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Deaf/Hard of Hearing day at Watson Stadium a Success - Coastal Carolina Official Athletic Site
This past Friday, Coastal Carolina and its nationally-ranked baseball program welcomed deaf and hard of hearing students from the Horry County School system to a picnic prior to the Chanticleers' 11-1 in over Ball State at Watson Stadium/Vrooman Field.
This is the second year Coastal has brought these students prior to a baseball game and the idea was sparked due to Chanticleer center fielder Scott Woodward, who is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The event is coordinated by Karen Howard-Goss, Coordinator of Accessibility & Disability Services at Coastal Carolina.
"I wanted to thank everyone who helped with the success of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Day at the Ballpark," Howard-Goss said. "The students of Horry County who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing had an absolute blast at Watson Stadium. On top of socializing with their friends, peers and teachers, as well as eating a `baseball' lunch, they were treated extra special by a visit from several of our student-athletes, including Austin Cain (football), Nehemiah Shelley (track & field), Nick Keener (baseball), Woody Nisbet (baseball), K.J. McAllister (baseball) and of course, Scott (Woodward). I know I speak on behalf of the entire Office of Accessibility & Disability Services when I say we want these students to know that there are no limitations on what they can do if they work hard despite the presence of a disability. Scott is a great example of this!"
After the socializing and lunch, Horry County Schools' Superintendent Dr. Cindy Elsberry and Carolina Forest High School student Larry Lewis threw out ceremonial first pitches. The crowd was then treated to a special rendition of the National Anthem as Diana Reyes, a teacher at Ocean Bay Elementary, and Nicole Justice, interpreter at Ocean Bay, sang and signed.
During the game, public address announcements were made to educate the general public in proper etiquette when interacting with a deaf or hard of hearing person and how to better communicate with them. Some courtesies include:
1. The next time you are speaking to a person with a hearing loss, speak clearly and use facial expressions. Facial expressions are critical because they convey the emotions and tone of the conversation. Signing without facial expression is similar to monotone speech.
2. If you have to walk through a conversation between two signers/interpreters, you do not have to wait for them to finish, it is alright to just walk through. There is also no need to duck or anything extravagant. Just say "excuse me" and walk right through. This is NOT considered rude.
3. When using a sign-language interpreter, look directly at the deaf person NOT the interpreter. It is important to maintain eye contact. Also, talk directly to the person (`what would you like to eat?'), rather than to the interpreter.
4. When speaking to a person with a hearing loss, using voice and mouth movement helps a deaf person who has some lip-reading skills and/or residual hearing. However, a loud voice and exaggerated mouth movement interferes with understanding of your message.
"There were a lot of others who played a key role in this special day," Howard-Goss said. "I appreciate all the help that was given by Judy Plymale, Special Education Coordinator and Dorothy Saxon, Educational Audiologist; both from Horry County Schools, in organizing this special day. Also, special thanks to Baseball Director of Operations Chris Carter, the Coastal Carolina baseball team and the Department of Athletics."
This past Friday, Coastal Carolina and its nationally-ranked baseball program welcomed deaf and hard of hearing students from the Horry County School system to a picnic prior to the Chanticleers' 11-1 in over Ball State at Watson Stadium/Vrooman Field.
This is the second year Coastal has brought these students prior to a baseball game and the idea was sparked due to Chanticleer center fielder Scott Woodward, who is a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The event is coordinated by Karen Howard-Goss, Coordinator of Accessibility & Disability Services at Coastal Carolina.
"I wanted to thank everyone who helped with the success of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Day at the Ballpark," Howard-Goss said. "The students of Horry County who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing had an absolute blast at Watson Stadium. On top of socializing with their friends, peers and teachers, as well as eating a `baseball' lunch, they were treated extra special by a visit from several of our student-athletes, including Austin Cain (football), Nehemiah Shelley (track & field), Nick Keener (baseball), Woody Nisbet (baseball), K.J. McAllister (baseball) and of course, Scott (Woodward). I know I speak on behalf of the entire Office of Accessibility & Disability Services when I say we want these students to know that there are no limitations on what they can do if they work hard despite the presence of a disability. Scott is a great example of this!"
After the socializing and lunch, Horry County Schools' Superintendent Dr. Cindy Elsberry and Carolina Forest High School student Larry Lewis threw out ceremonial first pitches. The crowd was then treated to a special rendition of the National Anthem as Diana Reyes, a teacher at Ocean Bay Elementary, and Nicole Justice, interpreter at Ocean Bay, sang and signed.
During the game, public address announcements were made to educate the general public in proper etiquette when interacting with a deaf or hard of hearing person and how to better communicate with them. Some courtesies include:
1. The next time you are speaking to a person with a hearing loss, speak clearly and use facial expressions. Facial expressions are critical because they convey the emotions and tone of the conversation. Signing without facial expression is similar to monotone speech.
2. If you have to walk through a conversation between two signers/interpreters, you do not have to wait for them to finish, it is alright to just walk through. There is also no need to duck or anything extravagant. Just say "excuse me" and walk right through. This is NOT considered rude.
3. When using a sign-language interpreter, look directly at the deaf person NOT the interpreter. It is important to maintain eye contact. Also, talk directly to the person (`what would you like to eat?'), rather than to the interpreter.
4. When speaking to a person with a hearing loss, using voice and mouth movement helps a deaf person who has some lip-reading skills and/or residual hearing. However, a loud voice and exaggerated mouth movement interferes with understanding of your message.
"There were a lot of others who played a key role in this special day," Howard-Goss said. "I appreciate all the help that was given by Judy Plymale, Special Education Coordinator and Dorothy Saxon, Educational Audiologist; both from Horry County Schools, in organizing this special day. Also, special thanks to Baseball Director of Operations Chris Carter, the Coastal Carolina baseball team and the Department of Athletics."