• DDHHLD Director’s Report-Terry Morrell
• 33rd Annual Deaf Tea Awards September 19, 2024, 2-4 PM Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta Kellynette Gomez, Keynote Speaker
• Did you know the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened meetings are open to the public?
• Do you know about Disability Rights Maine (DRM), Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP)?
• Did you know that you could text to 911?
• An Interview with Gina Pitcher
• An Interview with Pat Dobbs, President of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Downeast Chapter of Maine
• Deaf Culture Informational Poster
• Deaf Culture Week Informational Poster

DDHHLD Director’s Report-Terry Morrell

It is hard to believe that the Annual Deaf Culture Tea Awards are coming up soon. This year it will be at the State House in the Hall of Flags. We look forward to having Kellynette Gomez as our Keynote Speaker this year and we look forward to seeing you there!

The last week of September is recognized as Deaf Culture Week, this year it is September 22-28, 2024. The Deaf Culture Festival (DCF) will be taking place on September 28, 2024, from 9 AM-4 PM, on Mackworth Island, in Falmouth, ME. This is a great event to attend!

Also, in this issue of Maine-Lines, we are thrilled to have interviews for Gina Pitcher and Pat Dobbs

33rd Annual Deaf Tea Awards September 19, 2024, 2-4 PM Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta Kellynette Gomez, Keynote Speaker

Kellynette Gomez, Keynote Speaker, Annual Deaf Tea-September 19, 2024

Kellynette Gomez is a dedicated advocate and licensed social worker committed to empowering individuals to achieve their goals. With a diverse background in organizational training, talent searches, and leadership development, she has actively served various local and national organizations in roles such as community liaison, peer advocate, volunteer, and consultant. Kellynette holds a master’s degree in social work from Springfield College and a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University, along with a recent certification in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice (INP).

Kellynette currently serves as an adult service navigator at the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and as a board member for Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc. She is also committed to increasing accessible resources and employment opportunities for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communities. To this end, she founded the Deaf Job Seeker Network Facebook group, which now has over 8,000 members.

As a Deaf Latina woman, Kellynette's advocacy extends beyond her professional roles. She aims to bring a valuable and diverse perspective to the forefront by actively championing inclusivity and representation at every level of society, reflecting her passion for creating positive change.

Did you know the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened meetings are open to the public?

2024 and 2025 Meetings:

• October 10, 2024, In-Person only, 4-7 PM 45 Commerce Drive, Department of Labor, Augusta Frances Perkins Conference Room
• 2025 Commission Meetings: January 9, 2025 April 10, 2025 June 12, 2025 October 9, 2025
• All meetings 4-7 PM

Location will be determined prior to each meeting. Contact Nancy Winter at 207-623-7958 or E-mail: Nancy.A.Winter@maine.gov.

Do you know about Disability Rights Maine (DRM), Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP)?

The Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP) was established by state law to provide no- or low-cost adaptive phone equipment to any Maine resident who cannot use their home's conventional telephone due to a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. The program was established to assist low-income residents, and most clients pay nothing for the phone equipment they receive. Through a simple application process, DRM's TEP staff determine which amplified, captioned, or voice-activated telephone and/or call signaler will best meet your needs.

To apply, complete the TEP application form, available online at Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services TEP Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services or call to have us mail you one. Send completed application to DRM with: Verification of Disability (note from doctor, an audiogram, or diploma from deaf school) and Proof of Household income for all family members for prior 12 months (tax returns, pay stubs, social security award letters, or bank statements). DRM Program staff will assist you in selecting the best phone for your needs. Staff are also available to assist with installation and training. As of March 2020, we are providing virtual appointments- contact us for more information. If you find that the equipment does not meet your needs, DRM staff will assist you in selecting a different phone. Through the TEP Lending Program, clients may keep the equipment for as long as you need or want it, but you cannot give it to someone else, or take it out of the state of Maine. If your needs change or the equipment breaks down, DRM staff will work with you to resolve the issue by repairing or replacing your equipment.

For those whose income may put them above the program limit for no-cost assistance, we offer a 'Cost-Share' option. Cost-Share allows individuals to pay a portion of the equipment cost, on a sliding scale, to purchase the equipment they need. As with no-cost equipment, we ship the equipment directly to you. However, the equipment is the client's property, just as if it had been purchased from any store. If repairs or replacement needs arise, program staff can refer Cost-Share clients to the appropriate repair center or warranty process. The cost of repair or replacement for Cost-Share equipment is the individual’s responsibility.

TEP applicants who are over age 65 have the option of receiving a single telecoil-equipped hearing aid instead of a phone. There are additional requirements for applicants seeking a hearing aid; in addition to proof of disability and proof of income, applicants must also submit proof of age and a recent audiogram with their application. Program staff are available to answer any questions about the application process or eligibility.

For more information, contact: Lisa Penney, Advocate Email: lpenney@drme.org

Did you know that you could text to 911?

• https://www.maine.gov/maine911/using-911
• https://www.maine.gov/maine911/sites/maine.gov.maine911/files/inline-files/Text%20to%209-1-1%20sheet%20FAQs_2.pdf
• https://www.maine.gov/maine911/using-911/tty-wireless-voip

An Interview with Gina Pitcher

Pictured: Gina Pitcher

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Pictured: Left to right: Gina Pitcher and Mike Pitcher

What mode of communication did you use as a child?

I used a lot of Pidgin Signed English (PSE) with my family growing up, when I went to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, I learned American Sign Language (ASL).

Where did you go to school?

Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf in Long Island, NY. 

Have you always lived in Maine?

No, I grew up in Long Island until I graduated from Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf in Long Island, NY. I also went to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. My parents moved to Maine while I was at Gallaudet University; I moved to Maine in 1993. 

What is your family life like now?

My family is great, and we are happy. My husband and I married in 2000 and have been together since. We have two beautiful children who are children of Deaf adults (CODA). They are 21 and 23 years old. 

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Obviously, I am Deaf, friendly, patient, easygoing, a jokester at times and I love helping people. I like to go camping, four-wheeling, hiking, and more. 

As a Deaf professional, what are your proudest accomplishments?

First, I would like to thank my parents for letting me go to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Learning more about true ASL and bringing it to Maine made it easier to find friends and have get-togethers. I am the secretary for the Maine Recreational Deaf Association. As well as the vice president of the Tri-Flying Hands Deaf Club. 

Where do you work?

I have had a variety of jobs and currently I am a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and have been for 15 years. I took a break and now I am a DSP for a different company.

What do you do?

I am a DSP. 

What are some of your challenges?

One challenge was my husband having a heart attack. Another is the frustration of not having an interpreter.

What would you like people to know?

I want the Deaf and hearing communities to work together in harmony. I am thankful for video phones and technology allowing for more Deaf accessibility. Lastly, I can be shy sometimes.

An Interview with Pat Dobbs, President of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), Downeast Chapter of Maine

Pat Dobbs, Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)

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The Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened would like to introduce Pat Dobbs. Pat is hard of hearing and the President of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the Downeast Chapter of Maine.

Could you tell us what exactly HLAA is?

HLAA stands for Hearing Loss Association of America. It is the largest organization for people with hearing loss and is located in the Washington DC area. We’re their Maine Chapter. The goal of HLAA is self-advocacy and support for people with hearing loss.

How many HLAA chapters are in Maine?

We’re the only chapter in Maine so we cover the whole state.

Are there meetings to attend; if so, where and what kind of accommodations can be made?

We generally meet every other month online through Zoom and use Zoom captions. At our last meeting we had an interpreter, and we are looking to incorporate interpreters in our future meetings. We also meet two times a year at central locations. Our next outing will be in Lewiston.

Is there a cost?

There is no cost.

Is anyone welcome?

Absolutely, everyone is welcome.

How do members of HLAA communicate?

We speak through spoken language but looking to incorporate that with an interpreter.

How can HLAA benefit someone who is losing their hearing?

We support people with hearing loss. We do this by providing a community and from that community, friendships blossom. We provide education on issues related to hearing loss. Our last meeting was on health insurance for hearing aids and cochlear implants. We had four speakers talking about different avenues related to health insurance.

How did you become involved with HLAA?

I became involved totally by accident. But I’m sure it wasn’t an accident as it came at a time in my hearing loss journey when I was finally ready to acknowledge it and talk about it. Before that I never acknowledged my hearing loss and hid my hearing aids. If I couldn’t understand what someone was saying, I bluffed and hoped that I answered correctly. Not a good thing.

What is the biggest need for hard-of-hearing adults in Maine?

Of course, education is important. But more important, it’s to find a like-minded community of people that understand what your life is like.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about your HLAA chapter?

Your question makes me laugh. “Try it, you’ll like it”.

Contact information:

www.HearingLossMaine.org

Pat Dobbs   

pat@coachdobbs.com  

973-479-8083

Deaf Culture Informational Poster

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Deaf Culture Week Informational Poster

The Department of Labor is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.