Book Documents S.D. Service Agency's Growth to World's Largest Deaf Organization

From: CSD - Nov 17, 2005

PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Release Date: October 31, 2005
SIGNED VIDEO RELEASE: www.c-s-d.org/default.aspx?tabid=274

Book Documents S.D. Service Agency’s Growth to
World’s Largest Deaf Organization


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – 31 October 2005 - A book documenting CSD’s growth to become the world’s largest deaf-operated organization was unveiled on Oct. 28 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The debut was in conjunction with a banquet and gala celebrating the nonprofit organization’s 30 years of service.

Appropriately titled “Seeing A Need,” the 224-page book is filled with history spanning three decades of accomplishment. Outlining Ben Soukup’s vision to create opportunities for deaf people, it conveys in detail how his dream became a reality through full color photos and interviews with notable deaf community and business leaders including Gertrude Galloway, Glenn Anderson, Robert Davila, Tony D’Agata and Bernard Bragg.

Readers learn how Soukup, as the lone first employee, started out in a converted closet at the South Dakota School for the Deaf under the name Communication Service for the Deaf. Other achievements and milestones are documented, reflecting the many changes that have taken place through the years to make CSD what it is today: an international deaf and hard of hearing services provider that employs approximately 3,000 people and offers diverse products including sign language interpreting, telecommunications and video relay services, equipment distribution and a variety of human services.

The comprehensive book took CSD staff over one year to compile. Frank Turk led the project with Derric Miller and Larry Puthoff supporting as co-authors.

“Researching and understanding the journey Ben and CSD have made through the years was a humbling experience,” said Miller. “It’s amazing to see a company that measures itself by anything different than profit margins and bottom lines.”

“Seeing a Need” is available for purchase at the CSD headquarters visitor center or through the CSD Web site at http://www.c-s-d.org/30yrs. Soft cover books cost $45 plus $5 shipping, and hardcover copies are $55 plus $10 shipping. For more information, contact CSD at (605) 367-7123 TTY, (605) 367-5760 x3023 voice or via e-mail at commmediarel@c-s-d.org.

About CSD – CSD is a private, nonprofit telecommunications and human services organization based in Sioux Falls, S.D. In its 30-year history, CSD has expanded its communication service offerings and currently manages over 20 call centers in the U.S. CSD offers telecommunications relay services, video relay services, equipment distribution programs and sign language interpreting services. Additionally, CSD’s National Programs provides human services at 15 locations in eight states. For more information, see www.c-s-d.org.

SIGNED VIDEO RELEASE: www.c-s-d.org/default.aspx?tabid=274
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Contact: David Rosenbaum
CSD Community & Media Relations
CommMediaRel@c-s-d.org