US: Sign Language Fosters Better Speech

[Francis Hult]

Mail Tribune

 

Sign Language Fosters Better Speech

 

Mercedes Delacruz still doesn't know why her daughter wasn't talking. But she does know learning sign language unlocked the door to understanding her 7-year-old's wants, needs and desires.

 

"I am so grateful," Delacruz said. "It really helps."

 

Delacruz, along with about 20 other parents, enrolled in a sign language program at Swindells Center of Southern Oregon designed to help them communicate with their speech-delayed but nonhearing-impaired children.

 

The free classes, funded by a grant from the West Family Foundation, teach the visual language as a bridge between children who are slow to speak for a variety of reasons and their parents and teachers, said Kathy Keesee, Swindells resource coordinator.

 

Full story:

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100508/NEWS/5080317/-1/NEWSMAP

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