Group learns ABCs with hands
A group of eight people learned the basics of sign language from a certified instructor Oct. 23.
The instructor was Tammy Earl, OCCC Interpreting Services coordinator and nationally certified interpreter for the hearing impaired.
Earl said she was enthusiastic about the small group because it allowed her more one-on-one interaction.
Picking up the basics enough to hold a conversation with someone takes a little more than a month, Earl said.
“With six to eight weeks of practice, you could hold a conversation with someone who is hearing impaired,” she said.
Although 30 percent of spoken language can be seen in the mouth, many of the hearing impaired are unable to read lips, Earl said.
“The number one thing to remember,” she said, “[is] lip reading is not automatic.”
The participants were provided with a booklet on how to sign the alphabet, numbers, and everyday questions and answers.
Earl also taught the group how to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired if sign language doesn’t work.
“[The hearing impaired] are not offended by being asked to please write it out.”
The seminar was concluded with a reminder to practice what was in the handout. Earl encouraged the audience to get acquainted with someone who is hearing impaired.
OCCC Psychology Professor Trish Bilcik attended the seminar and said the seminar was informative.
“Signing is another language to us,” Bilcik said. “The seminar taught about another culture and was very informative.”
