American Sign Language: Broader Communications

Inspiration My brother, Jonathan – Mild to moderate hearing loss – Cannot hear below 30 decibels (ceiling fan, whispering, TV static) – In deaf/ hard of hearing classes – Learned some baby signs and ASL alphabet

Prior to my project Interest in Helen Keller – The Miracle Worker – Research papers and projects about her in earlier years – Learned the ASL alphabet

Facilitator Kathryn Harden 30 years experience Works with deaf and hard of hearing children – Has worked with my brother for 7 years – IEP

Research Paper Origins and evolution of sign language Developed by several people in a broad spectrum of study areas Deaf people were considered to be abnormal for centuries Over time developed a communication system with gestures and hand symbols Official language in 17 th century Development of deaf schools Slang signs

Product Book for beginners Flash card concept One side: picture with its word Other side: word with sign and instructions on how to sign it – Instructions

Bird

Make a beak with your index finger and thumb. Close it. Repeat.

Process Learn signs Pick what type of signs to include and how many Draw pictures Create book in Power Point Print, laminate, bind

Obstacles Time management Scheduling Weather Sickness Distance Issues at FedEx – Cost

Learning Stretch Memorization Kinetic as opposed to written, oral I have never made an instructional type of book before

Career Link College: linguistics – Different languages – Different cultures – Definite career addition – Look good on resume

Conclusion Pleased with my work I had to practice the signs in order to fully memorize them – Thought I could just remember the sign after seeing it demonstrated

Thank you for your time! Questions?