Bell Atlantic Seminar to Address Needs Of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

Bell Atlantic Seminar to Address Needs Of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

Eighth Annual Awareness Day to Be Held At Company's Manhattan Headquarters, May 18

May 15, 2000

NEW YORK - Advancements in communications technologies for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will be the focus of Bell Atlantic's eighth annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Day, May 18.

Attendees will learn about improvements in accessing New York's Telecommunications Relay Service and special 9-1-1 enhancements for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

The Awareness Day will be held this Thursday at the company's headquarters, 1095 Avenue of the Americas (at 42nd St.), Manhattan, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Bell Atlantic has a long-time commitment to serving the deaf community," said John Rollo, Bell Atlantic executive director for Community Affairs. "We're encouraged that there is a growing recognition of the contributions the deaf community continues to make to society. This is especially important since the issues raised by this important group of customers affect both deaf and hearing people. While deaf and hard-of-hearing people will benefit from the Awareness Day, others will gain a greater understanding of issues that affect the deaf community."

The all-day event is designed to familiarize customers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing with new technologies and marketing programs, as well as provide updates on telecommunications policy developments and community affairs. In addition to learning about Bell Atlantic services and initiatives for deaf customers, attendees will hear about Bell Atlantic's new long-distance calling plans in New York. A representative of the New York City Police Department will discuss the 9-1-1 improvements for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

"This Awareness Day brings many different groups together: the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, those who assist this community, and business and other groups," said Florence Camace, a Bell Atlantic staff manager who creates and manages many of the company's programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.

Special guests at the event will include Eileen Katz, a deaf teacher at Manhattan's Junior High School 47 who will sign the Star Spangled Banner; members of the Def Jam Workshop, who will perform an interpretive dance; and Maureen Woods, a counselor and teacher at the Lexington School for the Deaf, who will discuss the contributions to society made by deaf people.

Bell Atlantic is at the forefront of the new communications and information industry. With nearly 44 million telephone access lines and more than 20 million wireless customers worldwide, Bell Atlantic companies are premier providers of advanced wireline voice and data services, market leaders in wireless services and the world's largest publishers of directory information. Bell Atlantic companies are also among the world's largest investors in high-growth global communications markets, with operations and investments in 23 countries.