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February 1, 2006
Opening lines of communication
Not all of Whitney Kidd’s classmates at Frontier High School can communicate with her, but soon, Kidd herself will be stepping up to teach them how. Kidd, a junior at Frontier, is deaf and will begin teaching free sign language classes Thursday at the New Matamoras Branch of the Washington County Public Library along with Frontier senior Brianna Beaver.
“Sign language has become a very accepted language,” said Kidd’s father, Sam, adviser for the high school’s SITES (Social Integration Through Education) program. “This is a great opportunity for the kids as well as everyone else.”
The classes, to be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday for six weeks, will focus on the basics of sign language.
“We’ll start out with days of the week, the alphabet and greeting signs,” Kidd said. “They’ll be able to learn a lot of the common signs.”
Sam Kidd has taught the classes at the New Matamoras library before, but not for at least three years, he said.
“It’s important for more people to learn,” he said.
Nearly 9 percent of Americans are deaf or hearing impaired, according to 2004 estimates from the Gallaudet Research Institute.
“There is really a need for this kind of class,” said Becky Minder, children’s librarian at the New Matamoras library. “There are people in everyone’s community that use sign language.”
The classes are a joint venture between the library, SITES and the Little Muskingum Grange.
“Everybody’s welcome,” said Kidd. “We’re expecting a nice turnout.”
By Kate York
http://www.mariettatimes.com/news/story/new44_212006125451.asp
Posted by 4HL on February 1, 2006 2:59 PM
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