Tag Archives: sign language

06.03.13
by

Welcome to the NEWLY UPDATED SigningFamilies.com


SIGNING FAMILIES has a NEW look!

SIGNING FAMILIES has a NEW look!

****************************************************

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!

04.08.13
by

BEST OF….


Happy Spring everyone!  I have been receiving a lot of requests for some of my previous blogs to be “re-blogged” on different sites.  I thought that I would take an opportunity to THANK all of the people who have stopped by to read my musings, share with others and leave positive and constructive comments. 

In case you are curious.. here are the “the ten most requested blogs/ topics” from the past three years when I started routinely blogging.  They are not listed in any certain order AFTER Map Skills which by far won the “race”.  Also, this list is fluid.. in a few weeks it all can change

#1- MAP SKILLS   I guess my frustration over people not having “common sense” and the use of a google image (gave credit) helped bring this one to the top of the list.

#2 Wisdom from Christopher Robin  for Parents of College Freshman    This blog has been requested time and time again.  It is not my favorite personal blog but  reflects the power of SEO (Site Engine Optimization) as  Winnie the Pooh still has a strong fan base and people searching “Christopher Robin” stumble upon my blog!  I’ll take it!

christopher-1

#3  Are YOU on a trip to Holland?  Of all the blogs I have ever posted this is by far the most personal one regarding my son and his premature birth.  My most requested blog which resonates with parents who also have unexpected challenges with the birth of their child.

#4 Hello, now GO AWAY!   I decided that I couldn’t keep silent about my cancer of the thyroid.  I wanted to be in an empowered role and educate others.  I wrote a series of articles regarding my thyroid cancer, my experience with the surgery, post surgery and even hanging out with Top Doc and Junior Docs at Hopkins Hospital.  For the most part I tried to keep it “light”..  This was the first one and again, most requested. To read the related blogs click here: CANCER

#5 Resources for Families with Autistic Children - I am happy to offer this information on a frequent basis if it helps one child or family.  I often blog for other sites on the topic of special needs and Autism.

#6 Raising a Confident teen/tween model –  How to get started in the “biz” .. the good, bad and ugly.  There are several articles I have written about raising a child who is a professional actor/model/ filmmaker.

#7 BULLY by Patricia Polacco (and other information about Anti-Bullying)    Sadly the topic of bullying is often searched.. thus the number of visitors to this article.

#8 Articles on Disaster Preparedness   ( I  have written numerous blogs on this topic.  Especially concerning the welfare and safety of children and adults with special needs.)  Here is the general link to all DISASTER PREPAREDNESS articles on this blog

#9 Sign Language  Apparently when you write about deafness, deaf children and sign language you drum up a boatload of readers!  So here again is the general link to all the blogs referencing sign language and topics related to deafness. SIGN LANGUAGE

camp

#10  Guest bloggers..

This last spot is dedicated to guest bloggers.  Jennifer Heicklen’s wrote a very passionate blog about the risks First Responders take when people do not heed warnings about mandatory evacuations.  Her article on the heels of Hurricane Sandy struck a chord with many and resulted in her receiving national press.  (The article was first written as a letter to the editor for  a Philadelphia based publication)

Read Jennifer Martelle Heicklin’s article here

Zaneta Barton also wrote a blog about her experiences with raising deaf children.  This article resonated the feelings of many parents.  Read Zaneta’s blog 

Read these and other guest blogs (including by Kidlutions owner, Wendy Young  here  GUEST BLOGS)

###

Again, thank you for reading my blog and please let me know if you have recommendations for topics, want to be a guest blogger and/or have a favorite article that was covered on this blog.

Have a groovy day!

~Louise

04.04.13
by

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


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.

01.11.13
by

I Dream of ASL TV NETWORKS


24_7

I have this dream. That one day I will be flipping through my cable TV guide and there it will be … a list of TV channels 24/7 programming in American Sign Language.  Each one with news being delivered in sign language, a full cast of deaf actors or signing characters in animation.  These shows will have captions for the hearing, such as was the case in UNIVERSAL SIGNS.    I yearn for daily signed content  available to anyone to watch on their TV set.

I know that there are already front runners in this endeavor. Some cable networks have slots for deaf content and there is much online TV in sign language. I LOVE DeafTV.com and video channels such as D-PAN (Deaf Performing Arts Network). But, what I am campaigning for are channels equivalent to Telemundo or CCTV where live content streams all day, everyday!.

Why? Well, in the United States American Sign Language is the fourth most commonly used language. (Behind English, Spanish and Chinese).  All of these languages and respective cultures are represented with a mainstream TV presence. Where are the ASL channels? The Deaf Community Channels? In addition, many excellent deaf actors seek employment but find this road much more challenging than their hearing counterparts due to limited roles or maybe even understanding.  (The same can be true of others with unique challenges.)

So, bravo to ABCFamily and others who put shows with content that demonstrates the deaf culture, sign language and employs deaf actors!  Now let’s see if we can expand to 24/7 deaf networks on public / cable TV.  I know I am not alone with my dream.

Your respectful thoughts are welcome.

~Louise

11.29.12
by

The Cochlear Implant and Sign Language – One Mom’s Viewpoint


Louise’s note:  I have long been an advocate for all deaf people to know sign language, even as a “back up” when they are the recipient of the cochlear implant. Christy Garrett is a mom and a follower of the SIGNING FAMILIES FACEBOOK page. She asked if she could post this blog as a guest.  I gladly obliged.

888888

Sign Language is a Useful Tool for Cochlear Implant Recipient’s

 by Guest Blogger, Christy Garrett

As a young mom, it was very overwhelming to discover that my daughter was born with a severe to profound hearing loss.  She seemed so perfect.  However, when she was a month old it seemed like she was responding to typical household noises but after multiple hearing tests the doctors confirmed that she was deaf.  This news crushed my heart and I began to blame myself for her imperfection.  Then I realized that she was born deaf for a reason.

She began learning American Sign Language around 9 or 10 months old.   A speech therapist would come to our house from the Early Intervention Services, a program that is designed to help families who have children with special needs.  They provide services free of charge and help find care that they can’t provide for children ages birth to three years old.  Also, the Early Intervention Team can refer to the local school district your child  who may continue to receive services within a school environment.

Early intervention specialists began teaching my daughter sign language using play therapy.    She was able to learn basic sign language for common words such as apple, shoe, mom, dad, and more.  I remember the first time that she finally signed back to us, that day was a huge milestone as she was finally able to starting to learn how to communicate!

At the age of 3, I decided that she should have the opportunity to receive a cochlear implant so, that she could communicate orally with her baby brother that was on the way.  When she received her cochlear implant, the speech therapist and doctors recommended that we drop the sign language all together.  They felt that if she relied on sign language that she wouldn’t take interest in learning how to hear and learn to talk.  However, the opposite happened.

Sign language has been a great tool and has benefited her more than I think the doctors and speech therapist realized.  She is now considered bilingual and is fluent in two languages.

However, her knowing sign language has been useful on more than one occasion when something on her cochlear implant has failed or she is having a hard time understanding.
I can count on my hands how many times over the years that her implant was damaged or broken and had to be returned.  Sometimes it would take a week or more to get it back, without her cochlear implant she was deaf.  Sign language allowed her to continue learning without skipping a beat.

Technology is great but it isn’t perfect.  She was born deaf and having a cochlear implant has allowed her to join the hearing world; however, it doesn’t change the fact that without the device she is still deaf.  So in certain situations her implant has no use:

  • showering/bathing
  • swimming
  • some sports
  • loud background noise
  • her batteries die and she doesn’t have spare ones with her
  • cochlear implant isn’t functioning properly

I asked my daughter what she would recommend for a parent who is contemplating on teaching their child sign language and they have a cochlear implant.  She is 16 years old now and didn’t have a say in the decision that I made when she was younger.  However, now she is able to share her opinion and is able to help others.

“She said, that knowing sign language has allowed her to learn more vocabulary words and improve her word knowledge.”

Christy Garret, is a wife to her loving husband of 4 years and a mother to three beautiful children – Ages 15, 12, and 18 months old. I am the owner and founder of Uplifting Famiiles. In my spare time, I enjoy blogging, spending time with my family, going to church, and playing games. I can be found on twitter at @upliftingfam

10.26.12
by

Disaster Preparedness for Special Populations


Hurricane Sandy is about to make landfall in the eastern portion of the United States. That means that millions could be effected by flooding, lack of power and stoppage of services, such as public education. For some, this may be an inconvenience, yet for a parent with a child withe special needs, this could be a significant hardship.

Children with special needs often have extreme difficulties during unexpected events.  Being moved to a shelter could result in a serious set problems for some families as children with a disorder, such as Autism,  may not handle transitions, the overstimulating environmental noises of a shelter or new people. In fact, many parents of children with Autism may state that  a change in the home environment or need to relocate elsewhere could result in   a “worst case scenario”. The best way to help make this situation easier is through pre-planning, remaining calm (parents) and  using others to support, such as family members or friends.

To help with DISASTER PREPAREDNESS the CDC issued a new feature to help people prepare for a HURRICANE, such as the one expected this weekend.  Videos are available in American Sign Language (ASL)  Here is the link: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HurricanePreparedness/

Maryland, a state expected to take the brunt of  Hurricane Sandy, has prepared a lengthy list of disaster preparedness information, including this guide to help those in their region and others who may live in another state: http://mema.maryland.gov/prepared/Pages/home.aspx

Preparedness information is available here from US GOVERNMENT PREPAREDNESS OFFICE in ENGLISH (  http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes  ) and in SPANISH:  (http://www.ready.gov/translations/spanish/ )

General disaster links for special populations can be found here: http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/safe-and-sound/emergency-preparedness.html

and  for Autism Spectrum disorders specifically here>> http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/safe-and-sound/preparedness-tips.html

 

FLORIDA DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR THE DEAF (based on Hurricane Issac)

The video below is provided by the READY HOUSTON in ASL for disaster preparedness

05.29.12
by

First Signs to Introduce to Young Children


Today I received an excellent question on my SIGNING FAMILIES FACEBOOK  page.  It was a very caring grandmother requesting information about First Signs for her young four year old granddaughter who is having sensory and learning challenges.. Where should they start? How can the school support their efforts and vice versa?

I have added a slideshow at the end of this blog to help answer this question. 

Here are my basic rules for teaching sign to children whether they are deaf / hard of hearing or have developmental challenges.  (These rules also can apply to teaching children “just because”.. which makes me all happy inside to think that so many are learning ASL for fun and to make communication bridges.)

1- Introduce signs that are in the child’s enviroment. Concrete signs.  Daily activities or objects.  Nothing that is abstract or not pertinent.

2- I always suggest learning a few signs such as MORE, WANT and FINISHED at the onset of ASL learning, too. These not only help with transitions but also can help with promoting positive behaviors.

3- Signs like I LOVE YOU and GOOD JOB will help the older child who is learning sign language feel comfortable.

4- Don’t use ASL in isolation. Have everyone in the child’s immediate environment learn ASL so that the child is an equal member of the family. Nothing is worse than a holiday celebration, an incidental conversation or a trip to the store where people are chatting all around you but you understand virtually nothing or very little. This is the scenario that has been retold to me time and time again by my deaf friends.

5- Learn only FIVE to TEN signs at a time.  Your child will be able to tackle more, but try to learn and introduce the new  signs in to your basic everyday conversation. Anymore than that and you may feel overwhelmed.

6. Involve your child in to the local deaf community. And, yourselves!  There is a wonderful deaf community waiting to embrace you and share the rich culture that has been part of the fabric of Deaf Life here in the United States.

7. Read up on great resources and also indulge in social media to help you explore for more.  See my resource link page on Signing Families for more info.

FIRST SIGNS LIST

MORE

DRINK

EAT

SLEEP

BATH

PLAY

MOMMY

DADDY

COME

GO

FINISHED

TIME FOR

WANT

DON’T WANT

HELP 

FRIENDS

BOOK

POTTY

WAIT

CAREUL

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

03.22.12
by

Guest Post by Wendy Young of Kidlutions


Next week I will finally get to meet and greet my friend and colleague from 411 VOICES – Wendy Young. This dynamo founded one of the premiere mental health sites for families- KIDLUTIONS.  This week I snatched from Kidlutions.com blog this article Wendy wrote about our joint presentation at the  Michigan Associaiton for the Education of Young Children’s 2012 Conference, 

Thanks to Wendy for a great article!  

Also, feel free to check out SIGNING FAMILIES  for our I WANT, I FEEL CHART to help children express their feelings with sign language

Calming the Angry Child

If you happen to be in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area for the Michigan Associaiton for the Education of Young Children’s 2012 Conference, I hope you will drop by and see Louise Sattler, of Signing Families, and me.  We will be presenting an engaging workshop about calming the angry child.  Louise is one of my BFFs on twitter/facebook and 411 Voices, and we finally get to meet each other for this one-time only training!  Laugh and learn in this unprecedented event!
It will be a workshop event unlike any other you have been part of!
If you are unable to join us, be sure to check out Kidlution’s resources in our Anger Toolbox for Kids!
Articles that help kids deal with feelings:
06.01.11
by

Summertime Learning for ADULTS!


Today as I am writing this post it is a hot (95 degrees) and humid (90%) day in the greater Washington D.C. area.  Don’t make any mistake in thinking that this is a “dry heat”.  So, I am especially grateful to Willis Haviland Carrier, who purportedly invented the air conditioner.  This little piece of trivia is new to me and I will add it to the list of “things” I learned during 2011.

I was raised in a home where education ruled supreme.  And after watching and reading commentary about   OPRAH‘s tribute to her by the Moorehouse University graduates who she supported, I gather that we were not the only ones.  But, if there is one thing I know for sure- it is that one should never stop learning or you just mentally wilt.    (You can watch Oprah’s surprise here)

So, here is my list of things that I want to learn the Summer of 2011.  (And add yours to the comments below!)

1- Zumba.  Yes, I want to learn more about this form of dance. Would love to hear from others who have tried this dance and exercise form.

2-  Learn about HTML. That is a computer term and program “thing” – for those who may need to brush up on it, like me.

3- Read more.  I want to read about a random topic.  I haven’t picked it out – yet.  That will take a trip to the library. And thank the goodness we still have libraries!

4. Learn how to play Mahjong.

and lastly… 5.  Learn more about how to operate my “fancy” camera.

TAG – YOU’RE IT!  What will you learn this Summer?

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

NEWS:

Follow me on TWITTER: 

♦Missed my debut radio segment which airs during the 411 Voices- Arts, Entertainment and the Business of it ALL! show?  I was privileged to interview Talent Manager, Susan Ferris from the Bohemia Group.  Here is the audio-  Listen Here

♦Want to learn American Sign Language later this Summer?  SIGNING FAMILIES will be offering ONLINE COURSES starting August 2011.  Here is what we will be rolling out…

Just for Kids- a basic sign class geared for kids and taught by kids!

Just the Basics- A Sign Class for anyone who wishes to learn, with emphasis on those who are in the hospitality, restaurant, vacation attractions, hotel and business industries.

Adaptive/ Functional Sign Language- A course designed to teach children, their families and educators within the special education communities.

Sign language for medical and dental personnel. 

READ SIGNING FAMILIES JUNE NEWSLETTER HERE (ASL Signs and a GIVEAWAY included)

04.28.11
by

Disaster ASL Signs


Fans of SIGNING FAMILIES™ connected with me today.  They asked for me to post disaster related signs to assist those who were impacted by recent tornados, flooding and other weather related damage.  Of course we will be happy to upload ASL, English and Spanish photos to help First Responders in states such as Alabama and Mississippi assist those who use sign language or Spanish as their primary mode for communication.

Here are the signs in a slideshow presentation.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For more information about SIGNING FAMILIES and our DISASTER PREPAREDNESS and ASL PROGRAMS please go  CLICK HERE

For information about SIGN LANGUAGE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS  CLICK HERE