2009 NTC Program Book

Introduction PageLetter From NTC Chairperson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2History of NTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Letter of Welcome from DHHIG Chairperson . . . . . . . .4

General Information PageSchedule At-A-Glance ....................................................6Keynote Speakers...........................................................7Workshop Information ..................................................7Workshop Schedules ................................................8-10

Workshops Information .................................PageWorkshop Descriptions Track 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Workshop Descriptions Track 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Workshop Descriptions Track 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Workshop Descriptions Track 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Workshop Descriptions Track 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Workshop Keynote Speakers/Presenters’ Biographies . .17

Conference Information .................................PageExhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Gallaudet Campus Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Table of Contents Planning Committee Ward PettisChairperson

Yaél AgrissWeb Developer

Jennifer CroftWorkshop and Keynote

Coordinator

Ashton DunbarPublic Relations Coordinator

Adrian KantorRegistration Coordinator

Matthew LockhartExhibits Co-Coordinator

Brian LucasVolunteer Coordinator

Anthony NapoliSponsor Coordinator

Jeff PadonReasonable Accommodation

Coordinator

Michael PearlmanTechnology Coordinator

Stephanie PhillipsHospitality Co-Coordinator

Angela ShannonPrograms/Brochure Designer

Yvonne TuttleHospitality Co-Coordinator

Nick VeraExhibits Co-Coordinator

www.dhhig.org • 2009 National Training Conference Program 1

Letter of Welcome

SINCERELy,

WARD PETTIS

NTC 2009 CHAIRPERSON

2 “Climbing Ladders of Opportunity”

leTTer from nTc chAirperSon

On behalf of the DHHIG, the 2009 National Training ConferenceCommittee welcomes you to the 12th DHHIG NTC. The theme

for this year’s NTC is “Climbing Ladders of Opportunity". HavingNTC 2009 at the Gallaudet University Kellogg Conference Hotelmarks a return to Gallaudet University where the first NationalTraining Conference was held in 1994.

This 12th NTC offers you a great selection of workshop andkeynote speakers, focusing on your needs, both professional andpersonal. The motivational speaker, Evon Black will engage andinspire us. Andrew Imparato will give you insight into how therecent passage of the ADAAA will impact you. Then the PowerPanel of Nancy J. Bloch, Robert Davila, Alan Hurwitz and JamesMcFadden will respond to your submitted questions for how toresolve issues that Deaf and Hard of Hearing government employeesface.

The five workshop tracks offer you the opportunity to choosethe training which will best fit your professional and personal needs.The five tracks: Expanding Opportunities, Legal & Policy Issues,Fostering Communication, Tools & Technologies and StayingCommitted & Connected. No matter which track you choose, youwill have excellent training opportunities.

Will NTC 2009 be just training? No, you will have significantnetworking opportunities during the daytime as well as the evenings.That is why attending the NTC 2009 gives all the ability forClimbing Ladders of Opportunity.

I would like to thank the NTC 2009 Committee for their hardwork, as well as thanking the DHHIG Board of Directors for theirsupport in preparing the NTC 2009 so that it is the best of all NTCsso far!

Planning Committee

A SpeciAl ThAnkS goeS To:

Implementing, maintaining, and promoting the Deaf and Hard ofHearing in Government (DHHIG)/National Training Conference

(NTC) for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Government employees has beena great challenge. The DHHIG/NTC steering committee would like tothank everyone who has made a contribution and contributed to the suc-cess of the 2009 DHHIG/NTC. We apologize if we overlooked anyone:

• Alternative Communication Services, LLC• Deaf Access Solutions• Booz Allen Hamilton• Computer/Electronics Accommodations

Program• CSDVRS• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

• Federal Relay Services• Gallaudet University, Office of Alumni

Relations• General Services Administration• National Association of the Deaf• National Security Agency• NTID/ RIT (NCE)

• NexTalk, Inc• sComm• Snap! VRS• SPRINT• Sorenson• SSA Ticket to Work• Valbin Corporation• Viable, Inc

Ward PettisChairperson

National Institutes of Health

Yaél AgrissWeb Developer

Jennifer CroftWorkshop Coordinator

Department of Commerce

Ashton DubarPublic Relations Coordinator

Department of Treasury

Adrian KantorRegistration Coordinator

Food and Drug Administration

Matthew LockhartCo-Exhibits Coordinator

National Institutes of Health

Brian LucasVolunteer Coordinator

U.S. Mint

Anthony NapoliSponsor Coordinator

U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency

Jeff PadonReasonable Accommodation

Coordinator U. S. Coast Guard

Michael PearlmanTechnology Coordinator

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Stephanie PhillipsCo-Hospitality Coordinator

U.S. Agency for InternationalDevelopment

Angela ShannonPrograms/Brochure Designer

Defense Logistics Agency

Yvonne TuttleCo-Hospitality Coordinator

National Geospatial-IntelligenceAgency

Nick VeraCo-Exhibits Coordinator

National Geospatial-IntelligenceAgency


History of NTC

A hiSTory of The

nATionAl TrAining

conference

To address the need for a knowl-edgeable, problem-identifying and

solving organization representingDeaf and Hard of Hearing govern-ment workers, several Federalemployees came together to discussthe plausibility and direction of estab-lishing a professional organization.Little by little, ideas, concerns andtrends were exchanged throughemails and task force meetings.Executive Director, Secretary,Treasurer and Board Members atLarge were appointed as interim offi-cers in 1997.

The team succeeded in soliciting,gathering, analyzing and summarizingall possible concerns and suggestionsfrom the potential members and lead-ers. At the same time, they consulteda professional organization develop-ment specialist to strategize and struc-ture a dynamic, flexible and stableprofessional organization withempowerment and leadership oppor-tunities in mind.

In addition to the initial start-upactions, there were a few other activegroups to consider: a NationalTraining Conference planning com-mittee and the Annual DecemberLuncheon planning committee forFederal Government Employees.Acquisition and merging of these twogroups into the new organizationunderwent major discussion andnegotiation. At this early stage, theorganization also provided support toa group of Federal ASL interpretersand other service support personnelthat required planning attention. Withinformation gathered and strategicobjectives in place, bylaw articleswere carefully drafted to reflect aworking partnership and leadership.As a result of team collaboration andeffective communication, the bylawswere presented at the NationalTraining Conference in 1998 withfavorable commendations.

A preamble, vision statement,mission statement and bylaws weredrafted by a core team of the foundersand were thoroughly reviewed by the

Board. After the Board’s review, thedocuments were elevated to the gen-eral public via several meetings and atthe 1998 National Association of theDeaf conference at San Antonio,Texas. The results were astoundinglyaccepted. From here, the team pro-ceeded to “add flesh to bones” for thenew organization. General member-ship meetings were held every year atthe Biennial National TrainingConference and alternative BiennialDHHIG Miniconference.

An initial board meeting washeld in September 1998. The officerswere appointed according to theadopted bylaws: Executive DirectorEric Spanbauer, Vice ExecutiveDirector Ashton Dunbar, SecretaryJim B Bishop and Treasurer Ric-OlinLyles. The remaining were BoardMembers at large (please see thenames of DHHIG Founders on theright). The Advisory Council, consist-ing of different regional representa-tives were nominated and accepted.Several board committees wereformed with eager volunteers andleaders.

A charter was drafted and sub-mitted to the State of Maryland. Afterreviewing an application, IRS granteda determination letter for status ofnonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organ-ization in 1998.

To this day, DHHIG is recog-nized as a professional organizationserving the best interest of the Deafand Hard of Hearing Governmentemployees at several levels: Federal,State, local and quasi governments.The professional organization hasgained recognition from the Office ofPersonnel Management, Capitol Hill,The White House and other Federaland State agencies and otherDeaf/HOH professional organiza-tions.

DHHIG is supported solely byvoluntary contributions and availableresources. A website was designedand implemented to build andimprove open communication. It alsodraws off professional knowledge,skills, talents, and builds camaraderieamong our members, volunteers,leaders, officers and other stakehold-ers through various communicationtechnologies and the Internet. With an

inclusive vision, membership hassteadily grown from 25 to over 2,000members across the nation.

It should be noted that prior toestablishing DHHIG, there were acouple of well meaning efforts to pro-vide support to government employ-ees. In the year of approximately1975, a group of Federal employeesformed and was chartered as theFederal Employee Section underNational Association of the Deaf. Dueto low membership participation inthe last few years, it folded in 1996. Ayear later, a new group resurfaced andaddressed some rudimentary issuesand concerns. It was the persistenceand tireless volunteer work of theDHHIG founders that laid the ground-work for the successful organizationDHHIG is has become today.

Jim B. BishopInternal Revenue Service

William BowmanSocial Security Administration

Betty DoddsNational Oceanic & Atmospheric

Administration

Ashton DunbarU.S. Department of Agriculture

Vic Galloway, Ed. D.U.S. Department of Education

Nancy Jenkins, Esq.U.S. Department of Education

Ric-Olin LylesNational Institutes of Health

Charles MokotoffNational Institutes of Health

Sue E. Pressman, Ph.D.U.S. Department of Education

Paul SingletonU.S. Department of Defense

Eric SpanbauerDefense Logistics Agency

Mark P. TessierU.S. Department of Transportation

DHHIG FOUNDERS


leTTer from Dhhig

On behalf of the DHHIG Board of Directors, I am delighted toextend warm greetings to everyone participating in the

National Training Conference (NTC) on May 5-7, 2009, in Washington, D.C. I am confident you will agree that NTC is aspecial conference with talented and enthusiastic committee mem-bers and a DHHIG Board of Directors who are ready to serve you.

As I approach the end of my term as DHHIG Chair, I reflecton the past two years of this administration. The term 2007-2009was a busy and challenging one for this organization. DHHIGcontinues to provide a stable foundation and resource for deaf andhard of hearing Federal Government employees and remainsviable and visible in the government community.

Our work does not stop. It is my sincerest hope that in thecoming years, DHHIG will continue to strive toward implement-ing clear and effective policies and operating more smoothly andefficiently. I passionately believe that ongoing training and infor-mational sessions such as NTC will bring everyone together in aspirit of harmony, understanding and mutual respect so as tobridge the communication barriers between hearing and deaf peo-ple. If we could put our differences aside and work together witha positive attitude, we will achieve so much more, leading togreater access to the resources deaf and hard of hearing FederalGovernment employees need to lead productive and successfulcareers. They would be “climbing ladders of opportunity” andexcel in a way that they so rightfully deserve, leading to greatrewards for all of us. I encourage you to come forward, with apositive attitude, to serve as DHHIG volunteers. We need to seepositive volunteerism skyrocket!

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to NTC 2009 ChairWard Pettis and his Steering Committee for contributing theirvaluable time and talent toward making this an extraordinary con-ference. DHHIG owes its success to the support and activeinvolvement of sponsors, speakers, workshop presenters, and thenumerous delegates from across the federal government communi-ty. With the sustained input and participation of this distinguishedgroup, we hope to build on this collegial atmosphere to create asuccessful working environment for future DHHIG Programs.

Please accept my wishes for a memorable and inspirationalgathering. I ask you to remain in touch with DHHIG Board as wework together to accomplish DHHIG’s mission. I look forward toseeing your participation and physical presence in the nextDHHIG program.

DHHIGINGLy yOURS,

HEIDI A. BURGHARDT

CHAIR

LetterS of Welcome

DHHIG, a 501©3 non-profit

organization, serving Deaf and

Hard of Hearing Government

employees since 1998

Heidi A. BurghardtChair

Jeffrey L. SalitVice-Chair

Gail L. EdwardsSecretary

John OlumoyaTreasurer

BOARD MEMBERS

Ernest E. Hairston, Ph.D

Kirsten Poston

Jaime Recht

Toby Silver

Charm L. Smith

NTC CHAIRPERSON

Ward Pettis

SENIOR ADVISOR

William J. Bowman

WEBMASTER

David Stout

DHHIG Board ofDirectors


General Information

regiSTrATion informATion

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing inGovernment/National Training Conference(DHHIG/NTC) 2009 conference will be heldTuesday-Thursday, May 5-7, 2009 at the GallaudetUniversity Kellogg Conference Center. Detailedinformation related to registration such as cancella-tions, substitutions, special accommodation needs,etc. can be found at the NTC website(www.dhhig.org/ntc/2009). Registration for this con-ference is mandatory. Without proper badge identifi-cation, you will not be allowed to attend to bothworkshops and exhibits. The registration booth onthe first floor of the Kellogg Conference Center willopen as follows:

MONDAY, MAY 4TH 4:00 AM TO 9:00 PMTUESDAY, MAY 5TH 7:30 AM TO 5:00 PMWEDNESDAY, MAY 6TH 7:30 AM TO 5:00 PMTHURSDAY, MAY 7TH 7:30 AM TO 11:30 PM

Attendees registered for the conference will receiveone copy of the DHHIG/NTC program book, a con-ference bag, and some freebies.

BADge informATion

Though badges are included in the cost, if you loseyour badge, you will need to show us your registra-tion confirmation letter in order to get a replacementbadge. Please understand that you may not enter theworkshops area without a proper badge.

progrAm Book

Each paid participant will receive a copy of the pro-gram book when they pick up their registration atthe registration booth. Please safeguard the programbook as we do carry a limited supply of books.

communicATion BoArD

Announcements and messages will be posted on the“communication board” at the registration desk.This is located on the lobby area adjacent to the reg-istration desk.

reASonABle AccommoDATionS

Reasonable Accommodations provided also includeCART services and electronic formats for all power-points and other handouts. A special laptop will be

available at the registration booth where you candownload the electronic format files you wish tohave onto the USB flash drive that has been provid-ed to you in the conference bag. Sign Language andOral Interpreting services will be available duringthe conference. To discuss other special or personalaccommodations, please contact Jeff Padon, theReasonable Accommodations Coordinator.

lArge prinT progrAmS

The conference program is available in large print.Request a copy at the registration desk.

conference evAluATionS

The evaluation form is important, as it will provideus guidance when planning for future conferences.We urge you to fill out the evaluation form andreturn the completed evaluation form(s) in the eval-uation form box at the hospitality booth. Evaluationforms will also be available at the registration table.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in the Kellogg ConferenceCenter. Smoking is permitted outside. Violation ofthis policy can result in a $300.00 fine.

Telephone

There are public Video Phone booths andTDD/TTy’s are available in the Kellogg ConferenceCenter.

TrAnSporTATion

The conference is located within walking distancefrom the Gallaudet University/New york AvenueMetro. For information about local travel inquire atthe conference or hotel registration areas.

pArking

Visitors to the Kellogg Conference Hotel will beassigned a visitors parking pass for use in the park-ing garage or overflow lot on the 6th Street. If youchoose to park in the garage, please immediatelypick up your visitors parking pass from the registra-tion booth and place it in your car before attendingthe conference sessions. Parking spaces for individ-uals with disabilities are available. Unauthorizedvehicles will be ticketed and/or towed at owner’sexpense.


Schedule -at-glance

Tuesday, May 5TIME ENDS EVENT LOCATION

8:00 am 9:00 am Registration/Networking - Coffee hosted by sponsors Lobby Area8:00 am All Day Registration and Exhibit Hall Lobby Area9:00 am 9:10 am Opening Remarks / Welcome Remarks from Chair, Pettis Ward Auditorium9:10 am 10:20 am Keynote Speaker - Evon Black Auditorium10:20 am 10:30 am Break Lobby Area10:30 am 11:45 am Morning Session: Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-611:45am 1:15 pm LUNCHEON. Town hall meeting with DHHIG Board members Ballroom1:15 pm 2:30 pm Mid-Afternoon Session:Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-62:30 pm 3:00 pm Break Lobby Area3:00 pm 4:15 pm Afternoon Session: Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-67:00 pm 10:00 pm Deaf Professional Happy Hour (DPHH) Sponsored by Viable* Regional Food and Drinks

in Chinatown (a block away from Gallery PI Chinatown metro) *check the AD on back of book

Wednesday, May 6TIME DURATION EVENT LOCATION

8:00 am 9:00 am Registration/Networking - Coffee hosted by sponsors Lobby Area8:00 am All Day Registration and Exhibit Hall Lobby Area9:00 am 10:20 am Keynote Speaker - Andrew Imparato and Election Updates Auditorium10:20 am 10:30 am Break Lobby Area10:30 am 11:45 am Morning Session: Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-611:45am 1:15 pm LUNCH BOX PROVIDED Tent outside next to Ole Jim1:15 pm 2:30 pm Mid-Afternoon Session:Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-62:30 pm 3:00 pm Break Lobby Area3:00 pm 4:15 pm Afternoon Session: Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-64:15 pm 6:15 pm Happy Hour Ballroom

Thursday, May 7TIME DURATION EVENT LOCATION

8:00 am 9:00 am Registration/Networking - Coffee hosted by sponsors Lobby Area8:00 am 111:30 am Registration Lobby Area8:00 am All Day Exhibit Hall Lobby Area9:00 am 10:20 am Keynote “Power Panel” - Nancy J. Bloch, Dr. Robert Davilla,

Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz & Jim McFadden (Moderator: Jennifer Croft) Auditorium10:20 am 2:30 pm Break Lobby Area10:30 am 11:45 am Morning Session: Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-611:45am 12:30 pm LUNCH BOX PROVIDED Tent Outside next to Ole Jim12:30pm 3:00 pm Videophone and VRS Vendor Showcase Ballroom1:15 pm 2:30 pm Mid-Afternoon Session:Workshops Auditorium, Ballroom and Meeting Rooms 1-62:30 pm 3:00 pm Break Lobby Area3:00 pm 4:15 pm “Swearing In Ceremony” and Business Meeting Auditorium

Friday, May 8 YOU HAVE TO PRE-REGISTER THROUGH THE ONLINE PROCESS TO PARTICIPATE

TIME DURATION EVENT LOCATION

10:00am 12:00 pm Tours of the U.S. Capitol (Add on Bonus) TBA1:00pm 3:00 pm Tours of the U.S. Capitol (Add on Bonus) TBA

keynote speakers and workshop information


Tuesday Speaker * Keynote andEntertainment - “Setting the Tone for NTC”EVON BLACK

Ms. Evon Black, Motivational Speaker, will liftup, inspire, and engage all of us. Her infectiousenthusiasm and dynamic energy will revitalize us andgive us a call to action. Ms. Black is a nationallyacclaimed performer, storyteller, and motivator; youmay have seen her perform at the recent NationalAssociation of the Deaf (NAD) conference. As abonus we’ll be treated to a live performance from theDeaf Performing Artists Network (D-PAN)! Thisorganization creates media designed specifically fordeaf audiences through the use of American SignLanguage. DPAN’s performance has been made pos-sible by Viable Inc.

Wednesday Speaker * - “Seeing The BigPicture”ANDy IMPARATO

Don’t miss this informational keynote speaker fromone of the foremost leaders of the civil rights move-ment for people with disabilities. Mr. Imparato wasone of the advocates behind the recent passage of theAmericans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act(ADAAA), and other civil rights laws affecting peo-ple with disabilities. The American Association ofPeople with Disabilities (AAPD), the country'slargest cross-disability membership organization,organizes the disability community to be a powerfulvoice for change – politically, economically, andsocially. Learn more about what AAPD is doing tosupport employment of people with disabilities,including people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Thursday Speakers - Keynote - “Power Panel” *NANCy J. BLOCHDR. ROBERT DAVILLADR. T. ALAN HURWITzMR. JIM MCFADDENDeaf leaders from the business world, advocacyworld, and the two largest higher education institu-tions serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing students willdiscuss the current and future trends they see makingan impact on the Deaf community, including: educa-tional trends, the importance of lifelong learning, cur-rent challenges and opportunities, and how theseimpact the ability of deaf and hard of hearing individ-uals seeking employment and/or advancement withinthe government sector. This session is meant to be aninteractive experience, everyone is encouraged toparticipate! What questions would you like to ask ofthe “Power Panel”? Panel members: Dr. RobertDavila, President, Gallaudet University; Dr. T. AlanHurwitz, President, NTID and Vice President andDean, RIT; Jim McFadden, President, Macfadden &Associates, Inc. (representing the business world andcurrently on the search committee for the nextGallaudet University President); and Nancy J. Bloch,Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio Board mem-ber of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).Moderator: Jennifer Croft, Disability Policy Advisor,Department of Commerce. (Unfortunately, Dr. RozRosen, representing California State University atNorthridge CSUN was not able to accept our invita-tion to participate participate in our “Power Panel”due to previous commitments.)

*BIO’S AND PHOTOS ARE IN THE WORKSHOPPRESENTERS (ON PAGE 17).

Workshop Track Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page

1 Expanding Opportunities - through practical employment information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

2 Legal and Policy Issues - in Employment of People who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

3 Fostering Communication - regardless of communication modes such as sign language or spoken english . .14

4 Tools and Technologies - used by Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing government employees . . . . . . . . . .15

5 Staying Committed and Connected - Leadership and Empowerment of the Federal Deaf/HoH Community .16

NTC 2009 Workshop speakers will address the conference theme of “Climbing Ladders of Opportunity”in one of the five tracks as described below:

Workshop Information


Workshop schedule for Tuesday, May 5

1 Expanding 2 Legal and Policy 3 Fostering 4 Tools and Technology 5 Staying CommittedOpportunities Issues Communication Technologies and ConnectedPage 11 Page 13 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17

8:00 am - All day Registration/Networking - Coffee hosted by sponsors Lobby Area

9:00 am - 10:20 am Opening Session Auditorium

9:00 am - 10:00 am Welcome/Opening Remarks Pettis Ward, NTC Chairperson, National Institutes of Health

1 Keynote Speaker - “Setting the Tone for NTC”Evon Black, Motivation Speaker, Entertainment: (Deaf Performing Artists Network (D-PAN)

10:00 am - 10:10 am Break - Refreshments hosted by sponsor Exhibit Hall

10:10 am - 11:25 am Morning Sessions: Workshops

TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Rm 1 Ten Steps to a Successful Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ted Lord2. Ballr. Priorities of the New Obama Administration - What does it means for and DHHIG and

its Members? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Rosen3. Rm 6 Working Together: Deaf and Hearing People . . .Kathy Dollinger-Meyer & Regina Kiperman-Kiselgof4. Aud. Real Solutions for You - CAP . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Dallos, Kirstin Piorkowski & Michelle Sherbondy5. Rm 5 Tips for Success: Deaf in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer Stewart

11:35 am - 1:05 pm Luncheon. Town hall meeting with DHHIG Board members Ballroom

1:05 pm - 1:15 pm Break - Refreshments hosted by sponsor Exhibit Hall

1:15 pm - 2:30 pm Mid-Afternoon Sessions: Workshops

TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Ballr. IRS/DEAF Leadership Development Conference: A Great Networking Opportunity for an Agency-Based

Affinity IRS . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Bishop, Marie A. Campbell, Dora Giraldo, Michael G. Harris & Vicki E. Lowen2. Aud. Reasonable Accommodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andy Lowe,

Greg Hilbok & Mark Helflin3. Rm 1 T.E.A.M. Mentoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jay Croft & Jennifer Croft4. Rm 5 How to Make the Best Use of VRS Interpreters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer Stewart5. Rm 6 Be Good, Be Brief, Be Gone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derek Shields


3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Afternoon Sessions: Workshops

TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Ballr. Creating Opportunities: Engaging Management to Develop our Community . . . . . . . .Patricia Baker-Simon,

Rina D’Amore, Carl Doeler, Dan Schreiner & Paul Weise2. Rm 1 Be Proactive! How to Request Accommodations so Managers Follow Through . . . . . .Anthony Napoli 3. Aud. Career Development in Your Own Hands - Conducting Informational Interviews . .Brian Keith Lucas

& Socorro Garcia4. Rm 5 Interpreting, C-Print, CART, and typeWell–What Works Best for You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phil Hyssong5. Rm 6 Becoming an Agent of Change: How to Implement Deep Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Erin Esposito

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Deaf Professional Happy Hour hosted by Viable (See AD on back page) R.C.D


Workshop schedule for Wednesday, May 6


8:00 am -All day Registration/Networking - Coffee hosted by sponsors Lobby Area


9:00 am - 10:20 am Keynote Speaker - “Seeing the Big Picture”Andy Imparato, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)Elections Update from the DHHIG Election Committee. Voting begins immediately after this session (10:20 am - 4:30 pm)



TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Ballr. Creating Opportunities: Engaging Management to Develop our Community . . . . . . . .Patricia Baker-Simon,

Rina D’Amore, Carl Doeler, Dan Schreiner & Paul Weise2. Aud. Reasonable Accommodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andy Lowe,

Greg Hilbok & Mark Helflin3. Rm 6 Working Together: Deaf and Hearing People . . . . . .Kathy Dollinger-Meyer & Reg Kiperman-Kiselgof4. Rm 5 How to Make the Best Use of VRS Interpreters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer Stewart5. Rm 1 Be Good, Be Brief, Be Gone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Derek Shields

11:45 am - 1:15 pm Lunch Box Provided Tent Outside next to Ole Jim


TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Ballr. IRS/DEAF Leadership Development Conference: A Great Networking Opportunity for an Agency-Based

Affinity IRS . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Bishop, Marie A. Campbell, Dora Giraldo, Michael G. Harris & Vicki E. Lowen2. Aud. Priorities of the New Obama Administration - What does it means for and DHHIG and

its Members? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Rosen3. Rm 6 Dispute Resolution - Reducing Conflict at the Lowest Possible Levels . . . . . .Fern Kaufman & Kirsten Poston4. Rm 5 Interpreting, C-Print, CART, and typeWell–What Works Best for You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phil Hyssong5. Rm 1 Your Leadership: For You or Against You? (Continued from earlier session) . . . . . . . .Deborah Mayer


3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Afternoon Sessions: Workshops

TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Ballr. Successful Federal Deaf Employees Forum . . . . .Kirsten Poston, Claudia Gordon, Alison Levy, Jaime Reicht,

Annette Reichman & Eric Spanbauer2. Rm 5 The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Danielle Hayot 3. Aud. Career Development in Your Own Hands - Conducting Informational Interviews . .Brian Keith Lucas

& Socorro Garcia4. Rm 6 Real Solutions for You - CAP . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Dallos, Kirstin Piorkowski & Michelle Sherbondy5. Rm 1 Your Leadership: For You or Against You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deborah Mayer


Workshop schedule for Thursday, May 7


8:00 am - All day Registration/Networking - Coffee hosted by sponsors Lobby Area


9:00 am - 10:20 am Keynote “Power Panel”Ms. Nancy J. Bloch, Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio Board member of the

National Association of the Deaf (NAD).Dr. Robert Dailla, President, Gallaudet UniversityDr. T. Alan Hurwitz, President, NTID and Vice President and Dean, RITMr. Jim McFadden, President, Macfadden & Associates, IncModerator: Jennifer Croft, Department of CommerceDHHIG Elections Results announced at end



TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Rm 1 Ten Steps to a Successful Job Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ted Lord2. Rm 5 The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Danielle Hayot 3. Aud.. Dispute Resolution - Reducing Conflict at the Lowest Possible Levels . . . . . .Fern Kaufman & Kirsten Poston4. Ballr. Technology Demonstrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBA5. Rm 6 Becoming an Agent of Change: How to Implement Deep Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Erin Esposito5. Rm 2 SPECIAL SESSION Individual Leadership Coaching Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deborah Mayer

(15 mins each, participants will sign up through the workshop on the previous day)

11:45 am - 1:15 pm Lunch Box Provided Tent Outside next to Ole Jim


TRACK/LOCATION WORKSHOP TITLE PRESENTER(S)1. Aud. Successful Federal Deaf Employees Forum . . . . .Kirsten Poston, Claudia Gordon, Alison Levy, Jaime Reicht,

Annette Reichman & Eric Spanbauer2. Rm 6 Be Proactive! How to Request Accommodations so Managers Follow Through . . . . . .Anthony Napoli 3. Rm 1 T.E.A.M. Mentoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jay Croft & Jennifer Croft4. Ballr. Technology Demonstrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBA5. Rm 5 Tips for Success: Deaf in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jennifer Stewart5. Rm 2 SPECIAL SESSION Individual Leadership Coaching Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deborah Mayer

(15 mins each participants will sign up through the workshop on the previous day)


3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Swearing in Ceremony, DHHIG Business meeting Auditorium


workshop information

Creating Opportunities: Engaging Management toDevelop our CommunityPATRICIA BAKER-SIMON, RINA D’AMORE,CARL DOELER, DAN SCHREINER, ANDPAUL WEISETuesday, May 5th from 3:00-4:15 p.m. andWednesday May 6th from 10:30-11:45 p.m.

This workshop will feature an explanation andopen discussion of how the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Deaf and Hard ofHearing (D/HH) community has mobilized to edu-cate and engage management, leading to two specialinitiatives: funding for leadership training specifi-cally for D/HH employees and the development of adisability advisory committee to the planners of thenew NGA worksite. Ms. Baker-Simon will serve asthe moderator for the proposed panel, which is com-prised of leaders in the NGA D/HH community andthe D/HH Program Council Senior Champion, ifavailable.

IRS/DEAF Leadership Development Conference: AGreat Networking Opportunity for an Agency-BasedAffinity!JIM BISHOP, MARIE A. CAMPBELL, DORAGIRALDO, MICHAEL G. HARRELL, ANDVICKI E. LOWENTuesday May 5th from 1:15-2:30 p.m. andWednesday May 6th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

A prime benefit of the conference is networkingwith the IRS Senior Commissioners and the SeniorExecutives. The goal of the Deaf LeadershipDevelopment Conference is to train, empower,include and implement the Deaf, Late-Deafened,Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing employees to per-form equivalently well with their fellow employeesin the Service. Presentation will outline a cleardirection of aspiration, desire for improvement inopportunity, and the opportunity with the IRSExecutives.

With the advent of new technologies, organiza-tional constructs, hiring and pay flexibilities, andvirtual and blended workforces, the IRS environ-ment has continued to undergo major and constantchanges. Mission accomplishments rely more andmore on having a competent, committed, and flexi-ble workforce, especially the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearingand Deaf-Blind workforce.

The IRS/DEAF members and advocates are con-vinced that:• virtually every employee wants to do a good job

and be seen as a contributor, • the performance system has to be credible and

clearly related to the Service results, • effective leadership from the top is essential, • employees can be trusted to play a vital role

developing and implementing new policies andpractices – they know their jobs better than anyone, and

• employees will accept change when it is logical-ly related to improved IRS performance. Participating in the conference has strengthened

personal and professional skills and renew commit-ments. The participants left the conference withnewly acquired knowledge of ways and commit-ments in which they could implement or expandtheir individual development plans and pursue lead-ership growth and promotion.

Successful Federal Deaf Employees ForumKIRSTEN POSTON, CLAUDIA GORDON,ALISON LEVy, JAIME REICHT, ANNETTEREICHMAN AND ERIC SPANBAUERWednesday, May 6th from 3:00-4:15 p.m. andThursday, May 7th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

This workshop is back by popular demand andis considered a spin off from the previousSuccessful Deaf Federal Female workshops held atthe former NTC training sessions. This workshopincludes a panel discussion on the topics of leader-ship traits, strategies, strengths, and weaknesses andwhat has made the panelists successful in theircareers. Participants will learn how they can over-come obstacles when reaching for a goal or objec-tive.

Ten Steps to A More Successful Job SearchTED LORDTuesday, May 5th from 10:15-11:25 a.m. andThursday, May 7th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

The competition for top jobs has become fierceras more women, senior citizens, and non-Americanshave emerged into the job market with extremelyhigh qualifications. With more people and less jobsdue to outsourcing, a person must work had to

Track 1 - Expanding Opportunities

ExPANDING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH PRACTICAL EMPLOyMENT INFORMATION INCLUDING

CAREER DEVELOPMENT, NETWORKING, MENTORING, BENEFITS, SCHEDULE A, RESUME AND

KSA WRITING.


obtain the American dream. The ten steps to a suc-cessful job search would be necessary to under-stand the competition of employment and findcareer success: 1) Identify a need for change,2) Complete a self-analysis, 3) Identify your idealjob, 4) Engage networking, 5) Do research, 6)Know what prospective employers want from you,

7) Create a unique image of yourself, 8) Build up acampaign, 9) Be prepared for the interview, and 10) Follow up. By following these key steps, theemployment process can be reduced from a stress-ful, unorganized process into a successful plan forcareer advancement.

Track 1




Priorities of the New Obama Administration - Whatdoes it mean for DHHIG and its Members?JEFF ROSENTuesday, May 5th from 10:10 a.m. to 11:25 AMand Wednesday, May 6th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

In his campaign, Barack Obama presented hisplan to empower people with disabilities. We willreview those commitments and how they havebegun to become implemented in the first fewmonths of the Obama administration. We will alsodiscuss DHHIG's role in assisting the new adminis-tration realize specific agenda items affecting deafand hard of hearing governmental employees.

Reasonable Accommodations for Deaf and Hard ofHearing Employees: Challenges and StrategiesANDy LOWE, GREG HLIBOK, MARKHELFLIN, AND JACOB STATMANTuesday, May 5th from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.and Wednesday, May 6th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

This workshop will discuss challenges andstrategies to address agency’s information securitypolicy issues while the Deaf and HH employeesstill can enjoy their preferred mode of communica-tions. Andrew Lowe, EPA, will serve as the moder-ator for two separate panels on each day. Tuesday’spanel will include Greg Hlibok, attorney-advisor,Disability Program, FCC, who will present FCC’slatest strategic plan, issues and actions that are rele-vant to the deaf customers. Tuesday’s panel alsoincludes Jacob Statman, of Law Offices of SniderandAssociates, who will share his law firm’s expe-rience of representing the recent class action lawsuit on behalf of SSA’s disabled employees.Wednesday’s panel with Mark Heflin and AndrewLowe, EPA, will highlight the experience of theEPA deaf community as to how they fought for rea-sonable accommodation and optimized the use oftechnology in communications.

Be Proactive! How To Request AccommodationsSo Managers Follow ThroughANTHONy NAPOLITuesday, May 5th from 3:00-4:15 p.m.., andThursday, May 7th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

The primary goal of this session is to encourageyou as an employee to be aware of common misun-derstandings that may arise between you and yourmanager if and when you make a request forReasonable Accommodations. During this session Iwill share different strategies (e-mail writing sam-ples, in-person discussions, filling out forms, etc.)so that your request for reasonable accommodationswill be met with success.

Unfortunately, managers often do not under-stand what Deaf and Hard of Hearing employeesneed to successfully perform their work duties andequally enjoy and participate in work-related activi-ties. This may cause miscommunication, misper-ceptions, and hostility in the work place. It is myhope that the session will help guide you towardbetter communication and a positive relationshipwith your manager when you request reasonableaccommodations.

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008DANIELLE HAyOT (EEOC)Wednesday, May 6th from 3:00-4:15 p.m. andThursday May 7th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

This workshop will provide an overview of thestatutory changes made by the ADA AmendmentsAct and the practical implications of these changesfor employees and employers.

Track 2 - Legal and Policy IssuesLEGAL AND POLICy ISSUES IN EMPLOyMENT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF AND HARD OF

HEARING.



Track 3 - Fostering Communication

FOSTERING COMMUNICATION REGARDLESS OF COMMUNICATION MODES SUCH AS SIGN

LANGUAGE OR SPOKEN ENGLISH.

Career Development in Your Own Hands-Conducting Informational InterviewsBRIAN KEITH LUCAS AND SOCORROGARCIATuesday, May 5th from 3:00-4:15 p.m. andWednesday May 6th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Conducting informational interviews is one ofthe most underestimated techniques for buildingyour career development goals. This workshop willprovide important information to the audience inunderstanding how the informational interview canallow you to steer your career development goals,how to interview leaders and professionals withinyour organization and community, and how to pre-pare effectively to ensure effective communication.

Dispute Resolution - Reducing Conflict at theLowest Possible LevelsFERN KAUFMAN AND KIRSTEN POSTONWednesday, May 6th from 1:15-2:30 p.m. andThursday, May 7th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Many workplace disputes can be resolved with-out resorting to a legal process. Mediation is a pro-ductive way to address issues that arise in the work-place. In mediation, both parties are able to air theirviews and to work together to seek a peaceful reso-lution of their differences. Issues can be addressedquickly and thoroughly, lessening the amount oftime and inconvenience for both parties.

T.E.A.M. MentoringJAy CROFT AND JENNIFER CROFTTuesday, May 5th from 1:15-2:30 p.m. andThursday, May 7th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Invest in the next generation of DHHIG! youcan advocate and support new Deaf/HH employeesand potential applicants by becoming a mentor.This father/daughter presenting team will lead aninteractive discussion on the benefits of mentoringand share specific steps on how to build a win-winmentoring relationship. Learn how to earn a reputa-tion as a highly effective mentor, helping others todiscover their own goals and directions. Mentorsdon’t have to be “know-it-all” experts, rather theyjust need to be good listeners and have a genuinedesire to build confidence in others. The partici-pants will learn how to mentor T.E.A.M. style—“Together: Empowering, Advocating, Mentoring.”

Working Together: Deaf and Hearing PeopleKATHy DOLLINGER-MEyER AND REGINAKIPERMAN-KISELGOFTuesday, May 5th from 1:15-2:30 p.m. andWednesday, May 6th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Our workshop provides you with tips and sug-gestions on effective communication between deafand hearing colleagues through verbal and non-ver-bal communication styles. We will show a video“Non verbal communication” and discuss the pow-erful and appropriate e-mails, greetings and tips ofretaining a good relationship with co-workers andsupervisors.



How to Make the Best Use of VRS Interpreters

JENNIFER STEWART

Tuesday, May 5th from 1:15-2:30 p.m. andWednesday, May 6th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.Although VRS agencies’ mission to provide effec-tive communication between hearing and Deaf/Hardof Hearing callers, there are still issues of limita-tions on what their services can offer. Learn how tomake the most of using VRS interpreters for phoneinterviews, calls, and conference calls. General dis-cussion on this topic will be prompted and opportu-nities to engage in dialogue will be provided.

Interpreting, C-Print, CART and TypeWell–WhatWorks Best for You

PHIL HySSONG

Tuesday , May 5th from 3:00-4:15 p.m. andWednesday , May 6th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.It can be very intimidating for folks to understandall of the differences in technology and servicedelivery methods that are involved with Speech-to-text and interpreting services. In addition, under-standing the wide variety of communication acces-sibility service methods that are available today canbe quite overwhelming. An overview of SignLanguage Interpreting, CART and Text Interpreting(C-Print and TypeWell) will be given and demon-strated. Workshop participants will be able to identi-fy similarities and difference between all threemethods of delivery. A heavy emphasis will beplaced on the importance of certified training, on-going training, evaluation and certification.Inevitably, the question of cost is broached. Thereality is that cost varies from city to city and stateto state, but there are some factors that need to beweighted to determine cost. Knowing where to findthese service providers can be a daunting task. Adiscussion regarding Speech-to-Text ServicesNetwork (STSN), Registry of Interpreters for theDeaf (RID) and National Court ReportersAssociation (NCRA) and how to access providersthrough these organizations will take place. Finally,a discussion will take place about what elements

need to be present to have a successful accessibleexperience. Proper communication is essential forall parties involved, however, one needs to knowwhat they should be communicating about. This lec-ture based workshop will give users an overviewinto communication services available. No one typeof service will be promoted, rather they can see theservices that they have been hearing about.

Real Solutions for You!

JEFFREy DALLOS, KRISTIN PIORKOWSKI ANDMICHELLE SHERBONDy

Tuesday, May 5th from 10:10 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.and Wednesday, May 6th from 3:00-4:15 p.m.The Department of Defense’s (DoD)Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program(CAP) has provided over 71,000 assistive technolo-gy solutions to Federal employees with disabilitiesat no cost to Federal agencies. CAP is committed toprovide assistive technology and accommodationsto ensure people with disabilities have equal accessto the information environment and opportunities inthe Department of Defense and throughout theFederal Government. The presenter will show howyou can use CAP! There will be demonstrations ofassistive technology, needs assessment processesand assistive technology solutions recommenda-tions. This interactive workshop will also providediscussions on different communication strategiesfor deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Track 4 - Tools and Technologies

TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES USED By DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING

GOVERNMENT EMPLOyEES.



Track 5 - Stay Committed and Connected

STAyING COMMITTED AND CONNECTED LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE

FEDERAL DEAF/HOH COMMUNITy.

Be Good, Be Brief, Be GoneDEREK SHIELDSTuesday, May 5th from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. andWednesday, May 6th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

As we prepare for a new Administration, our agen-cies are preparing for changes in leadership. There willbe new initiatives regarding management, disability,and technology. you will also have new politicalappointees to brief. What do you tell them? When doyou brief them? This workshop will provide informa-tion on how to present your disability program in apositive light to your new leadership. It will reviewgood briefing strategies, provide information youshould include, and outline the do's and don’t's for asuccessful briefing!

Becoming an Agent of Change: How to ImplementDeep ChangeERIN ESPOSITOTuesday, May 5th from 1:15-2:30 p.m. andThursday May 7th from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Deep change refers to the process of transforma-tion or radical alteration that occasionally occurs inpeople, groups and organizations. One element of theprocess concerns leadership. From the study of peoplein the process of making deep change comes a conceptcalled the fundamental state of leadership (Quinn,2004). It refers to a psychological state or conditionthat an individual might enter in order to become thecatalyst of transformation in a group or organization. Itsuggests that to make deep change in an organization,we begin by making deep change in ourselves. Theconcept of the fundamental state of leadership rede-fines much conventional leadership thought and alsoserves as an applied tool for those who seek to stimu-late organizational transformation.

Tips for Success: Deaf Employees in the WorkplaceJENNIFER STEWARTTuesday, May 5th from 10:10-11:25 a.m. andThursday, May 7th from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Tips for Deaf/Hard of Hearing workers on how tobecome effective and productive in their workplacewill be presented. Highlights include the followingtips: Take Charge; The Big Picture; Prioritize, Re-Prioritize, Re-Prioritize!; Creative Compromise;Identifying the Problem, Develop Solution; ActiveCooperation; and Make yourself MORE Productive.

Your Leadership: For or Against You?DEBORAH MAyER, MA, CRCWednesday, May 6th from 1:15-4:15 (DoubleSession) and follow-up individual leadershipcoaching sessions scheduled throughout the dayon Thursday, May 7th.

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have been under-served, ignored, misunderstood, misdiagnosed, andpatronized their entire lives. To lead organizations involv-ing this segment of the population, a leader must addresshow to rediscover the individuals’ self-worth and discoverthe power within themselves. Excellent leadership is need-ed to assist individuals find balance and fulfillment in theirlives.

The objective of this interactive presentation is to pro-vide a mechanism to re-instate life into an organization byaddressing the needs of its members and creating positivechange. Participants will learn the basics of this powerfultechnique and how to initiate, within the individual, and tocreate more productive results with greater ease, purposeand focus with their organizations, employers, employeesand professional colleagues. Using this model, participantswill learn basics of utilizing new skills in order to havemore productive conversations and build better relation-ships with the people within their organizations. This willfoster better understanding within systems and enhancethe dynamics that can become the instrument of changesince most people resist change and stall your efforts.Change has to start with the individual before organiza-tional change can happen.


Keynote speakers/presenters

WE ARE PLEASED TO OFFER A DIVERSE ARRAy OF SEMINARS, PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS LED

By MANy ExTRAORDINARy PEOPLE. PRESENTING ARE THE TOP-LEVEL GOVERNMENT MANAGERS,POLITICAL ACTIVITSTS, BUSINESS OWNERS, PROFESSORS, PROFESSIONALS, AND LAWyERS ALL

OFFERING VALUABLE INFORMATION AND MANy OF THEM ARE ALSO DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING.PLEASE REFER TO THIS SECTION TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH PRESENTER.

Patricia Baker-Simon

Patricia is the current Division Chief of the SpecialEmphasis Program Division at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. She has served in this position for slight-ly more than a year, prior to that, she served as the Agency'sEEO Division Chief for the East. The core of her experiencewith diverse communities and diversity training came in the10 years prior to working at NGA in which she served in somecapacity at the local, state and national levels as an attorney,trainer, and grant monitor for several organizations. Thesepositions taught her the value of community mobilization. It isthis passion that she brings to her current position.

Jim Bishop

Jim Bishop's federal career spans over 35 years ofService. He has served the IRS in many capacities acting asproject leader, supervisor, COTR, and IT Specialist. With hisprominent leadership as IRSDEAF President, his troop hasspearheaded highly-visible executive projects to engage theprofessional, well-qualified IRSDEAF employees. Theseinclude increasing executive rapport, incorporating ASL intotax publications, promoting IRS PSAs in ASL, planningannual conferences and guiding videophone pilot testing. Hewas one of the founders of several organizations, IRSDeafEmpowerment and Advocacy Forum, of which he is currentlythe president, Deaf and Hard of Hearing In Government, ofwhich he continues as Executive Consultant, and CerebralPalsy and Deaf Organization. Jim Bishop is a motivationalspeaker, professional trainer and delivers inspiring keynotepresentations across the nation. He is well regarded in the fieldof Professional Development, ASL Distinction & Style andParliamentary Procedures. Jim has lectured on meeting man-agement, leadership and chairmanship. His presentations arehighly entertaining combination of anecdotes, imitations,information and inspiration customized to the audience needs.

Evon Black

Storyteller, Evon Black is a nationallyacclaimed performer, workshop leader,keynote and motivational speaker.

Evon combines her belief in the power ofstory with an inborn talent for teaching and

performing. Her infectious enthusiasm and dynamic energyrevitalize audiences and empower participants in her work-shops.

Holding a B.S. in psychology and a Masters inEducational Technology, Evon Black has been a performer

since 1986. She uses folktales from around the nation in anon-didactic way to teach values, elevate understanding andacceptance of other cultures. Professional associations findEvon to be a lively and inspiring speaker.

At Gallaudet University as a college student, Evon wasthe first Black deaf student who held a higher position asStudent Body Government Vice President since Gallaudet wasfounded 1868. Evon survived through all obstacles and strug-gles in order to open the doors for the black students on cam-pus. Evon made a pathway for student of colors in differentorganizations.

Evon has worked primarily in the Deaf student develop-ment area for approximately 22 years ranging from Deaf resi-dential schools to Gallaudet University. Prior to Sprint asAlabama Relay Account Manager, she was the SeniorAdmissions Counselor and handled 21 states for NationalTechnical Institute for the Deaf. Evon is now a StatewideCoordinator of Technology Services for Deaf, Hard ofHearing and Deaf Blind Services with Alabama Departmentof Rehabilitation Services.

She currently resides in Birmingham AL with a precious13 years old son, known as “DJ”.

Nancy J. Bloch

Nancy J. Bloch is chief executive officer andex-officio board member of the NationalAssociation of the Deaf (NAD).

The NAD was established in 1880 by deafleaders who believed in the right of theAmerican deaf community to use sign lan-

guage, to congregate on issues important to them, and to haveits interests represented at the national level. These beliefsremain true to this day, with American Sign Language as acore value. As a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NADis to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and lin-guistic rights of deaf Americans.

The advocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering thebreadth of a lifetime and impacting future generations in theareas of early intervention, education, employment, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, andmore. The federal Described and Captioned Media Program isadministered by the NAD under cooperative agreement withthe U.S. Department of Education, which includes educationand outreach activities to promote increased use of describedand captioned media technologies. On the global front, theNAD represents the U.S.A. as an affiliate of the WorldFederation of the Deaf, an international human rights organi-zation.

Keynote Speakers and Workshop Presenters


Keynote speakers/presentersBloch is the first female executive leader of the NAD, a

post she has held since 1992. Prior to the NAD, she was direc-tor of the Management Institute and adjunct professor in theSchool of Management at Gallaudet University inWashington, DC. At that time, she was also president of GNBConsultants, a management and technology consulting enter-prise. Raised in Miami, FL and deaf since birth, Bloch holds aBachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University ofMiami and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling andGuidance from Gallaudet University. She resides inAnnapolis, MD with her husband Gerald “Jerry” Nelson; theyenjoy being on the Chesapeake Bay during boating season.

Marie Campbell

Marie Campbell has served IRS for 23 years asInformation Specialist and a member of IRS/DEAF member-ship since its conception. She experienced a wide range ofleadership as volunteer coordinator for Deaf Heritage Events2005, Entertainment Chairperson for IRS/DEAFair 2001,Vice Chairman of IRS/DEAF from 1997 to 1998, Editor ofSilent Thunder Newsletter from 1992 to 1994, member of IRSDeaf Chorus from 1991 to 1993, Interpreter coordinator in1992, VITA volunteer from 1987 to 1989, and ASL Video TaxTip Narrator.

Jay Croft

The Rev. Jay Croft was ordained an Episcopal priest in1969. His education was in a strict oral school, where signlanguage was forbidden. He went through public high school,college and seminary without the aid of sign language inter-preters.

This uphill struggle to achieve the necessary education forhis profession was a basis for his advocacy efforts over 40years. Moving to Birmingham, Alabama in 1996 gave him theopportunity to learn from the South's Civil Rights legacy.

Although he "retired" in 2005 from St. John's DeafChurch in Birmingham, he serves St. Mark's Church for theDeaf in Mobile, AL on a part-time basis. He is active in sever-al community and state organizations and is an appointedmember of Alabama's State Rehabilitation Council.

Jennifer Croft

Since March of 2006, Ms. Croft has led the Departmentof Commerce's Disability Employment Program. In thatcapacity, she is the Department of Commerce's primary advi-sor on civil rights and non-discrimination initiatives for peo-ple, with disabilities. She works with managers and employ-ees with disabilities on a range of internal and externalDepartmental issues affecting people with disabilities. Internalissues include Department-wide policy development, work-force analysis, and education outreach related to employmentand accommodations for people with disabilities. External dis-ability work includes supporting the Department's participa-tion on the U.S. Access Board, developing accessibility stan-dards and promoting accessible design.

Another hat that Ms. Croft wears is as one of the leadersof the Federal Disability Workforce Consortium

(www.fdwc.info). The FDWC is an interagency partnership ofindividuals committed to improving employment for peoplewith disabilities within the Federal Government. Currently,this group includes over 500 federal employees passionateabout employing people with disabilities.

Ms. Croft is not new to the Federal Government, beforejoining the Department of Commerce, she spent eleven yearsas an Equal Employment Opportunity Manager for the Foodand Drug Administration in Rockville, MD. Prior to her workin FDA, she worked as a freelancing Sign Language inter-preter for seven years, primarily freelancing within the FederalGovernment and at various Universities.

Rina D' Amore

Rina is currently working as a Cartographer MarineAnalyst at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency(NGA) at Bethesda, Maryland. She has served in this positionfor 16 years. She is active in leadership and has served aschairperson for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing of Hearing ProgramCouncil (DHHPC) for several years.

A native Pennsylvania from Erie, she received herBachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systemfrom Gallaudet University. She resides in Owings Mills, MDwith her son, Jacob.

Jeffrey Dallos

Jeffrey is the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and CommunicationTeam Leader for the Department of Defense (DoD)Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP). Mr.Dallos works closely with employees with disabilitiesthroughout the Federal government to ensure employees, ben-eficiaries, and members of the public with disabilities haveequal access to Federal services and employment. He over-sees the program and acquisitions management on hearingand communication assistive technology and services.

Mr. Dallos is a steering committee member of theWorkforce Recruitment Program (WRP) and the FederalDisability Workforce Consortium. Mr. Dallos was a formerWRP student and is now a recruiter. Also, he is a member ofthe Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG).

Mr. Dallos is a speaker on disability policy, reasonableaccommodations, accessibility and information technologyand its impact on employment of people with disabilities. Hepreviously worked as a Bureau Disability Program Managerfor the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Jeffrey received theUSGS Excellent Leadership Coin for his excellent leadershipskills.

Mr. Dallos received his Bachelors Degree inCommunications with a concentration in Public Relationsfrom George Mason University. He resides in NorthernVirginia with his wife, Linda and three kids, Annalese, Jaredand Adrienne.


Keynote speakers/presentersDr. Robert R. Davila

The life story of Robert R. Davila, GallaudetUniversity's ninth president, is quintessentiallyAmerican.

Born to poor but loving parents, both fromMexico and both workers in the fields and

orchards of Southern California, Bob Davila became deaf ateight years of age, the result of a severe case of spinal menin-gitis. Learning about a special school for deaf children in thenorthern part of the state and determined that her young sonhave a fair shot at life, Davila's mother sent him off alone tothe city of Berkeley, the home of the California School for theDeaf (CSD). So began his amazing journey to personal andprofessional success.

Although the young Davila had received no formal edu-cation until his arrival at CSD, once there he soared. Helearned American Sign Language and English, and after grad-uating with honors from CSD, entered Gallaudet Universitywhere he obtained a bachelor's degree in 1953, followed bymaster's and doctorate degrees in education from HunterCollege and Syracuse University, respectively.

When he became Gallaudet University's president onJanuary 1, 2007, Davila brought with him a depth of experi-ence in education, both as a classroom teacher and institution-al administrator. His classroom career involved teaching at theelementary, high school, and college levels, including nineyears as a professor in Gallaudet's Department of Education.

He earned his "administrative spurs" supervising elemen-tary schools for deaf students in New york and Washington,D.C., and from there progressed up the professional ladder tobecome vice president of Gallaudet University's former Pre-College Programs (now called the Laurent Clerc NationalDeaf Education Center), chief executive officer of theNational Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Instituteof Technology (RIT), and assistant secretary for the Office ofSpecial Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S.Department of Education. As assistant secretary he was thefederal government's chief advisor on federal policy affectingthe education and vocational rehabilitation of the nation's 40million people with disabilities.

Davila holds honorary degrees from Gallaudet, RIT,Stonehill College, and Hunter College. He is the recipient ofnumerous awards and a prolific speaker and author on topicsrelated to deaf education and the empowerment of deaf peo-ple.

Dr. Davila and Mrs. Davila [Donna E. Davila] reside onthe Gallaudet campus in the historic Edward Miner Gallaudetresidence, "House One." They have two grown sons, Brianand Brent.

Carl Doeler

Carl is a Lead Visual Information Specialist at theNational Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) at Bethesda,Maryland. As a team leader for his division, he is responsiblefor overseeing and facilitating the visual information specialistdepartment. He currently serves as East Point of Contact(POC) on Career Development for the Deaf and Hard ofHearing Program Council (DHHPC). He also serves as theDIHH East POC working with Tradecraft Career Initiatives

Division to improve leadership and increase opportunities forNGA's Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees.

Kathy Dollinger-Meyer

Kathy has been an Employment Advisor at NTID'sCenter on Employment for Deaf/HH college students. Shehas 20 years experience as a work experience coordinator, jobcoach and Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf. She has aMaster's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling for the Deaf anda BA in Psychology.

Erin Esposito

Erin is an administrator and educator at the RochesterInstitute of Technology. She presently works as the AssistantDirector of the NTID Student Life Team. Prior to that she wasthe Director of NTID Alumni Relations. She holds a Masterof Science degree in Secondary Education of Students whoare Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Professional & Technical Communications, bothfrom RIT.

Socorro Garcia

Socorro Garcia is a dynamic young Latina whom parentsmoved to America from Mexico. youngest of three children,she was the first to graduate from college. Socorro is currentlyworking for the Department of Commerce (DOC) as aHuman Resources professional.

Since 2007, Socorro has accomplished much in her careerdevelopment. She founded an organization, Deaf and Hard ofHearing Task Force with more than 10 Deaf employees towork on achieving disability awareness within DOC. Socorrowas also responsible for initiating emergency preparednessamong Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees and is workingwith other federal agencies in efforts to break down barriers.Socorro continues to launch her networking connections tobring the best practice at her workplace and to the FederalGovernment community.

Socorro strongly believes that there are no limits to whatshe can achieve, and that everyone has much to learn fromthose with "disabilities."

Dora Giraldo

Dora Giraldo serves as Management and ProgramAnalyst with IRS. She provides leadership as FundraisingChair of the IRS/DEAF organization since 2004. She isinstrumental in raising funds in several local IRS/DEAF chap-ters as well as the national level. She provides guidance forfundraising plans for IRS/Deaf Conference 2008, WestVirginia and IRS/Deaf Conference 2009, Austin, Texas.Coordinating volunteers and fundraising activities for dona-tions and maintain the support to the conferences andIRS/Deaf Organization.

Claudia Gordon

Claudia Gordon is a Senior Policy Advisor with theOffice for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Claudia is a grad-uate of American University - Washington College of Law.She received the prestigious Skadden Fellowship that enabled



her to serve as an attorney with the National Association ofthe Deaf Law Center. While with the NAD Law Center, sheprovided legal advocacy to individuals experiencing discrim-ination on the basis of deafness through direct legal represen-tation in civil cases, technical assistance, training and out-reach. Claudia has also worked as a consulting attorney withthe National Council on Disability (NCD). She is active in anumber of disability-oriented organizations, boards and advi-sory groups and frequently presents on disability policyissues.

Michael G. Harrell

Michael G Harrell is currently Acting Chief of IBMSupport Services Branch in the IRS Modernization andInformation Technology Services. He has served IRS for 25years and a member of IRS/DEAF as well as the DHHIG fora large number of years. His leadership included experienceas Public Relations Coordinator at the DHHIG NationalTraining Conference and Chair of the IRS/DEAF LeadershipDevelopment Conference 2008 in Martinsburg, WV withover 100 participants. He is currently Registrar andConsultant to the 2009 IRS/DEAF Leadership DevelopmentConference in Austin, Tx.

Danielle Hayot

Danielle Hayot is an Attorney Advisor in the Office ofLegal Counsel at the U.S. Equal Employment OpportunityCommission (EEOC) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Inthat role, she assists the Commission in interpreting andapplying the statutes it enforces, participates in drafting poli-cy guidance and other publications, and provides technicalassistance to stakeholders. She received her B.A. from theUniversity of Michigan and her J.D. from the WashingtonCollege of Law, American University.

Mark Heflin

Mark graduated from Gallaudet University and is an ITSpecialist with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Office of Pesticide Program specializing in ColdFusion appli-cation development. In his role as technical advisor for thedeaf and hard of hearing employees, Mark assists severalprogram offices to acquire videophones, Blackberry andinstant messaging software as part of reasonable accommo-dation. Mark resides in Germantown, Maryland with his wifeand son.Gregory Hlibok

Greg is currently working as a senior attorney with theDisabilities Rights Office at the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC). Greg, a native New yorker, graduatedfrom Lexington School for the Deaf and attended GallaudetUniversity where he served as a spokesperson for the DeafPresident Now movement in 1998, which led to the selectionof the university's first deaf president. Soon thereafter, Gregbegan his law career as a legal assistant after graduating fromGallaudet at a Wall Street law firm, Milbank, Tweed, Hadleyand McCloy. Greg earned JD from Hofstra Law School andpassed the Ny Bar Exam before entering a private practiceserving clients throughout NyC and Long Island. In 1996,

Greg teamed up with his brother, Stephen at Merrill Lynch asa financial consultant but returned to legal field in 2001 at theFCC. At the FCC, he has taken a lead on several key rule-making proceedings that resulted in an unprecedented growthin VRS, IP Relay and Captioned Telephone Relay. Greg livesin Ellicott City, MD with his wife, Charmaine Jacobs andfour children.

Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz

Dr. Hurwitz leads the internationally knownNTID, providing innovative curriculum andmarketable skills to its 1,200 students. His38-year history working in key roles withinNTID, including becoming its first deaf

dean, make him a leading expert in education of deaf andhard-of-hearing people. He brought his experience as an elec-tronics engineer from McDonnell Douglas to NTID in 1970,where he began teaching math, electronics and computer sci-ence.

Alan consults in a wide range of areas at the local, state,and national levels and has held key leadership positionswithin most of the major national organizations related todeaf and hard-of-hearing education and issues, including pastpresident of the National Association of the Deaf. He hasserved on countless boards, and earned many honors for hiswork.

Born profoundly deaf to deaf parents, Alan attendedCentral Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, and later went tomainstream junior high and high school in Iowa without anysupport services. He received minimal support services atcollege when studying for his bachelor’s and master’sdegrees. After working in the field, his dream to become aneducator came true when he joined NTID. Alan has heldpositions at NTID that spanned the areas of support services,student affairs, and academic affairs, and Dean since 1998.

A full professor, Alan has taught a wide variety of under-graduate and graduate courses, and has served as facultyadvisor to many student groups and participated as a memberof a number of RIT task forces outside of NTID. He hasmade countless presentations at conferences and programsnationally and internationally, and has published widely innumerous academic and professional journals.His top priority is to continue to benefit students through cur-ricular and research excellence and to lead NTID in a collab-orative, creative and innovative fashion.

Alan is married to Vicki and they have two grown chil-dren; one is hard-ofhearing and the other is deaf.

Philip A. Hyssong

Philip is a managing partner of AlternativeCommunication Services, LLC and looks forward to usinghis 20 years of management experience at ACS. Prior tolaunching ACS with business partner Mike Cano, Phil wasExecutive Director of a media company specializing inChristian media that focused on the needs of people whowere deaf or hard of hearing. Immediately prior to launchingACS, Phil spent over 6 years leading a CART and captioningcompany to unseen levels. He holds an undergraduate degree



in Education from Concordia University Chicago, a Master'sdegree in Instructional Design from Northern IllinoisUniversity, is a Certified Manager of Reporting Servicesthrough the National Court Reporters Association and hasrecent completed training to provide Text Interpreting(Typewell).

Phil has presented various workshops at the NationalCourt Reporters' Association, Association of Late-DeafenedAdults, NTC-DHHIG, PEPNet, Closing the Gap and others.

Andrew J. Imparato

Andrew J. Imparato is the first full-timePresident and Chief Executive Officer of theAmerican Association of People withDisabilities (AAPD), a national non-profitmembership organization for the political andeconomic empowerment of all people with

disabilities in the U.S. With more than 100,000 members,AAPD is the largest cross-disability membership organizationin the U.S. and is based in Washington, DC.

Imparato recently organized and led a coalition of morethan 200 disability, civil rights and employer organizations toenact the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act,which was signed into law by President Bush on September25, 2008. The bill overturns four problematic U.S. SupremeCourt decisions interpreting the ADA and restores protectionsunder the ADA to millions of Americans with epilepsy, dia-betes, depression, cancer and a wide range of other disabilities.Imparato testified before the House Education and LaborCommittee in support of the bill, played a key role in the nego-tiations that led to the employer-supported legislative lan-guage, and oversaw the political strategy to get the bill passedwith overwhelming bipartisan support.

In September 2005, Imparato was honored by the UnitedStates Junior Chamber of Commerce (“Jaycees”) as one of“Ten Outstanding young Americans” who are selected annual-ly for their contributions to American society. In 2006,Imparato was honored by US Secretary of TransportationNorman Mineta for his efforts to promote universal accessibletransportation and by US Secretary of Health and HumanServices Mike Leavitt for his leadership at AAPD.

Prior to joining AAPD, Imparato was general counsel anddirector of policy for the National Council on Disability, anattorney advisor with the US Equal Employment OpportunityCommission, counsel to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee onDisability Policy, and a staff attorney/Skadden Fellow with theDisability Law Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

Imparato, whose perspective is informed by his own expe-rience with bipolar disorder, is frequently called upon to write,speak or provide testimony about disability issues. His essayon the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings relating to disabilityrights appears in The Rehnquist Court: Judicial Activism onthe Right (H. Schwartz, ed., Hill and Wang, 2002). He co-authored an article in 2003 for the Stanford Law & PolicyReview that laid the foundation for the ADA AmendmentsAct, “Redefining ‘Disability’ Discrimination: A Proposal toRestore Civil Rights Protections for All Workers” (14 Stan L& Pol Rev 2, with Claudia Center, 2003). Imparato is an advi-

sor on corporate social responsibility, consumer, disabilitymarket, equal employment opportunity and accessibility issuesfor Verizon, Time Warner, AT&T, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, Wal-Mart, and other leading businesses.

Imparato graduated with distinction from Stanford LawSchool and is a summa cum laude graduate of yale College.He lives in Baltimore with his wife and two sons, ages 15 and 10.

Fern Kaufinan

Fern Kaufman is an attorney in the Center for AlternativeDispute resolutions at the US Department of Transportation(DOT). Prior to accepting this position, Ms. Kaufman was anattorney in the Office of the Chief Counsel for DisputeResolution at the Federal Aviation Administration. Ms.Kaufman brings to DOT her expertise in the use of ADR toolsand techniques, as well as her teaching ability and her experi-ence in public speaking. Before coming to DOT, Ms.Kaufman serves as Director of the Collaboration andAlternative Dispute Resolution Program at the Federal LaborRelations Authority. Prior to the FLRA, Ms. Kaufman wasDeputy Director of Mediation Services at the Department ofHealth and Human Services, where she directed the FederalSharing Neutrals Program. Additionally, she has participatedin and provided training for community mediation programsin the Washington metropolitan area and presented at numer-ous conferences. Fern is a member of both the District ofColumbia and New york Bars. She earned an undergraduatedegree in Economics from Cornell University and her JD fromDuke University Law School.

Regina Kiperman-Kiselgof

Regina is a graduate of RIT. She has a BS degree in SocialWork and an MS degree in Career and Human ResourcesDevelopment from RIT. She is currently an employment advi-sor in the NTID Center on Employment assisting deaf andhard of hearing students with their employment searches.

Alison Levy

Alison Levy is the Departmental Selective PlacementCoordinator at the US Department of Transportation’sDisability Resource Center. In this role, she is responsible forcoordinating the Department’s efforts to increase hiring,advancement and retention of DOT employees with disabili-ties. She has successfully developed networks of supportwithin DOT’s structure, through an interagency collaborationas a steering committee member of the Federal DisabilityWorkforce Consortium, and with external job placement spe-cialists who work with Vocational Rehabilitation, the VeteransAdministration, and One Stop Centers. In addition, Alisoncontinues to manage education and outreach activities onbehalf of the Center, including the development and imple-mentation of disability awareness programs, and briefings oncultivating workplace success for employees with disabilitiesthroughout the United States. With over 18 years of experi-ence in the disability field, Alison has worked toward improv-ing workplace attitudes and in providing access to employeeswith disabilities in both the public and private sectors. She hasworked in non-profit organizations, the university setting, and


Keynote speakers/presentershas over twelve years of service with the Federal government.Alison earned her B.A. in Public Communication from TheAmerican University and her Masters in Special Educationfrom Johns Hopkins University.

Ted Lord

Edward B. "Ted" Lord is a Business Studies professor atthe National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RochesterInstitute of Technology. He teaches accounting, computerbusiness applications, employment seminar, and job search.He obtained his associate degree from the Rochester Instituteof Technology majoring in business and data processing.Afterwards he studied for his bachelor and master degrees ineducation at the University of Massachusetts at Arnherst.

Andy Lowe

Andy, Gallaudet University Class 1980, pursued graduatestudies in computer science at RIT and information assuranceat the University of Maryland. He is an information securityofficer with the Environmental Protection Agency. He lives inClarksville, Maryland with his wife Shelby and two children.

Vicki Lowen

Vicki Lowen serves as National IRS/DEAF VicePresident since 2004. She has a very diverse professionalcareer with a wealth of experiences as an accountant, comput-er programmer, systems analyst, technical consultant,telecommunication specialist, COTR and team leader in a pri-vate sector and federal government. She has worked withboth Deaf and hearing people many years, believing thateveryone has the potential to be successful and achieve theirprofessional goals. Her leadership experience and guidancehave provided as a model for achievement. As a consultant,facilitator, trainer, and motivational speaker, Vicki Lowen hascollaborated with the IRS colleagues developing communica-tions and helping to reach valuable solutions and producesuperior results.

Brian Keith Lucas

Brian Keith Lucas is the Administrative Support Assistantfor the Associate Director in Workforce Solution Division atthe United States Mint Headquarter - Department of Treasury.He has served in this position for 5 months. Prior to that, hewas recently hired through Schedule A interview appointmentfrom Gallaudet University career center. He holds a Bachelorof Science degree in Business Administration and conducted25+ informational interviews with the federal executiveemployees within 5 months. He looks forward to applyingone of his academic courses (Business & ProfessionalCommunication - Information Interview Strategy); one of themost influential courses on his career development plans. Thisstrategy taught him the value of maintaining and establishingco-worker relationships and career development.

Deborah S. Mayer

Deborah Owner, Crossroad Solutions Coach. Certificatein Leadership Coaching, Georgetown University and recog-

nized by International Coach Federation (ICF). Deborah coaches one-to-one and leads interactive work-

shops and retreats on life, transition and leadership develop-ment for both deaf and hearing communities. She enhancesthe well-being and presence of individuals who are deaf, hardof hearing or hearing anywhere. She designs highly interac-tive partnership programs that maximize potential andempower individuals to achieve the greatness in themselves.

Professional experiences include director/counselor posi-tions in programs for deaf/HOH students at Lehman Collegeand LaGuardia Community College, both in NyC, and out-reach specialist for Relay Missouri.

Mayer provided MCPOPEPNet with consulting, infor-mational and training services. She taught graduate courses atMaryville University . Mayer is a local and national educator,a facilitator, coach, consultant and a strong advocate for deafchildren and adult's rights.

Jim McFadden

Mr. Macfadden, a member of Gallaudet'sClass of 1962, is president and owner of JRMac, Inc., which he established this year forthe express purpose of helping Job CorpsCenters accommodate deaf youth.

Prior to that he was president, owner, andCEO of Macfadden and Associates, Inc., which developscomputer software systems and program management servic-es, primarily for the civilian federal government.

Jim holds membership in several professional associa-tions, including Gallaudet's Board of Associates and theBoard of Trustees of Rochester Institute of Technology. Heholds the distinction of being the first deaf business person tobe certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as aminority business, based solely on being deaf.

Anthony Napoli, MPA

Anthony is a Case Manager in the Civil Rights Office ofthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His pri-mary duties ensure that those who receive federal assistancenationwide are in compliance with EPA regulations thatimplement Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title Ex of theEducation Amendments of 1972, Section 13 of the FederalWater Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (prohibit-ing discrimination based on sex under programs or activitiesreceiving financial assistance under the Clean Water Act.) andthe Age Discrimination Act of 1974. In summary, Anthonyconducts compliance reviews, applicability of Federalstatutes, regulations and policies, jurisdictional reviews, inves-tigation of complaints (based on race, color, national origin,gender, age, or disability), and Freedom of Information Actrequests. He has served in this position since 2003. Anthonyalso took a detail position at the U.S. Department of Justiceand conducted similar work upholding Title I1 and Title I11under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and theDepartment's regulations. Prior to joining EPA, he was anintern with the U.S. State Department in the Office of the



Legal Adviser, Claims and Investment Disputes.Anthony currently is an Awards Board Member. In this

capacity, he works with several other board members todetermine the deserving nominee for the EPA Manager of theyear award as well as other Agency prestigious awards. Healso serves other lead roles in EPA's Quality of Work LifeInitiative.

Anthony is a graduate of the Rochester Institute ofTechnology in Rochester, Ny where he received hisBachelor of Science degree (BS) and ManagementDevelopment diploma. He also graduated from AmericanUniversity where he received his Master of PublicAdministration (MPA) degree.

Anthony is a recipient of the Bronze Medal honor.

Kristin Piorkowski

Kristin is a Senior Analyst for Axiom ResourceManagement, Inc. She serves on CAP'S Deaf and Hard ofHearing Team and provides support to CAP program analyst,Jeffrey Dallos. Her responsibilities include procuring assis-tive technology for CAP clients, assisting Mr. Dallos in theevaluation and acquisition of hearing assistive technologydevices and services for the DoD and Federal employees.She also assists Jeffrey on the Workforce RecruitmentProgram projects.

She is a 2004 graduate of Gallaudet University with adegree in Biology and currently livesin North Bethesda, MDwith her fiance, Donald and two cats.Kirsten Poston

Kirsten came to the U.S. Department of Transportation(DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 1991as an intern while asenior attending Gallaudet University . She received herBachelor of Arts in Communications Arts in 1992.

Currently, Kirsten works as a Disability Policy Analyst inthe Federal Highway Administration's Office of Civil Rights.Kirsten's responsibilities include drafting national policy,conducting research, and preparing documents on specificdisability policy issues. In performing these duties, Kirstenalso serves customers and develops successful teams andcoalitions within and outside the agency.

Kirsten formerly served as Chair of the Secretary ofTransportation's Disability Advisory Council, a collectivebody formed with a mission to identify barriers to peoplewith disabilities and make recommendations to the Secretaryof Transportation. This Council is comprised of representa-tives of sub agencies within the DOT including technicaladvisors from the Departmental Office of Civil Right and theDepartmental Office of Human Resources.

Annette Reichman

Annette Reichman is the Liaison/Director, Office ofSpecial Institutions in the U.S. Department of Education(Department), which oversees statutorily funded specialinstitutions; including Gallaudet University, NationalTechnical Institute for the Deaf, and the American PrintingHouse for the Blind. Since 2005, Ms. Reichman worked

with the three institutions on developing and reviewinggoals, measures and targets, as required by the GovernmentPerformance Results Act (GPRA), with the results reportedannually. Each year, she reviews budget requests from theinstitutions, and works with the Department’s Budget Officeto develop recommendations on the requests. Ms. Reichmandeveloped a monitoring plan, and is annually conducting for-mal on-site monitoring visits at each institution, on: a) com-pliance with applicable requirements, b) use of Federalfunds, c) quality of GPRA data, and d) selected programsthat supports goals identified in the GPRA Performance Plan.

Previously, Ms. Reichman worked at the Department asthe Chief of Deafness and Communicative Disorders Branchin Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) from 1999until 2005, in which she promoted enhanced employmentopportunities by working closely with State Coordinators ofthe Deaf in state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies in theirefforts to ensure effective vocational rehabilitation servicesfor individuals, both adults and youths, who are deaf, deafblind, late deafened, and hard of hearing.

Ms. Reichman also served as an agency director ofValley Center of the Deaf, a non-profit agency in Phoenixfrom 1991 until 1999. Responsibilities included managing acall center with a workforce of up to 200 operators undercontract with MCI for relay services for Arizona, writinggrants and contract proposals for ongoing and new funding,developing and monitoring the agency’s annual budget, andmanaging organizational operations and delivery of qualityservices in interpreting referral, education support services,vocational services, case management and independent liv-ing skills training.

Ms. Reichman received her Bachelor’s degree inPsychology from Gallaudet University in 1983, her Master’sdegree in Rehabilitation Counseling from University ofArizona in 1985, and a post-graduate certificate inAdministration of Programs Serving Consumers Who AreDeaf and Hard of Hearing from San Diego State Universityin 1992.

Jaime Recht

Jaime Recht works as a Program Analyst for the FederalRailroad Administration, Office of Railroad Safety for thepast 17 years. Prior to this position, Ms. Recht was a mer-chandise administrator at Saks Fifth Avenue for 2 years.

Ms. Recht received her Bachelor's degree in BusinessAdministration from Gallaudet University and resides inRockville, MD with her husband, Scott, and two KODAboys.

Ms. Recht has been active within the deaf federal gov-ernment community as a Board Member at Large withDHHIG for the past 2 years and as a participating member ofa deaf employee association at the Department ofTransportation for over 15 years. She also was ahospitality coordinator for the 2007 NTC as well as a Chairfor the 2005 DHHIG Holiday Luncheon. She is also veryactive outside Federal Government with several other organi-zations in various positions.


Jeff Rosen

Jeff is a third generation deaf person who is active in thedisability movement. He is currently the General Counsel andVice President of Governmental Affairs of Snap!VRS.

Jeffrey Salit

Jeffrey Salit has been in the Federal services for the last 23years (6 months with Department of Transportation then 22 byears with Department of Housing and Urban Development).He started as an accountant, and then transferred to the ChiefInformationOffice where he became the Assistive Technology ProgramCoordinator for the last 18 years and counting. Jeff is also theSection 508 coordinator for the department, making sure allapplications, HUD-web, software and hardware are accessiblefor any kind of disabilitiesJeff was the co-chair for the National Training Conference in1997 at National Institution of Health (first year NTC hadtheir conference at NIH). Having served on the DHHIG Boardsince 1999, Jeff has the longest tenure of any DHHIG Boardmember and is currently the Vice Executive Chairperson. Jeffis well regarded in the field of sport organizations; heis cur-rently the Vice President for the United States America DeafSports Federation for the last 8 years, dealing with 18 differentsports to prepare for their competition with other countries.

Daniel Schreiner

Dan is a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst at the NationalGeospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) at St. Louis, Missouri.In his 25-year career at NGA, he has worked at several over-seas locations and all over the United States, including sevenyears around the Washington D.C. Metro Area (Reston,Bethesda, and the Pentagon).

He served as the West chairperson for NGA's Deaf andHard of Hearing Program Council (DHHPC) for two yearsand currently serves as West Point of Contact (POC) forDHHPC Recruiting Committee. He is a recruiter for NGA'sWorkforce Recruitment Program (WRP) and is the D/HHWest POC working with Tradecraft Career Initiatives Divisionto improve leadership and increase opportunities for NGA'sDeaf and Hard of Hearing employees.

Michelle Sherbondy

Michelle is an Analyst for Axiom Resource Management,Inc. She serves on CAP'S Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teamand provides support to CAP program analyst, Jeffrey Dallos.Her responsibilities include procuring assistive technology forCAP clients, assisting Mr. Dallos in the evaluation and acqui-sition of hearing assistive technology devices and services forthe DoD and Federal employees. She also assists Jeffrey onthe Workforce. Recruitment Program projects.

She is a 2007 graduate of Gallaudet University with adegree in Communication Studies and currently lives inWashington, DC.

Derek Shields

Derek has thirteen years of leadership experience in sup-port of federal disability-related programs, including DoD,USDA, DHS, HUD, DOI, DOL, DOT, State, the US AccessBoard, GSA and SSA. He has developed a federal and nation-al network to assist in the coordination of organizations andpeople for a successful implementation of reasonable accom-modation requirements, accessibility standards, retum-to-workstrategies, and other disability policies and programs.

As Vice President of Disability Services and Quality ofLife Initiatives for Axiom Resource Management, Derek cur-rently works with the DoD Computer/ElectronicAccommodations Program (CAP) and is the ProgramDirector for SSA's Ticket to Work Marketing andCommunications contract. These programs, along with hiswork with the Military Community and Family Policy com-munications contracts, partially focus on strategic planning,message creation and outreach and training campaigns. Thisexperience provides the backdrop for his workshop on pre-senting disability program and service information to incom-ing leadership.

He has a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University and aMasters in Management and Disability Services from theUniversity of San Francisco. Derek lives in Davidsonville,MD with his wife and three children.

Toby Silver

Toby R. Silver is a producer and director at theDepartment of the TreasuryIIRS. She produces and directsvideo Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in AmericanSign Language (ASL) with captions. The first ever IRS PSAin ASL was to inform people about the Economic StimulusPayments of 2008 and it included an instructional video to fillout the tax form to qualify for the rebate, the current Tax Tipsfor 2009 which are posted on the Internet. Toby was happy tobe a part of this important first IRS effort to reach out to thedeaf and hard of hearing community. In addition, she producesagency training videos in ASL for deaf and hard of hearingemployees. She recommended a solution to caption in EnglishSpanish when doing video PSAs that her office produces forthe Internet distribution.

She has served as one of the DHHIG Board of Directorssince 2007, and she was the chairperson of the 2008 DHHIGHoliday Luncheon for deaf federal employees. A long-timeadvocate for TV and media accessibility to deaf and hard ofhearing viewerslusers, her background is consisted of involve-ment in numerous committees, tasks force, and advisoryboards on access for people with disabilities to visual technol-ogy and media. She chaired of several local and nationaladvocacy groups for universal captioning of local television,broadcast television and movie theatres. Toby has presentedlectures and workshops on telecommunications for peoplewith disabilities. She is the recipient of several awards fromlocal, regional, and national organizations for her advocacywork.

Toby received her BA from the University of Maryland atCollege Park and MA from the University of Texas at Austin.




Eric F. Spanbauer

Eric F. Spanbauer was born to a third-deaf generationfamily in Decatur, Illinois. In 1991, He entered GallaudetUniversity with a degree in American Government andentered the Department of Army at the Pentagon as aManager Trainee Analyst. Eventually he found his perfectniche in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) fieldand has loved working in it since then. He managed multi-ple EEO projects for Special Emphasis Program Directors,Affirmative Employment Program planning, and the Army’sWorkforce Recruitment Program (WRP) for CollegeStudents with Disabilities. In 2003, Mr. Spanbauer becamea full-time Disability Program Manager in the DefenseLogistics Agency (DLA) Corporate EEO Office in FortBelvoir, VA. He manages the DLA Disability Programwhere he oversees the WRP for College Students withDisabilities, the Affirmative Employment Plan, and develops& implements policies relating to disability employment inDLA. He led DLA to become the largest WRP employer inthe Department of Defense and the Federal Government forthe first time in 2008. He also serves as a WRP recruiterwith the Office of Disability Employment Policy in theDepartment of Labor where he has recruited over 390 col-lege students with disabilities to join the program for the past12 years. In 1998, Mr. Spanbauer co-founded the establish-ment of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing In Government(DHHIG), which he later became the Executive Directorfrom 1999 to 2001.

Jacob Statman

Jacob Statman joined Snider & Associates, LLC, as alaw clerk. Prior to joining Snider & Associates he was a lawclerk at Reese & Carney, LLP in Columbia, Maryland, andwas an intern in the Consumer Protection Division of theAttorney General's Office.

Jacob received his Bachelors degree from yeshivaCollege in Silver Spring, Maryland. Jacob then attended theUniversity of Baltimore School of Law where he receivedhis J.D. While at the University of Baltimore Jacob was astaff editor and an associated editor of the prominentUniversity of Baltimore Law Forum, where he authored twopublished articles. (See 35 U. Balt. L.F. 167; 36 U. Balt. L.F. 173). While attending law school, Mr. Statman was aSnyder (no relation) Litigation Fellow, where he learnedvaluable litigation technique and strategy from some of thecountry's greatest litigators. He also was awarded a certifi-cate of concentration in the areas of litigation and advocacy.

While with the firm, Jacob has successfully representedclients before State and Federal Court, the MSPB, theEEOC and Federal arbitrations. He is admitted to practicelaw before the Maryland Court of Appeals, the District ofColumbia Bar, the United States District Court for theDistricts of Maryland and Columbia, and the United StatesCourt of Appeals for the Federal and Fourth Circuits. Jacobis also a member of the American Bar Association and theMaryland State Bar Association. He resides in Baltimorewith his wife, Aliza and two children.

Jennifer Stewart

Jennifer has worked as an environmental engineer forthe Navy since 2000. During the first 5 years, she started outas an intern then a Remedial Project Manager at NavalFacilities Engineering Command Southwest Division in SanDiego, California. After moving to Maryland, she attendedgraduate courses through John Hopkins University until shetook an opportunity to work at the U.S. Naval Academy inAnnapolis, as an Air and Water Programs Manager. Not onlyhave Jennifer's past and current job positions involved heruse of management skills, Jennifer has experience using avariety of forms of communication in her workplace includ-ing: meetings with an interpreter, frequent calls throughVRS/Interpreter/VP relay, one on one meetings withoutinterpreter, and emails/correspondences.

Jennifer has a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering withan Environmental Engineering minor.

Paul Weise

Paul currently serves as the Director of Office ofCorporate Relations at the National Geospatial-IntelligenceAgency (NGA), Bethesda, Maryland. He is responsible forcongressional liaison, public affairs, agency history, and cus-tomer communication. He was appointed to the DefenseIntelligence Senior Executive Service in May 1997.

Prior to his appointment to OCR, he served in theProduction Directorate, NGA's largest office. As theBusiness Executive, Analysis and Production, he directedoperations, while ensuring customers received geospatialintelligence and analysis.

His employment began at the Defense Mapping Agency(DMA) Hydrographic/'Topographic Center in March 1980,as a Cartographer. He has served in other positions as NGA'sSenior representative to the National Security Agency;Deputy Director of the GEOSCOUT Program Office;Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Office; Director of theCommercial Partnerships Office and Commercial ImageryProgram; Deputy Director of the Digital ProductsDepartment; Chief, DMA's Advanced Weapons andSystems Division; and in DMA's Office of Europe/NationalAlliance Treaty Organization Affairs. In addition, he servedas the Middle East Regional and Terrain Analyst.

Mr. Weise earned a bachelors degree in 1979, fromEdinboro State College, Edinboro, Pa., in Geography, with afocus in Environmental Science. He completed his master'sdegree in Information Systems in 1992, from the Universityof Maryland.

Mr. Weise earned the Meritorious Civilian ServiceAward in 1998, and has attended the Federal ExecutiveInstitute's "Leadership in a Democratic Society" Program,and the Intelligence Community's Fellows" Program.

He enjoys golf and hunting and is married with one son.


exhibit hall

ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION SERVICES, LLCP.O. Box 278Lombard, IL 60148Voice: 800-335-0911Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

ACCESS INTERPRETING, INC.800 Cottage Street, SWVienna, VA22180www.ainterpreting.comThree Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

DEAF ACCESS SOLUTIONSP.O. Box 278Lombard, IL 60148Voice: 800-335-0911Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

BOOz ALLEN HAMILTONP.O. Box 278Lombard, IL 60148Voice: 800-335-0911Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

DOD COMPUTER/ELECTRONICACCOMMODATIONS PROGRAM (CAP)1010 Rockville Pike, Suite 306Rockville, MD 20852Voice: 301-738-8487Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

CSDVRS, LLC1524 South IH 35, Suite 225Austin, Tx 78704 Voice: 800-697-9535Video Phone (VP): hbrual.csdvrs.tvEmail: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATE1524 South IH 35, Suite 225Austin, Tx 78704 Voice: 800-697-9535Video Phone (VP): hbrual.csdvrs.tvEmail: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

FEDERAL RELAy401 Ninth Street, NWSuite 400Washington, DC 20004

Voice: 800-713-6327Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

GALLAUDET UNIVERSITy, OFFICE OF ALUMNIRELATIONSKellogg Conference Ctr. 800 Florida Ave., NEWashington, DC 20002TTy: 202-448-7028Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATIONKellogg Conference Ctr., 3327 800 Florida Ave., NEWashington, DC 20002TTy: 202-448-7028Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF (NAD) 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910TTy: 301-587-1789 Voice: 301-587-1788Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

NATIONAL SECURITy AGENCy8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910TTy: 301-587-1789 Voice: 301-587-1788Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910TTy: 301-587-1789 Voice: 301-587-1788Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

NETTALK, INC. 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910TTy: 301-587-1789 Voice: 301-587-1788Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

PEG PARSONSNATIONAL SECURITy AGENCy


exhibit hall

RECRUITMENT AND STAFFSCHEDULING COORDINATORMBI, Suite 6779, P.O. Box 1661Ft. Meade, MD 20755-6779Voice: 410-854-5901FAx: 410-854-1950Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

SCOMM, INC4224 S. Hacker Drive #260 Independence, MO 64055TTy: 816-350-7001Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

SNAP! VRS8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910TTy: 301-587-1789 Voice: 301-587-1788Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday and Wednesday)

SPRINT RELAy401 Ninth Street, NWSuite 400Washington, DC 20004Voice: 800-713-6327Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

SORENSON COMMUNICATIONS4393 S. Riverboat Road, Suite 300Salt Lake City, UT 84123Voice: 801-287-9846Email: [email protected] Days (Wednesday and Thursday)

SSA TICKET TO WORK4393 S. Riverboat Road, Suite 300Salt Lake City, UT 84123Voice: 801-287-9846Email: [email protected] Days (Wednesday and Thursday)

VALBIN CORPORATE4393 S. Riverboat Road, Suite 300Salt Lake City, UT 84123Voice: 801-287-9846Email: [email protected] Days (Wednesday and Thursday)

VIABLE5320 Marinelli RoadRockville, MD 20852Voice: 240-292-0222Email: [email protected] Days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)



Platium LevelElite Level

Gold Level

DHHIG/NTC would like to thank our sponsors and Federal partners.This conference would not be a success without your support!

Bronze LevelSilver Level

OFFICIAL SITE FORDEAF PROFESSIONAL HAPPY HOUR (DPHH)®

Deaf Professional Happy Hour (DPHH) is sponsoredby Viable at Regional Food and Drink (R.F.D.) inChinatown, (a block away from Gallery PlaceChinatown metro). Come and enjoy!

Special Feature: Enterainment - Deaf Performing Artist’s Network (D-PAN)

Regional Food & Drink (R.F.D.)801 7th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

VISIT US ONLINE ATWWW.DEAFDC.COM/DPHH/INDEX.PHP

Documents

2009 NTC Program Book