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Category Archives: SIGNING FAMILIES

What is in your lunchbox?

13 May

What is in your lunchbox today?  I have started to take a real look at the food I have been eating and serving.  I can’t eat the same foods I did when I was a much younger “me”.  So, I am focusing on “real foods”.  Ones that are as close to the original source as possible. That includes discovering new veggies (Brussell sprouts with balsamic vinegar grilled are yummy- who knew?) and fruits (I am loving apricots these days!)  Plus adding at my doctors insistence dairy products .. including milk and yogurt. ( I never was much of a milk drinker, but I am learning to use it in smoothies and coffee.)  And, although I prefer non-meat options I have been eating protein with meat and fish to help me be healthy and curb hunger!

Many families who follow SIGNING FAMILIES   have asked me to post words in American Sign Language which are food related.  So, here you go.. foods that help keep us healthy!

THESE BOLDED WORDS ARE DEPICTED IN OUR SLIDESHOW

EAT and FOOD

VEGETABLE : POTATO

FRUIT :  APPLE, PEAR, PEACH, BANANA

DAIRY: CHEESE, MILK, YOGURT

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NOTE: Due to unforseen circumstance the ASL Summer online camp has been cancelled. Look for an upcoming announcement for another option for learning ASL during the summer!

 
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Posted by on May 13, 2013 in ASL, healthy living, Sign Language, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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Have an ASL Mother’s Day!

10 May

It seemed only appropriate that I honor Mom’s everywhere by sharing some of my favorite photos of Signing Families kid models demonstrating signs for MOM/MOMMY/ MOTHER, LOVE/ I LOVE YOU and CARE/ CARING/ TAKE CARE.

To learn more sign language please visit YouTube and Ustream for our SIGNING FAMILIES free access videos.

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Posted by on May 10, 2013 in ASL, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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SUMMER SIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES – An ONLINE CAMP via SIGNING FAMILIES

04 Apr

camp

When my children were young I use to sign them up for many different interactive and educational camps.  I recall waiting on a long line to get a “slot” for the AMERICAN GIRL doll camp being offered through our local parks and recreation center.  From sports to creative art camps my kids sampled them all.  Most of the time they were fun and no complaints were heard.

It is because I think learning at any age should be FUN and INTERACTIVE that I am offering this summer via my company SIGNING FAMILIES  an online LIVE sign language ”camp”.  This will be for kids and their families to learn the basics of sign language as an “online summer camp program”.

WHEN WILL IT BE OFFERED?

The online camp dates now available are the week of June 17th or the week of June 24th. If there is great interest then  more online camp dates will be added.

The camp will be for one online hour per day for five consecutive days. It will be group instruction. Time TBD but most likely 1pmET, 11am PT

HOW WILL STUDENTS CONNECT?

All you would need to do is have the ability for video chat online.  We will most likely use SKYPE or a comparable system such as GOOGLE HANGOUT.

HOW MANY STUDENTS PER SESSION?

The class will have up to 9 students involved which will make for great conversation and practice.  Each student also will have an extra 60 minutes during the week for one on one questions and practice.

DO WE GET ANY MATERIALS?

In addition, each person who signs up will get our  SIGNING FAMILIES ASL FOLDER, ASL POSTER and one DVD from our catalog (either Baby, Toddler and Preschool Sign Language  or Sign Language for Emergency Situations).

WHAT WILL THE ONLINE CAMP COVER?

 * Basic greetings in ASL

* People an common places

* School words

* Alphabet and numbers

* Basic animals, transportation and action words

THE COST per STUDENT?

The total cost for the online camp AND the materials mentioned above is $79 ( EARLY BIRD special $69 if signed up by May 1, 2013)

HOW TO SIGN UP?

If you are interested in learning more about the camp or to sign up as an EARLY BIRD.. please comment below or connect via the FACEBOOK post, too.   

HOW TO PAY

Once confirmed that you are signing up for a camp session you will be invoiced via PayPal.

 A non-refundable down payment of $25 reserves your spot. Down payment must be received within one week of signing up.  Payment in full will be required by June 1, 2013.  

 

WILL YOU OFFER INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS FOR THOSE WHO WANT ANOTHER OPTION TO LEARN?

Yes, I offer 30 minute SKYPE sign language lessons or tutoring.  The rates are $20 per session.  No materials are included in this price.  Adults and children may request individual sessions.  I also welcome families with children who have special learning challenges and need adaptive sign language.

We are sorry that this offer is for US residents only.

 
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Posted by on April 4, 2013 in ASL, online learning, Sign Language, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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HALLOWEEN SIGN LANGUAGE

29 Sep

Each year I receive many requests for photos and video using sign language for specific holidays.  I create many videos on a variety of topics for ABCTEACH and often post on my FACBEOOK  page.  However, today I decided to post a few HALLOWEEN SIGNS here and  via  YouTube!

ENJOY!

 
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Posted by on September 29, 2012 in Sign Language, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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My Week with the Ricki Lake Show as Friend of the Week!

09 Jun

I had a Forest Gump week. You know the kind. When you don’t know what to expect but you are certain that your life will be like a ‘box of chocolates”.  That is how my week went.  It all started with a little video I posted on the FRIENDS OF RICKI Facebook page. I was encouraged to do so by my friend, colleague and fellow co-founder of 411 VOICES, Britt Michaelian.  Not long after the video uploaded I found out that I was in the running for FRIEND OF THE WEEK. (FOW)

What does FOW mean in terms of the RICKI LAKE SHOW. First, it is a woot!  Great fun getting to know all the people involved in the show, their fans and of course for them to learn a bit about the FOW.  However, in true Louise fashion, I wanted to make this experience a “teachable set of moments”. What can I share with this group of wonderful people that will be lesson. So, I decided to post throughout the week a series of videos that matched the daily themes.  Others had posted videos, too. But, mine were in sign language.

On Monday, I posted a MY MOMENTS video about Daniella. She was a student from the back hills of Western Pennsylvania that made a lasting impression on me.

Tuesday, I had an opportunity to shine the spotlight on 411 VOICES and our unique story. How many of us met because of social-media, yet most have never met in person!  Watch here!

Wednesday, I had the privilege of uploading my PSA for the I AM THE FACE OF THYROID DISEASE campaign. To help others be proactive against thyroid cancers has now become a passion of mine.

Thursday, was technology day.   Which technology can’t you live without?  Find out my answer

Today (Friday) was my farewell video as FOW.  You will need to view the video to understand why the RICKI LAKE SHOW staff snapped a photo waving a hello/ I LOVE YOU in ASL.  Also, today was jammed packed due to the TWEETCHAT which was a rapid fire Q and A.  My Q and A is below.. for more of the Twitter stream go here–> http://www.TWEETCHAT/ROOM/FRIENDSOFRICKI

All in all it was an excellent experience. I must say that I both was unprepared and overwhelmed by all the support and kudos.   So grateful to the amazing staff of the RICKI LAKE SHOW and my “family” at 411 VOICES. 

Thank you all. Enjoy the videos.  Transcript of the tweetchat is below, by request from those who wanted to have access.  Have a groovy week!

~Louise

TWEETCHAT TRANSCRIPT –  Posting this by request from those who couldn’t attend the TWEETCHAT but wanted to see what transpired. 

Q1 Hi @LouiseASL We are thrilled to have you here! Tell us about YOU.  #FriendsofRicki

A1a Hi @FriendsofRicki I am having such a good time in this community! #FriendsofRicki

A1b @FriendsofRicki I found this community via my friends from 411 VOICES #FriendsofRicki

A1c  @FriendsofRicki  I own Signing Families-> sign language + developmental psych melded together #FriendsofRicki

A1d @FriendsofRicki I help build communication bridges, special needs children, First Responders & more #FriendsofRicki

A1e @FriendsofRicki  I am a mom of 2 grown kids.  College student & a working actor! #FriendsofRicki

A1f @FriendsofRicki I’m married for nearly 25 years. He’s my best friend, makes me laugh  #FriendsofRicki

Q2.  @LouiseASL  Tell us more! What are your hobbies and interests?  #FriendsofRicki

A2a @FriendsofRicki Only ONE day 2 answer?  I have many! #FriendsofRicki

A2b @FriendsofRicki I enjoy PHOTOGRAPHY (Im a novice but love it) #FriendsofRicki

A2c  @FriendsofRicki I really love to TRAVEL! #FriendsofRicki

A2d @FriendsofRicki I also LOVE movies & watching vintage TV #FriendsofRicki

A2e @FriendsofRicki My daughter & I love INDIE films and have been to Sundance Film Festival! #FriendsofRicki

Q3  Describe to us your “Perfect Day” @LouiseASL #FriendsofRicki

A3a @FriendsofRicki Thanksgiving – family, friends around the dinner table laughing…  #FriendsofRicki

A3b @FriendsofRicki Followed by Black Friday shopping at midnight!  #FriendsofRicki

A3c  @FriendsofRicki  Love working with kids and families! #FriendsofRicki

A3d @FriendsofRicki Through SIGNING FAMILIES I get to help people on a weekly basis. REWARDING! #FriendsofRicki

Q4 @LouiseASL Tell us about the women’s media group #411Voices that you Co-Founded #FriendsofRicki

A4a  @FriendsofRicki Social media brought us 2gether, we’re all invested in helping others  #FriendsofRicki

A4b  @FriendsofRicki We have really become more than colleagues, tight knit friendships  #FriendsofRicki

A4c  @FriendsofRicki Our #411VOICES speakers bureau rocks!  #FriendsofRicki

A4d @FriendsofRicki We have many experts it our #411VOICES group. #FriendsofRicki

A4e @FriendsofRicki Experts from astrology – biz to education – family life. Empowering! #FriendsofRicki

A4f @FriendsofRicki  Our site 411VOICES.com – is also multilingual #FriendsofRicki

A4g @FriendsofRicki  French, Spanish, ASL-  many of us in #411VOICES know multiple language #FriendsofRicki

Q5 @LouiseASL “You Have Cancer” – that must have been tough to hear two years ago?  #FriendsofRicki

A5a @FriendsofRicki The clock stopped. Now my life is before cancer and after cancer BUT… #FriendsofRicki

A5b @FriendsofRicki Cancer does NOT define me. #FriendsofRicki

A5c @FriendsofRicki I now have an opportunity to educate others- why I made the PSA #FriendsofRicki

A5d @FriendsofRicki My desire to educate led me to making this PSA video http://ow.ly/bs4Mx #FriendsofRicki

Q6 @LouiseASL Tell us about your philanthropic endeavors #FriendsofRicki

A6a @FriendsofRicki My biz SIGNING FAMILIES donates many educational ASL materials #FriendsofRicki

A6b @FriendsofRicki Give free lessons to families and organizations yearly… #FriendsofRicki

A6c @FriendsofRicki My family also sponsors a college students ed yearly in memory of my Dad  #FriendsofRicki

Q7 @LouiseASL You help First Responders and #EMS learn to sign – why? #FriendsofRicki

A7a-  @FriendsofRicki Post 9/11 it was apparent that EMS was unprepared for much. #FriendsofRicki

A7b @FriendsofRicki Many EMS were unable 2 assist deaf & special needs communities  #FriendsofRicki

A7c  @FriendsofRicki EMS is now are taking courses in ASL & hoc to help special pops which is AMAZING!! #FriendsofRicki

A7d @FriendsofRicki  I now travel nationwide training EMS & many other groups/ companies #FriendsofRicki

A7e @FriendsofRicki This work is VERY REWARDING! #FriendsofRicki

Q8 @LouiseASL How can we all learn more about you? #FriendsofRicki

A8a @FriendsofRicki I would love for you stop by my FB page http://ow.ly/brW17 #FriendsofRicki

A8b @FriendsofRicki You can learn more about my work here > http://ow.ly/brW4b #FriendsofRicki

A8c @FriendsofRicki And I would LOVE to have you stop in to #411Voice > http://ow.ly/brW82 #FriendsofRicki

 

 
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Posted by on June 9, 2012 in 411Voices.com, SIGNING FAMILIES, thyroid

 

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Helping to Save the Lives of Children with Autism

09 Apr

April is Autism Awareness Month and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce all of you to a new joint venture between Debi Taylor, Spirit of Autism, and myself.  Together we are trying to help educate and potentially save the lives of children with Autism.  For a number of years I have trained emergency medical personnel on how to interact and communicate with children with special needs, many who use sign language. Debi, is a paramedic and the mother of a son with Autism.  We are “Tweet pals” and have become fast friends and colleagues.  Our mission is to help EMS and others be able to assist children and adults with Autism during medical emergencies or disasters.

If you are interested in learning more about our programs please connect here via SIGNING FAMILIES:  INFO<at>SigningFamilies<dot>com

To be able to receive our two  emergency cards below for the sweet price of $1.99 (US customers only receive free shipping), again send us an email:  INFO<at>SigningFamilies<dot>com

For bulk rates for Schools/ PTOs, Hospitals and EMS organizations please also connect at the email above or via SigningFamilies.com

Thank you!

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Posted by on April 9, 2012 in CERT, Education, EMS, Sign Language, Sign Language for Emergency Situations, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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Why I LOVE the ABC Family show – SWITCHED AT BIRTH!

12 Mar

FINALLY there is a new show on television which incorporates a deaf and hearing cast of teens and adults who perform a script that spotlights the wonderful deaf culture and American Sign Language.  Many love the show. And, some are harsh critics. I love the show on so many levels as this seminole drama helps to increase awareness about deafness, ASL and so much more! Plus, it is just a fun weekly series to view! (What will become of Emmitt and Bay?)

I love that SWITCHED AT BIRTH is imperfect.  The hearing cast members sign awkwardly as a novice signer often does.  Many use their signs too literally and not conceptually – which is another rookie mistake that shows the authenticity of these newbie signers.  In addition, the cultural lessons are exemplified throughout the various story arcs. This past week, Daphne (played by Katie LeClerc) joined her team at a championship game. Deaf families came from all over the country to see the basketball team play in solidarity and support of  the deaf school that Daphne attends. Not THEIR local school but another region’s school. This is a very typical scenario within the deaf community and one that I am glad the director and writers highlighted.  (For those who are interested in learning more about deaf culture and the importance that deaf schools has made on the deaf community please watch the brilliant THROUGH DEAF EYES available on PBS).

As I embark on going to Los Angeles as the newest member of  THE LINICOMN AGENY, I only hope that our Exceptional Talent division will have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on many talented youth and adults who happen to have sensory or learning differences.   If you are interested in learning more on how you can audition to become a member of THE LINICOMN AGENCY , please leave a comment here and I will connect back with you.

If you are interested in learning more about sign language go here–> SIGNING FAMILIES

THANKS!

 
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Posted by on March 12, 2012 in Sign Language, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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Per request, Another ASL Vocabulary Lesson for the New Year!

30 Dec
Per request, Another ASL Vocabulary Lesson for the New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I have had multiple requests for new vocabulary to be uploaded on to my SIGNING FAMILIES FACEBOOK page.  However, it is cumbersome and you can’t offer a groovy slideshow. So, without further ado, enjoy your ASL VOCABULARY lesson to start the NEW YEAR! For more information about learning ASL online, CLICK HERE.

Other ways to connect:  SIGNING FAMILIES     *       Twitter      *        YouTube Channel

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Posted by on December 30, 2011 in ASL, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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2011 – Learn, Create, Support, Educate and Breathe

26 Dec
2011 – Learn, Create, Support, Educate and Breathe

This has been quite a year! So, as usual I will defer to photos instead of words to capture the year – end synopsis. From many traveling opportunities such as to Mac World with The PaperShow, EMS trainings, Parent- Child workshops, to creating educational videos for abcteach.com, products for SIGNING FAMILIES (hence all the kids in photos), and including tons of time working in media and social media and with Education.com, expanding my professional horizons with the  co- creation of 411 VOICES and my joining The Linicomn Agency – LA Division for Exceptional Talent, to time time with family and friends and battling the beast (cancer) only to turn those lemons in to a Twitter-esque lemonade, and much more!… WHEW..

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Posted by on December 26, 2011 in ASL, EMS, SIGNING FAMILIES, startupnation, The Linicomn Agency, thyroid

 

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Hearing vs. Deaf, A guest blog by Zaneta Barton

15 Nov

 

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Hearing vs. Deafness, this is a subject most don’t think about until they have to.  I also was guilty of not knowing the difference.  That all changed six years ago when my son, Zy’Kheus, was a year and a half old and was not speaking any words. (Even something simple like “ma ma”. ) Zy-Kheus consistently had double ear infections and the pediatrician would only give him medicine which didn’t seem to improve his condition.  After seeking out an ENT on my own, I was told what his problem was.  Since his ears were filled with fluid, his hearing was like going under water to listen to someone.  The problem was discovered.  My son is considered now deaf and has a device to help him hear. We started him in speech therapy.
 Zy’Kheus ended up with a great speech therapist.  This is were I discovered my interest for sign language. My son picked up sign very quickly and signed quite well (he still does).  After learning a few signs myself, I decided to learn more and signed up for classes in 2008.  Being around Deaf people opened up a whole new world and for me a new way of thinking.  Since joining sign classes and being around Deaf people,  I now understand and know so much more about my son’s situation.  I am overjoyed to be a part of this community.
Now I have another dilemma.  My daughter, Za’Ryah who is 18 months and is not speaking many words.  She is due to have her speech and hearing tested later this month.  My issue is with the  comments  people are making.  I have been teaching her to sign since birth. Now I keep hearing from some people that sign language is getting in the way of her speech.  I know this is incorrect, but those in the hearing world sees it differently. I will not stop teaching my daughter a language she can use to communicate.  How can I ease some of the pressures of  others with their comments of non-understanding that ASL is a language?
I look forward to all of you sharing.
Note from Louise:  It is a pleasure when people who are friends to SIGNING FAMILIES ask to contribute a post so that others can learn different points of view or about resources. Zaneta’s blog is written from her heart and I thank her for this post.
~Louise
 
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Posted by on November 15, 2011 in Education, SIGNING FAMILIES

 

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