American Sign Language: Broader Communications. Inspiration My brother, Jonathan – Mild to moderate hearing loss – Cannot hear below 30 decibels (ceiling.

American Sign Language:Broader Communications

Rachel Brown’s Senior Project

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 17th 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

BirdMake 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?