PRESQUE ISLE -- A member of Central Aroostook Association recently offered a curriculum of basic sign language to peers and staff of the Association.
Roberta Johnson, an avid reader and proficient lip reader, has spent her life in silence and learned the technique of sign language to remain socially connected to her surroundings. Her compassion for helping others led to the offer to teach the skills to others.
During the month of November, Roberta provided classes to several small groups showing an interest to learn sign language.
“Sign language isn’t used by a lot of people,” Johnson said. “To some, it’s their first or only way to communicate. I’m fortunate to have learned several skills to help me stay involved with others.
She said she learned to read lips and sign at a young age. “I also practiced speaking (pronunciation) so that I could be verbal and have people understand what I was saying. I think it’s good that other people have an interest to learn another way to communicate. A person should never stop learning.”
Director of Adult Programs Pam Powers explained “It’s important that these opportunities are acknowledged not only for the good work that people do for each other, but also the teaching point that we all can learn from one another. This exercise demonstrates that each one of us has strengths to share. We should never assume that people who need support in various areas of life do not have significant skills or excel in other areas.”
Executive Director Steve Richard remarked, “I’ve known Roberta for many years and she’s a kind, talented woman. She leads by example and spreads her positive attitude throughout our Association. We are, indeed, fortunate to have her enthusiasm and helpful nature grace our hallways each day.”
The sign language program met with much enthusiasm and the association expects to offer another session in the future. (Courtesy of CAA)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A member of Central Aroostook Association recently offered a curriculum of basic sign language to peers and staff of the Association.
Roberta Johnson, an avid reader and proficient lip reader, has spent her life in silence and learned the technique of sign language to remain socially connected to her surroundings. Her compassion for helping others led to the offer to teach the skills to others.
During the month of November, Roberta provided classes to several small groups showing an interest to learn sign language.
“Sign language isn’t used by a lot of people,” Johnson said. “To some, it’s their first or only way to communicate. I’m fortunate to have learned several skills to help me stay involved with others.
She said she learned to read lips and sign at a young age. “I also practiced speaking (pronunciation) so that I could be verbal and have people understand what I was saying. I think it’s good that other people have an interest to learn another way to communicate. A person should never stop learning.”
Director of Adult Programs Pam Powers explained “It’s important that these opportunities are acknowledged not only for the good work that people do for each other, but also the teaching point that we all can learn from one another. This exercise demonstrates that each one of us has strengths to share. We should never assume that people who need support in various areas of life do not have significant skills or excel in other areas.”
Executive Director Steve Richard remarked, “I’ve known Roberta for many years and she’s a kind, talented woman. She leads by example and spreads her positive attitude throughout our Association. We are, indeed, fortunate to have her enthusiasm and helpful nature grace our hallways each day.”
The sign language program met with much enthusiasm and the association expects to offer another session in the future.
