Miss-Delectable
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Deaf Fellowship creates forum for interaction
They really differ little from most other groups.
They have guest speakers, such as a television weatherman in November. Or they go out to eat as a group, as they did in December. Or they learn about the history of current events, like they did talking about Valentine's Day in February.
But one notable difference between Deaf Fellowship and most other groups is that, by and large, these participants use their hands to do the talking. Some members either do not hear or have difficulties hearing and come for fellowship. Others come because of their interaction with the deaf.
Deaf Fellowship is offered through the Decatur offices at Soyland Access to Independent Living, coordinated by LaVerle Carrington, deaf services/interpreter referral advocate.
Charles Hawkins of Decatur, who does not hear, said he has been part of the group since it started. He said Carrington sometimes brings in speakers to help members learn more about the community, even occasionally taking field trips.
Besides having an uncle who is legally deaf, Anita Burtschi of Decatur, a fellowship participant, said she sometimes uses American Sign Language in her job.
Her hands flying as she signed and spoke verbally, Joanne Mayer of Decatur said one of the reasons she enjoys attending is to learn about the culture differences experienced by those who are deaf. The programs are educational, Mayer continued, sometimes dealing with nutrition, with deaf history, current political issues and rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Norma Jean Hart of Decatur, Hawkins' sister, said her brother was so good at reading lips that many family members didn't learn American Sign Language to communicate with him. Now, however, she is learning the language and practices when she attends Deaf Fellowship.
"It helps improve, helps you learn the language," she added, to practice.
Carrington said some people don't know the differences between American Sign Language and signs that may originate from other sources.
"Deaf people have their own language. That's a part of American Sign Language, knowing the culture of deaf people," he added.
They really differ little from most other groups.
They have guest speakers, such as a television weatherman in November. Or they go out to eat as a group, as they did in December. Or they learn about the history of current events, like they did talking about Valentine's Day in February.
But one notable difference between Deaf Fellowship and most other groups is that, by and large, these participants use their hands to do the talking. Some members either do not hear or have difficulties hearing and come for fellowship. Others come because of their interaction with the deaf.
Deaf Fellowship is offered through the Decatur offices at Soyland Access to Independent Living, coordinated by LaVerle Carrington, deaf services/interpreter referral advocate.
Charles Hawkins of Decatur, who does not hear, said he has been part of the group since it started. He said Carrington sometimes brings in speakers to help members learn more about the community, even occasionally taking field trips.
Besides having an uncle who is legally deaf, Anita Burtschi of Decatur, a fellowship participant, said she sometimes uses American Sign Language in her job.
Her hands flying as she signed and spoke verbally, Joanne Mayer of Decatur said one of the reasons she enjoys attending is to learn about the culture differences experienced by those who are deaf. The programs are educational, Mayer continued, sometimes dealing with nutrition, with deaf history, current political issues and rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Norma Jean Hart of Decatur, Hawkins' sister, said her brother was so good at reading lips that many family members didn't learn American Sign Language to communicate with him. Now, however, she is learning the language and practices when she attends Deaf Fellowship.
"It helps improve, helps you learn the language," she added, to practice.
Carrington said some people don't know the differences between American Sign Language and signs that may originate from other sources.
"Deaf people have their own language. That's a part of American Sign Language, knowing the culture of deaf people," he added.