A copy of our letter is included here along with an ASL version (above):
DAD Note: A separate post exists on what you can do to support Delaware.
Tampa woman hopes to open doors to employment for deaf community through book, ‘Breaking Barriers’
TAMPA, Fla. — According to the American Community Survey done by the U.S. Census, approximately 3.6 percent of the U.S. population considers themselves deaf or hard of hearing.
Although there are schools that help to accommodate those with hearing needs, it can still be difficult, especially for Hispanics who, for them, it’s rare for educational programs to cater to teaching Latin American signed languages.
That’s the case for Patti Sanchez — although it may look like a typical trip to the mall for her, she’s there on a mission: to help her client find the perfect outfit.
“We came today to find a sweater that he needs for his new job because it’s very cold at the warehouse, and then a comfortable shoe, and it’s been approved by the vocational rehabilitation,” she said.
It’s all part of her job as an employment specialist — a job she’s been doing for 12 years.
DK Metcalf’s ASL teacher says Seahawks receiver brings his own flair to the language
When Darrell Utley began his first American Sign Language lesson with a new student, he didn’t realize his client was a star football player.
“I had no idea what his walk of life was. I just knew he wanted to learn,” Utley told NPR’s Morning Edition.
DK Metcalf, a receiver with the Seattle Seahawks, was looking for an off-the-field distraction.
He told reporters that he’d taken an ASL course in college, and decided to take it a step further.
YouTube Video of DK Metcalf signing ‘my son’ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cT9m55SauI