This scene is repeated for what seems like miles and miles.

This past week I had an experience that took my breath away – I toured Moore, Oklahoma.  The only reasonable conclusion I could make was that Mother Nature had swept up the good people of Moore’s lives and homes- put it in a massive blender only to scatter what remained randomly for miles and miles and miles. And for the record, this scene also has happened in other areas, such as Shawnee and Norman, Oklahoma.

While in Oklahoma I met the MOST resilient and friendliest of people.  One woman greeted me by saying, “We don’t have much left here, but still we will  give you the shirt off our back”.   And, I know they would!

Also, BRAVO to the companies that I saw literally go above and beyond the call of duty.  To the AAA Autoclub who sent their team for three straight weeks and provided comfort and care via their disaster trucks. To the makers of Lysol who were going place to place bringing disaster relief.   WALMART (say what you will.. ) rolled in scores of their trucks to help out the good citizens of Oklahoma.  Plus the numbers (too many to count) who came from far and wide to bring their own “muscle” to help people clear the debris and start to rebuild.

This folks is what the heartland is all about.

Here is a slide show of my tour of the damage of Moore, Oklahoma. (Notice even the road and driveways are GONE)

To help:

SERVE MOORE

RED CROSS

SIGNING FAMILIES has a NEW look!

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In 2006 I officially launched SigningFamilies.com.  Since that time we added to the website and revised it several times.  TODAY, I am proud to announce the  official launch of SigningFamilies.com with a fresh and sleek new look! (And to match we changed our WORDPRESS theme, too!)

WHY? Over the years my focus has expanded.  I use to be one of the many “baby sign language’ companies out there, although I took a more developmental psychology approach with our DVD and courses aimed at teaching language models.  Of course, we also offered programs and products for people who wanted to learn the basics of sign language.

However, it became more and more important to me to provide quality information, workshops and affordable products to not only parents, but to many other groups, too!

First Responders, Community Responders (CERT), Law Enforcement and EMS (including Fire Departments).  I totally admire the work of our emergency and disaster response providers and it is a privilege each and every time I speak to these brave and dedicated organizations. Thank you all.

Educators.  I recognize that educators work in a variety of milieus- including as home educators / homeschool teachers.  I appreciate that teachers are in need of affordable and accessible materials as they often need to shoulder the responsibility of purchasing classroom materials themselves. Therefore, I try to offer many items, such as YouTube videos, FREE and communication charts, inexpensively.

Community Organizations  From hospitality management to those who are in the entertainment industry, it has been my pleasure to consult and provide resources.  I especially have enjoyed educating people in our communities about how special populations often use sign language, as well. Many are surprised to find out that the Autism and Down Syndrome communities use sign language, too. Sign is not only for the Deaf!

KIDS!  I have worked with thousands of children over the years. There is nothing like the joy and enthusiasm of a young child learning to sign for the first time!

What is NEW about SigningFamilies.com?!

To start, we have made it (we hope) easier to find content and specific information about workshops and products.

We also added new features such as information about Deaf Dogs and Deaf Dog Adoptions.   Our video and photo gallery sections will be enhanced in weeks and months to come – so check back frequently to take advantage of learning ASL with our short videos.

Soon we will have regular features from USTREAM on our website.  To keep the sign language learning flowing!

Want Sign Language Tutoring? Check out our SKYPE tutoring option!

And.. we added a CONTACT FORM so you can let us know what you wish to see on SigningFamilies.com.

None of this would have been possible without the help of my hubby and webmaster, Marc and our friends at Weiss Business Solutions.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!

So, please go ahead and explore SigningFamilies.com  

Let us know if there is content you wish to have us add.

Happy Signing!

source: Wikkipedia

If a hurricane hit your home today would have an evacuation plan? If you awoke in the middle of the night to the earth trembling and your home shaking violently- would you know what to do? Green skies are often the first warning of a tornado coming – where should you go?  Dangerous chemicals were let in to the air following a train derailment near your home – would you know what to do and where to get credible information for either evacuation or sheltering in place?

It has been my privilege to work with disaster specialists throughout the United States. They work tirelessly on all of our behalf.

Therefore, in the interest of public safety I will be posting as series of articles about how to PREPARE for potential disasters AND also offer resources for you to learn more.

To start I would like to discuss two very REAL threats to our personal and property safety-  earthquakes  and tornadoes.

EARTHQUAKE PREPARATION

 You may think that earthquakes are only on the west coast of the United States or in remote mountain regions of Asia.  But, that simply is false. Earthquakes happen in almost every state in the US and throughout the world, from the islands of Japan to the mountains of China.  In fact, earthquakes can occur anytime, anywhere. Just ask the people of Washington DC who experienced a good size earthquake of a magnitude of 5.8  in 2011 (The epicenter was in Virginia).

Click here to find your area and see if you are in a location of where more than one million registered earthquakes occurred this year. (Approximately 13,000 were a 4.0 magnitude or higher).  States with the most earthquakes? Alaska and California  have the most (no surprise) but you may not have thought of Utah as a top earthquake location?

So how can you prepare for an earthquake?

 What to do during an earthquake?  We use to think that standing in a doorway was the best idea. NOPE.  What about running outside? Not the “A” answer, either. According to the United States Geological Service (USGS) the best idea is to DROP, ROLL UNDER something STURDY and HOLD ON! (View demo video here)

This new safety information is so important that an effort known as the SHAKE OUT will be conducted this coming Fall.  What is SHAKE OUT? Simply it is a designated date and time where as many US and Canadian citizens participate in a  mock “earthquake drill”.  The SHAKE OUT drill will be on October 17th at 10:17 in the morning. (Interesting piece of trivia – October 17th is the anniversary date of the Oakland earthquake of 1989)  To register your family or business for the drill or learn more click here. 

Also relevant and related to earthquake safety is to learn about tsunamis. A tsunami is a wall of water that is created following an earthquake, meteor or other disruption to the ocean.  A devastating tsunami hit Japan in 2011 and resulted in mass casualty and loss of property.  (Read about recovery efforts here )

What to do if there is a tsunami?

 Many coastal areas in the United States now have tsunami warning systems.

However, the most important thing to know about a tsunami is to prepare in advance as where you can that is safe, elevated and within fifteen minutes of your home. This packet of information was very helpful to understand tsunamis and be prepared:  Tsunami Preparedness by NOAA

TORNADO PREPARATION

Tornadoes are a real and present threat to life and property.  Like an earthquake, tornadoes can strike anywhere at any time. We only need to read the headlines of recent events to see how a tornado touching down for a few minutes can cause profound heartbreak.  Moore, Oklahoma now joins the ranks of other towns, such as Joplin, Missouri, Granbury, Texas,  as a place where  giant tornadoes have  pummeled through communities, schools and farmland.

How to prepare for a tornado?

What are considered the “best practices” if you know that you are in an area experiencing a tornado watch or warning?  First, recognize the “signs” that a tornado is coming.

• GREEN SKIES
• DARKENING SKIES
• HAIL
• LOUD NOISE, described by some like a “freight train”
• WARNING SIRENS or ALERTS RECEIVED

What should you do if you know a tornado is a true threat?

Take shelter immediately! Go to a basement, storm cellar, interior room or closet. Stay away from windows. Try to shield yourself from potential flying debris by having something over you. Be sure to have a cell phone (if possible), flashlight and battery operated radio with you.  Here is more information about planning and safety from the CDC

http://www.rvspca.org/health-behavior/disaster-preparedness

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR FAMILY PETS

Again, let planning be your friend. The Humane Society published these guidelines for pet owners.

You also can read more from the SPCA by clicking on the photo above or this link.

What if your family member has special considerations, such as uses a wheelchair, has Autism or lives with Alzheimer’s? 

There are many websites and videos (open and/or closed captioned for those with hearing loss) that can be of great assistance and a wealth of information . There are many sites to review, but these are some of my favorites.

RED CROSS 

READY.GOV

EMSC NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER

DEAFInc.com

SAVE THE CHILDREN

LASTLY… 

What information can I share with my family that is “child friendly”

I really liked this website (in addition to the child resources from the sites mentioned above)

USGS KID INFO (including science fair project ideas)

In the next post we will discuss safety and preparation for Hurricane Season.   Please feel free to share YOUR disaster preparation safety information below. Thank you

 Stay safe everyone!

~Louise

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Louise Satter is a Psychologist who  created the SIGN LANGUAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Series – ASL, ENGLISH and SPANISH.  Read more about how to connect with Louise for speaking engagements, including the DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS PROGRAM (including sign language) and other programs related to safety and the well-being of children and adults with exceptional needs.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Photo by MillenialInflux.com

I often wondered what I would write if I were chosen to give a commencement speech. Have you?  

I am sure that there is much that we all can offer the “millenials”.  Here is perhaps what I would want them to know… (feel free to add your sage wisdom in the comments below)

“To the Class of 2013 – thank you for allowing me a few moments to address you on the day of your graduation from _________(fill in the blank).

You have worked as a student for 12+ years to have the privilege and honor to sit here and receive your diploma. And although you may feel this is YOUR day please note that you haven’t arrived at this graduation without the efforts of others. So, before the day is done please consider the following:

1- Your parents also graduate today, too. They started learning how to best educate and raise you long before your first breath.  For many, they too studied, saved and prayed for your safety, well-being and success since the first day you arrived.   Your birthday is their “welcome to parenthood day”.  So, when you cross the stage to get your diploma think of them and all who helped raise you.

2- Thank your kindergarten teacher. They helped guide you and set the tone for your formal education.  They also helped you learn to tie your shoes, share your toys and teach you the rules of how to interact civilly with others. What you learned in kindergarten will stick with you – forever. So, when you see the bully in a boardroom and you know how to diffuse the situation – thank your kindergarten teacher.

3- Thank your coaches. Most kids are plugged in to some formal activity. Whether it is sports, music, drama, art, etc.  That means you had a “coach” – someone who encouraged you along your journey to becoming an adult.  Thank them today and then thank them in the future by sharing what you learned by becoming a coach to the next generation.

4- Thank the person who said, “You will fail / not succeed”. Chances are that this person sparked an anger and drive in you to want to prove THEM WRONG.  Many people who succeed do so because someone said they couldn’t.

5- Thank those who gave you a moral compass. You know who those people are in your life. They were the folks who showed you what is RIGHT with the world and tried to steer you away from the WRONG.   Thank them by being a moral compass for another person… the right kind.

6- Thank the doctors who helped you be healthy. One way you can really thank them is to eat healthy, enjoy regular exercise, stop sitting on the couch watching endless TV and video games, don’t drink, drive while intoxicated and do illegal drugs. LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.. so you can actually LIVE A LONG LIFE!

7- Thank those who taught you a set of manners. That is right.  Show you care about others by saying PLEASE, THANK YOU, and SORRY. And, then be a real “mensch” and don’t use the “F” word every five seconds.

8. Be thankful to those who allow the United States to have rights and freedoms. So thank those in the military and their families – often.

9- Be thankful that we have the gift of words to help solve problems. Be humble. Be gracious. Be kind. Be patient. Be civil. Keep your emotions in check. Communicate, deliberate and appreciate that many people share your planet with you and many will not agree with your lifestyle choices or your decisions. Agree, however, that  we all should try to get along just like the kindergartners on the playground for the first time.

In closing – I wish you much success in this world. You have earned my respect today. Now let’s see if you will go forth and earn the respect of others tomorrow

This week I had the privilege of joining other social media “influencers” at the OMGInsider studios to help actress Lori Loughlin (FULL HOUSE, 90210) lose her “twitter virginity”.  It was a fun morning and also a good time to formulate my thoughts on explaining Twitter to others. (Watch the episode of Lori sending her first tweet to John Stamos here >> LORI’S FIRST TWEET)

So, in my effort to provide an educational spin on the social media phenomenon known as TWEETING.. I will provide you now with the 411 as I know it.

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a social media platform that in my head is like a giant gathering of people.  Some have common interests and some don’t.  You may not wish to engage in conversation with everyone, but,  it can help shine a spotlight on a person’s agenda, pop culture, business savvy or philanthropic causes.  It also is “social” – meaning it can lead to true relationships where you actually meet and not only tweet with people.

Twitter is not for anyone who doesn’t like to share or is not trusting of what they read.  It also is not for people who are finger happy and feel the need to tweet about every thought that crosses their mind space.

How to start on Twitter?

First you must decide if you wish to join Twitter and which name best explains your brand. Perhaps it is your name or your company name. My twitter handle is @LouiseASL  - it is my name Louise and my business endeavor American Sign Language or ASL.  In my bio, I explain about myself and love for ASL.. hopefully people make the connection.

Note.. use some caution with Twitter names. One person thought my Twitter was Louise ASS… oops..

Once you have decided on your name and a succinct bio be sure to upload a photo that is flattering and close up. DO not upload your account with the Twitter EGG. That just means that you are a newbie and not worth being taken serious.

Then what to do?

Use the search feature to find people of like interests or trusted news providers. Perhaps you like to follow authors, celebrities or people well known in the Twittersphere.  And of course, if you are respectful and like to be amused go ahead and follow me here>> @LouiseASL 

Rules of  the Twitter Universe

Twitter has a long list of rules that you will need to agree to before you send your first tweet.  But, here are some that one must also follow unless you wish to be a lone wolf on Twitter or part of a nasty thread of “meanie” tweets.

- DO NOT SPAM others.  You spam me and I press UNFOLLOW or BLOCK in a flash

- TWITTER is not where you get to “out” someone or bully.  Anyone who bullies by writing negative tweets, even in 140 characters or less” is despicable in my opinion. We need to play by the rules of kindergarten.. starting with “play fair”.  (Here are the basics of kindergarten rules as outlined by author Robert Fulghum, in case you forgot> RULES)

- Be gracious, humble and thankful. If people retweet your blog articles thank them. If they give you a nice shout out – thank them.  Want to be forgotten on Twitter- don’t engage with others or be thankful.

- Learn to say it in 140 characters and use shortcuts such as TYVM (Thank You Very Much) or GR8 (GREAT)

Who should I follow and who should I not follow

Before you press FOLLOW check out the person.  If they have very few or NO ONE following them then race for the Twitter hills! These people are most likely spammers.  Also, note that people with only a few followers may be a person that is well known, they are often marked as a “verified account”.

What are verified accounts?

@OPRAH verified (with a blue check mark after the name) means it is her real account and not someone who is using her name in the hopes to get Twitter love from others.

Can you make money or get “stuff” from Twitter

Well this is a topic for another blog.. but if you wish to read up on how to use social media for marketing and branding then go to these reliable resources and read their numerous articles about social media marketing.

MASHABLE

BRITT MICHAELIAN

MOMMYPerks.com

Does it cost anything?

No Twitter is FREE. But, if you are mean, bully or spam others it could cost you something more valuable – your reputation!

Who are the TOP people with the most followers on TWITTER?

This list is always changing. But, here is a recent tabulation.  It may surprise you!  TOP TWITTER ACCOUNTS

What about this PINTEREST that I hear so much about?

OY.. come back another day to read a blog about Pinterest!

Happy Tweeting!!

A day at the OMG! Insider studio with fellow twitterati. Follow them on Twitter at @ThePartyGoddess @xoxoLizza @LoriLoughlin @YogaArmy @DailyDimmick @SandyAbrams @JerylJagoda @TMoorePR @LoriMoreno @CupcakeD and @Omginsider and @LouiseASL, of course

Yahoo News Photo, May 20, 2013

Today there have been a series of tragic tornadoes that have ripped through the heartland of America causing severe devastation, including loss of life.  Some of the families impacted who have been impacted have family members with special needs.

In an effort to help families and communities who may have some unique challenges during disasters here is some information:

BEFORE A DISASTER

Be prepared.  Alert your local fire department if you have a family member with special needs of any kind, such as physical, sensory, cognitive or other.  Included would be family members with dementia, Alzheimer’s or medical problems.

Have a family plan for sheltering in place and evacuation.

Be sure to have an emergency kit in your home and car.  To know what should be in your emergency kit go to the RED CROSS Disaster Information page.   Don’t forget to add to your kit personal effects, such as your insurance information, copies of marriage and birth certificates and photos of your family members.

For families with children, especially with special needs, have a quick “grab and go” kit of favorite items and things you know will comfort your child during a time of distress.  Stuffed animals, battery operated video games, and books or drawing pads all are good things to bring along. So, be prepared in advance with this GRAB AND GO KIT.

Let others know your plans if you need to evacuate. Where you intend to go and how you will try to check in.

WHAT TO DO IF DISASTER STRIKES

Many agencies including FEMA and the RED CROSS offer much information, including for for families with special populations.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE, including Access and Functional Needs Information:

 RED CROSS disaster safety checklist in multiple languges

DISASTER ASSISTANCE by FEMA 

ASSISTANCE FOR THE AUTISM COMMUNITY:

Spirit of Autism

Autism Speaks

ASL / SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCES FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS for the DEAF

SIGNING FAMILIES

DEAFinc VIDEOS  (including the one below)

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES PLEASE SHARE BELOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION

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

Click to view slideshow.

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!

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

Some who I engaged in discussion were in the midst of “mid- life”.  Their answers often demonstrated the fatigue one gets as being part of the “sandwich generation”.  I also asked some seniors who gave a different spin to the query and were indeed very introspective.

A few people gave answers that were guarded and only about their professional lives.

For others, the responses were hugely personal and with much elaboration.

Some were surprising (“Would have thought twice about having children”), while many were expected (“Wish I had saved more money for retirement”).

For me I wished I had perhaps chosen a different career path (interpreting) vs. working in education as a psychologist. Yet, I really have no regrets and am perfectly happy with my choice. For if I not gone the road I chose then I maybe would not have been as prepared to handle being my most important life choice of all.. The  role of MOM!

So, I ask.. Do you have any “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” thoughts of your own?  Feel free to share…