19th ANNUAL EARLY HEARING DETECTION & INTERVENTION MEETING
March 8-10, 2020 • Kansas City, MO

<< BACK TO AGENDA

3/09/2020  |   2:00 PM - 3:00 PM   |  ASL: It Is Easier Than It Seems   |  New York A

ASL: It Is Easier Than It Seems

Sign language is often a whole new language for families and professionals to learn. And even though it plays a vital role in the development of deaf and hard of hearing children, it is a challenge to implement. Many find it difficult to imagine becoming fluent; and many find it difficult to find resources to learn. And in some cases, many are unaware the possibilities exist. This introductory workshop will allow participants a friendly and supportive environment to understand the importance of sign language to the child’s overall development – cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Participants will also learn basic signs to bring home to use with their child(ren) and client(s). Implementing American Sign Language enhances communication at home and in professional practices, ultimately giving the child more ways to learn, grow, and interact. A variety of researches will be discussed; multiple resources will be shared; numerous tools will be taught; and plentiful support will be given to learn and practice using sign language right away. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in dialogues, and share strategies with each other to maximize every child’s experience.

  • Participants will understand the significant role of sign language and how to implement strategies at home and/or in their professional practice to support cognitive development.
  • Participants will learn 20-25 basic signs through interactive lessons to enhance communication and language acquisition.
  • Participants will leave with strategies, resources, and tools to support deaf and hard of hearing children regardless of their home, family, placement, and environment.

Presentation:
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.

Handouts:
Handout is not Available

Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference


Presenters/Authors

Mark Ramirez (), New Mexico School for the Deaf, ramirez.mark.a@gmail.com;
Mark Ramirez was born hearing and grew up like most hearing children. It wasn’t until he was 8 years old that he experienced hearing loss and the new inability to interact and receive education as he had always known. He wore hearing aids at home and was supported with the FM System at school. However, it was not the same. Mark’s mom decided to implement basic signs at home to support communications and placed him in an academic environment where he could receive his education in American Sign Language (ASL). It was not easy; but ultimately, this is when he finally felt normal again. Mark became fluent in ASL and maintained his listening and spoken language abilities with his residual hearing, hearing aids, and speech therapy. Today, Mark is a bilingual, bimodal licensed social worker focusing on all deaf and hard of hearing children, adults, and their hearing family members.


ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exist.

Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.