figures include veterans who are 30 percent or more disabled. The report also shows significant increases in new hires of persons with disabilities. In FY 2011 people with disabilities represent 7.96 percent of all new hires and 14.7 percent of all new hires when veterans who are 30 percent or more disabled are also included - the highest percentage in 20 years. In total, more than 200,000 people with disabilities now work for the federal government, also the most in 20 years.

"People with disabilities are welcome in the federal family," said OPM Director John Berry. "We need the talents and creativity of all people—including people with disabilities—to help do the work of the American people. We are doing anything possible to remove barriers to their employment, and the good news is that we're moving in the right direction, and you can see it in the numbers."

When President Obama signed Executive Order 13548 on July 26, 2010, he specifically set a goal of hiring 100,000 people with disabilities by 2015. OPM is proud to take the lead in making that recruitment possible. In its own hiring, OPM leads all agencies in the first two quarters of 2012 with 4.2 percent of all new hires being people with targeted disabilities. In addition, in FY 2011, 22.4 percent of all hires at OPM were people with disabilities, including those veterans who were 30 percent or more disabled.

"We still have a long way to go to meet the President's 100,000 benchmark but we're well underway," said Director Berry. "I'm confident that we'll not only meet that goal, but that we will also add talented individuals to our team along the way."

Over 3,000 federal employees from more than 56 agencies have been trained on recruitment techniques and all cabinet level agencies have attended trainings hosted by OPM. The federal hiring community is better prepared to hire the talented members of the disability community by using the Schedule A excepted appointing authority to hire people with disabilities, providing reasonable accommodation, the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP), and getting employees who become ill or injured on the job back to work.

To view the report, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/diversityandinclusion/reports/disability/index.aspx.

Tip of the Week video: How volunteering can help you land a job (ASL & captions)

2012-09-07T07:23:00.003-07:00

If you are currently looking for a job, but don't have much of a work history on your resume, volunteering can help you learn new skills, network, and finally land a job.
Click here for more DSB Tip of the week videos!

Take advantage of 100 learning tools for people with disabilties

2012-09-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Internet and the computers we use to access it are full of educational possibilities that can help to speed up, complement or provide endless opportunities to expand our knowledge. Unfortunately, sometimes those with disabilities may find these resources more difficult or sometimes impossible to access. Whether you need to use the computer for research, to write a paper or just to learn a new skill, those with disabilities of all kinds can check out these resources to help them improve their learning potential while surfing the Web.

Text to Speech Tools

Those who have visual disabilities or who have trouble reading can use these text to speech tools to get information delivered to them in audio format.

Thunder: This free screen reader program makes it easy to browse the Web, get email and more by reading all content aloud to users.
ReadPlease: This text to speech reader can help make web sites and email more accessible to those with vision impairments or dyslexia by reading content aloud.
TextAloud: Here you will find a fully featured text to voice program that allows users to read text from a variety of sources and even to convert it to MP3 format. It has additional features that can let you get weather, stocks and news read aloud as well.
pwWebSpeak: Users who need to access the Web in a non-visual manner or with audio assistance can use this browser and screen reader to get the help they need.
NonVisual Desktop Access:NVDA is an open source screen reader that allows those with visual impairment to enjoy the information and educational possibilities of the Web.
Orca: Using various combinations of speech, braille, and magnification, Orca helps provide access to applications on the computer for those with visual impairment.
JAWS: This popular screen reader allows users to not only browse the Web but to use MSN messenger, WordPerfect, AcrobatReader, and the Microsoft Office suite.
WeMedia: The text reading software with this program is enclosed in a browser, which allows you to surf the net and get information dictated to you as you go along. For those with other disabilities it also comes with large buttons and keystroke commands.
Fire Vox: This Firefox extension adds speech capabilities to the browser as well as providing a number of gadgets that are designed to make the program even more accessible.
Spoken Web: Users of IE can take advantage of this helpful text to speech tool.
Window-Eyes: Billed as one of the most stable screen readers available, Window-Eyes gives users control over when and what they hear and provides additional braille support and access to Windows applications. The program doesn't come without a hefty price tag, however, but it may be worth it to those who require added accessibility.
Tex-Edit Plus: This simple text editing program comes complete with a suite of voices that can read back to you what you've typed in.
HAL: HAL is one of the many products marketed by Dolphin meant to increase accessibility. With it, users can get a variety of computer applications and websites read aloud to them.
Help Read: This program will read not only webpages but also e-books and text that is located in the Windows clipboard. Best of all, it's free for anyone to use.

Alternative Formats

Get textbooks and other educational information delivered in format besides text with these tools and resources.

RFD&B: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic provides a large number of resources and alternative format materials to those with learning disabilities or visual impairments.
Bookshare: This organization provides free access to students with disabilities. They have a large collection of books that can be downloaded and read with voice software or printed in braille and mailed to your home.
Audible: Audible is one of the largest Web retailers of audio books, with thousands of titles to choose from, including best sellers and classics alike.
AudioBooks.com: Billed as the largest collection of audio books online, this site provides you with access to just about every audio book you could want.
Audio Books Online: Shop for audio books for fun reading or for class reading on this site.
CAST: CAST is a great source for texts that are presented in a flexible online format designed to support those who struggle with reading.
LibriVox: Get free audio books from the public domain in this great online collection.
Free Classic AudioBooks: Here you can find numerous classics that have been recorded and are offered free of charge to you online.
Audio Editions: Find the audio book editions of your favorite stories on this site.
BooksOnMP3: Get recordings of thousands of books on MP3 by taking a look at the offerings provided here.

Math Help

Math can be confusing even to those without learning disabilities, but these tools can help make it a little easier.

DO-IT Internet Lessons in Math: Washington University provides these online lessons that are designed to help those who have a disability that impairs their ability to do math or who are simply struggling with the material.
Math Made Easy: This site provides online lessons, for a charge, that are designed to help just about anyone better understand math concepts.
MathTrax: MathTrax is a graphing utility for students to create graphs of equations or physics data that has been developed by NASA. It has special features that enable it to be accessible to those with visual impairments as well.
WebMath: Anyone having trouble with math can check out this site which provides help with math on all levels.
TouchMath: The touch math system offers a range of free worksheets on their site that can help make math a more multi-sensory experience.

Physical Disabilities

Those with physical disabilities that make it difficult to use a traditional computer can try out these helpful programs.

No-Keys Virtual Keyboard: Those who have difficulty using a traditional keyboard should check out this great virtual keyboard as an alternative.
Joystick Control Centre: This program will allow users to control a variety of functions on their computer using only a joystick.
ShortKeys 99: Make doing complicated functions on your computer easy by assigning them a shortcut key with this program.
Ultra Hal Assistant: Give your computer its own personality with this tool. It can remind you of appointments, help you browse the internet, and open and use most programs on your computer. Best of all, it's all voice controlled so you don't have to use the keyboard.
Unlimited Menus: This tool makes it easy to access a variety of functions on your computer using only one mouse click.
Click 'n Type: Here you'll find a virtual keyboard that allows you to control many aspects of your computer, comes with word prediction, and comes with spoken key capabilities.
Reloader: Use this program to automatically open up the applications you use most on your computer.
No Keys: This on-screen keyboard allows those who cannot for whatever reason use a regular keyboard to get words typed in a browser, word processor and more.
Shorthand 7: This commercial program makes it easier to type, with words only needing to be in shorthand, so just half the typing is required.
Form Pilot: Never fill out a form again. This program allows you to simply auto-fill commonly used categories, making ordering materials and signing up for things on the web a breeze.
Camera Mouse: This program allows users to control the mouse cursor on their computers using head movements. Users of the program will need a high-end webcam and Windows XP or Vista to run the program.
CobShell Plus: Create an alternative interface for your computer using CobShell Plus. It creates 6 large buttons that cover the whole screen which are fully customizable and can be linked to commonly used programs.
e-Speaking: Try out this great program to control your computer, dictate emails and letters, and get information on the computer read back to you.
Click-N-Type: Here you'll find an on-screen virtual keyboard that makes working on a computer easier for those who cannot use a traditional keyboard.
Point and Click Virtual Mouse: Those who can't click a regular mouse can try out this on screen mouse click program.
AccessDOS: This Microsoft utility makes it easier for those with physical or hearing disabilities to use the keyboard and mouse by providing simple access keys and sound feedback to users.

Language Disabilities

Having a disability like dyslexia can make things like reading a book or even the instructions for an assignment difficult. These tools are designed to help make reading and writing a little easier.

TraySpell: This simple spell check program makes it easy to ensure that you're spelling things right every time.
Literacy Online: This site provides games and fun learning resources to people who have learning disabilities, hearing impairments and other disabilities that require special literacy assistance.
WordQ: WordQ is commercial software that helps make suggestions when you're writing and to point out and help you correct any mistakes. It is designed to help those who have difficulty writing and to help them become more independent and confident in their abilities.
Text Reader Dictionary: Turn IE into a speaking dictionary with this tool. You can highlight words to hear pronunciations and get definitions as well as take advantage of tools to help you learn new words.
WordCue: Those with reading difficulties will appreciate this tool which provides assistance in reading words and phrases on webpages by highlighting them in the browser.
Aurora: Designed for people with learning disabilities and dyslexia, Aurora helps improve writing by giving spoken feedback, tips on sentence construction, and word selection assistance.
Pix Writer: Geared towards younger children, this program can help those with learning disabilities with writing by pairing words with pictures.
Yak-Yak: Yak-Yak is software geared towards those with dyslexia, aphasia and other learning disabilities and can help users find the right words, spell better and much more.
Ghotit: This program offers spelling assistance to those who suffer from dyslexia or dysgraphia.
Breme Write Right: This program is a great tool for helping writers as it provides spelling and word selection help through verbal and picture feedback.
Read-e Plus: Read-e Plus is a dyslexia friendly e-reader and speech web browser. It comes complete with features like a spell checker, pop-up blockers, multi-sensory user interface and a range of customization options.

Visual Disabilities

The blind or those with significant visual impairment can take advantage of these helpful computer tools.

Another Lens: This program allows users to get a magnified view of the content underneath their mouse pointer.
BrailleSurf: BrailleSurf is an Internet browser for those with visual impairment. It allows information on the web to be spoken or transferred to Braille bar.
eMacSpeak: Linux users who are visually impaired can take advantage of this helpful program. It provides both Web browsing and instant messaging in a convenient audio format.
iZoom: Those with visual impairment can get access to this professional grade magnification tool for free through developer Issist.
Super Magnify: This magnification tool allows you to look at something up to 15 times its original size with special interpolation to maintain detail.
Talking Keyboard: If you can't see the keys on the keyboard well, this tool can help you out. It tells you exactly what keys have been pressed and you can set it up to respond to audio commands.
Zoom: This tool provides a floating window which will show the content of what you're looking at in a larger format.
Desktop Icon Reader: For those who have trouble reading the tiny print on desktop icons, this tool can come in handy.
BlindWriter: This word processor is designed just for people who have visual impairments. The program reads commands to users, contains a variety of shortcuts, large text size, as well as a variety of other features.
BIGGY: BIGGY helps computer users by allowing them to create cursors that are extra large in any program they are using.
WebAnywhere: This Web-based program allows the visually impaired to get screen reading capabilities anywhere they go.

Hearing Impairment

These tools can be a great help to those with hearing impairment or teachers and parents working with them.

e-Captioning: Here you can find a wide range of captioning services that you can use to caption your own videos or those you plan to use in class.
Pics4Learning: Use these educational pictures to understand concepts through photos.
BrainPOP: BrainPOP is full of educational tutorials that have pictures and text and are not auditory reliant.
Open Captioned Classics: Those with hearing impairment who must use captions can find loads of movies to watch for free on this site.
MAGpie: The National Center for Accessible Media provides this resource, which is full of captioned materials and tools to caption everything.

General Disability

These tools are designed to help users with a wide range of disabilities.

Linux Accessibility: This site will provide you with all the information you need to create a Linux or Unix client that is very accessible. You'll find applications like cursor enlargements, braille and sign language utilities and on screen keyboards.
Project Possibility: Project Possibility is a non-profit community service project that aims to create open source software that is designed for people who have disabilities including a variety of educational tools, word prediction, music in screen-reader friendly format and an accessible currency converter.
Say IT: SayIT is a suite of software that contains a scanner, orator, mouse and speech synthesizer. The software is designed to assist those who have lost the power of speech or have difficulty with fine motor skills.
EIA System: This specialized Web browser can be used on a wide variety of computers, even those with touch screens. It's designed to meet the special needs of individuals that have a range of disabilities and special needs and can be a great tool for training and educational programs.
LAT Kids: The LAT group develops a range of software for children K-12 who have learning disabilities and makes it free to use for visitors on the Web. It can be a great learning tool for many who suffer from a variety of disabilities.
PEAT: Planning and Execution Assistant and Trainer, or PEAT, is a helpful tool for those with cognitive disabilities. The program helps users to stay organized and on task, monitors progress, and is fully customizable.
Black Window: This program enhances the visibility of certain functions while removing the distraction of all other programs you are not using by creating a black window.

Concept Mapping

Many students with learning disabilities find it helpful to map out and organize their thoughts ahead of time. These tools are designed just for that.

FreeMind: FreeMind is open source mind mapping software that creates a simple interface for users to jot down their ideas, to-dos and whatever else comes into their minds right away.
eGems: This software is designed to collect all your thoughts and ideas and store them in one place. It can also be a great tool for storing research, especially if you lack organizational skills.
MindMeister: Try out the free basic service of this mind mapping software to get your thoughts in order.
OpenMind: OpenMind is designed to help you brainstorm, organize and understand complex ideas, and work more efficiently.
Mindomo: Organize links, pictures and text using this fully featured mind mapping tool.
bubbl.us: This Flash-based brainstorming tool provides an easy and accessible way to write down your thoughts as they come and even share them with others.
Mindjet: Mindjet is designed to work in a format different than the traditional linear outlines we use to organize information and can be a great tool for those used to thinking in a different way.
MindMap: This program can help you to visually represent your ideas in a variety of formats so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Comapping: Work with others or by yourself using this online concept mapping tool.
Mapul: Based on Microsoft's Silverlight, this program can help you get your thoughts down with text, links and pictures.

Web Browsing

These helpful browsers are designed to make it easy for people with many different kinds of disabilities to use the Web.

BrookesTalk: This tool from Oxford Brookes University is designed to help those who are blind or visually impaired navigate the Web.
SimplyWeb 2000: This speech enabled Web browser has many features that allow those with vision impairment to easily and readily access information on the Web.
MultiWeb: Users of this browser will find it incorporates technology that can help people with a range of disabilities. It includes built in features like a speech engine, text enlargement and interfaces for switch devices.
WebbIE: WebbIE is a web browser for blind and visually-impaired people that allows users to access news, audio, podcasts, RSS feeds and more.
Genie Web Browser: This Web browser can read aloud all the content found on the sites visited. Users can have it read a whole page or select highlighted parts to read.
Home Page Reader: This commercial browser from IBM allows users to get Web content delivered to them in an audio format as well as providing features like large text and magnification for visually impaired users.
vOICe Sonification Browser: Try this browser out for simple audio outputs of everything on the webpage you're looking at.
Homer: This browser is designed for those with visual impairments or who are blind and need voice capabilities for their browsers.
Communicate: Webwide: This browser is designed to make the Web more accessible. It creates a simple, symbol-based interface that is easy to navigate and use for anyone.
Connect Outloud: Give this commercial software a try if you're looking for a browser than can handle both speech and braille output and caters to the needs of blind and visually impaired users.
SpeakOn: This free program allows users to get audio output of the Web, an Internet radio, a book reader and access to online talking newspapers.

Source: http://www.collegedegree.com/

Learn some Labor Day ASL vocabulary

2012-08-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

The Deaf Service Bureau wishes everyone a happy Labor Day and thanks all supporters.

Check out fun Labor Day 2012 events in the Tampa Bay area this weekend

2012-08-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for things to do in the Tampa Bay area this Labor Day weekend check out the following events from Friday through Monday:

Friday, August 31, 2012:

MOSI After Dark Food Truck Rally

Attendees will have the opportunity to try food from the area’s coolest food trucks, enjoy great games and music, and experience Mummies of the World at night like never before. Guests can conquer MOSI’s Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip Line in the dark, and check out The Dark Knight Rises on Florida’s largest and only IMAX DOME Theatre. MOSI’s standard exhibit galleries will also be open at a discounted rate of $10.

Admission to the Food Truck Rally is free. Advance reservations are recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling 813-987-6000.
7:00-11:00pm
4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
Admission is FREE

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Back to School Music Bash

97X rocks you back to school with live music by Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, Cypress Hill, the Dirty Heads and Pepper.
Starts at noon
5121 81st Ave. N, Pinellas Park FL
Tickets: $27

USF Bulls Football Home Opener

Cheer on the USF Bulls as they take on the University of Tennessee/Chattanooga.
Game Starts at 7:00pm
Raymond James Stadium
Tickets as low as $9.87- Find tickets here!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Shepard’s Old Skool Weekend

This year’s beachfront Labor Day Weekend celebration features music by Flats, the Untouchables, Kid n Play and C&C Music Factory (Saturday); and Orange Avenue, DJ Skribble, Vanilla Ice and Rob Bass (Sunday).
1:00pm-3:00am (Sunday and Monday)
619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater FL
Ranges from FREE to $20 for admission

Monday, September 3, 2012

All American Festival

The Shops at Wiregrass honor the Republican National Convention and its guests with concerts, special window displays, children’s activities and a sidewalk sale. Participating retailers will hold a sidewalk sale through out the day, guests can visit the Guest Service Desk and pick up a patriotic wristband and a list of discounts and exclusive offers from merchants and check out special window displays set up by the Shops at Wiregrass merchants.
10:00am
The Shops of Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel FL
FREE to attend

President Obama encourages youth with disabilities to advocate for equal rights

2012-08-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Deaf Service Bureau provides employment services to all people with disabilities in order to help them enjoy a productive and independent life. Call 1-800-616-4293 for more information.

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games

2012-08-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to London, United Kingdom to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on August 29, 2012.

U.S. Army General Martin E. Dempsey, 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable Louis B. Susman, Ambassador of the United States to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Honorable Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
Mr. Kareem A. Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, The White House
Ms. Jean Driscoll, U.S. two-time Olympic silver medalist, five-time Paralympic gold medalist, three-time Paralympic silver medalist, and four-time Paralympic bronze medalist
Ms. Sharon Hedrick, U.S. two-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time Paralympic gold medalist, four-time Paralympic silver medalist, and two-time Paralympic bronze medalist
Mr. Larry T. Hughes, U.S. Paralympic gold medalist

Hurricane Preparedness tips for the Deaf (ASL video)

2012-08-23T12:25:00.001-07:00

You Have to be Deaf to Understand: An ASL Translation and Visual Presentation (VIDEO)

2012-08-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

ASL poem about texting and driving (video)

2012-08-21T09:44:00.001-07:00

How to reduce back-to-school anxiety

2012-08-20T08:30:00.001-07:00

As students in Florida are returning back to school today and tomorrow adjusting to a new schedule and different activities can cause unnecessary problems without the right preparation.
Here are 6 tips to reduce back-to school anxiety:

Parents should clear their schedules for the first week of the new school year. Postpone business trips, volunteer meetings, and other projects so that you can help your child acclimate to the school routine.
Prepare lunches the night before to avoid rushing out of the house in the morning.
Instruct your kids on how to set their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning. Praise them for prompt response to morning schedules and bus pickups.
Pin an index card with important information to your child's backpack or clothing, including their teacher’s name, bus number, as well as your daytime contact information.
Communicate frequently with your child’s teachers. Let the teachers know that you are interested in getting regular feedback on how and what your child is doing in school. Be sure to attend back-to-school night and introduce yourself to the teachers. Find out how they like to communicate with parents (e.g., through notes, e-mail, or phone calls). Convey a sincere desire to be a partner with your children’s teachers to enhance their learning experience.
Familiarize yourself with the other school professionals. Make an effort to find out who it is in the school or district who can be a resource for you and your child. Learn their roles and how best to access their help if you need them. This can include the principal and front office personnel; school psychologist, counselor, and social worker; the reading specialist, speech therapist, sign language interpreter, school nurse; and the after-school activities coordinator.

The right preparation will eliminate many potential problems before they arise and helps your child start the new school year on a positive note.

Source: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/home_school/b2shandout.aspx

12 easy back to school tips for parents and kids

2012-08-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are 12 tips to ease the back to school transition for parents and kids:

Schedule doctor and dental checkups.
Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities.
Mark important dates, especially back-to-school nights. This is especially important if you have children in more than one school and need to juggle obligations. Arrange for a babysitter now, if necessary.
Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.
Buy school supplies.
Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming over-tired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.
No TV for breakfast. Television is distracting for many children, and your child will arrive at school better prepared to learn each morning if he or she has engaged in less passive activities.
Visit the school with your child. Meeting the teacher, locating their classroom, locker, lunchroom, etc., will help ease pre-school anxieties and also allow your child to ask questions about the new environment.
Check with your school to confirm dress code guidelines. Common concerns include extremely short skirts and shorts, low rise pants, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap or halter tops, exposed undergarments, and clothing that have antisocial messages.
Designate and clear a place to do homework. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement.
Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children.
Freeze a few easy dinners. It will be much easier on you if you have dinner prepared so that meal preparation will not add to household tensions during the first week of school.

Source: http://www.nasponline.org/resources/home_school/b2shandout.aspx

The Campaign movie trailer (with captions)

2012-08-10T08:41:00.002-07:00

When long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district. Their man: naïve Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors' support, a cutthroat campaign manager and his family's political connections, he soon becomes a contender who gives the charismatic Cam plenty to worry about. As Election Day closes in, the two are locked in a dead heat, with insults quickly escalating to injury until all they care about is burying each other, in this mud-slinging, back-stabbing, home-wrecking comedy from "Meet the Parents" director Jay Roach that takes today's political circus to its logical next level. Because even when you think campaign ethics have hit rock bottom, there's room to dig a whole lot deeper.

Double amputee Oscar Pistorius inspires millions at Olympic Games 2012 in London (video with captions)

2012-08-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

For captions click here!

DSB partners with Macy's for seventh annual “Shop for a Cause”

2012-08-06T05:49:00.001-07:00

Tampa, Fla. – Aug.6, 2012 Macy’s will partner with Deaf Service Bureau of West Central Florida to invite customers to participate in Macy’s seventh annual “Shop for a Cause” charity shopping event. Macy’s 2012 Shop for a Cause will take place on August 25, 2012; customers can purchase tickets now from DSB (see below!). Macy’s Shop For A Cause is a unique one-day-only shopping event created to support local charities’ fundraising efforts, which have helped raised more than $42 million for charities across the country since 2006.

“Giving back is a cornerstone of Macy’s culture, and through our annual Shop For A Cause program Macy’s has been able to raise more than $42 million for local and national charities that are meaningful for our customers and associates,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer. “We are proud to offer our customers a simple way to make a positive difference in their communities while enjoying great savings at Macy’s. Our customers’ ongoing support is an inspiration, and we hope to continue making an impact for years to come.”

Macy’s has provided DSB with shopping passes to sell for $5 each (see below!). The organization will keep 100% of every ticket it sells. The more tickets sold by DSB, the more money it will raise to help support services for the deaf, hard-of-hearing and disabled community!

By purchasing a shopping pass to the event from DSB, customers support DSB's employment program, ASL classes, and all advocacy services, while enjoying a day of spectacular discounts, entertainment, special events. Pass holders will enjoy special discounts on most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day. (Some exclusions apply.)

For more information about Macy’s Shop For A Cause event, visit macys.com/shopforacause.

Number of Macy's Savings Passes

We will email you the savings pass as soon as we receive your payment!

Shop tax free for clothes, school supplies this weekend in Florida

2012-08-03T15:15:00.002-07:00

The Florida Legislature passed a bill Governor Scott signed into law making August 3 though 5 a sales tax-period. During the three days, most clothing and shoes, and some accessories costing of $75 or less will be tax free. Certain school supplies of $15 or less will also be tax free.

The Legislature decided "clothing" means any article intended to be worn on or about the human body, including all footwear (except skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates).

"Clothing" does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, or sporting equipment.

"School supplies" means pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, notebooks, notebook filler paper, legal pads, binders, lunch boxes, construction paper, markers, folders, poster board, composition books, poster paper, scissors, cellophane tape, glue, paste, rulers, computer disks, protractors, compasses, and calculators.

Books are not exempt from tax during the sales tax holiday except those books that are always exempt, such as Bibles.

The tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

The following is a list of articles of clothing in alphabetical order that are tax exempt if they are sold for $75 or less during the tax-exemption period:

Accessories (barrettes and bobby pins, belt buckles, bow ties, hair bands, hair bows, hair clips, hair nets, handbags, neck wear, ponytail holders, scarves, ties, wallets)
Aerobic/Fitness clothing
Aprons/Clothing shields
Athletic supporters
Baby clothes
Backpacks
Bandanas
Baseball cleats
Bathing suits, caps, and cover-ups
Belt buckles
Belts
Bibs
Blouses
Book bags
Boots (except ski boots)
Bowling shoes (purchased)
Bow ties
Braces and supports worn to correct or alleviate a physical incapacity or injury
Bras
Caps and hats
Choir and altar clothing
Cleated and spiked shoes
Clerical vestments
Coats and wraps
Coin purses
Costumes
Coveralls
Diaper bags
Diapers, diaper inserts (adult and baby, cloth or disposable)
Dresses
Employee uniforms
Fanny packs
Fishing vests (non-flotation)
Formal clothing (purchased)
Gloves (dress - purchased, garden, leather, work)
Graduation caps and gowns
Gym suits and uniforms
Hair nets, bows, clips, and bands
Handbags and purses
Hats
Hosiery, including support hosiery
Hunting vests
Insoles
Jackets
Jeans
Key chains
Knee pads
Lab coats
Leg warmers
Leotards and tights
Lingerie
Martial arts attire
Neck wear and ties
Overshoes and rubber shoes
Pants
Pantyhose
Purses
Raincoats, rain hats, and ponchos
Receiving blankets
Religious clothing
Robes
Safety clothing
Safety shoes
Scarves
Scout uniforms
Shawls and wraps
Shirts
Shoe inserts
Shoes (including athletic)
Shoulder pads (for dresses, jackets, etc.)
Shorts
Ski suits (snow)
Skirts
Sleepwear, nightgowns, pajamas
Slippers
Slips
Socks
Sports uniforms (except pads, helmets)
Suits, slacks, and jackets
Suspenders
Sweatbands
Sweaters
Swim suits and trunks
Ties (neckties - all)
Tights
Tuxedos (excluding rentals)
Underclothes
Uniforms (work, school, and athletic, excluding pads)
Vests
Vintage clothing
Wallets
Work clothes and uniforms

The following is a list of school supplies in alphabetical order that are tax exempt if they are sold for $15 or less during the tax-exemption period:

Binders
Calculators
Cellophane (transparent) tape
Colored pencils
Compasses
Composition books
Computer disks (blank CDs only)
Construction paper
Crayons
Erasers
Folders
Glue (stick and liquid)
Highlighters
Legal pads
Lunch boxes
Markers
Notebook filler paper
Notebooks
Paste
Pencils, including mechanical and refills
Pens, including felt, ballpoint, fountain, highlighters, and refills
Poster board
Poster paper
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors

The following is a list of articles of clothing in alphabetical order that are not sales tax exempt during the tax-exemption period:

Accessories (handkerchiefs, jewelry, key cases, watch bands, watches)
Athletic gloves
Athletic pads
Belts for weightlifting
Bowling shoes (rented)
Briefcases
Checkbook covers (separate from wallets)
Chest protectors
Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics
Clothing repair items such as thread, buttons, tapes, iron-on patches, zippers
Corsages and boutonnieres
Cosmetic bags
Crib blankets
Diving suits (wet and dry)
Duffel bags
Elbow pads
Fins
Fishing boots (waders)
Football pads
Formal clothing (rented)
Garment bags
Gloves (baseball, batting, bicycle, golf, hockey, rubber, surgical, tennis)
Goggles (except prescription)
Handkerchiefs
Hard hats
Helmets (bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports)
Ice skates
In-line skates
Jewelry
Life jackets and vests
Luggage
Makeup bags
Pads (football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder)
Paint or dust masks
Patterns
Protective masks (athletic)
Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes)
Repair of wearing apparel
Roller blades
Roller skates
Safety glasses (except prescription)
Shaving kits/bags
Shin guards and padding
Shoulder pads (football, hockey, sports)
Skates (ice, in-line, roller)
Ski boots (snow)
Ski vests (water)
Skin diving suits
Sports helmets
Sports pads (football, hockey, soccer, knee, elbow, shoulder)
Suitcases
Sunglasses (except prescription)
Swimming masks
Umbrellas
Watchbands
Water ski vests
Weight lifting belts
Wet and dry diving suits
Wigs, toupees, and chignons

The following is a list of school supplies in alphabetical order that are not sales tax exempt during the tax-exemption period:

Computer paper
Correction tape, fluid, or pens
Jump drives and flash drives
Masking tape
Printer paper
Staplers
Staples
Toner and ink cartridges

Watch Total Recall trailer with captions

2012-08-03T12:30:00.002-07:00

"Total Recall" is an action thriller about reality and memory, inspired anew by the famous short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick. Welcome to Rekall, the company that can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life - real memories of life as a super-spy might be just what he needs. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. Finding himself on the run from the police – controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), the leader of the free world – Quaid teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) to find the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy) and stop Cohaagen. The line between fantasy and reality gets blurred and the fate of his world hangs in the balance as Quaid discovers his true identity, his true love, and his true fate.

Check out this American Sign Language Barbie from 1999

2012-08-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

This American Sign Language Barbie doll was released in 1999 and became available in stores in 2000.

One source said it was designed with the help of the National Center on Deafness.

The doll comes with Barbie's hand in the ASL "I Love You" symbol.

It comes with a "cling on" board with a clock that has movable hands, and pictures that include the sign for that picture. There is a complete ASL alphabet on the back of the box. You can read more about American Sign Language (ASL) below.

This Barbie can be used with all the usual cloths and accessories available for any other Barbie Doll and is still available on Amazon.com.

5 quick tips for writing impressive cover letters

2012-08-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

In order to get past the first screening step during the hiring process you must have a well-crafted cover letter. Otherwise, no one will even look at your resume, no matter how impressive it might be.

Directly address the hiring manager for the position
Highlight leadership positions and relevant skills
Avoid describing yourself with cliches such as team player or people person
Never repeat information that is already on your resume
Do not begin sentences with "I"

Donate food items for low income children in Tampa Bay in August

2012-07-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tampa, Fla.--The newest Chevrolet dealership in the Tampa Bay area will be participating in a food drive to benefit the residents of Tampa Bay by collecting non-perishable food items the week of Aug. 6 -10, 2012.

In conjunction with the LIVE broadcast “Olympic Zone”, which will originate from Daniels Chevrolet, they will be filling up trunks of their new vehicles at 11300 N. Florida Avenue (Florida and Fowler), with the food that people can drop by. The Live broadcast is from 7:30 PM to 8 PM, but the food can be dropped off at the dealership throughout the day.

“We are especially grateful to Daniels Chevrolet and New Channel 8 for their support at this difficult time of year,” said

Pat Rogers, Executive Director of Feeding America Tampa Bay. “It’s been a long, hard summer for Tampa Bay’s 250,000 low income children who depend heavily on school meals for their nutrition. These donations will help the food bank provide summer food for kids throughout the area.”

During this special event, Daniels Chevrolet will be offering anyone that purchases a vehicle from the dealership (new or pre-owned), a cruise or 32” TV. The Total Confidence and Love It Or Return It Chevrolet incentive programs are also offered by Daniels Chevrolet.

For those individuals donating food to Feeding America Tampa Bay, a discounted oil change coupon will be available.

For more information, please contact Creative Ideas Advertising Agency at 813.963.1700 or info@creativeideasagency.com.

Free resource fair for families with deaf children in Orlando this Saturday

2012-07-26T06:59:00.000-07:00