• DDHHLD Director’s Report-Terry Morrell
• The Difference Between Closed and Open Captions
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-Closed Captioning on Television Rules
• Closed Captioning Complaints in Maine
• An Interview with John Post, Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD)
• An Interview with Sitara Sheikh, Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD)
• An Interview with Gwen LaPointe, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)
• An Interview with Dina Blanchard-O'Gara, Management Analyst II
• Sign Up to Receive Maine-Lines

DDHHLD Director’s Report-Terry Morrell

Hi All,

Hope this finds you well. For this issue we want to share some information about open and closed captioning.

March 22^nd is National Vocational Rehabilitation Appreciation Day. We want to take a moment to show appreciation for all the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRC) and Rehabilitation Counselors for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RCD) and everyone who works in the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Rehabilitation (BRS/VR). We are including interviews with RCDs and VRCs with hearing loss. We hope you enjoy their interviews. We also included an interview with Dina Blanchard-O’Gara, Management Analyst II for the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. We hope you also enjoy our interview with Dina.

April 1-30 is National Deaf History Month.

https://www.nad.org/2022/01/31/national-deaf-history-month-dates/ 

I encourage you to explore Deaf History. Here is some interesting Deaf History.

https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/asl/deaf-history-timeline

https://inventors.cns.utexas.edu/projects/updates/five-remarkable-people-in-deaf-history

Save the date for the Annual Deaf Culture Tea Awards ceremony on September 15, 2022, 2-4 PM. More information to follow on location and the keynote speaker. 

The nomination form for the Annual Deaf Culture Tea Awards the can be found at https://www.maine.gov/rehab/advisory_councils/dod/minutes/index.shtml

Our question for this issue is about captioning. Before we get into that, I would like to share some personal experiences related to captioning. I have been told that captions are distracting or annoying. I have even been asked at one time if I could turn off the captions. Captions are important to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to ensure they are included and to have access to the same information as their hearing peers. They not only benefit Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, but they also benefit others who are learning to read and improve their English skills. When captions are not provided, a large population misses out. I hope that people will be more considerate about providing captioning, both open and closed captioning. We do have more work to do to improve captioning. Some of my pet peeves about captions are:

1. Often the captions get cut off and do not make a complete sentence.
2. Often the captions are misspelled. Example-clowns in the sky. Which should be clouds in the sky.
3. Sometimes there are captions and sometimes there are no captions.
4. When the lyrics in music are not captioned. (I feel we have the right to see the lyrics as others hear them.)
5. Sometimes captions may cover the picture or other subtitles.

While I have some pet peeves, I still believe strongly that captioning is important for Deaf, hard-of-hearing individuals and others to access information. This is especially true when there are Public Service Announcements (PSA), information or emergency warnings. It is important that captions be provided and accurate.

There are also many advantages to having captions; however, the biggest advantage would be the inclusion of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to access accurate information.

The Difference Between Closed and Open Captions

Captions may be “open” or “closed.” Open captions are always in view and cannot be turned off by the user, whereas closed captions can be turned on and off by the user (for example, by changing the menu settings on the TV’s remote).

Closed captioning is available on digital television sets, including high-definition television sets, manufactured after July 1, 2002. Some digital captioning menus allow the viewer to control the caption display, including font style, text size and color, and background color. Closed captioning is also available on videos viewed on the internet.

More resources:

https://www1.maine.gov/oit/sites/maine.gov.oit/files/inline-files/audio-video-guidelines.pdf https://www.maine.gov/accessibility/guide/.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-Closed Captioning on Television Rules

Closed captioning displays the audio portion of a television program as text on the TV screen, providing a critical link to news, entertainment and information for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Congress requires video programming distributors (VPDs) - cable operators, broadcasters, satellite distributors and other multi-channel video programming distributors - to close caption their TV programs.

FCC closed captioning rules:

FCC rules for TV closed captioning ensure that viewers who are deaf and hard of hearing have full access to programming, address captioning quality and provide guidance to video programming distributors and programmers. The rules apply to all television programming with captions, requiring that captions be:

Accurate: Captions must match the spoken words in the dialogue and convey background noises and other sounds to the fullest extent possible.

Synchronous: Captions must coincide with their corresponding spoken words and sounds to the greatest extent possible and must be displayed on the screen at a speed that can be read by viewers.

Complete: Captions must run from the beginning to the end of the program to the fullest extent possible.

Properly placed: Captions should not block other important visual content on the screen, overlap one another or run off the edge of the video screen. 

The rules distinguish between pre-recorded, live, and near-live programming and explain how the standards apply to each type of programming, recognizing the greater hurdles involved with captioning live and near-live programming.

(The FCC does not regulate captioning of home videos, DVDs, or video games.)

Exempt programming:

Currently there are two categories of exemptions from the closed captioning rules, self-implementing and economically burdensome:

Self-implementing exemptions include public service announcements shorter than 10 minutes and not paid for with federal dollars, programming shown from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., and programming primarily textual. There is also an exemption for locally produced non-news programming with no repeat value. To see a complete list of self-implementing exemptions, visit the FCC’s website at: www.fcc.gov/general/self-implementing-exemptions-closed-captioning-rules.

The FCC has established procedures for petitioning for an exemption from the closed captioning rules when compliance would be economically burdensome. To find out about the economically burdensome exemption, visit the FCC’s website at: www.fcc.gov/economically-burdensome-exemption-closed-captioning-requirements.

What to do if you experience closed captioning problems:

You may contact your VPD to report the problem at the time that the problem occurs to see if you can get the problem fixed. You can find your VPD's contact information on your bill, or, if you have broadcast only TV, the contact information for the TV station should be in the phone directory. This information is in the FCC’s VPD Registry located at esupport.fcc.gov/vpd-search/search.action. VPDs must provide the FCC with contact information for the receipt and handling of immediate closed captioning concerns by consumers, and contact information for written closed captioning complaints. For more information, check the FCC’s closed captioning website at www.fcc.gov/general/closed-captioning-video-programming-television.

For captioning problems during non-emergency programming, you may file a written complaint with either the FCC or your VPD. If you file your complaint with the FCC, the FCC will forward the complaint to your VPD. FCC rules require that your written complaint must be filed within 60 days of the captioning problem. After receiving a complaint, either directly from you or from the FCC, the VPD has 30 days to respond to the complaint. If you filed your complaint with your VPD and they do not respond within 30 days, or if a dispute remains, you can send your complaint to the FCC.

Filing a complaint or seeking assistance:

You have multiple options to contact the FCC if you wish to file a complaint or seek assistance:

File a complaint online at fcc.gov/accessibilitycomplaints

By phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); ASL: 1-844-432-2275

By email: dro@fcc.gov

By mail (please include your name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible):

Federal Communications Commission Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division 45 L Street NE Washington, DC 20554

Your complaint should include the following information:

Your name, address, and contact information

VPD information (for example, channel number, name, network, or call sign; and the name of cable provider),

If applicable, the date and time when the captioning problem occurred, the name of the program with the captioning problem, and a detailed description of the captioning problem,

Any additional information that may assist in processing your complaint (such as photos or video recordings of the captioning problem, or a written explanation of the problem), and

Resolution of your complaint may be delayed if the information above is incomplete.

Credit to: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/closed-captioning-television

Closed Captioning Complaints in Maine

https://www.maine.gov/rehab/dod/resource_guide/complaints.shtml

If you have a complaint about closed captioning contact the station and tell them what the problem is. Major local television stations (all television stations telephone numbers are Voice only):

Portland/Westbrook:
ME PBS - 1-800-884-1717
WCSH - 1-800-464-1213 or E-mail: closedcaptioning@wcsh6.com
WGME - 228-7787 or E-mail: closedcaptioning@wgme.com
WMTW - 775-1800 or E-mail: wmtw@wmtw.com
WPXT - 774-0051 X131 WPFO FOX - 228-7787 or E-mail: closedcaptioning@wgme.com

Lewiston/Auburn:
ME PBS - 1-800-884-1717
WCSH - 1-800-464-1213 or E-mail: closedcaptioning@wcsh6.com
WMTW - 782-1800 or E-mail: wmtw@wmtw.com

Bangor:
WABI - 947-8321 X160 or E-mail: captioning@wabi.tv
WLBZ - 1-800-464-1213 or E-mail: closedcaptioning@wlbz2.com
WVII - 945-6457 X3127 or E-mail: mastercontrol@wvii.com

Presque Isle:
WAGM - 764-4461 X222 or E-mail: ccap@wagmtv.com

If contacting the station directly doesn't work, you can complain, in writing, to the broadcasting company (if you use an antenna for TV reception) or to the cable company (if you have cable) or to the satellite company (if you use a satellite dish).

Sample complaint letters are available on the NAD website NAD File Complaints or call Nancy Winter at the Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Late Deafened for help.

You may also file a complaint to:

Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
445 12th Street SW, Room 6C-447
Washington, DC 20554
1-888-835-5322 (TTY)
1-888-225-5322 (V)
1-866-418-0232 (FAX)
Email: fccinfo@fcc.gov

An Interview with John Post, Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD)

John Post

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is John Post, I am a vocational rehabilitation counselor for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. I am Deaf and use American Sign Language to communicate. 

How long have you worked for Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)?

In April, I have been working in DVR for nine years. 

What areas do you serve?

I serve the Portland and Lewiston areas. I work with Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the school system. 

What made you decide to work in the field of DVR?

I think it is a rewarding field to work in because you can see the successes of the clients when they find employment. They become proud of themselves which inspires them to work with their employment team and their community. 

What do you like/enjoy about working in DVR?

I really enjoy working with high school student clients. Many times, they need a role model because they are the only Deaf or hard-of-hearing student in their school. 

What would you like for others to know about DVR?

You can do it!! DVR can help you to grow in a professional field where you have passion. 

What are some successes and challenges you have found?

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are experiencing challenges with communication while wearing masks in the workplace and they need their hearing aids and assistive listening devices to support them to be able to maintain their jobs and to overcome their barriers and limitations. 

What is your goal for DVR in 2022?

My goal is to work close with businesses to hire our clients. 

Contact Information:

John I. Post

Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing & Late-Deafened Rehabilitation Counselor II

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

151 Jetport Blvd.

Portland, ME 04102

Email: John.I.Post@maine.gov

Tel: 207-591-4128 (VP)

Cell: 207-689-5887 (text only)

Fax: 207-775-7870

5 Mollison Way

Lewiston, ME 04240

Tel: 207-514-0183 (VP)

Fax: 207-753-9051

Cell: 207-689-5887 (text only)

An Interview with Sitara Sheikh, Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf (RCD)

Sitara Sheikh

Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born Deaf in Canada to a Swiss mother and Pakistani father. I moved to the United States when I was about 11 years old. Growing up, I attended different school systems in Canada and the United States. I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a B.S. in Social Work and M.S. in Human Resources Development. I lived and worked in Kenya, Africa with the U.S. Peace Corps for three years. After that, I worked with several different organizations before moving to Maine. 

How long have you worked for Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)?

About 11 and half years 

What areas do you serve?

Mostly central and northern areas of Maine. I work with transition students and adults.  

What made you decide to work in the field of DVR?

I used to work as a job coach and case manager in different states. I realized I really liked this type of work.  

What do you like/enjoy about working in DVR?

I am so thrilled when an individual is happy with their career decisions. Also, I enjoy working with individuals, families, schools, and other partners to dismantle barriers and then see individuals grow. 

What would you like for others to know about DVR?

We are not just focusing on employment. We are concentrating on career pathways as each individual is different in terms of their goals.  

What are some successes and challenges you have found?

We continue to educate people about working with people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Some successes include people working in their chosen field and supporting transition students in participating work experiences in high school.  

What is your goal for DVR in 2022?

I am part of DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) group within DVR. I am learning so much as we/DVR needs to be more inclusive in supporting our clients without judgements. 

Contact Information:

Sitara Sheikh, MS, CRC (she, her, hers) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 45 Commerce Drive 73 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333-0073 Sitara.N.Sheikh@maine.gov 207-226-7270 (Phone/Videophone) 207-441-5192 (text)

TTY users call Maine Relay 711 207-287-6249 (Fax)

An Interview with Gwen LaPointe, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC)

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am actually a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) success story myself. Born with good hearing, I began experiencing a progressive hearing loss in my pre-teens. Hearing aids and lip-reading skills served me well through public high school and a couple years of college but when it came to choosing a career, I struggled to find my footing. Since my hearing loss continued to progress, I was concerned for the future. Nothing I was interested in felt like a good choice for someone who couldn’t hear. Thankfully, with the guidance of several very knowledgeable VR counselors I was able to get training as a computer programmer and was placed in work experience in a non-profit organization. This was the beginning of a 25-year career as a computer specialist, which turned out to be a very challenging and rewarding path and a very good match for my interests and strengths.

On the personal side of things, I live in Bangor with my husband Gerry, and over the years we have been owned by a variety of fur-babies of the canine and feline variety, currently two 18-year-old cats. I love the outdoors, doing whatever activity gets me out there whether it’s growing flowers or camping or taking long walks. I enjoy a good read, a tough crossword puzzle and my ukulele.

How long have you worked for Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)?

I’ve worked for DVR for over 8 years, serving adults with a wide variety of disabilities in the Brewer area.

What made you decide to work in the field of DVR?

Prior to coming to DVR, I had the opportunity to work on a 4-year federal grant called the Disability Employment Initiative. This work gave me the confidence to step out into a more permanent role of helping people with disabilities who want to work. Since employment has been for me such a productive pathway, I am naturally drawn to helping others have the same experience.

What do you like/enjoy about working in DVR?

One part of my job as a VRC II is to facilitate a Career Exploration Workshop, a group of VR clients who meet to work on their employment goals. This has really been my passion at DVR, because the workshop is a wonderful conduit to share hope and encouragement with those who are motivated to work despite their challenges. 

What would you like for others to know about DVR?

DVR isn’t magic. In some ways it is a lot of work for both the counselor and the client. It’s also not the solution for everyone. But for those who come and stay and commit to the effort and to their goals, the support is there, and the success is certainly within reach. 

What are some successes and challenges you have found?

I love celebrating the small successes, because in my own experience I did not suddenly overcome all my obstacles in one leap. It was (and is) always one small step at a time. So, I am ecstatic when a client joins their first zoom call or does their first work experience or passes their CPR/First Aid class. On the other hand, one of my favorite successes this past year was a client who was named student of the year at a local college. The challenges that touch me the most are clients who are struggling in multiple aspects of their lives so that work is not currently a possibility. 

What is your goal for DVR in 2022?

DVR in 2022 is in a different place than we were 2 years ago. It has been a challenging period for both the consumers and for us. As the pandemic begins to wane, I look forward to seeing my clients in person, and to seeing more opportunities open for employment and training. 

Contact Information:

Gwen LaPointe

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Counselor II

45 Oak Street

Bangor, Maine 04401

Email: gwen.m.lapointe@maine.gov

Fax: (207)561-4027

Phone: (207) 561-4002

An Interview with Dina Blanchard-O'Gara, Management Analyst II

Dina Blanchard-O'Gara

Tell us a little about yourself and the work you do.

Currently, I am employed as a Management Analyst II in the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) Division of Systems Improvement and Quality Assurance unit (SIQA). In my role, I am primarily responsible for AwareVR database administration, submission of federal reports, and performing critical program analysis, data management, quality assurance and technical assistance to facilitate and advise the directors and managers of BRS. In addition to my job responsibilities, I am also the lead for the management of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Vocational Rehabilitation Cost Reimbursement and Ticket to Work program operations on the behalf of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI). 

How long have you worked for the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)?

I have worked for BRS for 7 years as of December 2014 (and a State of Maine employee for 16 years). 

What made you decide to work in the field of DVR?

When I saw the job posting for Management Analyst, I immediately applied for the job because I wanted to move into a different career focus where I can use my strengths in data management and data analysis. Early in my career, it took me awhile to realize I was good with data. I did not know this until I went worked for two different programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) where I received excellent hands-on training in quality improvement, survey design and administration, evaluation studies, and managed lead projects from start to end with actual results to see visually through charts, graphs, and tables. This was when I started looking for a new career path where I can visually see improvement over time, which was when I applied for the Management Analyst position. 

What do you like/enjoy about working in BRS?

I like the work I do and actually enjoy working with data. I also like participating in professional development activities where I get to meet other colleagues because I do not want to limit myself to BRS because it is also important to learn about other DOL programs and external partners. 

What would you like for others to know?

I have a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Maine at Orono and completed graduate level courses in Leadership Studies at the University of Southern Maine – Lewiston Auburn Campus. I worked in the private sector for several years prior to becoming a State employee. My work background is varied from working as a newsroom intern at the Bangor Daily News to working as a Resource Development Assistant at United Way of Eastern Maine before I joined public health at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. All these job experiences were so different, and each job contributed to my interest as a lifelong learner to gain new skills and to gain more knowledge. 

What are some successes and challenges you have found?

As a deaf woman, it was very hard to get my foot in the door after I graduated from college. I can say it was not easy. There were times when I felt defeated, but the important lesson is never give up. I accepted a minimum wage job where I was overqualified just to start somewhere and focused on moving my way up the career ladder. Once I was gainfully employed, I was able to move upwards and earn better (livable) wages. I have had successes in my personal and professional life, but it is also not without challenges. Due to challenges, I experienced over the years, I learned how to be strong advocate for myself to fight for what I believe is right, as well as to be treated with fairness and be treated with respect. Most recently, the pandemic created unexpected challenges for many people. Personally, I struggled with communications, especially with lipreading, due to the mask mandate where many places did not have clear masks available. There were a few unpleasant occasions when I was yelled at by individuals who had no idea why I pulled my mask down in a public setting to talk because I can be hard to understand with the mask on. In 2020, I was surprised to discover medical settings were not better prepared to help deaf patients, although I am happy to report two medical settings are prepared with clear masks on whenever I walk into the office – this was an amazing feeling for me to experience that medical staff took the time to make communication accessible for me. One restaurant I frequent has a waitress who wears a clear mask when she takes my order. This is another example of a small change that makes a huge difference! I wish more places followed suit, especially in retail and in restaurants.  

What is your goal for BRS in 2022?

My goal is to continuously improve data accuracy through staff training and/or weekly Aware Q&A sessions with application, education, and case closure data. Data quality is my goal for BRS in 2022 year to improve our quarterly Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) dashboard performance. I look forward to seeing the dashboard data reports being available in the AWARE VR Case Management system, so I can catch errors in advance and to resolve data discrepancies before the quarterly federal reports are submitted. In addition, I would like to be seen as approachable for BRS staff to contact me for help with data issues and data corrections. I am available to help others in BRS.

In Memory of James Levier

June 23, 1940–March 16, 2001

You are missed. Rest in peace James.

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