Signing with Children on the Autism Spectrum
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By Carissa Martos: Certified Signing Time Academy Instructor and Signing Time Foundation Academy Outreach Coordinator Going to Ghana as an interpreting student, I experienced the same culture shock surrounding poverty as the others (Rachel, Pablo, Ronai, Jen, Aaron and the girls) have noted, as well as the lack of in interpreting services and limits to what Deaf children are able to achieve in the current structure, and the misconceptions and prejudices that are rampant in the country. Then I remembered that the concept of Deaf education only came to Ghana in 1957, when Andrew Foster established the school that would …
Ghana: The Little Changes Make the Biggest Difference Read More »
by Ronai Brumet, Signing Time Academy Master Instructor They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s good, because I have a thousand pictures and I’m having a hard time coming up with words that can adequately describe the experience that I had in Ghana. I was privileged enough to go with an amazing group of people that included my 14 year old daughter, Ellie. I, of course, was worried, as I think any mother would be, about how she would handle all of the change. Ellie is kind of shy until she warms up to a …
by Jennifer Suttner, Rachel and Emilie’s cousin It’s been almost three weeks since I returned from Africa with the Signing Time Foundation and I have to admit my thoughts are still there more often than not. I miss those kids. My time in Ghana was life-changing (for so many reasons). I will never again take for granted being able to turn a knob and have clean, hot water come out of it. I will also never forget what an amazing support system I have here at home. I’m a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I have so many …
Pablo Martos is an ASL student, a Baby Signing Time Instructor, and the father of two signing children with special needs. He’s also the husband of Carissa, Master Signing Time Instructor and the Signing Time Foundation’s Academy Outreach Coordinator. Why am I going to Ghana? I’m a stay at home dad, and just started a grad school program. What am I doing going to Ghana? Well, the story goes back a couple years. You see, my wife is the infamously indefatigable Carissa Martos, and we have two kids who are . . . different. When we discovered that one of …
Why I want to go to Ghana – by Ellie Brumett (age 14) I want to go to Ghana because it’s a good experience. I also want to improve the lives of the deaf kids in Ghana as much as I can. I have been interested in Sign Language ever since I was little. My mom taught me a lot and so did Signing Time. It was very cool in 2005 when I met Leah Coleman at the Signing Time Family Camp. We became instant friends. As our friendship has developed over the years so have my signing abilities. Having …
Ronai Brumett has been invited to go with the Signing Time Foundation to Ghana in January of 2012, in partnership with Signs of Hope International to help provide tuition and supplies for students who cannot afford to attend a School for the Deaf. My name is Ronai Brumett. I am a Signing Time Academy Master instructor in Maple Grove, MN. I am also a sign language interpreter, I’ve been married to my sweetheart for 17 years, and together we have 4 amazing kids. My daughter Elizabeth (Ellie, pictured here with me) is 14 and fluent in American Sign Language. She …
Making a Difference: Helping Deaf Children in Ghana Read More »
Carissa Martos has been invited to go with the Signing Time Foundation to Ghana in January of 2012, in partnership with Signs of Hope International to help provide tuition and supplies for students who cannot afford to attend a School for the Deaf. “When the Ghana trip with the Signing Time Foundation presented itself, I leaped at the chance. I solicited donations from my interpreting classmates, from families I’d worked with, and from my friends and family. I set up a page on my website, explaining the purpose trip and the mission of Signs of Hope. I went to a …
Making a Difference: Helping Deaf Students in Ghana Read More »
Rachel and the Team are heading back to Ghana in January of 2012 to help Signs of Hope International with their work, supporting the Deaf students and community in that part of west Africa. Thank you for your interest in both of these pins that supported the Foundation’s work! . ..
Operation Ghana Blog Click Image to Enlarge I am happy to report that The Signing Time Team all returned safely home from Africa. The experience is one that I will likely never get over. It changed me. The deaf children we met and spent time with are beautiful.