Seeing Voices

"Seeing Voices" is a program I developed on my own  by observing my sister and the progress she made through help of others.   I started singing and signing to "American Sign Language,"  at nine years not knowing where this would lead.

My youngest sister, Demetria, was born  with a rare disease. Her body doesn't produce cholesterol. Even though too much bad cholesterol is harming, cells thrive on cholesterol to help build and develop brain matter and the other important organs. Demetria, who we all call Meme, has many learning disabilities. When she was a toddler she had very poor communication skills. Therapists would work with her. I often sat in on these sessions. She started to learning sign language to help her communicate. This was the start of something amazing. Soon after signing, she was speaking in full sentences. At school, we learned "America the Beautiful" to sign language.

This is when it all happened. I knew how the sign language had helped Meme. There was also a television program about the benefits  to toddlers over other students later in life when they used sign language.  I have taught myself sign language through books, speech therapists and from videos to over six songs. I have been singing and signing for over four years at over 100 programs! This is how I realized what an important job I really had in life.

I have learned that I can not only help the "hearing impaired" but also teach appreciation and basic sign to "the hearing".  Anyone of us could be faced with a hearing problem.  Teens listening to loud music can experience hearing problems later in life.  People can also have  loss of hearing from factory work or just old age.  Many people in my family have hearing problems because of working in our local, loud glass factory.

Last year, I realized what I could do with "Seeing Voices". I have been providing programs to thousands of people through "Seeing Voices" and introducing and promoting sign language in a fun and respectful way. I now have three programs that not only concentrate on all ages, but captures interest with a theme. I have titled these educational programs that promote hearing disabilities as Patriotic Fingers, Rainbow Fingers, and Praying Fingers.

Check out how important each of these self-initiated sections are to reaching my goal of sign language awareness.

  For the second time, I have been fortunate enough to have met with Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. I have presented him with facts and information that detail my "Seeing Voices" Programs. This has been quite an honor that I will never forget. He has so much energy and really takes me seriously!
My "Seeing Voices" presentation to the Governor prompted serious results! I am so excited. In July 2006, I received an amazing telephone call from Ms. Pamela M. Kolega, Pennsylvania Director of Education, World Language Education Advisor. She made sure to tell me that the Governor had directed her to contact me. She added that I should be impressed but more so, that she is so impressed with me! She thanked me for my hard work and dedication for spreading sign language. She was excited to tell me that it is FINALLY in the works! Sign Language will soon be added as an elective to World Language Options by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She is still searching for a certifiable school for the teachers, but is ready to write the standards. She asked if I would approve that she link my "Seeing Voices" to the Pennsylvania State's Department of Education and World Languages Page and use my site in her instruction to her board for further ideas. We talked at length on the telephone. We also discussed my availability to come to Harrisburg for a presentation. This is such a break-through and so exciting. I am so happy to to see these accomplishments!

I try to use my time wisely, especially knowing there isn't time to waste. During the summer of 2006, I received sign language training by attending a sign language course offered through the Clearfield County Society for Handicapped Persons. The class utilized games stories, books, and conversation to help me expand my sign language vocabulary and skills. At the end of the 4 week course, we met for dinner at Eat N Park and signed our food order. It was so neat! I was amazed on the different ages and interest of students in our class ranging from young children to senior citizens without handicaps.

I have gained an ultimate learning experience as a result from Seeing Voices programs. This came about from my visit to Western Pennsylvania's School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh. There, I met with deaf students, administration, and teachers. It was amazing to see the campus and learn that these students have the greatest setting for learning. Technology is used in vibration and in sight so they can follow the structure of the day. I learned that parents choose this school because public schools do not offer the best atmosphere for learning for the deaf. This has inspired me to try to make a difference by meeting with my local representatives to encourage them to make sign language a mandatory basic instruction course in our public schools.

I have met with Majority Policy Chairman, Pennsylvania State Senator Joseph Scarnati, 25th District. The Senator has seen my patriotic program in the past. We discussed the importance of sign language and how grant money may be available for programs of this nature. Senator Scarnati helped me understand and form my plan of attack. He was very supportive and encouraging. He loved the idea! He talked to me in a way that I understood. Now, it is back to work for me!

WOW! Progress is being made and things are going well for "Seeing Voices!" Mrs. Carlini, Brockway High School Principal and I have met to start formulating a plan to initiate a "Sign Language Club" for all interested High School Students. In the fall of the 2006/2007 school year, a sign language group will meet during 9th period free time. There, I will lead sign language introduction. I am so appreciative of her interest, her cooperation and her attitude toward education! This is so exciting!

Now presenting the very first Brockway Area High School Sign Language Club. We started in September of 2006 and each week I teach the group sign language by themes. The plans are to run the club meetings in 6 week sessions which would allow another group of 25 students to participate. This has been going extremely well. Everyone loves it, most of all, ME!

The America Legion's Veterans Day Program was held on November 10, 2006. I led my Sign Language Club and the rest of the filled auditorium with signing while we recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After, the applause was so loud. This has sparked even more interest from students, and many have been asking how they can join - YES!

Here is another shot of some of the students participating in my 12 week Sign Language Club. We have used some great themes and role playing such as ordering food from restaurant, jobs, animals, Patriotic Theme, and even our Christmas Wish List to help everyone learn. It has been superb!

On April 25, 2007, I was invited by the House of Representatives to perform for Gov Rendell's Arts in Education Day at the State Capital. I got the chance to privately meet with House of Representatives Leader Sam Smith and discussed "Seeing Voices," my sign language club, school and music.

To be able to Federally Trademark my Seeing Voices Program was a HUGE step! This prepares and allows me to better promote my program Statewide and Nationally. This is something that took me a long time to do, a lot of hard work and lots and lots of paperwork. Here I am leaving the Brockway Borough Building after advising them of my status as a new business woman!