Learn and practice signs for library settings

Please feel free to share the information and coupon codes below with your colleagues! Discounted group rates and direct invoicing available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for details.

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Beginner: Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)

Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/9 AM-10 Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through March 29, 2023.

Learn and practice American Sign Language for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-beginner-registration-440678369867

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Review Series - 6 weeks (for those who have completed the Beginner & Intermediate Hands Up! series OR ALA ecourses): Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023, 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Eastern/ 1:30 PM-2:30 PM Central/ 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Mountain/11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up! Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Review Series)

Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023 from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Eastern/ 1:30 PM-2:30 PM Central/ 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Mountain/11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pacific.

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Review and practice your ASL for the library setting in these interactive sessions! This series will focus on review and deep practice of vocabulary and concepts introduced in the Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff Beginner and Intermediate series and in the ALA eCourse ASL for Library Staff, level 1. Recording access will be available through 30 days after the final session.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/484377846177

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Intermediate: Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Intermediate)

Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through May 26, 2023.

Practice and gain confidence in your American Sign Language skills for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-intermediate-registration-441394271147

 


For information about my eCourses through the American Library Association, see https://storiesbyhand.com/ecourses/

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

Little Hands and Big Hands 2nd edition releases today!

Releasing today from Hands Up Press:

Little Hands and Big Hands cover 2nd edLittle Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, second edition
by Kathy MacMillan
Photography by Kristin Brown

Research shows that using American Sign Language with young children can

  • reduce frustration for both caregiver and child
  • increase IQ
  • stimulate language learning
  • enhance bonding
  • raise a child’s self-esteem
  • improve everyday life and communication!

Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together offers solid background information on signing with children ages birth to six, along with hands-on games, fingerplays, songs, and more that caregivers, librarians, and educators can use to smooth transitions, calm a fussy child, or engage a stubborn one. Each activity is accompanied by photos of the relevant signs.

Author and ASL educator Kathy MacMillan has brilliantly combined the world of ASL with early literacy activities…Explanations and research support are seamlessly woven into each activity…I highly recommend this resource to anyone working with children from birth to age six.” -Betsy Diamant-Cohen, creator of the award-winning Mother Goose on the Loose early literacy program

Order now from the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!) | amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com | bookshop.org

 

Join me for an online book launch event for all ages:

On the left appears the cover of Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition, by Kathy MacMillan, with photos by Kristin Brown. The book cover is green with pink and black lettering. A picture of a women and child signing BIRD in American Sign Language appears at the bottom of the cover. Additional text appears in black over a background of faint stars: Little Hands & Big Hands: Children & Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition. Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan. Sign, sing, read, and play together! For all ages. Thursday, January 12, 2023. 6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. Hosted by Clearview Library District. Register at https://tinyurl.com/lhbhreg

Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition
Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time
Hosted by Clearview Library District

Sign, sing, read, and play together in this online storytime for all ages! American Sign Language interpretation and automatic captioning will be provided.

Register now!

Autographed copies of the book may be purchased here, with all proceeds supporting Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program. To request personalization, email deafcampsinc@gmail.com.

Add Some Winter Signs to Your Storytime Toolbox!

Two snowpeople smile at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs. Friday, January 13, 2023, 11 AM-12 Noon Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs (1 hour webinar)

Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access through February 14, 2023.

Learn basic American Sign Language for winter storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-winter-signs-registration-440674438107

 


 

For information about my eCourses through the American Library Association, see https://storiesbyhand.com/ecourses/

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

FREE online program for all ages: Little Hands and Big Hands 2nd edition book launch

On the left appears the cover of Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition, by Kathy MacMillan, with photos by Kristin Brown. The book cover is green with pink and black lettering. A picture of a women and child signing BIRD in American Sign Language appears at the bottom of the cover. Additional text appears in black over a background of faint stars: Little Hands & Big Hands: Children & Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition. Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan. Sign, sing, read, and play together! For all ages. Thursday, January 12, 2023. 6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. Hosted by Clearview Library District. Register at https://tinyurl.com/lhbhreg

Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition
Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time
Hosted by Clearview Library District

Sign, sing, read, and play together in this online storytime for all ages! American Sign Language interpretation and automatic captioning will be provided.

Register now!

Autographed copies of the book may be purchased here, with all proceeds supporting Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program. To request personalization, email deafcampsinc@gmail.com.

 

Little Hands and Big Hands cover 2nd edLittle Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, second edition. Hands Up Press.
by Kathy MacMillan
Photography by Kristin Brown

Research shows that using American Sign Language with young children can

  • reduce frustration for both caregiver and child
  • increase IQ
  • stimulate language learning
  • enhance bonding
  • raise a child’s self-esteem
  • improve everyday life and communication!

Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together offers solid background information on signing with children ages birth to six, along with hands-on games, fingerplays, songs, and more that caregivers, librarians, and educators can use to smooth transitions, calm a fussy child, or engage a stubborn one. Each activity is accompanied by photos of the relevant signs.

Author and ASL educator Kathy MacMillan has brilliantly combined the world of ASL with early literacy activities…Explanations and research support are seamlessly woven into each activity…I highly recommend this resource to anyone working with children from birth to age six.” -Betsy Diamant-Cohen, creator of the award-winning Mother Goose on the Loose early literacy program

Pre-order now from the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!) | amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com | bookshop.org

 

Register now for Winter/Spring webinars and series for library staff!

Please feel free to share the information and coupon codes below with your colleagues! Discounted group rates and direct invoicing available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for details.

Two snowpeople smile at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs. Friday, January 13, 2023, 11 AM-12 Noon Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Winter Signs (1 hour webinar)

Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for though February 14, 2023.

Learn basic American Sign Language for winter storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-winter-signs-registration-440674438107

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Beginner: Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)

Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/9 AM-10 Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through March 29, 2023.

Learn and practice American Sign Language for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-beginner-registration-440678369867

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Review Series - 6 weeks (for those who have completed the Beginner & Intermediate Hands Up! series OR ALA ecourses): Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023, 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Eastern/ 1:30 PM-2:30 PM Central/ 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Mountain/11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up! Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Review Series)

Tuesdays, January 24-February 28, 2023 from 2:30 PM-3:30 PM Eastern/ 1:30 PM-2:30 PM Central/ 12:30 PM-1:30 PM Mountain/11:30 AM-12:30 PM Pacific.

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Review and practice your ASL for the library setting in these interactive sessions! This series will focus on review and deep practice of vocabulary and concepts introduced in the Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff Beginner and Intermediate series and in the ALA eCourse ASL for Library Staff, level 1. Recording access will be available through 30 days after the final session.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/484377846177

 

A Black baby wearing a yellow headband and a yellow and white onesie smiles at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 3: Babies and Toddlers | 6-week webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Wednesdays, January 25 to March 1, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern. StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 3: Babies and Toddlers (6-webinar series)

Wednesdays, January 25 to March 1, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/10-11 AM Central/9-10 AM Mountain/8-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions though November 21, 2022.

Join us for weekly interactive workshops that teach basic American Sign Language vocabulary and demonstrate how to use the signs in storytime activities and the early childhood classroom. This series will focus on vocabulary and best practices for baby and toddler programs. Each session will focus on specific thematic vocabulary: Getting Started, Playtime Signs, Mealtime Signs, Diaper and Potty Signs, Safety Signs, Our Signing Day.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-series-3-babies-and-toddlers-registration-441335455227

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Intermediate: Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Intermediate)

Tuesdays, March 21 to April 25, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through May 26, 2023.

Practice and gain confidence in your American Sign Language skills for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-intermediate-registration-441394271147

 

Pink and white flowers appear above the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs (1 hour webinar)

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for though April 30, 2023.

Learn basic American Sign Language for spring storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-spring-signs-registration-461545303427

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Beginner: Wednesdays, March 29-May 3, 2023 from 1 PM-2 PM Eastern/ 12 PM-1 PM Central/11 AM-12 PM Mountain/10 AM-11 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)

Wednesdays, March 29-May 3, 2023 from 1 PM-2 PM Eastern/ 12 PM-1 PM Central/ 11 AM-12 PM Mountain/10 AM-11 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through June 4, 2023.

Learn and practice American Sign Language for library settings in this interactive series.

Individual: $240. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code READANDSIGN at the top of the ticket form. Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-beginner-registration-461172157337

 

Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff | Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. | Review Series - 6 weeks (for those who have completed the Beginner & Intermediate Hands Up! series OR ALA ecourses): Wednesdays, May 17-June 21, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific | StoriesByHand.com/webinars | Words appear over a drawing of upraised hands in bright pastel colors against a white background.

Hands Up! Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Review Series)

Wednesdays, May 17-June 21, 2023, 11 AM-12 PM Eastern/ 10 AM-11 AM Central/ 9 AM-10 AM Mountain/8 AM-9 AM Pacific. Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week)

Review and practice your ASL for the library setting in these interactive sessions! This series will focus on review and deep practice of vocabulary and concepts introduced in the Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff Beginner and Intermediate series and in the ALA eCourse ASL for Library Staff, level 1. Recording access will be available through 30 days after the final session.

Individual: $240. Save 20% with code READANDSIGN. Group rates available.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-up-live-asl-practice-for-library-staff-review-series-registration-486847412717

 

A colorful banner adorns the top of the page. At the bottom of the page, an illustration shows six people of different ages and races dancing in a line. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Reading Special. Learn signs for storytimes about friends and togetherness! Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 12 PM -1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10 AM-11 AM Mountain/9 AM-10 AM Pacific. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars.

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Reading Special (1 hour webinar)

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 12 PM -1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10 AM-11 AM Mountain/9 AM-10 AM Pacific.

Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for though June 24, 2023.

In this interactive session, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for friends and togetherness, to go with the Collaborative Summer Library program theme, All Together Now: Todos Juntos Ahora.

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code SUMMER at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-summer-reading-special-registration-461915841717

 

Illustrations of a sun, watermelon, beach ball, sunglasses, beach umbrella, and flip-flops appear against a green background. Text reads: Little Hands Signing Professional Development Webinar: Summer Signs. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Summer Signs (1 hour webinar)

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for 30 days.

Learn basic American Sign Language for summer storytimes in this interactive online session!

Individual: $40. Get 20% off individual registration when you enter promo code SUMMER at the top of the ticket form! Group rates available.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-hands-signing-professional-development-summer-signs-registration-482665273827

 


For information about my eCourses through the American Library Association, see https://storiesbyhand.com/ecourses/

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

Little Hands and Big Hands 2nd edition launching soon!

Coming January 10, 2023 from Hands Up Press:

Little Hands and Big Hands cover 2nd edLittle Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, second edition
by Kathy MacMillan
Photography by Kristin Brown

Research shows that using American Sign Language with young children can

  • reduce frustration for both caregiver and child
  • increase IQ
  • stimulate language learning
  • enhance bonding
  • raise a child’s self-esteem
  • improve everyday life and communication!

Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together offers solid background information on signing with children ages birth to six, along with hands-on games, fingerplays, songs, and more that caregivers, librarians, and educators can use to smooth transitions, calm a fussy child, or engage a stubborn one. Each activity is accompanied by photos of the relevant signs.

Author and ASL educator Kathy MacMillan has brilliantly combined the world of ASL with early literacy activities…Explanations and research support are seamlessly woven into each activity…I highly recommend this resource to anyone working with children from birth to age six.” -Betsy Diamant-Cohen, creator of the award-winning Mother Goose on the Loose early literacy program

Pre-order now from the Deaf Camps, Inc. Online Bookstore (autographed copies that support a great cause!) | amazon.com | barnesandnoble.com | bookshop.org

 

Join me for an online book launch event for all ages:

On the left appears the cover of Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition, by Kathy MacMillan, with photos by Kristin Brown. The book cover is green with pink and black lettering. A picture of a women and child signing BIRD in American Sign Language appears at the bottom of the cover. Additional text appears in black over a background of faint stars: Little Hands & Big Hands: Children & Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition. Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan. Sign, sing, read, and play together! For all ages. Thursday, January 12, 2023. 6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. Hosted by Clearview Library District. Register at https://tinyurl.com/lhbhreg

Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together, 2nd edition
Online Book Launch Event with Kathy MacMillan
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00 pm Mountain Standard Time
Hosted by Clearview Library District

Sign, sing, read, and play together in this online storytime for all ages! American Sign Language interpretation and automatic captioning will be provided.

Register now!

Autographed copies of the book may be purchased here, with all proceeds supporting Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program. To request personalization, email deafcampsinc@gmail.com.

Every Thursday! Online Little Hands Signing Storytimes with Queens Public Library

Little Hands Signing: Feeling Sign Stories By Hand With Kathy MacMillan
Sing, sign, play, and learn basic American Sign Language! These fun, hands-on storytimes for the whole family are presented by Kathy MacMillan, author of “Nita’s First Signs” and “Little Hands & Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together.”
These storytimes will be streamed live at 12 PM each Thursday December 1- February 1 on Facebook and YouTube. We also invite you to join us at Astoria Library to watch the livestream with fellow library customers! Can’t watch live? Check out the recordings and sign and play anytime!
December 1: Friendship Signs
December 8: Family Signs
December 15: Celebration Signs December 22: Giving Signs
December 29: Countdown to Fun (and New Year’s) Signs
January 5: People Signs
January 12: Sing and Dance Signs
January 19: Togetherness Signs
January 26: Manners Signs
February 2: In My Community Signs
This program is funded by NYC Council Member Tiffany Cabán. Click here for more information. 

Clerc and Gallaudet Week: A Message from Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action

Public Release from Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action!  FOLDA!                       

Celebrate! Clerc and Gallaudet Week: December 3-10, 2022.  

Two visionary leaders in American Deaf Education and the birth of American Sign Language, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet (hearing) and Laurent Clerc  (Deaf), co-founders of the first-kind American School for the Deaf, were born in the month of December, Gallaudet on Dec 10, 1787, Clerc on Dec 26, 1785. December 3 is also International Day of Persons with Disabilities (est.1992) and December 10 is Humans Rights Day (est. 1948).  Such International Days have been proclaimed annually by the General Assembly of the United Nations, joined by the White House and US President.

World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) est. 1951
The WFD, located in Helsinki, Finland realizes the human rights of the Deaf with many cultures to quality education and knowledge of pioneers and deaf historical events that change the world. From Abbe Charles Michel de L’Épée of Paris (the 1760s) to the infamous Milan (Italy) Conference (1880) to the Dark age of Deaf Education globally ever since, and much more.

The Values of Deaf History                                                                                               The FOLDA mission is to promote full library access and quality deaf cultural resources for the Deaf Community, and all, nationally and globally. http://www.foldadeaf.net/

FOLDA believes that knowledge of the past is crucially important to the well-being of individuals, communities, and the future of all nations.  “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know,” is a famous quote by Harry S. Truman, 34th US President.

In this case, members of both the deaf communities and the library communities should not assume that the general public, especially most government agencies, know about the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into federal law on July 26, 1990.   And also, the Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL) was signed into state law on May 15, 2014, by Maryland Governor as well as the  Deaf History Month,  March 13 to April 15 signed into state law by Ohio Governor on December 6, 2017.

FOLDA encourages OSD (National Organizations that Serve the Deaf ) – their affiliates, chapters, and the related local communities of the nation to ask local public libraries about using their meeting room for presenting a deaf cultural program observing  Clerc-Gallaudet Week, December 3-10, 2022.   If the date is too close, then plan for March 13 – April 15, 2023.

Members with an interest to create a program at a local public library should let their organizational president know. 

In this case, please email your program announcement before November 15, 2022, to FOLDA via ahagemeyer@gmail.com

The general purpose of such annual deaf events presented at the public library in local communities of the nation, the Deaf with many cultures would be able to work together to build an inclusive library community engagement in local communities of the nation, and globally.

 A Brief History

In November 1972, John A. Love, Governor of Colorado declared what we call today Deaf History Month.  It was then called “Deaf Awareness Week.”  The first movers and shakers of such a first-ever event were David Anthony and Jerome Moers of the Colorado Association of the Deaf.

Two years later in December 1974, then the  DC Executive Office (now of Mayor) declared what we call today Clerc-Gallaudet Week, December 3-10.  Originally called “Deaf Awareness Week” was launched by the District of Columbia Public Library, later followed by “Deaf Action Week” and “Deaf Heritage Week,” in partnership with the NAD and DC Deaf Community. The library staff who took sign class with two Deaf co-workers, Alice L. Hagemeyer and Ida Mapes, took the responsibility for the week’s agenda, and was a big success.

In  1989,  FOLDA suggested changing it to Clerc-Gallaudet Week and to add a new annual event, National Deaf History Month, from March 13 to April 15.  NAD board approved of it.

Later we made December 3 – December 10 the official week date.  December 3 and December 10 are the International Day of People with Disabilities and of Human Rights as proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1992 and 1948 respectively.

The purpose of National Deaf History Month, March 13 -April 15 is to recognize three turning points in America’s history dating back to April 15, 1817 – The first public school for the Deaf opens in Hartford, CT; April 8, 1864 – Gallaudet University, the world’s first institution dedicated to advanced education for the Deaf and March 13, 1988 – The first Deaf president ever hired in Gallaudet’s 124 years history which led to the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into federal law two years later on July 26, 1990.

In 2005 and 2006, the NAD and the American Library Association (ALA) endorsed National Deaf History Month, March 13 – April 15, respectively.

Celebrate Read Captions Across America Day!

March 2 is Read Across America Day – and it’s also Read Captions Across America Day!

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Led by the Described and Captioned Media Program, Read Captions Across America (RCAA) is held in conjunction with the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America event every year on or around March 2.

The purpose of Read Captions Across America is to raise awareness—particularly among children and their parents and teachers—that video-based media can be just as effective at encouraging and fostering reading skills as books, as long as captions are always turned on!

Captions aren’t just for deaf and hard-of-hearing people! Studies show that captions benefit almost everyone, including beginning readers, people with learning disabilities, and English language learners! 

Download your FREE Read Captions Across America toolkit, including activity ideas, posters, bookmarks, and certificates here.

 

Add some springtime signs to your storytime toolbox!

Pink, yellow, and red flowers appear below the text: Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs. Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing Professional Development: Spring Signs

Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific

1 hour, Online via Zoom

Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! In this interactive session, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for spring storytimes. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. Includes 30 days of recording access. Certificate of completion available upon request with successful completion of post-test. Register now!

Pricing:

  • Individual: $40 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
  • Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: $25. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14  days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.

Register for the 2022 Little Hands Signing Professional Development Series 1 Season Pass and save! You’ll get live webinar access to 6 theme-based webinars (including this one) PLUS extended recording access for the entire series through August 31, 2022. Season Pass is $200 per person and includes:

  • Winter Signs: Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Lovey Dovey Signs: Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Spring Signs: Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Weather Signs: Thursday, April 7, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern
  • Ocean Signs: Thursday, May 5, 2022, 2-3 Eastern
  • Summer Signs: Thursday, June 2, 2022, 2-3 PM Eastern

About the Instructor:

Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press, Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press) as well as many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators.