When my favorite guy and I moved into our house a year and a half ago, the neighbors welcomed us to our new community.
Some of the neighbors have been there for many years; they offered information only they knew from living in the neighborhood. We felt great being a part of such a welcoming neighborhood. Plus, it’s reassuring to knowing that in case of an emergency, they wouldn’t hesitate to help.
Another thing about my neighbors, they were not put off by my speech impairment. Granted it might have taken them time to learn and understand me, but they did. I gave them time to take all the Shariness in. Often when meeting people, I just don’t know how they will take to my disability; if a person wants to engage and I feel he or she is ok, I’ll oblige.
At the beginning of the month, I emceed the Ohio Advocacy and Awareness Day Event and the theme was, Support Matters. Being a part of a community which includes your neighborhood is very important. When I saw the story of a neighborhood taking the initiative to be able to communicate with a little girl whose deaf, it delighted my heart.
A great community of neighbors in Newton, Massachusetts decided they would hire an American Language teacher and learn American Sign Language (ASL). They collectively wanted to open up communication with two year old Samantha Savitz, who happens to be deaf.
As a result of learning ASL, now when seeing little Samantha around the neighborhood, the Newton community is now able to say, hello and ask, how she is doing, making Samantha and her family part of the neighborhood.
Being a part of a community whether it’s church, work, social or neighborhood means a lot. Community involvement helps shape who you’ll become. When you find people who understand and believe in the community philosophy and take steps to make sure everyone’s included, it enriches the territory for all.
Newton, Massachusetts wasn’t on my places to visit but after learning of this beautiful story of inclusion, I just may have to add it.
A few years ago, I met an amazing young man with cystic fibrosis, who is just happens to be deaf. From the tiny bit of ASL he taught me when we worked together, I was able to communicate with others at my next job. Little did I know when we got a phone call asking if anyone new ASL that it would be him. Mostly by typing on his keyboard and reading my lips, we were able get him what he needed. So many resolutions, I hope to have learned The Pledge of Allegience for the Deaf by the end of 2019
Jill,
I’m so happy the tiny bit of ASL helped you so much! Hope learn The Pledge of Allegience for the Deaf and even more ASL soon. Thanks for the comment!