Office of Deaf Services September 2011 Visit DSCI website: www.deafservices.iowa.gov Questions or Comments? Email us: dhr.dsci@iowa.gov ANNOUNCEMENT Iowa Department of Human Rights SIGN of the TIMES E-NEWS INFORMATION INTERPRETER SHORTAGE My name is Meghan Moratz, and I will be volunteering with the Office of Deaf Services over the next couple of months. I'm sure many of you have either heard about the interpreter shortage or been directly affected by it. I am one of those people who is directly affected by it. I had an interpreter who didn’t meet my standard and couldn't pass the test and only had her temporary license, so fortu- nately for me she can no longer interpret this year. The problem, however, came in trying to find a new interpreter to replace her. No one applied for the job who was qualified enough to interpret in high school, so we had to get creative and contacted a small inter- preting agency, who has been able to provide several interpreters that are able to rotate days. This interpreter shortage will continue until we do something to recruit more interpreters that are able to pass the test. My idea to solve this is to bring the interpreting program to bigger schools such as Iowa State Univer- sity, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. This way more hearing people will learn about the need for interpret- ers and will be able to join the program much easier. I also want to encourage everyone to spread the word about deafness, if more people know about being deaf and under- stand it, more people will be interested in becoming interpreters. -Meghan Moratz Hello Everyone from Suzy Mannella, I want to take this opportunity to inform you all, with mixed emotions, that I will be relocating to Washington State at the end of this month. My last day will be September 22nd. I have accepted a position with the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing beginning October 3rd. I would like to say thank you and goodbye to each and every one of you. The years that I have worked here are very special and each one of you have helped to make it so. I’ve enjoyed and learned so many new things. I would like you to know that I’ve appreciated being part of Deaf Services Commission of Iowa, Community Advocacy and Services, and the Department of Human Rights. I’ve been blessed and thank you all for the opportunities that have been provided to me during the last several years that were so fulfilling, with your support, and for giving me experiences and memories that I’ll never forget! It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life. My position will be open and available for interested applicants to apply. For more information, contact our department director San Wong via email at San.Wong@iowa.gov It’s been an honor and privilege working with all of you. I will miss you all and wish you all best for a successful future. Thank you for everything. Farewell and best wishes, 9/02: 6:00 pm: American Sign Language Social located at ALL-Play, Des Moines. 9/18-24: Deaf Awareness Week 9/24: Iowa School for the Deaf’s Annual Homecoming Day located at Iowa School for the Deaf, 3501 Harry Langdon Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. For more details on these events, see our events webpage: http://www.deafservices.iowa.gov/events/index.html The deadline for submission for the October issue is September 30th. Send e-mail submis- sions to the editor at dhr.dsci@iowa.gov SUBMITTING ARTICLES, NEWS, RECENT EVENTS, OR INFORMATION Office of Deaf Services September 2011 Visit DSCI website: www.deafservices.iowa.gov Questions or Comments? Email us: dhr.dsci@iowa.gov CALENDAR OF EVENTS Iowa Department of Human Rights SIGN of the TIMES E-NEWS INFORMATION Living with Your Child’s Hearing Loss Below are topics about Deafness Series provided by Iowa School for the Deaf and The Iowa Lions Foundation. It’s free and open to anyone who would like to learn more about living with a child’s hearing loss. . Put Me in Coach! Thursday, Oct. 27—7-8 pm Registration Deadline: Oct. 13 . Lessons in Learning Thursday, Nov. 17—7-8 pm Registration Deadline: Nov. 3 . ISD: Mystery Solved! Thursday, Feb. 16—7-8 pm Registration Deadline: Feb. 2 . You Have Choices Thursday, March 22 —7-8 pm Registration Deadline: March 8 How to Register: Individuals interested in the workshops who are not registered for sign language class can register online at iowaschoolforthedeaf.org or http://www.iadeaf.k12.ia.us/resources/signclass.php Questions regarding Topics about Deafness may be directed to Iowa School for the Deaf Outreach Services, 712.366.3213 or email: cangeroth@iowaschoolforthedeaf.org