We have a busy morning ahead of us. Four therapists by 10:30 am! Hope Max is in the mood to meet some new people and learn, learn, learn.
Max's speech therapist is being joined by a sign language instructor. It's been a somewhat complicated beginning (insurance, contracting, etc.) but it appears it will work. We will see her several times a month.
You would think sign language services would be more readily available but they are difficult to find. It's interesting. Max's speech therapist took a video of us recently communicating together to show at a conference. It was to be an example of effective use of sign language and talking together. However, some of the people there who were proponents of full immersion in sign language were critical that we weren't signing 100% of the time. She was frustrated because it is the very same group that isn't understanding that services are not available. So while they are pushing for 100% sign language, there are very few programs to encourage that to happen.
Anyway, I am excited to meet this instructor and get started with her. While I am learning a lot independently, I think this will be what I need to take it to the next level. We are realizing more and more every day that Max is going to be using this language as a primary source of communication. Therefore, I need to be completely fluent. Yikes...I must admit I am a little worried I won't do this well enough. But I am trying and hopefully this teacher will really be the encouragement and training I need.
* On a side note, my brother-in-law's mother (we love you Grandma Boyle) wrote me the sweetest email this week. She is coming to visit at Christmas and wanted to know which signs Max is using. She is trying to learn ASL so she can communicate with Max. I was so touched by her thinking ahead and planning so that she and Max could enjoy one another.
I love when people take the time to really learn about Maxwell, his medical/developmental issues and are proactive about getting involved. So greatly appreciated!
5 comments:
hi a good post about sign language... Reu gets his hearing aid today... we've been so bogged down with medical that such things get forgotten especiall our own education. I've bookmarked this post as it'll keep inspiring me to learn and practice more!
Wow that is a busy morning and as for all the people who had bad things to say I would be impressed how much signing Max does know not having someone who knows sign around him all the time or helping you.
It is hard, we have been lucky to have someone since Eva was 4 months old but yes the insurance was a hard thing but she knew it would come through and she never left us.
But again it shows it doesnt matter who is teaching them because Max is way head of Eva in that department.
Hugs,
Crystal and Eva
My husband has had several hoh/deaf employees, and many have become friends and still drop by for dinner. One of them told me about a "brown bag asl" class, I think on Tuesdays(?), free in Bellingham. Do you know if that is still ongoing? Obviously it would not be all specific signs Max is using right now, but perhaps a good place for other people in our community to start and get some experience/comfort. The tech college used to offer beginner classes as well. Also, wouldn't it be great if everyone was comfortable with TDD or the new video relay for phone calls? I think it can be intimidating, but so incredibly easy, for us hearing-abled to learn.
amy ur amazing and so r ur fam dotn ever think ur not coz i will keep telling u that u r
It's been a while since you have had an update. I hope all is well with you two.
XOXO,
Ben and Amy
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