• Letter from the Commissioner of the Department of Labor
• 28th Deaf Annual Tea Invitation
• Deaf Annual Tea Awards Nomination Ballot and Deaf Culture Tea Awards to Date
• 129th Legislation related to Deafness
• Enjoy an Interview with Kevin L. Bohlin, M.S., Public School Outreach (PSO) Coordinator Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH)/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (GBSD)
• How to Register for Emergency Alerts

Letter from the Commissioner of the Department of Labor

Dear friends,

I am delighted to be back as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor, and have enjoyed being updated on the variety of services currently being offered by the Department, specifically for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, and late deafened.

The Maine Department of Labor is committed to helping every Mainer thrive in their communities, reach their goals, and have access to the resources they need to contribute their invaluable skills to the workforce. 

Our Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened provides referrals, information, and training to employers and other state agencies, as well as Deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind consumers regarding equal access issues. Our dedicated rehabilitation counselors for the Deaf help individuals access and maintain employment.

From providing vehicle placards, to legal interpreting information, and publications such as this newsletter, the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened is here to help Mainers access the information and support they need.

We strive to provide high quality services for all, and encourage you to discover all that the Maine Department of Labor has to offer.

Best regards,
Laura A. Fortman

Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Department of Labor

28th Deaf Annual Tea Invitation

http://www.maine.gov/rehab/advisory_councils/dod/minutes/index.shtml 

Maine Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened invites you to the Annual Tea

in celebration of Deaf Culture Week on Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the afternoon at the State House Hall of Flags.

Keynote Speaker - To Be Announced

Please Respond To:

Nancy A. Winter
Nancy.A.Winter@Maine.gov
(207) 623-7958 (V)
(207) 623-7998 (TTY)

Terry L. Morrell
Terry.L.Morrell@Maine.gov
(207) 470-7668 (VP)

Please respond by September 13, 2019. American Sign Language Interpreters and CART provided. Please contact Nancy by September 6, 2019 if you need other accommodations.

Deaf Annual Tea Awards Nomination Ballot and Deaf Culture Tea Awards to Date

http://www.maine.gov/rehab/advisory_councils/dod/minutes/index.shtml

129th Legislation related to Deafness

http://legislature.maine.gov/ 

• LD 38 “An Act to Require Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Adults”, sponsored by Representative Hardy of Lewiston and Senator Herbig of Waldo.

• LD 642 “An Act Regarding Kindergarten Readiness for Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing”, sponsored by Senator Breen of Cumberland and Representative Pierce of Falmouth.

• LD 888 “An Act to Provide Workplace Support to Individuals with Hearing Loss”, sponsored by Representative Warren of Hallowell.

Enjoy an Interview with Kevin L. Bohlin, M.S., Public School Outreach (PSO) Coordinator Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MECDHH)/Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (GBSD)

Pictured: Kevin Bohlin

My childhood was very typical for a child that grew up in the suburbs of Massachusetts. My father was working for the biotechnology industry. My mother was very involved with educational advocating for families with children with a variety disabilities while teaching at Wheelock College individuals who wanted to be in the Special Education field. I have an older sister who is hearing. While my family does not sign fluently, we had a sufficient amount of communication happening around the house. During the academic year; I would be involved with variety of school activities, youth sport leagues and I attended a Deaf youth theatre program in Boston every Friday afternoon. On the weekend, I would often have opportunities to meet up with my Deaf/hard-of-hearing peers to socialize at their/my house, the mall or exploring downtown on our own.

One of the most unique experiences that my family provided me as a child was to make sure that I had a Deaf big brother. I was very fortunate that my family was able to make a connection with Ben Bahan!

My family has always put in a lot of effort to make sure that I do not feel any differently from the people that I interact with on daily basis; however, I did not really realize how important it was to have Deaf peers, understand how to self-advocate for my needs in the classroom or even to accept my deafness until several summers at a variety of Deaf youth programs where I did not have any barriers (communication, social, emotional development) and plenty of Deaf/hard-of-hearing adult role models.

What mode of communication did you use as a child?

My family initially made the decision that I would communicate solely through spoken language and I was enrolled into a spoken language program until my mother met several Deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals that used sign language as their primary communication mode and realized they had their masters or even doctorate degrees. After my mother met them, she wanted to be sure that I had options to communicate in any form that I was comfortable with; I was encouraged by my extended family members to learn sign language as well too. As a child, I had options of using sign language or spoken language.

Where did you go to school?

I attended several schools while growing up: Northwestern University (IL) and Emerson College (MA) for their spoken language program. The Learning Center in Framingham (MA) for preschool, Winchester Public School (MA) for elementary and middle school and Newton North High School (MA). I also attended California State University Northridge and Gallaudet University.  

Have you always lived in Maine?

I am definitely very NEW to Maine. I moved here in December 2018. I would have never thought that I would live in Maine but I am very excited to be here and know that the future here is very BRIGHT!

What kind of work have you done?

I have done many different types of work in such a short period of time. This is where I strongly believe the Deaf community is very fortunate. This is a small community with plenty of opportunities and networking. Without the community and their supports having confidence in me and constantly encouraging me to take risk; I do not think that I would be at where I am today. The work that I have done over the years: book stores, coordinating a variety of summer camps/youth programs, classroom/interment teacher, house parent at a residential school, grant writing, athletic director, basketball coach for elementary/middle school/high school/college level teams, college professor, librarian, consultant for a variety of school systems and state agencies, project manager for the Department of Education and the list just goes on.

Currently, I am the coordinator for the Public-School Outreach service which is available through Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This is just an amazing experience for me to meet with countless Deaf/hard-of-hearing students all over the state of Maine. I work with a dedicated group of people who work hard to make sure every child gets plenty of opportunities and barrier free educational experiences.

I'm honored to be working for MECDHH/GBSD and it brings me joy to provide assistance with public school personnel to implement a positive, appropriate educational experience for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing and addresses the unique and individual needs of each student.

As a Deaf professional, what are your proudest accomplishments?

My proudest accomplishment is the simplest thing that anyone could ever ask for. That moment when you see a child finally understanding something regardless if it is solving a difficult math problem or being able to have two-way communication with someone. It is an accomplishment for me because I know that behind that child's success is a strong team of people that work together to provide the child the resources, supports and love that they need to THRIVE.

What would you like to see happen for those that you work with?

Over the years, I have constantly shared this philosophical message that I learned a long time ago from one of the many wonderful Deaf/hard-of-hearing leaders that I was fortunate to work with or observe. When it comes to a Deaf/hard-of-hearing children we need to think of "SPICE", Social, Physical, Intelligence, Communication and Emotional. Those are the five aspects that we constantly need to make sure that Deaf/hard-of-hearing children need to have access and unlimited growth within themselves. Without those five aspects, a child will not be a wholesome individual.

I would like to see those five aspects implemented towards more opportunities for our youths.

Kevin’s contact information:

Kevin L. Bohlin

Public School Outreach Coordinator

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Mackworth Island

Falmouth, ME 04105

(207) 250-0998 (VP/Phone)

(207) 632-0999 (Text)

Kevin.Bohlin@mecdhh.org

How to Register for Emergency Alerts

Register for “Citizen Alerts” at: www.maine.gov/portal/CAS/

• Amber/Kidnapping Alerts
• Severe Storm Warnings
• Statewide Government Office Closings
• Homeland Security
• Health Epidemic or Threat to Public Health

Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) also provides weather updates and other news. Register at: www.maine.gov/mema/mema_subscribe.shtml

Carefully pick which alerts you want so you don’t get too many!

Or follow @maine.gov_news on Twitter for quick updates and alerts!

Register for email travel alerts from MAINE TURNPIKE AUTHORITY:
http://www.maineturnpike.com/Traveler-Services/Travel-Alert-Sign-up.aspx

In Memory of James Levier June 23, 1940–March 16, 2001 You are missed. Rest in peace James.

James Levier memorial granite bench on Mackworth Island.

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