Jan 2013
Awesome Comic Used with Permission: Thanks to Matt and Kay Daigle That Deaf Guy Comic website DPANvideos @deafcartoonistI keep learning some very interesting things from Cathi Bouton from VisualizeASL a great educator on the topic of American Sign Language. ASL has become a very popular trend for kids and adults right now (on Facebook Twitter & Website)
Hearing Loss’ or ‘Deaf-Gain’ ? Although some Deaf individuals can’t hear at all, all people that can hear could learn to use sign language.
For many people, the idea of being “hearing impaired” or having a “hearing loss” is a devastating concept.
There is a huge community of culturally Deaf people who don’t feel that way at all. To be Deaf is to have a community, a language, a culture, a way of life that is unique and valuable.
Rather than focusing on ‘hearing loss’ and what Deaf people can’t do, Dr. Dirksen Bauman and Dr. Joseph Murray have developed the concept of “Deaf-Gain” – why the world benefits from the contribution of Deaf people.
The report from the conference of World Association of Sign Language Interpreters, and World Federation of the Deaf outlines three premises to this concept: Deaf Benefit; Deaf Contribute; and Deaf Lead.
Briefly, the discussion revolves around how Deaf people, with their unique perspective on the world because they use a visual / gestural language, have so much to offer if we could only open our eyes and hearts to understanding the concept. See more detailed information at: http://efsli.blogspot.com/2011/07/deaf-gain-why-world-needs-deaf-people.html.
You can start your journey of learning American Sign Language, with Visualize ASL’s two CD-roms for practicing ASL vocabulary: Volume 1: Basic Vocabulary and Fingerspelling, and Memory Match Games.
Great ASL Audio Commercial VisualizeASL_FINAL created by Dara on Radio (website ) (Twitter ) @DaraOnRadio
Thanks to That Deaf Guy Comic website DPANvideos @deafcartoonist
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Dec 2012
I generally post on social emotional issues and parenting topics. But whenever I learn something new and
interesting I love to write about it and share with parents.
Recently I learned some very interesting things From Cathi Bouton (on Facebook Twitter & Website) a great educator about the ASl Language which has become a very popular trend for kids and adults right now.
Great ASL Commercial VisualizeASL_FINAL _ created by Dara on Radio (website ) (Twitter ) @DaraOnRadio
American Sign Language has been in the national spotlight with Mayor Bloomberg’s sharing the stage with interpreter Lydia Callis during his speeches regarding Hurrican Sandy. Saturday Night Live, Chelsea Lately and the Jon Stewart show all ran spoofs on the “antics” of this interpreter. This led to a clear and thoughtful article published on the mentalfloss website [www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/149593] discussing the grammatical aspects of ASL. Fascinating stuff!
Did you know that American Sign Language is, well American. That sign language is not universal? That natural languages are steeped in culture, and there are hundreds (thousands) of signed languages throughout the world, just as there are thousands of spoken languages that are tied to their culture.
Did you know that learning a second (foreign language) will make you smarter? Not only is ASL fun and fascinating – but it will grow your brain as well! And imagine if all of us in the USA were bilingual in English and American Sign Language. The millions of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals living here would have full and complete access to communication and equal opportunities for employment, housing, education ….
You can learn ASL vocabulary in an interactive game format with Visualize ASL’s Volume 1: Basic Vocabulary and Fingerspelling. Watch a video of the sign and choose the picture that matches it – over 450 basic signs. Or try the Memory Match Games to improve your ASL and your memory. Played alone or with a friend, the infinite number of random game set ups will keep you playing again and again.
It’s a good time to join the revolution. Start for the fun of it and make learning and using ASL a lifelong skill that benefits everybody.We are giving away a box set connect on twitter From cathi @VisualizeASL and myself ava @listentomepleas
Tweets some of these and the most RT’s for the next week wins:)#Parent #Kids American Sign Language #ASL 4th most widely used language in USA #Win a CD http://owl.li/fytF8 @VisualizeASL #411voices
Learning another language makes u smarter Try American Sign Language http://owl.li/fytF8 #411voices #ASL WinCD @VisualizeASLDo u know American Sign Language #ASL 4th most widely used language in the United States? http://owl.li/fytF8 #411voices @VisualizeASLHave u noticed growing popularity of #ASL Join revolution & try it http://owl.li/fytF8 #411voices most RT’s free copy of Video @VisualizeASL #kids
Learn another language Sign Basic Vocabulary Finger spelling and Memory Match Games http://owl.li/fytF8 #ASL $411voices #parents #kids
#Giveaway Learn American Sign Language #ASL growing in popularity USA http://owl.li/fytF8 #411voices @VisualizeASL Most RT’s get’s a copy
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
I am ashamed to say it but I though sign language was universal. Thank you for pointing this out. Good for you spreading the news – will RT if you need me to
Ha ha Naomi No worries , I didn’t know either, that’s why did the post .
I learned so much, all the things I posted I learned!!
Thanks always for your support would love if you RT it!
Actually, I did know that sign language is not universal. But, I had a couple college classes in it… Such a beautiful language.
Thanks for commenting! Glad you knew Glad I finally learned !
I am Very thankful to Cathi for my education On the subject:)
Naomi – you’re definitely not alone! It’s a common misconception, I think partly because we read and hear “sign language” rather than “American Sign Language”. Now ya know!! ~ Cathi