Festival focuses on hearing impaired

From: Idaho Statesman, Idaho - Apr 4 2005

Statesman staff
Edition Date: 04-04-2005

Boise Valley Deaf and Hard of Hearing Club will host the second annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Fest from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Red Lion Hotel Downtowner, 1800 Fairview Ave., Boise.

Club organizers say the event is held to give the public a chance to learn more about the deaf and hard of hearing community. In 2004 about 300 people attended.

The Boise Valley Deaf and Hard of Hearing Club, which was established in 1932, has about 100 members, club leaders said.

BVDC will demonstrate Hamilton Relay's new services, which include wireless access (Blackberry, Sidekick, Treo, and Rim), Internet, video, and interpreter operator on the relay services.

The event features six guest speakers and workshops as an informational tool provided for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Interpreters will be available. Presentations will be made on the following topics:

• Idaho Deaf and Blind School.

• General types of harassment (Ada County law enforcement).

• Fire safety (Nampa Fire Department)

• Medical and wellness service (St. Luke's Regional Medical Center).

• Family counseling.

• Attorney and counselor at law.

For more information about the club, go to www.BoiseValleyDeafClub.org.

© 2005 Idaho Statesman