Hey there! As International Sign Language Day approaches, I can’t help but reflect on my personal journey with sign language. From learning it in college to using these skills in career, and now as a way to communicate with my own children, sign language has been a remarkable part of my life. In this blog post, I’d love to share my experiences and celebrate the beauty and significance of sign language.
My College Days: A Startling Discovery
Back in my college years, sign language wasn’t initially on my radar. I was pursuing a degree in a completely different field. However, life has a way of surprising us.
I enrolled in an introductory sign language course out of sheer curiosity. Little did I know that this decision would open up a whole new world for me. Sign language, with its graceful hand movements and expressive facial expressions, fascinated me from the very beginning. Interestingly, it all started after watching an episode of “Glee” that featured sign language, which ignited my curiosity.
Using Sign Language in My Career
After college, I found myself applying sign language skills in unexpected places. It turned out that sign language wasn’t just a hobby; it was a valuable skill set that enhanced my professional life. I began working in positions where I could bridge the communication gap between deaf individuals and those who didn’t use sign language.
One of my most memorable experiences was working as a long term substitute teacher in a class of elementary aged children who were deaf or hard of hearing. It was a role filled with responsibilities but also an immense sense of fulfillment. I have even used sign language to provide therapy.
Sign Language at Home: Connecting with My Children
Fast forward to the present, and I find myself using sign language in a completely different context – at home with my children. When I became a parent, I realized the incredible power of sign language in connecting with my little ones, even before they could speak.
Teaching my children sign language allowed us to communicate effectively and understand each other’s needs. It eliminated much of the frustration that can come with the early stages of language development. From simple signs like “more” and “all done” to more complex ones as they grew, sign language has been an essential part of our family communication.
Utilizing signs in our home became vital for my son. He is considered non-verbal and would communicate by signing to us. The beauty of sign language I found through my son is even if you do not know the sign for a specific word, you can create a sign for others to understand.
The Beauty of International Sign Language Day
As International Sign Language Day approaches, I can’t help but appreciate the beauty of this day even more. It’s a day when the world comes together to recognize the importance of sign languages in fostering communication, inclusivity, and understanding.
Whether you’re someone who, like me, stumbled upon sign language by chance or someone who has a deep-rooted connection to the deaf community, this day is a reminder of the power of language to connect us all. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of sign languages around the world and to advocate for their recognition and accessibility.
In Conclusion: A Language of Connection
In my journey, sign language has been a language of connection – connecting me to new opportunities, bridging communication gaps, and creating bonds with my children. After watching that episode of “Glee” that featured sign language, it made me sign up for a sign language class, which ultimately enriched my life in so many ways.
As we celebrate International Sign Language Day, I encourage you to explore the world of sign languages, whether as a language learner, an advocate, or a parent. It’s a journey filled with discovery, understanding, and the joy of connecting with others through the beauty of sign.
