2007 ntc program book

May 8 - 10, 2007

2 Tomorrow’s Leaders, Positive Visions

CONFERENCE BADGESAdmission to all conference sessions is by badge only. Personswithout a badge will not be admitted. Members of the conferenceplanning committee are identified by colors on their badges. Pleasefeel free to stop any of them to ask for information or simply to chat.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MESSAGESAnnouncements and messages will be posted on the “communi-cation board” at the hospitality booth. This is located on the thirdfloor adjacent to the registration desk. If you wish for somebodyto leave a message for you, please call (202) 994-9222. If youwant something to be faxed to you, the number is (202) 994-7442. To expedite message service, be sure your name is on thefax paper and indicate delivery to the NTC Hospitality Booth.

SMOKINGSmoking is not permitted in the Cafritz Conference Center at GeorgeWashington University. Smoking is permitted outside on the ThirdFloor Terrace. Violation of this policy can result in a $300.00 fine.

TELEPHONEThere are public phone booths and TDD/TTY’s are available inthe Cafritz Conference Center.

INTERPRETING SERVICESSign Language and Oral Interpreting services will be available duringthe conference. To discuss other special or personal accommodations,please contact Pamela Baldwin, the Reasonable AccommodationsCoordinator or notify any staff at the conference registration desk.

BRAILLE/LARGE PRINT PROGRAMSThe conference program is available in Braille and large print.Request a copy at the registration desk.

TRANSPORTATIONThe conference is located within walking distance from the FoggyBottom Metro. For information about local travel inquire at theconference or hotel registration areas.

PARKINGMarvin Center Garage: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m -12 mid-night. No Overnight Parking. Entrance on H Street NW.Parking spaces for individuals with disabilities are available.Faculty, Staff, and Student parking areas are by permit only.Unauthorized vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed at owner’sexpense.

CONFERENCE EVALUATIONSThe Evaluation form is important, as it will provide us guidancewhen planning for future conferences. We urge you to fill out theevaluation form and return the completed evaluation form(s) toone of the volunteers. If the volunteer is not available to collect theform(s) from you, then you may place them in the evaluation formbox at the hospitality booth. Evaluation forms will also be avail-able at the hospitality booth.

General InformationNational Training Conference

CAFRITZ CONFERENCE CENTER

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Introduction

www.dhhig.org • 2007 National Training Conference Program 3

GreetingsPLANNING COMMITTEE

Jeffrey DallosChairperson

U.S. Geological Survey

Pamela BaldwinReasonable Accommodation

CoordinatorU.S. Department of Justice

Kat Brockway-AipleSponsorship Coordinator

Gallaudet University

Joan CorleyExhibits Coordinator

U.S. Geological Survey

Aaron FudenskeRegistration Coordinator

U.S. Department of Transportation

Mike HarrellPublic Relations Coordinator/

Web DesignerInternal Revenue Service

Laurie ItteilagWorkshop Coordinator

National Institutes of Health

Mark McKaySecretary/

Volunteer CoordinatorU.S. Department of Education

Jaime RechtHospitality Coordinator

U.S. Department of Transportation

Alan RugerCopy Editor

Bonneville Power Administration

Angela ShannonPrograms/Brochure Designer

Defense Logistics Agency

Felece Gelb SteeleCo-Exhibits Coordinator

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

DEAR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES:

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Deaf and Hard ofHearing in Government’s (DHHIG) National Training Conference

(NTC 2007). The National Training Conference on Employment ofGovernment Employees who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is continual-ly committed to enhancing professional growth and diversity in thegovernment workplace. This three-day, biennial symposium features awide array of technology, training, personal development, networkingand communication opportunities.

This symposium offers deaf and hard of hearing participants new andupdated information on personnel policies and practices, technology,reasonable accommodations, and resources that facilitate employmentopportunities for people who are deaf and hard of hearing throughoutthe government.

This year’s conference theme, “Tomorrow’s Leaders, Positive Visions,”affords its participants an opportunity to explore new ideas in thenumerous workshops available and in information exchanges with col-leagues. This allows us to find new strategies to continue to move upand grow in our professional development.

I want to thank our hard working and devoted members of the SteeringCommittee who gave generously of their time to volunteer. Theyshared their talents and expertise to make this conference a huge suc-cess. I also want to thank the gracious sponsors, government agencies,volunteers and the DHHIG Board for their valuable contributions to theconference. Without their commitment, this conference would not bepossible.

On behalf of the Steering Committee, I hope you will return to youroffice with enhanced tools, resources and networks to enable each ofyou to become Tomorrow’s Leaders with Positive Visions! Thank youand enjoy your conference at the Cafritz Conference Center.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey DallosChairperson


Conference agenda

Tuesday, May 87:30 am - 4:30 pm Registration 3rd Floor Lobby8:00 am - 9:30 am Opening Session Betts Theatre

8:00 am - 8:15 am Opening Remarks Jeffrey Dallos, NTC ChairpersonU.S. Geological Survey

8:15 am - 8:30 am Welcome RemarksWilliam Bowman, DHHIG Executive DirectorSocial Security Administration

8:30 am - 9:30 am Keynote Speaker Olegario “Ollie” D. Cantos VIISpecial Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice

9:40 am - 10:55 am Morning Sessions: Workshops1. Information and Communication Technology

Access for People who are Hard of Hearing and Deaf . . . . . Amphitheater2. Coaching for Leadership Success! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. Critical Incident Stress Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Increasing Employment of People with Disabilities in the

Department of Homeland Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Updates from the FCC on Relay Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

10:55 am - 11:05 pm Break

11:05 am - 12:20 pm Mid-Morning Sessions: Workshops1. Using VRS in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amphitheater2. Deaf, HOH, and Hearing Employees Working Together . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. SEC’s Model Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Successful Solutions: How to Successfully Navigate

the Federal Application and Hiring Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Face to Face Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

12:30 pm - 1:40 pm Business Luncheon Provided by DHHIG Grand Ballroom

1:50 pm - 3:00 pm Mid-Afternoon Sessions: Workshops1. Information and Communication Technology

Access for People who are Hard of Hearing and Deaf . . . . . Amphitheater2. Current EEO Issues in Federal Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. IRS Taxpayers’ Advocate Service (TAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Why Can’t I Get Promoted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Leveraging Interpreters in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

3:00 pm - 3:10 pm Break

3:10 pm - 4:20 pm Afternoon Sessions: Workshops1. The Future of Interpreting Services: Using Video

Interpreters to Combat the Interpreter Shortage . . . . . . . . . Amphitheater2. “Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook” for the Workplace . .Room 301 3. Understanding Federal Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Business Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government “Works for You!” . . . .Room 310

Conference agenda


WeDnesday, May 97:30 am - 4:30 pm Registration 3rd Floor Lobby

8:00 am - 9:30 am Opening Session Betts Theatre8:00 am - 8:30 am Opening Remarks

Jeffrey Dallos, NTC ChairpersonU.S. Geological Survey

8:30 am - 9:30 am Keynote Speaker Commissioner Christine Griffin, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

9:40 am - 10:55 am Morning Sessions: Workshops1. Diversity in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amphitheater2. How to File an EEO Complaint and Continue Your Career . . . .Room 301 3. Coaching for Leadership Success! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Federal Relay & How You Can Benefit in the Federal Workplace . .Room 3075. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About

Closed Captioning, But Were Afraid To Ask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

10:55 am - 11:05 pm Break

11:05 am - 12:20 pm Mid-Morning Sessions: Workshops1. DHHIG: By-Laws Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Betts Theatre2. Remote Communication Access - There's Nothing to Fear! Amphitheater3. How to Overcome Adversity and Achieve the Impossible . . . . . .Room 301 4. Rules of the Road: Making Sense of Investing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3025. Unlearning Communication Skills for Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3076. Managers and Supervisors: JUST FOR YOU!

RoundTable Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch On Your Own

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm DHHIG General Session and Elections Grand Ballroom

2:45 pm - 2:55 pm Break

2:55 pm - 4:10 pm Afternoon Sessions: Workshops1. Roles and Challenges of Accessible Communications . . . . . Amphitheater2. What Does Your OIG Do for You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. Be a Successful Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Tomorrow’s Jobs, Positive Visions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Diversity in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Evening Networking Reception Grand Ballroom


Conference agenda

thursday, May 107:30 am - 4:30 pm Registration 3rd Floor Lobby8:00 am - 9:30 am Opening Session Betts Theatre

8:00 am - 8:30 am Opening Remarks Jeffrey Dallos, NTC ChairpersonU.S. Geological Survey

8:30 am - 9:30 am Keynote Speaker Claude Stout, Executive Director, Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. (TDI)

9:40 am - 10:55 am Morning Sessions: Workshops1. The Future of Interpreting Services: Using Video Interpreters

to Combat the Interpreter Shortage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amphitheater2. CAP Provides Free Assistive Technology to Enhance

Your Workplace Productivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. Contribute to DHHIG Discussions with EEOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Tips for a Great Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. An American Sign Language Translation of the IRS Policy

on Sexual Harassment, Mandatory Computer-based Training: A Pilot Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

10:55 am - 11:05 pm Break

11:05 am - 12:20 pm Mid-Morning Sessions: Workshops1. Career Empowering: Assessing My Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amphitheater2. Why CEOs are also in Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. SEC’s Model Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Understanding Federal Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Electronic Federal Resume & KSA / Essay Writing Workshop . .Room 310

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch On Your Own

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm Mid-Afternoon Sessions: Workshops1. You Can Apply for Social Security Benefits In Your Pajamas Amphitheater2. Is Your Interpreter Qualified? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. Is the OPM’s Language Specialist (GS-1040) Series an Appropriate

Classification for American Sign Language-English Interpreters?:A CaseSstudy of the IRS Staff Interpreter Upgrade Appeal Process .Room 302

4. Aspiring Female Deaf and Hard of Hearing Leaders . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Unlearning Communication Skills for Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

2:45 pm - 2:55 pm Break

2:55 pm - 4:10 pm Afternoon Sessions: Workshops1. Face-to-Face Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amphitheater2. Ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 301 3. Let’s go CAMPing, Creating a Career Assistance Mentoring

Program in Your Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3024. Why CEOs are Also in Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 3075. Empowering Yourself with Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Room 310

workshop and presenters


An American Sign Language Translation of the IRSPolicy on Sexual Harassment, MandatoryComputer-based Training: A Pilot ProjectDANIEL ROUSH

Should agencies provide American Sign Languagetranslations of mandatory trainings for employeeswhose native language is ASL? This pilot projectexplored the development of an ASL translation ofcomputer-based training using digital video. Therationale and process of creating the translation will bediscussed. A demonstration of the translation will beshown. Evaluation results of the project will also begiven.

Aspiring Female Deaf and Hard of Hearing LeadersKIRSTEN POSTON

This panel discussion includes 5 successful femaleleaders in the Deaf community. The purpose of thepanel is to discuss leadership traits, strategies, strengthsand weaknesses and what makes the panelists so wellrespected in the Deaf community. Participants willlearn how they can overcome obstacles when reachinga goal or objective. Participants will have an opportu-nity to ask the panelists questions following thediscussion.

Be a Successful LeaderGARY VIALL

Do you want to be a leader but have trouble motivatingpeople? Do you have great ideas but no followers?This workshop will be conducted by Gary Viall, arenowned deaf leader in the DC area. Gary willexplain how to encourage volunteers and how to getthings done! There will be time for the audience to askquestions.

Business EtiquetteEDWARD LORD

Knowledge of etiquette has a major role in success inour culture. Etiquette is a code of rules that governssocial behavior. Being familiar with etiquette is alwayshelpful to develop our professional image. The PowerPoint presentation will begin with an intro-duction of the definition of etiquette and basics of eti-quette. Approximately fifty situations will be givenwith the audience deciding on whether they are appro-priate or inappropriate. These situations will be classi-fied as business, communication, dining, e-mail, hand-shake and social etiquette.

CAP Provides Free Assistive Technology to EnhanceYour Workplace ProductivityJESSICA HADLOCK AND KRISTEN PIORKOWSKI

The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program(CAP) is the centrally funded program that providesassistive technology and accommodations for individualswith disabilities throughout the Federal Government.CAP services and assistive technology are available toindividuals with visual, hearing, dexterity, cognitive, andcommunication disabilities at no cost to the individual orthe agency. Latest assistive technology for deaf and hardof hearing will be discussed.

Career Empowering: Assessing My Skills SUE PRESSMAN

A professional skills assessment, the SkiliScan will beadministered and interpreted. Participants will obtainimmediate results and develop their own profile of com-petencies and areas for professional development. Havingthis knowledge will help empower participants to takeresponsibility, become self-reliant, and realize personaltalents & competencies enabling self-career management.Participants will identify individual competencies andskill sets along with areas for future development toenhance opportunities for career advancement, gain lan-guage skills for resumes, applications, and interviews.Limited to 20 participants.

Coaching for Leadership Success!SCOT ATKINS

In keeping with the conference theme, innovative andsuccessful strategies on how to lead employees througheffective coaching will be introduced. Included are dis-cussions about the latest coaching tools and strategies tohelp strike a harmonious balance between the needs ofthe employees and the need for agencies to accomplishresults. The focus will be on learning techniques thathelp unleash human potential in employees throughactive listening. This workshop is targeted to current andfuture leaders and supervisors!

Contribute to DHHIG Discussions with EEOCCHRISTY COMPTON, TOBY SILVER AND

HEIDI BURGHARDT

EEOC is looking into Federal employment issues of indi-viduals with disabilities and invited DHHIG to contributetheir ideas. Here is your chance to let DHHIG know whatthey should tell EEOC. Participants will share sugges-tions, which will be recorded. What are your employmentissues? What do you want DHHIG to tell EEOC? Comelet us know!

Workshop summariesand presenters



Critical Incident Stress ManagementMARGIE ENGLISH

This workshop focuses on personal coping strategies incritical incidents in the workplace. Your response tothese incidents can make or break your career. Margie isprepared to share coping strategies for being the onlydeaf person working in a hearing environment. Thesestrategies can be applied to situations that occur on per-sonal time as well.

Current EEO Issues in Federal EmploymentROBERT MATHER

This presenter will address issues of reasonable accom-modations, especially qualified interpreters, in the work-place.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government “Works for You!”WILLIAM BOWMAN

Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG)enters its 11th year of public service and advocacy forthe deaf and hard of hearing federal employees throughout the country and overseas alike on an array ofemployment issues. One of DHHIG’s foremost respon-sibilities is to advocate the rights of the employees whoare deaf and hard of hearing in the federal workplacealong with promoting employment opportunities amongour members. DHHIG also serves as a clearinghouse forresources. Facing a constant change in the policy alongwith the issue of hiring, retention and promoting,DHHIG has been actively monitoring and responding tothe proposals and DHHIG collaborates with federalagencies and external stakeholders in addressing issuesof our interests and to ensure that we are part of theprocess. DHHIG sponsors several events such as theNational Training Conference (NTC), A One-DaySeminar, and Holiday Professional Luncheon.

Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing EmployeesWorking TogetherKATHY DOLLINGER-MEYER

NTID Center on Employment provides an educationalworkshop to connect deaf and hard of hearing individualswith their hearing colleagues in the workplace. This pres-entation will include hands-on activities and topics thatare from NTID’s Working Together: Deaf and HearingPeople. Participants will be able to share informationabout resources available through NTID to foster diversi-ty and heighten deaf awareness.

DHHIG: By-Laws ForumERNEST HAIRSTON, PH.D, GARY VIALL AND

HEIDI BURGHARDT

This session will involve By-Laws Discussion. This isyour opportunity to provide feedback on the By-Laws.

Diversity in the Workplace YOUNG CHUNG-HALL AND VIRGINIA (ANN) OLLIFF

Diversity doesn’t happen without effort. Women,minorities, gays and lesbians and people with disabili-ties still face unique challenges and obstacles in oursociety. This session is designed to have very healthyand candid discussions about dealing with thoseissues in the workplace. In addition, attendees areinvolved with break out sessions and present their dis-cussions.

Electronic Federal Resume & KSA/Essay WritingWorkshopKATHRYN TROUTMAN

Maximize your success in the new Resume Builderworld! Get ready to count characters, find keywords,write essays and copy and paste! This workshop willbring you up-to-date with the latest federal resumeapplication processes!

Empowering Yourself with Networking!ERIC SPANBAUER

You’re qualified for a job or a promotion but didn’t getit? Surprisingly, 70% of jobs are found by networkingand only a small number are found by vacancy adver-tisements! Mr. Spanbauer will share his experiences,and show you how to apply the eight keys of network-ing with rules and tips to empower yourself with effec-tive networking to find that job you want!

ErgonomicsJEFFREY DALLOS

Maximize and improve your workplace productivity.This workshop will describe how important ergonomicsis for your workplace. Learn the basics of how you canadjust your workstation.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About ClosedCaptioning But Were Afraid to AskSIDNEY HOFFMAN

The workshop will describe how closed captioning isactually done, so attendees can make informed, intelli-gent decisions when ordering captioning services orpurchasing captioning software. Topics include how tocaption existing videos (VS and DVD); how to do live(realtime) captioning with both speech recognition andsteno, and how to caption for the internet, both in real-time, and for video-on-demand.

Face-to-Face CommunicationsJASON CURRY

This workshop will discuss the lack lack of face to facecommunication and the resulting loss in power thatdeaf and hard of hearing people experience.



Federal Relay & How You Can Benefit in the FederalWorkplaceKARL EWAN

An overview on the Federal Relay program and howthe Federal Employee can benefit in the Federal work-place. Attendees will be able to learn how to utilizeFederal Relay’s products. Attendees will also be ableto benefit from tips on how to maximize their relayuse in the workplace and increase productivity.

How to File an EEO Complaint and Continue YourCareerHEIDI BURGHARDT AND CHRISTY COMPTON

Presenters will describe their experience in filing anEEO complaint to obtain accommodations. The dis-cussion will include ways to determine if a complaintwill adversely affect their job. The goal of the work-shop is to help attendees feel more comfortable assert-ing their rights.

How To Overcome Adversity and Achieve theImpossibleSTEPHEN HOPSON

Adversity does not discriminate — therefore, no oneis immune from it. Learn how to see adversity from adifferent perspective. Everything, including adversity,happens for a reason. Once you see adversity in a dif-ferent way, you will be able to achieve the impossible.Learn how to hold on to the vision you have for yourlife even during the toughest moments. In short, hav-ing a little bit of faith goes a long way!

Increasing Employment of People with Disabilitiesin the Department of Homeland SecurityTANYA CANTRELL, KATHY LANE, CARLA BRODDIE,AND CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ

This workshop will include a broad overview of theDepartment of Homeland Security’s (DHS) DisabilityProgram Initiatives, Components, and positions. Thepresenters will discuss successful strategies includingthe use of special hiring authorities and outreach tech-niques. Topics will also include the steps DHS took toobtain leadership support in establishing its program,and the program results to date.The DHS Headquarters Selective Placement ProgramCoordinator will share her successes. Specifically,how the Headquarters component increased the num-ber of employees with disabilities by 176 percent(from 50 to 138) in just over a two year period. Thepresenters will also share best practices utilized byother DHS Components in support of the department’sinitiative, including a pilot recruitment program, andincreased internship opportunities. Q and A willfollow.

Information and Communication TechnologyAccess for People Who are Hard of Hearing and DeafDAVID BAQUIS

The Section 508 Rehabilitation Act covers such productsas TTY compatible voice mail; websites with captionedvideos; and firewalls compatible with Video RelayService. Understand the difference between accessibleand assistive technologies. Discuss how federal employ-ees can raise awareness of these procurement regulationswithin their agencies. Get involved with subcommitteesdeveloping recommendations to update Standards andGuidelines impacting technology accessibility.

IRS Taxpayers’ Advocate Service (TAS)JOSH BECK & JAMES LEITH

Barriers facing taxpayers with a disability, and counduct-ing outreach to taxpayers with disability.

Is the OPM’s Language Specialist (GS-1040) Seriesan Appropriate Classification for American SignLanguage-English Interpreters?: A Case Study ofthe IRS Staff Interpreter Upgrade Appeal ProcessDANIEL ROUSH

This presentation will describe the classification appealcase of the IRS staff interpreters seeking an upgrade froma GS-9 level. An overview of the Language Specialistclassification standards will be given. A discussion ofsome of the standards’ limitations in addressing the workof sign language interpreters will be provided.

Is Your Interpreter Qualified?CHRISTY COMPTON AND KEVIN BALL

Do you have trouble convincing your agency that theinterpreters are not doing a good job? Does your agencyunderstand the importance of this issue? Presenters willprovide suggestions for negotiating with the agency, and adefinition of a qualified interpreter. There will be timefor the audience to ask questions.

Let’s go CAMPing, Creating a Career AssistanceMentoring Program in your OrganizationMIKE HARRELL

This workshop gives a step-by-step process in create aMentoring Program for your organization. If you are lookingto creating a Mentoring Program or seeing how one can bedone for your organization, then this workshop is for you!

Leveraging Interpreters in the WorkplaceBILLY KENDRICK

The workshop will address understanding how to maximizeinterpreter usage in the workplace. Principles of interpreta-tion will be discussed and participants will experience theinterpreting process first hand through exercises. Strategiesfor dealing with interpreters who lack necessary skills willbe discussed. Finally, ways to leverage interpreters duringmeetings, presentations, and interviews will be explored.



Managers and Supervisors: JUST FOR YOU!RoundTable DiscussionsSUE PRESSMAN

Round table discussions will be held on special topics formanagers and supervisors providing an opportunity toshare tips and tools for everyone to create a successfulwork environment. By participating in the round tablesyou will become an instrumental member of the DHHIGfamily. Your shared knowledge will be anonymously com-piled and posted on the DHHIG website for others to readand learn from and most importantly implement in theirsettings.

SEC’s Model AgencySHELLY FRANKS AND KAREN SMITH

SEC’s Disability Program Officer Shelly Franks andDisability Program Coordinator Karen Smith developedprocedures as the model for the federal government.When Deaf and hearing colleagues work together effec-tively, they can accomplish much more than either canalone. The accommodation procedures are part of SEC’scomprehensive Disability Program. Workshop will cover:practical and legal considerations in developing andimplementing accommodation procedures; training man-agement; coordinating across organizations; managinginterpreting services and employee advisory committees.

Remote Communication Access - There’s Nothing to Fear!PHILIP HYSSONG

For an employee to advance, they need to communicatethrough conference calls, staff meetings, or training ses-sions with no limitations. Technological advances make itpossible for employees to do these things regardless oftheir hearing loss. Internet remote CART will be demon-strated throughout the session giving participants anunderstanding of the service, the steps and equipment nec-essary to be successful and where to locate providers.

Roles and Challenges of Accessible CommunicationsPHILIP AIELLO AND MYRNA ORLECK-AIELLO

“The new ONE NUMBER SYSTEM ACCESS FOR ALL.”With an emphasis on fostering inclusiveness for Deaf indi-viduals using the latest technology, this workshop will focuson practical applications of assistive technology (AT).Presenters will highlight the use of key devices for accessi-ble communication among Deaf and Hearing colleagues.Other topics include successful integration of communica-tion equivalent to federal employees using AT, emergencypreparedness, and IT.This workshop will focus on innovative solutions for acces-sible communication, identifying the main challenges facedby people with disabilities. It will also identify links toresources and support on how to become better prepared forcurrent and future challenges in the communications space.Successful integration with communication equivalence forFederal employees using AT and a live demonstration of thelatest solution for equal access.

Rules of the Road: Making Sense of InvestingTIM RIKER

For decades, Edward Jones has been helping individu-als invest for financial security. In that time, we’vemet more than a few investors looking for the secret tosuccess in the stock market. In truth, there are alwaystwo keys to successful investing: They are patience anddiscipline. I will be introducing 10 Rules of the Roadthat will guide investors.

Successful Solutions: How To Successfully Navigatethe Federal Application and Hiring ProcessTANYA CANTRELL, KATHY LANE AND DENISE PARKER

DHS representatives will present to NTC attendeessuccessful approaches for applying for federal posi-tions. This presentation will explore how to writeeffective resumes, explore career options and success-fully navigate the application and hiring processes.Additional helpful resources and federal contacts willalso be provided to conference attendees.

The Future of Interpreting Services: Using VideoInterpreters to Combat the Interpreter ShortageKALEN BECK AND LORRAINE COSTELLO

It is now much more difficult to find qualified sign lan-guage interpreters in your community-especially if avideo relay center has opened in your town! The goodnews is that interpreters no longer have to be on-site toprovide access to your deaf & hard of hearing con-sumers. Sign Language Associates, Inc. will discussand demonstrate how to utilize video remote inter-preters.

Tips for a Great ApplicationSTEPHEN KING

Do you apply for jobs but never get called for an inter-view? Do you wonder what they want? This work-shop will provide answers from the Human Resourcesperspective: Stephen will explain what makes a goodapplication, and what it takes to make the BestQualified list. There will be time for the audience toask questions.

Tomorrow’s Jobs, Positive VisionsPAUL SINGLETON

A hands-on demonstration presentation will discusshow a person with disability can apply for Federalemployment and get reasonable accommodation andassistive technologies. Office of PersonnelManagement job search engine (Usajobs.opm.gov) andComputer/Electronic Accommodations Program (tri-care.mil/cap) websites will be demonstrated and dis-cussed.



Understanding Federal BenefitsLOUIS SCHWARZ

This seminar will be a place to share, debate, and discuss fed-eral employee benefits and retirement planning. It will bemoderated by an expert in federal employee financial andretirement planning, who is a Chartered Federal EmployeeBenefits Consultant (ChFEBC). This Deaf Certified FinancialPlanner provides this forum with answers to important ques-tions regarding attendees’ financial well-being.

Unlearning Communication Skills for ResultsERIN WHITNEY

Communication requires people. Each person requires a dif-ferent recipe for communication. There is no fool-proofrecipe for effective communication in the workplace, which isa major challenge. It’s even a greater challenge when facedwith a disadvantage of not having full access. The effort toimprove communication skills is a life long process, whichincludes unlearning our previous knowledge, method andapproach of communication. Those who are committedtowards improvement will work on three areas: unlearning oldhabits, communication towards results, and pollution-free lis-tening. Life lessons and stories will be shared and participantswill have opportunities to share their own learning situations.Ms. Whitney still strives on her never ending journey towardseffective communication despite challenges.

Updates from the FCC on Relay ServicesGREGORY HILBOK

Due to an explosion of demands for Video Relay Service(VRS) and Internet Protocol Relay (IP Relay), the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) continues to update itsrules and regulations to keep up with new issues due to theseservices’ growth. The presentation will discuss recent devel-opments from the FCC’s Disability Rights Office concern-ing VRS, IP Relay, Captioned Telephone and other services.Discussion will include FCC’s pending matters on relayservices. The presentation will also provide guidance onhow to submit a complaint and comments in response topetitions, public notices and proposed rules.

Using VRS in the WorkplaceKELBY BRICK

Kelby Brick, a deaf attorney, will discuss the benefits ofVRS in the workplace— and how one can best utilizesuch technology to provide access in the work place.Ensuring access is critical in order to maximize opportuni-ties for employment security and promotions.

What Does Your OIG Do for You?DARRELL DRAKE

This interactive workshop session will discuss the mission andfunctions of the Offices of Inspector General in the FederalGovernment, using the National Science Foundation’s Officeof Inspector General as an example. We will provide infor-mation about our functions and provide case studies andexamples of our audits and investigations.

Why Can’t I Get Promoted?CHRISTY COMPTON

Have you been in your job for ten or fifteen years with-out a promotion? Do you wonder what they want? Thisworkshop will provide answers from the supervisor’sperspective: Christy will explain how to get others tosee you as promotion material and offer suggestions formoving up. There will be time for the audience to askquestions.

Why CEO’s are Also in Customer ServiceJULIE BOURNE AND MARGIE ENGLISH

This is an interactive workshop on key elements of net-working with a focus on customer service. There is avalue in recognizing opportunities to fulfill needs ofpeople around you that would also benefit you.Pointers will be given on how to hit two birds with onestone in person as well as in writing.

“Worse Case Scenario Survival Handbook” for theWorkplaceMICHAEL ROYER

Succeeding in the workplace is hard enough, but doingit with a hearing loss presents a whole new set of chal-lenges. There are moments of triumph that enable usto succeed in the workplace, and there are times whenwe stumble. While we can learn best practices forleading, managing time and projects, communicating,and what not from innumerous reference books, imag-ine if professionals with hearing loss could learn fromone another on how to thrive in the workplace.

You Can Apply for Social Security Benefits in YourPajamasWILLIAM BOWMAN

Social Security Administration’s award-winning web-site provides a wealth and array of information thatwill require just a fingertip to get the information youseek. You can use our site to request personal informa-tion, such as an estimate of your future Social Securitybenefits or a letter verifying your benefits if you arealready getting them. You also can use our site toreplace your Medicare card. There is so much to it.Even better, you can now apply for benefits from any-where or even in your pajamas. We are in the digitalage where more transactions are made online. TheSSA online is friendly and easy to use.The presentator will conduct a 60-minute workshopusing a powerpoint presentation of the internet thatwill include a discussion of the following: BenefitsPlanner, Apply for retirement/disability benefitsonline, Social Security Statement, Social SecurityStatement in different languages, E-News, How toReach Us, Hot Issues, Legislative Issues andRegulations, Press Release, Organizations, Ticket toWork, and more...

Exhibitors

NTC DHHIG would like to Thank Our Sponsors.

This conference wouldn’t be a success without your support!

Diamond Level Gold Level

Bronze Level

Honorable Mention Level

Promotional Sponsors

Alternative Communication Services, LLCBirnbaum Interpreting Services (BIS)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)CPC – Computer Prompting & Captioning Co.

CSDVRS, LLCDeaf and Hard of Hearing in Government (DHHIG)

DoD Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP)Federal Relay

Gallaudet Leadership Institute (GLI)Hands On VRS (HOVRS)(Go America) i711.com

IP-RelayNational Association of the Deaf (NAD)

NISHNOAA/National Weather Service

Pressman Consulting, LLCsComm, Inc

Sign Language Associates (SLA)SORENSON Communications

Sprint RelayTaxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)

TCS Associates T-Mobile

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)Viable.Net

Visual Language Interpreting (VLI)

2007 ntc program book

Documents