The challenge of teaching sign language to deaf children in San Miguel de Allende at the youngest age possible, is now filled with much more promise. Of course, the best place to start young children in sign language development is with their parents at home. EEESMA School for the Deaf is providing sign language manuals to families helping to ensure they have the tools they need. For families living in rural communities surrounding San Miguel, and without internet access, the need for paper manuals cannot be overlooked.
Parents are encouraged to begin the process of teaching Mexican Sign Language to their young deaf children as early as possible, two years of age or younger. Providing sign language manuals to families of deaf children is a significant step towards early language acquisition and communication fostering within the family unit. By starting at home, parents can play a crucial role in facilitating their child's language development, ultimately enhancing their overall learning and social integration. Moreover, the ripple effect of this program, where other family members also learn sign language, further strengthens communication and inclusivity within the household. This not only truly benefits the deaf child but also promotes understanding and empathy among family members.
EEESMA School for the Deaf, in collaboration with the Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Inergral de la Familia: (SNDIF or just DIF) a Mexican public institution of social assistance that focuses on stengthening and developing the welfare of the Mexican families, helped create this comprehensive manual filled with quality photo images and sign language instructions for developing early sign language understanding and acquisition. The photos of the sign language depictions are of our very own Laura and Tony, once students themselves and now graduates and teachers at EEESMA. Laura and Tony are rightfully very proud of the contributions they have made to make the manuals meaningful and personal.
Initially 40 manuals have been printed, with a plan to print as many as 500 as funds are raised. The available manuals are currently being distributed to the families of students at school free of charge. We hope to also include families of young deaf students not yet at school.
This initiative is incredibly promising and impactful! Overall, this initiative has the potential to make a significant difference to the families of deaf children throughout the State of Guanajuato, promoting early language acquisition and fostering a more inclusive society. And it is but one of the first steps in this tremendous project! Thank you for your continued support.
