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http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051212/NEWS01/512120311/1002
The silence that followed a performance Saturday by Ithaca College's Hands of Praise Signing Choir was punctuated by enthused hand signals of appreciation, the preferred expression of applause at First Baptist Church.
Gathered at the downtown church, a few families, churchgoers and members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community celebrated Christmas with a party especially for American Sign Language users, and for those who want to learn.
“Many times people feel afraid of Deaf people because of our communication,” said Teresa Battisti, who is also deaf and runs an online newsgroup for Ithaca's small Deaf community. “I want to break down the communication barrier.”
Hands of Praise Signing Choir performed two songs for the modest gathering of both hearing and Deaf. Even Deaf Santa Claus made an appearance, using American Sign Language to speak with the handful of children gathered, asking them what they want for Christmas.
The day included opportunities for face painting, origami, tree-decorating and Christmas cookies with ice cream.
“The purpose of the party is to show people the beauty of sign language,” said Battisti, who organized the event.
Sixteen-year-old Aziza Speight, though not deaf herself, has a friend and also a cousin who use sign language, which is why she was inspired to pick up the language several years ago.
Her mother, Groton resident Fran Speight, said Aziza had learned sign language during a preschool special education class. They attended Saturday's party to see the Hands of Praise Choir, and meet with Deaf Santa.
“We just wanted to see what it was all about,” Fran Speight said. “We would really enjoy having more things in Ithaca that involve sign language.”
Battisti said she has been told there are about 37 deaf people in the Ithaca area, although she only knows of about half that number. She helps organize many activities in American Sign Language, including open-captioned movies, the Ithaca Chat Club that meets at Wegmans twice a month, Silent Dinners at Ithaca College and ASL picnics during the summer.
Those interested in joining her online group can visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IthacaHearingLoss/.
The silence that followed a performance Saturday by Ithaca College's Hands of Praise Signing Choir was punctuated by enthused hand signals of appreciation, the preferred expression of applause at First Baptist Church.
Gathered at the downtown church, a few families, churchgoers and members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community celebrated Christmas with a party especially for American Sign Language users, and for those who want to learn.
“Many times people feel afraid of Deaf people because of our communication,” said Teresa Battisti, who is also deaf and runs an online newsgroup for Ithaca's small Deaf community. “I want to break down the communication barrier.”
Hands of Praise Signing Choir performed two songs for the modest gathering of both hearing and Deaf. Even Deaf Santa Claus made an appearance, using American Sign Language to speak with the handful of children gathered, asking them what they want for Christmas.
The day included opportunities for face painting, origami, tree-decorating and Christmas cookies with ice cream.
“The purpose of the party is to show people the beauty of sign language,” said Battisti, who organized the event.
Sixteen-year-old Aziza Speight, though not deaf herself, has a friend and also a cousin who use sign language, which is why she was inspired to pick up the language several years ago.
Her mother, Groton resident Fran Speight, said Aziza had learned sign language during a preschool special education class. They attended Saturday's party to see the Hands of Praise Choir, and meet with Deaf Santa.
“We just wanted to see what it was all about,” Fran Speight said. “We would really enjoy having more things in Ithaca that involve sign language.”
Battisti said she has been told there are about 37 deaf people in the Ithaca area, although she only knows of about half that number. She helps organize many activities in American Sign Language, including open-captioned movies, the Ithaca Chat Club that meets at Wegmans twice a month, Silent Dinners at Ithaca College and ASL picnics during the summer.
Those interested in joining her online group can visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IthacaHearingLoss/.