REMINDER - DPHH in Baton Rouge, LA

Lakeside Daiquiris

Saturday, May 30, 2009

7490 Burbank Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70820

Come join us on SATURDAY NIGHT for some socializing at Lakeside Daiquiris. Theres a mixture of cocktails, daiquiris, beer and even food if you come early enough. Great outdoor seating as well as indoor seating with games EG: darts, pool tables, etc.

Drive safely!

RIT - NTID - NTID News - Web Site Launched for Parents and Educators of Deaf Children

RIT - NTID - NTID News - Web Site Launched for Parents and Educators of Deaf Children

Posted using ShareThis

Jennifer Kuyrkendall and Les Yoakum

Congratulations again to: Jennifer Kuyrkendall and Les Yoakum for getting accepted into the Interpreting for the Theatre summer institute at the Juilliard School in New York City. They will both be in attendance May 30th – June 7th, 2009 and have found out they will be interpreting The Lion King!

VRS and IP Relay Ten-Digit Number Registration Deadline Advisory‏

Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities who use VRS and/or IP Relay are reminded, if they have not yet done so, to register with the VRS or IP Relay default provider of their choice as soon as possible, and no later than June 30, 2009. To complete the registration process, a VRS and/or IP Relay user must provide his or her physical location information (Registered Location) to a default provider and, in exchange, obtain a ten-digit geographic telephone number. After June 30, 2009, all VRS and IP Relay users must be registered with a default provider in order to place a non-emergency call through any VRS or IP Relay provider. In addition, after that date, VRS and IP Relay providers will no longer complete calls to a user's former "proxy" or "alias" number that may have been previously obtained from a provider. To ensure delivery of accurate location information to responders in an emergency, VRS and IP-Relay users must provide updated location information to their default provider any time it changes. For more information about this deadline and ten-digit numbering and emergency call handling for VRS and IP Relay service, see the FCC consumer advisories at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit-reminder.html; www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit.html; and
www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/trstendigit-user-meaning.html.

LSDAA T-Shirt on Sale!

 

$5.00 each! Contact Ann Semons at jasemons@yahoo.com. Cash or check (payable to LSDAA). Please specify size. Thanks!

Sorenson Relay Services Workshop

 

The Advocacy Center

The Advocacy Center wants YOU to contribute to discussions on Advocacy Center's Facebook.com and Disaboom.com pages about disability issues you care about in Louisiana. Applicants must have a disability, be a Louisiana resident and have access to the Internet.

For more information and to fill out an application, click here:  https://advocacyla.dabbledb.com/page/webcontentcreatorapplication/olhLNCZI

Deadline: May 30, 2009
Project Length: June 1 - Nov. 30, 2009

Please share with your friends!

Call for Support of SSP

For Your Information
Randall Pope <randy.pope@...> 5/21/2009 12:40 PM >>>
From the American Association of the Deaf-Blind

Call for Action -- We Need Your Help!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

We need your help! We are asking you to call your Senators in Congress to
recognize the concept of Support Service Providers (SSPs) as a needed service
for the deaf-blind community.

In meeting the deaf-blind community's highest need, AADB has already begun the
process by developing the language that defines SSPs and what they do.

The language is:

"The Committee asks the Department of Labor (or Dept of Health and Human
Services) to support the efforts of Support Service Providers (SSPs). SSPs relay
visual and environmental information, act as sighted guides and facilitate
communication for people who are deaf-blind, using the deaf-blind person's
preferred language and communication mode. SSPs enable deaf-blind persons to
access their communities and connect with other people, reducing communication
barriers that otherwise would result in social isolation,
incapability to live independently, and inability to participate as citizens
within mainstream society."

This language is the first step of a long process towards recognizing SSPs
nationwide as a profession and to provide this needed service for deaf-blind
people around the country. We want to introduce the language to different
Appropriations Committees, including the Departments of Labor, Health and
Education.

The time is short! Please email or call your Senators today to ask them to
include the language in the Senate Appropriations subcommittees. You can find
your senators by clicking on
http://aadb.convio.net/site/R?i=94RkZIN5EGMbA5si10il3A. This will take you
directly to the Senate's website. If you have trouble accessing this link,
visit www.senate.gov. When you contact the Senators of your state, have them
contact Elizabeth Spiers in the AADB office at elizabeth.spiers@... if they
have any questions or wish for more information.

If you need more information or assistance, please contact Elizabeth Spiers at
elizabeth.spiers@....

Thanks for your help on this very important issue. Please spread the word and
tell them that you want SSPs Service.

With Warm Regards,

Jamie Pope
Executive Director
American Association of the Deaf-Blind
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 121
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Email: aadb-info@...

TTY tel: 301.495.4402
Voice tel: 301.495.4403
Fax: 301.495.4404

More fallout at School for the Deaf

More fallout at School for the Deaf

Posted: May 21, 2009 04:45 PM CDT

Updated: May 21, 2009 04:45 PM CDT

More 9News Headlines Fire leaves two children dead Five die in boating crash NTSB investigates plane crash Two accused of stealing from elderly Mother pleads guilty to double murder Accused murderer denied change of venue Accused shooter to undergo evaluation Car flips due to crash Three area companies announce layoffs Traffic cam money stays local

By Paul Gates - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -The fallout continues at the Louisiana School for the Deaf Thursday night. The school ran into some tough times after several alleged cases of sexual abuse involving staff and students. After being shut down for about a month class is back in session. But many students and parent say it's no longer a school but a boot camp.

Randal Pippins, president of the Louisiana Association for the Deaf believes things are not going well at the deaf school. He says students have been carrying, wearing and planting small black flags as a quiet campus protest to current conditions. "Human rights for these deaf children at the deaf school are in jeopardy and the staff as well, but mostly the children."

Kids at the deaf school can't leave campus for a snack or drink from local stores like they used to do. The boys are separated from the girls in the dining hall. 170 surveillence cameras show security guards where students are and what they are doing. "It feels like in the past the school has changed from it's former status to a jail." We're told if one student needs a bathroom break all students in that class have to go too whether they need a break or not. "The class can't be left alone so the whole class has to go, and once they go to the bathroom a few can't go in at once. One has to go in at a time."

We asked state superintendent Paul Pastorek about increased restrictions at the deaf school. It was he who called all the shots when he closed things down. "For the time being I think you are going to see the restrictions we put in place, that are going to have to stay in place." Pastorek told us about an advisory group he's planning for this summer. "So I can work more closely with the deaf community, the parents and the students to talk about changes we can make. I'm prepared to make changes."

Counselor Rogers is soon leaving the deaf school for career stakes. She's not really happy about leaving. "I feel a lot of anger and so many questions. Everyone was wondering why we closed. There have been so many incidents at other schools and they didn't take extreme measures as they did at our school."

Deaf school employees are also worried about layoffs required by a 1.2 million dollar cut to the school's budget. Thursday the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously to approve Pastorek's motion for the cut. 31 employees would need to be cut to match the 1.2 million dollar hole.

LSD Concerns

Sent On behalf of State Superintendent Paul Pastorek

The following information is provided to address the concerns raised after the BESE meeting:

1.      Psychologist and Counselors – retained 2 school counselors and one Residential Therapeutic Specialist. Two behavioral specialists will be added.

a.       Positions eliminated were the school psychologist and two social workers.

b.      A school counselor for each school will be retained.

c.       School counselors will change their role; currently they serve as school disciplinarians. This role will change to serving as a traditional school counselor.

d.      New Behavioral Strategist positions created to address the Positive Behavior Supports System LSD has put in place.

e.      Persons whose positions have been eliminated may apply for the new positions. They may also have “bumping rights” to existing positions, based on their certifications.  

f.        Student services are primary for all areas of reduction and expansion.

2.       IT – retained 3 between LSD and LSVI. SSD has IT contract.

a.       Two LSD IT staff have been retained.

b.      LSVI has one IT staff who will be retained.

c.       SSD has a contract for IT services that will be available for use at the two schools.

3.       Signing

a.       Signing is more important than seniority (certification is first qualification for certain positions).

b.      All retained dorm staff will have SCPI ratings of Intermediate Plus or better, if Civil Service approves our request for an exception/exemption to the Civil Service Rules.

c.       Signing will continue to be a priority.

4.       Director

a.       I am currently waiting on Dr. Joe Fischgrund to begin this process.

b.      An Interim Director was identified. Dr. Donna Alleman will begin work on June 1.

c.       Dr. Alleman may wish to apply for the permanent Director’s position and she would be encouraged to apply.

d.      According to Dr. Fischgrund, it takes at least one year for an appropriate search to occur.

5.       Advisory Board – currently in place, but not meeting as often as needed.

a.       Eight identified members: Lynn Blanchard, Affiliated Blind of Lafayette; John Allen, Methodist Home for Youth, Ruston; Brooke Aldridge, LSD; Chris Sonnier, President of Eagle Eyes; Willie Turner, LSD; Bill Caballero, LSVI; Kevin Lemoine, SSD; and Janet Ford, LSVI.

b.      Established and charged with protecting the integrity of the two schools.

c.       LSD and LSVI staff selected for historical significance.

d.      Alumni of both schools represented.

6.       Cost Savings by outsourcing – currently no additional outsourcing has been identified. If outsourcing occurs, the savings will be realized at that time; none have been identified at this time.

7.       The plan is on the BESE website. Any information provided at the BESE meeting will be posted on LSD’s website for parents, staff and community members to access.

If your concerns have not been addressed, please feel free to let me know and we will do our best to address any additional concerns you may have. 

Liz

Elizabeth “Liz” Moore

Interim State Director

Special School District

Response to Budget Cuts at LSVI

Anonymous said...

The same exact thing is happening at the LA School for the Blind. This merger is becoming less about helping our kids and more about saving a buck at the expense of the children and their long-term well-being.

Directory of BESE Board Members

http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/bese/1720.html

 

Mr. Dale Bayard 7th BESE District 1000 S. Huntington Sulphur, LA  70663		(337) 527-8691 (O) (337) 527-0514 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Mr. John L. Bennett Member-at-Large 525 Oaks Avenue Port Allen, LA 70767		(225) 342-5840 (O) (225) 342-5843 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Ms. Glenny Lee Buquet 3rd BESE District 1309 Bayou Black Drive Houma, LA  70360		(985) 876-5216 (H) (985) 868-7919 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Ms. Penny Dastugue Member-at-Large 10 Serenity Drive Mandeville, LA  70471		(225) 342-5840 (O) (225) 342-5843 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Mr. James D. Garvey, Jr. 1st BESE District One Galleria Blvd, Suite 1400 Metairie, LA  70001		(504) 836-6500 (O) (504) 836-6565 (Fax) sbese@la.gov
Ms. Louella Givens 2nd BESE District/Secretary-Treasurer 2244 11th Street Mandeville, LA 70471		(985) 892-6300 (O) (985) 892-6600 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Mr. Keith Guice 5th BESE District 2307 Valencia Boulevard Monroe, LA  71201		(318) 388-0973 (H) (225) 342-5843 (Fax) sbese@la.gov
Mr. Walter Lee 4th BESE District/Vice-President 201 Crosby Street Mansfield, LA  70152		(318) 872-3993 (O) (318) 872-1324 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Ms. Linda Johnson 8th BESE District/President P.O. Box 866 Plaquemine, LA  70765		(225) 687-2308 (H) (225) 687-2308 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Ms. Tammie A. McDaniel Member-at-Large P.O. Box 94064 Baton Rouge, LA  70804-9064		(318) 244-5335 (O) (225) 342-5843 (FAX) sbese@la.gov
Mr. Chas Roemer 6th BESE District P.O.  Box 94064, Capitol Station Baton Rouge, LA  70802		(225) 342-5840 (O) (225) 342-5843 (FAX) chasroemer@hotmail.com
Senator Sharon Weston-Broome President Pro Tempore P.O. Box 52783 Baton Rouge, LA  70892		lasen15@legis.state.la.us   Capitol Office P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (225) 342-2040 District Office P. O. Box 52783 Baton Rouge, LA 70892 (225) 359-9352
Senator Yvonne Dorsey 1520 Thomas H. Delpit Drive Baton Rouge, LA  70802		dorseyy@legis.state.la.us   Capitol Office P.O. Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804 (225) 342-2040 District Office 1520 Thomas H. Delpit Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 342-9700
Board Members ,  BESE		sbese@la.gov
		225-342-5840 225-342-5843 fax

Proposed Cuts at LSD and LSVI

Cuts Proposed for LSD  http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/uploads/12561.pdf

6 technical support (two would go to the classroom as teachers)

Counseling Dept:

            Elementary counselor to become an instructor

1 speech/communication instructor

H.S. Librarian  (convert to instructor)

13 instructors                                            

Convert to Academic Improvement:

3 supervising teachers

1 instructor

School psychologist

2 school social workers

 

Dean of Students becomes Dorm Director

1 RTL elminate

1 Staff Deveopment Specialist

5 Residential Advisor Supervisors

16 Residential Advisors

5 vacancy positions in the dorms (RA)

 

Ed Support Services – become Sped Director

Ed Asses Co – Ed diagnostician

3 vacancies closed

 

Administrative Co. 4

1 Administrative Co.  reports to SS director

Admin assist

 

1 accounting technician in Food Services

1 vacancy closed

 

1 bus driver

1 administrative co

1 admin assist

 

2 SHC vacancy closed

Administration:

1 admin

1 admin assist

Admin assist 4

Procurement Specialist  3

Human Resource Analyst 3

3 vacant admin positions

 

1 guard

5 maintenance repair

2 Mobile equip operators

Opt Engineer Supt

Custiodian mangager

 

Convert Linda’s job to PRINCIPAL

 

LSVI

1 Human Resources Director A

4 guards

1 Custodian Supervisor

3 custodians

1 electrician

1 carpenter

2 maintenance repair

1 maintenance foreman

IT tech becomes instructor

Librarian becomes an instructor

Principal asst becomes instructor

1 instructor (retiring)

2 Para Educators convert to School Improvement

Rehab transitionist becomes Behavior Specialist

1 vacancy elminated

3 vacancy elminated in support services

2 food service                                     keep 2 food service and dietician

RN2 becomes Practical Nurse            keep 3nurses; keep occupational therapist

1 exec admistrative

Campus Life becomes dorm director

3 Residential Advisor Supervisors

1 RA

1 vacancy

Compiled by DeafCommunityNews - CBBDC

Letter to Ms. Linda Johnson, President of BESE

Rev. Ronald DeWitt

Liberty Deaf Assembly of God

1438 Harwich

Baton Rouge, LA  70810

rondewitt@cox.net

Ms. Linda Johnson

8th BESE District/President

sbese@la.gov

225) 687-2308 (FAX)

Dear Ms. Johnson

      As the President of the BESE board, you must surely face endless appeals from the schools and students of our state.  Please take a moment to read one more from us.  We are a small missions church that ministers to the students at the Louisiana School for the Deaf.  On Thursday, you will be presented with proposed cuts to the LSD budget.   We have read the list online.  It seems to slash the school worse than a terrorist attack!  I am terribly concerned for the students.   These cuts are impossibly cruel.  How can the students be safe and well educated with 23 dorm staff cut and at least 13 instructors?  They depend on the counselors, but the plan is to out-source the counseling.

     As you may know, the plan to bring LSVI to the campus was approved.  It is a wonderful solution.  Mr. Kevin Lemoine told everyone that such a move would save the state about $4.5 million per year.  Why the deep cuts?

   The merger of the two schools could use at least a year to solidify.  They will need their computer tech personnel, their counselors, dorm staff, instructors, etc.  Please, ask BESE to veto these cuts! It is cruel to do this to LSD so soon after so much heartache there!

     As you must realize, the students and their parents have been through a very tough year.  The students have stayed strong (even though confined to campus and adjusting to some rather bizarre rules)!  I am afraid that this will break their young spirits.

     Please, please help these precious LSD students! They deserve the chance.  You are in a position to serve as well as oversee.  We pray that you will have the divine direction for your most difficult assignments.  We are counting on you!

Sincerely,

Ron DeWitt

Pastor

Letter to Senator Yvonne Dorsey

Rev. Ronald DeWitt

Liberty Deaf Assembly of God

1438 Harwich

Baton Rouge, LA  70810

rondewitt@cox.net

 

Senator Yvonne Dorsey

dorseyy@legis.state.la.us

Dear Senator Dorsey,

      You are known by many as the champion of the needy.  You have proven time and time again that you are a politician with integrity and HEART! For that reason, I am appealing to you.   I pastor Liberty Deaf Assembly right next to the Louisiana School for the Deaf.  Our little missions church was establihed to minister to the students who attend LSD as well as to deaf adults of Baton Rouge.  We are deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to LSD services.  These cuts are impossibly deep cuts.  How can the students be safe and well educated with 23 dorm staff cut and at least 13 instructors?  They depend on the counselors, but the plan is to out-source the counseling.

     As you may know, the plan to bring LSVI to the campus was approved.  It is a wonderful solution.  Mr. Kevin Lemoine told everyone that such a move would save the state about $4.5 million per year.  Why the deep cuts?

   The merger/cooperation of the two schools could use at least a year to solidify.  They will need their computer tech personnel, their counselors, dorm staff, instructors, etc.  Please, ask BESE to veto these cuts! It is cruel to do this to LSD so soon after so much heartache there!

     As you must realize, the students and their parents have been through a very tough year.  The students have stayed strong (even though confined to campus and adjusting to some rather bizarre rules)!  I am afraid that this will break their young spirits.  

     Please, please help these precious LSD students!

Thank you so much for everything that you have done for the people of our communitty and our state.  Suerly God has put you into a position of helping so many!  Bless you! 

Sincerely,

Ron DeWitt

Pastor

BESE Meeting - URGENT!

Come one, Come all!
 
Meet us at the McDonald's on Government Street in downtown (next door to WAFB Channel 9 Station) at between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., May 21st.
 
We all will go together to the Claiborne Building for BESE meeting. BESE postponed the decision about LA School for the Deaf today (May 20th) to tomorrow (May 21st)!
 
LA School for the Deaf needs YOU! Please do come and show support!!
 
Walker Estes

Call for Interpreters for LRID Summer Camp

Louisiana Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

Call for Interpreters

Summer Camp ‘09

June 20, 2009

Slidell, LA

LRID will be hosting the annual Summer Camp Training entitled ‘Summer Camp ‘09’ on June 20, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Suites in Slidell, LA from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. This training is for educational and community interpreters on all levels.

We are honored to have Melissa Hines presenting two workshops entitled:

“Whats in a Voice” from 8:30 am -11:30 am

and

“You Say Tomātō, I Say Tomätō” from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

LRID is seeking two certified interpreters for this event. Interpreters will be compensated at an hourly rate and will be provided with a hotel room (double occupancy), if needed.

Please send a letter of interest and a brief biography to me at lrid_vicepresident@yahoo.com by June 10, 2009.

We are looking forward to working with you for this exciting event!

Gary Morgan, CI and CT, NAD IV, LA V

LRID Vice President 2007-2009

LRID Summer Camp

LRID‟s

Summer Camp „09

Saturday, June 20th

Holiday Inn * Slidell, LA

Presenter:

Melissa Hines

Having a Deaf family member, Melissa’s exposure to Deaf culture began early on. She continued involvement with the Deaf community in both Louisiana and Texas. Her interpreting skills developed by mentoring with a CDI and other seasoned hearing interpreters. She has experience in a variety of settings including medical, educational, vocational, and VRS. Melissa holds the RID NIC, CI and CT.

8:30a – 11:30a “What‟s in a Voice”

This workshop targets interpreters of all skill levels interested in linguistic analysis, culture and regional differences in languages, both spoken and signed. Participants will be able to identify facial nuances and demonstrate appropriate phrasing when voicing.

1:00p - 4:00p“You Say Tomātō, I Say Tomätō”

This workshop targets interpreters of all skill levels interested in identifying perceptions of the speaker based on accents and dialects. Participants will demonstrate how those perceptions influence word choices, intonation, phrasing, emotions and attitudes while interpreting.

_______________________________________________________________

* * * Registration * * *

LRID Members - $30 *Join LRID to pay member rate* Non-members - $50

On-site registration only * Cancellation policy not applicable

Doors open at 8:00am * Lunch on your own

* * * Site Information * * *

Holiday Inn * 372 Voters Rd. * Slidell, LA 70461

Room Rate $89.00 + tax * Phone 985.639.0890

* * * Accommodations Request * * *

Reasonable accommodations request must be submitted to lrid_vicepresident@yahoo.com by June 10, 2009

LRID is a certified RID Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities

0.3 (PS) CEUs for What’s in a Voice have been applied for

0.3 (PS) CEUs for You Say Tomātō, I Say Tomätō have been applied for

BESE Meeting - Need HELP!

Hi All,

 

This morning Louisiana Association of the Deaf (LAD) organized and held a permitted demonstration in front of the Clayborne building, which houses the State Dept of Education. There were about 25 attendees total, including about 4+ parents.

 

The next few days are critical! We need to impress upon the BESSE board their need to reconsider the budget cuts to LSD.

 

12:00 pm (arriving early) Claiborne Bldg, Room 1-100, The Louisiana Purchase Room

 

Tomorrow at 12:30 pm, the State Authorized Over Sight Committee will hear the proposed changes for LSD campus, staff positions and students to meet huge budget cut demands. This committee will listen to proposed changes and make recommendations to the BESSE board during the Friday. We need to be present on Wednesday to express our concerns!

 

8:30 am (arriving early) Claiborne Bldg, Room 1-100, The Louisiana Purchase Room

 

Thursday at 9:00 am BESSE meets. This is the board that has the final approval or disapproval of the proposed plans for LSD.. We need to be there again, to be sure that our concerns are heard!

 

PLEASE JOIN US AND HELP PROTECT AND DIRECT YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION!

Comments about LA School for the Deaf

Deaf News forwarded by Brandi Berkely starts with comments by LaDisability Talk moderator. Please go below my comments to view concern over lack of funding for La. School for the Deaf.

Brandi please check to see if attachments were copied and pasted below- remember that we have yahoogroups remove attachements to prevent the spread of viruses-

Also, could you please give more explanation as to why the Deaf Community is still supporting the La School for the Deaf. I don't mean to sound naive. But after the reports of abuse it makes some of the rest of us wonder why you don't want funding to be put into something like training, support, technical assistance to school districts to help them include children who are deaf. I know that some people who are deaf like having that community of support like Galludet University. But you can understand why it might give some advocates pause to support a segregated setting that allowed abuse. I'm hoping we can have a conversation that will help us better understand. And, honestly, I expect you'll have to explain to legislators and other decision makers. Thanks, Cindy/Moderator

Deaf News forwarded by Brandi
[Attachment(s) from bblovas1@yahoo.com included below]

----- Original Message -----
From: The DEAF BAYOU e-news
To: DEAF BAYOU Editor

Dear Frend,
Please see attachments�

Editor Dan

--------~

~ Forwarded message

Those of you that know about problems at La School for Deaf and Live in La please write to the department of education and the senate to give your opinions in reguards to budget cuts.

Those of you who do not live in La PLEASE pray that GOD will touch the hearts of the board and senate to do what is right for the Deaf in La.

In HIS LOVE until HE returns.
James Masters

"Please take a second look at the proposed cuts to LSD" These seem too drastic!

Or try a call with the video phone!

Last Day to RSVP for Purple Local Number Workshop

Hello everybody....
REMINDER--

Tomorrow (May 20) is the last day to RSVP for Purple Local Number Workshop. No matter if you already have purple number or not, you all still can come! 

We will provide  foods and give away prizes. 

Workshop takes about 30-45 minutes and rest of the time will be a social time!! 

Start at 5:30 PM at BRAD Clubhouse on May 27, 2009 , Wednesday. 

Kids are  welcome!!

Please do RSVP to JulietBarbin@aol.com or 225 341 2939

LAD Rally at the Claiborne Building #3

 

Photo by Eric Funk

LAD Rally at the Claiborne Building #2

 

Photo by Eric Funk

LAD Rally at the Claiborne Building on May 19

 

Fiscal "Reform" Crippling LA School for the Deaf

Subject: Fiscal "Reform" Crippling LA School for the Deaf

::ATTENTION::

The State's plan to save money by merging the LA School for the Deaf (LSD) & LA School for the Visually Impaired (LSVI) is resulting in mass layoffs of key instructional staff, support staff, and other key personnel at the LSD.  LSVI has yet to make announcements, but is slated to do so in the coming weeks.

Please help get the word out about the State's betrayal of our Deaf & Blind students.

Information on the LSD layoffs is available here: http://ladeafconnection.blogspot.com/

 

Thank you in advance for your help!

Letters to BESE Board Members

Hi everybody again!

Do you know that the BESE plan to approve the budget cuts for LSD this coming Thursday??

We will have a peaceful rally tomorrow morning. I'd like to have you there for the rally.

There is one more thing that we should do ... to email to the BESE members

NOT to approve the recommended budget cuts for LSD.

Here are three samples of the letters that you can choose one that you like and email to the BESE members.

3 samples:

1.   Dear Board Members,

            Please DO NOT cut the budget at the Louisiana School for the Deaf.

    We need all the staff at LSD to continue the school we all know and love.

    Thank you.

    Sincerely,

   (Your name and address)

 

2.    Dear Board Members,

        Ms. Liz Moore and Mr. Kevin Lemoine are recommending budget cuts

at the Louisiana School for the Deaf that will result in the cutting of 69 staff

at the school. Considering the fact that the school was closed in

October, 2008 in order to improve the safety of the children at LSD, it

seems unrealistic to achieve this goal with less staff to ensure their safety.

        If "safety" truly is the primary concern for LSD, then it makes sense

to keep all the positions at the school and maybe even add more. Please do

not approve the recommended budget cuts for LSD. Thank you.

    Sincerely,

    (Your name and address)

 

3.    Dear Board Members,

        I am writing to ask you NOT to cut the budget for the Louisiana

School for the Deaf. As a concerned deaf person, I want the only state

school for the deaf to continue to grow so that future generations of deaf

people like me will have a place to learn and grow into productive citizens.

Please do not approve the recommended budget cuts for LSD. Thank you.

    Sincerely,

    (Your name and address)

 

Please use the email address (bese@la.gov) to the Board Members:

    Mr. Dale Bayard                    Mr. Keith Guice

    Mr. John L. Bennett              Ms. Linda Johnson

    Ms. Glenny Lee Buquet        Mr. Walter Lee

    Ms. Penny Dastugue            Ms. Tammie A. McDaniel

   Mr. James D. Garvery, Jr.     Mr. Chas Roemer

    Ms. Louella Givens

 

Please make an effort to do that and save LSD!!!

Thanks,

Ed Wood

LAD Rally at BESE on May 19th at 9:00 a.m.

There will be a peaceful rally at the Claiborne Building in downtown Baton Rouge - 1201 North 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come out and support LSD!

Please tell your friends about it and try to be there for LSD's sake.

Thanks,

Ed Wood

List of LSD Positions Eliminated

List is too long to post but do

check out at http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/uploads/12561.pdf

There will be a BESE - State Authorized School Oversight  Committee meeting on 

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.  

Claiborne Building, Room 1-100 

The Louisiana Purchase Room 

1201 North 3rd St. 

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

BESE Board Meeting - May 21, 2009

LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OF ELEMENTARY

AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

Board Meeting

Claiborne Building

Room 1-100, The Louisiana Purchase Room

1201 North Third Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802

Thursday, May 21, 2009

10:00 a.m.

Mr. Keith Guice, President

Mr. Walter Lee, Vice-President

Ms. Louella Givens, Secretary-Treasurer

NOTICE: The Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education or its committees reserve the right to enter into Executive Session, if needed, in accordance with R.S. 42:6.1.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance at a public meeting of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, please contact the Executive Director of BESE at 225-342-5840, or by email at sbese@la.gov, describing the assistance that is necessary.

Eagle Eyes Emergency Meeting

Greetings All,   LSD is undergoing major staff cut-backs and campus re-configuration due to the state budget reduction, and the ensuing merging of LSD and LSVI campuses. Pink slips have already gone out to staff and the reallocation of campus resources has be ordered.   The administration at LSD had promised to keep parents abreast of changes ....   HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE SCHOOL REGARDING THESE MATTERS?   We will be having a Eagle Eyes/LSD Parent meeting at:   6:00 pm ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH AND CATHOLIC DEAF CENTER 2585 Brightside Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70820-3504 (across the street from the school)   PLEASE COME AND GIVE YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT!   Thanks, Carolyn Clark Eagle Eyes Secretary

LSDAA Green T-shirt Sale!

LSDAA is selling green t-shirts for $5.00 each!

Contact Ann Semons at jasemons@yahoo.com or VP at 866.954.9066

LSDAA White T-shirt on Sale!

LSDAA White T-shirt on sale for $5.00 each!

Contact Ann Semons at jasemons@yahoo.com or VP at 866.954.9066

Job Opportunity with CSDVRS

Cool Job.

Flexible Hours.

(and you'll meet LOTS of people.)

 

CSDVRS is now accepting applications for Outeach Specialist positions. This position is a part-time, contract basis with responsibilities of meeting people, making house calls, hosting events, providing presentations and/or workshops to promote CSDVRS. Resposibilities also include "one on one" training with customers on how to use CDVRS and other services available at residences or businesses.

 

FLEXIBLE HOURS, EXCELLENT PAY RATE, AND BEST OF ALL...

you make your own schedule!

 

Interested? Contact:

Kathy Walters

kwalters@csdvrs.com

214.299.8140

 

We look forward working with you!

 

www.csdvrs.com

Response to the Layoffs at LA School for the Deaf

My Response to my State Rep and Senator

I have been in the field of Deafness over 40 years. I have worked on the state, national, and international levels. My children graduated from the Louisiana School for the Deaf

I am appalled at the treatment of the Louisiana School for the Deaf by the La Department of Education! On one hand they tout the need for a "world class" educational system for the Deaf and on the other they slash key staff!

The recent lay offs will effectively cripple the School to the point that the only alternative left is closure! This would be a violation of federal law, a travesty of historical proportion to the Deaf community, and a moral failure of the State to the future of Deaf children.

Please restore the School!

Daniel D. Burch, Ph.D., SC:L
Sign Language Services International, Inc.
10632 Ferncliff Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70815-5215

225-273-3396 Voice/TTY/VP

Layoffs at LA School for the Deaf

Louisiana Department of Education Special School District informed several key staff members of the Louisiana School for the Deaf they are being laid off.  These staff members are vital to the education and well being of the Deaf Students in our state.  It appears that the State Superintendent and BESE are not concerned about the education of these special children.  They are more concerned with keeping administrative position within the Special School District and doing away with positions that are key to the education of deaf students.  They do not understand if they continue to appropriately educate these students to become self sufficient and employable citizens they will not be capable of supporting themselves and will depend on the state to take care of them the rest of their lives continuing to be financial burdens on the state's declining budget.  Please contact your State Representative and Senator, let them know what these cuts will do to the education and services to the current and future students of the state as well as the Deaf Community.
 
You can advise your representative and senators that if they were to actually visit the school, talk with students, parents, staff and the deaf community they can see there are cuts that can be made without cutting positions that effect the education of these students.  They need to become educated in what services the school offers and how each function of the school is vital to the future of these children.
 
The Representatives need to be aware of who is running the school  Elizabeth Moore, Interim Director of Special School District is currently doubling as the Interim Director of LSd.  Ms. Moore has no experience with Deaf Education or the Deaf Community yet she is allowed to make decisions that are affecting these citizens of Louisiana.  Ms. Moore recently traveled to visit a deaf school in another state upon her return to LSD she was describing a program she witnessed at the out of state school and said it would be nice for LSD to have this same program.  What she did not know was that LSD has the program and has been utilizing in the classroom everday.  This alone shows she has not interacted with the students and staff to see what actually takes place at the school.  The State Superintendent of Education has someone in charge of the school who is not interested in knowing what and how the students are learning.
 
Ms. Moore appeared before the State's Appropriation Committee to discus the schools budget, she was not completly forth coming with them.  She also gave false statements to them.  She told them that she had stopped to pick up a sandwhich for lunch on her way to meet with them.  While driving there she noticed one of LSD buses and several students playing on the levee.  She told the committee that she stopped and ate her lunch while she watched the children play, she went on to tell them how heartwarming and touching that was.  The truth is that she did stop, she did not eat lunch while watching the children play instead she demanded the teacher return the students back to school immediately.  She ruined the end of the students field trip by making them return to school earlier than they were scheduled to return.  This is the person we have in charge of educating our children.  She is not concerned with the children at LSD, she proved it with this action.
 
The Department of Education continues to hire administrative staff and have outgrown the space they have in the Claiborne Building near the Capitol so they have moved Special School District Staff to LSD campus.  In this move Special School District Staff has taken over the offices and displaced key staff members of LSD that are vital in the education and well being of the student.
 
Please support the education of Deaf Students by contacting you Representative and Senator and let them know that it appears they along with the Department of Education do not think educating deaf students in Louisiana is not important to them.  And it appears they are wanting to completly shut done this facility that offers many valuable resources to not only deaf students but the deaf community as a whole.  Also pass this information on to everyone you know and have them also contact their senator and representative.
 
Link to State Representatives and contact information
 
http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Reps/H_Reps_FullInfo.asp
 
Link to State Senators
 
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Senators/