My brief intro

Miamom

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Hello All,

I'm a hearing mother of a daughter with multiple disabilities. Although my daughter also hears it is hard to determine how she processes what she hears because she has a serious communication disorder.

I have been trying to help her bridge the gap by learning and teaching her some sign language as well as how to use PECs. She seems to enjoy sign language a great deal and responds much better to me when I use sign language along with my speech.

I purchased a video program targeted towards children called, "Signing Time" and we watch it together. I sign along with the video while teaching her how to form the signs for words that have meaning for her.

I've been very interested in sign language since I was a young girl when I first found a book that showed finger-spelling. My friends and I would finger-spell with each other to try and learn to get better at it. As I learned more about ASL I became intrigued by the efficiency and beauty of the language.

So now I'm reading everything I can find on ASL and trying to learn about the Deaf community. I have tried to find classes in my area but our local college lost their ASL director last year and has yet to find a replacement. Since I'm currently at a stand-still as far as getting a formal education, I'm studying what I can on my own by reading and watching videos.

I want to learn ASL to help my daughter but I also have hopes of opening up my social circle to include people who communicate with ASL. I've even wondered about the possibility of becoming an interpreter some time up the road, provided I can get the education and experience to develop the skills. I live in a large metro area but so far I have not had success in finding informal ASL classes or Deaf community gatherings.

I hope that by reading the posts here and asking questions that I will learn about social etiquette in the Deaf community and perhaps find a way to learn about ASL social gatherings in my area.

Mia’s Mom
 
:welcome: to All Deaf Miamom!! I know what you mean on that. I'm still learning ASL myself with my wife who is deaf. Its very interesting way to communicate. It all takes a lot of time & patients. But you'll do good:) Enjoy your stay here & have fun posting:)
 
Mia’s Mom,

Welcome to AD! :wave:

In addition to books on ASL, there are also a number of websites that you may want to take a look at. You can search these forums as well as do a Google search to find a lot of information. Let us know if you need any information.

Enjoy AD!

Dave
 
Hello,

I think the PECs (Picture Exchange Communication) is one of the excellent resource along with the Sign Language when a child is having a communication disorder. It sounds like you are on your way learning things little by little but in the end, it will be a great reward. ;)

By the way, You mentioned that you wanted to find more resources as to learn the sign language. There is a website which is a great resource and I've always suggested that to the people who are wanting to learn but has no avail to do so. Here's the site - ASLPro.com Home This site is great for beginners as well but I would still recommend you to socialize with other deaf peers to enhance your signing skills as well.

Happy Endeavoring and Welcome to All Deaf!
 
Welcome to AD. I hope you will find information on this and wish you all the best on learning the sign language and everything with your lil one! Good luck! Hope you will enjoy the stay with us and happy posting away! :)
 
Thanks

Thank-you all for the kind welcome and for the information on the website. The thing I would most love to find is advice on how to make a connection with the Deaf community in my area. I've Googled several different queries in an attempt to find a group in my area (that's how I found this website) but still no luck in finding anything local.

I live in the Kansas City, MO area. Does anyone have advice on how to find a local group and how to get involved without stepping on anyone's toes or insulting someone?

Thanks,

Mia's Mom
 
Hmmmmmm..............Well I'd contact the school for the Deaf, and the Mississippi branch of NAD for a start. Also contact the state resources assocation for the dhh ............maybe also Hands and Voices and the American Society of Deaf Children. They may be able to hook you up with local resources. Also try the ARC, United Cerebal Palsy etc. They may be able to hook you up with someone who knows Sign through their alternative augmentive communication programs.
 
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