Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!olivea!oliveb!bunker!hcap!hnews!104!424!Lana.Berrington From: Lana.Berrington@f424.n104.z1.fidonet.org (Lana Berrington) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Ems And Als And Asl Message-ID: <17820@bunker.UUCP> Date: 21 Feb 91 02:14:07 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Lana.Berrington@f424.n104.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:104/424 - Ready Room(IDIC), Denver CO Lines: 61 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 13693 [This is from the Silent Talk Conference] FO>> cadets to assist us). Turns out he was teaching himself FO>> sign and FO>> was using it in maneuvers when having to lead in infantry FO>> simulations, and had taught his squadron it as well. FO>> Communicating silently gave them an edge over the 'enemy'. Now that's neat! I have a friend who is at about the same level of signing ability as myself and we've found our (limited) skills handy for (A) Really annoying the other people at our table when we're at dinner at the Childrens camp we both work at and (B) a WONDERFUL way to communicate to each other when we're in a bar with LOUD music. ;-) I've found sign language very helpful for me in the various different jobs I hold. First, every summer I work for a YMCA children's camp .. and starting last summer we hosted a DEAF CAMP which took place simontaneously with our regular camp programs. As the Arts&Crafts/Environmental resource person I thanked every diety around that I could sign a little... especially when I had a session with no interpreter. I think I got my points across very successfully! :-) My only huge hurdle was when I had an Environmental session with a group between 6-8 yrs old. My finger spelling couldn 't help me with kids who couldnt spell. 1 Child was a great help! He was 8, could spell a little, and could speach read enought to tell me what a correct sign was for a given situation. Unfortunatly 2 out of the group of 6 were non-signers so I'd have to explain to them each individually ... with a few mimes and pictures in the dirt I made my way through that session. Overall a VERY fun Camp, and an excellent response from both Campers and Interpreters/Teachers! I've also just recently started working with children with a variety of disabilities. Everything from Downs Syndromn and Developmentally delayed to C.P. or even Attention Deficite. I was working with a child one day with Downs Syndrome, his mother didn't tell me anything except that he couldn't talk... she mentioned that he would communicate non-verbally and then left. I figured the child would lead me around to things he wanted to do and indicated pleasure and displeasure by facial expressions etc. Much to my suprise and pleasure the little boy knew a whole bunch of signs. We got on great! I almost always knew what he wanted and vice versa. Sign Language is great.. Good thing I'm taking more classes! FO>> this reply. I see you're from Calgary. Does Silenttalk FO>> and Fido FO>> network that far away -or is a gateway needed? Sure.. Fido is all over the world. I believe my Fido address is 1:134/55. but thanks for the concern.! later: Lana # Origin: Farpoint Station VHST/RA * (403)569-0000 Calgary AB (201:5500/55.0) To respond netmail, use FSC-0038 DOMAIN lines or as 1st line of msg use: @DOMAIN METRONET 201:5500/55 === FNPGate 2.50 Release -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!104!424!Lana.Berrington Internet: Lana.Berrington@f424.n104.z1.fidonet.org