14. Modeling ASL for Young Deaf/HoH Children
Speaker: K. Crom Saunders
Session Description:
Young Deaf/HoH children often face challenges in language acquisition, due to a plethora of factors ranging from lack of resources, lack of language models, parenting decisions, school system structuring, and so on. Oftentimes their first and sometimes only language model(s) for using ASL are professionals working in Deaf/HoH and Special education programs. For the younger ages, there is often very little foundation for any language development, in English, ASL, or any other primary languages. Teaching/interpreting curriculum content, while simultaneously teaching the fundamentals of ASL is a difficult challenge, but not impossible. This workshop will demonstrate techniques and tools to expose young Deaf/HoH children to language-based concepts and meaning, bridging language gaps in ASL, and allowing them to develop their expressive skills naturally.
Credits: Act 48, ASHA, Psych
Audience: Special Education Teachers, Teachers who work with students with hearing loss, Teachers who work with students who are Deaf-Blind, Speech therapists, General Education Teachers, Supervisors/Administrators, School Counselors and/or School Psychologists, Parents, Guardians, Family Members, Sign language interpreters
Speaker Bio:
Crom Saunders is currently Director of Deaf Studies at the American Sign Language Department of Columbia College, Chicago. Crom works extensively in translation, including PSA videos and children’s stories, with organizations such as Fun4TheDisabled and Sally Is Sarah, LLC. Crom has interpreted dozens of plays, from children’s theatre to musicals, including at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and has taught dozens of ASL linguistics and theatrical workshops across the nation, in addition to working as a Director of ASL for several theatre companies across the nation. Crom also performs improv and his one person show, “Cromania!” internationally. Yes, the eyebrows are real.
Website: https://thecromsaunders.com/